This post will be kind of different from most of my posts. Why? Because it won't be finished and complete. I'll keep adding to it almost daily talking to you about what's happening on our magic carpet ride to China!
You might see pictures with captions. Maybe I'll upload a quick unedited video of something cool. I'll be sharing interesting and captivating things I'm doing and seeing. Sharing inspiration for new foods. And, of course, sharing all kinds of NEW foods!!
Since Facebook is the social media platform where we usually talk and I share profusely, I'm having to shift to my website. It's kinda like 'bad' news 'good' news. Bad news is that Facebook, along with many many other social media platforms and websites, is banned in China (unless you have a VPS which I don't). Good news is that Ally's Kitchen isn't one of those banned websites! Yayyyyyyyyyyyy!!!
I want you to talk to me right here as you would on FB, Instagram, Twitter, and more. Just leave comments, and I'll get back to you as quickly as I can. Well, in between the bullet train to Bejing, Dim Sung cooking classes, eating myself sick with street food (I need inspiration for you and our new recipes!), hanging out at the Great Wall and more!
Now don't be a stranger. Come back every day! And, let's have fun with our talk in the kitchen! xoxo ~peace & namaste~ ally
First Experience
Eating black fungus salad. 凉拌木耳
While the name might initially turn you off, be open minded. When I saw it, I thought, let my adventurous palate explore what this delicacy is. I mean I knew it wasn't anything that would 'hurt' me, like the usual connotation with fungus. It's made with the 'wood ear' mushroom, edible fungus, and it does kind of look like an ear.
It's got great nutritional value and is rich in dietary fiber. For me, the texture was rubbery, chewy and there was a distinct saltiness to it. It's an appetizer not usually found outside of China where it's very popular. Here's a great recipe for it from Omnivore's Cookbook! I was really glad I tried it. In fact, I went back for seconds!
Another first eat. Prawn crackers or chips. Prawn crackers are made by mixing tapioca powder, prawns, and water. They're light, crispy and airy. Rather addictive! It's like you're not eating anything at all, but crunchy air! Kind of like our Western chips and things like Doritos, they're a very popular snack food. You can make your own or buy them on Amazon!
