Chinese red date 红枣 (jujube) is one of the most popular Chinese foods used as a health tonic and traditional herb, especially to improve qi (energy) and blood for the body. It is too bad that the western world does not know about the health benefits of red dates because red dates also strengthen the spleen and stomach qi (energy) which helps to digest food, tonify blood and relax the mind. When you have good overall qi, it is reflected through your healthy rosy cheeks (that’s our natural blusher 🙂 ) Continue Reading →
Drinking vinegar isn’t something new. History buffs are probably aware of posca which was drunk in Ancient Greece and Rome. In Japan, Korea and Taiwan, it was used not only in cuisine but also for medical purposes for centuries until now. In feudal times, Japanese samurai warriors carried vinegar mixed with water into battle as a tonic to fight fatigue. There are also a variety of benefits claimed from stimulating appetite to beautiful skin. Continue Reading →
My good friend Prisca started an edible garden in her Puchong home last year. When her 5 year old son Adrian told her that eggs come from the supermarket (much to Prisca’s horror), she’s just had to convert part of her garden into a mini farm with 3 chickens, a duck & a geese. The minute I step into their house, her 3 excited kids brought me on the farm tour. I’m so amazed with their enthusiasm in educating me about their farm and pets, on how to recognise when their pet chickens and ducks lay eggs. Adrian would scour the garden daily for eggs, usually finding 2-3 eggs a day. Continue Reading →
I get asked this question a lot: Where do you find time to make the made-from-scratch recipes? Who has the time to make everything from scratch? Everyone has different priority in life. Whatever you place your priority, you will find time for it, no matter how busy life gets. My health is my top priority at this moment in time, and so is eating real, unprocessed food. I get extreme high when I discover a made from scratch recipe (things that we think can only comes from the store) that I can conjure up in my own kitchen. Like walnut butter, yogurt, almond milk.. These recipes only takes 15 minutes out of my 1,440 minutes in a day. Besides, who eat sweetened condensed milk by the cans? If you do, please start praying. I’ve not made the condensed milk from scratch twice in the last 2 years. Continue Reading →
Really traditional chinese chicken stock is essential in making excellent Chinese noodle soups, and adds a rich flavoured base to any savoury dishes. For busy parents, store-bought liquid chicken stock might be the easiest, just remember to read the ingredient list on the packet that it’s made of real ingredients and not flavourings. Continue Reading →
