Roasted Whole Artichokes

The first time I ate fresh artichokes (not the tangy marinated kind) was in Rome. We had artichoke hearts (boiled or steamed, slathered in olive oil) almost everyday. Restaurants in Hong Kong usually serve the hearts, either boiled, steamed, or marinated. I’ve only been to one place that served the artichoke whole. I loved peeling…

Grilled Sardines and Tuscan Bread Salad Part 2

This is the perfect summer salad and a great accompaniment to the grilled sardines. Panzanella is a Tuscan salad made with crusty bread and tomatoes. The addition of feta and roasted red peppers gives it a Mediterranean flair. The original recipe called for anchovies in the dressing, but I didn’t have any on hand so I just…

Grilled Sardines with Tuscan Bread Salad Part 1

I’m all about weeknight dinners that are fast and hassle-free. Bonus points if they are healthy and nutritious! This recipe was taken from Jamie Oliver’s 15 Minute Meals. The book had some amazing recipes (and beautiful photographs), but I was skeptical about how fast a home cook could make these meals. For me, the whole…

Smoked Salmon and Potato Salad with Greek Yogurt

People often mistake potatoes for being unhealthy and fat, but they are actually a really good source of vitamins and nutrients. Potatoes are a complex carb, which are different from the carbs you get from sugary things, so they leave you feeling full for longer. However, potatoes are bad when they are fried, piled high…

Fettuccine with Prosciutto and Arugula

I love pasta. When I cook with my boyfriend, its usually pasta. He’s the one in charge of cooking the pasta because I always tend to forget about it and it turns to mush. He always gets a perfect al-dente! A few nights ago we made fettuccine with prosciutto and arugula. I wanted to use…

Mentaiko Spaghetti

If you’ve been to Japan, you’ll know that the Japanese-inspired Italian cuisine there is amazing, especially the pastas. The Japanese has managed to take Italian food and tweak it to make it their own, creating a delicious fusion cuisine. You still get Carbonara and Bolognese, but slightly sweeter and creamier than the Italian version. Often there will…

Focaccia with Rosemary, Thyme and Red Onion

Focaccia is one of my favourite breads. It is soft, moist, with a nice crust on the outside. Gold by Harlan Goldstein in Hong Kong serves a really good focaccia which comes with a pesto dip. My brother, who is usually really particular about not eating bread before dinner as not to ruin his appetite,…

Kimchi Fried Rice with Egg

When I was studying in Vancouver, I lived by myself and I would cook dinner for myself on weeknights. It was cheaper than ordering in and I could avoid the copious amounts of MSG, grease and bad oils that came with delivery food. I’m Chinese, so naturally, I had a rice cooker and made rice…

Caesar Salad with Parmesan Croutons

I try to make “healthy” things from time to time to keep the monster of gluttony inside me at bay. I usually make a salad as a starter for dinner, something simple like cherry tomatoes and arugula with balsamic and olive oil. But tonight I felt like splurging and making something I loved eating when…

Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Everyone loved the cookies. I think my boyfriend must have eaten at least four in a row! We probably have to spend some extra time at the gym to make up for it. Apart from sweets, I enjoy cooking savory things too. I used to cook for myself almost every weeknight when I was studying…