I was just saying in my last post, that a perk of blogging, is receiving goodies in the mail. I consider myself lucky to be able to share the things that I love, with all of you, during the free time from my full-time job. (would it be nice if someday, I could just blog and talk about gluten-free food as my gig? absolutely.) But for now, the cool perks are compensation enough.
When a package arrived the other day, with Laura B. Russell’s new book, The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen: Recipes for Noodles, Dumpling, Sauces and more, I was surprised at first. I didn’t even know it was coming. Actually, I didn’t even know it was coming out, or who Laura was.
But thanks to the crazy-cool world of technology, we are now linked up on Twitter, and have been tweeting back and forth all last week. (this, by the way, makes me giddy — like I’m THE only person out in the cyber world linking up to these famous folks) She also has a Notes from a Gluten-Free Kitchen page on Facebook, so you can all follow along there too.
This is going to be one of my go-to cookbooks, I can just feel it. I’m still a recipe girl, although I like to experiment and convert family favorites, I find myself more comfortable with directions right in front of me. And a picture too? Even better.
Kung Pao Chicken seemed like a no-brainer. Flavors we love, with a kick of heat, right up our alley. I knew Mark would like it too — and I was right, it was his favorite of the recipes I tried. Do YOU want the recipe? Thanks to this Denver Post article, you can have it. (see why I love Denver so much?)
When some of my favorite friends came over for a girls’ night, I served it up to them too. This was their top pick as well — and there have been requests to make it again. The fresh ginger gives it such a bright, authentic flavor, with enough garlic to make your mouth happy.
Up next was the Stir-Fried Beef with Basil. The recipe said if you could find Thai basil, that you should use it. Guess what just so happens to be growing on my balcony? Sweet, lemon, and Thai basil. Score! If you haven’t tried Thai basil yet, you really should — it has this licorice-like flavor, with a hint of sweetness. Unique flavor that truly boosted the other flavors in this dish.
No worries if you aren’t a beef fan, you can substitute ground pork, chicken or even lamb. Versatile. Just the way I like it.
And the labor of love — pot stickers. I’m not exactly proud of how these turned out. And the pictures I had were in horrible lighting, so I contemplated not even posting them. (you’ve heard me say it before, someday I’ll have a “big girl” camera — and that someday is coming up, we are buying a DSLR camera after the wedding!)
But then I thought about it, and realized, I need to share the not-so-successful attempts with you too. I made these for the girls, and they actually loved the flavors. (even though they weren’t the prettiest things I have ever served them)
While I was whining about how they hadn’t turned out how I wanted, I took a look at the picture in the book… and figured out that I had actually closed those little dumplings wrong. That might have been part of my problem. *sigh*
Either way, these ladies loved ’em.
And I love these ladies. So in some crazy way, it all works out.
*note the Crispin Cider being served up — perfect pairing for these Asian recipes*
This book, with 100 flavor-filled recipes, is on the shelves now! Do yourself a favor and order a copy today.
You know what? I’m feeling pretty generous today. The wedding is in 16 days. My heart is full of joy. It’s Wednesday night, so — if you leave a comment below, I’ll enter you in a random drawing for a copy of Laura’s book.
On me.
Yep, just leave a comment below, telling me your favorite Asian dish or what you serve up for girls’ (or guys’) night and I’ll put your name in the hat for a free copy of The Gluten Free Asian Kitchen by Laura B. Russell.
Boom. Done.
Celiac in the City 
Hmm, looks like I’ll be adding another cookbook to my “want” list. Thanks for the tip!
I love potstickers!!! I would be THRILLED to be able to make GF Asian food b/c, in Lincoln, NE, GF Chinese take-out doesn’t exist!
Thanks for sharing the cookbook recommendation!
These look wonderful and I love asian food. Please enter me in the drawing. Thanks!
Chicken lettuce wraps! YUM! Now that would get me in the kitchen 🙂
I would love to make homemade potstickers. I bet they’re delish!
I’ve always wanted to learn how to make asian food at home! I love it ALL but some of my favorites are sweet and sour chicken and potstickers (haven’t had those in FOREVER!)
I’ve never had potstickers, gluten free or not, (I’ve been gf for 16 years now) and I really would like this cookbook so that I could make them! AS for my favorite Asian dish, we love summer rolls. But I also love Mongolian Beef (I’m not the veggie in our house).
I love most Asian foods but I always struggle with having sauces turn out right. The potstickers sound amazing and I’m dying of curiosity to see how to make the wrappers. Thank you!
Oh my goodness, I miss pot stickers sooooo much! LOL I have just been serving sushi for Asian nights.
Pho’ soup is SOOOOOOOOOOO tasty. I just can’t make like the place I ate pre-gluten free days.
i love chicken pad thai. i have yet to attempt to make it myself, but i do have the ingredients for it. it is just easier to go to the king and i for girls’ night! 🙂
Potstickers. No question. I’ve been Jones’n for them for years…
Yum! I love the salty goodness of beef with broccoli. I’ve never tried making it at home. I’d love to get a copy of this book.
I love spring rolls (healthy) and General Tsao’s Chicken (not so much). Yum!
My recent go to Asian dish is asparagus and salmon spring rolls, a recipe from Eating Well magazine. They’re really light, healthy, gluten free, and delicious. However, I do have a major weakness for pork fried rice and would love to find a healthier way of creating this dish.
My daughter is asking for potstickers!
I need to go out and buy this, looks like so much fun. Thai basil, YUM!!!
I love pad Thai and scallops in black bean sauce for a girls night!
Chicken lettuce wraps…mmmm
hummmmm thanks for sharing this book – it looks delicous! my favorite Asian dish is black pepper chicken.
I love Asian Food since t is fast to make, taste good and can be cooked so that it is gluten free. I cook all the time. Lately , I have been cooking the gluten free recipes posted on Food 52.com. My favorite Asian recipe is shrimp stir fried with asparagus.