tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20596013933651124652024-11-08T10:09:02.586-05:00The name I have in mind for the "L'Empire des Gourmet" I want to create someday....as my passion for food and cooking began from inspirations that lies within the Cacao.... With a life time goal to travel for culinary experiences....hope to share some of it here with you. Merci! Gourmet Food, Cooking, Baking, Nutrition, Recipes, Travel....blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-3922949380782795792012-10-07T00:20:00.004-04:002012-10-08T18:23:56.632-04:00

It is Tea Time~! With the recent influence from my part-time research on the nutrition aspects of green tea, it made perfect sense to incorporate this luscious yet nutritious flavour into an everyday treat.. Tea is the most consumed beverage in the world, after water, and originated in China as far back as 2737 B.C.. Within the numerous varieties available in the market, green tea

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-90191504541693623362012-10-03T23:31:00.001-04:002012-10-08T18:23:20.816-04:00

These are some fungus screaming for your loving attention at the farmer's market! A new creation of three recent graduates, a Newburyport-based operation Shady Oaks Organics teamed up and bring you these succulent bites. Now the recipe-search begins for cooking up a storm! Please stay tune....

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-3527414234691328062012-09-24T21:33:00.001-04:002012-10-01T16:54:40.384-04:00

Recipe is here to be examined..for these nuggets of delight! ~ PB and banana chocolate delights ~ Makes 24 cupcakes Ingredients 1 cup (2 stick) butter, at room temperature 2 cup granulated sugar 4 large eggs 2 cups cake flour 1 cup all purpose flour 2 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoon salt 2 cup mashed very ripe bananas 1 cup yogourt  (Non-Greek style) 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-13488673507883392062012-08-27T17:02:00.000-04:002012-10-08T18:24:26.097-04:00

Wanting to spice up my dear friends with this treat....perfect for post moving rejuvenation! ~ Cinnamon Ginger Cocoa Rice Krispies Treat with Toasted Almonds ~ 6 tbs Unsalted butter 2 x 10 oz package Miniature marshmallow 8 cups Cocoa Rice Krispies 1 tbs ground cinnamon 2 tsp ground ginger 1 tsp salt 8oz slivered almonds, toasted (this can be easily replaced with your favourite nut or

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-70489512400001344632011-11-07T22:26:00.005-05:002011-11-07T22:46:40.333-05:00

My fellow nutrition students have inspired this recipe with a discussion on whole grains and the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Please check out the Whole Grain Council for more information on the health benefits of whole grains, and how to identify the "TRUE" whole grain products!http://www.wholegrainscouncil.org/ Whole Grain Fig and Raspberry Barmakes 16 bar cookies1 cup whole grain

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-41530982060221062862011-09-15T22:26:00.007-04:002011-09-15T23:26:07.587-04:00

To some, black sesame and sweets might be an odd pair, but it is truly a flavour that is close to many Asian's hearts..especially during those unexpectedly windy Autumn evenings, there is nothing better than a bowl of lusciously fragrant black sesame soup that would send comforting warmth from within..~ Black Sesame Cupcakes with Ginger Glaze and Toasted Coconut Flakes ~makes 12Ingredients3/4 cup

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-58037516699774043922011-08-25T21:02:00.006-04:002011-08-26T19:22:09.804-04:00

It is almost "sinful" to admit that I have opted in to try something frozen and pre-made for my dinner, but with the constant expansion of such complex concotions, I couldn't tame my growing curiosity.. As part of the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, I tried the new Birds Eye Voila Garlic Shrimp pasta, and it was a decent surprise. Having the shrimp frozen in their raw state kept them from being

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-28068715422413011552011-08-22T21:14:00.008-04:002011-08-22T21:53:11.592-04:00

A friend's graduation/summer celebrations always deserve some extra jazz! Among those glistening jewels of caramelized hazelnuts and pecans that dressed a tart with flaky buttery crust, your friends will be dazzled by a molten rich ganache that excites your olfactory nerves with lingering perfume. ~ Saffron Ganache Tarte with caramelized nuts ~ Ingredients: Pre-baked homemade French pate

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-50419432581714207822011-08-17T23:36:00.008-04:002011-08-18T23:47:23.124-04:00

Crumbly, creamy with an attractive tangy palette, Chèvre has made frequent appearances my summer dishes. With this heavenly versatile fromage, my dear friend created her favourite snack for a twins baby shower..Chèvre ornamented with golden honey and fragrant toasted walnuts. With the delicate balance between the fragrant sweetness of honey and the unique tartness of mature Chèvre that

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-31206410108200677202011-08-15T22:31:00.005-04:002011-08-15T23:09:56.602-04:00

There is certainly no questions that great friendship and conversation can be built upon a delightful meal, but with items made by one with such true passion, this event deserves an album documentation =) Geraish '11 / Ge•raish / قريش / Brunch! Apart from the modern chic plating, each of the items was a perfect marriage of ethnic spices on a Western canvas. From falafel sliders to cinnamon

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-36355824408682750932011-08-01T22:36:00.004-04:002011-08-01T23:01:34.087-04:00

Recipe for the "failed" attempt of Maple Pecan Coffee Cake as promised, though rather belated....Makes 8-10 servingsIngredients: For the Cake Batter: 1/2 cup (1 stick/4 oz/113g) butter 8 oz cream cheese 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp vanilla extract 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt 2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup whole milk For Maple Topping: 1/2 cup

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-4886811609523949812011-07-09T17:20:00.006-04:002011-07-09T18:10:41.144-04:00

There is nothing better than to spend a lazy Saturday "late" morning in a breezy kitchen, executing a new coffee cake recipe! But with the wrong baking pan in hand, and a cake that escaped the oven mimicking the depression of a volcano, I was pleasantly surprised that the fluffy centre of this failed attempt has selfishly abducted the identity of the supposedly crusty surface, and served as its

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-46681216571081693632011-04-15T22:59:00.007-04:002011-04-16T00:25:52.392-04:00

I guess infusing my favourite beverages with desserts has given me inspirations! Although Earl Grey still tops the exclusive list, the complex yet delicate bouquet of Vouvray, and the high acidity from Chenin Blanc makes it the perfect complement for the luscious yet velvety Anjou pears. Located in the Touraine district of France's Loire Valley, this Appellation d'origine contrôlée (AOC) is

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-60275528815814767662011-01-11T21:53:00.006-05:002011-01-12T00:43:37.963-05:00

Hearty yet refreshing seems to be an odd flavour combination, but with the humble butternut squash in its most simplistic state, Mark Bittman has successfully translated this flavour profile with zero stove/oven time!As this golden fleshed squash made its rare entry into my kitchen, I timidly approached with a vegetable peeler. Their first tough encounter gave me doubts on the prospects of this

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-25446846829684458052011-01-02T21:10:00.005-05:002011-01-02T22:09:05.632-05:00

In celebrating the arrival of the palindromic 2011, I have decided to give myself an omega-3 boost by making a Thai Tom Yum sesame-crusted Ahi tuna, with stir-fried napa. No supplements involved! I don't think there is a greater pleasure to nurture both your taste buds and your body than a simple and savoury dish..the keys to the simple part are a non-stick, and sesame seeds!..leaving the

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-10411821364597897132010-11-25T11:32:00.011-05:002010-11-25T15:48:24.319-05:00

From the north-eastern corner of China, to the southern parts of Canton, it was the Vietnamese version of the fried rice balls (known to most as sesame balls) that challenged the stretch of my irises for my macula to absorb it all! Speaking of indulgence during Thanksgiving, the fried sesame balls are the Asian version with a festive origin, though similar to the perfectly roasted turkey, these

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-21882376580184675472010-11-22T21:42:00.007-05:002010-11-22T23:41:33.022-05:00

Mesmerised by the gleaming golden yarns, accompanied with the intense scent from the richness of duck egg yolks, my friend Lin has expanded my scope in Thai desserts, and the uniqueness in texture tempted me to explore further..a dessert originated from Portugal that brings prosperity and happiness..Foi thong means gold fibres, and these miniature "skeins" of delicacies are the perfect

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-34890393197073949432010-09-28T22:04:00.007-04:002010-09-28T22:48:26.314-04:00

With a sudden drop of 30 degrees on the thermostat, despite all the required readings at hand, my subconscious mind helplessly drifted towards the bowls after bowls of savoury broths that never failed to impress at each meal I dined in Vietnam..under the immense heat of the summer months. To those who have traveled to this unique paradise, Nguyen Thi Thanh at 23 Hoang Sa shouldn't sound foreign.

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-48550413199538772672010-06-11T20:45:00.012-04:002010-06-11T21:33:44.945-04:00

Aside from the greens, urge your peers to add-on their blues!All Blue potatoes are probably the most direct descendant of potatoes found almost 10,000 years ago high in the Peruvian Andes mountains, and likely smuggled into the United States from Peru in a diplomatic pouch around 1957, delivered to Sylvan Ambrose Hart who cultivated them. The blue potato is also proving a hit across Ireland since

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-32331686143676766552010-04-18T23:06:00.006-04:002010-04-19T00:59:31.345-04:00

a.k.a., a gender-friendly Baby Shower that just won the Best Title Award!As the time runs short, I allowed my favourite flavour and aroma to guide through a mysterious venture, giving me the inspiration to dress up an ordinary treat in a savoury couture.~ Earl Grey Rice Krispie Treat ~3 tbs Unsalted butter10 oz package Miniture marshmallow6 cups Cocoa Rice KrispieEarl Grey Ganache - 4 Earl

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-15439016080459363182010-02-26T23:06:00.004-05:002010-02-26T23:33:16.983-05:00

This recipe is dedicated to my family, and to anyone who is as obsessed with this purple root as we are! Just make sure you do not overload with this fragrant yet zesty tasting taro, which turns the cake into a more croquet like consistency, but still mouthwatering.For those who might be interested in reading further on this amazing root, please check out my previous post:"Macaron de la divinité

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-53361254631764904652010-02-18T21:46:00.011-05:002010-02-18T23:56:20.047-05:00

I often wondered what Chinese New Year is like for visitors in Hong Kong. This festival is a time for families to reunite, not only to welcome in the new lunar year, but also to feast together with home-prepared meals. Meanwhile, as the expat population flies to places like Bali or Thailand for the extended national holiday, the trains to the rural New Territories would be overflowing, while the

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-17091173152934147462010-02-11T22:06:00.004-05:002010-02-12T00:04:23.775-05:00

From an elaborate two-day production to the lightning-fast microwave approach, the methods of preparing Nian Gao may have changed across generations of the Chinese families, but the sticky-sweet New Year's cake is still a savory culinary project within my household, embracing my grandmother's recipe.Nian Gao, or Chinese New Year’s cake, is sweet and sticky and represents family cohesion and

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-69670849077483047512010-01-20T21:12:00.005-05:002010-01-20T23:25:06.041-05:00

This article is part of "The Macaron Series"http://lafleuraucacao.blogspot.com/2009/10/in-mood-for-loveand-macaronthe-macaron.htmlAs we count down along with the crystal ball in NYC, January 1st is also considered by most Japanese to be one of the most important annual festivals and has been celebrated for centuries with its own unique customs. After an evening a festivities, toasts with

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2059601393365112465.post-8662802838442091022010-01-16T23:16:00.006-05:002010-01-17T00:49:31.005-05:00

Apart from the ambiance and the company, I find that a memorable dining experience often brings a certain something unexpected. A Mediterranean sampling plate was served, as I was catching up with a friend over dinner at a local "Tavern". Apart from the usual trio of hummus (that itself was surprisingly unusual, with one carrying a green hue of edamame), I was inspired by a salad made with quinoa

blanche_yihhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00370679331014323445noreply@blogger.com1