Aromatic Fried Fish and Ma Po Tofu

I made a fried fish with various herbs for tonight. The herbs consist of Thai basil (stems included), ginger, garlic, fresh red chili and scallions. I love the crispiness of the fried fish and the chili herb sauce. The dish is very simple to make mainly because I buy the fish already fried. I never fry fish at home because it leaves a very strong odor in the house. I always have my fish monger fry the fish for me after they clean it. Saves me a lot of work and doesn't stink up the house!

The second dish I made is called Ma Po Tofu. The dish originates from the Sichuan province in China. The original recipe is spicy but it can be made without all the chilies. I purchase the sauce so all I had to do was brown the pork and add the tofu and the sauce. The original recipe is also a lot more saucy...mine are a little more on the dry side. Will need to improve this recipe but my son loves it!

Same food, different country

Living in L.A. has opened my taste buds to a lot of different types of food. What I found very surprising is that food can be very similar even though they originate from different countries. I also learned about how food can vary by regions within one country. For example, dumplings can be found all over China. However, depending on the province, the size, dough and filling in the dumplings and how they are cooked are very different. Noodles is another example. Italy, Korea, Japan and China all have different ways of making and cooking them. Shepherd's pie, apple pie, cheese pie, meat pie....the list are endless...and I plan on eating all of them!!!

Deep Fried Quails!

Today's dinner was a special treat for the kids: fried quail! Its not a usual dish I cook for dinner but was one I remember eating as a child. Its not same same way my mom makes it but is something I wanted my kids to be able to experience. Another popular dish I remember as a kid is a soup made from "black chicken" (AKA silkies) and various Chinese herbs. The kids don't like seeing the black chicken so I usually keep it in the pot and only serve the liquid part of the soup. It may look weird but it taste good and good for you!!!

Traditions

During chinese new year, it is customary for worshippers to visit temples and pray to various gods and goddesses to bring them new luck for the new year.

Another popular tradition is the lion dances that visit businesses to scare off bad spirits and help increase business.

 A favorite tradition for all children during the new year are the lucky red money envelopes.   

 

Year of the Rabbit

2011 is the year of the rabbit. How will the new year affect your fortune, romance and career? Here is a great link to give you an idea of what is in store for you in the year of the rabbit: http://www.chiff.com/a/chinese-horoscopes.htm

Need a little more luck? It is traditional to place auspicious banners (good luck quotes) around the house or work/business to bring good luck for the new year....I guess I better go me a few!! Just make sure you don't over do it and turn them into wall paper!!

Woks

Got an amazing deal the other day on an important part of any Asian kitchen: a wok!!! Great purchase because it included some great utensils!