1 00:00:01,367 --> 00:00:03,567 [Molly] I'm whipping up a colossally cozy dinner on the farm. 2 00:00:04,734 --> 00:00:06,567 The faster I can plate it up, the faster I can taste it. 3 00:00:06,967 --> 00:00:07,767 Hallelujah. 4 00:00:08,934 --> 00:00:11,266 Asian chicken pot pie with a crust made out of layers of 5 00:00:11,900 --> 00:00:13,066 fluffy scallion pancakes. 6 00:00:13,367 --> 00:00:14,100 Dang. 7 00:00:14,667 --> 00:00:16,266 That is so flavorful. 8 00:00:17,300 --> 00:00:19,066 Saucy and sticky orange broccoli and cauliflower. 9 00:00:20,066 --> 00:00:21,600 I am not going to be able to stop eating this. 10 00:00:22,600 --> 00:00:23,567 Orange you glad it's just a bunch of veggies? 11 00:00:24,333 --> 00:00:25,867 Juicy pork potsticker stir fry. 12 00:00:26,233 --> 00:00:27,900 Get at me. 13 00:00:29,033 --> 00:00:29,967 I almost don't even want to share this with the girls. 14 00:00:31,033 --> 00:00:33,467 And for dessert, my five-spice gingerbread cookies 15 00:00:34,166 --> 00:00:35,367 with tangy cream cheese frosting 16 00:00:35,667 --> 00:00:36,467 Shine! 17 00:00:37,266 --> 00:00:38,300 Five spice, more like five stars. 18 00:00:38,934 --> 00:00:39,800 [playful popping effects] 19 00:00:43,900 --> 00:00:47,567 I'm putting together a hearty dinner for the family because 20 00:00:48,700 --> 00:00:50,000 it's my favorite thing to do. It's how I show my love. 21 00:00:51,266 --> 00:00:54,100 For dessert, I'm making frosted five-spice gingerbread cookies. 22 00:00:55,200 --> 00:00:57,467 They're soft and sweet and flecked with the uniquely 23 00:00:58,266 --> 00:01:00,467 cozy flavors of Chinese five-spice. 24 00:01:01,433 --> 00:01:02,800 And then they get finished with a thick layer 25 00:01:03,500 --> 00:01:04,700 of orange cream cheese frosting. 26 00:01:05,767 --> 00:01:07,567 They're sort of like a gingerbread cookie for sugar 27 00:01:08,266 --> 00:01:09,467 cookie people, such as myself. 28 00:01:10,500 --> 00:01:11,767 I'll start with the dry ingredients for the dough. 29 00:01:12,667 --> 00:01:14,100 Three and a half cups of all-purpose flour, 30 00:01:14,767 --> 00:01:16,066 a teaspoon of baking powder. 31 00:01:17,133 --> 00:01:18,667 A little bit of baking powder is really helpful in 32 00:01:19,467 --> 00:01:20,400 the overall softness of the cookie. 33 00:01:21,533 --> 00:01:23,667 But what I love about these cookies is that they hold 34 00:01:24,734 --> 00:01:26,467 their shape with crisp edges after they're cut out. 35 00:01:27,033 --> 00:01:28,100 Teaspoon of kosher salt. 36 00:01:29,266 --> 00:01:31,767 And now the star flavor of the show, Chinese five-spice. 37 00:01:32,567 --> 00:01:34,367 It's got cinnamon, cloves, fennel, 38 00:01:35,066 --> 00:01:36,967 anise, and Sichuan peppercorn. 39 00:01:38,166 --> 00:01:39,967 So you get the licorice notes of the fennel and the anise, 40 00:01:40,834 --> 00:01:41,800 and then that little peppery bite from 41 00:01:42,367 --> 00:01:43,000 the Sichuan peppercorn. 42 00:01:44,066 --> 00:01:46,600 It is such a complex, cozy combination of spices. 43 00:01:47,567 --> 00:01:49,767 All the flavors work so gorgeously together. 44 00:01:50,767 --> 00:01:52,100 I'm bumping up with a tablespoon of cinnamon, 45 00:01:53,200 --> 00:01:55,100 because cinnamon truly is a key flavor of gingerbread. 46 00:01:56,133 --> 00:01:58,367 Ginger gets the naming rights, but cinnamon lays 47 00:01:59,066 --> 00:01:59,667 the foundation for everything. 48 00:02:00,633 --> 00:02:01,967 And then of course, some ground ginger. 49 00:02:02,967 --> 00:02:04,767 And it's that signature zinginess that makes for 50 00:02:05,300 --> 00:02:05,867 a great gingerbread. 51 00:02:07,266 --> 00:02:08,767 And I'll just whisk this together. 52 00:02:09,767 --> 00:02:11,800 Cookie decorating is a central part of winter. 53 00:02:12,600 --> 00:02:13,667 We go all out with the buttercream 54 00:02:14,166 --> 00:02:14,800 and the sprinkles. 55 00:02:15,900 --> 00:02:18,000 And typically we do sugar cookies because those are 56 00:02:19,166 --> 00:02:20,600 the most fun to decorate, but always a little part of me 57 00:02:21,800 --> 00:02:23,400 feels bad that we skimp out on the traditional gingerbread. 58 00:02:24,300 --> 00:02:25,567 So this actually kind of combines the two. 59 00:02:26,700 --> 00:02:29,367 I'm using gingerbread flavors in a sugar cookie shape 60 00:02:30,533 --> 00:02:32,967 and topping it with frosting because frosted cookies are 61 00:02:33,467 --> 00:02:34,467 the best cookies. 62 00:02:34,900 --> 00:02:35,767 It's good to go. 63 00:02:36,967 --> 00:02:38,867 In my stand mixer, I'll combine one cup of softened unsalted 64 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:41,266 butter, and then four ounces of cream cheese 65 00:02:42,333 --> 00:02:45,166 is my secret ingredient for making a cutout cookie 66 00:02:45,734 --> 00:02:46,567 that once it bakes up, 67 00:02:47,333 --> 00:02:49,266 it retains this gorgeous softness. 68 00:02:50,533 --> 00:02:51,767 It'll also contribute a little bit of tang, which is so tasty. 69 00:02:52,834 --> 00:02:55,100 And then one and a quarter cups of dark brown sugar. 70 00:02:56,133 --> 00:02:57,467 I'll beat this up until it's creamy and combined. 71 00:03:00,467 --> 00:03:03,867 This isn't like a fluffy cake where you have to beat in a ton 72 00:03:04,734 --> 00:03:06,100 of air in order to get a fluffy crumb. 73 00:03:07,133 --> 00:03:09,467 I love a cutout cookie that is super duper dense. 74 00:03:10,734 --> 00:03:12,867 So I'm not too concerned with beating in a ton of air at this 75 00:03:13,734 --> 00:03:15,000 stage, which is great, takes less time. 76 00:03:15,567 --> 00:03:16,367 I'll crack in an egg, 77 00:03:16,734 --> 00:03:18,000 [whirring] 78 00:03:19,800 --> 00:03:20,900 and splash in some vanilla. 79 00:03:22,166 --> 00:03:25,700 And then turn the mixer down to low and gradually incorporate 80 00:03:26,233 --> 00:03:26,867 the dry ingredients. 81 00:03:27,900 --> 00:03:29,367 The smell of the Chinese five-spice 82 00:03:29,967 --> 00:03:30,767 is so nostalgic for me. 83 00:03:31,767 --> 00:03:34,367 It makes me think of Peking duck and Char Siu. 84 00:03:35,266 --> 00:03:36,867 It's combined when I can no longer see any 85 00:03:37,934 --> 00:03:39,500 dry bits of flour -- let me grab some plastic wrap. 86 00:03:41,000 --> 00:03:43,567 I'll divide it in half, wrap it in plastic, 87 00:03:44,467 --> 00:03:45,467 and then refrigerate it for a few hours. 88 00:03:46,667 --> 00:03:47,667 And this is also the type of thing you could make a couple 89 00:03:48,800 --> 00:03:50,000 of days in advance and just keep in your fridge until 90 00:03:51,100 --> 00:03:52,467 you're ready to bake. It's smelling so good already. 91 00:03:55,567 --> 00:03:57,900 My dough is chilled. It's ready to be rolled out. 92 00:03:59,100 --> 00:04:00,667 I'm rolling this out to a scant quarter of an inch thick, 93 00:04:01,700 --> 00:04:03,367 so just slightly less than a quarter of an inch. 94 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:06,567 It'll be just thick enough to stay soft after they've baked. 95 00:04:08,367 --> 00:04:10,667 That looks good. I'll cut out my shapes. 96 00:04:11,533 --> 00:04:13,266 I'm using a star, and it's a big star, 97 00:04:14,133 --> 00:04:16,100 because a big cookie is a tasty cookie. 98 00:04:16,900 --> 00:04:19,367 You get a lot of those chewy innards. 99 00:04:20,367 --> 00:04:22,767 And stars are fun to decorate. Just like that. 100 00:04:23,400 --> 00:04:24,667 I love those clean edges. 101 00:04:25,967 --> 00:04:27,867 I'll place it onto a baking sheet that's lined with parchment. 102 00:04:28,967 --> 00:04:30,266 I'll keep on cutting, and then I'll actually freeze 103 00:04:31,500 --> 00:04:34,500 these for an hour before baking at 350 for eight minutes until 104 00:04:35,333 --> 00:04:36,400 they're no longer shiny and just set, 105 00:04:37,300 --> 00:04:38,000 and then I'll get going on the frosting. 106 00:04:38,567 --> 00:04:39,266 [playful dinging sounds] 107 00:04:42,266 --> 00:04:44,767 It's just butter, powdered sugar, and salt. 108 00:04:45,900 --> 00:04:47,767 Start on low then increase speed to high once you know 109 00:04:48,600 --> 00:04:50,266 the sugar won't fly. Oh, that rhymed. 110 00:04:50,834 --> 00:04:51,467 Add some cream cheese, 111 00:04:52,767 --> 00:04:56,900 orange zest, vanilla, and beat some more. 112 00:04:58,133 --> 00:04:59,467 Then scrape into a piping bag fitted with a quarter-inch tip 113 00:05:00,266 --> 00:05:02,967 for frosting ease. Easy peasy. 114 00:05:03,900 --> 00:05:05,266 My cookies are cool. They smell incredible. 115 00:05:06,033 --> 00:05:07,967 I'm ready to frost and decorate. 116 00:05:08,967 --> 00:05:11,467 So I like a cookie with a frosting as opposed to 117 00:05:12,033 --> 00:05:12,767 an icing that hardens. 118 00:05:13,767 --> 00:05:15,467 You can't beat a really soft, fluffy frosting. 119 00:05:16,600 --> 00:05:20,066 I've got it in a big piping bag with a fairly large tip. 120 00:05:21,033 --> 00:05:23,166 I honestly like almost a one-to-one ratio of 121 00:05:23,700 --> 00:05:24,200 cookie to frosting. 122 00:05:25,000 --> 00:05:26,367 So I'm gonna pipe on a thick layer. 123 00:05:28,500 --> 00:05:31,367 I'm doing these big, cartoon-like lines. 124 00:05:34,467 --> 00:05:35,467 Ta-da. 125 00:05:36,467 --> 00:05:37,100 I'll finish with a little dusting of cinnamon. 126 00:05:38,200 --> 00:05:39,367 That way, that's the first thing that you smell when 127 00:05:39,867 --> 00:05:40,400 you go for a bite. 128 00:05:41,100 --> 00:05:42,800 Speaking of going for a bite, 129 00:05:43,500 --> 00:05:44,567 I'm just gonna steal a taste. 130 00:05:47,000 --> 00:05:48,867 Mm. Mm-hmm. 131 00:05:49,667 --> 00:05:51,367 They're soft and sweet and so cozy. 132 00:05:52,500 --> 00:05:53,667 And the brightness from the cream cheese and the orange 133 00:05:54,533 --> 00:05:56,800 in the frosting balances everything out. 134 00:05:57,600 --> 00:05:58,867 Five spice, more like five stars. 135 00:06:04,867 --> 00:06:06,567 [upbeat acoustic guitar] 136 00:06:08,467 --> 00:06:10,166 [playful pops and tones] 137 00:06:11,567 --> 00:06:15,000 For the main event, I'm making my Asian chicken pot pie. 138 00:06:16,133 --> 00:06:18,700 It's got a super hearty, super flavorful filling that's 139 00:06:19,400 --> 00:06:20,266 loaded with chicken and ginger. 140 00:06:21,200 --> 00:06:23,367 And it gets topped with a freaking scallion 141 00:06:24,033 --> 00:06:26,500 pancake crust. Go off, pie. 142 00:06:27,633 --> 00:06:29,100 I start with the filling and then do an easy puff pastry 143 00:06:29,667 --> 00:06:30,567 scallion pancake hack. 144 00:06:31,367 --> 00:06:32,467 I've got some oil in my pan here. 145 00:06:33,734 --> 00:06:35,100 I'm building everything in my braiser and then serving it out 146 00:06:35,533 --> 00:06:36,166 of that as well. 147 00:06:37,266 --> 00:06:39,467 I've got onion and celery, along with some scallions. 148 00:06:40,667 --> 00:06:41,967 I'll just add the white parts of the scallions right now. 149 00:06:42,834 --> 00:06:43,667 Those take a little bit longer to cook. 150 00:06:44,100 --> 00:06:45,100 A pinch of salt, 151 00:06:46,467 --> 00:06:48,467 and then I'll cook these for a few minutes to soften. 152 00:06:49,667 --> 00:06:51,867 If I had to choose, I would say that chicken pot pies are 153 00:06:52,567 --> 00:06:53,767 the coziest food of all time. 154 00:06:54,567 --> 00:06:56,166 They're just like soup, but more. 155 00:06:57,000 --> 00:06:58,567 They're heartier, they're creamier, 156 00:06:59,266 --> 00:07:00,867 and then you have that crust. 157 00:07:01,767 --> 00:07:03,000 Oh, and with the scallion pancake crust, 158 00:07:03,700 --> 00:07:05,467 this is gonna be otherworldly. 159 00:07:06,367 --> 00:07:07,500 Next, I'll toss in some ginger and garlic. 160 00:07:08,734 --> 00:07:11,000 Is ginger the theme of the day with the gingerbread cookies? 161 00:07:11,500 --> 00:07:12,266 I'm okay with it. 162 00:07:13,166 --> 00:07:14,367 A little crushed red pepper for some heat. 163 00:07:15,233 --> 00:07:17,000 I'll let this cook until it's fragrant. 164 00:07:18,066 --> 00:07:19,600 You want to be careful not to overcook the ginger 165 00:07:20,700 --> 00:07:22,166 or the garlic and cause them to burn and get bitter. 166 00:07:23,100 --> 00:07:25,600 I'll start to build the base of my pot pie. 167 00:07:26,767 --> 00:07:29,367 So with any pot pie, I do the veggies and then add some 168 00:07:30,333 --> 00:07:31,467 flour, which is gonna thicken up the liquid 169 00:07:32,166 --> 00:07:33,166 and create that creamy sauce. 170 00:07:34,400 --> 00:07:36,200 I'll get in six tablespoons of all-purpose flour and whenever 171 00:07:37,433 --> 00:07:39,400 you're adding flour to a dish like this, you want to cook it 172 00:07:40,433 --> 00:07:42,100 for a couple of minutes before adding the liquid, 173 00:07:43,033 --> 00:07:44,100 and that toasts the flour, and it gets rid 174 00:07:44,667 --> 00:07:45,867 of that floury flavor. 175 00:07:46,834 --> 00:07:48,166 I'll switch to a whisk now and then whisk in 176 00:07:49,200 --> 00:07:51,000 two and a half cups of low sodium chicken stock. 177 00:07:52,233 --> 00:07:54,367 You want to add this gradually to create the smoothest sauce. 178 00:07:55,600 --> 00:07:58,467 The first food that Bernie ever inhaled when she was probably 179 00:07:59,400 --> 00:08:01,500 about eight months old was chicken pot pie. 180 00:08:02,266 --> 00:08:03,967 So I know she's gonna be into this. 181 00:08:05,000 --> 00:08:06,166 You can really start to feel it in your whisk when 182 00:08:06,667 --> 00:08:07,200 it's thickened up. 183 00:08:07,967 --> 00:08:08,467 And you can kind of see the tracks 184 00:08:09,033 --> 00:08:09,467 that the whisk leaves. 185 00:08:10,233 --> 00:08:11,367 So I'm ready to add the chicken. 186 00:08:12,300 --> 00:08:14,200 I've got four cups of cooked chicken here. 187 00:08:14,700 --> 00:08:15,367 I'll toss this in. 188 00:08:16,467 --> 00:08:18,166 I like to use a mixture of chicken breast and chicken 189 00:08:19,133 --> 00:08:21,066 thigh so you get those contrasting textures. 190 00:08:22,166 --> 00:08:23,266 OK, I'll fold this in. 191 00:08:24,367 --> 00:08:25,400 Then you can't have a chicken pot pie without peas. 192 00:08:26,467 --> 00:08:28,967 I'm just using frozen peas, which will thaw almost 193 00:08:29,900 --> 00:08:31,367 immediately when they hit the hot mixture. 194 00:08:32,600 --> 00:08:33,400 They're like little balls of sweetness scattered throughout. 195 00:08:34,567 --> 00:08:35,867 And then a few of the scallion greens, but I'll actually 196 00:08:36,700 --> 00:08:37,266 reserve most of them for the topping. 197 00:08:37,767 --> 00:08:38,367 Some black pepper, 198 00:08:39,400 --> 00:08:41,000 I'll season with a bit of soy sauce. 199 00:08:42,000 --> 00:08:44,266 A splash of rice vinegar adds crucial acidity 200 00:08:44,934 --> 00:08:45,600 to balance out the flavors. 201 00:08:46,633 --> 00:08:48,700 And then to maximize its coziness, half a cup of 202 00:08:49,600 --> 00:08:51,600 heavy cream. I'll stir this all together. 203 00:08:52,300 --> 00:08:53,667 This looks so creamy and good. 204 00:08:54,767 --> 00:08:55,800 All right, I'll remove it from the heat while I make 205 00:08:56,600 --> 00:08:57,867 the scallion pancake crust topping. 206 00:08:59,767 --> 00:09:02,500 I've got two sheets of store-bought puff pastry 207 00:09:03,000 --> 00:09:03,767 that I've thawed. 208 00:09:04,800 --> 00:09:05,367 You can either do it in the refrigerator overnight 209 00:09:06,500 --> 00:09:08,700 or at room temperature for about 45 minutes or an hour. 210 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:11,667 And I'll roll this out until it's a wide 211 00:09:12,233 --> 00:09:14,166 18 by 12 inch rectangle. 212 00:09:15,233 --> 00:09:17,000 You wanna work fairly quickly and keep it as cold 213 00:09:17,900 --> 00:09:19,200 as it can be to maximize those flaky layers 214 00:09:19,700 --> 00:09:20,367 once it bakes up. 215 00:09:21,000 --> 00:09:21,800 My rectangle's rolled out. 216 00:09:22,800 --> 00:09:24,667 I'll drizzle it with some toasted sesame oil. 217 00:09:25,767 --> 00:09:27,166 Even though it's called a scallion pancake, sesame is 218 00:09:28,433 --> 00:09:30,600 a necessary part of it because this sesame oil infuses it with 219 00:09:31,033 --> 00:09:31,800 so much flavor. 220 00:09:33,000 --> 00:09:35,567 That dark toasty notes paired with the fresh scallions are 221 00:09:36,200 --> 00:09:36,967 such a great flavor match. 222 00:09:37,967 --> 00:09:39,600 I'll sprinkle with my reserve scallion greens, 223 00:09:42,500 --> 00:09:43,767 a pinch of salt, 224 00:09:44,900 --> 00:09:46,967 and I'll roll this up like a jelly roll. 225 00:09:48,066 --> 00:09:50,000 Want a nice tight roll to lock in all the scallions. 226 00:09:50,967 --> 00:09:53,867 OK, and then I'll coil this up like a snail 227 00:09:55,033 --> 00:09:58,567 to create layers upon layers of scallion sesame goodness. 228 00:09:59,667 --> 00:10:02,100 I'll roll it out again, and I'll roll it out this time 229 00:10:03,233 --> 00:10:05,667 to be a little larger than the top of my braiser here. 230 00:10:06,367 --> 00:10:07,000 So it's gonna be quite large. 231 00:10:08,166 --> 00:10:10,000 I can start to see the scallion greens through the dough. 232 00:10:11,233 --> 00:10:13,567 I'll brush this all over with egg wash to help it get shiny 233 00:10:14,066 --> 00:10:14,900 and golden on top. 234 00:10:17,467 --> 00:10:19,867 I'll brush the edges of the braiser with some egg wash 235 00:10:20,767 --> 00:10:22,767 too, and this'll be glue that will help 236 00:10:23,367 --> 00:10:24,367 the puff pastry stay on. 237 00:10:25,633 --> 00:10:27,667 I'll cut some slits in the top for vents so that the steam can 238 00:10:28,200 --> 00:10:28,767 release as it bakes. 239 00:10:29,500 --> 00:10:30,400 I'll transfer it to the braiser. 240 00:10:31,667 --> 00:10:35,400 Drape it over the top. Oh, it looks so good. 241 00:10:36,333 --> 00:10:38,000 I wanna make sure it touches all the edges. 242 00:10:39,100 --> 00:10:40,800 And then before it goes in the oven, some flaky salt 243 00:10:41,467 --> 00:10:43,266 and sesame seeds for crunch. 244 00:10:43,834 --> 00:10:44,467 Oh, that's so pretty. 245 00:10:45,667 --> 00:10:48,800 I'll bake this at 425 degrees for 30 minutes, tenting with 246 00:10:49,900 --> 00:10:51,700 foil for the last 10 so that it doesn't get too brown. 247 00:10:52,266 --> 00:10:53,467 Cozy town, here I come. 248 00:10:56,867 --> 00:11:00,400 It smells spectacular in here. Let me check on that pie. 249 00:11:01,367 --> 00:11:02,467 Yum! 250 00:11:04,100 --> 00:11:06,300 That is one gorgeous pot pie. 251 00:11:07,000 --> 00:11:08,000 I'm gonna go for it right now, 252 00:11:09,133 --> 00:11:12,100 because family means that you don't care if the person 253 00:11:13,266 --> 00:11:14,767 who cooked the pot pie sneaks a taste before serving it. 254 00:11:15,934 --> 00:11:18,667 You know what this needs is some hot Chinese mustard for 255 00:11:19,734 --> 00:11:22,000 just a touch of that sinus-clearing deliciousness. 256 00:11:23,700 --> 00:11:25,867 [short sigh] 257 00:11:27,400 --> 00:11:30,166 Mmmmmm! 258 00:11:31,100 --> 00:11:35,700 Dang, that is so flavorful with that ginger 259 00:11:36,200 --> 00:11:36,900 and the scallions. 260 00:11:38,066 --> 00:11:41,667 And that crust is so chewy and crispy and flaky and good. 261 00:11:42,467 --> 00:11:43,500 This is some alpaca sweater-level 262 00:11:44,066 --> 00:11:45,567 coziness in one spoon. 263 00:11:51,467 --> 00:11:55,200 For a side dish that is vying to be even more comforting than 264 00:11:56,333 --> 00:11:58,100 the main, I am making orange broccoli and cauliflower. 265 00:11:59,133 --> 00:12:00,867 It's basically orange chicken, but with veggies, 266 00:12:01,400 --> 00:12:02,800 so it's healthy-ish. 267 00:12:03,867 --> 00:12:05,767 I'm starting with half a head each of cauliflower 268 00:12:06,800 --> 00:12:08,066 and broccoli, and I'll coat them in some flour, 269 00:12:08,633 --> 00:12:09,867 season with some salt. 270 00:12:10,900 --> 00:12:11,867 And it's so easy just to put them all into a bag 271 00:12:12,367 --> 00:12:13,200 and shake them up. 272 00:12:14,300 --> 00:12:15,567 This is a job that Bernie and Ira would love to do. 273 00:12:16,600 --> 00:12:17,867 So I'll just get them fully coated in the flour. 274 00:12:18,934 --> 00:12:19,767 And this just helps the surface of the veggies stick 275 00:12:20,800 --> 00:12:22,700 really well to the batter. All right, that's it. 276 00:12:23,834 --> 00:12:24,867 For the batter, I'll start with three quarters of a cup 277 00:12:25,433 --> 00:12:27,066 of all-purpose flour, 278 00:12:28,000 --> 00:12:29,266 and three quarters of a cup of rice flour, 279 00:12:30,433 --> 00:12:33,300 which will help the batter fry up to be light and crispy. 280 00:12:34,533 --> 00:12:36,266 Two teaspoons of baking powder will allow the batter to puff 281 00:12:37,200 --> 00:12:38,967 up while it fries. And a teaspoon of salt. 282 00:12:39,533 --> 00:12:40,200 And I'll whisk together. 283 00:12:41,033 --> 00:12:42,266 This is just like a tempura batter. 284 00:12:42,934 --> 00:12:45,266 I love a battered vegetable. 285 00:12:46,500 --> 00:12:48,500 It kind of creates this shell that's crispy on the outside, 286 00:12:49,500 --> 00:12:51,266 but chewy once you get right below the surface. 287 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:52,467 Such a good texture. 288 00:12:53,467 --> 00:12:56,400 one and a half cups of seltzer adds the bubbles 289 00:12:57,333 --> 00:12:59,567 that will keep this batter light and airy. 290 00:13:00,633 --> 00:13:03,000 This will be a very thin batter, but it puffs up 291 00:13:03,433 --> 00:13:04,100 in the fryer. 292 00:13:05,467 --> 00:13:07,500 I love seeing this bubbly batter come together. 293 00:13:08,367 --> 00:13:09,967 I'll transfer my veggies to the batter 294 00:13:10,600 --> 00:13:12,100 and get them fully coated. 295 00:13:13,233 --> 00:13:15,700 Cauliflower and broccoli are so great with this because 296 00:13:16,834 --> 00:13:19,700 their florets catch the batter and just provide so much 297 00:13:20,400 --> 00:13:21,867 delicious textural excitement. 298 00:13:23,033 --> 00:13:25,266 Broccoli is one of the few vegetables that Bernie and Ira 299 00:13:25,967 --> 00:13:26,967 reliably eat with excitement. 300 00:13:27,900 --> 00:13:29,967 So we have it pretty much every other day. 301 00:13:30,667 --> 00:13:31,400 They've got to have it crispy. 302 00:13:32,633 --> 00:13:34,567 They're actually pretty snobby about their broccoli texture. 303 00:13:35,700 --> 00:13:37,166 If they have broccoli somewhere else and it's not crispy 304 00:13:37,934 --> 00:13:38,900 or salty enough, they won't eat it. 305 00:13:40,166 --> 00:13:43,000 But this deep frying is going to take the broccoli crispiness 306 00:13:43,567 --> 00:13:44,100 to a whole other level. 307 00:13:45,200 --> 00:13:46,867 I'll toss these to allow the batter to coat everything 308 00:13:47,800 --> 00:13:48,700 and then I'll get them into my pot of oil. 309 00:13:49,734 --> 00:13:51,467 I have a couple of inches of neutral oil heating 310 00:13:52,000 --> 00:13:53,767 to 350 degrees here. 311 00:13:54,734 --> 00:13:55,967 That is exactly the sizzle you want to hear. 312 00:13:56,600 --> 00:13:58,266 Add a couple of spoonfuls. 313 00:13:59,400 --> 00:14:01,066 We'll fry these for four to five minutes until they're 314 00:14:01,500 --> 00:14:02,266 golden all over. 315 00:14:03,333 --> 00:14:05,667 I'm frying in cast iron, which is a great vessel for 316 00:14:06,767 --> 00:14:09,967 deep frying because cast iron holds heat very well, 317 00:14:11,166 --> 00:14:13,000 and it kind of slows that dropping of the oil temperature 318 00:14:13,834 --> 00:14:15,266 once the cold veggies go into the oil. 319 00:14:16,300 --> 00:14:17,967 And one thing I love about orange chicken is how 320 00:14:18,734 --> 00:14:20,400 the nuggets are all very smooth 321 00:14:21,200 --> 00:14:24,166 and almost blob-like in appearance. 322 00:14:25,033 --> 00:14:26,367 And that's what's happening here too. 323 00:14:27,367 --> 00:14:29,000 The batter is just getting so puffy and happy. 324 00:14:30,033 --> 00:14:31,266 And there are still some craggles though, which is 325 00:14:32,367 --> 00:14:34,467 important because those craggles will catch the sauce 326 00:14:35,400 --> 00:14:37,867 and add for some great crunchy excitement. 327 00:14:38,934 --> 00:14:40,467 Even if the batter starts to turn lightly golden, 328 00:14:41,700 --> 00:14:43,266 you wanna make sure to go for the full four to five minutes 329 00:14:44,300 --> 00:14:46,100 because it's important that the veggies cook all 330 00:14:46,533 --> 00:14:47,200 the way through. 331 00:14:48,300 --> 00:14:50,000 This is the golden brown color that I'm looking for, 332 00:14:50,867 --> 00:14:52,000 and I love seeing those craggly bits. 333 00:14:52,633 --> 00:14:53,000 They'll be extra crunchy. 334 00:14:53,800 --> 00:14:54,800 I'll transfer these to a wire rack 335 00:14:55,934 --> 00:14:58,767 to allow any excess oil to drip off, and I'll just hold 336 00:14:59,734 --> 00:15:00,767 them here while I fry up the rest of the batch, 337 00:15:01,433 --> 00:15:02,166 and then I'll make my sauce. 338 00:15:03,367 --> 00:15:04,967 [playful tones playing] 339 00:15:06,867 --> 00:15:10,100 This sauce contributes tang and zippiness, and it just 340 00:15:10,934 --> 00:15:12,266 shellacs the veggies with glossiness. 341 00:15:13,467 --> 00:15:15,200 I'm starting with some orange juice, and to this, I'll add 342 00:15:16,033 --> 00:15:17,367 a couple of tablespoons of soy sauce, 343 00:15:18,000 --> 00:15:19,400 rice vinegar for acidity. 344 00:15:20,066 --> 00:15:21,467 I love a sweet, salty combo, 345 00:15:22,233 --> 00:15:23,166 but you also gotta have some sour. 346 00:15:24,100 --> 00:15:25,400 A couple of teaspoons of toasted sesame oil, 347 00:15:26,533 --> 00:15:28,967 and then a quarter cup of apricot jam, which will help 348 00:15:30,000 --> 00:15:31,800 the sauce caramelize and thicken, and then it'll 349 00:15:32,934 --> 00:15:35,600 glue onto the veggies in that deliciously sticky way. 350 00:15:36,767 --> 00:15:38,600 And a tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken everything up. 351 00:15:39,367 --> 00:15:40,367 I'll whisk this until it's smooth. 352 00:15:41,500 --> 00:15:43,467 I love to have this combination of orange and apricot so 353 00:15:44,133 --> 00:15:45,367 you get complex fruitiness. 354 00:15:46,633 --> 00:15:48,567 Now, ultimately, it's gonna be heating it up that thickens it, 355 00:15:49,700 --> 00:15:51,467 but before I add it to my pot to thicken, I'll sizzle 356 00:15:52,033 --> 00:15:53,000 together some aromatics. 357 00:15:54,266 --> 00:15:56,367 I'll add a drizzle of oil to my big braiser here, and I'm using 358 00:15:57,433 --> 00:15:58,900 a pot that's big enough to add in the veggies after 359 00:15:59,433 --> 00:16:00,166 I've made the sauce. 360 00:16:01,200 --> 00:16:03,400 I'll sizzle some scallions and garlic and ginger, 361 00:16:04,567 --> 00:16:05,800 and crushed red pepper. 362 00:16:06,600 --> 00:16:08,000 I love a kiss of heat in this dish. 363 00:16:08,567 --> 00:16:09,600 I'll pour in the sauce. 364 00:16:12,066 --> 00:16:15,100 I'll simmer this for just a minute until it thickens. 365 00:16:16,266 --> 00:16:18,467 Mm, that is a really good smell, and a really good smell 366 00:16:19,166 --> 00:16:20,567 is the key to a cozy kitchen. 367 00:16:21,266 --> 00:16:22,367 Oh, yeah, it's getting thick. 368 00:16:24,100 --> 00:16:27,867 When you can drag your spoon across the bottom of the pot 369 00:16:28,633 --> 00:16:30,166 and see its track the whole way, 370 00:16:31,266 --> 00:16:32,967 you know it's thick enough. All right, it's go time. 371 00:16:33,900 --> 00:16:35,066 I'll add the veggies right into the sauce. 372 00:16:35,867 --> 00:16:38,667 So excited. I like handling these. 373 00:16:39,467 --> 00:16:40,467 They're so satisfying and crunchy. 374 00:16:41,367 --> 00:16:42,600 I'll toss them all together and get them 375 00:16:43,233 --> 00:16:44,266 fully coated in the sauce. 376 00:16:45,467 --> 00:16:49,400 This looks so good. Yowza. 377 00:16:50,567 --> 00:16:52,367 The faster I can plate it up, the faster I can taste it. 378 00:16:53,467 --> 00:16:55,266 This is the perk of wearing sweaters. 379 00:16:57,266 --> 00:16:58,367 Hallelujah. 380 00:17:01,200 --> 00:17:03,200 Look at that steam coming off of it. 381 00:17:04,000 --> 00:17:06,500 It still needs toasted sesame seeds 382 00:17:07,667 --> 00:17:09,400 and scallions. 383 00:17:10,667 --> 00:17:12,100 And this is just giving my hand something to do while it cools 384 00:17:13,066 --> 00:17:14,500 so that it's not lava hot going into my mouth. 385 00:17:16,367 --> 00:17:17,767 Which one of you do I want first? 386 00:17:18,166 --> 00:17:19,066 I want you. 387 00:17:26,867 --> 00:17:30,967 So sweet and sticky and the breading is so crunchy 388 00:17:31,600 --> 00:17:32,467 and chewy and satisfying. 389 00:17:33,433 --> 00:17:35,700 I am not gonna be able to stop eating this. 390 00:17:36,700 --> 00:17:37,667 Orange you glad it's just a bunch of veggies? 391 00:17:38,333 --> 00:17:39,166 [playful dings and chomping] 392 00:17:45,066 --> 00:17:46,600 To really stir up this dinner, 393 00:17:47,400 --> 00:17:49,266 I'm making my potsticker stir fry. 394 00:17:50,133 --> 00:17:51,266 It's just a quick and easy veggie base 395 00:17:52,266 --> 00:17:54,166 with juicy pork dumplings to make it craveable. 396 00:17:55,166 --> 00:17:57,000 I'm starting with my potstickers, just frozen 397 00:17:57,500 --> 00:17:58,000 pork potstickers. 398 00:17:58,800 --> 00:18:00,100 I keep these on hand at all times. 399 00:18:00,934 --> 00:18:02,066 The girls cannot get enough of them. 400 00:18:02,433 --> 00:18:03,266 [clunking] 401 00:18:04,100 --> 00:18:05,500 I've got some oil in my skillet here. 402 00:18:06,700 --> 00:18:07,900 I'll spread these out so that all of them can make contact 403 00:18:08,834 --> 00:18:10,467 with this skillet and start to get crispy. 404 00:18:11,500 --> 00:18:13,767 Sometimes when I see my girls inhaling bananas, 405 00:18:15,033 --> 00:18:18,300 the grossest food of all time, I am like, whose child is this? 406 00:18:18,934 --> 00:18:19,867 You are not related to me. 407 00:18:20,533 --> 00:18:21,266 But then when I see them eat 408 00:18:22,367 --> 00:18:24,667 potstickers with as much exuberance, I'm like, oh yeah, 409 00:18:25,233 --> 00:18:26,467 we're totally related. 410 00:18:27,700 --> 00:18:29,367 And now to get the insides hot and steamy, I'll add a quarter 411 00:18:30,300 --> 00:18:31,567 cup of water and then quickly cover it up. 412 00:18:32,734 --> 00:18:34,600 This is a two-step process. Step one, makes them crisp. 413 00:18:35,467 --> 00:18:36,667 Step two, makes them cooked throughout. 414 00:18:37,767 --> 00:18:39,600 I'm always looking for ways to make potstickers into 415 00:18:40,000 --> 00:18:41,066 a full meal. 416 00:18:42,300 --> 00:18:44,300 Sometimes I'll put potstickers on a salad, but one day I just 417 00:18:45,533 --> 00:18:47,166 cooked up some veggies right along in the skillet with them, 418 00:18:48,233 --> 00:18:50,266 throw in a sauce, and bam, you've got a stir fry. 419 00:18:51,333 --> 00:18:53,500 They smell so good. All right, I'll uncover these. 420 00:18:55,000 --> 00:18:56,000 Hello. 421 00:18:56,800 --> 00:18:57,867 And allow the steam to evaporate. 422 00:18:58,667 --> 00:18:59,767 Oh, look at that good brown color. 423 00:19:00,767 --> 00:19:03,266 This is my happy place, a pan of dumplings. 424 00:19:04,567 --> 00:19:06,300 I'll get these out of the skillet to make way 425 00:19:06,767 --> 00:19:07,400 for the veggies. 426 00:19:08,867 --> 00:19:10,166 [hums indistinctly] 427 00:19:10,734 --> 00:19:11,300 Add a little more oil, 428 00:19:12,166 --> 00:19:13,500 and then I'll get going on my veggies. 429 00:19:14,567 --> 00:19:16,367 I've got some broccoli, bell pepper, and onion here. 430 00:19:17,467 --> 00:19:19,467 Within a pile of potstickers, I'll eat any veggies. 431 00:19:20,467 --> 00:19:22,100 Oh, they smell so good. 432 00:19:23,033 --> 00:19:23,967 And I'll cook these for just a few minutes. 433 00:19:25,200 --> 00:19:26,567 If your pan ever seems dry, you can add 434 00:19:27,133 --> 00:19:28,100 a little bit more oil. 435 00:19:30,166 --> 00:19:31,867 They're so colorful. 436 00:19:32,800 --> 00:19:33,700 Bernie just had a rainbow birthday party. 437 00:19:34,533 --> 00:19:35,367 This would have been perfect for it. 438 00:19:36,433 --> 00:19:39,567 I'll sprinkle in a few cashews. I'll let them toast. 439 00:19:40,700 --> 00:19:42,367 Cashews are such a happy nut. They're always smiling. 440 00:19:43,100 --> 00:19:44,867 I'll add the potstickers back in. 441 00:19:45,934 --> 00:19:47,066 This is almost like a pasta dish, if you think of 442 00:19:47,834 --> 00:19:49,066 the potstickers as like ravioli. 443 00:19:50,000 --> 00:19:51,667 I'll bring this all together with my sauce. 444 00:19:52,900 --> 00:19:56,100 Sriracha, soy, rice vinegar, sesame, water, 445 00:19:56,900 --> 00:19:58,600 cornstarch, salt, ginger, garlic. 446 00:19:59,233 --> 00:20:00,900 Whisk it up. Sauce done. 447 00:20:05,166 --> 00:20:08,567 The sauce just adds the most delicious bit of heat. 448 00:20:09,266 --> 00:20:10,867 It brings everything together. 449 00:20:11,934 --> 00:20:14,767 This is my ideal form of balance, fried potstickers, 450 00:20:15,734 --> 00:20:18,266 a rainbow of veggies. I am so here for this. 451 00:20:18,700 --> 00:20:19,266 I cannot wait. 452 00:20:20,233 --> 00:20:21,567 I'm going to get a serving bowl immediately. 453 00:20:22,500 --> 00:20:23,667 Oh, yeah. 454 00:20:24,900 --> 00:20:28,266 Get at me. I'm so excited. 455 00:20:29,400 --> 00:20:31,667 I almost don't even want to share this with the girls. 456 00:20:32,500 --> 00:20:34,667 I'm gonna spoon this one. Oh, yeah. 457 00:20:35,700 --> 00:20:36,800 Here I go. 458 00:20:40,867 --> 00:20:42,100 Mm-hmm. 459 00:20:43,300 --> 00:20:45,867 Those potstickers are so crispy and juicy, and these veggies 460 00:20:46,433 --> 00:20:47,667 are perfectly cooked. 461 00:20:48,700 --> 00:20:50,266 Time to get this colossally cozy dinner started. 462 00:20:51,767 --> 00:20:52,967 [cheerful music playing] 463 00:20:53,600 --> 00:20:54,667 [pops, dings, and whizzes] 464 00:20:56,166 --> 00:20:58,166 [various voices] Mm. Mm!