I started cooking as soon as I moved out of campus during the third year of college, and I never looked back. At that time, cooking symbolized the first step towards adulting, and I was so excited to finally live like a grown-up. I remembered my first time in the kitchen: I made seared salmon, and I accidentally knocked over my cutting board, dumping all the minced garlic on the floor. It was clumsy.

However, I am a determined foodie who is always pursuing the great flavors I’ve imagined in my mind, so I kept on trying. I remembered spending lots of nights watching youtube videos for cooking techniques, and experimentations that spanned the whole afternoons. Just like this, my cooking journey took off: from 20 min easy stir fry, to several-hour multi-step recipes, and finally, to hosting/co-hosting dinner parties.

I love cooking - it is my way of connecting with the greater community, from getting to know the local ingredients and food culture, to cooking with and for loved ones. It’s been a fun adventure!

Below are a few of the greatest recipes I’ve found myself going back to again and again through my years of cooking, if you’re looking for some kitchen inspirations…

A list of agenda:

Bolognese

Italian Meatballs

Beef Bourguignon

Shanghai Lionhead Meatballs

Peking Roast Duck (shown below)

Raspberry Ricotta Cake

Canelés