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: Quick and Easy
Proof That Salads Don’t Have to Suck
I first had a salad like this at a restaurant a while back, and I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Light, fresh, that sweet and savoury balance, and it actually felt satisfying without that heavy after-feeling. So I went home and tried to recreate it. I used what I had in the fridge, added a…
Matcha vs. Hojicha: My Green and Gold Tea Routine
When life gets busy, a lot of people reach for coffee. I reach for tea. Okay, I enjoy coffee, too, but lately, I’ve been switching between two Japanese teas depending on what kind of day I’m having. Matcha when I need a little help getting going, and hojicha when I finally get a chance to…
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…
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…
Soul-Warming Homemade Kare Udon
Kare udon is a family favourite in our house, especially for my husband, who absolutely loves it. Lately, I’ve been spending more time making things from scratch, and one of my recent kitchen projects has been working on my own homemade curry roux. Store-bought curry cubes are convenient, and we still enjoy them, but there’s…
Easy Miso Honey Glazed Salmon
I make salmon pretty often, and this miso honey-glazed version is one of my favourite ways to prepare it. The glaze takes just a few minutes to mix together, which makes it a good option for busy weeknights when I want something flavourful without spending too much time in the kitchen. Honey and miso work…
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…
Easy Shanghai Noodles
Shanghai noodles were a regular dish in my house growing up, and I was usually the one going back for thirds. Now that I’m the one making them for my own family, I appreciate them for a different reason. They’re quick to make, everyone enjoys them, and I know my boys will actually sit down…
Beef Pepper Rice
Back in 2011, I was walking through the streets of Hong Kong when I came across sizzling beef pepper rice, and it quickly became a favourite. I still remember that first bite. The sweet and savoury flavours worked so well together that I kept going back for more. It was one of those dishes I…
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….
Warmth and Cheer for All
As soon as the weather finally turns cold, there is nothing better than having something warm and spiced simmering on the stove. Mulled wine is usually the holiday go-to, but you don’t actually need the alcohol to get that exact same cozy feeling. I love making a non-alcoholic version because the whole house still smells…
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…
Your Iced Coffee, But Better
One evening, my husband and I were looking through the menu at a local restaurant when I spotted something under the drinks section called Espresso Rock. I’m not a coffee expert, but it immediately caught my attention. My husband could tell I wanted to try it, so he ordered one for us to share. When…
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…