Foodie Friday: Green Tea, Red Bean, Coconut Bread

Green Tea, Red Bean, Coconut Bread: three flavors in one bread! I couldn't pass up on this new offering at Ranch 99. The bread has the same thickness of Taiwan toast. The flavors are distributed right down the middle (coconut on one side, green tea on the other). The bread has my favorite ingredients, so I shouldn't complain too much...but I do wish it had more earthy green tea flavor. P.S. Don't you just love the colors? … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Red Bean Cookie

Red bean cookie: pastry-like treat with sweet red bean paste inside C is for cookie! Around the time I was immersed in Sesame Street, I decided to follow in the footsteps of my favorite blue-furred monster. I cracked open our cookbook to create snickerdoodles. Alas, I wasn't allowed to use the oven, so I substituted the microwave instead. A shout-out to my brother who tried those rock-hard sweets and even managed to swallow a few pieces without breaking his teeth! Thankfully, I soon learned … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Red Bean Smoothie

Red bean smoothie: shake with sweet red beans I've tried red bean-inspired desserts before. It goes well with cold sweets, like ice cream and popsicles. Recently, though, I drank a red bean smoothie, and it's my new favorite. The beans are well-blended, and the whole beverage ends up tasting like a milkshake. It's also not too sweet, and the beans provide a dash of protein and fiber, so you can convince yourself it's healthy. What do you drink to cool down in the summer? … [Read more...]

Foodie Friday: Mystery Dessert

Mystery dessert: ? Sometimes I discover mystery treats on my culinary journey. These are usually those special items on a menu identified only by their Chinese characters. Here is an example of an unknown dessert I had: It's a bit like a giant mochi with its soft red bean center, but the whole texture is more paste-like. The dish, served cold, was an acquired taste. Have you ever tried this specific dish, or something else as unknown? … [Read more...]