Japanese Soy Ginger Tofu

 

Savoury Simplicity: Japanese Soy Ginger Tofu

Ingredients:

For the Tofu:

1 block (350g) firm tofu

1 tablespoon cornstarch

2 tablespoons vegetable oil

For the Soy Ginger Sauce:

1/4 cup (60ml) low-sodium soy sauce

2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)

1 tablespoon sake (optional)

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 tablespoon honey or brown sugar

1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

1/4 cup (60ml) vegetable broth

1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water (slurry)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Tofu:
• Drain the tofu and press it gently to remove excess moisture. You can use a tofu press or place the tofu between two clean dish towels with a weight on top for 20-30 minutes.
• Cut the tofu into bite-sized cubes or slices.
• Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish and dredge the tofu cubes in it to coat them lightly.
2. Pan-fry the Tofu:
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the tofu cubes and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
3. Make the Soy Ginger Sauce:
• While the tofu cooks, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), grated ginger, honey or brown sugar, and garlic (if using) in a small bowl.
4. Simmer and Thicken:
• Once the tofu is browned, pour the soy ginger sauce into the pan. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavours to meld.
• In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Add the slurry to the pan and stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Serve:
• Serve the pan-fried tofu immediately, drizzled with the thickened soy ginger sauce. You can garnish with chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or a sprinkle of shichimi togarashi (Japanese seven-spice chilli pepper) for a bit of heat.

Tips:

• For a richer flavour, you can marinate the tofu in the soy ginger sauce for 15-30 minutes before pan-frying.
• If you don't have mirin, you can substitute it with an equal amount of dry sherry or white wine.
• This dish is delicious served over steamed rice or noodles. You can also add your favourite vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers to the pan during the last minute of cooking.

Nutritional Information:

This recipe is a good source of plant-based protein from the tofu. It is also relatively low in calories and fat, depending on the type of oil used. The soy sauce adds some sodium, so be mindful of your portion size if you're watching your sodium intake.

Enjoy this healthy and flavourful Japanese classic!

DIY Floral Candle Jars

 

Breathe New Life into Old: DIY Floral Candle Jars

The image depicts beautiful repurposed candle jars filled with dried flowers, herbs, and potpourri, creating a warm and fragrant ambiance with a new tea-light candle. Here's a breakdown of the materials you'll need to create your own floral candle jars, along with instructions and helpful tips:

Materials:

Empty candle jars (various sizes and shapes work well)

Clean, dry sand (optional)

Selection of dried flowers, herbs, and/or potpourri (choose a variety of colours, textures, and fragrances)

Tea-light candles

Scissors (optional)

Decorative ribbon (optional)

Hot glue gun (optional)

Instructions:

1. Clean the Candle Jars: Wash the empty candle jars thoroughly with warm soapy water to remove any leftover wax or residue. Dry them completely before use.
2. Prep the Sand (Optional): If you want to add a decorative layer at the bottom of your jar, pour a thin layer of clean, dry sand into the jar. This can help elevate the floral arrangement and add stability to the tea-light candle.
3. Layer the Flowers: Start with larger dried flowers or herbs at the bottom to create a base layer. You can use whole flowers, flower heads, or even petals for a more textured look.
4. Building Dimension: Next, add smaller flowers, leaves, and potpourri to fill the jar and create a layered effect. Experiment with different combinations of colours, textures, and fragrances to personalise your creation.
5. Filling the Space: Gently nudge and arrange the flowers and herbs to fill any empty spaces within the jar. You can use tweezers for more precise placement, especially with smaller elements.
6. Adding the Tea-light: Once you're happy with the arrangement, place a tea-light candle on top of the floral mixture. Ensure it sits securely and doesn't wobble.
7. Finishing Touches (Optional): Tie a decorative ribbon around the rim of the jar for an extra touch of elegance. You can secure the ribbon with a simple knot or use a dab of hot glue for a more permanent hold.

Tips:

• Use a variety of dried flowers, herbs, and potpourri in different colours, shapes, and sizes to create a visually interesting and fragrant arrangement.
• Consider the size of your jar when choosing flowers and herbs. Larger flowers work well in bigger jars, while smaller elements are suitable for teacup candles or votives.
• If a flower is too tall, you can gently trim the stem with scissors to fit the jar.
• You can use essential oils on the dried flowers or potpourri for an extra fragrance boost. However, be sparing and avoid saturating the flowers.
• Play with colour palettes to match your decor or create a specific mood.
• Be mindful of fire safety. Ensure the tea-light candle sits securely within the jar and away from the floral arrangement to prevent any potential hazards.
• Repurpose these floral candle jars throughout the year by using seasonal flowers, herbs, and potpourri for a touch of festive flair.

With a little creativity, you can transform empty candle jars into beautiful and fragrant decorative pieces that add warmth and ambiance to your home. Enjoy the process of creating these floral candle jars and let your imagination bloom!

Kesari Bath (Sweet Semolina Pudding)

 

Kesari Bath (Sweet Semolina Pudding): A Taste of Sri Lanka

Ingredients:

2 tbsp + ¼ cup ghee (clarified butter)

10 cashews, halves

1 tbsp raisins

½ cup semolina (rava), fine or coarse

1 cup water

¾ cup sugar (adjust for desired sweetness)

2 tbsp saffron water (optional)

¼ tsp cardamom powder

Pinch of food colouring (optional)

Instructions:

1. Roast the Nuts and Rava: Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan over low flame. Add the cashews and raisins, fry until golden brown, and remove from the pan. In the remaining ghee, roast the semolina on low heat for 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and slightly golden.
2. Prepare the Sugar Syrup: In a separate pan, heat 1 cup of water and sugar over low heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. You can add saffron water for extra colour and flavour at this stage.
3. Combine and Cook: Slowly add the roasted semolina to the sugar syrup, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Increase the heat slightly and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the semolina absorbs the water and thickens.
4. Flavour and Finish: Add the remaining ghee, cardamom powder, and a pinch of food colouring (if using) to the mixture. Stir well, cover the pan, and cook on low heat for another 2-3 minutes.
5. Serve and Enjoy: Turn off the heat and garnish Kesari Bath with the roasted cashews and raisins. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information (approximate per serving):

• Calories: 304
• Fat: 11g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 25mg
• Carbohydrates: 43g
• Sugar: 32g
• Protein: 4g

Tips:

• For a richer flavour, use homemade ghee.
• Adjust the amount of sugar according to your preference.
• You can substitute chopped nuts like almonds or pistachios for cashews.
• Add a pinch of turmeric powder for a natural yellow colour.
• To prevent the Kesari Bath from drying out, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Enjoy Kesari Bath for breakfast, a sweet snack, or a festive dessert!

Jade Knit Pattern

 

Additional Instruction:

SSK: Slip Slip Knit

Abbreviations:

st, sts: Stitch, Stitches

R: Right side

W: Wrong side

K: Knit

P: Purl

Yo: Yarn over

K2tog: Knit 2 stitches together

Pattern  [Jade]

Cast on a multiple of 33 stitches, plus 3, 

Row*Side Repeat Repeat + End R.

1 W *purl +

2 R *p1, yo, k2tog, +

3 W *purl + p3

4 R *p1, yo, k2tog, purl, + p1, yo, k2tog

5 W *p3, knit, + p3

6 R *p1, yo, k2tog, purl, + p1, yo, k2tog

7 W *p3, knit, + p3

8 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, yo, ssk, k20, 

                        k2tog, yo p3,                                  + p1, yo, k2tog

9 W *p3, k3, p24, k3,  + p3

10 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, [slip 3 to 

                        dpn, and hold in front, k3 

                        then k3 from dpn, slip 3 to 

                        dpn and hold in back, k3, 

                        then k3 from  dpn] twice, p3,        +        p1, yo, k2tog                                 

11 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3,     + p3

12 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k9, p1, slip 2 

                        to dpn and hold in front k2, then k2 

                        from the dpn, p1, k9, p3,      + p1, yo, k2tog

13 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3,           + p3

14 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k9, p1, k4, p1, 

                        k9, p3,                                       + p1, yo, k2tog

15 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3,        + p3

16 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k9, p1, slip 2 

                        to dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2

                         from dpn, p1, k9, p3,                         + p1, yo, k2tog

17 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3, + p3

18 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k9, p1, k4, 

                          p1, k9, p3,                                 + p1, yo, k2tog

19 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3, + p3

20 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k9, p1, slip 2 

                        to dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2 

                        from dpn, p1, k9, p3,                 + p1, yo, k2tog

21 W *p3, k3, p9, k1, p4, k1, p9, k3,       + p3

22 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, [slip 3 to dpn, 

                        and hold in back, k3 then k3 from 

                        dpn, slip 3 to dpn and hold in front, 

                        k3, then k3 from dpn] twice, p3, + p1, yo, k2tog

23 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, k1, p4, 

                        k1, p3, k3,                                            + p3

24 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k3, p1, slip 2 to 

                        dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2

                         from dpn, p1, k6, p1, slip 2 to dpn 

                        and hold in front, k2, then k2 

                        from dpn, p1, k3, p3,   + p1, yo, k2tog

25 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, 

                        k1, p4, k1, p3, k3,                                     + p3

26 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k3, p1, k4, p1, 

                        k6, p1, k4, p1, k3, p3,     + p1, yo, k2tog

27 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, k1, 

                        p4, k1, p3,  k3,                                     + p3

28 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k3, p1, slip 2 to 

                        dpn and hold in front, k2, then k2

                         from dpn, p1, k6, p1, slip 2 to 

                        dpn and hold in front, k2, then 

                         k2 from dpn, p1, k3, p3, + p1, yo, k2tog

29 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, k1, p4, 

                        k1, p3,  k3,                                                 + p3

30 R *p1, yo, k2tog, k6, p1, k4, p1, k6, 

                        p1, k4, p1, k3, p3, + p1, yo, k2tog

31 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, k1, p4, k1, 

                        p3, k3,                                                         + p3

32 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, k3, p1, slip 2 to dpn 

                        and hold in front, k2, then k2 from 

                        dpn, p1, k6, p1, slip 2 to dpn and 

                        hold in front, k2, then k2 from dpn, 

                        p1, k3, p3,            + p1, yo, k2tog

 

33 W *p3, k3, p3, k1, p4, k1, p6, k1, p4, k1, 

                        p3,  k3,                                                         + p3

34 R *p1, yo, k2tog, p3, yo, ssk, k20, k2tog, 

                        yo p3,                                                     + p1, yo, k2tog

35 W *p3, knit,         + p3

36 R *p1, yo, k2tog, purl,    + p1, yo, k2tog

37 W *p3, knit       + p3

38 R *p1, yo, k2tog, purl, + p1, yo, k2tog

Repeat Rows 1 - 38