For some cooks the word ‘risotto’ conjures up long hours in the kitchen. However, risotto is quite easy to prepare so don’t be put off making it because someone told you it’s time consuming. Just remember that a good risotto means choosing the right kind of rice such as Arborio or Carnaroli as these will…

This dish is typical in northern Malaysia and is usually served as part of a banquet. Ingredients:150g flathead fillets (can use any firm, white flesh fish)1/3 cup vegetable oil2 tablespoons dried shrimps, soaked in boiling water for 10 minutes, drained and coarsely chopped700g (3 1/2 cups) steamed jasmine rice (about 240g uncooked), cooled1 stalk of…

Dukkah (pronounced ‘do -kah’) is an Egyptian blend of coarsely ground nuts and spices. Use it by dipping bread in extra virgin olive oil then into the Dukkah mixture. I remember the first time I encountered this curious looking mixture when I was still living in Singapore. My husband and I went out for dinner…

Ok, so the photo isn’t so hot but the sandwich is! It’s been a favorite of mine for a very long time. For me, it’s a classic staple and when one is running short for time or you just don’t want to spend any time in the kitchen, this fits the bill. Ingredients:2 slices of…

When figs are in season, this is the time to make this recipe. As a matter of interest, fig newtons and dried figs are NOTHING like a fresh fig! A fresh fig tastes like a mix of a peach and a strawberry! Figs won’t last long at room temperature, but a mildly cool refrigerator will…

This famous Turkish flatbread is often called pide. It makes a nice change from the Italian pizza and is designed as a meal however, you could serve it as an appetizer. Make your own pizza dough or use flatbread (pita) if you are short for time. Topping:2 red capsicums1 medium eggplant2 tblespoons olive oil1 red…

Almost every cuisine on our planet has found an important role for garlic and is among the oldest known horticultural crop. Egyptian and Indian cultures referred to garlic 5000 years ago and by the Chinese 2000 years ago. Garlic’s good for you. Garlic acts as a warming herb for the digestion and respiratory tract and…

This is a family favorite and not only is it delicious but easy to prepare. It’s a unique way to serve 5 vegetables in one dish and the vinaigrette enhances the flavors of the vegetables. At our family reunion this summer, I made this and while everyone enjoyed it, my sister Patrice waxed lyrical about…

Yes, it’s that time of year where retailers and bakeries are promoting the ubiquitous ‘moon cake‘ to help kick off the The Mid-Autumn Festival. In Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, it may be referred to as the Lantern Festival. The Festival falls on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month of the Chinese calendar.…