masalaminds nov - dec 2013

Cha Dao - Awakening with Tea

Eat & Celebrate the Chinese way - Festivals of China

Chinese Urban Wedding Day

5 things you should NEVER gift to a Chinese person

Chinese food around the world

Wonder-fruit Jujube

Nov- Dec 2013 www.MasalaMinds.com

Ni Hao, China

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Kitchen CornerWonder-fruit JujubeEgg drop soup Cashew chicken stir fry

Trending NowHealthy popped nutri-grainsBlue Curacao cocktails

Ni Hao, China

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Cha Dao – Awakening with Tea




5 things you should nEvEr gift to a Chinese person

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Editorial Disclaimer: All material published are the copyright of MasalaMinds. views expressed in the magazine are of the contributors and does not necessarily bind the Editor or the Publisher of the magazine. MasalaMinds does not hold responsibility for the outcome of decision or action based on the information contained in the publication.

Global palates are expanding, and international food sections are growing in every market all over

the world. Whether you’re near or far from home, your favorite comfort foods are always onhand.

Globalization has also generated interest in exploring other locations and cultures – understanding the

local mindset and shopping like a native, be it for food or other products and services. Rooted in passion

for food, culture, and travel, MasalaMinds explores these topics to bring you the best content to help you

plan your perfect getaway or find your new favorite flavors.

Our sister site MasalaMinds.com can help you work through the multitude of issues that you face when

you move or travel to a new place, region, or culture by connecting you with the feedback of folks who

have paved the path for your journey. MasalaMinds.com also collects advice from the locals in your new/

current location. Think of MasalaMinds as a substitute for the network of family and friends that you left

behind when you moved or traveled to a new place. Wherever you go, we will be there for you.

As part of the MasalaMinds community, you’ll also be able to give back the knowledge you gain by

sharing your own experiences via reviews, comments, or pictures. Love a product or business? Let us

know so that others may benefit from your input and make more accurate buying decisions. After all,

when you discover items that take you down the memory lane or open your mind to new possibilities, it’s

only fair you share your find with others! You are forging a channel as you set down roots in a new place.

MasalaMinds.com provides a place to lead others in your exploration. Or, you can simply start wandering

the trails others have blazed before you to find great restaurants, grocery items, and travel destinations.

Add your voice to our community at MasalaMinds.com.

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Ever tasted duck eggs? If not, then it’s about time! More and more chefs’

worldwide are tossing chicken eggs in favor of the relatively larger duck eggs. Though they can be eaten in lieu of chicken eggs in omelets or fried, scrambled, hard-boiled and poached, duck eggs are especially superior when used in baking. Their higher fat and albumen content makes them excellent for waffles, cakes, quiches, meringues and custards which turn out richer and fluffier and also stay moist for a longer period.

In today’s time-constrained and fast-paced life, who has the time to prepare three

meals a day? As families struggle with hectic schedules and money issues, snacking through the day is becoming a more realistic and acceptable alternative to traditional time-consuming meals. Today, packaged snacks are not just limited to chips, cookies or crackers; they include a variety of healthier options like nuts, legumes, veggie & fruit chips and yogurts. These wholesome snacks not only offer the quick convenience of satisfying untimely hunger pangs but are also conducive to maintaining a healthy weight.

foodDuck Eggs-plosion!

Grab-n-Go snacking

Trending Now



food

An essential bar ingredient, Blue Curacao is mostly used to infuse the vibrant

blue color in cocktails like Blue Lagoon, Midnight Kiss and Envy. It is sweet liqueur distilled and flavored from the dried peel of bitter oranges found on the Caribbean Island of Curacao. Curacao liqueur is actually colorless and artificial color, mostly blue, is added to it. Try the Kamikaze cocktail made with a creative blend of 1 oz Vodka, 1 oz Blue Curacao Liqueur and 0.5 oz Lime Juice to ignite your taste buds in a wonderful way.

Yes, you can pop more than just corn! Though the movie theatre favorite,

popcorn stills reigns on the whole grain (pop) chart, other grains like amaranth, quinoa, millet and sorghum are gaining popularity too. High in protein and fiber content, popped grains are great sources of nourishment and qualify as excellent snacks. Once popped, these grains transform and gain a crunchy texture and nutty taste. Whether you savor them by the handful, add them to baked goods, or toss them as croutons in savory dishes, these grains can be a healthful addition to your diet.

Blue Curaçao

Popped Nutri-grains

Trending Now



More and more travelers are getting eager to explore off the

beaten path and visit untouched destinations. Places like Bhutan, Morocco, and Malawi bring higher meaning and depth to their traveling experience. These enthusiasts look for intriguing locations with serene landscapes, historical traditions and most of all, a peace that characterizes these unique destinations. By following itineraries filled with adventure and opportunities to explore exotic locales, they forsake luxurious amenities in favor of authentic moments of discovery.

As the travel fantasies of tourists keep evolving, demand for vacation

homes is booming. Travelers prefer to rent villas and enjoy home-like comforts during these getaways. These villas range from modest to luxurious with some of them fully equipped with onsite leisure facilities like swimming pools, gyms, saunas, gourmet kitchens, plus maids and janitorial service. Travel websites & companies are increasingly offering such attractive rental accommodations to appeal to the passion and interests of the tourists. La Villa in Los Angeles, Periscope Villa in Santorini, Greece and Castello di Galbinoin Tuscany, Italy are some popular rental villas.

travelUnexplored destinations

Villas for rent

Trending Now



Ni Hao, China



Tea originated in China and has been given due reverence in the Chinese culture for over 4000 years. In China,

not only is tea offered to pay respect to elders and guests or commonly shared among friends in a warm environment, it also has special significance in customary rituals related to weddings and births.

Authentic Chinese tea art is called “Cha Dao” and literally means ‘way of tea’ in Chinese. However, it doesn’t refer to the detailed process of the actual tea preparation, instead it has a deeper meaning which can be perceived as ‘awakening by way of tea’. After sipping a cup of refreshing Chinese tea, one is said to experience the serenity of meditation. “Cha Dao” refers to the feeling of appreciation and harmony generated towards one’s environment when tea is prepared and consumed with the traditional reverence it deserves.

The Chinese tea ceremony is called ‘Gongfu Cha’ meaning ‘Tea with great skill’. It embodies the traditions of Chinese culture and is a ritual that requires careful selection of tea type and equipment, and control over temperature and time. Tea aficionados prefer too drink their green and oolong teas in Gongfu style. The family of Chinese tea includes many different varieties; and each variety has its own special characteristic and virtue.

Cha Dao• It’s more than serving, tasting & drinking• It’s a state of mind, a feeling of freedom,

and a living poetry• It’s about experiencing tranquility, and

developing an inward thinking

Ni Hao, China


Cha Dao - Awakening with Tea!


Green tea Green tea is consumed globally not only for its multiple health benefits, but also for the different flavor profiles that can be experienced through its many varieties. It is by far the least processed tea, as it does not undergo any fermentation process. And as a result, green tea retains the maximum amount of antioxidants and poly-phenols, the substances responsible for its many benefits. Dragon Well is a legendary Chinese green tea with a toasty aroma and sweet flavor.

Oolong tea‘Oo’ means black and ‘Long’ means dragon so literally the tea means Black Dragon! Preferred by tea connoisseurs’ worldwide, oolong tea can be understood as somewhere in between the green and the black varieties as its half-fermented. A strong tea, even with mild or medium flavor, it is tea for serious tea drinkers! Iron Goddess and Da Hong Pao are notable varieties.

Floral teaWhen dried and edible flowers are brewed with or without tea, the outcome is a fragrant concoction with a sweet floral taste. Jasmine, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, rose and lily are some of the flowers commonly used for making tea. These blossoms, when steeped, slowly unfurlinto their original beautiful form culminating into mesmerizing aromatic infusions. Highly recommended in weight loss programs, these teas have specific health benefits too. Chrysanthemum tea is good for the eyesight while hibiscus tea helps lower blood pressure and jasmine tea aids digestion.

Black tea Enjoyed widely in the Western countries, mainly as iced tea, black tea is called red tea in China because it has an amber hue when brewed. Black tea undergoes withering, left to ferment for a long time and then roasted. It has a long shelf life, and over time its caffeine level decreases while the flavor intensifies. Premium Lapsang Souchong, and Keemun Black Tea are some renowned varieties.

Pu-Erh teaOriginating from the Yunnan province in China, Pu-erh tea is a Chinese specialty and produced under highly regulated controls to ensure its authenticity. After drying this tea undergoes additional fermentation, which results in an earthy flavor. The tea also known as vintage tea gets better and more valuable with age and is considered to be a lucrative investment option, thanks to its numerous health benefits!

Ni Hao, China



Yixing teapots For a superior tea drinking experience, use a traditional Yixing teapot for brewing your tea. Admired for its beauty and usability worldwide, these teapots are made with porous Yixing clay, which retain tiny amounts of tea with each brew and over time produce teas rich and complex in flavor. Transcending its objective of brewing tea, today these teapots have become a symbol of beauty spurring a high level of craftsmanship in teapot designs featuring splendid calligraphic and art inscriptions. If you are a tea enthusiast, do buy one of these artisanal pots to transport you back in time to Ancient China.

For centuries, tea has been associated with numerous health benefits. In addition to many vitamins and minerals, the antioxidants in green, black, and oolong teas can help lower cholesterol, improve artery function, burn fat and even prevent diabetes. Regular consumers of green and black teas face a reduced risk for heart related diseases.

Tea, once considered a medicinal herb, a sophisticated privilege, and aspiritual medium by the Chinese has now permeated all levels of society. It is now known across the globe as a healthy, flavorful and aromatic indulgence. However you choose to have your cup of tea - as a hot beverage or an iced one; to seek sanctity of pride, to invigorate your senses or relax in the company of your friends or for sheer pleasure - it deserves a place of pride in your kitchen.

Ni Hao, China



Celebrated from the 1st till the 15th day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, this is China’s biggest and most important festival.

Preparations start about a month prior to the festival with people cleaning houses, shopping for decorations, flowers, new clothes and gifts for friends and family. The Chinese character “Fu” symbolizing happiness or blessing is pasted on the doors. People rejoice in the festive atmosphere by hanging couplets on door panels, lighting red lanterns, igniting fireworks and expressing good wishes to each other.

Jiaozi

Ni Hao, China


‘Fu’


Spring Festival


During this time, families get together and savor the season with celebratory reunion meals. Made in the Chinese tradition, these lavish meals comprise of ingredients like ji (chicken), yu (fish) and doufu (bean curd) symbolizing auspiciousness and abundance. In Northern China people eat jiaozi or crescent-shaped dumplings that are considered a symbol of wealth because of their shape like ancient Chinese currency. Another festive specialty is the Chinese New Year cake, niangao, meaning “higher year” which is believed to bring prosperity in the upcoming year.

New Year Cake

Ni Hao, China



Moon Cake

Ni Hao, China


Mid-Autumn Festival


The Mid-Autumn festival is an ancient harvest festival celebrated each year on the 15th day of the 8th lunar month in the Chinese calendar, on a full moon day. It is celebrated in memory of the legendary Chang’e, the mythical moon goddess of immortality. On this day, families gather together to worship the moon and pray for good fortune

and peace. Burning incense in reverence to Chang’e, performing enchanting fire dragon dances, lighting lanterns on towers, carrying brightly lit lanterns and floating sky lanterns are other delightful ways to celebrate this auspicious day. Though there are many variations of the Mid-Autumn festival celebrations throughout China depending on the region, eating and sharing mooncakes, is a universal custom shared by all. The mooncake, a traditional Chinese pastry with a thin flour crust and dense filling, is a festive specialty. As the festival approaches, a plethora of mooncakes abound the stores with crusts adorned with symbols of longevity and harmony and diverse fillings ranging from classic flavors like egg yolks, lotus seed paste, jujube paste & sweet bean paste to more contemporary ones like tiramisu, cream cheese and chocolate.

Chang’e

Ni Hao, China



Tang Yuan

The spectacular Lantern festival, celebrated on the last day of the Spring festival is a befitting finale

to the Chinese New Year festivities. Amidst exuberant carnival-like atmosphere, crowds fill the streets to marvel at parades featuring magnificent lantern displays in vivid colors, lion dancers in gorgeous costumes, stilt-walkers in colorful garbs & carnival masks and brilliant firework displays. “Tangyuan” or small round glutinous rice balls, which symbolize harmony, happiness and family unity are a ceremonial delicacy eaten especially on this day.

Ni Hao, China


Lantern Festival


Zongzi

Ni Hao, China


Dragon Boat Festival

Stemmed by a legend, more than two millenniums old, this is a festival celebrated to commemorate a great

poet and patriot, Qu Yuan, who immersed himself in the Miluo River. The legend states that the villagers, desperately searching for him, beat drums, paddled boats up and down the river and threw zongzi (rice dumplings wrapped in leaves) to distract the fish from feeding upon his body. This tradition has been religiously honored ever since on the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. Hundreds of spectators assemble to witness the sensational Dragon Boat Races, where athletes powerfully paddle boats to the rhythmic beats of drums and frenzied roars of the onlookers. While these races have been an integral part of an ancient tradition, they have gained immense popularity as an international sport in modern times.


An urban Chinese Wedding Day not only captures the love of a couple but also entails the union of the two families involved. It is a day of celebration, full of fun and frolic amidst customary rituals and activities.The auspicious day begins early in the morning, with the bride dressing up and waiting at her home for her

groom to come and pick her up. Usually around mid-morning, when the groom and his friends arrive at the bride’s house, the bridesmaids block their path at the entrance and challenge the groom with outrageous requests or tricky questions about the bride such as the bride’s favorite food, or the name of the bride’s middle school. The groom must answer these before he is allowed enter the house. Once these questions are answered, the groom needs to give“red packets”or envelopes with money to the bride’s friends. After much haggling, the settlement amount is decided upon and handed over to the friends. These red packets usually have less than 100 RMB inside them though. Then, the bride and groom would have a traditional sweet soup prepared by the bride’s family, which contains jujubes, pea-nuts, longans, and lotus seeds. In Chinese language, these four ingredients are together pronounced as “Zao Sheng Gui Zi”, forming an idiom with the meaning of having a blessed baby soon!

A simple ceremony follows where the bride and groom offer brown sugar tea to the parents of the bride expressing their gratitude, and the parents gives their blessings and red packets or jewelry to the bride. From this point on, the groom formally becomes a member of the bride’s family and treats her parents as his own. The groom now returns to his home with the bride, where they repeat the above rituals of having the sweet soup, offering tea to the groom’s parents and receiving red packets from them. These red packets offered by the groom’s parent usually contain much more money than the ones received from the bride’s family. Then the family departs for the venue, usually a banquet hall or hotel where the wedding ceremony is going to be held. Here the tables are aesthetically set with a spread of vibrant red decorative accents to match the mood of the evening.



Ni Hao, China


Distinguished by its traditional design, the Chinese “Double Happiness” symbol, a sign of love, harmony and balance it is a must-have decoration for all weddings and is strategically placed to meet the marrying couple’s eye.

Soon guests arrive and the wedding ceremony,which can be summarized into three broad sections, begins. At first, the bride’s father gives his daughter to the groom and expresses his wishes and expectations. Then the wedding wit-nesses (usually the elders from the groom’s family) announce the bride and groom as wife and husband, make them exchange rings, and ask the groom to kiss the bride. For the second part of the ceremony, the bride changes into another wedding dress, and lights the candles at each table with her husband. After the cake cutting, champagne is poured for the guests, and the parents give a short speech and raise a toast for the newly wedded couple.

The third part of the wedding ceremony is all about fun and entertainment. The bride and groom usually change into traditional Chinese Tang suit and Qi Pao, and offer drinks to the guests at each table. A lavish meal with as many as 8 to 10 courses with customary delicacies like roasted suckling pig, shark fin’s soup, and E-fu noodles is served. Meanwhile, the wedding host organizes singing and games on the stage to entertain the guests, and offers them the presents prepared by the bride and groom.

Usually this wedding ceremony lasts for three hours. As the celebrations draw to an end, the newly married couple and their parents see the guests off and draw the curtain on their beautiful and full wedding day.


Shark Fin’s SoupDouble Happiness Symbol

Red Packets

Banquet Hall

Ni Hao, China



Only a handful of cultures can claim a culinary influence as global and extensive as China’s. Chinese food is enjoyed worldwide and more so in countries with a high immigrant population. But when local ingredients and tastes influence this authentic food, the result is a hybrid cuisine, which bears similarity to the original,

but develops a unique character of its own. Let’s take a culinary tour and see some regional adaptations of popular Chinese (inspired) dishes!

General Tso’s Chicken: Though the general was busy fighting rebellion, and had nothing to do with the chicken, the dish was named so, and is cooked with chunks of chicken dipped in a batter of ginger, garlic scallions, and chili peppers.

Crab Rangoon: Americanized version of fried dumplings with a crab and cream cheese filling! Cream cheese in China, is certainly not authentic!

Fortune Cookies: Not authentically Chinese but quite popular in the US, these crackers are made of flour, sugar, vanilla essence, egg whites, and include a piece of paper with a note of wisdom inscribed on it.


USA

Ni Hao, China


Chinese Samosa: This famous Indian snack gets a Chinese spin when the traditional spiced potato-pea filling gets replaced with stir-fried noodles.

Vegetable Manchurian: These deep fried vegetable balls in soya-sauce based gravy are a national favorite. A dish that would be unknown to a native Chinese!

Chicken Lollipops: With a spicy Szechwan touch, these Indian-style deep-fried chicken lollipops are featured in all Indo-Chinese menus.

INDIA


Ni Hao, China


Aeropuerto: Next time you visit a Peruvian restaurant and see ‘Airport’ in the menu, do not be confused! Aeropuerto is a popular version of Chinese noodles and rice served with fried wonton skins.

Lomo Saltado: Peruvian ingredients are stir-fried Chinese style in this pork and vegetable dish, which is the mainstay of “Chifa” or Peruvian-Chinese restaurants.


PERU

Ni Hao, China


Arroz Frito: A fine example of Chinese-Cuban fusion food! Chinese style fried rice with pork, vegetables and “soy sauce” a.k.a. “Salsa China” in Cuba.

Chico Roll: The Chinese egg roll gets a new look in this thick ‘Chico roll’, an immensely popular snack with an unconventional filling of barley, cabbage, meat and spices.


CUBA

AUSTRALIA

Ni Hao, China



Clock or WatchIn Chinese language, ‘clock’ is ‘Zhong’, and ‘to give a clock’

is ‘Song Zhong’, which means attending upon a dying senior

member of a family. Therefore, clocks are definitely the last

thing people would give to each other. Watches, with similar

meaning as clocks, are also not an ideal choice when it comes

to presents. However, giving luxurious watches is not forbid-

den, but rather popular in China within the wealthy circle.

things you should NEVER gift to a Chinese person

Though giving gifts is prevalent throughout China and is considered an important way to build “guanxi” or relationships between people, there are a few gifts that are absolutely forbidden according to the Chinese etiquette. Save yourself from some embarrassing moments of gift-giving blunders by following our guide of what NOT TO BUY for a Chinese person!

5 UmbrellaIn Chinese is ‘San’, which has the same pronunciation as

‘being apart’. Thereby people do not give an umbrella to

a friend or any couple, and never would a person give an

umbrella to his or her partner.

Ni Hao, China



Scissors or KnifeAs tools of cutting things into two, scissors and knives are

absolutely not the correct gifts as they are interpreted as

gifts meant to sever a relationship or bond. When gifted to

couples it is implied that you are hoping that their relation-

ship falls apart!

Green Hat Never ever give a green hat to a Chinese man, as it is

considered a huge humiliation. In Chinese culture, if a woman

is cheating on her man, it is said that she is putting a green

hat on her man. There are many different versions about the

origin of the green hat lore, but they all share a common fact

that a man in a green hat is a man who has been cheated

upon by his wife or partner.

ChrysanthemumsChinese people only buy chrysanthemums for the dead

when they sweep tombs or attend a funeral. Giving chry-

santhemums to people who are alive is thought of as

extremely ominous and thus strictly forbidden.

Ni Hao, China


Call it jujube, Chinese dates or Tsai, this ancient and versatile fruit has been around for more than 3000 years and is prized by practitioners of traditional medicine for its numerous health benefits. Eaten fresh, this small red or black fruit has an edible skin and a sweet taste when ripe.

They are also eaten dried or candied, which concentrates the sweetness of the fruit. Not only do they contain antioxidants that act as anti-inflammatory agents, a handful of jujubes pack a powerful punch of minerals like manganese, iron, phosphorus & calcium and Vitamins A, C and B2, which can significantly help bolster the immune system.

Stress Buster & Sleep Enhancer

Extensively used in traditional oriental medicine, jujube is a time-tested remedy for insomnia and stress. Sleeplessness is a common ailment today and this fruit with its inherent sleep-inducing properties can help relax the body and facilitate sound sleep. The extract is often used as a natural alternative to prescription sedatives.

How is it eaten worldwide?

• In China & Korea, jujubes are eaten fresh or dried, made into a sweet and sour jam, and jujube tea is a very popular beverage too.

• In Middle Eastern countries jujubes are eaten as snack with tea or alongside dessert.• In India, jujubes are consumed fresh or dried, as candies and even used to make pickles.• In Madagascar, jujubes are used to make jams.

Whichever way you decide to include jujubes in your diet, you will be doing yourself a favor by eating them!

Kitchen Corner

Wonder-fruit Jujube



Jujube Tea


Kitchen Corner

Fun fact In the Himalayan

region, teenagers hide the sweet smelling jujube

flower stems in their hats to attract women!


Ingredients• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken

breast, cut into 1” cubes• ½ cup unsalted cashews• 1 small onion, cut into 1” cubes• 2 tbsp spring onions, chopped• 1 cup mixed bell peppers, cut into 1”

cubes• 1 tsp ginger, minced • 2 tsp garlic, minced • 2 tbsp dark soy sauce• 1 tbsp hoisin sauce• 1 tbsp rice wine• 4 tbsp oil• 2 tbsp cornstarch• 1 tsp sugar• 1 tsp red pepper flakes ( optional )• Salt & pepper to taste

Directions• Dry roast cashews on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until

they are golden brown and set aside.• In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice wine, red

pepper flakes, salt, pepper, sugar, cornstarch and 2 tsp oil. Add the cubed chicken and marinate for about 30 minutes.

• Heat the remaining 2 tsp oil in a wok or a large non-stick skillet. Add the chopped onions, ginger and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about a minute.

• Add the marinated chicken and stir-fry until the chicken is fully cooked through. Add the bell peppers and stir for about 2 minutes.

• Toss in the cashews and spring onions. Stir for 30 seconds.• Transfer to a bowl and serve immediately.

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes Serves: 4

ASHEW

STIR-FRYHICKENC


Kitchen Corner


EGGDR P

S UP


Preparation Time: 20 minutes Serves: 4 to 6

Ingredients• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth• 2 cups water• 2 large eggs• 1” ginger, thickly sliced• 2” lemongrass stem• 2 cloves garlic, crushed• 1 tablespoon cornstarch• ½ cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced• ½ cup extra-firm tofu, cut into small cubes • 4 scallions, thinly sliced• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions• In a saucepot bring the broth, water, ginger, garlic & lemongrass to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 5

minutes.• Skim out the flavorings with a slotted spoon.• Add the mushrooms, tofu, salt & pepper.• Scoop out ¼ cup of the stock in a small bowl to dissolve the cornstarch. Pour back into the saucepot and

simmer for about 4 minutes until the soup thickens.• Beat the eggs with a fork and drizzle slowly into the soup to create egg ribbons.• Add the scallions and simmer for 30 seconds.• Remove from heat & serve immediately.

Kitchen Corner


REVIEWS oN CHINESE PRoDUCTS & [email protected] to all our members below for contributing with their reviews!New users can chime in by joining MasalaMinds.com.

Seattle Chinese School, BellevueImpressive Organization, Highly Recommended

By: Kathy Bessler

Eggroll King, Huntington BeachHealthy Chinese?

By Kat Von B

Fermented Soybeans by Lao Gan MaStir Fry Flavor from Heaven!

By ramram11

Found this Chinese school online and was immediately impressed by how organized it is as a real school.

Currently, this school utilizes the Interlake High School space at 16245 NE 24th Street, for its Saturday

morning classes, for age 3 and up. They teach Traditional Mandarin Chinese, not simplified. During my

tour, it was toward end of school year with actual final exam given on student progress. For parents who

prefer a more structured educational setting, I would highly recommend to check this out to see if it’s a

good fit for your child.

Healthy Chinese Food does exist! I didn’t really believe that it could be healthy and taste good. The food

is not greasy and I had the vegetarian egg rolls that were delish! The sweet and sour chicken wasn’t what

I expected it was better! With a lite glaze I was shocked that it was not drenched in sauce but still had so

many flavors. Can’t wait to go back!

Just the match for Baby Bok Choy Stir Fried! It so simple and easy to make within 5 minutes and the flavor

is out of this world. It will take you longer to prepare the Baby Bok Choy then cooking it. Cut the Bok Choy

bunch in half then peel each leaf to separate. Finely slice a few pieces of fresh garlic. Heat the cooking

vessel first then add oil. When the oil is sufficiently heated add the garlic then the Baby Bok Choy and a

teaspoon of the Fermented Soya Beans. Stir briskly for a couple of minutes then plate it and serve. So

simple but so satisfying. Have fun with this!

MasalaMinds Online Community



Seattle Chinese School, BellevueImpressive Organization, Highly Recommended

Fortune Cookies by La ChoyTo add a Fun Moment for the Kids

By ramram11

Sun Shui Restaurant, Arlington HeightsGreat Local Chinese Restaurant and Sushi Bar

By : Klnygaard

No cooking required. Just cut it in half and enjoy. It’s generally salty, good with rice porridge. I especially

enjoy the yolk part, not too salty.

Maxims is one of Hong Kong’s most famous cakes producers. This company’s snowy moon cake tastes

wonderful. Traditionally, Chinese people only have moon cakes at Middle Autumn Festival. But today the

producers supply moon cakes all the time around the year. You can buy a box of moon cakes anytime

in a supermarket. Maxims is a little bit expensive than most of the other brands, but I think it is worthy.

Living in the US, Boston area (part of the Chinese food experience) - it’s always a fun moment for the

kids to have a fortune cookie after you have made a Chinese meal. Try this - La Choy makes some great

products and some not so great but their Fortune Cookies aren’t bad. Kids love them and it’s a great way

to entice them to finish everything on their plate first. Here’s to a good fortune for you and the children!

Whenever I am in the area, I always make a stop at Sun Shui. My last visit was with my husband and the

kids after a soccer tournament. My favorite is the Mongolian beef. I love this dish. My husband is the sushi

person and he orders a sampling of several. The kids are big fans of the Crispy Szechwan Beef, which I

must say was incredible. Next time I order, I have to try General Tsos Chicken. The table next to us had an

order and I had to resist walking over with my fork and trying some. Whether you want Chinese or sushi,

you will not be disappointed.

Snowy Moon Cake by MaximsSoft and sweet!

Boiled Salted Duck Eggs by Wei ChuanBreakfast

By: Jason Chen

By: JaneW


Masalaminds online Community


Events

Pushkar Camel MelaDate: 6th to 17th November, 2013Location: Pushkar, Rajasthan, India

India’s biggest tribal gathering, the event features camel races, wrestling, turban & moustache competitions, tug-of-war and other rural sports. It also includes the Camel Charisma, where camel wool shawls and other products made by camel keeping communities are sold.

Macy’s Thanksgiving Day ParadeDate: 28th November, 2013Location: New York City, US

The parade includes top marching bands from across the country representing their states with pageantry. Enjoy the sight of performance groups, huge helium balloons, and Santa Claus pass before your eyes.

Taste of AucklandDate: 14th to 17th November, 2013Location: Auckland, New Zealand

A chance for foodies to try signature dishes from the finest restaurants of Auckland. Enjoy shows by renowned chefs, taste the finest wines, and let the live music sweep you off your feet.

Padstow Christmas FestivalDate: 5th - 8th December 2013Location: Padstow, UK

Enjoy the magic of Christmas in Santa’s grotto with real reindeer, lantern parade & fireworks. Chef demonstrations along with delicious dishes and drinks to taste are also available to entertain foodies.

Broome Mango FestivalDate: 20-24 November 2013Location: Broome, Western Australia

The event features Mango cocktail party, cocktail making and drinking competition, Mango jams and chutneys of Broome, great chefs of Broome contest, and many other fun activities.

The 11th Hong Kong Food FestivalDate: 25th Dec – 28th Dec, 2013Location: Hong Kong, China

The event includes local, and international culinary creations, a dizzying array of gourmet appetizers, and the finest wines from across the world.


Looking for a foodie getaway or cultural escape? Look no further than our calendar of upcoming culinary events to make your November and December travel plans. Feel free to contact us with ideas for future listings.



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