Chinese cooking is arguably the most popular of all the Asian cuisines, thanks to its richness and diversity. The Chinese style of cooking we know today is the result of the combination of different regions in China, whose flavors and ingredients reflect their sub-culture, geography and history. From Asia to America to Europe, Chinese cooking is a force to reckon with, popular for its flavorful approach to cooking and food presentation.
What Chinese cooking offers
Chinese cooking may be divided into four major cooking styles, depending on the region. Canton style cooking, for example, is considered as the most popular. Because the region enjoys good weather, almost anything may be included as part of a dish. From seafood to fresh fruits and vegetables, this style of Chinese cooking has some of the most varied and sophisticated flavors to offer, characterized by meals cooked by deep frying and highlighted by rich sauces.
Another Chinese cooking style is that made famous in the provinces of Hunan and Szechwan. Rice-based foods are abundant, partnered with some really spicy dishes. The eastern and western sides have dishes that are dominated by fish and seafood.
Further up north, where the Arctic winds rule, lamb and mutton are common without pork, because most of the population are Muslims. Simplicity is the key word to describe the type of Chinese cooking here, as evidenced by the way rice, noodles and bread are served with cut vegetables and fruits.
In contrast, the cuisine in Beijing is more high-brow, featuring some of the most exotic and intricately prepared dishes in Chinese cuisine, thanks to imperial influence. Today, the best features of this style of cooking are evident in many of China's most famous chefs.
Highlights of Chinese cooking
Many of the dishes in Chinese cuisine are prepared in small, bite-sized cuts which make them easy to pick up with chopsticks and placed directly in the mouth. Some dishes, such as fish, are served whole and diners who wish to partake only have to use chopsticks to break up pieces and eat them directly.
Some of the most popular and well-loved foods courtesy of Chinese cooking include: noodles (plain and fried), stir-fried vegetables, hot pot, dumplings (fried, steamed or as part of a soup dish), soy milk, Peking duck, glutinous rice with either sweet or meat-based filling, steamed buns, filled or coated rice balls, pickled vegetables, hard boiled eggs, seasoned tofu, rice porridge and tea.
Thinking twice on bringing your kids along when you travel? Traveling with children need not be stressful. Here are few tips on how you can enjoy your trip with less trouble and more fun.
*Plan with your kids
Get the opinion of your kids, this way they can get involved and get excited about it. Children have limited attention span and can easily get tired. Choose simple but fun activities.
*Things to bring
Bring along disposable stuff like diapers instead of cloth. You can rent out strollers or pram which is more convenient than bringing along bulky equipments. Remember to pack any medication your children need and a first- aid kit. If with an infant, bring sterilizing equipment for bottle- feeding.
*Keep them busy
Make the trip enjoyable for the kids by bringing along their favorite toys. Do not allow them to read on the road, this may add to motion sickness and constrain the eyes.
*Be safe on the road
When in a car, be sure that seatbelts are securely in place. Remove unnecessary things on top of the car ledge, they might fall over and hit your kids when you suddenly step on the break. If traveling in a public vehicle, keep your children on your lap or beside you. Crawling or walking around might cause them to fall.
*Avoid motion sickness
Most children complain of being dizzy and sick while traveling, usually on a ship or a boat. If on the road, you can prevent this by planning several stopovers. Open you car windows to let in some fresh air. Before the trip, be sure that your children took a snack. You can also check with your doctor for appropriate anti-nausea medicines.
*Prevent travelers’ diarrhea
You can avoid child dehydration by bringing plenty of distilled water. Stay away from street foods. Also avoid raw fruits and vegetables, sea foods and rare-cooked meats.
*Pack your kids’ favorite food
Children can be choosy when it comes to food. Adults may want to try out the local delicacies but kids prefer to eat something they are familiar with. Most specialty restaurants might add a kid’s meal to their menu; you can check it out before dining in.
Overall, the most important tip is: be patient. Sure, you will have some bad moments, but traveling with kids can be a lot of fun if you'll take the time to understand them. It’s always nice to see your kids happy and smiling brightly, of course, you should too!
Asia occupies a quarter of the earth’s land mass, it spans a lot of time zones. Having a single travel guide for all of Asia is virtually impossible. Asia like any other continent, has its certain hot spots, here are basic travel tips for a few of the most happening countries in Asia.
Vietnam
The country’s recommended tourist spots are Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, which are both modernized. All tourists in Vietnam, except Thai and Philippine Nationals need a tourist Visa before entering the Country. Health wise, Malaria is prevalent in Vietnam, it would be best to bring with you anti-mosquito lotions to prevent being bit.
Indonesia
Aside from the usual prohibition of narcotics and deadly weapons, Radio cassette Players are banned in the Island of Bali, which is a prime tourist spot in Indonesia. Any object with Chinese characters written on it, are also prohibited in Bali.
Thailand
Thai people are very religious and very loyal to the monarchy. You would often see pictures of the king around the cities, never make fun of him. The Thai also consider the head as the highest part of the body, whether spiritual or physical. Refrain from touching anybody in the head, and try not to point at anything with your foot.
Malaysia
It’s best to bring light and cool clothing in Malaysia. You would usually find food stands in the cities selling the local delicacies, “teh tarik” a creamed tea, and “roti canai” a type of pancake, are a must try when you do encounter them. Malaysia has many religions, you would usually see, a variety of Christian churches, Muslim Mosques and Buddhist and Hindu temples may be present in each city.
Philippines
The Philippine has 7,107 islands and islets; beaches are the main tourist spots in the country. There are several museums and Historical Landmarks in Manila, the country’s capital. Boracay Island is the boast of the country which has white sand beaches. You’ll find a “tiangge”, which is a sort of bazaar with stalls that sell almost anything, in most parts of the country, even inside malls. Tiagges are a good place to find souvenirs as well as cheap goods.
General Tips
Each country in Asia has its own currency, although up-end establishments will accept dollars, there are very few of these around. It is best to have your money changed at the local bank. Some hotels also offer money changing, but usually at a lower exchange rate.
Pickpockets are present in most tourist spots, so be careful with your valuables. Separate money from checks and credit cards, have two sets if you can so that you won’t be left dry if you fall victim to a pickpocket.
There is a special reason why recipes are very specific with ingredient and temperature measurements. It is the key to making the cooking experience a success. However, don’t be too strict on this because a little deviation won’t hurt. What are the things that you should know about cooking measurements? Keep reading to find out.
1. Accuracy in measurement is good but every good cook knows that slight deviations may actually improve the taste of what you are cooking. However, there are some recipes that require the exact measurement for cooking to be considered a success. Following exact measurements helps for a smooth performance of the cooking process.
2. One of the best ways in measuring cooking ingredients is to measure at home by putting all the ingredients in plastic bags. This only works for dry ingredients.
3. Liquid is measured in volume as well as some solids like sugar, flour, salt and spices. Meats are measured in mass or counts.
4. It is important that you know the conversions of cooking measurements. In case you don’t have some of the utensils, it is easier that you know the conversions so you can make the necessary adjustments. This is also true when you have to multiply the amount because you are serving more people. For example, use cups instead of teaspoons by converting the measurements.
5. Following the exact temperature of a utensil to be used is important. It is the cooking surface that requires a certain temperature and the problem is, it can’t be readily measured as in the case of heating plates or burners. But thanks to technology, you can now do the exact measurements with utensils that can be bought that come with thermostats that regulate temperature.
6. Measuring utensil temperature indirectly can be done by doing the measurement on one side of, for example, a waffle plate or pan. This is important when cooking meat. The reason for this is that, the exact temperature will yield the best taste and will assure that all the microorganisms are killed.
7. When using teaspoons, it is good to know that measurements in the UK are quite different in the US. Basically, modern measurements have an equal amount in teaspoons, meaning a level teaspoon in the US is same as that in the UK, approximately 5 ml. However, old UK recipes use heaping teaspoons rather than level teaspoons. I’d find out first, if I were you.
Cooking measurements are very important. If you are serious about the art of cooking, you must be aware by now that you need to know the different conversions and measurements you need to ensure food safety and success.
