FOOD Page 16 n THE ASIAN REPORTER February 6, 2023 Miss USA R’Bonney Gabriel wins Miss Universe Continued from page 9 Chakrapong “Anne” Chakrajutathib, who controls JKN Global Group Public Co. Ltd., is a reality show star in Thailand who is outspoken about being a transgender woman. Chakrajutathib said when the purchase was announced in October that she wanted to “evolve the brand for the next generation.” According to Miss Universe, Gabriel is a former high school volleyball player and graduate of the University of North Texas. A short bio posted on the organization’s website said she is also CEO of her own sustainable clothing line. “We all have something special, and when we plant those seeds to other people in our life, we transform them and we use that as a vehicle for change,” Gabriel said. Nearly 90 contestants from around the world took part in the competition, organizers said, involving “personal statements, in-depth interviews, and various categories including evening gown and swimwear.” The second runner-up was Miss Dominican Republic, Andreina Martinez. Miss Curacao, Gabriela Dos Santos, and Miss Puerto Rico, Ashley Carino, rounded out the top five finalists. Last year’s winner was Harnaaz Sandhu of India. Diabetes Awareness 1 out of 3 adults in the US have prediabetes, but most don’t know they have it. You can take action and reduce your risk of developing type 2 diabetes. Take a free screening or talk to your doctor. Diabetes risk factors include: • having prediabetes • being 45 years or older • having a family member with type 2 diabetes • being active less than 3 times a week SPICY & CRUNCHY. Pictured is a Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Ham, a recipe from Cook What You Have. (Milk Street via AP) Kimchi in grilled cheese? It’s a spicy, crunchy flavor boost By Christopher Kimball Christopher Kimball’s Milk Street e’ve upped the ante on the original pull-from-the-pantry meal — the grilled cheese — with one potent ingredient: kimchi. And we use it two ways for a double dose of flavor. Cheese with kimchi may sound odd, but the pairing is hardly new. Budae jjigae, otherwise known as army base stew, originates with the Korean War. It’s a hot pot made with American surplus foods, such as hot dogs, baked beans, and instant noodles, along with kimchi and American cheese. It loosely inspired this recipe from our book Cook What You Have, which draws on W pantry staples to assemble easy, weeknight meals. The fermented cabbage and its flavorful brine combine for a spicy, crunchy, umami-rich sandwich that’s far more interesting than what you had as a kid. Besides putting the kimchi between the bread, we also mix its brine with mayon- naise to spread on the outside. Using mayonnaise instead of butter allows you to cook the sandwich over (slightly) higher heat. That heat helps melt the cheese in- side but also increases flavorful browning on the bread with less risk of burning. Sliced deli ham or cooked bacon can turn the sandwich into a fuller meal, but the sandwich still is tasty without it. Editor’s note: To view additional recipes, visit <177milkstreet.com/ap>. Kimchi Grilled Cheese with Ham Start to finish: 30 minutes Servings: 4 1/3 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon kimchi juice, plus 1 1/3 cups cabbage kimchi, drained and chopped 8 slices hearty white sandwich bread 8 slices cheddar or pepper jack or whole-milk mozzarella cheese 4 slices thinly sliced deli ham or 4 slices cooked bacon multco.us/health/diabetes-awareness In a small bowl, stir together the mayonnaise and kimchi brine. Spread evenly over one side of each slice of bread. Flip 4 of the slices to be mayonnaise side down, then top each with 1 slice of cheese, 1 slice of ham (or 1 slice bacon, torn to fit), and a quarter of the kimchi. Top each with a slice of the remaining cheese, then with another slice of bread, mayonnaise side up. Press on the sandwiches to compact the fillings. Heat a 12” nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat until droplets of water flicked onto the surface quickly sizzle and evaporate. Add 2 of the sandwiches and cook until golden brown on the bottoms, 2 to 3 minutes. Using a wide spatula, flip the sandwiches and cook, pressing down lightly and adjusting the heat as needed, until golden brown on the second sides and the cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a cutting board. Cook the remaining sandwiches in the same way (the second batch may cook faster). Cut each sandwich in half on the diagonal. Please report all hate crimes committed against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. Celebrate the Year of the Rabbit! January 22, 2023 to February 9, 2024