Chinese

Good Fortune

If you watch my Fortune Cookies video you’ll hear some of the funny, weird and downright troubling fortunes that my kids wrote. Download them here or write your own using my blank printable template.

Music playlist

“Like a Tiger With Wings”, “Rendevous in the Yurt” and “Cheerful Cheers”… I love the titles of these Chinese folk tunes and operatic songs as much as the quirky melodies. To be honest (and maybe you won’t be surprised!) I have had very little exposure to this sort of music but I’ve dived in and trawled around to find songs that I hope will be a nice audio backdrop to your chopstick clatter and happy chatter. Listen here.

Styling tips

Asian supermarkets will sell inexpensive chopsticks and curiosities for the dining table, as well as many of the ingredients on your shopping list. Paper lanterns are easy to make, or you might consider other handicrafts for the Year of the Rooster, which started on January 27, 2017. Why not try your hand at some napkin folding!

More recipes & recipe tips

Hint for Chinese Greens with XO Sauce: if you’re substituting extra dried shrimp for harder-to-find dried scallops, then skip step 1 and add all the shrimp and 150 grams hot water at step 3. Thanks to Belinda for prompting me to clarify this!

If you’re making the Sichuan Pepper and Chilli Salt Squid, you might like to check out my Fried Calamari video, where I demonstrate how to clean, cut and cook calamari.

Want more ideas for Chinese Thermomixing? I’ve got heaps right here at Dani Valent Cooking, available to all subscribers. Victor Liong’s Steamed Oysters with Ginger and Spring Onion Oils are elegant and easy, and his Corn Custard with Chicken Congee is like a comforting hug from the inside. Also check out top chef Ben Shewry’s Egg Fu Yong, a cheffy update of the takeaway classic. The Hainanese Chicken and Egg is a crazy-good dish you need in your repertoire. Find out more about the site here and subscribe for access to all recipes and videos.