I used to think wellness meant doing everything from scratch. But honestly, real health doesn’t live in a perfect kitchen. It sits somewhere in between Salt and Soul. Salt is just my reality right now, busy days, full schedules, needing things to actually work. Soul is still there too, that pull to sit down with…
Category: Budget-Friendly
Sharing recipes and tips for cooking delicious and nutritious meals on a budget. Include meal planning strategies and affordable ingredient alternatives.
Keeping Food Fresh, Simply
Let’s be honest, there’s nothing more frustrating than buying fresh produce at the start of the week and finding it wilted a few days later. I hear about it all the time, not just in my own kitchen, but with friends, family and clients too. You start the week with good intentions, stock up on…
Velvety Leek and Potato Soup
Today is one of those blustery, snowy days that makes staying inside feel like the only reasonable option. So that’s exactly what I’m doing, and honestly, there’s nothing better on a day like this than a pot of homemade leek and potato soup. Creamy, earthy, and genuinely comforting. Making soup from scratch is one of…
Wholesome & Affordable: A Guide to Stress-Free Meal Planning
With how expensive everything feels lately, eating well can start to feel a bit out of reach. I’ve had those weeks too, where groceries add up fast, and you’re trying to figure out how to make everything stretch without feeling like you’re sacrificing quality. Over the past year, I’ve put a bit more intention into…
Smashed Potato Bites
Who can resist crispy smashed potatoes? They’re a favourite in our house, and my boys never seem to get tired of them. The edges turn golden and crispy in the oven while the centres stay soft and fluffy. Add your favourite toppings, and you’ve got a snack that’s hard to pass up. I usually keep…
Panko Breaded Cauliflower Bites
I find myself reaching for recipes like this when I want something satisfying but don’t feel like spending ages in the kitchen. These cauliflower bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and easy to throw together. You can also change up the seasonings or serve them with whatever dip you have on…
The Perfect Pull-Apart Dinner Rolls
There’s something about the smell of fresh bread baking that just feels comforting, especially when it’s a batch of these pull-apart dinner rolls. I’ve been baking for years, and this is one of those recipes I keep coming back to. I’ve made little changes along the way to get it just right for our family,…
Traditional Homemade Potstickers
Making potstickers at home is easier than you might think, and once you get the hang of it, they’re fun to make in big batches. The smell of them cooking always takes me back to my childhood. My mom used to make huge batches, and there were almost always some tucked away in the freezer….
Plant-Based Nutrition for Beginners
Lately, I’ve been trying to add more plant-based meals into my week, and I know a lot of people are doing the same. But I think the term plant-based can sound a little intimidating, like you have to give up meat, dairy, and all the foods you love. That’s really not how I look at it. For…
Mayak Eggs (Korean Marinated Eggs)
Mayak eggs are one of my favourite things to keep in the fridge. They’re easy to make ahead, and I love having a few ready to go, especially on busy mornings when I don’t have much time to make breakfast. The eggs are soft and jammy, and after sitting in the marinade overnight, they soak…
Making Wontons at Home
Homemade wontons hold a cherished place in the hearts of food enthusiasts worldwide. Crafted with love and history, these delicate pockets of goodness offer a culinary journey worth savoring. From mastering the art of making wonton wrappers to exploring diverse fillings and cooking methods, the versatility and delectable flavors of wontons inspire endless creativity and elegant dining experiences.
Creamed Corn with Pork and Rice (粟米肉粒飯)
Today, I’m making one of those simple meals I grew up eating: Creamed Corn with Pork and Rice (粟米肉粒飯). It’s a familiar dish in Hong Kong cafés, too, and one of those meals you can get on the table in about 30 minutes. My mom used to make this quite often when I was growing…
My Go-To Miso Soba Noodle Salad
Soba noodles are Japanese noodles made mainly from buckwheat flour, sometimes mixed with wheat flour. They have a slightly nutty flavour and a nice firm texture. They’re often served in soup or chilled with a dipping sauce, but I also like using them as the base for a noodle salad. This salad combines soba noodles…
Little Toasty Treats
My kids love these little French toast bites. They’re golden and a little crispy on the outside, with a soft middle, and they’re easy to eat with your fingers. I usually make them for breakfast, but they’re also nice to have around when the kids are hungry and looking for something to snack on. How…
The Tale of Cocktail Buns
Fresh cocktail buns from a Chinese bakery have always been a favourite of mine. They’re soft, slightly sweet, and filled with that sweet coconut filling that makes them so good. Growing up, we often had these at home, and they were part of our usual bakery run. Now that I’m making them myself, I find…