In any case, I wanted something better than the packages available at the local Asian
grocery store. Now, a month later, not only are my ramen noodles exquisite, but Momofuku
has made me a much better cook. Here's why:
* Chang's attention to the quality of the ingredients one uses: I found a local farmer
who raises pigs and drove an hour and a half on beautiful Oklahoma country roads to her
place. My freezer is now packed with wonderful cuts of free ranging, non-chemical raised
pork, stew meat, and bacon.
* His large quantities did not deter me. Actually, the book's advise on how to store food
is perfect for my family of two. I made a huge pot of ramen noodle broth, let it reduce
and once ready (simmered for 6 hours), stored in small containers in the freezer. Now
I have absolutely wonderful broth for months. (Note: as a Colombian from the Andes,
I don't want my broth to have any fishy flavor, so I excluded the Kombu from Chang's recipe)
* Chang's recipe for roasting pork is amazing too! I followed it by the book and ended up
with something so good I had a hard time believing I had made it. I roasted a huge chunk
of shoulder, and once ready and cool, shredded it, divided it in small zip lock bags, and
to the freezer. As with the broth, I have excellent roasted pork to add to our weekly ramen
noodles.
* Chang's creative techniques: I will never fry chicken any other way. Momofuku's recipe
for fried chicken is exquisite. Easy, creative, and the chicken is delicious, tender, not
oily, brown on the outside ...perfect.
* Small details that take once's eating experience to an entirely new level: such as the
ginger, scallion recipe. Again, as a Colombian, when nostalgic sometimes I add a little
chopped cilantro to the ginger-scallion sauce.
Chang's approach to Asian cuisine, his respect for tradition without the anxiety of
hybridizing, bending, mixing, is perfect for a Colombian bored with the food available
in central Oklahoma and trying to make good food out of an ordinary, everyday life kitchen.
C. Rodriguez, Amazon.com
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