2014 - Life Bites

Gluten free banana bread

This gluten free banana bread combines a mix of brown rice/tapioca flour, coconut flour, almond meal and flax seed meal for a delicious twist to this all time favorite. This gluten free banana bread recipe does not use nuts, but you are welcome to add them for a crunchier, heartier slice. Using chia seed gel This recipe uses traditional cooking oil and eggs, but these can be substituted for chia seed gel. Add 1 tea-spoon of chia seeds to 1/4 cup of water, stir with a spoon and allow 10 minutes or so to form into a gel. Add this…

Gluten free breaded pork chops recipe

This is an easy recipe for tender, gluten-free breaded pork chops that are.... oh, so good and quickly made. I am using a fusion of ingredients from American, Caribbean and Asian cuisines you can find at most supermarkets. These gluten-free breaded pork chops reheat very well and make a perfect pairing for a variety of vegetables, starches and legumes. This recipe can also be used to make gluten-free breaded chicken tenders. I like gluten-free breaded pork chops using the rice/tapioca flour combination, because the flour is fine and very lightly coats the meat, avoiding that heavily breaded taste. Have your…

Chinese green onion pancakes: perfect meal companion

Chinese green onion pancakes make a great companion to saucy and spicy meals, they work as appetizers or can be served with cold meats for a full meal. Everyone in my family loves green onion pancakes. I suspect they could be healthier if made with whole wheat flour (or you could experiment with adding flax seed meal or using gluten-free flour), but since we don't have these every day, I wouldn't want to compromise the flavor everyone has come to love. These are simple to make and can be frozen for long storage, as they reheat very well. Watch my…

How to cook authentic Chinese stir fry

In this post, I will share the "secrets" on how to cook authentic Chinese stir fry. If you have tried all the right sauces, but your stir fries are still soggy and taste nothing like you thought, this guide is for you. The first time my Chinese-American husband complimented my stir fry, I figured he was just being nice. It must have made him happy I cared enough to learn. But when my father-in-law stated at the dinner table that my food tasted "authentic", I knew my years of observation had paid off. I had learned the techniques my husband and…

Easy brunch: cheese, onion and pepper omelette

Easy and delicious, this cheese onion pepper omelette is a great brunch idea that does not require baking or turning. Serve alone for a low carb breakfast, enjoy with fruit or your favorite bread. About the cheese: For this recipe, I really enjoy muenster cheese or grated chihuahua (Mexican melting cheese). If you do use muenster, two thin slices cut in small pieces will do for this recipe. Experiment with different types of cheese and peppers to find what works for you! Easy brunch: cheese, onion and pepper omelette 4 eggs1 Cubanelle or bell pepper1/4 medium size onion1/4 cup grated…

Stir fried earwood mushroom with chicken and vegetables

This earwood mushroom recipe includes chicken, and a mix of carrots, celery and bell pepper stir fried in a ginger and garlic sauce. Earwood mushroom, also known as "black fungus", is popular in China for its flavor and crisp texture, as well as for its nutritional and medicinal properties. As a specialty item, earwood mushroom can be found in the dry food section of Asian grocery stores or in Chinese herbal medicine stores. Earwood mushrooms are versatile and can be added to soups, stir fries and cold salad dishes. I like to soak the earwood mushrooms in cool filtered water the…

Ginger tea with cinnamon recipe

This is a simple, Dominican-style ginger tea with cinnamon recipe that can be enjoyed by anyone. Hits the spot on a cold day. Cooler nights in the Dominican Republic during the months of December and January often call for ginger tea. Dominicans do not have "tea time" per se, usually preferring coffee espresso style in the morning and then again after lunch. Tea is enjoyed on those rare cool evenings before bedtime and as a remedy for colds and other ailments. I use ginger almost daily when preparing Asian dishes. The root enhances the flavor and aroma of meat and…