Container Gardening - Herbs, Chili, Watercress (Update)

Remember towards the end of last summer, I gave a little update on our vegetables, fruits, and herbs? It has been a year (plus a month)! We are now in fall/autumn.

Some plants e.g. Chinese watercress survived through last winter while others e.g. chili, basil did not.

However, in every gardening project, no matter how minuscule, we learn and improve - from choosing the correct vegetables, herbs and fruits to grow; to picking the platform to grow them e.g. raised bed and container gardening, and especially with California drought conditions - how to create a water-smart garden.


Chinese watercress 西洋菜
August last year, we planted Chinese watercress from rooting store-bought Chinese watercress in the City-Picker container (see photo) and it was a success. We have already had at least five harvest from last August batch. With fresh home-grown watercress, I usually cook them in soups e.g. Chinese Watercress Soup and rice congee/porridge.

Chinese Watercress
The Thai Dragon Chili and Thai (Bird's Eye) Chili, unfortunately, did not make it through last winter due to the chilling temperatures. Although they were kept in the greenhouse during winter, the pots/containers were placed directly on the ground during winter and the roots probably could not survive the low soil temperatures (conduction from the cold ground to the soil in the pot) during winter.

The Serrano Chili somehow got lucky and survived! Luckily, before winter last year, all the chili were put to good use either through pickling (Pickled Chili - pairs well with Stir-Fry Noodles) or making chili sauce (Garlic Chili Sauce - perfect condiment with homemade chicken rice).

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Container Gardening - Chinese Watercress 种植西洋菜

With spider mites "visiting" every summer and a planter-bed in a part-shade location, we did not have much good success in growing leafy vegetables such as kale and Swiss chard. Most importantly, how much we grew could not satisfy our rate of consumption.

Top: Aug 2014; Bottom; Feb 2015, in the City-Picker

Just last fall/autumn, we found this shade-tolerant vegetable that has been flourishing beyond our expectations. August last year, we planted Chinese watercress by rooting some store-bought Chinese watercress in the City-Picker container and it was a success. We have already had at least five harvest from last August batch!

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Airline Fruit Platter Meals 航空水果餐

Do you ever peep at the "neighbor's" or "neighbor's neighbor" meal in an airplane? I do, sometimes. There was once when I saw a "special" meal being served and thought "that looks good". Surprising huh, coming from an airline meal. I did not know what meal it was - either a fruits, or raw meal platter? Have you requested for any "special" airline meals? 


You can do so in advance if the airline offers such a service. No longer is such a service reserved for passengers or travelers with special dietary needs e.g. vegetarian, or for religious reasons.  If you cannot stand soggy vegetables, over-cooked rice, over-salty fish/chicken dishes in most standard airline meals, how about going light and refreshed with a hydrating fruit platter? As far as I know from my recent trip, Singapore Airlines and EVA Airways offer this fruit platter option.

You can eat relatively well - no more non-appetizing airline meals. There are also options like raw food meals that I have also considered trying but I really do not want to run the risk of bacteria contamination especially in raw vegetables, so meantime I am satisfied with Fruit Platter meals.

What is your most memorable experience when it comes to airline food? Or share your worst nightmare?

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Farm Fresh To You

I have wanted to try Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) for a long time but held back due to my "paranoid" nature. What if there is too much produce? What if there is too little? What if it is delivered to my door and I am out for a week? What if...what if...what if. Very importantly, I do enjoy to be out in the grocery stores doing my weekly shopping. So if I am stuck with CSA, I will lose the joy of shopping!

Recently, when Farm Fresh to To You had an amazing deal ($10 for $31.50 worth of produce) at Amazon Local Deals, I decided to give myself that experience of having produce being delivered to my home, just for once.

Have you tried Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) before? What do you like or not like about it?


There are many options for the service including small box of mixed fruits and vegetables, regular mix (which is what I got), and bigger boxes for bigger families. I was also able to easily schedule the delivery by using an online account. That week, my box had summer squash, carrot, Bok Choy, radish, beech mushrooms, apples, oranges, strawberries and what's great about it - they were all ORGANIC! Now think about it, $10 for this medium box of organic produce is really not that expensive.

However, there were not enough vegetables to last me a week (so I still had to visit the grocery stores to supplement the quantity I need for the week) and if I were to continue the service at a regular price of $31.50, it becomes out of my routine budget.

With farm fresh ingredients, I kept it simple with cooking. One of them is Sauteed Radish and Summer Squash with Garlic, served with couscous;

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Edible Raised Beds and Container Gardening, by first-time novice gardeners

Seriously? No major new inspirations from this kitchen for the past three to four months? When winter lingered with minimal natural day-light, there was no motivation to take any food photo-shoots. And just when spring came by and said hello, I found myself occupied with so many other "things" that I lost touch with my own cooking quite a bit. Well I still cook but I cook the usual, the routine, everyday dishes, thus not much new photo-shoots in that sense. Then comes summertime when we just want to spend more time outdoors, so not much time for cooking (new dishes). EXCUSES.

What "things" was I busy with? Starting up our own backyard BBQ for the first time, inviting friends over for backyard BBQ (which meant I had to go out of my comfort zone to prepare food for more than a-party-of-two), a short visit to Singapore in late May/early June, and most important of all, GARDENING which kick-started when first signs of spring set in during February/March.

Four varieties of tomato (Sun Sugar, Yellow Pear, Sweet 100, Red Cherry) planted in March

Now we are already in August (I cannot believe it is already August, and just a few more months to end of this year!), and these are some updates that I can share. Not a totally successful backyard garden; however we do have our own harvest of vegetables!

Red Russian Kale harvest

In these four months, we have had minor setbacks in the gardening experience but in the process, we also learn and came up with budget-friendly "solutions" to tackle those issues. For example:

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Steamed Fresh Abalone 蒸鲍鱼

Picking organic strawberries at Swanton Berry Farm every summertime has become a regular activity for us. We may have done the U-Pick organic strawberries many times but it is our first time to THIS farm which is just approximately one mile away from Swanton Berry Farm.

As THIS farm is opened only for direct sales (no tours!), not many photos can be taken and shared with you. I can only share and show this.


Yes. We bought these from the American Abalone Farm which grows California Red Abalone. As I did not want to go through the trouble of shucking and cleaning the abalone at home, I bought the vacuum-packed abalones that were actually cleaned and packaged the day before. Still fresh!

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Backyard Barbeque

Every summer, I see sausages, marinated meats, hot dog/hamburger buns, sweet corn etc. heavily advertised in grocery stores as summer means grilling season, BBQ time! I remember when we first moved here, my friends and I were puzzled - why would someone want to grill food (which means more heat generated into the atmosphere) in the outdoors when it is already so hot outside? Now I find myself doing the same - grilling in summertime. I am not sure if I would like to grill in the outdoors when the temperatures hit the high 80s or 90s but grilling when the atmosphere feels 70s is kinda comfortable.

Grilling on our Weber 320 Portable Gas Grill

Anyway, all this food was prepared as there were guests at home. Since one of our friends is vegetarian, I prepared mainly vegetarian dishes (Avocado and Mango Salad, Gado Gado, Lavash Pizza) as accompaniment to the grilled food (vegetables and meat) so that everyone could enjoy the same food altogether.

Avocado and Mango Salad, Gado Gado, Grilled Vegetables (served with salsa) and Lavash/Pita Pizza

Even with the grill, the vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, sweet potatoes, green onions) were grilled first, followed by meat and seafood.

Grilling all parts of the chicken wing (drummettes, mid-joint wings, tips) and whole shrimps/prawns

Finally I also appreciate the fact that summer means longer days with sunshine - which means enjoying more time outdoors (grilling activities included).

Tag: outdoor grilling, barbeque

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Winter Hotpot

Till now, I am puzzled with the term "steamboat" being commonly used in Singapore, for what is prevalently known as hotpot - 火锅. As the name suggests, hotpot usually consists of a boiling-then-simmering pot of stock centered at the dining table, while fresh ingredients (e.g. thinly sliced meat, vegetables, mushrooms, seafood, fishballs etc.) are cooked right in the pot at the table, and then dished out at the sides by each individual, becoming food to be consumed and enjoyed at the very instant they are cooked. It is also a popular Chinese New year reunion meal option.


Here in the US, hotpots are usually associated with winter - as you imagine, the steaming pot of soup stock with food, conjures images of uprising steam, warm food and piping-hot soup that soothe the body from the inside to the outside.

This is the first time having hotpot at home using our portable induction cooker! Other than this "equipment", you also need a pot (with a magnetic base in order for it to work with any induction cooker) which in our case comes the creative use of our WOK.

Then of course, getting ready the ingredients and food items.



Examples of hotpot food items:
(1) Vegetables - Napa Cabbage and Tong Ho are the most popular, and happened to be our choice for the day too!
(2) Proteins - your choice and preference. We chose thinly sliced shabu-style Kobe beef, prawns, fresh mushroom and fishballs
(3) Carbs - optional. Typically, it can be steamed rice or mung bean vermicelli (cellophane/glass noodles)
(4) Stock base can be chicken stock or vegetarian stock, also based on preference.

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A "new" dated kitchen - Part 2

One month ago "lives" an old non-working gas range and low CFM (cubic feet per minute; a measure to rate exhaust fans) range hood;

Now, it is a new stainless-steel gas range and a high power suction 700+CFM range hood

Ready to cook!

I did not do any updates to the kitchen except changing the gas range and hood to stainless steel. Slowly and surely I will get to a stainless steel sink, stainless steel refrigerator and stainless steel dishwasher. "Dear Appliances, hope you break down some day so that I get a chance to replace you." :p

A "new" dated kitchen

It's time to move! Again!?!?!? Not this blog but me, physically.

My to-be "new" kitchen is actually an old (more than 30 yrs old!!!) dated kitchen and there is no intention to remodel it at this time. Time to add some personality to it!

Well, at least there is a window in the kitchen to keep me happy for a while. Yes, even the thought of window in the kitchen is able to keep me happy.

I am still in the midst of moving hassle, so adding personality to the kitchen will have to wait. Even cooking and blogging have to wait. Errrr...cooking? The stove is not even working! Need to buy  a new one :)  and other kitchen tools

Woo....so busy, so busy...

Check in for more kitchen updates.

Kiwi U-Pick @Swanton Coastways Ranch, CA

Last weekend, we were out kiwi picking. What? In the middle of December with approaching winter? Well, that's kiwi season. And with the sun lurking out for a while, why not make use of sunshine in a good way? I have not seen a kiwi plant or tree...or rather a kiwi vine?

In case you did not know (cos I didn't), kiwi grows as vines!


They don't ripen till they are plucked off the vine. These are certainly some kiwi facts that I did not know. I was planning to pick (and pluck off) the ripened tender-soft ones. Obviously, there was none.

I have also read somewhere that you can eat the kiwi skins. Yes, the flurry skins. The last time I used kiwi in cooking was to make Kiwi-Mango Salsa. Other times, I just eat kiwi as-is: slice them into half and scoop the flesh off the skin with a teaspoon. Is that how you do it too?


If you are in Northern California, you can pick kiwi at Swanton Coastways Ranch U-Pick.- the same place where I picked my organic strawberries and ollalieberries during summer.


Kiwi U-Pick 2011: is OPEN NOW! (of course, always check their site for latest update or call 831-469-8804 before making the trip)

Kiwi U-Pick 2011 opens on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm!

Swanton Coastways Ranch U-Pick
640 Highway 1 Pescadero, CA 94060


Tag: u pick kiwi, kiwi picking

An Escape to Food on Facebook

Three of my favorite online (shopping) stores - what's yours?

My habit for online shopping only started recently. As you know, there are a few items that are my favorites from Amazon. Crown Prince - Wild Caught Brisling Sardines is one of them. Each tin of good-quality sardines turns out $2.60 (much cheaper than regular retails price ranging from $3.29-$3.69).

I also use an on-tap filter at my kitchen sink and found that these Brita On-Tap Filters are much cheaper than in stores such as Target and Walmart. And you would not have guessed - I bought my first Neti Pot from Amazon. It was recommended by a friend who claims its effectiveness in nasal cleansing - most natural way of removing excess mucous. Nasal dryness might not be an issue in humid Singapore but in California, the air can get kinda dry and effective nasal cleansing soothes/moistens the dried out nasal passage. Plus, all these items are still tax-free at this time for Californian residents (and ships free if qualified for Super Saver shipping ) vs if I buy them in store, I would have to pay for the sales tax which would have made the item much more expensive.

Going forward, I might get the Cuisinart SmartStick Immersion Hand Blender if the Shop 4 for 3 Promotion in Kitchen does work out well. This Immersion Hand Blender is now the #1 to-buy item in my store. While Amazon is  having lots of holiday deals this season, why not stop by for some Christmas shopping?





Do you shop online and which is your favorite online store (and why) ?

My two other favorites are Magazines.com (for magazines, of course. I still like to flip a real magazine/book) and Vitacost.com (for health, bath, personal care items and even dry pantry products)

Reuse and Recycle Gift-Wrapping

"I'm so learning this!" I said, when I saw that interesting gift-wrapping at Anncoo's blog. I did not have any holiday gift wrapping paper at that time and guess what? I decided to do a Reuse and Recycle Gift Wrap using the recycled brown paper bags from the grocery stores.

How do my "Christmas Tree on a Box" looks?


Even the ribbon and "paper ornaments" are recycled items. For example, the "grape" and "chocolate" ornaments are magazine cut-outs.


Thanks, Anncoo.

Tag: recycle gift wrap

An Escape to Food on Facebook

Grocery plan but cooking? No plan.

Do you plan before you shop for the week's groceries? I almost always do (PLAN), though I still give in to temptations (sales!) and impulsive (discounts!) buys - items that are not on my to-buy list.


Plan or no plan for you?

Haha...diary of a cheapskate shopper. And I don't own any high-tech gadget, ok. I am still on paper and handwriting when it comes to grocery shopping.Maybe I need a SmartShopper Grocery List Organizer - Shop Now at Sur La Table.


My handwriting looks hideous, I know. And nobody can ever decipher what is on my to-buy and to-cook list! Except myself!

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New vegetables, grains/seeds, seafood

If there is one aspect I need to be thankful to my food blog, it is the opportunity to try alternative (good) ingredients: a knowledge into natural wholesome food ingredients that I also wish to share with you. Throughout these years, especially since last year, this food blog has spun adventure in me at trying new ingredients; and in which my cooking morphed into one that emphasizes on whole foods, and minimal cooking, especially catering to those who desire to eat nutritious, healthy without sacrificing taste and without kicking up too much fuss in the kitchen. Some of the food ingredients were my first and subsequently turned out as regulars in my kitchen. Some of them are:

Kale - added to the repertoire of good greens such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts


Spaghetti Squash - included in the family of squashes such as butternut squash, acorn and pumpkin

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Food and Symbolism - Chinese New Year

Today (3 Feb 2001), is the first day of Chinese Lunar New Year. Here's my wish of Health and Happiness to all of you in the year of the Rabbit. We had a casual yet sumptuous six-course dinner at a friend's place last night (the eve of Chinese New Year).

Other than the Roasted Duck that was packed to-go from a nearby Chinese restaurant, the rest were delicious home-cooked fare prepared by my friend. For the Chinese, each dish that is enjoyed during Chinese New Year has symbolism for all things good and positive.

There were three vegetarian dishes (including a soup) and three non-vegetarian dishes (two seafood dishes + one meat dish), which was a nice balance.

百年好合 - Life-long happiness and perfect harmony in the family and hopefully, peace and harmony in the world. A dish of baby bok choy, carrots, mushrooms, and lily bulbs-百合.


万事如意, 如意吉祥 - To have one's wishes. Simple stir-fry of green onions and star-ingredient: soy bean sprouts that resembles the Ruyi 如意 Scepter.


百家乐, 黄金满地 - Happiness in the family, with prosperity and fortune spreading all over. The soup has mainly three different types of mushrooms - shitake, oyster and bunashimeji, and napa cabbage: symbolising coexisting and existing peacefully together. The crepe-like egg are like "gold bars" (fortune) - spreading over the soup

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Shine at Dinnertime with Lea & Perrins + Foodbuzz

Another "what a surprise!" moment for me just this weekend. I received free "samples" of Lea& Perrins Worcestershire Sauce in an envelope. To be exact, manufacturer's coupons to buy Lea & Perrins in my next grocery shopping. Just in time as I am still stocking up my pantry sauces.

I am definitely not ready for Lea & Perrins "Shine at Dinnertime" Video Recipe Challenge since I have not even bought my sauce!!

But I know you are. Make a home video (under four minutes) of a simple mealtime recipe that features Lea & Perrins and the grand prize winner will receive $10,000. Check out Shine at Dinnertime site for official rules.



What I have done with Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce in the past:

Homemade Beer Ragu Pasta Sauce
Wontons Dipping Sauce

The sauce is just so good!


If you intend to buy some Lea & Perrins Worcestershire Sauce soon, make use of these savings coupons from Lea & Perrins.

Good luck! Good buying! Good eats!

Disclaimer: The Lea & Perrins Coupons were samples received from Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program. No monetary compensation was involved. Opinions and review are my own.
Tag: Worcestershire Sauce, Lea & Perrins

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Nature's Pride + Foodbuzz Tastemaker

They came just in time - Nature's Pride in a box delivered last Friday, just in time for our planned trip to Half Moon Bay, CA on Saturday, just in time for a lil' simple sandwich picnic. As part of Foodbuzz's Tastemakers program, I received two Nature's Pride varieties: 100% Whole Wheat and Oatmeal.A delightful surprise!

I know these breads are up to more delicious creations as long as they last in my kitchen. However, as a last minute creation, I did two no-brainer sandwiches for our picnic:  peanut butter and superfruit (berry) jam for breakfast to-go; and turkey ham + superfruit (berry) jam for lunch to-go.

Coincidentally, I love 100% Whole Wheat bread and it has been my pantry staple. Without artificial colors and flavors, and less sodium (oh, you know how some breads can taste quite salty), I am ready to have more Nature's Pride in my pantry. Thanks Foodbuzz and Nature's Pride for an opportunity to try something new and to discover good eats!


Tag: nature's pride, sandwich

An Escape to Food on Facebook

Ghee and Indian cooking

I almost decided not to post this as the photos just don't make the mark. Well, I "QC" (Quality Control) myself...

But I wanted to know what you think of this ingredient as it remains controversial if this is "good" or "evil". While the article in SFGate is not the first one that says GHEE is not that bad after all, some of us do have a negative picture of it. It was the first time just six months ago when I have used GHEE. First time in my entire life, I have used ghee in my cooking (I am Asian and Ghee is seriously NOT something we find in a Chinese pantry)! And it was in my friend's kitchen where my Indian culinary skills improved by another baby step :D

The Making of Indian-Inspired Mashed Potatoes..

If butter was evil, then ghee's gotta be good. Do you agree?


Can ghee be our momentary glee?

More Indian-inspired recipes:
Indian Green Beans
Cabbage and Carrot Indian Curry
Spiced Okra with Tomatoes


Tag: ghee, butter

The Everything Rice Cooker Cookbook - Fall 2010

Hooray! I have received my cookbook's mock-up/draft cover from my publisher. Remember I told you about my cookbook sometime ago? My cookbook with Adams Media (the same publisher who does The Everything Series) will be out in Fall 2010 (just about six months away...which is pretty soon), AND...it is never too early to start pre-ordering via Amazon. If you are already thinking of birthday and holiday gifts for family and friends, this will make a great meaningful one - for those who are into cooking AND for those who just enjoy looking at an entire shelf of cookbooks (or as a matter of fact - any book related to food).

It is The Everything Rice Cooker Cookbook...

This cookbook is more than to teach you perfect recipes. Rather, it hopes to empower you with an extensive coverage of recipes by understanding the basics of rice cooker cooking which includes techniques and sequence. The possibilities are endless if you are willing to explore, try and sometimes...be a little crazy. Whether you already own a rice cooker and are looking for more ideas, variety and challenge -OR- you are just planning to get started on a rice cooker, this book does it all. Pre-order from Amazon now! Come Fall 2010, this book will also be available in bookstores such as Barnes and Noble, and Borders.

I will also be doing preview every now and then, right here at my site. So stay tuned!

Tag: rice cooker, cookbook