Dim Sum

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Canton China, chinese tea, chinese tea ceremony, Chiu Chow Fun For, Dim Sum, Har Grow, london cookery school, tapioca flour

‘Sundays are for Dim Sum.  While the rest of America goes to church, Sunday school, or NFL games, you can find Chinese people eating Cantonese food.’ Eddie Huang.

Dim Sum originated in Canton, China and can be likened to how the English take afternoon tea or the Spanish have tapas with Sherry.  They are essentially small bite-sized snacks which were served with tea to weary workers and travellers to see them through until they had their main meal.  Nowadays Chinese people tend to eat them on weekend mornings for a long brunch.

Beautiful Dim Sum restaurant in China.

In dim sum houses, a whole variety of steamed, baked and fried snacks are served from trolleys stacked high with bamboo steamers which are then pushed around the restaurant for diners to select from.  Sharing is advisable.

How to make the perfect Temari and Temaki Sushi.

Temari is one of the most beautiful types of Sushi.

‘Don’t dunk your nigiri in the soy sauce.  Don’t mix your wasabi in the soy sauce.  If the rice is good, complement your sushi chef on the rice.’ Anthony Bourdain.

Temari Sushi.

Temari is a colourful and striking, easy-to-make ball shaped Sushi usually served in sets of 4, 8, 12.  Picture perfect Sushi that is uncommon in the UK.  Ideal for parties and festive gatherings.  If you’re creative you’ll love preparing Temari as they are customisable and have the cute factor necessary for kids or appetizers.

Lamb chop & red lentil stew – Comptoir Libanais Express

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Comfort food, Comptoir Libanais Express, Dan Lepard, Lamb chop & red lentil stew, Lebanese cooking, One-pot cooking, Tony Kitous, www.surreyKitchen.com

Lamb chop & red lentil stew

The cookbook I’m relying on to banish the winter blues is Comptoir Libanais Express by Tony Kitous and Dan Lepard.  A big fan of Kitous’ rebellious approach to food, the way he brings together a huge mezze of ideas based on what he wants to eat at that moment.  Kitous and Lepard teach us to be brave, to try different things and to just go where your hunger takes you.