When most of us think of rice fields, we vision expanses of flooded rice patties, Asian peasants with traditional conical hats, knee-deep in muddy waters, planting rows upon rows of seedlings... There is a movement a-field that is impacting how rice is grown around the world for the better. S.R.I. (system of rice intensification) is a sustainable method of growing rice that ... Continue Reading
Food For Thought: MSG and Chinese Restaurant Food Syndrome
Next to ginger and soy sauce, MSG is probably the most common "spice" associated with Chinese restaurants, especially popular Chinese takeout food. While some people may be allergic and others experience distinct negative physical reactions (like Dad), there are some who don't seem to be affected by MSG (or don't know they are). Companies that use it claim that there is "no ... Continue Reading
Chinese Southern Belle Partners with Atlanta-based PeachDish Southern-Inspired Meal Kits
HELLO what? Try Atlanta-based PeachDish.com meal kits! Fresh, creative, Southern-inspired recipes featuring our yummy sauces and other awesome Georgia Grown & local/regional suppliers and chefs. Order online and now **NEW** look for "goodness-to-go" kits in Whole Foods Market stores, South region. Save $10 off first order: enter discount code Natalie17 (online orders ... Continue Reading
Natalie’s Diary: In the Heart a Brother, a Christmas Baby
"That's terrible. Do you get cheated on presents?" Chalk up another negative reaction to a holiday birthday! It's funny how folks are either delighted or downright negative when they find out that I'm a Christmas baby. I didn't think it was a bad thing growing up--my family would give me extra gifts and my sister would make me any homemade birthday cake of my choosing ... Continue Reading
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk Foods
Black, Hispanic Kids Targeted by Ads for Junk Foods Education, awareness (and exercise) are needed from all sides to address poor eating habits and improve children's health especially in low income communities: parents, kids, schools. Media isn't to blame but highly influential. Education and awareness obviously starts at home. Sedentary habits like watching more ... Continue Reading
Black is the New Green!
My grandmother told me eating black sesame made my hair shiny, black and healthy. She fed me black sesame soup (zhima tang), sticky rice balls oozing with sweet black sesame paste (tangyuan) and black sesame candy. Black sesame have protein and fiber, plus B vitamins and minerals, manganese, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. It didn't take much lobbying. As a ... Continue Reading
Pancake flap: Aunt Jemima Mammy Stereotype in Question
Pancake flap: Born a slave in 1834 in Kentucky, Nancy Green was the first Aunt Jemima "Mammy" in 1890. More about the case Diane Roberts, a professor of Southern culture at Florida State University in Tallahassee and author of The Myth of Aunt Jemima, said that "Mammy" stereotype "romanticized the cruelty of slavery for a nation reconciling the trauma of the Civil War. "It's ... Continue Reading
Teriyaki Chicken Vegetable Lo Mein
Everybody loves teriyaki and who doesn't go crazy for noodles? This is a match made in heaven: Teriyaki Chicken Vegetable Lo Mein with fresh Asian-styled lo mein egg noodles is great for any season or occasion. Our noodle recipe is healthy, savory and family-friendly. Vegetarian? Simply omit the meat. Be creative and add any of your favorite stir fry or seasonal farmers ... Continue Reading
4,000 year-old Bowl of Noodles found in China!
A 4,000 year-old bowl of noodles was unearthed in Northwest China! See article in National Geographic... Ramen, beanthread, soba, udon, egg noodle, lo mein, mi fen, buckwheat, rice vermicelli... Go noodle crazy and learn about the wide variety of noodles (plus "noodles vs. pasta") on one of Natalie's fun Asian International Supermarket Tours. Choose your date for a ... Continue Reading
Father Knows Best: Johnny Cash, Whoppers & Wings
"I want one like that," my father said, holding his burger in the air with one hand while pointing to the over-sized Whopper photo on the wall poster with its glistening juiciness and colorful, fresh slices of tomato and lettuce. Other customers in line smiled and nodded in agreement. It was a far bite from the real thing. The young cashier obliged and messaged the kitchen by ... Continue Reading
Food and Culture Crossovers, Mother-Daughter Share Asian and Southern Heritage
"Culinary Crossovers," Atlanta Journal-Constitution cover story, Food section, Entrepreneurial mother, daughter blend their Chinese heritage with Southern ways for entertaining adventures. (Print version included recipes and photos.) https://youtu.be/sWQX1wgtAuY ... Continue Reading
Mother’s Day Every Day with Tigger Mom!
Traditional Chinese Tiger Mother?? No way! My mother celebrates and embraces creativity, learning, new friendships and adventures, as much as she honors her own family and heritage. With her help and encouragement, I'm able to pursue my dream of sharing food, culture and diversity through Chinese Southern Belle adventures. She's my beloved TIGGER mom! Luckily for my sisters ... Continue Reading
2017 Chinese and Asian Lunar New Year Celebrations Around Atlanta
Happy Lunar New Year, Y'All! Gong xi fa cai! Gung hay fat choy! Upcoming Asian Lunar New Year-themed events around town: 2017 Atlanta Chinese Lunar New Year Festival More info: Facebook Date: Sat- Sun, Jan. 28-29, 2017 Time: 10 am – 4 pm Venue: Culture Center of Taipei Economic & Cultural Office in Atlanta 5377 New Peachtree Road, Chamblee, GA 30341 Ticket: ... Continue Reading
How to Make a Chinese Hot Pot
Also known as Mongolian Hot Pot, Chinese fondue or shabu-shabu, Chinese hot pots are a 1000 year-old tradition across Asia. Since many homes in East Asia do not have central heat, hot pots filled with broth, fresh vegetables and meat are a perfect way to bring family and friends together to eat, chat and warm up during the fall and winter, especially popular around Chinese New ... Continue Reading
Asian Bakery: Buns, Bings and Baozi
Welcome to the world of Asian balls, buns, bings and baozi! (And you thought Sally by the seashore was a tongue twister!) Talk about "lost in translation." There are whole aisles of buns, bings and baozi at the Asian grocery, in bamboo steamers at restaurants and on food carts on street corners all over China and Taiwan. It's a comfort food, street snack and ... Continue Reading