With its Middle Eastern origins, hummus is a dip best accompanied by pita bread and fresh assortment of vegetables. The garbanzo bean also known as chickpea is an edible legume. It is said that hummus origins trace back to the Sultan Saladin, a veteran of the Crusades, who enjoyed cooking as a pastime. In addition…

This is a family favorite which takes little time to prepare and a great way to use leftover bread! The Italians call it Panzanella which originates from Tuscany. Over the years there have been many adaptations and some purists would say adding olives is a no no. In any case, the flavors from the ingredients…

A simple and easy way to serve rice and get your vitamins too! We’re all familiar with Popeye who is always eating spinach to make him strong and now we know that spinach helps protect us against osteoporosis, heart disease, colon cancer, arthritis and is also important for maintaining bone health. Spinach is a staple…

Creme Caramel (aka flan) is basically a sweet custard dish. This recipe has a bit of a twist to the usual European dessert. It’s probably one of the easiest desserts to make and looks great! Serves 6400ml can coconut milk6 eggs, lightly whisked1 teaspoon vanilla paste1 cup white sugar1 1/2 cups of milk1/3 cup water1/2…

I’m always looking for new appetizers that take little effort to prepare but look good and taste great. You can marinate overnight or a few hours if you’re running short of time. 1/4 cup roasted red bell pepper, chopped fine1 tablespoon basil, chopped fine3 tablespoons parsley, chopped fine1/4 cup pitted kalamata olives, chopped fine1/4 cup…

It has been ages since I made a souffle most probably around the same time I used to have a fondue pot (many moons ago)! Having said that, I cannot resist a challenge and ‘Is My Blog Burning‘ has a new blog event. The theme for the newest Hay Hay It’s Donna Day is –…

28 Cooks recently asked the following: “Have you ever visited a food blog, day after day, and stopped and wondered what the chef behind the magic looks like? I often wander through my Blogroll and wonder who’s on the other side of the computer”. That’s where this “Behind The Apron” round-up comes in. Starting January…

Nothing pleases me more than an all-in-one dish. This recipe is loaded with vegetables along with one of my favorite fish: salmon. Salmon is rich in Omega 3 fatty acids. Some salmon have more Omega 3 than others such as chinook and sockeye. They are a fattier fish and contain great amounts of healthy omega…

As of January 1st, 2007, Hong Kong declared itself smoke free. There are six types of “qualified establishments” exempt from this current regulation – nightclubs, commercial bathhouses, massage establishments, mahjong parlours, designated mahjong rooms in clubs and certain bars – which may implement the smoking ban by July 1, 2009 at the latest. Click here…

The addition of bacon gives it a special oomph while the truffle oil adds a bit of class to an otherwise basic soup. This recipe is adapted from January 2007 Bon Appétit. Cauliflower is a nutritious vegetable and by taking three florets a day it will provide you with a good supply of your daily…

I love it when people say they want more which is exactly what my 14 year old daughter said. This recipe is adapted from Good Taste magazine. This is quite an easy meal to prepare and loaded with taste! Enjoy! Serves 6250g rice vermicelli noodles2 tablespoons fish sauce1 tablespoon fresh lime juice1 tablespoon brown sugar1/2…

I always like the way simple and fresh ingredients make a tasty dish and this recipe is exactly what I am referring to. You can serve this as an appetizer or as a side dish to a main meal. Serves 41 small onion, chopped finelyolive oil2 garlic cloves, chopped2-3 medium tomatoes, chopped3 tablespoons parsley, chopped1-2…