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Masterchef U.S.A. #3

Recipes From My Home Kitchen : Asian And American Comfort Food

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In her kitchen, Christine Ha possesses a rare ingredient that most professionally-trained chefs never learn to use: the ability to cook by sense. After tragically losing her sight in her twenties, this remarkable home cook, who specializes in the mouthwatering, wildly popular Vietnamese comfort foods of her childhood, as well as beloved American standards that she came to love growing up in Texas, re-learned how to cook. Using her heightened senses, she turns out dishes that are remarkably delicious, accessible, luscious, and crave-worthy.

Millions of viewers tuned in to watch Christine sweep the thrilling MasterChef Season 3 finale, and here they can find more of her deftly crafted recipes. They’ll discover food that speaks to the best of both the Vietnamese diaspora and American classics, personable tips on how to re-create delicious professional recipes in a home kitchen, and an inspirational personal narrative bolstered by Ha’s background as a gifted writer. Recipes from My Home Kitchen will braid together Christine’s story with her food for a result that is one of the most compelling culinary tales of her generation.

224 pages, Hardcover

First published May 14, 2013

130 people are currently reading
417 people want to read

About the author

Christine Ha

49 books14 followers
Christine Ha has a M.F.A. in creative nonfiction/fiction from University of Houston's Creative Writing Program, where she also served as Fiction Editor for Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts. She received a B.B.A. In finance/MIS from The University of Texas at Austin in 2001 but decided words, rather than numbers, were more her thing after an autoimmune condition caused permanent vision loss. When not at her desk writing or on the couch reading, Christine can be found in the kitchen cooking comfort food. She was the first ever blind contestant and winner of Gordon Ramsay’s "MasterChef" season 3 on FOX. Her first cookbook, Recipes from My Home Kitchen: Asian and American Comfort Food (Rodale), was released on May 14, 2013.

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5 stars
175 (40%)
4 stars
146 (33%)
3 stars
92 (21%)
2 stars
18 (4%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Bert Edens.
Author 4 books38 followers
September 10, 2016
I was, like many, inspired by Christine Ha while watching her on MasterChef Season 3. Somehow, I completely missed the show until the finale, so I got to see her win, then I had to go back and pick up previous episodes, discover her blog, etc. The more I read, the more I liked. So when I found out she got a cookbook deal with her win, I couldn't wait to dig into it, especially considering the way she mixes southern comfort foods (I live in Arkansas) with Asian cuisine (hands-down my favorite).

So what did I think? Can I give more than five stars? :) I really like the straight-forward way Ha explains her recipes and the history behind them. She also has many cooking tips that are easy to understand, helping amateur cooks like myself learn more about the art. I've already got a recipe planned to fix, as I'm making the Cháo Gà for lunch tomorrow. Can't wait!
Profile Image for ♪ Kim N.
453 reviews100 followers
May 30, 2016
I saw Christine Ha win Master Chef and was impressed by her fine palate and natural feel for cooking. So far I've enjoyed reading about her development as a cook, recreating her mom's recipes, finding joy and comfort in sharing good food with family and friends. Her cooking tips are simple and clear. I look forward (especially) to trying out her soups and sauces.
Profile Image for Shannonmde.
612 reviews9 followers
November 18, 2013
NLS Annotation --

RECIPES FROM MY HOME KITCHEN: ASIAN AND AMERICAN COMFORT FOOD FROM THE WINNER OF MASTERCHEF SEASON THREE
HA, CHRISTINE, 1979- Original Date: 2013

Winner of TV's MasterChef recalls teaching herself to make treasured comfort foods as a teenager after her mother's death, losing her vision to neuromyelitis optica at age twenty-five, and relearning to cook. Recipes range from appetizers to desserts, chicken pot pie to ginger-coconut tuiles. 2013.
BR 20085 DB 76676

The first line in Christine Ha’s cookbook is, “I did not grow up cooking by my mama’s side.” Me neither, and I am still not the primary cook at my house. She describes her college cooking in much a way that I would describe my current cooking, “the food was average: edible but not particularly exciting”. She took that averageness and it sparked her to explore in the kitchen, learn more and she went on to become the winner of MasterChef.

Throughout the course of the book, Christine lists she would eat for her last meal if she could choose. She, of course, describes a seven course meal to include her love of sashimi, French fries, her mom’s egg rolls, fried chicken, pho, and finishes it off with Oreos, milk and Bluebell Vanilla Ice Cream. (Yes, Bluebell.. Can you tell she’s a Texan?) She also throughout the book describes her relationship with the recipe. For example with her caramelized chicken wing recipe she talks about how since she’s from the South and attended the University of Texas at Austin, naturally she’s a football fan and “wings are to watching football on TV as popcorn is to watching movies in the theater.”

In the acknowledgements Christine thanks, “the staff at the Division of Blind Services, a part of the Department of Assistive and Rehabilitative Services of Texas”. If you are interested in more information about the services available from the Division of Blind Services, please contact: __________.

Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,052 reviews22 followers
September 23, 2013
The stories in this cook book were so sweet! It was so refreshing to have a cookbook author admit they didn't grow up loving cooking! It made me think, yay, there's hope for me yet! Christine Ha tells lovely stories of triumphs and challenges, and this cookbook is truly an homage to her Asian and American cultures. (Pho and Fried Chicken are both featured!)

The only downside for me was not having a clear direction with a few dishes. For example, the Pho calls for "medium size flat asian noodles". I got to the store and realized I didn't know what a medium vs. small vs. large noodle was. The noodles at my store were divided into what was used to make them (brown rice, spelt, flour, etc) and I wasn't sure what was the best route to take. (Hint: Don't get Annie Chun's brown rice noodle - very tasteless!)

Overall, great stories and a fun cookbook.
Profile Image for Bunny .
2,396 reviews116 followers
September 19, 2013
I don't watch MasterChef. It's weird, because I love what a total jerk Gordon Ramsay is. I blame my hatred for all things Fox.

However, after looking through this book, I'm going to at least watch Season 3. I'm a sucker for a great back story, and the idea of a blind chef is just mind boggling to me. I want to watch her work.

These recipes are FANTASTIC. There's even a recipe for one of my top 5 crack foods, Vietnamese egg rolls. I don't know where I'll find the proper wrappers, but I WILL MAKE THIS HAPPEN. Especially since I don't work with the guy whose grandmother got roped into making them for me ALL THE TIME after he made the mistake of giving me a few one day.

If she can cook, I can cook. I need to remember that.
Profile Image for Shannon.
42 reviews11 followers
July 3, 2013
I watched Christine Ha compete in last season's reality TV show/cooking competition MasterChef and I was really happy when she won. Christine Ha is legally blind, so the fact that she can cook so incredibly well is inspiring. This cookbook was a pleasure to read because it's not just recipes. She talks about her late mom's cooking and gives insight and tips on becoming more skilled in the kitchen. I usually do not purchase cookbooks, rather I just borrow them from the library and photocopy the few recipes I am interested in, but I want to add this one to my personal collection. I am looking forward to trying some of her recipes on my own.
Profile Image for Tanya.
496 reviews17 followers
March 23, 2022
The American recipes were blah to me. I didn't see any innovation with flavoring and ingredients. The Vietnamese recipes on the other hand were spectacular and worth owning the book for.
531 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2013
Very well-written. Enjoyed the forward by Gordon Ramsey. Christine's comments about the recipes sound just like her and really add to the book. She shares family recipes, a few Master Chef challenge recipes and then American favorites like spaghetti & meatballs, meatloaf and then dessert. I'm eager to try her recipes.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1 review1 follower
July 25, 2013
So far i have made a few things out of this new book. The Candied Bacon was pretty fantastic, while i think i messed up the Browned Butter Ice Cream. However it smelt so good I am willing to give it another shot. In the meantime it is now an "Adult" coffee enhancer
234 reviews1 follower
June 23, 2013
it's very inspiring to learn that so much can be accomplished by someone who is bld
Profile Image for Oasis Tse.
18 reviews
August 8, 2023
If you're a foodie looking to spice up your cooking game, then "Recipes From My Home Kitchen: Asian And American Comfort Food" by Christine Ha is the cookbook for you. As a visually impaired Vietnamese-American home cook who won the title of MasterChef winner in Season 3 of MasterChef USA, Christine Ha has compiled an aggregation of recipes that reflect her eclectic culinary background and her love for comfort food that she hopes will touch her readers' taste buds and hearts.

From dishes like Korean Fried Chicken to Pho and Banh Mi that touch her roots, Ha combines Asian and American flavors and ingredients in a way that makes your taste buds dance with delight (From personal experience!). She also doesn't shy away from classic American recipes like Mac & Cheese and good ol' Fried Chicken. This delicacy of a cookbook is also excellently made, with mouthwatering photos that will make your mouth swim. Personally, one of my favorite aspects of this cookbook is the way Ha delivers coherent instructions that ensure a culinary rollercoaster but also manages to infuse each of her recipes with her personality and experience. This cookbook is more than just a list of ingredients and instructions; it's also an account of her life and how it inspired her to create these heart-touching recipes.

On the other hand, I will agree that some of the recipes are a little complicated and necessitate quite a few ingredients. This is not a cookbook for those looking for a quick and easy meal but rather for grander occasions like family gatherings. One of the reasons this cookbook piqued my interest is that I'm always up for a challenge. Personally, the Korean Fried Chicken recipe was one of my favorites. It was easy to follow, and the result was a delicious dinner that all my friends enjoyed. In addition, the Banh Mi sandwich was another recipe that jumped out to me because my sister and I grew up loving Thai and Vietnamese flavors.

Overall, I give it a 4/5 and would recommend "Recipes From My Home Kitchen" to anyone looking to delve into their own culinary journey and/or looking for something fresh and interesting to try. Not only does Ha's personality shines through on every single page, but her recipes are also fantastic. :)
Profile Image for Adrienna.
Author 18 books242 followers
July 22, 2018
She was a remarkable contestant from Master Chef. I was excited to see she won even though I liked the tall black man she was challenging as well during this season. I love Asian food, and would like to see how she masters both comfort food with Asian cuisine. I also hope to find some vegetarian/vegan options or will tweak it myself.

Amazing how a woman has lost sight but made some appealing and appetizing platters on the TV show. Let's see if there is anything inside the cookbook that I can try and/or eat, or even like.

Sadly, since I am learning to eat more vegetarian meals, I did not see anything really offered or as a substitution. However, the recipes of interest are:
Chicken Curry (see if I can do everything except the chicken)
Fried Rice (no ketcup one that she has but pull out my wok that I have not used in years)
Sour Prawn soup (trying to figure out where to get prawns, can be jumbo shrimp)
Clam chowder (one of my fave soups, but try to do without clam may not work)
sticky rice p 61 (chicken was my fave meat and honey glazed sounds good)
But what is maggi sauce, and where can I get Chinese sausage, guess go to the International market or Asian store on the South side of Sac
Egg rolls without meat, have made before

Western classics is the best section of the entire cookbook
*Chicken pot pie (have made on my own but may try hers without the homemade crust, going gluten free, so have a pie crust in freezer already to try)
Buttermilk fried chicken, used to be my fave as a kid since Mrs. Thomas used to make so delicious
meat loaf or burgers sound good if you eat meat

Can do the smashed purple potatoes but although it is simple recipe, doesn't sound too good. I will try.
Garlic mash potatoes

Sweets:
dark choc fudge brownies
browned butter ice cream
coconut lime sorbet
peach sweet tea
honey lavender ice cream
Leisure read 2018
Profile Image for Katie.
228 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2021
I was so inspired by Christine Ha when I saw her on MasterChef Season 3 that I just had to get her cookbook when it came out! She’s an amazingly-talented chef, with a bright personality, that creates both delicious & stunningly beautiful dishes, and... oh yeah, have I mentioned she’s blind? A blind Chef! She’s amazing.

I’m going to have to get some Maggi Sauce and Fish Sauce to make a few of the Asian influenced recipes like the Caramelized Chicken Wings, and the Sticky Rice with Honey-Glazed Chicken and Chinese Sausage but other than those 2 ingredients I pretty much have everything else on hand. Looking forward to trying her Honey Lavender Ice Cream, Roasted Brussels with Caramelized Fish Sauce, and Chicken Tikka Masala but definitely making the My Mama’s Egg Rolls first!!!!
Profile Image for Danielle T.
1,309 reviews14 followers
May 12, 2020
3.5 rounded up to 4. I haven't watched Master Chef so I'm missing the context of challenges. Once again, am reading cookbooks without trying them (though I've been meaning to make oatmeal cookies anyway so I'll probably do those later this week and will update accordingly).

I didn't realize Christine was blind! The biographic notes in between and within recipes are well done. It was an interesting choice to have the Vietnamese/Thai/etc dish names alongside an English translation (pad see ew is referred to as "soy sauce stir-fried noodles") and i wonder if that's because they thought readers/Master Chef fans needed extra context/familiarity?
Profile Image for Rebecca.
503 reviews
December 8, 2017
Pictures of Recipes? Some.
Commentary on Recipes? Yes.
Nutrition Facts? No.
Recipe Style? A mix of classic Asian dishes, to modern American food.
Any Keepers? Not really.

An interesting mix of styles. You get recipes from all over the world, with emphasis on Vietnamese cuisine, mixed with classic American dishes. You'll find recipes like Thai Basil Clams - and then you'll see Cajun Crawfish Boil on the next page.
Profile Image for Furrawn.
651 reviews62 followers
November 14, 2017
Absolutely the best fried chicken you will ever eat. I'm a southerner so I know about fried chicken. Christine is a hero in my book because she's dealt with her loss of vision like a true hero. She's an inspiration.

Make the fried chicken. I'm serious. Best fried chicken ever.
Profile Image for Tanya.
250 reviews1 follower
September 1, 2024
I have tried 2 recipes, the pork belly, and quick pickled vegetables. Both are very, very sweet. The pickles z touch too salty. I like reading her recipes but for these I would really cute down on the sugar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Lena.
189 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2024
I can definitely see myself following many recipes from this book! It was great and easy to follow, i also love the little tips and tricks in it to make the cooking easier and the substitutions for ingredients or dishes! Absolutely adore this book. And can’t wait to try the recipes in it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
526 reviews
September 24, 2025
Christina Ha is a miracle chef who won Gordon Ramsay's Master Chef several years ago and made the winning dishes while blind! I am glad to have a copy of her recipe book and cannot wait to try more! I didn't care much for the Ketchup Fried Rice recipe, but the teenagers in my family did!
Profile Image for Loree.
304 reviews
September 12, 2022
I think she’s sweet and the text of this recipe book was nice but none of the recipes jumped out at me thar I just felt I had to make them.
Profile Image for Diana H..
816 reviews2 followers
June 4, 2015
I watched the entire third season of Master Chef. From the very first time I saw Christine Ha I was entranced. How could a blind person possibly cook in a competition where nothing was familiar and she was allowed no extra time to complete her dishes? I just had to see this through to the end.
Christine was and is an amazing chef. She managed to impress the judges in her audition and received one of the aprons.
It didn't seem to matter what challenges were placed in front of her, Christine seemed to rise to the occasion and do her best - which was generally pretty impressive. I remember when the challenge was to make an apple pie. I was thinking throughout that entire segment that Christine was going home - I mean how would she be able to tell when the crust was that perfect golden color the judges were looking for?
Incredibly, Christine made one of the best pies they had on that episode.
I enjoyed watching her so much that when she won the Master Chef title, I said I was going to buy her cookbook when it was published. Well, it has been and I will be.
Yeah!!!
Profile Image for J.M..
Author 302 books567 followers
December 31, 2013
My sister bought me this for Christmas. I loved Christine on the third season of MasterChef and am really anxious to try her delicious Asian-inspired recipes at home.

I marked this book as a memoir because throughout, the author has peppered each recipe with a personal reminiscence. This is very beautiful and touching, and a little bittersweet (her mother died when she was in her teens). Our experiences and connections are what make good food great, and it's nice to read how a chef feels about a particular dish that may come to mean something special in your home, too.

Can't wait to try these delish dishes!
Profile Image for Anna.
1,024 reviews41 followers
August 11, 2016
I watched Christine's mesmerizing performance on that season of MasterChef. It was absolutely compelling to watch her competing against other amateur chefs with complex dishes and picture perfect presentations -- the amazing thing is that she is blind. And she was completely gracious during the entire competition.

This cookbook features foods from both of her culinary heritages -- Vietnamese / Asian -- along with Southern / Texas favorites. It's a lot of fun with some great pictures.
Profile Image for Ginny Pennekamp.
252 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2014
Man, Americans do not like to eat vegetables. I figured, with her Vietnamese background, there might be some light, refreshing meals in here. And... it's mostly fairly heavy, vegetable free, American comfort food. Which is fine -- I'll keep a bunch of recipes around for Finn, but... nothing mindblowing was in here.
Profile Image for Xin Tong.
11 reviews1 follower
March 24, 2016
I watched the full season of master chef Christine participated in. Her story and the process within the show is just pure delightful and cheerful. So, I held a strong hope for this book and when I finally had a chance to read it through, it is kind of flat. Without the background information, this is just one of those mundane street-style cookbooks.
Profile Image for Sarah.
939 reviews
Read
December 30, 2014
It's hard to say that I've "read" a cookbook, as pointed out to me today, but I now own this one and I'm beyond excited to cook from it!

So I'm counting it. Like I counted the three other cookbooks that I bought this year and also already highlighted recipes in! YAY FOR COOKING!!!
4 reviews
January 23, 2015
crap, crap and more crap. I like her persona and appearance in master chef, this book however does not do justice to the culinary talent she exude on the tv series.
not a cookbook for those who are looking to explore asian/vietnamese cooking.
Profile Image for Anne Brockhoff.
20 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2015
Christine Ha is an inspiration, and her book is a delight to read. I especially enjoyed the glossary, which includes ingredients like coconut soda and Maggi sauce, and the many explanatory notes throughout. But this is a personal book for Ha, and you feel like you know her when you've finished.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews

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