Lunar New Year is just around the corner and many families are getting ready to welcome an auspicious new year of good fortune and prosperity. This year, we’re making Nian Gao (年糕) which is a glutinous rice cake traditionally served during Chinese New Year. It is considered good luck to have Nian Gao because the … Continue reading
A vegetarian friendly recipe with seitan and assorted mushrooms! Tart goji berries and a light sprinkling of sesame seeds help to finish this delicious dish that will be great for any weekday dinner plans. Before getting started, be sure to check out the Basics: Seitan (Wheat Gluten) recipe which you will need to prepare prior … Continue reading
Bukuh (북어) is dried Alaskan pollock that is high in protein, low in fat, and full of essential amino acids. This time we’re using this dried fish to make a Korean side dish (“ban chan” 반찬) that can be served either hot or cold. Sweet and spicy, this banchan is a great introduction to using this … Continue reading
If you’re looking for a refreshing salad to combat the warm summer months, look no further than this bright Greek salad. With tangy flavors, this grilled chicken Greek salad features fresh vegetables, lemon, and savory feta. Adding hearty chickpeas and a lean chicken breast fillet gives protein, while keeping it low fat. Here’s to a … Continue reading
Cantonese people’s passion for soup is deeply rooted in their culture and history. There are soups that boast the ability to nourish the body, strengthen physical health, and prevent diseases. Depending on the season and one’s physique, one would adjust the type of soup made. I have also always been a big proponent of Cantonese soups … Continue reading
With the warmer weather finally settling in, add this pasta salad to your picnic, BBQ’s, or potluck menu. This colorful, summer dish is mixed with kalamata olives (for its meaty, smooth texture) and capers, then tossed with Italian herbs and olive oil. Pasta salad is meant to be a cold dish, so you can even … Continue reading
When it comes to guacamole, I have to admit that I have pretty high standards. It should have a fresh taste, chunky texture, and just the right amount of heat. But everything begins with choosing right ingredients. There is a wide variety of avocados available; however, hass avocados are the most ideal for guacamole given … Continue reading
The possibilities are endless when it comes to chazuke (茶漬け, ちゃづけ) which is popularly served as a light meal or snack throughout Japan. Oolong tea, green tea, or dashi is poured over rice that is served with savory toppings. This time, we’re using roasted smoked salmon and toasted nori for this quick-fix at home dish; … Continue reading
When it comes to making Caprese Insalata, the salad is only based on a limited number of ingredients, so it’s all about selecting the freshest ones you could find- moist mozzarella cheese, meaty and juicy tomatoes, and fragrant basil. The simplicity of the salad is its beauty, as it perfectly combines textures, flavors, and freshness … Continue reading
Shanyao (山藥) is eaten in many East Asian cuisines, such as Chinese, Korean, Japanese, and Vietnamese. While it is popularly used in its dried form for traditional herbal medicine, fresh shanyao is great as a soup ingredient and can be readily found in local Asian supermarkets. This tuber has a thin yellowish outer skin over its … Continue reading
Start the weekend right with a classic pairing of shellfish and pasta- a match made in heaven indeed! This recipe features tender little neck clams with a white wine sauce and served over linguine. The white wine is a highlight of this dish, so select one you would enjoy drinking for this recipe. I have … Continue reading
Stop by any corner café and you’re bound to find a panini served on the lunch menu. Panini in Italian refers to a sandwich. But what exactly separates a panini from a regular sandwich? Well, that would be the grilling. The grilled bread of a panini is its trademark and achieved by giving a quick … Continue reading
Hearty stews are a comfort food deeply rooted in home cooking. A potful of steamy stew is simple, hearty, and feeds the soul. This beef stew featuring a rich, satisfying red wine sauce is bound to be a crowd-pleasing entrée. You’ll need to set aside some time to cook this stew, but all good things … Continue reading
With the Lunar New Year quickly approaching, many families are busily preparing to welcome a new year of good fortune and prosperity. Steamed Prosperity Cakes (發糕) are a traditional dessert served during this important time of the year. The ingredients used in Prosperity Cakes are simple. By using a combination of white rice flour (available at … Continue reading
This soup uses some ingredients that are readily available year-round. Spaghetti squash receives its name from the fact that its flesh separates into long strands, resembling spaghetti, when it is cooked. This squash is a good source of manganese (aids in absorption of calcium and regulation of blood sugar), fiber (helps you to fill fuller … Continue reading
