Can you feel it? It's only Thanksgiving and the holiday intensity is palpable. What do you get your 75-year-old grandma, college-student, or postal worker for the holidays? This year, rather than handing them an impersonal gift card (which will forever remain in the junk drawer graveyard), stuff stockings full of their favorite Asian goodies. Joy! With these ideas, your holiday shopping is almost done.

Ramen, Shirataki Noodles, and Pocky: Satisfying Snacks for College Students

Every college kid suffers from cafeteria overload. "Scrambled eggs..again?" Stuff your college student's stocking with satisfying snacks for all-night study sessions. College students love Pocky, especially if they majored in Japanese or joined an Anime club. If they're too old for stockings but you still want to get them something sweet, check out this Pocky Lovers pack. And you can't go wrong with Ramen noodles; an easy-to-make, classic dorm room delight. If they're trying to avoid the freshman fifteen, fill their stocking with healthy Shirataki noodles instead.

Warm Hearts with German Coffee and Good Conversation

Your stylist intently listens to all your troubles, your postal worker fights rain and snow to bring you your mail, and your dog groomer does an excellent job with Fido's nails. This year, think beyond the cash tip. Gourmet, world-renowned Kronung German coffee shows your favorite people in the service industry how much you appreciate their hard work. And the caffeine gives them just the boost they need. Every present is better shared -- invite them inside, pour two cups of German coffee and listen to their stories. Good conversation over a savory cup of Joe is the best gift of all.

Jolly Japanese Candy for Kids

Stockings hung by the chimney with care...and full of Japanese candies! Japanese candy is colorful, sweet, and absolutely delightful! Kids can't get enough of Hello Kitty snacks and candy. Put this Hello Candy gift pack under the tree for a sweet surprise from Santa. If you'd rather not deal with the sugar after effects, stuff their stocking with non-edible trinkets like these super-cute collectible erasers.

Holiday Gifts and Asian Cooking Sets for the World's Best Grandparents

When the holidays are only three days away and your scrambling for gifts, do not succumb to that "World's Best Grandma" sweatshirt. Sure, everyone likes to be the "World's Best" but it's a tad uncouth when she shows up to the Senior Center and sees her friend wearing the same shirt. Japanese bath salts and soft, chewy candy make great stocking stuffers for seniors. And every Grandma, World's Best or not will love this tea kettle. If she's the crafty type check out our wide selection of origami paper. And for the "World's Best" cook, take a look at our sushi sets and bundle packs of miso paste and soup.

We'll showcase sweet holiday gifts and Asian recipes all season long, so check back soon. In the meantime, stock up on all the Asian groceries you'll need for the holidays at Asian Food Grocer. 

Asian Turkey Casserole, Wasabi Mashed Potatoes, and Other Asian Food Recipes

Every year after Thanksgiving, million of Americans peer into the fridge and wonder what to do with all those leftovers. Turkey sandwiches? Turkey pot pie? Turkey spaghetti? This year, give an Asian twist to those Thanksgiving trimmings so you won't get that horrendous turkey hangover. Gobble, gobble.

Asian Turkey Casserole with Curry Powder

Curry powder adds a kick to this delicious Turkey casserole. Recipe from the National Turkey Federation.

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen broccoli spears, cooked and drained
• 2 cups cooked turkey, cubed
• 1 can (10 1/2 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1/4 cup reduced calorie mayonnaise
• 1 1/2 teaspoons lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon curry powder
• 1 cup seasoned croutons

Directions:
In an 8-inch square baking dish, arrange broccoli and top with turkey. In a small bowl, combine soup, mayonnaise, lemon juice and curry powder. Pour over turkey and top with croutons. Bake in a preheated 350 degree F. oven for 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.

 

Asian Turkey Noodle Soup

Perfect for a family of four, this savory Asian turkey noodle soup comes from the National Turkey Federation. The ground ginger and Asian noodles make this soup perfect for a chilly winter day. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

• 5 cups turkey broth or canned low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup sliced baby carrots
• 1/2 cup green onions, cut into 1/2-inch slices
• 1 teaspoon minced fresh garlic
• 1-1/2 cups cooked turkey, chopped
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons low-sodium soy sauce
• 1/2 cup Asian noodles, curly

Directions:

In a medium saucepan, over medium heat, bring broth, carrots, green onion and garlic to a simmer. Simmer for five minutes and add cooked turkey, ginger, and soy sauce. Stir in Asian noodles and continue to simmer until noodles are tender.

Asian Turkey Broccoli Stir Fry

This recipe comes from our Asian Food Recipes. It's a light tasty meal that makes a nice follow up to that heavy Thanksgiving Food. Preparation time: 10 minutes Cooking time: 10 minutes.

(Per serving: 403 calories, 8.2 g. fat(18% of calories), 4.6 g. dietary fiber, 68 mg. cholesterol, 404 mg. sodium.)

Ingredients:

• 8  oz turkey breast boneless and skinless
• 1  tb Low sodium soy sauce 
• 1  tb honey
• 2   cloves garlic, minced
• 2  ts oil
• 1  cup broccoli florets
• 1  cup sliced sweet peppers
• 1/4  cup de-fatted chicken stock
• 1 1/2  cup hot cooked brown rice

Directions:

Cut the turkey into strips. In a medium bowl, stir together the soy sauce, honey and garlic. Add the turkey and toss to coat. 

In a wok or large frying pan over medium-high heat, heat the oil for 1 minute. Add the turkey and stir-fry for 3 minutes, or until opaque. Remove with slotted spoon and keep warm.
Add the broccoli and peppers to the pan. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add the stock and continue to stir-fry for 2 minutes, or until the vegetables are crisp-tender. Return the turkey to the pan and toss briefly. Serve over the rice.

Wasabi Mashed Potatoes

Need a quick, but satisfying meal before the Black Friday shopping begins? Try this easy recipe for Wasabi mashed potatoes. Or try Wasabi peas instead of peas from a can.

• 1 medium russet potato
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Wasabi powder

Directions:

Place the potato in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil and cook until tender, (about 30 minutes). Remove from the heat and peel. Mash well. Add butter, salt, freshly ground black pepper, powdered garlic, and wasabi powder. Mix well.

Shop Asian Food Grocer for all your Asian groceries and holiday fixin's.  Have a warm, happy, and safe holiday!