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Homemade Chinese New Year’s Fun

With less than 48 hours until the official debut of the Year of the Dragon, many communities are getting a jump-start this weekend by hosting parades, festivals and firework displays. Chinese New Year is a festive holiday that celebrates family, friends and new beginnings. If you don’t live near a city that is commemorating the event with special activities, then host your own party. Gather the kids, hang up some red streamers and gold balloons, and then get busy in the kitchen whipping up some simple Chinese dishes, including: HOMEMADE FORTUNE COOKIES Ingredients: 1 egg white Dash of vanilla extract … Continue reading →

Simple Chinese New Year’s Fun

Ear-numbing firecrackers, amazing noodle dishes and feeding crisp dollar bills to dancing lions; these are three things I remember most about celebrating Chinese New Year in my hometown of Hilo, Hawaii. Unfortunately, I won’t be able to ring in the start of the Chinese lunar calendar in paradise this year. However, that doesn’t mean I won’t be having fun ushering in the Year of the Dragon. This January 23rd, grab the kids, don your most festive red outfits and wish each other a hearty “Xin Nian Kuai Le.” Then, raid your craft closet to make these simple Chinese New Year … Continue reading →

Shrimp-tastic Entrees

While the price of milk and bread has skyrocketed in the past six months, the cost of shrimp has gone down in most places. Experts say it’s simply a matter of supply and demand. I’m allergic to shrimp, though I wish that wasn’t the case, given that my local grocer has reduced the price of the popular seafood so dramatically, it’s hard not to be tempted to buy. I may not be able to gorge on shrimp like others, but growing up in Hawaii I’ve had multiple opportunities to cook them up at family gatherings. The following are some of … 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 →

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 →

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 →

Classic Chinese Cooking—Marvelous Mu Shu

Even if you can’t make it to Beijing for the Summer Olympic Games you can still get a taste of China in your own home. Dishes, like mu shu, are extremely popular in Chinese restaurants and are not hard to replicate at home. Mu shu pork is one of the most popular Chinese recipes in the west. The dish is comprised of either deep-fried or stir-fried pork combined with fresh vegetables. Mu shu originated in northern China and was given the name as a tribute to flower blossoms from the cassia tree. But, not everyone agrees with that origin. Some … Continue reading →

Mother’s Day Potluck: Chinese Shrimp and Noodle Salad

This is year my beloved grandmother will be spending Mother’s Day in a nursing home. It will be her first Mother’s Day since her horrific stroke and I wish more than anything we could be with her to celebrate. If I were there I wouldn’t hesitate to whip her up some of her favorite dishes. (Unfortunately, we are 5,000 miles away and we’ll have to settle with sending her some photo gifts in the mail.) However, my parents and brothers (along with my sister-in-law) have assured me that they will be hosting a little potluck in honor of my grandma … Continue reading →

Make Your Own Chinese New Year Dishes

Mark your calendars–this year Chinese New Year begins on February 7th. Which means you have exactly one week to finalize your party menu… or make dinner reservations at your favorite Chinese restaurant. Actually, the point of this blog is to encourage the former instead of the latter, more convenient option. I grew up in Hawaii where Chinese New Year is celebrated with huge block parties featuring massive buffet tables lined with the most delicious homemade Chinese delicacies. Growing up my favorite Chinese New Year treat was Soy Zing Dan Gow, a steamed Chinese sponge cake that is specifically made for … Continue reading →