Ginseng, The Root for Optimum Health

It was the time for replenishment. Yes, you've guessed it right. Today calls for the strong imminent root, GINSENG. Been feeling a bit weak and fatigued lately, so I just thought why don't I just boiled some ginseng soup. It may be a small pot, but hey I call it CONCENTRATED soup for the soul.

 But first, I'll just direct your attention to my veggie glass noodle "stir-fry"

 Supposed to be the main dish, but really I was looking forward more to the soup

 It wasn't that fantastic, just veggies thrown in with some noodles. I was tired of waiting since I did all that for the soup already. Hehe.

 Nevertheless it was edible. *though could be better paired with Korean Gochujjang*

 Since I've not bought any chicken as of yet. *purse creaks open with spiders fleeing* Bought too much fruits the  other day. =.= Ah well, that's what we have pork ribs for! The first time I've cooked ginseng soup with pork instead of chicken.

My verdict? It's hell awesome and good! Like duh, what pork taste bad with chinese ingredients and ginger thrown in? Any "odd sniffing stuff" had already evaporated with all our potent chinese herbs.
Happy cooking and eating fellow bloggers/readers!

The Ultimate Spiced Aubergine

Cooking with the last aurbergine in my fridge makes me think..How shall I end this aubergine medley with? Knowing me, I'd go for something jam-packed with flavour and I would love to experiment with spices. The usual hot and spicy broth accompanied by a star-anise along with some cloves to give the flavour more depth and character. 

 I gotta say it was a hefty success and I'm so proud of the outcome :) Goes perfect with a bowl of rice or drenched over noodles :) But I steamed egg instead since I've missed these small little sentiments of home and from the days of my early childhood.

 A much better view of possibly one of the most successful aubergine recipe I have ever attempted.

 Finally, I've figured out the main issue with my camera's focus!

 Right, how dumb and blind I was to not have noticed that the settings on my camera was not on AUTO. So, it has been trying to capture pictures in motion all this time?! =.=

 My steamed egg with wine, didn't have milk in the fridge. Could be the reason to my egg not rising to the occassion. Checking milk on my grocery list next time!

 The all glorious and nutritious aubergine!

By the time I got through dinner, my nose kept running non stop thanks to the heat and ginger. Phew! No one other than Wing noticed it anyway.
Happy cooking and eating everyone!

Middle-Eastern Bibimbap

It's been a while, but I'm glad I've finally bought my fresh stock of couscous. Oh glorious wonderful "fast-food" that is actually healthy and nurturing for the health and weight-conscious public. I was in the mood to cook, but I wanted it FAST and something that agrees with SPICY and VEGGIES.

Not gonna have noodles again, so I'm opting for couscous. The close cousin of the family of pasta, only less potential to scare the living daylights out of you upon stepping on that ever-so feared weighing scale.

Safe to say, it's a successful one pot meal for one. Yes, just one and NO SHARING. You could double it by using a cup of couscous which I typically do when making it at home for the rest of my family. Thankfully they rather enjoyed it too. Though, many of the people I come across tend to go "Couscous..What?"

People should watch more cooking programs. *not indicating any right to imitate the person in front of the computer screen right now of course*;)

It's a Middle-Eastern take on the Korean BiBimBap *with rice tossed around chilli paste and leftover veggies or meat*
Happy cooking and eating everyone! :)
I'll try to motivate myself to post recipes, but since there aren't any comments to make me feel the need to. I tend to sway. So..COMMENTS ARE APPRECIATED :)

The Magic Sponge

Dinner time! And what's in our menu today? Well, got aubergines to use up, so I guess that'll be the main star veggie for today. Was going to make a nice spicy stew to have it go with, since aubergines are lovely to go with that texture as it absorbs whatever gravy it cooks with. The "magic sponge" I call it. Though I wish I could call this evening's dinner was "magical".  

It was not bad, but not great either. Just so-so. Had my glass noodles like jap-chae only *minus the sweet note* Since I'm out of oyster sauce. But nevermind that! My tongue's numbed to any sensory receptors already with the bland food I eat almost anyday with no complains. 

 This is where the magic of spicy red hot chilli powder from Korea comes in. To enlighten my tastebuds and to awaken my appetite.

 And since it's rather hot and spicy, I needed something to cool it down. Cucumber slices! :) Perfect way to use them all up as up. A side dish which required no cooking. Perfect~

 Tried taking the photos from a different angle this time. Meh~ Still needs work done. Until then expect the worst ever edited photos from me. :(

Nevertheless, happy eating!

Veggie La Fiesta

Can't believe I'm actually saying this, but..I've got too much vegetables in stock! xD Time to use them up and "NOT" be frugal. So today is gonna be veggie la fiesta~ 

 

I feel bad for not including the ever essential carb in this staple, BUT in my defense these were no small portions. After a hefty day of writing up notes and catching up on the week's work, I can sit and rest with food. *obviously not much thought was put through it judging by the lacking of presentation* 

 Tired..Very tired..Sustenance! *lights up with joy*

 Chinese napa cabbage and pumpkin with smoked back bacon stew. I know, what's with the bacon? Hey, it's the cheapest cut of meat available here. AND it's yummy :)

 Happy eating folks! There's always time to cook, no matter how busy the day gets.

Home Reminiscent

It was a Tuesday and I've got my first placement in a community pharmacy from 2pm til 5pm. And the "best" part? It's all the way in South Shields (takes at least 45minutes to get there by the Metro) Oh wonderful. But on the brighter note, I've got a good friend to accompany me throughout the journey and the placement. Phew! 

 

Wing insists on cooking dinner for me once I came back, eager to try her aubergine recipe. It was yummy and good :) So I offered to make porridge with ginger and anchovies. My porridge never fails to deliver :)

Arrived back at about 6.30pm since I dropped by Morissons on the way from South Shields. Hehe..Grocery shopping is always a pleasure :) Got a massive huge pineapple for the price of a quid. And a punnet of nectarines for a reduced price of 29p.

It's nice to be home to see a table with food :) Many compliments to Wing for her effort and it was indeed a success. Feels a bit like home seeing them dishes on the table like that :)

A nice hearty dinner after a long day's work. Just the best remedy for a tired day. Happy eating everyone!

Over The Moon

And here comes the lesser boring part of my miserable Uni life *miserable implies the study bit* There comes a time when us, as students need an occassion to gather and share some heartfelt giggles and jokes, but most importantly having good food to share with each other. Hence, *checks calendar* Mooncake Festival! :) Twas a time for merriment~

 And since it was a potluck, I thought it be best for me to make some easy but pleasing to the eye party nibbles. Hence, my usual Korean pa-jeon! Just like how I used to make back home, only in that recipe I had potatoes. Today, I had to cross that out. Damn bad weather! :( Just can't go grocery shopping as I please, and also because I just got back from grocery shopping previously and FORGOT. Sue me..

 

So, instead I just used carrots, onions and plenty of herbs and turmeric to season these pancakes well. It turned out alright, but could have been much better improved if I had the ingredients proportioned right. Anyway, they all enjoyed it. Enough said! :) 

 One of our many chicken dishes tonight, is the very famous Ayam Masak Merah by my bestie Prista. She definitely brought on some much needed "kick" into this chicken, though I would have preferred it to be spicier with the chilly weather. Overall, I'd give it a 9 out of 10 :)

 Another chicken dish! :D Roasted chicken with sweet glaze. Compliments to the owners of the house aka The Three Smurfs

 

Also, out chinese version of a "salad", the very simple yet so home-reminicent of our mother's/ grandmother's blanched/stir-fried veggies. Simple yet comforting dish :)

 

 What's a Mooncake Festival without the mooncakes?

 

Steamed Choc Cupcakes in the form of our famous Malaccan dessert. :) 

 Picture of the Day!

 Compliments to my dear Prista for the photo and Jojo for the fan-ta-bulous gift! :)