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Save Money—-Make Your Own Chinese Restaurant-Style Dishes

I love getting Chinese take-out, especially on Friday nights. Unfortunately, with the economy (and my family budget) in flux, Chinese food has tumbled to the bottom of the priority list. The fact that it cost nearly $40 to feed a family a four (two main dishes and two sides) means I probably won’t be visiting my favorite Chinese eatery for a while. If you love Chinese food as much as I do, but you don’t have the cash to feed your habit, consider making your own. There are dozens of Chinese dishes that can be made in less than an … Continue reading →

How to Eat Chinese Food Without Feeling Guilty

How many times have you ordered Chinese food since the kick off of the Summer Olympics in Beijing? I’m guilty or indulging in more than my share over the last 16 days. It’s hard not to, after all, Chinese dishes are among the most popular in the world and with all eyes on China for the last two weeks it’s no surprise that requests for regional recipes are at an all time high. Unfortunately, not all Chinese food is prepared the same and the cuisine sometimes gets a bad rap for offering unhealthy choices–many of which are loaded with sodium. … Continue reading →

Go Asian Tonight

With the economy tanking my family (like many across the country) has been forced to cut back on the number of meals we eat out. In fact, these days, save for the occasional Happy Meal (which is purchased only in dire situations), we really don’t frequent restaurants at all. However, this doesn’t mean that we’ve completely eliminated restaurant-type foods; it just means that I’ve had to get more creative in the kitchen. Being from Hawaii (and of Japanese descent) it stands to reason that I crave Asian food more than any other type of cuisine. Consequently, I have a collected … Continue reading →

Easy and Affordable Asian Recipes

Chinese take-out is expensive. I love Chinese food, but last night when I contemplated giving my stove a break and gazed at the take-out menu from our favorite Chinese restaurant I just about lost my appetite. Two entrees (with meat) would have cost more than $20, and that’s not counting a side of noodles or rice. (Nor does it take into account the 15% mandatory gratuity on all take-out orders.) Needless to say, it was pasta ala mom at our house last night. This morning I am still craving Chinese food, but am determined to spend less than $25 to … Continue reading →

Hot and Spicy Singapore Rice Noodles with Shrimp

In keeping in the Olympic spirit I have been sharing recipes for some popular Chinese dishes. The local Chinese restaurant in my (very small) town came up with the clever idea of passing out recipes to patrons who dine at their eatery during the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. Last week my friends took me out for Chinese food to celebrate my birthday and we left the restaurant with a folder full of recipes. Some of them were for familiar dishes and others were for ones that we had never sampled until that night, such as the one below. According to … Continue reading →

Making an Edible Bird’s Nest

Much has been made of the most recognizable Olympic venue in Beijing, China. The eye-catching National Stadium, or “Bird’s Nest” was home to the memorable opening ceremony and it is currently housing the track and field events along with men’s soccer. In addition, this Sunday the Bird’s Nest will host the 2008 Olympic closing ceremonies. According to the building’s designer, the hollowed complex allows in maximum sunshine in an effort to make spectators feel like they are in a forest. The designer also noted that the bowl shape was designed specifically to help the audience focus on the bottom center … Continue reading →

China’s Most Popular Export Milking the Olympics

You don’t need to have in-depth knowledge about China to know how much actor Jackie Chan means to the country. Chan and basketball superstar Yao Ming are China’s golden boys and its most popular exports (along with Mu Shu Pork). Right now all eyes are on Beijing as the Summer Olympic Games enter week two and no surprise, Chan is in the middle of all the action. The Chinese government recruited the movie star as an Olympic ambassador and he has been busy promoting the Chinese culture at various sporting events. “The Forbidden Kingdom” star was also given the honor … Continue reading →