Dec 022011
 
Revitalizing Dong Quai and Red Date Tea

This revitalizing Dong Quai and Red Date tea is a traditional recipe in Chinese food therapy. Although typically drank by women, it is consumed by men also. For women, this tea has been used for centuries to replenish the blood supply after a menstruation cycle or child birth. It is also used by Chinese women to relieve gynecological ailments, or menopausal symptoms. This recipe is so easy to make, with 3 simple steps that anyone can do at home [Read More ...]

Nov 282011
 
Longan and Dried Figs Pork Soup

For those who celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a warm and wonderful holiday weekend! I enjoyed my time off with my husband eating and relaxing.  We also took a day hike at Mountain Diablo.  From the top of the summit there, at about 3,900 ft above sea level, we can see all the way to the [Read More...]

Oct 182011
 
Burdock Daikon Carrot Pork Soup

It has been a while since I last made a soup with Burdock Root, 牛蒡 (also called Gobo or just Burdock).  While this root is literally the foundation for a common weed that some find pesky, burdock root is known in several Asian food cultures to have cancer fighting abilities and health benefits.  Europeans have also used this [Read More...]

Sep 282011
 
Pumpkin Carrot and Corn Pork Soup

If you like Japanese kabocha pumpkin like I do, this is the best time of the year to enjoy them.  Although kabocha pumpkins are available year-round, they are at their best now in the late summer / early fall season.  When picking a kabocha pumpkin, look for ones with a dark green skin and a dry corky [Read More...]

Sep 102011
 
Bok Choy Fish Head Tofu Soup

Fish head soup had not always been a favorite of mine. I even thought it was gross when I was younger, making remarks like “Eeeww! Fish heads are so nasty looking.”  Granted, a fish head was not the most aesthetically pleasing sight when it comes to food, whether live or cooked. And even though the best part [Read More...]

Aug 262011
 
Radish Daikon and Carrot Pork Soup

  This is a classic soup I grew up with. It is in fact a soup that my mother still makes routinely from time to time throughout the year. In the fall and winter months though, this soup would be found in my mother’s soup pot more frequently, as those would be the months when the radish [Read More...]

Aug 092011
 
Ginseng Quail Soup

Although the name of this Chinese soup sounds fancy and exotic, it is actually really REALLY easy to make. And it taste so good that it will excite your family and friends. They’ll also think you slaved away in the kitchen for hours when in fact, all of the ingredients for this soup require little or no [Read More...]

Aug 022011
 
Fuzzy Melon Salted Egg Drop Pork Soup

For those with a busy lifestyle, here is another simple 35-minute recipe that is kid-friendly, gluten-free, low-calorie, and low-sodium. This light and healthy soup is like a traditional Egg Drop Soup, but uses salted eggs and Fuzzy Melon (also called “Mo Qua” or Hairy Gourd). The soup’s cooling effect helps to release heat due to Yin-imbalance.

Jul 282011
 
Mustard Greens with Straw Mushroom and Tofu Soup

With little time to spare in the kitchen lately, I have to flip through my mental recipe rolodex more meticulously to come up with a tasty soup that is fast and easy to make. Undoubtedly, I got the perfect idea. In 35 minutes, I made this delicious healthy vegetable soup that is naturally low fat, low calorie, and gluten-free. [Read More...]

Jul 162011
 
Hawthorn Berry Honey Tea

  This tea tastes great.  In fact, it tastes a bit like iced tea but with a hint of sweet hawthorn fragrance when served cool.  This tea is so refreshing and aperitive.  I love a cup of this tea after a heavy meal has been had.  This is because hawthorn is known to aid in digestion and support [Read More...]