Silky Chinese Chicken
February 9, 2012 | 9 Comments
Silky Chinese Chicken was inspired by a dish my dad once made when I was still living at home. I made it recently for our Chinese New Year family dinner and it was received with surprise and delight.
Well, to be perfectly frank, what my dad said was,”this is actually quite good” in tones of sheer amazement.
Being an Australian Born Chinese or ABC, my response to his lukewarm praise was, “well, thanks a lot, Dad. Glad I could make something edible for you.”
Dad laughed and explained that he had to temper his praise because I’m his daughter. To the Chinese way of thinking, it would have been unseemly to praise me too much.
So him saying, “this is actually quite good” could be translated to mean, “wow, this is sensational! You’re a rockstar!” in Western terms.
Lessons in cultural differences aside, Silky Chinese Chicken dish is delicious and very easy to make. You poach a chicken gently until it is moist and succulent. Then you simply spoon over a sauce made from oyster sauce, chicken stock, soya sauce and sugar before garnishing with sauteed onions, deep-fried shallots and fresh coriander. And that’s it. Too easy.
This is Chinese comfort food, but comfort food that could equally hold its own as part of a dinner party menu. Serve it with plain rice and fried Asian greens for a simple, everyday feast.
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Fig, Prosciutto & Pear Salad
February 7, 2012 | 14 Comments
I adore figs.
I love their colour, their flavour, and their texture. I die for their sensual shape and the way their demure green and purple exterior splits open to reveal a striking red and gold centre.
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Strawberry Sorbet
January 29, 2012 | 19 Comments
My children love ice cream. In this hot weather, they’re having it at least once a day, usually twice, and sometimes even before breakfast. (Shhh! Don’t tell grandma!)
So I was thrilled to discover a great recipe for healthy ice cream by the lovely JJ from 84th & 3rd. JJ made a Vegan Chocolate Ice Cream for our recent Death by Chocolate bloghop, made of only bananas, avocado, chocolate and maple syrup. I made it the other day and was amazed by how good it tasted. It wasn’t exactly ice cream but it was a damn fine substitute and one I’d be happy to eat any day of the week. And I wasn’t alone in liking it either – my kids absolutely loved it.
So today when I spotted some lovely strawberries at my greengrocer I decided to make a strawberry version. I only had half an avocado in the fridge so it ended up being midway between a sorbet and an ice cream.
This Strawberry Sorbet is refreshing, delicious and very pretty. It’s healthy, too – it’s literally only fruit with a couple of spoonfuls of jam added. You could even omit the jam if you wanted it to be completely sugar-free.
Best of all, it’s a cinch to make. So I can give this healthy, homemade snack to my children once or twice a day feeling quietly satisfied with myself rather than guilty.
Gotta love that.
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Beetroot, Fetta, Walnut and Mint Salad
January 26, 2012 | 2 Comments
I’m excited to be guest posting for Kristy Bernado at The Wicked Noodle this week.
Kristy began cooking seven years ago after her children were born and she had to adjust from a life of DINK (Double Income No Kids) to OIWK (One Income With Kids). Prior to having kids she was VP of Human Resources at a large restaurant chain and ate out every meal so it was quite a lifestyle change, but one that led her on a journey to where she is today – a successful private chef and award-winning blogger.
Of her new, food-focused life, Kristy says she finally understands the old saying: “if you find a job that you love, you’ll never work another day in your life”.
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Rosewater, Cardamon & Pistachio Lassi
January 22, 2012 | 21 Comments
It’s hot and I’m bothered.
I want instant refreshment, instant karma (calmer).
I need something to cool me down.
But what?
Let’s see: I have Greek yoghurt in the fridge and an unopened bottle of rosewater in the larder.
Aha! A Rosewater Lassi.
Quickly now. Make it. Drink it.
Ahhh. That’s better.
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