Author

2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Hi, and welcome to 2 Hungry Birds! We’re always trying new things, from food products and kitchen finds to restaurants we think are worth your time, and we share what we like, how we use it, and why it stands out. The blog is meant to be a source of inspiration, a place where you can discover new products and get ideas for what to try next. We make a point of supporting smaller brands and newer businesses whenever we can, especially when there’s a good story and a product that’s genuinely great. We mostly blog about food items and exciting new snacks with the occasional kitchen gadget, lifestyle or beauty product mixed in.

Recipes

10-minute Meal: Dan Dan Noodles with Chinese Laundry Dan Dan Sauce

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne August 23, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

With the Dan Dan Sauce from Chinese Laundry in your kitchen arsenal, you’re never more than 10 minutes away from a delicious meal. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a hurried home cook, this sauce transforms simple noodles into something amazing.

Dan Dan noodles, hailing from Sichuan province in China, are a seamless blend of chewy noodles drenched in a savory, spicy sauce made from chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame or peanut paste, and minced meat. As for the name “Dan Dan”, it refers to the bamboo poles that street vendors traditionally used to carry their cooking pots . Over time, these noodles have evolved, with regional and international variations emerging.

This recipe is for the meatless, straight-out-of-the-jar version, but you can add minced pork or beef (fried until slightly crispy) if you wish.

10-minute Meal: Dan Dan Noodles with Chinese Laundry Dan Dan Sauce

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds

Course: NoodlesCuisine: Chinese

Servings

serving

Ingredients

US Metric

2-3 tablespoons 2-3 Chinese Laundry Dan Dan Sauce
1 serving 1 Medium-sized round wheat noodles (Alternative: flat noodles, knife-cut noodles, rice noodles, or pasta)
1-2 1-2 garlic cloves, chopped finely.
1-2 tablespoons 1-2 chopped cilantro
1-2 tablespoons 1-2 chopped scallions or green onions
1-2 tablespoons 1-2 roasted, chopped peanuts

Directions

Prep the Noodles:
Boil a pot of water and cook your chosen noodles according to the package instructions or until they are al dente.
Once done, drain the noodles and set aside.
Sauce It Up:
Stir the Dan Dan Sauce well, so all the ingredients are mixed together. Mix the desired amount of Chinese Laundry’s Dan Dan Sauce and the chopped garlic with the noodles, based on your spice preference and how many noodles you’ve cooked. Start with 1 tablespoon and gradually add to get the flavor just right. Toss the noodles with the sauce, ensuring an even coat.
Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with green onions, chopped peanuts and cilantro.

Recipe Video

August 23, 2023 0 comments

Blog

How to turn a muffin into a delicious dessert?

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne August 12, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Muffins are scrumptious solo acts, but add a dollop of sour cream and a spoonful of your favorite jam, and voila! swirl of jam, and voilà! You’ve transformed a humble treat into a delicious dessert in less than 5 minutes!

1. Warm It Up: Start by warming your muffin. This process can bring out its rich flavors, making it soft and ultra-inviting. Pop it into an oven preheated to 350°F (175°C) for about 5 minutes or microwave it for 15-20 seconds until it’s just warm.

2. The Magic of Sour Cream: Now, this might sound a tad unconventional to some, but a dollop of sour cream can add a wonderful tangy richness. The cool creaminess of the sour cream juxtaposes beautifully with the warmth of the muffin, providing a texture and flavor contrast that’s both surprising and delightful.

3. Jam On: When it comes to jam, quality matters. A premium jam like Blake Hill Preserves’ Apricot & Orange adds a touch of fruity brightness, while their Tart Cherry with Cardamom and Port offers a depth of flavor that’s both tart and sophisticated. The layers of flavor – from the muffin’s sweetness, the sour cream’s tang, and the jam’s fruity notes – create a medley of sensations in every bite.

Alternative Ideas:

Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for added sweetness.

Sprinkle with toasted nuts for a crunchy element.

Add a few slices of fruit or a couple of berries to match the jam of your choice.

Apricot with Orange & Honey - Blake Hill Preserves - Shop - 2 Hungry Birds

August 12, 2023 0 comments

Breakfast

Recipe: Dragon Fruit Breakfast Bowl with Greek yogurt and granola

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne July 23, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Here is a new and delicious way to start your day. This delightful Dragon Fruit Breakfast Bowl with Greek yogurt and granola looks gorgeous and tastes divine. The recipe only has three ingredients but can be tweaked in any way you like.

Want something sweeter? Drizzle with honey. Want more fruit? Add berries, mango or young coconut. You can also replace the Greek yogurt with vanilla ice cream or coconut ice cream and serve it as a refreshing summer dessert.

We are using the nut free Cardamom & Cinnamon Granola from Hungry Bird Eats, which we think works particularly well with the dragon fruit flavor, but feel free to use any granola you like.

Recipe: Dragon Fruit Breakfast Bowl with Greek yogurt and granola

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds

Course: Breakfast, Dessert

Servings

servings

Ingredients

1 dragon fruit
10 tablespoons Greek yogurt
4 tablespoons granola
Fresh mint leaves (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Wash the dragon fruit under running water to remove any dirt or impurities.
Carefully slice the dragon fruit in half.
Using a melon baller or a small spoon, gently scoop out small, round dragon fruit balls from the flesh. Set them aside. Scoop out any remaining dragon fruit flesh.
Add 3 tablespoons of Greek yogurt to each of the the dragon fruit halves.
Now, it’s time to add those delightful dragon fruit balls to the yogurt bed. Carefully place them on top of the yogurt, arranging them in a visually pleasing pattern.
Add 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt on top of the dragon fruit balls.
It’s granola time! Sprinkle your favorite granola over the yogurt and dragon fruit.
Garnish with fresh mint leaves and serve immediately.

Shop Hungry Bird Eats Granola:

July 23, 2023 0 comments

Recipes

Recipe: Warm Goat Cheese Toasts with Olive Tapenade

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne July 21, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Sanne: I first had these warm goat cheese toasts at a friend’s place, and I was immediately hooked. It’s such a great snack, and you only need 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make it. A perfect nibble along with pre-dinner drinks, at the tapas table, or served together with a hearty soup.

I prefer to make the toasts with sour dough baguette, but any regular baguette would do too. The Spread-mmms tapenade has a nice kick that goes well with the sharp goat cheese flavor, but you can use any olive tapenade of your liking.

Recipe: Warm Goat Cheese Toasts with Olive Tapenade

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds – Sanne

I first had these warm goat cheese toasts at a friend’s place, and I was immediately hooked. It’s such a great snack, and you only need 4 ingredients and 10 minutes to make it. A perfect nibble along with pre-dinner drinks, at the tapas table, or served together with a creamy tomato soup.

Course: Appetizers, Snacks

Servings

pieces

Ingredients

1 baguette
2 tablespoons olive tapenade
1 small log of goat cheese with rind ( you would need enough to cut 12 discs, ½ inch (1 ½ cm) thick
Olive oil to drizzle

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (225°C)
Cut the baguette into 12 slices about ½ inch thick.
Pour a bit of olive oil on a plate and dip each side of the sliced bread in the oil.
Place the olive-soaked bread slices on a baking sheet.
Cut the goat cheese log into 12 discs about ½ inch thick.
Place the cheese on top of the bread slices.
Bake for 4-5 minutes and keep an eye on the toasts all the time, as they are easy to burn. When the bread is slightly golden, and the cheese turns soft and start melting the toasts are ready.
Top with olive tapenade and serve hot. You can also add the tapenade before baking. I’ve tried both options, and I like the flavor better, when added afterwards.

Recipe Video

July 21, 2023 0 comments

Recipes

Recipe: Lemon Curd

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne July 9, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Lemon curd is a delightful, tangy spread, perfect for adding a burst of citrus flavor to a variety of baked goods and desserts. The velvety texture and the vibrant taste make lemon curd an ideal companion for scones, biscuits, or crackers, but you can also use it as a filling for tarts, cakes, or pastries, or simply spoon it over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious, zesty twist.

Lemon curd can be stored in the refrigerator for 7-10 days, and while it is tempting to save it for special occasions, don’t hesitate to use this versatile spread to bring a touch of sunshine to everyday meals. Making your own lemon curd is surprisingly straightforward, and the result is a treat that far surpasses any store-bought version.

Recipe: Lemon Curd

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds

Lemon curd is a delightful, tangy spread, perfect for adding a burst of citrus flavor to a variety of baked goods and desserts. The velvety texture and the vibrant taste make lemon curd an ideal companion for scones, biscuits, or toast, but you can also use it as a filling for tarts, cakes, or pastries, or simply spoon it over yogurt or ice cream for a delicious, zesty twist.

Course: jams and spreads

Servings

small jar

Ingredients

US Metric

1 tablespoon 1 finely grated zest (~ 1 lemon)
4 4 egg yolks
½ cup ½ lemon juice (juice from 1-2 lemons)
½ cup ½ sugar
¾ stick ¾ butter

Directions

Whisk the egg yolks in a saucepan. Add lemon juice, lemon zest and sugar. Whisk together until the mixture is well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat, and cook the mixture, stirring constantly, until the sugar has fully dissolved.
Continue to cook the mixture over low heat while stirring until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes. Whisk constantly to prevent the yolks from curdling.
Once the mixture has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Add the butter, a few pieces at a time, stirring after each addition until the butter is completely melted and incorporated into the mixture.
Transfer the lemon curd to a jar or a bowl.

July 9, 2023 0 comments

Recipes

Recipe: Multi-seed crackers with whipped ricotta and lemon curd

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne July 9, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

Sanne: I usually eat multi-seed crackers with cheese or with savory spreads, but the other day, I decided to stir it up a bit, literally speaking, and had the crackers with whipped ricotta and lemon curd. Tangy lemon curd, creamy ricotta and savory, crunchy multi-seed crackers, – this is a great snack for when you are craving something sweet, but not too sweet, along with your favorite cup of tea.

Curious about making your own lemon curd? Here is my recipe (mitziemee.com) >>

The Rye + Sea Salt multi-seed crackers from Hungry Bird Eats are particularly good for this recipe, but you can use any type of savory multi-seed crackers.

Multi-seed crackers with whipped ricotta and lemon curd

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds – Sanne

I usually eat multi-seed crackers with cheese or with savory spreads, but the other day, I decided to stir it up a bit, literally speaking, and had the crackers with whipped ricotta and lemon curd. Tangy lemon curd, creamy ricotta and savory, crunchy multi-seed crackers, – this is a great snack for when you are craving something sweet, but not too sweet, along with your favorite cup of tea.

Course: Snacks

Servings

crackers

Ingredients

US Metric

12 12 multi-seed crackers
1 cup 1 ricotta cheese
4 tablespoons 4 lemon curd
Lemon balm leaves for decoration

Directions

Prepare the whipped ricotta: In a mixing bowl, add the ricotta cheese. Using a hand mixer or a whisk, whip the ricotta until it becomes light and fluffy. This will take about 2-3 minutes of mixing.
Assemble the crackers: Take a Rye + Sea Salt cracker from the pack and spread a generous amount of whipped ricotta on top.
Spoon a small dollop of lemon curd on the ricotta layer.
Garnish and serve: Place a fresh lemon balm leaf on each cracker for decoration. Arrange the prepared crackers on a serving plate. Serve with your favorite cup of tea or lemonade.

July 9, 2023 0 comments

Recipes

Recipe: Spring Rolls with Caramelized Pork

by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne June 25, 2023

written by 2 Hungry Birds - Sanne

The great thing about spring rolls is that they are delicious, easy to make, and you can fill them with whatever you like. The following recipe is close to a classic Vietnamese spring roll, except I made them a little tastier by adding caramelized pork. If you are not a pork eater, you can substitute with chicken, which is mostly how I make them.

Recipe: Spring Rolls with Caramelized Pork

Recipe by 2 Hungry Birds – Tina

Course: Appetizers, SnacksCuisine: Vietnam

Servings

spring rolls

Ingredients

2 squares rice vermicelli noodles
1 tablespoon white vinegar
2 tablespoons fried onions
2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
1 head romaine lettuce
1 small bunch fresh cilantro
1 small bunch mint leaves
A big handful of bean sprouts
3.75 inches (10 cm) English cucumber, cut into thin sticks
1 lb (500 gram) pork belly (I used pork butt chop) or 2 chicken breasts, cut into small strips
1 tablespoon sunflower or canola oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
¾ inch ginger, minced
½ tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon fish sauce
1 ½ tablespoons oyster sauce
Rice paper
Dipping sauce
Hoisin sauce
Sriracha chili sauce
Roasted chopped peanuts

Directions

Boil water in a medium size pot and add 1 tablespoon of vinegar. Add the rice vermicelli noodles and separate them while they are cooking using chopsticks or two forks until the noodles are cooked al dente. Strain the water from the noodles. You can add a drop of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together, and then let the noodles cool off. Spread the noodles on a plate and toss fried onions and peanuts over them.
Clean and prepare the vegetables and lay them out on a large serving plate.
Heat a large pan over medium-high until hot, and then add the oil, garlic and ginger. Sauté for a minute and then add the meat and cook until browned. Sprinkle sugar over the meat, sauté for another minute, and then add the fish sauce and oyster sauce. Sauté for a few more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Assemble the spring rolls one at a time by dipping the rice paper in a bowl of water and laying it out on a plate, and then adding lettuce, noodles, meat, cucumber, mint and cilantro to the end of the wrap closest to you. Roll the spring roll halfway, then fold in the sides and roll the rest of the way. Continue until you have used all of the ingredients.
Serve with a little dipping bowl of hoisin sauce and chili sauce with a sprinkle of chopped peanuts.

June 25, 2023 0 comments