Happy Chinese New Year: My Picks for Top Four (4) Chinese TV Chefs

As my way of celebrating Chinese New Year, I am sharing a quick profile of my 4 favorite Chinese TV chefs and couple of fun facts related to Chinese New Year.  How do you know you love Chinese food? When everywhere you go, you ask for directions to the best Chinese restaurant. Not me. My late husband. But I wholly supported him in his quest. No matter which city we visited or wherever we lived, we looked for a Chinese restaurant. Once we found a good one, we were loyal customers. Sometimes we would leave the kids, sneak out of the house and go have lunch. Other times we would order take-out, go pick up the food, and then enjoy dinner at home. On rare occasions we actually got to sit down in a nice restaurant and enjoy a meal together.  In addition to dining out or enjoying take-out, we loved watching cooking shows on television. Below are four (4) of our favorite Chinese chefs.

- Martin Yan

- Ming Tsai

- Ching He Huang

- Kylie Kwong

Martin Yan ~ We loved his show because he would always teach you one Chinese word and we liked to hear him say “If Yan can cook, you can too!” He was very encouraging and got us to try some Asian recipes at home.  TV SHOWS:  Yan Can Cook; Martin Yan's Hong Kong; Martin Yan – Quick & Easy

Ming Tsai ~ Ming Tsai's parents sent him to a cooking school in France. His television show combined the cuisines from both the East and the West. I especially liked the episodes where his parents were on the show cooking with him in the kitchen. Even though he is a professional chef and owns restaurants and has received awards, he still asks his mom for directions and cooking tips.  TV SHOWS:  East Meets West; Simply Ming

Ching He Huang ~ She said that as a child, she was taught how to cook by her grandmother. When she grew up, she went to a school and received training to cook professionally. One of her teachers praised her as being the best in the class and said he knew when she left school, whatever she decided to do, she was going to be successful. She had one TV show that aired from the UK, She was so good that she was invited to have her own cooking show in the US as well, in San Francisco, California.  TV SHOWS:  Chinese Food Made Easy; Easy Chinese San Francisco

Kylie Kwong ~ This lady chef is also a food caterer. Sometimes she shows how she prepares food to serve large crowds. Other times she prepares a meal for a small group of guests in her home. No matter what she cooks, it looks fabulous and your mouth waters.  TV SHOW:  Kylie Kwong: Heart and Soul

All of these chefs have published cookbooks. As this is a global community I am not sure if these shows are available worldwide. But if you get a chance, watch either or all of these TV cooking shows listed above. If you love Chinese food, you'll be delighted!

FUN FACTS:

Chinese New Year for 2021 will be February 12th. It is the Year of the Ox. (Source)

Seven (7) Typical foods eaten on Chinese New Year are:  1. Fish — an Increase in Prosperity;  2. Chinese Dumplings — Wealth;  3. Spring Rolls — Wealth;  4. Glutinous Rice Cake — a Higher Income or Position;  5. Sweet Rice Balls — Family Togetherness; 6. Longevity Noodles — Happiness and Longevity;  7. Good Fortune Fruit — Fullness and Wealth (usually tangerines, oranges, and pomeloes).   Source)

(Image credits - ClipArtKey and Pixabay)

Original Source

Homemade Soups: Prawn Coconut Soup

Prawn Coconut Soup

Ingredients for Prawn Coconut Soup:

• Shrimps - 1/4 Kg chopped
• Yam - 1 cup
• White Pumpkin - 1 cup chopped
• Beans - 1/2 cup chopped
• Peas - 1/2 cup
• Cucumber - 1/2 cup
• Drum Stick - 1/2 cup
• Coconuts - 1 shell
• Corn Flour - 1 tablespoon
• Turmeric powder - 1/2 teaspoon
• Peppercorns - 2 teaspoon
• Cumin seeds - 1/2 teaspoon
• Ginger - 1 Inch size piece
• Green chilies - 4 no's
• Oil - 2 tablespoon
• Salt to taste

Method for Prawn Coconut Soup:

Step-01: Boil the vegetables till soft, chop shrimps.

Step-02: Extract milk from the coconut.

Step-03: Grind peppercorns, green chilies, cumin, and turmeric to paste.

Step-04: Heat oil in a pan and add paste, shrimps and fry for a minute.

Step-05: Add coconut milk and simmer cook for about 15 minutes.

Step-06: Make a lump-free mixture of corn-flour and water, and then add it to the soup.

Step-07: Once the corn mix blends well, the Prawn Coconut Soup is ready, Serve hot.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com. 

More Prawn Soup Recipes

Mango Plus Rose Water Equal Refreshing Earthly Delight

Almost everyone loves roses. But these flowers have a special meaning to me because of my late mother's rose bush which was the centerpiece of the front yard of my childhood home. Every time I see a rose, it's impossible to disassociate them from this childhood memory. 

My Facebook friend is knowledgeable about holistic health and alternative remedies and she published a wonderful article about rose water which she refers to a Grandma’s Secret Weapon. She explains the benefits of using it for skin care and suggests it be a part of aromatherapy. That sounds fabulous. But did you also know that you can drink rose water?

Following me so far? 

You're probably thinking: 'Hurry and get to the part about the mangos!'

Mangos (or Mangoes)?  Another childhood memory is being able to go out in my backyard or my neighbor's backyard and pick a mango from the tree to enjoy. To this day, it's always a thrill find any kind recipe that includes mango as an ingredient. Sharing the recipe gives me an even bigger thrill.

Here is a link to a quick and easy recipe that is sure to delight you found in the Cooking Section of the New York Times.

• Mango Rose Water Lassi

In case you've never seen or heard of a “lassi”, here is a clear definition found in Wikipedia:

“Lassi (pronounced [ləs-siː]) (la-SEE) is a popular traditional yogurt-based drink from the Indian Subcontinent and originates from the Punjab. ... a blend of yogurt, water, spices and sometimes fruit.”

The definition does not specifically mention “rose water”. But it does say “water” and that's good enough!  :)

Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz

The malandel is a product of France.
Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers.

• Not only is it great in a smoothie but can be added to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies and biscuits.

• Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation.

• In the Middle East, it is used to flavor baklava (or filo desserts) and sherbets, and Turkish delight candies.

Mangos from The Fruit Company

Rose Flower Water by Malandel (French) 16 oz - $15.99 Add a splash of rosewater to a creamy tapioca or rice pudding and sprinkle with chopped pistachios to make a simple dessert elegant. Rose flower water also marries well with most ricotta cheese desserts and Italian sponge cakes, cookies and biscuits. The next time you dollop creme friche over your dessert, add a teaspoon of rose flower water beforehand. Sprinkle a few drops into ice water for an amazing transformation. Add some saffron threads and a couple of drops of rose water. A fantastic combination! It can also be used to flavor baklava and other filo desserts. Used widely in the Middle East especially to flavor baklava and sherbets as well as Turkish delight candies. Rose flower water is produced by water distillation from rose flowers. The malandel is a product of france.

Related articles

• Gift Baskets and Monthly Club Subscriptions(webnuggetz.com)

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• 10 International Cakes That Will Have You Embarking On A World Dessert Tour(collegecandy.com)

Homemade Soups: Not Peas and Carrots. Pea or Carrot

Green Peas Soup

Ingredients for Green Peas Soup:

• Green Peas - 2 cup

• Cabbage - 1/2 cup chopped

• Carrot - ½ cup grated

• Ajinomoto - 1/8 teaspoon

• Sugar – 1/2 teaspoon

• Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 teaspoon

• Soya sauce - 1 teaspoon

• Corn flour - 3 tablespoon

• Oil - 2 tablespoon

• Salt to taste

Method for Green Peas Soup:

Step-01: Boil the peas with water and cook till they become soft, keep aside.

Step-02: Heat oil in a pan and add vegetables and Ajinomoto and fry it on high flame for a minute.

Step-03: Add peas along with water, sugar, black pepper powder, soya sauce salt and stir it well.

Step-04: Mix corn-flour in 1/2 cup of water and add to the above soup and cook it stirring continuously till the soup thickens.

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Carrot Soup

Ingredients for Carrot Soup:

• Carrots - 1/2 Kg

• Masoor dal - 2 teaspoon

• Bay leaf - 2 no's

• Brown Cardamom - 1 no's

• Cinnamon - 1 Inch size stick

• Black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

• Onion - 1 no's grated

• Sugar - 1 teaspoon

• Milk -1 cup

• Cheese - 1 cup grated

• Oil - 1 tablespoon

• Salt to taste

Method for Carrot Soup:

Step-01: Soak dal in water for two hours and grate the carrots and the cheese meanwhile.

Step-02: Heat oil in a pressure cooker and add bay leaf, cinnamon, and cardamom, and fry.

Step-03: Fry the onions and add dal and carrots along with salt, sugar, and black pepper.

Step-04: Add milk and water together and cover it with the lid, wait for one whistle and then simmer it for 10 minutes.

Step-05: Remove from the flame and keep it aside to cool on room temperature.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.

Related Content:

Homemade Soups: Chicken Soup

Chicken Soup

You probably already know there are all kinds of recipe variations for chicken soup. Perhaps this is another recipe to add to your collection.

Ingredients for Chicken Soup:

• Chicken legs - 4 no's

• Butter - 1 tablespoon

• Black Pepper Powder - 1/2 teaspoon

• Ginger paste - 1/4 teaspoon

• Garlic paste - 1/4 teaspoon

• Aniseeds - 1/4 teaspoon

• Curry leaves - A few

• Corn flour- 2 tablespoon

• Turmeric powder - A pinch

• Salt to taste

Method for Chicken Soup:

Step-01: Heat butter in a pressure cooker, add aniseeds.

Step-02: Add chicken, ginger-garlic paste, curry leaves, and turmeric powder.

Step-03: Cook for 5 minutes, then add pepper powder and salt and cook for 5 mins.

Step-04: Add sufficient water. Pressure cook up to 4 whistles or “til chicken is tender.

Step-05: Mix corn-flour with 1/4 cup of water and add to the liquid into the cooker.

Step-06: Cook for 5 minutes or until thickens and serve hot.

Though not listed in the ingredients, Food Ways suggests adding carrots, potatoes, onions, and bell peppers, to make it heartier. Enjoy the chicken soup hot and hopefully it will warm your soul.

♦♦

Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com. 

More Chicken Soup Recipe Variations

https://foodways2017.tumblr.com/post/632271546215448577/thai-chicken-soup-recipe-bon-appetit-loosely

https://foodways2017.tumblr.com/post/632271932351528960/butter-chicken-soup-recipe-this-recipe-is

https://foodways2017.tumblr.com/post/632271120927735808/hearty-middle-eastern-chicken-soup-jeanie-and

https://foodways2017.tumblr.com/post/632272031338070016/11-best-chicken-soup-recipes-easy-soup-recipes

Homemade Soups: Carrot and Mushroom Soup

Carrot and Mushroom Soup

Ingredients for Carrot and Mushroom Soup:

• Carrot - 1 cup

• Mushroom - 1 cup

• Onion - 1 no.

• Oil - 1 tablespoon

• Black Pepper - 1/2 teaspoon

• Salt to taste

Method for Carrot and Mushroom Soup:

Step-01: Slice the vegetables.

Step-02: Sauté carrot and onion.

Step-03: Add mushroom, water, salt.

Step-04: Boil till vegetables are tender.

Step-05: Add black pepper powder and serve hot.

Enjoy Carrot and Mushroom Soup hot. 

♦♦  Soup recipe from Homemade25 Soup Recipes for Nutrition and Health Benefits. Be a part of the healthy eating family at viaindiankitchen.com.

Fresh ingredients make the best soups.

Healthy Food Trends and Eating Habits for Life!

This article (link below) was published over a year ago via Consumer Reports. I am a firm believer that what might be a food trend one year could become a regular healthy eating habit that same year and beyond.

Healthy Food Trends to Watch for in 2019

~ It's a brand new year! Why not evaluate this list and determine if you have incorporated any of these healthy food trends for 2019 into your healthy eating habits.

Non-Dairy Milks? 

CHECK! I live with family members who are lactose-intolerant. They have to drink non-dairy milks. I drink it cause I like the taste.

Mindful Eating?

Uhh … ??? It's a dietary approach. I'm going to have to do a little more research.

Mindful Eating 101 — A Beginner’s Guide | Healthline

8 steps to mindful eating - Harvard Health

Chickpeas?

CHECK! I started eating chickpeas in the 70s when my university roommate took me to my first salad bar at a restaurant. They made a great addition to a salad. I learned later that you could also put them in soups and make hummus with them. On top of that, the nutritionists say they're good for me? Score!

Chayote?

I live in Texas and our grocery store gets a lot of their produce from Mexico. It's not that expensive to buy. Chayote is a squash that is used in Mexican cuisine. We eat a lot of Mexican food in Texas. (Also used in Jamaican and Brazilian cuisine.)  My only excuse is that … Ummm? I got nothing! I don't have an excuse. I've just never tried this veggie in a recipe. Have you?

10 Impressive Benefits of Chayote Squash

Learn About Chayote Squash : Article - GourmetSleuth

Chayote with Tomato and Green Chile Recipe | SimplyRecipes.com

Sautéed Chayote Squash Recipe | The Spruce Eats

Plant 'Meat'?

CHECK! Everybody is doing it. Right? Well not everybody, but I am. To my surprise, I like the taste. In my personal case, my late husband had to change his diet because of a health condition. I wasn't going to prepare separate meals. One his way and one my way. So I started eating his way. His way was incorporating plant 'meat' into his diet. He's gone now. But I'm OK with still eating meat alternatives.

By the way, you can use chickpeas to make burgers.

Easiest Vegan Chickpea Burgers - Loving It Vegan

Foods for Sensitive Stomachs?

This is not a problem for me. My stomach is lined with iron. But I did learn an interesting food fact. “FODMAP” means fermentable oligosaccharides, disaccharides, monosaccharides, and polyols. Evidently FOMAP foods are big in Australia. I live in the USA. We're starting to come around.

♦

So have you incorporated any of these 2019 healthy food trends into your diet?

If not, here's another consumer report:

9 Ways to Follow a Healthier Diet in 2020

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I'm no food expert, dietician, nutritionist, or professional in the food industry. I just like writing about my foodie adventures. You can find some more of my writings at My Foodie Luv (my Medium publication) and Food Ways (this blog).

♦

Would you happen to be interested in pesto?

I’m very proud of this article. It was accepted for publication at Vocal.Media and was selected as a Vocal Staff Pick and featured.

Welcome to the Wonderful World of Pesto

♦

Original source

5 Unique Caribbean Teas and Herbal Benefits by Damian Powell (Guest Post)

The Caribbean is an idyllic paradise comprising of different countries and territories that are savored by vacation tourists, pleasure-seekers, and people looking for relaxation in exotic locations. Trinidad, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, West Indies - take your pick and be transported to whole new worlds where you wish your days of freedom are not numbered. Your experiences will be very pleasant and memorable. 

If you have visited any of these locations then there is something you won't want to forget.

When browsing the local shops, you probably noticed certain herbal tea drinks which catch your attention with names like turmeric tea, soursop tea, bissy tea, cerasee tea, and fever grass tea. They may be native to other places but they were brought here to the islands and they were given a distinctly Caribbean twist. They could be Asian, African, or Latin American in origin, but Caribbean folks everywhere made use of them extensively and many people in the islands are familiar with them since childhood. Other herbal teas that are worth mentioning are peppermint, soursop, cinnamon, lemon ginger for its digestive aiding properties, and sorrel benefits of the hibiscus flower known as roselle.

WASHOUT HERBAL DRINKS:

Most Caribbeans, locally and abroad, would remember rituals or must do's administered by their parents at the end of the holidays or summer vacation. They were to do a "washout" with a mixture of local herbal drinks bought from the store. They could include turmeric, soursop, bissy, cerasee, fever grass tea, and other herbals concocted by the elders. They are supposed to deworm or bring out the toxins from the kids' systems before they return to school.

Below you will find information regarding 5 Caribbean herbal teas that are not only good for you but are also delicious.  

1) TURMERIC TEA

Turmeric tea adds zest to your morning routine. Turmeric is sometimes mixed with other herbs and spices like ginger, lemon, honey, and cinnamon to add more flavor. There is also caffeine-free turmeric tea which helps balance and supports a healthy inflammation response. Turmeric is a popular spice made from the rhizome or root of the Curcuma longa plant. It is native to Southeast Asia and is a member of the Zingiberaceae or ginger family. It has been used as a herbal remedy for generations in Caribbean alternative medicine. A range of turmeric teas is available for purchase in health stores or online. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin gives turmeric its characteristic yellow color and is proven to have anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties. Curcumin has low bioavailability, which means the body has a hard time accessing and absorbing the compound. For this reason, the herbal benefits of turmeric tea, with its guaranteed high concentrations of curcumin, are in demand. Turmeric tea, brewed using grated turmeric root or pure powder, is considered one of the most effective ways to consume curcumin. Drinking turmeric tea is believed to bring about several health benefits: 

1.Reduces arthritis symptoms 

2. Boosts immune function 

3. Helps reduce cardiovascular complications 

4. Helps prevent and treat cancer 

5. Helps manage irritable bowel syndrome or IBS and other digestive conditions. 

6. Prevents and treats Alzheimer's and other neurodegenerative conditions. 

7. Protects against liver damage, gallstones, and manages liver conditions. 

8. Helps prevent and manage diabetes 

9. Helps treat and manage lung conditions 

With these health benefits, wouldn't it be nice to have some turmeric tea stocked on your pantry shelves at home?

2) SOURSOP TEA

It is derived from the Graviola tree that is native to Latin America. It is used to treat stomach ailments, parasitic infections, fever, rheumatism, and hypertension. It is also a sedative and can aid in sleep problems and has an effectivity that can compete with chemotherapy when it comes to battling cancer cells. Soursop herbal tea is also a good source of vitamin C which boosts immunity. Thus, it also promotes the destruction of free radicals to protect your skin from oxidative damage.

3) BISSY TEA 

Bissy tea originated from Africa but is a staple drink in many Caribbean homes. It is an antidote for poison and aids in digestion, relieves diarrhea and inflammation, treats fever, and is considered a tonic. Bissy tea shows antioxidant properties and bissy is also used to treat fever, relieve inflammation, and diarrhea. Bissy tea is sourced from grated cola nuts which can expel toxins from your system. Its high concentration of tannic acid is the reason why it has antioxidant properties. When you're busy and you want a hot beverage, why not drink "bissy" tea and take a break from your busyness? You can buy bissy tea online on Caribbean websites tropical supermarket if it is not available at your local grocery store.

4) CERASEE TEA 

Cerasee Herbal Tea is derived from bitter melon. Bitter herbs and food are very nutritious because they contain various plant-based chemicals that are beneficial to health. Cerasee tea is full of phytochemicals like triterpenoids, polyphenols, and flavonoids that slow the growth of cancers and reduce the risk of heart disease. It also lowers blood sugar levels in diabetic people. Cerasee is also healthy for the gut because it takes care of worms and parasites. Thus, it can make you lose weight. Caribbeans are full of healthy surprises, and cerasee tea is one of the "bitter" but healthy truths.

5) FEVER GRASS TEA 

Fever grass tea, also known as lemongrass, has long been a painkilling remedy for many households, may it be in the West Indies or Guyana, or elsewhere in the Caribbean. Drinking it for one month straight can increase hemoglobin concentration and red blood cell count. It also prevents bloating. Fever grass is a perennial plant that is indigenous to Asia. It has long thin leaves and contains citral, an essential oil that has medicinal significance. Fever grass has a pleasant smell which makes it ideal as an additive when cooking rice. Fever grass tea, doesn't give you a fever, ask the locals. Instead, it heals fevers and many disorders associated with blood.

♦  ALL 5 TEAS have been part of Caribbean life and culture for generations. Their medical uses overlap each other, so each kind of tea should find its own space on your shelves. 

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About the Author: Damian Powell is the CEO at Islsnac LLC.  Caribbean Dreams teas are available via the official website and also via Amazon.

Image credit: Caribbean Islands Souvenir Blue Map Embossed Ceramic Coffee Mug Tea Cup 11 oz

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