We've been following Ethaney's cooking journey for quite some time. In fact, we can't visit our in-law's without bringing a batch of her chocolate chip cookies. They're that good. Ethaney started working her magic with Táche and has crafted some of the most elevated and interesting recipes. So we were absolutely delighted when she created these Táche cream puffs that are truly fit for royalty. In this article, we dish about her inspiration, her dream dinner party scenario, the most unexpected ingredient she keeps on hand, and most importantly, her Táche cream puff recipe.
My go-to recipe for something easy but I know will be enjoyed is chicken milanese with some sort of simple arugula salad with lots of lemon and parmesan and simple roasted potatoes. In my head, chicken milanese is like the adult, more sophisticated version of ‘chicken fingers’ and so it’s always fun to make, serve and enjoy.
I bought these very cheap simple wooden spoons that come in a pack of 4 from my local Korean market. They are meant to be used while eating soup or rice but I use these for everything. Any time I visit the Korean store, I buy another pack. While they aren’t the most high quality, for $4 for 4…they’re a steal and strangely so functional. They are my most used cooking/baking tool in my entire kitchen.
I always have radish flowers or mustard flowers in my refrigerator. They add a little something to the most simple of dishes (like toast or beans) that makes me feel really happy. Sometimes on days that feel a little bleak, I cherish anything that adds a bit of brightness and color to my life.
My dream dinner party might be hosting ‘Dinner Date’ at my home (which is where I serve a multi course meal to 9 guests that are often strangers to me and to each other!). It’s always so special to see 9 people come together who have never met, enjoy a lot food and wine, and leave feeling a bit more connected to their community, themselves and each other. The menu is ever changing but always made up with ingredients that are seasonal, a meal that feels decadent and luxurious yet very simple and cosy. It would be a menu that makes you feel warm and leave feeling comforted and cared for.
My best friend, Viv. She always inspires me to think more colorfully, to always seek beauty and to hold onto it, to never quiet the whimsy and child-like wonder I feel. Her endless creativity and the way she thinks of even the simplest things in life is so inspiring and contagious.
When I was a child, my mom used to buy a big bin of frozen cream puffs from Costco. I am not sure if I actually liked them but I still remember the slightly stale plasticky taste of the choux pastry and the frozen overly sweet custard filling. Cream puffs are nostalgic for me and also one that feel and look very magical - like something Marie Antoinette might have enjoyed. I wanted to try making choux pastry without water but with pistachio milk instead. I’ve learned that pistachio milk is so, so versatile and can be an easy replacement for any recipe that requires milk/water with so much ease. I can’t wait to use more Táche in bread baking. I think the lightly nutty flavor could add a lot of goodness.
Ethaney Lee is a home cook / digital creator who loves to honor cravings, cooking as a means of care for herself and others, and finding joy and comfort in always taking the time to do so. See what Ethaney is cooking up next @tenderherbs
