Feb 09, 2010 -
For anyone that hails from Southeast China, it wouldn't be the Lunar New Year without some form of fish. The Chinese are big on words that sound the same, but have double meanings, and the common Mandarin phrase nian nian you yu ("may there be surpluses every year") sounds the same as the phrase "may there be fish every year."
A fragrant whole fish, steamed and served with aromatic ginger, scallions, and cilantro, is a staple of my family's annual dinner.
- 1 Comment
Feb 09, 2010 -
Although I eat as many salads in Winter as I do in Summer, the type of salads I consume is very different. In Summer, I crave light, leafy, and refreshing salads with fresh fruit and herbs. In Winter, I enjoy hearty salads with lots of textural elements, dark greens, and warm vinaigrettes.
- 0 Comments
Feb 09, 2010 -
Eating healthy can be hard for moms who have picky kids to feed. So today (as part of the Get Fit for 2010 challenge) I'm sharing one of my favorite healthy family recipes for Asian inspired green beans. It's low in fat, high in fiber, and dairy-free making it perfect for vegetarians and those with diet restrictions.
- 0 Comments
Feb 09, 2010 -
Yet another Valentine's Day where I celebrate solo. Instead of being bummed about not having a boy toy, I'm doing what I do best: hosting a dinner party! Luckily, Chinese New Year happens to fall on Valentine's Day, so I'm inviting a select group of single friends to join me for a Chinese-inspired feast.
- 0 Comments
Feb 08, 2010 -
Rather than going out to buy something for your sweetheart, stay in and bake these homemade Milano cookies. Everyone is familiar with the delicious Pepperidge Farms treats, with their crisp and crumbly cookies sandwiching a thin layer of chocolate. However, the homemade variation takes the cake — or that is, the cookie!
- 5 Comments
Feb 08, 2010 -
I'll be up front and say that Valentine's Day is not my favorite holiday. I'm an idealist who believes that every day should be full of love and affection. But I do appreciate that it's the perfect excuse to eat a surplus of chocolate, and better yet, just about the only occasion when it's acceptable to drink ridiculously girly cocktails.
- 0 Comments
Feb 08, 2010 -
Vegetarians and omnivores unite and make today a meat-free Monday by serving a reassuringly creamy risotto for dinner. Traditional risotto is made with arborio rice, but if you're looking to take it up a nutritional notch, prepare the dish using leftover barley, a chewy cereal grain high in fiber and antioxidants but low in fat. Parmesan cheese and wild mushrooms don't just add in meatiness and substance — they also impart strong umami flavors.
- 2 Comments
Feb 08, 2010 -
This year for Valentine's Day, I wanted to make something special for my nonexistent boyfriend, but I couldn't decide between luxurious red velvet cake or rich fudgey brownies. While I was pondering this dilemma, I suddenly remembered an old recipe for brownie heart cupcakes. Inspired by Martha, I decided to combine the best of both worlds and make red velvet cupcakes with pink cream cheese frosting and brownie heart garnish.
- 6 Comments
Feb 07, 2010 -
A little forward thinking today will go a long way. Chances are, after the big game, you'll be craving something light, fiber-rich, and low in fat to help you get over too many beers, chips, and buffalo wings.
Before you head out to your Super Bowl festivities, bring together barley, broth, seasonings, and whatever vegetables — canned or fresh — you happen to have on hand.
- 2 Comments
Reading this from the UK?