Saturday, December 8, 2018

Jelebi 【印度油炸甜甜圈】


I have made a point to make one or two types of Indian sweets every year during the Diwali time in the past years. 

This year, it is Jelebi, a type of sweet similar to funnel cakes, it is just much smaller in size comparing to funnel cake.  It is made by deep-frying the batter in circular shapes and then soaked in sugar syrup until it is all coated with syrup. 

This sweet is particularly popular in the Northern part of Indian. it can be served warm or cold. 

过去十年间只要我工作不是特别忙碌,我都会在排灯节(Diwali)前自己做一两种印式甜点过节拜拜用。

今年排灯节前两天刚好我不上班,就做了这款比较复杂的油炸甜甜圈Jelebi。这款甜点材料其实很简单,却是非常难做的一个甜点,两天里我做了三次才算是比较满意了。它的难度在于熬制糖浆的温度和炸圈圈时的手势,完全的纯手艺要求呢!

这道甜点可以冷热两吃,各有各的风味。

Saturday, November 24, 2018

Sirap Selasih【兰香子玫瑰饮】


One of my favorite drinks during the Ramadan month is this Sirap Selasih drink. This refreshing drink not only replenish sugar and liquid the body needed during the fasting month, the Holy basil seeds/Selasih/Sabja seeds added to it makes the drink very nutritious.

According to this website:

Sabja seeds, or basil seeds, are full of fibre content, which keeps your stomach fuller for longer time (reduces your appetite), further prevent overeating and unnecessary cravings. They are also a rich source of alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) that comes from high levels of omega-3 fatty acids present in the seeds. These acids help in stimulating the fat burning metabolism in the body. In fact, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, daily consumption of linolenic acid results in fat loss

. Besides this, basil seeds are low in calories and high in nutrients. A teaspoon of sabja seeds would not pack up more than two to four calories and will ensure that your body is loaded with vitamins and minerals - including calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron along with vitamins A, B-complex, E and K - all of which are essential for weight management.

兰香子玫瑰饮是我家乡穆斯林斋戒月的时候最常见的饮料之一,它香甜解渴,又特别营养。

根据百度百科的记载:

兰香子,学名明列子,为唇型花科、罗勒属、一年生、芳香性亚灌木状、草本植物。原产于印度又名罗勒子、奇异子、南眉籽。当地土著称“达卡”从西元3500年前阿兹迪卡古文明已经开始种植食用,是一种带来健康及体力和耐力的食物。 兰香子可以作为饮料的种子,具有排毒、清热、健脾、养胃、减肥保健等功效。

兰香子是罗勒之成熟果实,其大小如芝麻,内含于果实中,颗粒饱满圆润,在东南亚曾一度被认为是稀有的草药。

Tuesday, November 20, 2018

Loofah Egg Mee Sua 【絲瓜蛋酥麵線】


A parent from my son A's Chinese school gave me a seedling of loofah in spring. It took the plant a very long time to bloom and I almost thought that there will not be any harvest this year. 

The plant finally bloomed and bear fruits sometimes end of summer/beginning of fall. Homegrown loofah is so tender and tasty and I made so many different dishes with it. One of my favorite ways to cook loofah is this Mee Sua soup, quick, simple yet very hearty in this cold weather, a perfect way to use my last two loofah of the season!

春天种下的丝瓜在我左顾右盼几个月之后终于在夏末开花结果了, 自己种的丝瓜非常鲜嫩好吃。有天跟我妈聊天时她说丝瓜煮面线最好吃了,刚好冰箱里还存着收成的最后两根丝瓜,就拿来做了丝瓜蛋酥面线,今年的丝瓜收成就算完美收官了~~


Friday, October 26, 2018

Vegetarian Taiwanese Mooncake 【纯素绿豆椪】



I made the Taiwanese Mooncake (绿豆椪)last year and was loved by my many of my Taiwanese friends. A few of my vegetarian friends requested that I try to make a vegetarian version of it, so I make a batch of these vegetarian Taiwanese Mooncake and it turned out just as good! 

去年中秋节我做了两批台式月饼绿豆椪,朋友们都很喜欢,今年慈济功德会的师姐们就问我看看能不能做一批素食版的,中秋节那几周我比较忙,一直拖到节后才有时间做了一批纯素的绿豆椪。出来的效果很好,一点都不输传统的绿豆椪哦!

Tuesday, October 23, 2018

Steamed scallion Sausage twisted rolls 【葱花火腿花卷】


My scallions are still doing great even though the weather is getting colder, so I picked a bunch to make this Steamed Scallion Sausage Twisted Rolls. I am going to miss using my homegrown scallion during the winter months!

这几天降温了,前后院的菜基本已经整理干净休耕,只剩下一丛青葱仍然郁郁葱葱的,剪一把来做这个葱花火腿花卷,真是咸香好吃。

Sunday, October 7, 2018

Stuffed Pumpkin Blossoms 【南瓜花酿】


Sometimes during the winter last year I bought a Japanese Kabocha pumpkin to cook and buried the seeds and rinds in my raised bed to compost. The seeds germinated and gave me 2 seedlings mid-spring.

I transplanted one of them in my front yard and was doing really well, the plant began to bloom around the end of June/early July with only male flowers, when the female flowers finally showed up (flowers with tiny fruits attached below the flowers), the pumpkin was officially in full bloom.

When one pumpkin plant was about to take over my entire front yard, I had to start trimming some shots and leaves to make it manageable. With that, I also harvest some male blossoms to make this stuffed pumpkin blossoms soup.

冬天的时候我家前院处于休耕状态,我会在天气比较暖和的时候翻翻土把厨遗埋到土里堆肥。去年冬天堆肥时埋下的日本南瓜种子今年春末时钻出土长出两棵小苗,我把一棵给了朋友,自己留了一棵种在前院里。

殊不知夏天时它越长越壮,不但把我前院覆盖满了,还开始蔓延到邻居的地里。某个周末趁有空我就把分支的苗修剪了炒蒜蓉吃。南瓜的雄花摘了做南瓜花酿,做汤非常清甜好吃,连俊宝都很喜欢呢!


Saturday, September 1, 2018

Preserved Radish Omelette 【菜脯煎蛋】


I made Preserved Radishes/Chai Poh last year and it turned out just perfect! Much better than the one I found in the shop. 

There were a few hot sunny weeks this year when the price of radishes in Asian supermarket was also right, so I made two more batches of Chai poh and used some to make topping for this delicious Chwee Kueh. Though the recipe of Chwee Kueh was posted before this omelette, Chai Poh omelette is actually the reason I made these preserved radishes in the first place!! I love Chai Poh Omelette to go with congee.

So here is my simple Chai Poh Omelette recipe. 

去年这个时候我晒了一批萝卜干/菜脯,成品非常好,所以今年亚洲超市的萝卜上市打折又刚好又遇上一周的艳阳天时,我又制作了两批的菜脯。

虽然我写水粿食谱时也是用了自己晒的菜脯做的铺料,其实菜脯煎蛋才是真正让我去制作菜脯的动力哦!只要家里煮白粥,就不能没有菜脯煎蛋。自己晒的菜脯做出来的煎蛋真的比买来的好吃太多太多啦!

Saturday, August 18, 2018

Pork Satay 【猪肉沙爹】


A town called Tampin near my parent's house has a small Satay stall that sells pork and chicken satay from midnight to dawn hours. It is a very busy stall even though its hours are not ordinary, it is so busy that sometimes the customers had to grill their own satay to avoid hours of waiting!

I made satay for our Malaysian gathering not long ago, half of them Chicken satay and another half Pork satay, it turned out pretty legit!

鸡肉沙爹和牛肉沙爹是大家比较熟知的两款沙爹烤肉串,其实马来西亚的猪肉沙爹也非常好吃。我家乡附近有个小城叫淡边,那里有个沙爹摊是半夜出摊一直卖到凌晨的。

小摊的生意非常好,我和家人好几次半夜经过要去宵夜都得等上大半个小时甚至一个小时才能吃上他家的猪肉和鸡肉沙爹。有些和摊主相识的食客甚至自己动手烤沙爹呢!可见他家的生意有多火了。

不久前和同乡聚餐时我带了鸡肉沙爹和这款猪肉沙爹,味道很是不错哦!

Monday, August 13, 2018

Yard Bean Leaves Congee 【豆叶粥】


Two months back a parent from my son's Chinese school gave me a few seedlings ,but he wasn't all too sure what they are. One of them grew well and it turned out to be a yard long bean plant.

As it is not yet producing flowers, it is a good time to consume the leaves, my grandma used to cook us this Yard Bean Leaves Congee when we were young, yard bean leaves are tender and very delicious in soup and congee.

两个月前儿子中文学校的一位家长送了一些菜苗给我,但是他不太确定是些什么菜。其中一棵我种到门口,渐渐长大后我发现是棵豇豆。豇豆要长得好需要“打尖”,就是把一些嫩叶摘掉。

小时候外婆喜欢用豇豆叶煮粥,味道非常好。开花前的豇豆叶最好吃,非常嫩,摘一点来煮粥,既打了尖,也吃了好吃的,真是一举两得呢!

Tuesday, August 7, 2018

Scrambled Egg in Soy Bean Paste【东北鸡蛋酱】


My son and I like to stroll along a nearby river in spring/summer time to collect edible wild plants, dandelion is one wild plant that we collected the most. I liked them in salad, sun-dried as tea leaves, and to dip into this delicious Scrambled egg in soy bean paste.

春天时我喜欢带着儿子到附近的河边游玩并且挖点野菜吃。蒲公英/婆婆丁是随处可见的野菜,我喜欢挖回来拌凉了吃,晒干泡茶也非常好。

上周末天气很好,带着儿子到河边溜达的时候发现小河边又冒出很多嫩嫩的蒲公英,挖一盆回家蘸鸡蛋酱吃,剩下的鸡蛋酱拌了碗面俊爹也说很好吃,真是一道快手美味的小菜。

Thursday, August 2, 2018

Chwee Kueh (Steamed Rice Cake) 【水粿/菜脯粿】


It all started one year ago around this time, the Asian supermarket near my house was having radishes on sales at 10 cents per lb, I had to bring some back and made a batch of Chai Poh/Preserved Radish.

The Chai Poh turned out really well, so earlier in July this year, when the price of radishes in the local market is low again, I made yet another batch of Chai Poh. This time I have better understanding of the timing and the Chai Poh turned out even better than the last batch.

Since I have so many homemade Chai Poh sitting in my pantry now, I can't help but to keep thinking of ways to use them. This Chwee Kueh made it to the top of my list, Chwee Kueh is a snack close to many Malaysian/Singaporean's hearts, a breakfast or teatime choice for many when we were home.

A good Chwee Kueh is full of fragrance of rice, it melts in your mouth with the bits and pieces of Chai Poh toppings giving it the crunchiness and flavors that it needs. The duo compliment each other and their unique taste are there to stay in my memories.

There are a few recipes of Chwee Kueh online, I have tried one of them, and it turned out okay, but in my opinion, does make the real Chwee Kueh. The original Chwee Kueh is made only with ground rice and water, when steamed at high heat, the kueh will form a natural dent in the middle which make a perfect shape to fill and hold the toppings.

Since I wanted nothing but the original taste of Chwee Kueh, I took it to heart to experiment and make the kueh from scratch! I read all the information I could find on the making of this kueh and experimented 5 times before I could come to this recipe of mine.

If you like Chwee Kueh, here is my recipe to share!

事情的起因是这样的,一年前因为超市里的萝卜又大又便宜所以我就买了十磅回家做了一批日晒菜脯/萝卜干 。 因为自己晒的菜脯太香了,今年萝卜盛产的时候我又制作了第二批。既然有了上好的菜脯,我当然就忍不住开始计划各种菜脯美食了。

这个水粿是菜脯煎蛋之后我第二个想到的美食。水粿是一种潮汕小吃,是一款米浆蒸制的糕点,米糕本身味淡,所以吃的是纯粹的米香。因此铺在上头的菜脯碎非常关键,菜脯的咸香爽脆和润滑柔软的米糕相辅相成,是一款非常细致而又古朴的美味。

我之前尝试过网上传得比较久的一个水粿食谱,是混合澄粉和玉米粉制作的。口感比较接近台湾的碗粿,比较扎实,比较Q弹。该食谱用的是生熟浆的技巧,所以制作出来的水粿是平滑的,没有传统水粿应有的中间塌陷的碗状模样,颜色也偏黄。

潮汕人比较纯粹,做的水粿其实只有米和水按一定的比例磨成米浆蒸制而成,成品洁白如玉,入口即化。这款看似简单的小食在制作上却非常不简单,为了做出有古早味的水粿,我一共尝试了五种不同的米水比例才找到了我喜欢的口感。 非常喜欢成品的纯粹和简朴,喜欢水粿的朋友也希望你能尝试做做看哦!

Monday, July 16, 2018

Som Tum Ma Muang 【泰式青芒果沙拉】


Som Tum is the most popular salad in Thailand, you can see stalls selling it at almost most corners of the streets in Thailand. There are many types of Som Tum in Thailand with various kind of ingredients and seasoning.

The recipe I make today is called Som Tum Thai, the sweet and sour version. The two most popular types of Som Tum Thai are green papaya salad and this green mango salad, though the greens and ingredients may vary a little, both the Som Tums are pretty similar.

A very good friend of mine MiuMiu, who loves Thai foods a lot found Thai-Laos Mortar/Pestles from a Thai/Laos store, and she was such a darling to send me one all the way from NY!

With the right tool and good green mango that I found at a local Indian store, I am ready for a plate of Som Tum Ma Muang on this hot summer day!

青木瓜沙拉和青芒果沙拉 (Som Tum) 是两款泰国最具代表性的轻食,也是国外的泰国餐厅里必有的前菜。Som Tum 摊子更是在泰国的街头巷尾都找得到,Som Tum 在泰国的做法更多样化,有咸螃蟹Som Tum, 咸蛋Som Tum,臭鱼Som Tum等等。

好友MiuMiu热爱泰国菜,经常研究做法。她有一天在纽约的一家泰国老挝超市看见了专门做Som Tum的锥形捣臼, 不仅给自己买了一个,还给我寄来一个。我何其幸运,有如此好友,真是感激不尽。

既然有了捣臼,这个夏天不做个Som Tum,如何对得起好友的一番心意?

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Chinese Zucchini Pancakes 【西葫芦糊塌子】


Zucchini season is here, and my friend with the green thumb managed to grow gigantic Zucchini the size of an adult's arm!

She sent me a few of her Zucchinis and I turned one of them into this Zucchini Pancakes. A perfect side dish or breakfast with lesser carbs.

又到西葫芦盛产的时节,我有个好友送了几根她种的西葫芦,长得非常肥美粗壮。周末早晨取一根做这个糊塌子,再熬点小米粥,这样的早餐一家大小都很喜欢。


Monday, July 9, 2018

Sour Prune Drink 【酸梅汤】


酸梅汤 or sour prune drink is a traditional Northern Chinese beverage made from smoked plums (乌梅). It is also a drink prepared mainly during the summertime, it is believed to relief heat from body in hot weather, it is also used to ease digestions.

As the weather approaching 3 digits in the past days, I made this for the family instead of having sodas!

酸梅汤是中国北方的传统饮料,一般夏天制作来解暑散热。

上周天气都上百华氏度了,做一大瓶酸梅汤冰镇在冰箱里。比喝汽水冷饮还要好呢!

Friday, June 29, 2018

Karipap Pusing 【螺旋咖喱角】


Karipap Pusing, also called Spiral Curry puff is a fancy version of the very humble karipap that I used to enjoyed as a kid. The spiral pastry gives a good texture and crust to the shell and it just looks a lot more glamorous!

螺旋咖喱角是很有名的马来小吃咖喱角 的升级版,多层次的酥皮更酥脆更好吃,摆盘出来请客也倍儿有范呢!

Saturday, June 23, 2018

Hakka Ban Zong 【客家粄粽/粿粽】


The Hakka Clan is known for their kueh made of glutinous rice/flour and several types of fillings called "Ban". The one stuffed with vegetable is called 'Choi Ban', Choi means vegetable and Ban means cake or kueh in Hakka language. 


As the Hakka is known to make Ban in almost all their celebrations and festivals, it is not surprising that they also celebrate Duan Wu/ Dragon Boat festival with a dumpling version of Ban, called "Ban Zong" or "Kueh Zhang" in Hakka language. It is basically 'Choi Ban' wrapped in dumpling leaves and shaped like a dumpling. A very unique way to enjoy Ban, and dumplings at the same time! 


Note: I have earlier made one of the type of Hakka Kueh called "Ai Ban", a common dish eaten somewhere around Ching Ming Festival/Tomb Sweeping Day. Ai Ban's skin/wrapper is made with glutinous rice flour, adding some mugwort leaves (艾草)and the filling is normally dried radish.


客家人制作的粄远近驰名,他们还会按不同季节盛产的食材制作不同的粄。譬如清明节时盛产艾草,就会制作好吃的‘艾粄.’ 春天竹林里收集的竹笋制作成笋干,秋冬季节可以做成‘笋粄’等等。

至于端午节,当然就要制作一个富有意义的粄粽(也叫粿粽)啦!粿粽是粽子和客家粄的完美结合,既享用了好吃的菜粄,又庆祝了端午,真是一举两得!



Monday, June 11, 2018

Red Date Zongzi/Dumplings 红枣粽


It will be Duanwu/Dragon boat festival in a week's time. One of the ways to celebrate the festival is to make and enjoy some Zongzi/dumplings. 

Zongzi is traditionally made with glutinous rice and different kind of fillings wrapped in leaves of bamboo or Reed leaves, which give very unique aroma to the glutinous rice and its fillings. 

Choices of fillings vary vastly in China in regions. Northern regions in China prefer sweet or dessert-styled zongzi. Southern regions in China prefer savory zongzi, with a variety of fillings including marinated pork belly, salted duck eggs and chestnuts. 

As I am a southern Chinese decent, I have only had the savory type of zongzi back home, it was not until I came to the USA that I learnt there are many other types of Sweet zongzi, including this Red date zongzi. 

再一周就是端午节了,每年端午节我都要做几款粽子和朋友分享,一起过节。身为闽南人的我,从小吃的就是闽南肉粽娘惹粽两种咸口味的粽子。直到出国后才发现原来粽子也有甜的,也别有风味。

今天做的这款枣粽带有粽叶的清香和红枣葡萄干的香甜,非常软糯好吃。


Tuesday, June 5, 2018

Assam Pedas Fish 【亚参鱼】


Assam Pedas' direct translation in English is “sour spicy”. It is a classic Malaysian dish that almost every housewives in Malaysia will have their own recipes for Assam Pedas.

Albeit endless versions of the recipe, one thing never change, that is : It has to be sour, spicy and burst with flavor in the mouth!

亚参鱼是一道非常家常的马来(西亚)菜。在马来西亚,几乎家家户户都会有自己独特的食谱和烹饪方式。

虽然食材和烹饪方式有些变化,不变的是这道菜的味道:酸辣开胃,丰富的味道让人欲罢不能哦!

Friday, June 1, 2018

Chinese Style Prawn Fritters 【炸虾饼】



One of the famous supper choices in my hometown is this Chinese Style Prawn Fritters. The hawker selling this also sells fried tofu, fried fish cakes/balls and the likes.

To order a plate of fried goodies from the stall and dip into their special Sweet sauce and Chili sauce was one luxury thing to do as a kid. Probably one reason this snack still holds a very special place in my heart.

I have attempted a few times on this fritters but the recipes I followed are mostly flawed, they failed to deliver the taste and texture of the fritters as I remembered.

I recently found out that the Asian supermarket near my house is carrying the fresh water shrimps that is perfect for this shrimp fritters. I brought a packet home and this time, is determined to create a recipe of my own.

The result is amazing and I just have to write the recipe down right away!

年少时周末口袋里要是有几毛钱,一般就会呼朋唤友到离家不远的小摊子吃夜宵。我最喜欢的一款夜宵就是这个炸虾饼,摊子老板也会同时卖炸豆腐炸鱼丸等等炸物。

点上一盘炸虾饼和炸物,沾着老板特制的辣椒酱和甜酱,边吃边和朋友聊天调侃,是那个年代最简单的乐趣。

出国之后我尝试炸过几次虾饼,尝试过的食谱我都不甚满意。前不久在亚洲超市发现了泰国进口的冷冻小河虾,最适合拿来做炸虾饼。让我又忍不住想再试试这款炸虾饼。

今天设计出来的食谱非常棒,做出来的炸虾饼非常好吃,必须得写个帖子记录一下。

Saturday, May 26, 2018

Chinese chive pockets 【韭菜盒子】


Chinese chive pocket is one Chinese dish that loved by all three of us in the house, even my 5 year old is able to finish two pockets at a time, which is pretty rare.

This Northern Chinese delight is a type of pan fried flat dumplings filled with chopped Chinese chive, scrambled eggs and some people likes to add mung bean noodles or Shrimps. We liked ours to be just simple Chinese chive and eggs.

韭菜盒子是我们家少有的一个一家三口都爱吃的美食,连胃口像小鸟的俊宝都能一次吃两个再加上一杯豆奶。

我做的韭菜盒子材料只有韭菜和鸡蛋,喜欢粉丝或虾仁的朋友可以按自己喜欢的口味加入。


Friday, May 25, 2018

Pickled Wild Garlic 【糖醋野蒜】


Wild garlic (Allium vineale, also called wild garlic, onion grass, crow garlic or stag's garlic) is one of the first feral foods available in Spring, when the weather still cold.

These alliums are very easy to spot as it stands out in grounds that are still brown/dry from winter, pull a leaf and sniff at it, if you smell the strong garlicky odor, you just found yourself the close relative to the shop bought garlic.

Years back when I was a novice to foraging edible wild plants, wild garlic was one of the first few that I had the confidence to bring home to our plate, use only tender young leaves as they merge out of soil in early spring to cook , these alliums grow very fast and within days the green will become tough and too fibrous to be eaten.

The bulbs, though can be used for cooking at any stage of the growing. I have used it as a substitute to shallot or garlic in most cooking and find the taste to be very agreeable. It is especially delicious when pickled, taste like Pickled leeks (罐头藠头)that I used to eat as a kid.

每年春天万物苏醒的时候,第一批出土的植物里一定有野蒜(Allium vineale)。野蒜是葱属植物,美国这里的野蒜和中国国内的小根蒜/薤白应该是同一个属科的植物,味道用法也接近。

刚来美国的时候我摘过野蒜回家切碎了煎蛋吃,谁知摘回来的野蒜已经老了,绿叶部分纤维很大,味道虽然不错,却有让人点难以下咽。后来我才知道野蒜的绿叶只有在春初刚出土的时候才能够入菜。

自从我发现了野蒜头的用处比蒜叶大得多,味道也更好后,摘野蒜基本就是奔着蒜头去的了。野蒜头可以在野蒜各个成长阶段摘取食用,收成期更长,而且它完全可以取代大蒜和小葱做菜,真的让我如获至宝。

前几周有一天我不上班,送了孩子上学后我就到附近的公园逛。公园后边是一大片我们这里的自然保护区,里头有非常干净的小溪和许多的野生植物,我几乎每个春天都要去那里挖点野菜吃。

小溪边已经钻出许多郁郁葱葱的野蒜,我不一会儿就挖了一大把,顺手在小溪里洗去泥土,带回家做一罐糖醋野蒜,夏天没什么胃口时拿来下粥一定非常好吃!



Wednesday, May 16, 2018

Black Locust Blossom Syrup 【槐花糖浆】


It is May and is the season to forage black locust flowers (Robinia pseudoacacia) again, I made Steamed Black Locust Blossoms and 

Black Locust Blossom Pancake  in the past years.


This year I decided to make a batch of black locust flowers syrup, it can be use to mixed with liquor and seltzer to make cocktails or used on pancake/pastry as drizzle


阳历五月,又来到了槐花香的季节。自从知道槐花能吃,还特别好吃后,我每年的槐花季都要摘点回家做蒸槐花槐花煎饼吃。

今年我家附近树林里的槐花又开了满树,带儿子去公园玩的时候顺便摘一盆槐花回家做槐花糖浆。做好的槐花糖浆能够用来做鸡尾酒或者淋在糕点上吃,非常当即美味。

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

Hakka Style Braised Duck 【客家卤全鸭】


Braised duck is one very common dish Malaysian Chinese prepared for the Chinese reunion dinner. I personally liked to have it the next day, the taste of it will be fuller.

This recipe I am sharing today was given to my mom by my aunt, slightly different than my mom's recipe, it is very tasty.

卤全鸭是马来西亚华人过节时都会煮的一道菜。选择肉质比较紧实的番鸭来制作,口味丰富,隔天吃更是美味。

今年过年我妈口传了阿姨家的卤鸭秘方,和平常妈妈做的有点不一样,味道更醇厚,非常好吃。

Sunday, March 18, 2018

Homemade Chili Oil 【家常辣椒油】


I like to keep a bottle of this homemade chili oil at home, adding a spoonful to any noodle dishes makes it taste much better. 

It is also an essential ingredient for Jiaozi/Chinese dumplings dipping sauce.

这款家常辣油用处非常多,吃面条或馄饨时加上一勺,味道马上升级不少。也是做凉拌菜和沾酱不可或缺的调料之一。

Sunday, March 4, 2018

Lion's head meatballs in clear broth 【清炖狮子头】


Last year when I was back in Malaysia for Chinese New Year celebration,I made this less oily version of Shanghainese Lion's Head Meatballs for my family and they loved it. I also made a mental note that I will write a recipe of this delicious dish when I have a chance. I didn't get a chance to make it again until this Chinese New Year.

This is a simple yet tedious dish, requiring good cooking skill and patience. No wonder it is a signature dish for reunion dinner at the then Kuomingtang leader Chiang Kai-Shek's home!

去年回娘家过年的时候年夜饭我做了这道清炖狮子头。口感肥嫩不油腻,父母很是喜爱。

这道据说是过去蒋介石家年夜饭必有的年菜,做法看似简单,要做好却还是相当考验手艺和耐心的哦!

Thursday, February 15, 2018

Happy Valentine's Day!Apple Roses 【酥皮苹果玫瑰花】


It is Valentine's day today, I went to a nearby flower shop yesterday thinking of bringing some flowers for Chinese New Year. The owner told me roses are about 7 USD each! It is way too much!

I quickly pick up my phone to call hubby and told him not to buy me any roses this year! Well, that does not mean that there will be no roses in the house this Valentines!

情人节快乐!

昨天和朋友约吃饭的时候刚好隔壁就是一间花店。吃完饭我想着去买点花回家插插,结果店主告诉我玫瑰花一朵要七美刀!价格真贵得不像话!

我马上走出店门掏出手机给俊爹打电话让他今年不许给我买玫瑰花了!

既然今年不然买玫瑰花,咱们情人节就自己做几朵玫瑰花吧!给自己烤的几个酥皮苹果玫瑰,美得让人舍不得入口哦!

Saturday, February 10, 2018

BBQ Pig's Trotters 【香辣烤猪蹄】


BBQ Pig's trotter is a well loved snack in China, especially among students. Grabbing a piece or two after school from roadside stalls is not uncommon.

If you have a big pot of Braised pig's trotters that you prepared for Chinese New Year dinner and have some left over. Try this BBQ Pig's trotters, you will be so glad that you have left over!

香辣烤猪蹄是个但是名字听起来就很诱人的小吃,用碳烤的更是香得不得了。

年夜饭炖的红烧猪蹄如果没吃完,第二天拿来做这款香辣烤猪蹄,一定很受欢迎哦!

Braised Pig's Trotters 【红烧猪蹄】


I suspect that there will be at least one Pig trotter dish serves on every dining table during Chinese New Year in all Chinese family, it is considered to be one of the richer dishes that "counts".

Preparing trotters for cooking is a lengthy and tedious job, even at the comfort of the shop bought pre-cleaned trotters. I still find myself spending a good half hour cleaning the remaining hairs on it with tweezers.

A good pot of braised pig's trotters requires several cooking steps which includes long simmering towards the end. I liked my pig's trotters to be tender and fall off the bones while serving. This dish just fits the bill!

红烧猪蹄是个做法不复杂,只要炖煮时间足就自然美味的一道菜,很适合在年夜饭时做,只要把猪蹄处理好炖上就可以转手准备其他的菜了。

炖得香香糯糯的猪蹄入口即化,是年夜饭餐桌上的一道大菜哦!

Monday, February 5, 2018

Gold Coin Bak Kwa 【金钱肉干】


Bak kwa is a type of Chinese savory sweet jerky that traditionally takes the form of thin square slices. It is the Malaysian/Singaporean favorite snack, especially during Chinese New Year or festive season.

Its popularity rises weeks leading to Chinese New Year, many seasonal bakers steps in to grasp the market, many with interesting products that carry well wishes and meanings.

This Gold Coin Bak Kwa is one of the most selling ones. Prosperity galore, just as the name implies! 

肉干是东南亚过年时不可少的年货,年关越接近,卖肉干的摊贩就越多。除了传统的方型肉干外,好多肉干店还推出了各样新产品。

这款金钱肉干尤其受欢迎,它的形状像金币,春节时买来待客或送人都特别喜庆,吃了说不定新的一年里就财源滚滚来啦!

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Green 【梅菜扣肉】


Mui Choy Kau Yuk (Pork Belly with Preserved Mustard Green) is a classic Chinese party/New Year dish. 

The Pork belly in it releases enough fat to compensate dryness of the preserved mustard green, and the preserved vegetable gives the dish its signature aroma and distinct taste. 

春节快到了,做几个年菜吃吃。

今天上的这道菜是客家人团圆饭桌上不可少的梅菜扣肉。蒸得糯糯的五花肉油脂渗入梅干菜里更带出了梅干菜的香气。吃起来肥而不腻。

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Minced Meat Sauce over Steamed Egg 【肉末鸡蛋羹】


My son likes Steamed egg with minced meat, here is another variation that uses the Minced meat sauce that I made earlier, he finished all. 

小时候很爱吃外婆做的肉末鸡蛋羹。我也经常给俊宝做,他很爱用鸡蛋羹拌饭吃。

冰箱里有一大罐我前两天做好的多用途肉臊,用另一个方式做了这个鸡蛋羹,我和儿子都很喜欢,还特别简单好做。

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Asian Pear & Lotus Root Juice 【藕梨汁】


Winter months, for many people is the months of chronic feeling of dry throat and dry nose.

If you’re someone who’s battling itchy throat and bleeding nose, here is one simple solution that requires little effort, the best part of it is, it tastes really good!

深秋、冬季气候干燥,每天在开着暖气的屋里生活很容易上火,造成喉咙鼻腔干燥发疼。

秋冬季节是吃藕和梨的好季节,鲜榨的藕梨汁清火润肺,是冬天最好的降火、润肺饮品。


Saturday, January 13, 2018

Millet Steamed Cake 【小米糕】


I like making Millet porridge once in a while for breakfast, I like the unique nutty flavor that it has and its high nutrient value is definitely a plus. One good choice for healthy plant base diet.

Making it into steamed cake is another way to enjoy this delicious healthy grain.

冬天我喜欢熬点南瓜小米粥喝,很喜欢小米特殊的香气,它还是个营养价值很高的粗粮。
小米拿来做糕点也非常好,今天的这款小米糕好吃还不上火,真是早餐的另一个好选择。

Friday, January 12, 2018

Mashed Potato with minced meat gravy 【肉末土豆泥】


My son A is not a big fan of potato unless it is cooked in a certain way. This mashed potato with minced meat and gravy is one of them. 

I normally served it with some steamed vegetables, which makes it a complete meal for a little boy. 

俊宝不爱吃马铃薯,只有几个有限的马铃薯菜他愿意吃。这款肉末土豆泥是其中一款。

每次做这个菜,我会给他蒸上几块西兰花和胡萝卜一起吃。这样就各种营养都有了,是个不错的儿童餐哦!

唯一不足的地方是俊爹这个土豆控每次都会和儿子抢着吃这道菜。

Monday, January 8, 2018

Stuffed Red Dates with Sticky Rice Balls 【心太软】


I made Gold Fish Tang Yuan for winter solstice and have some left over glutinous rice dough that I freeze up. Since "Storm Cyclone" is in town and the temperature plummet to a single digit. 

It is time to thaw my glutinous rice dough and make yummy snacks with red dates and stay warm!

冬至时做金鱼汤圆剩的粉团我给冻上了。

这两天“炸弹气旋” (Storm Cyclone)肆虐美东地区,气温达到创纪录的零下二十度,天寒地冻的周末最适合做的事情就是在家做甜糯的甜点吃啦!


Thursday, January 4, 2018

Enoki Mushrooms & Sliced Beef Soup 【肥牛金针菇】


We don't normally eat beef, let alone cooking at home. I wanted to buy some sliced mutton last week for hotpot, but brought sliced beef back instead. Since I also bought a few packets of Enoki mushrooms, I made this spicy soup for lunch, a perfect dish in bitter cold weather.

上周去超市买菜的时候我想着天气那么冷,买两盒羊肉片做火锅吃吃。到家才发现我带回的肉片里有一盒是牛肉片。

刚好超市里的金针菇买一送一,我也买了好几包。那就做我很喜欢的酸汤肥牛金针菇吃吧!大冬天的吃完全身暖暖的, 很舒服。