Kabocha Squash Spice Cake (no added sugar) 日本南瓜蛋糕 (無添加白糖)

Kabocha is a variety of pumpkin which originates from Japan and can be found commonly in many Asian supermarkets. It is small and more meaty compared to other huge pumpkins. The flesh is creamy and sweet which makes it good for pairing with savory dishes like steamed spareribs or making desserts. The skin is also soft and edible after steaming or cooking.

In addition to the sweetness of the kabocha, this cake is also sweetened with Medjool dates. The dates give the cake a natural sweetness. Vegetable oil is used instead of butter, which makes it as healthy as ever.

This may be a good choice for your pumpkin pie alternative this season!

Japanese Black Sesame Cheesecake with Tofu (No Bake) 日式黑芝麻豆腐芝士餅 (免焗)

People always ask me this question: How do you keep your weight under control with all the yummy desserts and breads you make? I usually will reply with a big smile : )) It is a secret!

Actually, there is no secret to keep a healthy weight while enjoying the foods you like. Recently I read a cookbook on Japanese desserts. The author claimed that she lost a total of 80 pounds while eating Japanese desserts using the recipes in the book over a period of 7 years. And the fact that she is an Italian, not Japanese, made me want to find out more. Of course, eating just any dessert would not make you lose weight. But eating the right kind of desserts--not excessively sweet, not too high in calories, and eating them in moderation--can satisfy your cravings without making you put on some extra pounds.

2013 New Baking Classes 新年有新班



This is a short video shot from one of my classes last year. Thanks to my dear friend May who recorded and edited it for me :) Enjoy!



No more shrinkage ! 不再回縮

light cheesecake after the shock treatment

This is another great illustration on how understanding science helps me to be a better baker. Ever since I started baking cakes, especially light cheesecake, the issue of shrinkage always bothered me. I carefully and diligently beat up the egg white to stiff peaks and folded it in with the batter. I hoped that the air that was incorporated would expand due to the oven's heat and produce a nice and fluffy cake. But I was disappointed to notice the cake gradually shrank after a few minutes out of the oven.

Hokkaido Milk Toast 北海道牛奶吐司

I have never been to Japan, but I know that the dairy from Hokkaido is very famous. They have a special kind of beef which can fetch more than $20/pound. Although I don't have the privilege to try the beef, I still can make the bread recipe that derived from Hokkaido ! You can, too !