Discovering Culinary Delights: From Inspiration Shelf to Your Kitchen
Every passionate home cook knows the invaluable joy of a well-curated cookbook collection. In my personal library, there’s a sacred section I affectionately call “Inspiration and Eye-Candy.” This coveted shelf is reserved for a select few titles – volumes that don’t just offer recipes, but ignite creativity and provide a much-needed culinary spark. These are the books I reach for when I feel that peculiar “hungry-but-not-hungry-but-hungry” sensation; the moments I crave delicious food but lack the mental energy to conjure up a novel dish from scratch. They serve as a vibrant wellspring of ideas, transforming cooking from a chore into an exciting adventure.
Currently gracing this special shelf are foundational works like Nobu, The Cookbook, a masterpiece of modern Japanese cuisine that promises sophisticated flavors (and a recipe from it coming next week!). Alongside it sits Things Cooks Love from Sur La Table, a treasure trove of kitchen wisdom and delightful recipes that will inspire countless meals (expect a feature on it soon). But today, our spotlight shines brightly on another gem: Delicious Days by Nicole Stich.
Nicole Stich: A Global Culinary Journey in “Delicious Days”
Nicole Stich, the brilliant mind behind the acclaimed food blog www.deliciousdays.com, is a true culinary luminary. She graciously sent me a copy of her book, and from the moment I held it, I understood why it deserved its place on my inspiration shelf. Nicky is not just an award-winning food blogger; she’s an exceptional cook, a meticulous photographer with an eye for detail, a creative designer, and a naturally gifted writer. Her passion for food is palpable on every page, making her creations feel approachable yet extraordinary. Adding to the allure, she shares her life with her handsome husband, Oliver, surrounded by beautiful friends, all while living in the picturesque setting of Germany. It truly sounds like an exotic, dream-like existence, and her cookbook perfectly encapsulates that charm.
“Delicious Days” is far more than a typical cookbook; it’s an immersive visual and gastronomic journey. It boasts hundreds of photographs, each so vivid and sharp that you feel as if you’ve been transported directly to the scene. Rather than adhering to conventional cookbook chapters, Nicky and Oliver invite you on a series of culinary adventures, dividing the book into delightful mini-sections such as “Boat Trip in Greece” and “Bella Italia.” The recipes nestled within these travelogues are consistently fabulous, many requiring only a handful of ingredients. Imagine a simple “Greek Yogurt with Honey and Roasted Nuts” elevated to an unforgettable experience because Nicky and her friends are savoring it aboard a yacht, gently cruising the azure waters of the Aegean. This unique narrative approach transforms each recipe into a story, enhancing the anticipation and enjoyment of the cooking process.
Featured Recipe: Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad
One particular recipe from “Delicious Days” that has quickly become a favorite is this exquisite Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad. It’s a testament to Nicole’s ability to take familiar concepts and infuse them with fresh, exciting twists. This isn’t your average heavy peanut-sauce-laden noodle dish. Instead, it offers a lighter, yet equally flavorful, experience centered around the nutty richness of sesame seeds. It’s a perfect meal for those days when you crave something satisfying, healthy, and bursting with vibrant Asian flavors.
The salad’s charm lies in its harmonious blend of textures and tastes. Tender chicken, crisp cucumber, and chewy noodles are brought together by a dressing that is both subtly sweet and savory. A key ingredient, and one you might not be familiar with, is Kecap Manis. This sweet Indonesian soy sauce, thicker and more syrupy than regular soy sauce, adds a distinctive caramel-like depth and beautiful gloss to the dish. You can typically find it in the international aisle of larger supermarkets or, more reliably, in any Asian market. Its unique flavor profile is indispensable for achieving the authentic taste of this salad.
Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 1 pound boneless chicken breasts
- salt, to taste
- 3 tablespoons cooking oil (peanut, vegetable or canola)
- 1/2 large red chili pepper, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 cucumber, washed and thinly sliced (English or Persian cucumbers work well)
- 1-2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for a unique tingly sensation)
- 5 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, divided
- 3.5 ounces thin, dried Japanese or Chinese noodles (such as somen or soba)
For the Sesame Dressing:
- 1 clove garlic, peeled
- 4 tablespoons Kecap Manis (sweet Indonesian soy sauce)
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- Approximately 5 tablespoons water
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Noodles: Place the boneless chicken breasts in a pot and cover them with lightly salted water. Bring the water to a rolling boil, then immediately reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook the chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until it is thoroughly cooked through. To check for doneness, you can insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken, aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), or cut into a piece to ensure no pink remains. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pot and let it cool completely. Reserve the cooking water. Bring the reserved water back to a boil and cook the thin Japanese or Chinese noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- Infuse the Oil: Heat a wok or a large frying pan over medium-high heat with the cooking oil. Add the Sichuan peppercorns (if using) and the sliced red chili pepper. Stir-fry for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until the peppercorns become fragrant and the chili releases its aroma and a hint of spice. This step is crucial for building the flavor base of the salad. Add the thinly sliced cucumber to the pan and fry for just 30 seconds, allowing it to soften slightly while retaining its crispness. Remove from heat and let the mixture cool.
- Craft the Sesame Dressing: In a mortar and pestle, crush the peeled garlic clove along with 4 tablespoons of the toasted sesame seeds until a rough paste forms. The rougher texture adds an appealing bite to the dressing. If you don’t have a mortar and pestle, you can achieve a similar result using a small food processor or blender. Once the paste is ready, stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, Kecap Manis, and toasted sesame oil. Gradually add about 5 tablespoons of water, stirring continuously, until the sauce reaches a pourable consistency. Adjust the water amount as needed to achieve your desired thickness.
- Assemble the Salad: Once the cooked chicken has cooled, shred it into bite-sized pieces using your hands or two forks. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, the cooled oil/peppercorn/pepper/cucumber mixture, and the drained noodles. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over all the ingredients. Toss everything gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle and piece of chicken is coated with the aromatic dressing. Serve immediately or chill for a refreshing cold salad.
Tips for Enhancing Your Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad
This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be customized to your taste. For an added layer of flavor and texture, consider garnishing your salad with fresh cilantro, chopped green onions, or even a sprinkle of chopped peanuts (if you don’t mind a hint of peanut flavor). To boost the vegetable content, you could also add shredded carrots, thinly sliced bell peppers, or blanched edamame. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with pan-fried tofu or tempeh, cut into small cubes or strips.
The beauty of noodle salads is their adaptability for meal prep. You can prepare the chicken, noodles, and dressing in advance and store them separately. When you’re ready to eat, simply combine and toss. This makes it an ideal healthy lunch option for busy weekdays. This salad can be enjoyed warm or cold, making it perfect for any season or occasion.
Conclusion: A Culinary Journey Worth Taking
Nicole Stich’s “Delicious Days” is more than just a cookbook; it’s an invitation to explore the world through its flavors, transforming everyday cooking into an inspiring adventure. This Asian Sesame Chicken Noodle Salad perfectly embodies her philosophy: simple ingredients, thoughtful preparation, and a result that is both comforting and exciting. It’s a dish that celebrates the vibrant complexity of Asian cuisine in a refreshing, approachable way. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning your culinary journey, this recipe, and indeed Nicole’s entire book, will undoubtedly earn a cherished spot on your own “Inspiration and Eye-Candy” shelf. We encourage you to try this delightful recipe and experience the magic of global flavors right in your own kitchen.