Welcome to the new Brently's Taipei Kitchen blog. I make a variety of Western foods, prepared fresh in my Taipei kitchen. Everything is "whole foods" and vegetarian, made from scratch using the freshest, highest quality, most local ingredients (certified organic eggs; natural oils -- cold-pressed, naturally extracted, etc.; home-ground grains; pure honey; never any MSG, colors, artificial flavors, additives or preservatives) And, as always, I can accommodate special dietary requests, recipe modifications, completely organic items, and so on -- just ask.
About me: I grew up in Seattle, WA. I began cooking and experimenting with foods and recipes as a child. I spent more than ten years in food service (an Italian pizzeria, a Kosher NY-style deli, Cinnabon, a Thai grill and bistro, and more), seven of those years as a general manager. I went to Bastyr University -- the school notorious for its programs in naturopathic medicine, acupuncture and traditional Chinese medicine, and other natural health sciences -- where I studied health psychology and took an avid interest in the whole foods philosophy. Being so interested in delicious foods of all sorts, nutrition and wellness, and one who loves making a mess in the kitchen, I hope you'll share in my joy of cooking by letting me provide you with something you won't find easily (or at all) here in Taiwan. From my kitchen to your table...
Thanks for stopping by. Please come back soon.
--Brently
Items Available for Order
Item availability and prices are subject to change. As everything is made fresh, and ingredient prices vary by the season and their availability, please call or email in advance to check with me before sending an order. Also, due to requiring a lot of preparation time, some items may have a minimal order quantity. Please contact me for details.
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
They're here...they're fresh...they're nutritious...and most important, they're totally delicious!
All are made on fresh focaccia from Florida Bakery, which makes a thick (4 cm), slightly crunchy and "bready" crust (a must try for thick-crust lovers!). Each pizza serves two people (20 x 15 cm). Wrapped and frozen, they're ready from your oven in 15-20 minutes. 4 for $1000
Slow-roasted to perfection, fresh eggplant and bell peppers on Brently's homemade pizza sauce with mozzarella cheese and dried basil.
Mushroom & Asparagus
Starting with a special white sauce and mozzarella cheese, fresh baby asparagus and marinated mushrooms, topped with parmesan cheese.
Veggie Deluxe
Assorted fresh vegetables on mozzarella and Brently's homemade pizza sauce. Cheesy, veggie goodness!
Halitosis Lover's
For those that like a pizza that bites back, this one's for you! Starting with Brently's homemade pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, topped with diced red onion, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, and jalapeno peppers, you'll never think of pizza in the same way again.
Sauces, Dips, Dressings and Salsas
Heavenly Chipotle Salsa
This salsa is a hit with everyone. Excellent with tortilla chips, burritos, tacos, omelets and scrambled eggs, and any other Mexican-style or Tex-Mex foods, it makes the perfect addition to any meal or snack where salsa is needed. Made with fresh beefsteak tomatoes, imported chipotle peppers, yellow bell pepper, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and fresh lime juice. Other variations available are chipotle mango salsa and chipotle pineapple salsa, and (when available) with fresh Haas avocado. Large (700 ml) - $350
Fresh Basil Pesto
A traditional green pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese.
$200 / 300 ml (2-3 servings for pasta)
Holy Moly, Guacamole! (Seasonal--call for availability)
Yes, that right -- yummy, yummy guacamole! I found a good, reasonably priced supply of fresh Haas avocados, so while they're available, come and get it! Made with all the normal guac ingredients, plus ground chipotle for a smokey finish. Call for availability and pricing.
Red Pepper Pesto
Another favorite! This pesto works for numerous things: pasta sauce, dip for tortilla chips, and even a great base for a zesty salsa. Made with fresh bell peppers (red & yellow), Italian basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil.
$200 / 300 ml (2-3 servings for pasta)
Butter-Sage Parmesan Cream Sauce
A thick, rich and creamy white pasta sauce – perfect for ravioli or cheese-filled tortellini pasta. An excellent complement to chicken and white wine. $350 (300 ml)
Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce
A vegetarian version of the traditional Italian pasta sauce. Starting with imported pear and/or roma tomatoes, this sauce is slow-simmered for an hour with garlic and onion, fresh rosemary and basil, and finished off with vegetarian beef chunks. 全素 available on request.
Fruity Vinaigrette Dressing
Fruit vinegar meets red wine vinegar, balsamic, grape seed and cold-pressed virgin olive oil, finished with a splash of fresh orange or tangerine juice, for a semi-sweet, delightful twist on this traditional dressing. Call for pricing.
Blackberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Another homemade recipe -- small bits of real, sweet blackberries in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a delightful low-fat salad.
Tzaziki Sauce
This is a Greek and Middle-Eastern favorite. Can be used as a dip for fresh vegetables, chips or pita bread; a cool topping for burritos and nachos; or mixed with fresh vegetables for a tasty, nutritious yogurt salad. Made from local freshly produced (unsweetened) yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, and a splash of fresh lime juice, it's a cool complement to many dishes and snacks. small (450 ml) - $350; large (700 ml) - $450
Baba Ghanouj
A savory traditional Middle-Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, garlic, fresh tahini, extra virgin olive oil and spices.
$250 (300 ml)
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce made freshly from imported roma and/or plum tomatoes, this is not only tastier, but also much more healthful than store-bought pizza sauces: fresh spices, and no preservatives or sugar added. For pizza lovers, there's no alternative to this fresh, natural, sugar- and preservative-free pizza sauce. $200 (300 ml container)
Homemade Apple Sauce
Fresh seasonal apples slow-cooked, mashed (peels and all), with a touch of fresh cinnamon and maple syrup or honey. Perfect for latkas, pancakes, or by itself -- a wonderful, healthful snack. Call for pricing.
Soups
Mexican Black Bean Soup
Dark and hearty, my black bean soup is the perfect companion for cold winter nights and holiday parties. Made with black beans, onions, carrots and corn, and flavored with ground cumin, garlic, cayenne pepper, and imported chipotle peppers, this soup will win over anyone and everyone.
$350 / 700 ml (serves 2-3)
Coconut Squash Soup
This is a pan-Asian delight -- a sweet combination of Thai coconut and pureed squash. Flavored with fresh lime juice, cilantro, fresh ginger, garlic, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies, this East-meets-West soup will warm both your heart and body.
$300 / 450 ml (serves 1-2); $425 / 700 ml (serves 2-3)
Salads
Heavenly Bean Salad
A mix of fresh garbanzo beans, kidney beans, mashed roma tomatoes, calamata olives and/or green olives, and capers. Best served hot. Call for availability and pricing.
Pasta Salad
Garofalo organic pasta mixed with Brently's homemade red pepper pesto, fresh lemon juice, mixed vegetables and fresh spices, this salad works great for both a light lunch and as a party appetizer. Call for pricing.
Caprese !!!Unavailable!!!
A traditional Italian appetizer -- simple, light and absolutely scrumptious! Fresh mozzarella cheese (AKA "buffalo mozzarella") paired with slices of beefsteak tomato, complete with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, sea salt and pepper, this appetizer will win over everyone. $250 (serves 1-2)
Breads & Muffins
Zucchini Bread
Something almost indescribable in words, zucchini bread is a favorite for almost everyone who has ever tried it, and it's good for you as well. Made with certified organic unbleached flour and whole wheat flour, organic eggs, pureed zucchini and carrot, pure honey (yes, that's right...no sugar!), real butter, pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts. $175 / loaf
Hearty Cornbread (Call for availability)
Made from scratch with yellow corn meal, whole wheat flour, and ground flax seeds, this wholesome, hearty cornbread is both delicious and nutritious. Can be made with or without flax. Jalapeno Cornbread (pictured) also available.
$150 / loaf ($175 w/ jalapenos)
Banana Nut Bread
A healthful twist on the original favorite, made with fresh bananas, whole wheat flour, toasted walnuts and pure honey -- no sugar. Makes dreamy French toast!
$175 / loaf
Blueberry Muffins
Just like Mom used to make, these muffins are chalked-full of juicy blueberries, made with whole wheat flour and pure honey -- no sugar, of course. For anyone who likes berry muffins, you gotta try these!
Miscellaneous
Roasted Baby Reds
Baby red potatoes roasted Italian-style: slow-roasted in extra virgin olive oil, with heaps of fresh garlic and rosemary, sea salt and black peppercorn, garnished with parsley and fresh dill. Potatoes never tasted this good!
Small (approx. 10 pieces) - $150;
Medium (16) - $200; Large (24) - $250
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Not just for Thanksgiving dinner! Mashed baby red potatoes -- skin and all -- mixed with gobs of Danish butter and chunks of fresh garlic, with a pinch or two of Mediterranean sea salt and ground black pepper. Your cardiologist might not be happy, but tell him Grandma said they're good for you!
Small $150; Medium $200; Large $300
Breakfast Burritos
Another American tradition, these burritos are made with scrambled eggs, cajun-fried potatoes, Brently's Chipotle Salsa, mozzarella cheese, and diced bell peppers, wrapped in a 8-inch flour tortilla. Frozen and sold individually $65 or in bags of 5 for $300.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers stuffed with organic quinoa, mixed vegetables, parmesan cheese, almonds and spices, topped off with melted mozzarella cheese. $125 each
Sweets & Desserts
Fudge Brownies
An American tradition, these heavy, chocolaty brownies will soothe any chocolate or other sweet craving. Made with imported chocolate, low-fat milk, real butter and organic eggs.
$350 per pan (+$50 with toasted walnuts)
***Cream Cheese Brownies, Chocolate-Coconut Brownies, Mocha Brownies (with Indonesian Java coffee) and Chocolate-Banana Brownies are also available by special order (call for pricing).
Cookies (Call for pricing)
Various types available, including chocolate chip (or M&Ms), peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, and shortbread. Holiday cookies (Valentines heart-shaped shortbread and Christmas tree shortbread, decorated per request) are also available.
Pizza! Pizza! Pizza!
They're here...they're fresh...they're nutritious...and most important, they're totally delicious!
All are made on fresh focaccia from Florida Bakery, which makes a thick (4 cm), slightly crunchy and "bready" crust (a must try for thick-crust lovers!). Each pizza serves two people (20 x 15 cm). Wrapped and frozen, they're ready from your oven in 15-20 minutes. 4 for $1000
 |
| Roasted bell pepper and eggplant |
Slow-roasted to perfection, fresh eggplant and bell peppers on Brently's homemade pizza sauce with mozzarella cheese and dried basil.
 |
| Fresh Veggie Supreme |
Mushroom & Asparagus
Starting with a special white sauce and mozzarella cheese, fresh baby asparagus and marinated mushrooms, topped with parmesan cheese.
Veggie Deluxe
Assorted fresh vegetables on mozzarella and Brently's homemade pizza sauce. Cheesy, veggie goodness!
 | ||
| Marinated mushroom, Thai asparagus & Parmesa |
Halitosis Lover's
For those that like a pizza that bites back, this one's for you! Starting with Brently's homemade pizza sauce and mozzarella cheese, topped with diced red onion, sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, and jalapeno peppers, you'll never think of pizza in the same way again.
Sauces, Dips, Dressings and Salsas
Heavenly Chipotle Salsa
This salsa is a hit with everyone. Excellent with tortilla chips, burritos, tacos, omelets and scrambled eggs, and any other Mexican-style or Tex-Mex foods, it makes the perfect addition to any meal or snack where salsa is needed. Made with fresh beefsteak tomatoes, imported chipotle peppers, yellow bell pepper, onion, cilantro, garlic, cumin, and fresh lime juice. Other variations available are chipotle mango salsa and chipotle pineapple salsa, and (when available) with fresh Haas avocado. Large (700 ml) - $350
Fresh Basil Pesto
A traditional green pesto made with fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, pine nuts and parmesan cheese.$200 / 300 ml (2-3 servings for pasta)
Holy Moly, Guacamole! (Seasonal--call for availability)
Yes, that right -- yummy, yummy guacamole! I found a good, reasonably priced supply of fresh Haas avocados, so while they're available, come and get it! Made with all the normal guac ingredients, plus ground chipotle for a smokey finish. Call for availability and pricing.Red Pepper Pesto
Another favorite! This pesto works for numerous things: pasta sauce, dip for tortilla chips, and even a great base for a zesty salsa. Made with fresh bell peppers (red & yellow), Italian basil, garlic, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, balsamic vinegar, extra virgin olive oil.
$200 / 300 ml (2-3 servings for pasta)
Butter-Sage Parmesan Cream Sauce
A thick, rich and creamy white pasta sauce – perfect for ravioli or cheese-filled tortellini pasta. An excellent complement to chicken and white wine. $350 (300 ml)
Vegetarian Bolognese Sauce
A vegetarian version of the traditional Italian pasta sauce. Starting with imported pear and/or roma tomatoes, this sauce is slow-simmered for an hour with garlic and onion, fresh rosemary and basil, and finished off with vegetarian beef chunks. 全素 available on request.
Fruity Vinaigrette Dressing
Fruit vinegar meets red wine vinegar, balsamic, grape seed and cold-pressed virgin olive oil, finished with a splash of fresh orange or tangerine juice, for a semi-sweet, delightful twist on this traditional dressing. Call for pricing.
Blackberry Vinaigrette Dressing
Another homemade recipe -- small bits of real, sweet blackberries in a tangy vinaigrette. Perfect for a delightful low-fat salad.
Tzaziki Sauce
This is a Greek and Middle-Eastern favorite. Can be used as a dip for fresh vegetables, chips or pita bread; a cool topping for burritos and nachos; or mixed with fresh vegetables for a tasty, nutritious yogurt salad. Made from local freshly produced (unsweetened) yogurt, cucumber, garlic, mint, and a splash of fresh lime juice, it's a cool complement to many dishes and snacks. small (450 ml) - $350; large (700 ml) - $450Baba Ghanouj
A savory traditional Middle-Eastern dip made from roasted eggplant, garlic, fresh tahini, extra virgin olive oil and spices. $250 (300 ml)
Pizza Sauce
Pizza sauce made freshly from imported roma and/or plum tomatoes, this is not only tastier, but also much more healthful than store-bought pizza sauces: fresh spices, and no preservatives or sugar added. For pizza lovers, there's no alternative to this fresh, natural, sugar- and preservative-free pizza sauce. $200 (300 ml container)Homemade Apple Sauce
Fresh seasonal apples slow-cooked, mashed (peels and all), with a touch of fresh cinnamon and maple syrup or honey. Perfect for latkas, pancakes, or by itself -- a wonderful, healthful snack. Call for pricing.
Soups
Mexican Black Bean Soup
Dark and hearty, my black bean soup is the perfect companion for cold winter nights and holiday parties. Made with black beans, onions, carrots and corn, and flavored with ground cumin, garlic, cayenne pepper, and imported chipotle peppers, this soup will win over anyone and everyone.
$350 / 700 ml (serves 2-3)
Coconut Squash Soup
This is a pan-Asian delight -- a sweet combination of Thai coconut and pureed squash. Flavored with fresh lime juice, cilantro, fresh ginger, garlic, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, and Thai chilies, this East-meets-West soup will warm both your heart and body.$300 / 450 ml (serves 1-2); $425 / 700 ml (serves 2-3)
Salads
Heavenly Bean Salad
A mix of fresh garbanzo beans, kidney beans, mashed roma tomatoes, calamata olives and/or green olives, and capers. Best served hot. Call for availability and pricing.
Pasta Salad
Garofalo organic pasta mixed with Brently's homemade red pepper pesto, fresh lemon juice, mixed vegetables and fresh spices, this salad works great for both a light lunch and as a party appetizer. Call for pricing.
Caprese !!!Unavailable!!!
A traditional Italian appetizer -- simple, light and absolutely scrumptious! Fresh mozzarella cheese (AKA "buffalo mozzarella") paired with slices of beefsteak tomato, complete with a mixture of extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh basil, sea salt and pepper, this appetizer will win over everyone. $250 (serves 1-2)
Breads & Muffins
Zucchini Bread
Something almost indescribable in words, zucchini bread is a favorite for almost everyone who has ever tried it, and it's good for you as well. Made with certified organic unbleached flour and whole wheat flour, organic eggs, pureed zucchini and carrot, pure honey (yes, that's right...no sugar!), real butter, pumpkin seeds and chopped walnuts. $175 / loaf
Hearty Cornbread (Call for availability)
Made from scratch with yellow corn meal, whole wheat flour, and ground flax seeds, this wholesome, hearty cornbread is both delicious and nutritious. Can be made with or without flax. Jalapeno Cornbread (pictured) also available.$150 / loaf ($175 w/ jalapenos)
Banana Nut Bread
A healthful twist on the original favorite, made with fresh bananas, whole wheat flour, toasted walnuts and pure honey -- no sugar. Makes dreamy French toast!
$175 / loaf
Blueberry Muffins
Just like Mom used to make, these muffins are chalked-full of juicy blueberries, made with whole wheat flour and pure honey -- no sugar, of course. For anyone who likes berry muffins, you gotta try these!
Miscellaneous
Roasted Baby Reds
Baby red potatoes roasted Italian-style: slow-roasted in extra virgin olive oil, with heaps of fresh garlic and rosemary, sea salt and black peppercorn, garnished with parsley and fresh dill. Potatoes never tasted this good!
Small (approx. 10 pieces) - $150;
Medium (16) - $200; Large (24) - $250
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Not just for Thanksgiving dinner! Mashed baby red potatoes -- skin and all -- mixed with gobs of Danish butter and chunks of fresh garlic, with a pinch or two of Mediterranean sea salt and ground black pepper. Your cardiologist might not be happy, but tell him Grandma said they're good for you!
Small $150; Medium $200; Large $300
Breakfast Burritos
Another American tradition, these burritos are made with scrambled eggs, cajun-fried potatoes, Brently's Chipotle Salsa, mozzarella cheese, and diced bell peppers, wrapped in a 8-inch flour tortilla. Frozen and sold individually $65 or in bags of 5 for $300.
Stuffed Bell Peppers
Red bell peppers stuffed with organic quinoa, mixed vegetables, parmesan cheese, almonds and spices, topped off with melted mozzarella cheese. $125 each
Sweets & Desserts
Fudge Brownies
An American tradition, these heavy, chocolaty brownies will soothe any chocolate or other sweet craving. Made with imported chocolate, low-fat milk, real butter and organic eggs.
$350 per pan (+$50 with toasted walnuts)***Cream Cheese Brownies, Chocolate-Coconut Brownies, Mocha Brownies (with Indonesian Java coffee) and Chocolate-Banana Brownies are also available by special order (call for pricing).
Cookies (Call for pricing)
Various types available, including chocolate chip (or M&Ms), peanut butter, oatmeal raisin, and shortbread. Holiday cookies (Valentines heart-shaped shortbread and Christmas tree shortbread, decorated per request) are also available.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)