Recipes
Noon Chai
Tackling new culinary challenges is one of my great joys, and I'm always on the lookout for new techniques to try. As it happens, I also love all things floral and pink so when I came across this Noon Chai, it went to the top of my list. Traditionally made for brides on their wedding day or for special occasions, the drink gets its beautiful color from aerating the green tea and adding a pinch of baking soda. The two react, creating a deep rouge color. Never did I realize that a cup of tea would require such a technique! After several failed attempts on mastering this delicacy, luck would have it that a wonderful customer at the spice shop gave me some important tips!The result was unlike any cup of tea I've ever had. The tea is creamy, floral and scented with Green Cardamom Pod, Star Anise and Roses — with just a little Himalayan Pink Salt. We garnished the tea with pistachios, rose petals and a star anise, making it a tasty afternoon treat. The marriage between sweet and salty is just perfect.A special thanks to Hassaan Arshad, for sharing his Mom's technique and giving me the tools to master this treat!
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Marble Tea Egg
If you want to take the mystery out of Chinese cooking, then Phoenix Claws and Jade Trees by Kian Lam Kho is the book for you. Full of step-by-step basic cooking methods and techniques, this book also provides an excellent overview to ingredients that you might not be familiar with. Kian Lam Kho's recipes range from simple to more complicated, but all are well worth trying. This Marble Tea Eggs recipe is an example of one that is easy to make, and results in a spectacular dish when served.From the Author: "Found in just about every corner convenience store all over China, this tea egg is a popular snack food that is also commonly served as an appetizer at formal banquets. Any Chinese red or green tea works well with this recipe, but do not use black tea, as it can make the eggs too bitter.
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