Assorted Dried Mushroom

Other than fresh mushrooms that can be found easily in the supermarket. We do have a few kinds of dried mushrooms that can be used for boiling soup, stir-fry with vegetables or meat. The most common dried mushroom used is the Shiitake Mushroom which is normally used for stir-fry vegetable, stewed with oyster sauce or dark soy sauce with meat.




Dried Shittake Mushrooms(香菇/花菇)
It is naturally sweet and used to aids stomach to live blood vessels. It supplements engery and benefits stomach, fights cancer and lowers blood cholesterol.


Monkey Head Mushrooms(候头菇)
It shapes like the brain of monkeys and has many hairs on the surface. It not only improves and strengthens the internal organs, but also helps digestion. Soak until soft before cooking.


Dried Chaxingu(茶树菇)
The stalk of it is long and thin. It tastes fresh, sweet, refreshing and chewy. Soups made by it are refreshing and sweet . It has beneficial effects on fat elimination, beautifications, anti-aging and lowering blood pressure.


Dried Brazil Mushroom姬松茸(巴西蘑菇)
Agaricus Blazei Murill mushrooms originated in the Piedate mountain region outside of Sao Paolo, Brazil. These mushrooms contains vitamins B1, B2, amino acids, niacin, phosphorous, iron, calcium and lots of protein and polysaccharides and Beta Glucan which is the active constituent that drastically enhances the function of the immune system which builds the body to defenses against diseases.

All About Avocado

Avocado with their delicate flavour and buttery texure make them great in salads, sandwiches, desserts and so much more....

Buying
The avocado ripens on the tree, but it do continues to ripes after harvest. It is ripe when it yields to gentle pressure at the stem end(skin colour is not always a good indicator of ripenes). Avoid buying avocado that are very soft with black/brown spots or bruises.



Storing
Avocados should be ripened at room temperature and when ripe, stored in the refrigerator until ready to eat. To hasten ripening, place into a brown paper bag with a ripe banana away from direct light. To store cut avocados, leave the seed in place, drizzle some lime/lemon juice and wrap the avocado firmly in plastic wrap.

Preparing
Cut avocados in half lengthwise, then gently twist halves to separate. If using both halves, remove the seed with a knife. Peel skin away gently(it will come off easily when they are ripes). Slice, chop or mash as required. Brush cut side with a little lemon juice to prevent discolouration.

Varieties
Sharwill: They are oval-shaped with rough skin which don't have a neck. They are available from May to July.

Hass: Rounder and smaller in shape, hass avocados have a rough skin that turns purple/black on ripening. Available July to November.

Reed: These are large, round avocado that have a meaty texture and buttery flavour.

Cocktail/Salad: This small, seedless avocado shows up most often in the greenskin variety. They are popular for their excellent flavour and they are 2 inches long and about 1 inch in diameter.

Nutrition
Avocados are one of only a few fruits to contin fat. However, it's the "Good Fat", like that found in olive oil. It don't contain cholesterol and are a great source of vitamin C, E and potassium. They are also a fantastic source of dietary fibre and are rich in antioxidants.

Miniature Liqueur Collection

For those who loves to bake and make desserts you might often come across some name of these familiar liqueur like: Grand Mariner, Tia Maria, Kahlua and etc. Each liqueur had their special fragrant and taste which is used in different bakes and desserts. For example: Kahlua is usually used in making Tiramisu because of it's strong coffee fragrant while Grand Mariner is used for making Orange Souffle or anything that had need an extra orange favour.



For those who are interested in getting these miniature liqueur you can go to Isetan at Shaw Centre. The price range from $6 - $8 depending on the kind of liqueur.