How to stock the Chinese kitchen Cabinet

Our Forefathers relied o the earth to cure illness and diseases using plants to treat ailments. The ancient healing system of Chinese herbal medicine originated more than 4000 years ago. Traditional herbs are commonly used to clear "heat" and regulate qi, or the body's life-force energy. If qi is imbalanced, you may be more susceptible to illness. Following Chinese Philosophy, yin represents the cold and feminine, while the yang is warm, active and masculine. This ties in with the concept of "heatiess"(yang) and "coolness"(yin)" in our body.

Chicken Gizzard lining ~ helps reduce food stagnation and improves digestive functions. It is common;y used to treat all forms of food stagnation, loss of appetite in children and stones in the kidney and gall bladder.

Raw Crushed Garlic~~ contains allicn, whoose natural antibiotic and funficide proporties help prevent colds and flu. It is also highly regarded as a natural antioxidant, and helps prevent ageing.

Bamboo Shavings~~ are cooling and influence the gall bladder, lung and stomach channels. They are widely used to helps treat thick yellowish sputum. chest tightness and bad breath.

Ginseng ~~ has long been hailed as a tonic and life preserver. It helps you regulate blood sugar, resist fatigue and enhance the immune system.

Chrysanthemum~ has a cooling efect and helps dispels wind and clears the eyes.It is commonly used to treat dizziness, excessive tearing , blurry vision and headaches.

Young Chinese rose~ helps activate your qi. Not only does it treat irregular menstrual flow, menstrual pain and breast tenderness, it also helps against a poor appetite, belching and abdominal pain.

Cloves~ warms your whole body and activate blood circulation, especially in your lower back. They are also used to treat vomiting, diarrdoea, loss of appetite and impotence.

Ginger~~ is said to aid digestion and warm the circulation to the limbs. It can also counter nausea and aid in the treatment of coughs and the commom cold.

Longan fruits~ help to calm the spirit, nourish the blood and strengthen the spleen. Dried, this fruit helps to treat palpitations, insomnia, forgetfulness and worrisome tendencies.

Chinese dates supports your body's  qi, nourishes your blood and helps treat fatigue and emotional instability.

Nutmeg Prawns

Chicken In Sour Cream

Prep - 15mins Cooks - 55 mins Serves 4

Ingredient:
1.4kg Chicken thighs
2tbsp plain flour
50gm butter
2 tbsp oil
2 large onions, peeled & sliced
pinch of salt and pepper
2 tbsp brandy
125gm button mushrooms, sliced
150ml sour cream,plus extra to garnish
coriander to garnish

1. Par dry chicken and coat with flour
2. Heat Butter and oil over medium fire. Stir fry onions, remove half and set aside. Add chicken to the pan and brown for 2 mins. Season with salt & pepper. Cook for 40 mins.
3. Pour Brandy, add mushroom and the remaining stir fried onions. Turn fire to low and cook for 5 mins.
4. Stir in sour cream and cook for 5 mins. Do not boil.
5. Spoon all onions onto a serving plate. Put chicken on top. Add sour cream and sprinkle with coriander.

汤的功效

排骨汤- 抗衰老，含有蛋白质，脂肪，维生素，还大量磷酸钙。骨胶原，骨粘蛋白。

鸡汤- 抗感冒，又补虚功效，温补作用（有炎症的人要少喝）

鱼汤-健脾开胃，止咳平喘，减轻水中，能缓解压力，睡眠不足等，精神因素导致的皱纹有很好的帮助。

猪蹄汤-养血气，性平味甘，入脾胃，肾经，能强健腰腿， 填肾益精。

要多喝汤哦！！

Mushroom spaghetti

I have watched a Japanese cooking show on TV yesterday. And to my surprise, it was easy to cooking Italian Mushroom spaghetti.  Before i forget, i need to jot in down.

Ingredient:

Olive oil
3-4 types of mushrooms
Spaghetti - cook al-dente
salt a pinch
butter - 2 spoon
flour - 2 spoon
2 pcs of garlic
2 pcs of chili padi/chili

In a flat pan, pour oilve oil. When is it warm, drop in the garlic, turn down the heat when it starts to bubbling, removee garlic when its turning golden brown. Drop in the chili padi. let it 'boil" for a while. Remove. This way, the olive oil is "stain' with the fragrant of the garlic n chili.

Throw in the mushrooms and add a litttle salt. Keep stirring. The mushroom will starts to sweat.
Stir for about 3-5 mins depend on the amount of mushrooms in the pan.

In another pan, melt the butter. Till the side turns to golden crispy. Add in  the mushrooms and spaghetti.Toss evenly so each strand of Spaghetti is coated with the butter. Then add in little olive oil and flour. Keep tossing till the flour has changed into cream sauce.

Serve and add some cheese.

The nushrooms can be added to a plate of garden salad. Just top it over the greens, add some olive oil and serve.

Photos at Bali Indonesia- Oct 2010

Counting down to holiday in Oct 18th....

Finally, I got my leave approved for a short holiday. We have decided to go Bali, Indonesia again for a short vacation. Bali is just a wonderful place for relax. I simply love the beach, the sea, the good food, the air..... the list can go on and on. I missed the sea and the sun most. I have just learn surfing during the first time there.And it was simply fun with the nice waves. That time, we stayed at Hard Rock Hotel in Kuta Area. The Kuta the heart of Bali is always busy.

Will post Pics when i get back from Bali.. :) holidays....Here's i come!!