(Sweet Potato Tangyuan in Coconut Milk) Soft, chewy tangyuan filled with banana, gently simmered in creamy coconut milk with tropical fruit and tapioca pearls—this Guinataang Tangyuan is my Filipino-inspired take on a dish traditionally enjoyed during Dongzhi (冬至节), the Winter Solstice Festival. Tangyuan (汤圆) are most commonly eaten around Dongzhi to symbolize wholeness, togetherness, and… Continue reading Guinataang Tangyuan
Tag: Chinese
Buttery Spiced Sweet Potatoes (with Three Kinds of Sweet Potatoes!)
Sweet potatoes show up everywhere starting November through early January; ever present at holiday tables, midweek roasts, potlucks, and “please bring a veggie” requests. But this side dish isn’t your usual marshmallow-topped situation. It’s buttery, savory-sweet, and richly fragrant from Chinese five spice, which plays beautifully with the natural flavors of three different sweet potato… Continue reading Buttery Spiced Sweet Potatoes (with Three Kinds of Sweet Potatoes!)
Kinako Sesame Butter (Nut-Free, Kid-Friendly, and So Easy!)
If you’ve followed me for a while, you know my kiddo is allergic to peanuts. This means I’ve spent years hunting for a substitute that captures that roasty, peanut-y flavor without using any nuts at all. After a lot of buying, taste testing (and several “this is close but not quite” moments), I finally tried… Continue reading Kinako Sesame Butter (Nut-Free, Kid-Friendly, and So Easy!)
Sweet Potato and Matcha Loaf with Black Sesame
Texture contrast. Swirled. Seasonal.This Sweet Potato and Matcha Loaf with Black Sesame is this year’s spin on my annual Halloween loaf, bringing a celebration of color, contrast, and flavor. Last year’s version featured ube and black sesame for a bold purple-and-black pairing. This year, we’re turning to green and black: this yeasted bread is tinted… Continue reading Sweet Potato and Matcha Loaf with Black Sesame
Pumpkin Congee with Scallops and Mushrooms
Comforting. Silky. Nourishing.This Pumpkin Congee with Scallops and Mushrooms is the kind of cozy bowl that warms you from the inside out. Roasted kabocha pumpkin lends its natural sweetness and golden hue, while tender scallops and mushrooms bring depth and umami to every spoonful. Whether you’re easing into autumn or simply craving something soothing and… Continue reading Pumpkin Congee with Scallops and Mushrooms
Lemongrass Sage Green Tea Sparkler
Bright. Cooling. Botanical. This Lemongrass Sage Green Tea Sparkler is a multi-sensory throwback and a globally inspired refreshment all in one. It brings together Chinese green tea, Filipino lemongrass (tanglad), and Western sage; creating a drink that’s aromatic, lightly sweet, and just the right amount of fizzy. The idea for this sparkler came from two… Continue reading Lemongrass Sage Green Tea Sparkler
Vegan Curry Musubis
🌱✨ Savory, handheld, and perfect for sharing! Picnics are kind of my thing—especially when they involve rice balls in all shapes and forms. For the past few years, I’ve been making an ever-rotating assortment inspired by this hanami-style picnic spread from Constellation Inspiration. These Vegan Curry Musubis are one of my go-tos: easy to prepare… Continue reading Vegan Curry Musubis
Coconut Panna Cotta with Honeyed Peach Gum
Creamy, refreshing, and just the right amount of fancy—this coconut panna cotta is a beautiful fusion of flavors and textures. Perfect for make-ahead entertaining or an elegant treat to share with family. ✨ Why You’ll Love This Recipe 🥥 Ingredient Spotlight Peach Gum (桃胶) Peach gum is a natural resin from wild peach trees, often… Continue reading Coconut Panna Cotta with Honeyed Peach Gum
Calamansi Bars with Sesame Crust
Ah, Calamansi. The “lemon of the Philippines.” These small, green, sour-turned-sweet citrus gems are a staple in Filipino cuisine. Also known as Calamondin, they thrive in the heat of the tropics, but surprisingly, both my aunt and my folks have managed to grow them in California. As for me? I have a tall, skinny bush… Continue reading Calamansi Bars with Sesame Crust
Orange Chorizo Meatballs
Orange Chorizo Meatballs is a dish that brings together bold and contrasting flavors—the deep, spiced savoriness of chorizo, balanced by the subtle sweetness and bright acidity of orange. The fruit’s tang cuts through the richness of the meat, while the silky sauce clings just enough to each meatball, creating a tantalizing visual and an even… Continue reading Orange Chorizo Meatballs
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