[recipes + video] Sweet And Savory Honey Recipes

*in collaboration with Huiji Honey

Honey which is a natural sweetener for making beverage is also an excellent addition for baking and cooking. It can helps to retain moisture in the cake or adds as a golden hue to sauces and dressing. Personally I find honey blend well with most meat dishes especially chicken and it make great dressing when mix with lemon, mustard sauce or fresh herbs too.

From what I read up you can actually replace 1 cup sugar with half portion of honey in your recipes to cut down the amount of sugar used. So for a healthier diet perhaps you can try adding honey into your next bake or checkout our honey related recipes below.

[recipes] 5 Healthy Drinks With Honey

With festive feasts and New Year approaching, I am sure you like to add some detox drinks to your diet in order to cleanse your body and boost up the immune system. Trust us; making your own Detox Drink is pretty easy as you probably have most of the ingredients in your kitchen.

In this post we have prepared a few drinks that can be served alongside with breakfast, teatime or main course which I hope it will be useful for you.

[recipes] Huiji Waist Tonic (汇集补腰精)

Steamed Ginger Chicken

No matter you are a new mother on confinement or just someone who wants to whip up some herbal dishes for the family to nourish the body.  I am sure you have tried some of those  pre-packed herbs, spices or even tonic drinks which are available in the stores. In this post I would be sharing a few ideas on how to prepare nourishing dishes with the help of Huiji Waist Tonic which could easily prepare for ourselves and kid(s) especially during exam period.

[recipes] Honey Tempura Prawns + Tips On Using Honey

Honey Prawns are a popular Chinese takeaway / take out dish in most western countries such as Australia and United States. But do you actually this dish can be easily prepare at home with just a few basic ingredients that are available in your pantry? Moreover this delicious dish can also be serve as a party food or together with some steamed rice for quick week night 1-dish meal.

Osmanthus And Chestnut Koi Jelly Plus Osmanthus Flower Giveaways

Thinking of what dessert to make this coming Chinese New Year? Why not try this super easy Osmanthus And Chestnut Koi Jelly which I am sure your guests would be impress with those cute and auspicious Koi Fish (锦鲤) and Ingot (元宝). With just 3 main ingredients such as Osmanthus Flower, Konnyaku Jelly and Water Chestnut you could easily replicated this dessert which is similar to Osmanthus Cake (桂花糕) but in jelly form rather than cake.

OSMANTHUS AND CHESTNUT KOI JELLY

For this jelly dessert I did not add any food colouring and the "golden colour" effect comes from the natural colour of the Osmanthus flowers itself. So if your prefer a darker colour,  you could either add in a teaspoon more of the Osmanthus flower or a few drops of yellow food coloring. But if you cannot get hold of any Osmanthus Flower or Konnyaku Jelly, you could try another flavour instead of Osmanthus using Lemongrass with a reference recipe here.

As for the Koi And Ingot jelly mould, you could get it from Kitchen Caper. I bought mine with 3 different assorted mould for S$5.00 during their festive promotion.  

(Serves: 4-6  | Preparation: 15 minutes  | Cooking: 7 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1 Packet Red Man Brand Konnyaku Premix Jelly Powder
• 1200ml Water
• 3 - 4 Teaspoons Osmanthus Flower
• 1.5 Tablespoons Wolfberries, soaked till soften
• 8 Water Chestnuts, skin removed and diced
• 1 Knot of Pandan Leave, optional

Method:-
1. In a pot, add 1200ml of water and bring to boil together with pandan leave for 3 minutes to infuse the water with pandan leave fragrance. 

2. Lower the heat, add in osmanthus flowers and simmer on low heat for 2 minutes.

3. On the lowest heat, slowly stir in Konnyaku Jelly Powder using a balloon whisk or wooden spoon until powder fully dissolved. Turn off the heat and remove from stove.

4. Add 2 wolfberries (pre-soaked in water for 3 - 5 minutes till puff) and 1/2 - 1 teaspoon of water chestnut in each jelly mould (refer to the photo above).

5. Slowly pour in jelly solution into the prepared mould. Cool and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours to firm it before serving.

Osmanthus And Chestnut Koi Jelly

Steam Osmanthus Cod Fish	Glutinous Red Date With Osmanthus Syrup	Huiji Steamed Pomfret With Osmanthus

Osmanthus Honey Tea

If you have no time to involve yourself in the kitchen, perhaps a cup of this refreshing Osmanthus Honey Tea (recipe) will be great to help smoothing your mood as well as detoxification and beauty maintenance.

GIVEAWAYS

Lastly in order for those who are interested to try our Osmanthus Flower. I would be giving away 2 trial packet (4g each) of Osmanthus Flowers to 2 Lucky Readers to try out some of the related recipes that I have shared.

How To Win:-
1. Comment (on this post) which recipe with Osmanthus Flowers that you would like to try.

2. Click LIKE and SHARE the above photo over at Cuisine Paradise Facebook Page (here); AND

Leaving a comment (on facebook) that you have "Like And Share" the above.

Closing Date: 05 February 2013 (Tuesday), 12.00 NOON
*Giveaway is open to ALL READERS of Cuisine Paradise with a valid mailing address.

[Giveaway Result Updated on 05 Feb 2013]

Huiji Steamed Pomfret With Osmanthus

Silver Pomfret (Yin Chang - 银鲳鱼) or White Pomfret (白鲳鱼) is one of the seafood choice which is popular among the Teochew (a dialect group). And usually for a Teochew family like us, we love to include preserved salted vegetables, tomato and sour plums in our Steamed Silver Pomfret dish. But since I am re-create this dish for Chinese New Year, I decided to add in some Osmanthus flower which has a distinctive fragrance that enhance the flavour of this dish.

HUIJI STEAMED POMFRET WITH OSMANTHUS

During Chinese New Year, it is a must have for each household to have "Fish" as one of the auspicious dish which symbol "abundance" of good luck and fortune. And when it comes to fish, the best way is to either Steam or Poach whereby using the most least ingredients to draw up the natural flavour and sweetness of the fish.

(Serves: 4-6 | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 20 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1 Silver Pomfret, about 400g
• 2 Cup (40ml, using huiji measuring cup) Huiji Waist Tonic
• 1 Stall Spring Onion, cut into sections
• 2 – 3 Slices Ginger, Shredded
• 1 Teaspoon Osmanthus Flower
• 2 Fresh Shiitake Mushrooms (optional), sliced
• 1 Teaspoon Shallot Oil, optional

Seasonings:
1/4 Teaspoon Salt
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil

Method:-
1. Clean pomfret to remove any scales or intestines. Rub pomfret evenly with salt and marinate for 5 minutes.

2. Place pomfret on steaming plate that consists half portion of shredded ginger and spring onion.

3. Arrange remainder ginger, spring onion and mushroom on the fish before scatter the osmanthus flower on it.

4. Steam pomfret over high heat for 10 – 12 minutes. Remove from heat, garnish with shallot oil and drizzle a cup (20ml) of Huiji Waist Tonic on the fish and serve immediately.

With my bottle of Huiji Waist Tonic that acts as a great helper in the kitchen, it definitely helps to boost up our health as well as enhance the flavour of the dish. For your information, Huiji Waist Tonic is now made in "Singapore" with a richer taste that filled with more goodness. And for Lunar New Year, you can pamper your loved one with either their festive gift sets such as Gifts of Thought (S$53.00), Gifts Of Warmth (S$93.00, shown above) or Huiji Waist Tonic and Fruity Lite Bundle Pack (S$42.80) which helps to bring them health and beauty.

Lastly I am submitting this post to Chinese New Year Delights 2013 hosted by Sonia aka Nasi Lemak Lover.

Huiji Mui Fan

Mui Fan (烩饭) is one of my favourite childhood dish and even until now I still love this dish despite of whether homecook or store bought from the Cze Char stall(煮炒摊). You can easily create your own style of Mui Fan with different ingredients such as seafood, meat or vegetables. In this post, I would share with you a new version of my "herbal flavour" mui fan using Huiji Waist Tonic and Red Wine Lees.

HUIJI MUI FAN

With a twist and inspiration from my usual mui fan, I decided to come out with something herbal and nourishing for the family. Also mui fan can be consider as a quick one dish meal which consists of cooked rice, meat, vegetables, egg(optional) and gravy in a plate. I love this type of comfort dish which is so easy to prepare and with less washing up to do too.

(Serves: 2 | Preparation: 5 minutes | Cooking: 5 minutes)

Ingredients:
150g Pork Fillet, thinly sliced
60ml Huiji Waist Tonic
2 Serving Of Cooked Brown Rice
4 Slices Ginger, shredded
1 Stalk Spring Onion, cut into sections
2 Tablespoons of Hong Zao (red wine lees), optional
2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
1 - 2 Eggs

Method:-
1. Preheat frying pan with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, sauté ginger and spring onion till fragrant.

2. Stir in pork slices and cook 10 seconds, add in the red wine lees if using and continue to fry till meat is cooked.

3. Pour in 60ml Huiji Waist Tonic, crack in egg(s) and gently give the mixtures a few stirs. Simmer the mixture for 10 seconds.

4. Off the heat, season mixture with salt and pepper before spooning it on top of the cooked rice.

5. Garnish with some chopped spring onion, cut chilli and serve immediately.

As for this dish, try to use either pork or chicken fillet so that the meat can be easily cooked and remains tender when bite. And also for those who like pork liver, you can add in some together with the pork fillet to create a better flavour and texture for this dish.

Huiji Baked Honey Chicken Wings

2013 is approaching within another 2 more days before 2012 ends and indeed this year I have another fruitful year with new recipes testing (Happy Call Pan, Korean Recipes, Joyoung Soymilk Maker, Zespri Kiwifruits and etc), family trips (Voyager Of The Seas, Tokyo (Japan) and Bangkok (Thailand)) and friends that I get to know through blogging and other social media platforms.

With another festive countdown gathering to celebrate 2013 I am sure finger food will be something handy for you to prepare or bring along as one of the potluck dishes.

Huiji Baked Chicken Fillet

Steamed Herbal Chicken is always one of the most easiest dish to prepare because what you need is to assemble and wrapped the chicken with pre-packed Chinese Herbs (recipe 1) or Spices (recipe 2), STEAMED it for at least 45 minutes to an hour depending on the size and parts of the chicken used.

Here with a quick short-cut method, I replace the usual Chinese Herbs with Huiji Waist Tonic which served similar result and  herbal taste.

HUIJI BAKED CHICKEN FILLET

For this recipe, you could choose to use either Chicken Breast, Chicken Fillet (softer and more tender) or Chicken Drumstick (boneless) according to individual preference. For us, Chicken Fillet is always on the top list follow by Chicken Drumstick because I am not a fan for Chicken Breast Meat which I always find it too dry and tough.

(Serves: 2 | Preparation: 30 minutes | Cooking: 15 - 20 minutes)

Ingredients:
200g Chicken Fillet, cut into slices
1 Cup (20ml, using huiji measuring cup) Huiji Waist Tonic
5 Slices Old Ginger, shredded
1 Stalk Spring Onion, cut into sections
10g Wolfberries, optional

Marinade:
1/2 Tablespoon Ginger Juice
1 Tablespoons Huiji Waist Tonic
1 Tablespoon of Light Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil
1 Teaspoon Cornflour

Method:-
1. Marinate the chicken fillet with marinade and set aside in the fridge for about 30 minutes or more.

2. Using a large piece of aluminum foil with another piece of baking paper on it. Place marinated chicken fillet, shredded ginger, spring onion and wolfberrie on the baking paper and wrapped foil tightly into a parcel.

3. Place foil parcel in a preheated oven at 200 °C (degree Celsius) and bake for 15 – 20 minutes or ALTERNATIVELY, steamed  it over boiling water for about 15 minutes.

4. Remove foil, unwrapped and drizzle 20ml of Huiji Waist Tonic on the chicken fillet and serve immediately.

With a quick twist anything is possible to serve at the dining table and most importantly our family gets to eat healthy homecook food at our own comfort zone too. Also recently there is a facebook page known as  Cook For Family which you might be interested to join and share your daily cooking with the rest of the members too.

Huiji Minced Meat Noodle

Minced Meat Noodle also known as "Bak Chor Mee (肉脞面)" is a popular local noodle dish which could be easily found at most food eateries in Singapore. Here I am sharing a version of our quick homemade Minced Meat Noodles which I have added some herbal taste to it. And this dish could also be consumed by woman who is doing confinement or anyone who wish to have a twist of herbal taste from their usual noodle.

HUIJI MINCED MEAT NOODLES

Our minced meat noodle is made with Angel Hair Pasta instead of those handmade egg noodles which are commonly found at the noodle stalls. And for a fusion taste, I used angel hair pasta which cooks faster and yet with a similar springy texture when compared to the fresh egg noodles. To flavour the taste of the noodles I also add in some Huiji Waist Tonic to act as seasoning instead of using oyster sauce or chilli/tomato sauce.

(Serves: 2  | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 10 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 250g Dried Angel Hair Pasta
• 150g Minced Meat
• Some Baby Bok Choy
• 4 Garlic Cloves, finely minced
• 4 Shiitake Mushroom, sliced
• 2 Eggs
• 2 Cup (40ml, using huiji measuring cup) Huiji Waist Tonic

Marinade:
1 Teaspoon Minced Ginger
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Cornflour
1 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
1/2 Teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce, optional

Method:-
1. Marinate the minced meat with marinade and set aside. Blanch bok choy with boiling water for 10 – 15 seconds. Remove, rinse with water and set aside to drain.

2. Follow the packaging instruction; blanch pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Remove and drain well.

3. Preheat frying pan with 1 tablespoon of cooking oil, sauté garlic till fragrant, add in shiitake mushrooms and fry for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in minced meat, fry till fragrant and cook through by using spatula to loosen up the meat cluster, if any.

5. Lastly add in pasta, give it a quick toss, drizzle in 40ml Huiji Waist Tonic and stir till combined

6. Remove and divide into two serving plates, serve bok choy and sunny side-up egg by the sides.

To complete the dish, you could add-on some blanched vegetables, sunny side-up egg, fishballs or etc according to your own preference.  I love the addition of the Huiji Waist Tonic which gives the dish a mild herbal taste without over powering it with strong herbal aroma.  Indeed this might be a good way to incorporate some nourish herbal treat in our daily meal.

Huiji Double-boiled Chicken Essence

Year end school exam is around the corner and I believe most of the parents as just as stress as their kids who are going to take the exam. And often during this period, bottled chicken essence is always something mum would give to the kids to keep them alert as well as nourishing their fatigue body.  Although bottled chicken essence might be convenience, but as a mum we always wanted something better for our kid(s) so I am sure we won't mind taking the time to prepare our own Chicken Essence which is full of goodness.

If Chinese herbs is not accessible in your areas or you don't really know the quantity to add, perhaps you could add a cup (20ml, huiji measuring cup) of Huiji Waist Tonic like what I did. Huiji Waist Tonic is good in a way because it is alcohol free plus it consists of a few types of marvelous Chinese Herbs such as Cordyceps (冬蟲草) which helps to tonify the lungs and kidneys, arrest bleeding and dissolve phlegm. Du Zhong (杜仲) helps to tonify the liver and kidney that suits everyone in the family.

HUIJI DOUBLE-BOILED CHICKEN ESSENCE

Chicken Essence is the Chicken Juice gathered from double-boiled the prepared chicken after 3 - 4 hours of cooking time. It has a lot of nutritional values which helps to restore physical strength, replenish body fluid lost through  childbirth, illness or stress. On top of it by adding extra Huiji Waist Tonic to the chicken essence it also helps to benefit those individual which has fatigue body, lack of sleep or weakness caused by illnesses.

(Serves: 1 | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 3 - 4 hours)

Ingredients:
3 Chicken Breast / 1 Kampong Chicken
1 Cup (20ml, using huiji measuring cup) Huiji Waist Tonic
8 Pieces Wolfberries, optional

Method:-
1. Trim and remove the skin and fats on the chicken parts used. Next pound the chicken meat using a mallet (shown above) or back of a chopper till soft and tender.

2. If you don't have a stewing pot for double-boiled, you could use a small porcelain rice bowl, over turn it and place in a double-boiler pot (shown above).

3. Scatter the wolfberries around the bowl, if using. Place the prepared chicken meat on and around the bowl (refer to the photo above).

4. Cover the double-boiler. Place it into the slow-cooker. Add water to almost 3/4 full in the slow-cooker and cook on AUTO mode for about 3 - 3.5 hours.

5. When done, pour soup on serving bowl. Stir in 1 cup (20ml) of Huiji Waist Tonic and serve chicken essence hot.

For some of you, the process might look slightly tedious especially on pounding/smashing up of the chicken. But trust me, it is actually quiet easy using a mallet or back of the chopper. After which you just need to arrange the prepared chicken in a double-boiler and cook it in a slow-cooker for a few hours before you or your loved ones could enjoy this wholesome goodness.

If you like to try other recipe using Huiji Waist tonic you could check out my Steamed Drunken Prawn recipe HERE.

{6 New Recipes} Lunch Gathering At My Place

Recently I have invited a few foodie friends over for a lunch gathering and I was quiet nervous about what to include on that day's menu. To be frankly this is my very first time cooking so many dishes within 2.5 hours to serve 10 person. And the stress level is pretty "high" on my end as most of invited are "food bloggers" who tried many delicious food from all over the restaurants and cafes.

And although this is a casual lunch gathering, I still hope to receive honest feedback on my cooking in order to fine tune my skills not only to cook for my family but for friends who loves food as well. So during the lunch, everyone exchanged views and comments on the food and I am glad everyone enjoys the dishes. Below are a few new recipes of the dishes we had  on that day which you might be interested to try at home.

Menu For The Lunch Gathering!

BAKED ROSEMARY HONEY CHICKEN MID-JOINTS

Photo Credit: Celes from Celestial Delish

This is one of my favourite potluck dish which is very easy to prepare. What you need to do is to marinate it with rosemary, honey and etc before leaving it in the fridge overnight or at least an hour or two. Instead of baking it in the oven, you could also use it as one of the BBQ items too. Recipe can be found HERE.

BAKED SALMON WITH SWEETCORN, TOMATO AND CHEESE

In our household, our favourite way to prepare salmon is to bake it together with lots of shredded cheese, sweetcorn and Japanese Mayonnaise. We love the creamy taste of the mayonnaise and cheese covering the crunchy sweetcorn kernels and juicy salmon cubes. Occasionally I would also throw in some cherry tomato to enhance the flavour.

(Serves: 2-3  | Preparation: 10 minutes  | Cooking: 20 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1 Salmon Fillet (350g), cut into 1.5" cubes
• Some Japanese Mayonnaise
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Corn Kernels
• 4 - 5 Cherry Tomato, halves
• 1/2 Cup of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
• Some Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Method:-
1. Arrange salmon cubes on a baking plate, top with generous amount of Japanese mayonnaise and sprinkler some freshly ground black pepper on it.

2. Evenly scatter sweetcorn kernel and tomato on the salmon cubes and top with shredded mozzarella cheese.

3. Bake prepared salmon in an oven toaster or preheat 200 degree Celsius oven for 15 - 20 minutes or till salmon is cooked to your preference.

Tip:
~ If cherry tomato is not available, you can replace it with a tomato and cut it into wedges.

FRIED CP GYOZA AND FISHBALLS

Photo Credit: Celes from Celestial Delish

CP Chicken Gyoza with Lime and Chilli Mayonnaise Sauce is one of my "new" recipes which I have collaborated with CP Frozen Food for their new Chicken Gyoza. Recipe will be available on their website or recipe cards soon.

OKARA OMELETTE

Using the left over Okara (soybean residues) filtered from my Homemade Organic Soybean Milk to prepare this simple and yet delicious "Okara Omelette" for the guest. Recipe can be found HERE.

RED WINE LEES CHICKEN

Red Wine Lee Chicken is one of the popular dishes taken during confinement. It is prepared using glutinous rice wine, red wine lee and Ginger. Ginger is use to enhance the fragrance of this dish as well it posses warm and healthy properties which can “expel winds” in the body. Whereas wine is helpful in warming and nourishing the body, which promotes blood circulation.

(Serves: 2 | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 20 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Portion Chicken, chopped to smaller pieces
• 250ml Glutinous Rice Wine (米酒)
• 2 Tablespoon Red Glutinous Wine Lees (红槽)
• 6 Slices Ginger, cut to thin strips
• 2 Tablespoons Sesame Oil
• 1/2 Teaspoon Dark Soy Sauce
• 2 Small Cubes Rock Sugar (about 3 - 5g)
• Some Coriander

Method:-
1. Heat up a wok or claypot with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. Add ginger and fry them till fragrant and slightly brown.

2. Add marinated chicken pieces (lightly season it with 1 teaspoon each of cornflour, sesame oil and light soya for 3 - 5 minutes) and stir-fry until the chicken is cooked on the surface.

3. Add in red wine less, dark soy sauce and fry for a few seconds before pouring in the glutinous rice wine. Stir well. Cover with lid and let it simmer on low heat for about 8 minutes.

4. Next add rock sugar for sweetness as well as enhance a beautiful glazed finish. Simmer with lid closed for another 8 - 10 minutes or until the chicken is cooked.

5. Turn off heat, drizzle one tablespoons of Hua Diao Jiu (紹興花雕酒) and splash of sesame oil for extra fragrance and taste.

6. Garnish coriander and serve with steamed white rice.

STEAMED CHICKEN WITH RICE WINE

Steamed Chicken With Rice Wine is one of quick and easy dishes that I learnt from my friend, Tracy during one of my visit to her place. You could prepared everything ahead and put it in the fridge a few hours before steaming to let the rice wine and ginger taste infused into the chicken. We simply love this dish and especially the "wine" taste gravy which is the a "nutritious" chicken broth.

(Serves: 2 | Preparation: 10 minutes | Cooking: 30 - 45 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 1/2 Portion Of Chicken (600g), cut into pieces
• 5 Red Dates, sliced
• 3 Slices of Dang Gui
• 4 - 6 Small Shittake Mushroom, optional
• 1 Tablespoon Wolfberries (枸杞)
• 150ml Sweet Glutinous Rice Wine

Marinade:
1/2 Tablespoon of Fresh Ginger Juice
1/4 Teaspoon of Salt

Method:-
1. Trim, clean and pat dry chicken pieces, marinate it with ginger juice and salt for 5 minutes.

2. Place marinated chicken together with the rest of the ingredient in a steaming bowl or wrapped it up in aluminum foil with baking paper that resemble a parcel.

3. Steamed over medium heat using either stove or electrical steamer for about 30 - 45 minutes till meat is tender.

Tip:
~ If glutinous rice wine is not available, you can replace it 100ml of Cooking Wine - Hua Diao Jiu (紹興花雕酒).

~ You can use either fresh or dried shiitake mushroom according to your preference.

STEAMED DRUNKEN PRAWNS

There are a few methods to prepare "Drunken Prawns" where you could soaked the prawns in either cooking wine, rice wine or drinking liquor like XO to draw the flavour of the prawns. Here as I wanted to retain the sweetness and flavour of the prawns, I soaked it with glutinous rice wine and steamed till cooked before I drizzle some "Huiji Waist Tonic (汇集补腰精)" to further enhance the taste.

(Serves: 2-3  | Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 7 - 10 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 10 - 12 Fresh Large Prawns
• 3 Slices of Ginger, shredded
• 1 Stall of Spring Onion, cut into section
• 1/2 Tablespoon of Wolfberries (枸杞)
• 100ml of Sweet Glutinous Rice Wine
• 1 Cup (20ml) Huiji Waist Tonic (汇集补腰精)

Method:-
1.Trim the feelers of prawns, rise and arrange on a deep steaming plate with some shredded ginger and spring onion below.

2.Top the balance shredded ginger, spring onion, wolfberries and rice wine over prawns and let it soaked for about 5 - 10 minutes.

3. Steam over medium high heat using either stove or electrical steamer for about 7 - 10 minutes.

4. When done, remove and drizzle Huiji Waist Tonic (汇集补腰精) over it and serve immediately.

Tip:
~ If glutinous rice wine is not available, you can replace it 50ml of Cooking Wine - Hua Diao Jiu (紹興花雕酒).

STEAMED EGG WITH SALTED FISH MEATBALLS

It has being long since I last made this dish because I can't really make good steamed egg custard which look "smooth" without big pocket holes (like those shown above). But this is indeed one of my favourite childhood dish that my dad used to cook for us. I love the salted fish fragrant and taste from the meatballs which contrast well with the egg custard.

(Serves: 2-3 |  Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 10 - 12 minutes)

Ingredients:
100g Minced Pork/Chicken Meat
20g (1/4 portion) Mackerel Salted Fish
2 Eggs (55g)
160ml Drinking Water

Seasoning:
1/4 Teaspoon Cornflour 1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce / Fish Sauce
1/4 Teaspoon Ground Pepper
1/4 Teaspoon Sugar

Method:-
1. Marinate minced meat with chopped salted fish and seasoning together for about 10 minutes or an hour more in the fridge for better flavour.

2. Divide the marinated minced meat into small portions to form meatballs.

3. Arrange them on steaming plate and set aside while preparing the egg mixture.

4. Whisk eggs for a few seconds, add in water and mix till well combined.

5. Strained egg mixture into the prepared meatballs plate, cover with aluminum foil and steam over medium low heat for about 10 - 12 minutes.

6. Garnish with some fried shallot and spring onion before serving.

STEAMED FISH FILLET WITH KIWIFRUITS

You might be wondering how is the taste of this dish and is it worth "experimenting" this recipe on your fish. To be more simplify, this "Steamed Fish Fillet With Kiwifruits" taste just like "Teochew" style steamed fish with either salted vegetables or preserved plum.

Surprisingly the kiwifruits taste slightly sweet and sour and it indeed flavour the fish and sauce of this dish. Very appetizing dish that worth trying.

(Serves: 2 | Preparation: 5 minutes | Cooking: 12 minutes)

Ingredients:

• 300g of Fish Fillet
• 1 Zespri Kiwifruit, cut into wedges
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/2 Teaspoon Cooking Wine
• 4 Slices of Ginger, Shredded
• 1 Stall of Spring Onion (optional), cut into sections
• Some Wolfberries (枸杞)
• Freshly Ground Pepper
• Some Sliced Chilli, optional

Method:-
1. Clean and pat dry fish fillet, arrange it on steaming plate together with the rest of the ingredients.

2. Steam it over medium using stove or electrical steamer for about 12 minutes depending the thickness of the fish.

Tip:
~ You can use any type of fish fillet such as Threadfin, White Snapper, Grouper or even salmon to your preference.

STEAMED TOFU WITH MINCED MEAT

Tofu is an excellent ingredients to cook in term of it's cost and health benefits. It is economic and yet contains good source of high protein and calcium which is good for the family. Here I am using both minced pork and shrimp for this recipe but you could always replaced minced pork with minced chicken or omit shrimp depending on your preference. For a better texture and crunch, I added some chopped water chestnut and carrot to enhance it's flavour too.

(Serves: 2-3   | Preparation: 15 minutes | Cooking: 6 - 8 minutes)

Ingredients A:

• 1 Tube Silken Egg/Plain Tofu
• 50g Minced Meat
• 2 - 3 Prawns (optional), finely chopped
• Some Wolfberries (枸杞)
• 1 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
• Coriander Leaves, optional

Ingredient B:

• 1 Teaspoon Light Soy Sauce
• 1 Teaspoon Corn Flour
• 1 Teaspoon Cooking Wine
• 1/2 Teaspoon Sesame Oil
• 1/4 Teaspoon Pepper
• 2 Water Chestnut, finely chopped
• 2 Slices Carrot, cut into strips and chopped
• Some chopped Spring Onion

Method:-
1. Mix minced meat and prawn together with "ingredient B" till well combined and set aside for at least 5 minutes.

2. Cut tofu into circles and arrange on steaming plate, top each slices of tofu evenly with the marinaded meat mixture.

3. Place some wolfberry and coriander leave on the prepared tofu, drizzle 1 teaspoon of light soy sauce around the tofu.

4. Steamed for 6 - 8 minutes depend on the thickness of the meat mixture.

5. Garnish with some chopped spring onion, coriander leave or fried shallot and serve immediately.

Tip:
~ Egg tofu can always be replaced with square silken tofu that is suitable for steaming.

Photo Credit: Celes from Celestial Delish

Lastly, hope these quick and easy recipes above are useful to help you in your daily or weekend cooking ideas.

Photo Credit: Celes from Celestial Delish

Other than the above homecook dishes, Celes also bake a Chocolate Mocha Mousse Cake (recipe HERE) to celebrate Hazel's birthday.

Photo Credit: Celes from Celestial Delish

Whereas Hazel from 爱makan baked us some Pandan Cupcakes with yummy cream cheese spread.