Xine Xu hails from Edmonton, Alberta. But before settling in, she lived in Shanghai for the first 7 years of her life. That’s where she grew up and got her taste of the vibrant food culture. Since moving to Edmonton, she has fallen in love with international cuisine. If there’s a new restaurant in town, she would be the first to line up outside the door. At home, you can find her experimenting with recipes around the world. She hopes to share these experiences with all who care to listen.
In her spare time, Xin cares for 6 rescue budgies. Many of which she found stranded in parks or her backyard. On weekends, she drives out to Banff or Jasper where she can be found hiking new trails. She’s thankful Athabasca University has allowed her to work full-time as a researcher while taking courses that interest her such as abnormal psychology.
With a new wave of lockdowns in place for many provinces, many households may be looking for some activities or time to dedicate to a pet. I know a year ago, I was in the same place. I suddenly felt a surge of free time and energy to take care of a rescue animal. Of… Read more »
Let’s face it, we’ve all been there. Whether it’s the incessant snacking from the last year or the numerous Skip The Dishes takeout we’ve resorted to, COVID-19 has placed a mental and physical toll on our bodies. For myself, I know the pandemic has been unforgiving on my workout routines. With the number of public… Read more »
Ever craved some oriental flavored soup without feeling like taking hours to make a good soup broth? I know I have, and I’ve always looked for shortcuts in the kitchen without compromising taste. Tom Yum vermicelli is one of my favorite recipes because it’s a simple, hearty meal with all your nutritious ingredients in one… Read more »
Having been a fan of Mediterranean cuisine since I was a child, I’ve always experimented with different Mediterranean flavours and dishes. I particularly love the warm skewered meats, the lightly oiled and charred vegetables and the refreshing, creamy taste of tzatziki dip that adds a burst of richness to the dish. To celebrate the warmth… Read more »
Ever feel like having something fancier than just take out for Friday night? When I feel like having something more exotic without putting a significant amount of time in the kitchen, I turn to my pasta dishes. Besides the traditional meatball marinara, ever considered a seafood marinara? If you’re not a big fan of squid,… Read more »
Butter chicken is one of my all-time favorite recipes that boasts bold, rich flavors. Butter Chicken with a bowl of basmati rice or drizzled over naan makes for a hearty meal, enough to transport you to a different world. Butter chicken originated in India and was introduced with ingredients from both British and Indian cuisine…. Read more »
Recently I tried out a new recipe that I’ve come to love. It’s one that is simple, flavorful, and carbohydrate-smart. My previous diet consisted of a high carbohydrate meals which left me feeling unsatiated. To help manage my energy sources better, I decided to allow for more proteins in my diet. This small change has… Read more »
I recently started learning some new recipes and found that Greek recipes are good, healthy, and quite simple. I’ve always loved the taste of Greek food, especially combined with the Mediterranean health benefits, but had trouble creating the perfectly seasoned proteins. Greek cuisines are known for their flavorful combination of proteins and salads. The toppings… Read more »
One of my favorite meals at restaurants are Japanese barbeques (JBBQs) and Korean barbeques (KBBQs). They showcase some incredibly complex flavors mixed with the charred taste of protein that makes the perfect combination for a hearty, satisfying meal. Recently Alberta opened in-person dining and I had an opportunity to celebrate my roommate’s birthday at a… Read more »
While AU students work and study from home during the pandemic, sleep is a persistent issue that many face. The pre-pandemic era might have meant our obligations were in person and forced us to stick to a potentially rigid routine, whereas during the pandemic our schedules may be more fluid. This fluidity doesn’t always lead… Read more »