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This is one of my favorite Chinese dishes which originates from the Chinese province of Sichuan. Sichuanese cuisine is well known for its spiciness due to its geographical proximity to Southeast Asia. Thai, Burmese and Indian cuisines are responsible for the hot and spicy cuisines of this region. Chili and pepper flavored food stimulates sweating…

Today is the beginning of the Chinese new lunar year; the Year of the Rat. Chinese New Year lasts 15 days and eating is a big part of celebrating the new year. More food is consumed during this time than any other time of the year. Each region in China has its own specialties such…

The term ‘slice‘ originates in Australia and there are few things more proudly Australian than the slice! The humble slice can also be seen as a culinary, or even cultural, identifier of Australia’s Anglo-Celtic heritage. The slice is not as ostentatious as baking a cake for visitors and yet it says you’ve made so much…

Yes, in 11 days people from all over the world will be scrambling to shower loved ones with greeting cards, chocolates, flowers, candy, dinner, presents and some will choose this day to get engaged or be married. Valentine greetings have been popular since the Middle Ages, a time when prospective lovers said or sang their…

This dessert is something I used to make when I was a teenager which brings back some fond memories. I lost the recipe and the one below closely resembles the one I used to make many years ago. Whoopie pies are considered a New England phenomenon and a Pennsylvania Amish tradition. They’re one of Maine’s…

My last posting I referred to antioxidants and how the eggplant helps fight off free radicals. Right now, cherries are abundant in Bangkok even though they are flown in from other parts of world. I’m a big fan of fresh cherries and I’m even happier to learn that the cherry is being touted as the…

I’m always looking for new dips to try and this has two of my favorite vegetables. Bell peppers (capsicum), whether green, red, orange or yellow are rich sources of some of the best nutrients available. They are an excellent source of Vitamin A and C which are very powerful antioxidants. These antioxidants work to neutralize…

Caponata is a Sicilian eggplant (aubergine) relish and has been around since the 1700’s. It’s usually served as a side dish or appetizer. Many Caponata variations contain celery but celery is not common in Southern Italy. What’s more likely is that the celery is a substitute for fennel. Some of Italy’s cooking stems from specialties…

The best balsamic vinegar comes from Italy in Modena or Reggio. True balsamic vinegar has a syrupy consistency and a sweet and fruity flavor. It is also characterized by its unusually dark color. Balsamic vinegar is made from unfermented juice from white grapes known as “must” which has high sugar content and is typically found…