Cordyceps - a parasitic fungi, is a precious ingredient in Chinese traditional medicine. Popularly known as the Chinese caterpillar fungus ("thoong choong choe"), it is well known to support liver, kidney, heart, and immune system functions. It also appears to act as an antioxidant in the body, protecting it from free radical damage. It helps to improve lung functions and increase energy levels.Having suffered a bout of near-bronchitis coughing the past couple of weeks, I was advised to get … [Read more...]

My family is truly a Ladies Fingers or Okra fan!You would note that a few of my recent cooking posts featured this vegetable. Whenever I go to the market during weekends, I would usually buy Ladies Fingers because it's such a versatile vegetable - you can steam it, curry it or just stir-fry it.PabloPabla's recipe for Sambal Belacan Ladies Fingers came in handy. As I had some of this from my last marketing trip, I decided to try out this recipe.This was the result:As this is also LL's favourite … [Read more...]

On a cool wet evening, what better dish to rev up the appetite and keep one warm than something hot, sour and spicy? Checking through my fridge and larder, I found some ingredients that would be just perfect for the Asam Ikan Kembong recipe which I had come across earlier in PabloPabla's blog. Please check out the full details of this simple but delicious recipe.For the Spicy Paste, just blend/pound together these ingredients:These are the vegetables to be added in:For the asam (sour) flavour, … [Read more...]

With the weather so hot and humid and I being under the weather the past few days, porridge seems to be the best food option for me.I like a simple pork porridge which can be easily prepared at home.  What you need are:1 small cup rice2 litres water1 2" length pc of ginger100g dried oystersBoil all the above for about 1 hrMeanwhile, marinate pork fillet slices with salt, pepper, soya sauce, sesame oil and chinese wine.  When the porridge is done, put in the pork fillet, stir for a few minutes … [Read more...]

I love broccoli and whenever I go vegetables-shopping, I never fail to get a head of broccoli.  It can keep well in the fridge for a week.Broccoli is high in vitamin C and soluble fiber and contains multiple nutrients with potent anti-cancer properties. Broccoli also contains the compound glucoraphanin, which can be processed into an anticancer compound sulforaphane, though the benefits of broccoli are greatly reduced if the vegetable is boiled more than ten minutes. A high intake of broccoli … [Read more...]

In many chinese restaurants, as you sit down and order your food, most often than not, the waitress will bring you a plate of appetizers. This can be some pickled vegetables, diced beancurd, fried nuts, fried crunchies or braised peanuts.Braised peanuts - that's my favourite. I tried doing this at home and it turned out rather well...What you need are:300g giant peanuts (soaked overnight)2 pcs cinnamon3 pcs star anisesome dried orange peel1 litre water1 tbsp dark soya saucesalt & sugar to … [Read more...]

On days when I need a simple but nutritious vegetable dish, I turn to steaming the Okra, or more commonly known as the “Lady’s Finger”. “Okra” originated from the Nigerian word “okuru” and its scientific name is Abelmoschus esculentus. Okra is low in calories and is a good source of many nutrients including vitamin B6 and C, fiber, calcium and folic acid. It is effective for the prevention of neural tube defects in developing fetuses mainly due to its high content of vitamin B6, calcium, … [Read more...]

It’s been quite some time since I cooked Assam Laksa at home… so, when I was reminded about this fact, I decided to cook this last weekend. On Saturday morning I went to the wet market in Subang to get my fresh supplies… the vegetables, fish and noodles needed for this popular tantalising Malaysian dish! Actually, cooking Assam Laksa is very simple… about the most tedious task is perhaps the deboning of the fish. Here are what you need: For the Soup: Blend/pound together: … [Read more...]