Xin 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.
Some of my favorite lamb recipes are the ones I’ve compiled from multiple sources, including Gordon Ramsey and Jamie Oliver. Then, by using a mash-up of recipes from celebrity chefs and my grandmother’s traditional recipes, I’ve created something unique for individuals who are a fan of lamb. Lamb is challenging to prepare due to its… Read more »
For many of my close friends, the first item ordered from the appetizer menu is gyoza, or dumplings. These delicious morsels of filling wrapped in a thin dough are one of my favorite items to make for a family dinner. Ever wondered how to make authentic Asian dumplings in your own kitchen? Look no further,… Read more »
While for most AU students, splurging on the perfect slice of steak may seem far-fetched, especially with rising tuitions. However, that doesn’t mean that one day there won’t be an opportunity to test out these succulent gourmet beef options. As a big fan of steak, myself, I’ve found that the perfect slice of steak can… Read more »
One of the most classic comfort foods that come to mind is fried chicken. The juicy chicken legs coated in a layer of light, crunchy batter makes for a savory treat after a long exam season. However the fried chicken business is growing and customers now have many purchasing options. For example, during my pre-exam… Read more »
As a student, I’ve tried so many brands of instant ramen that I can list at least six of them from memory. I’ve had ramen ranging every flavor imaginable and always leaned toward purchasing flavorful, spicy ramen. Despite being a giant fan of spice, I have never officially competed in a competition to devour the… Read more »
For many, Tim Hortons brand represents Canadian identity almost as well as our hockey fanaticism and our cravings for the iconic maple syrup. Halfway across the world, I came across a rare find – a Tim Hortons Cafe in the middle of a bustling street in Shanghai, China. I was also feeling slightly homesick and… Read more »
As the days are becoming cooler and roasted foods take over the dinner menu, I decided to try my hand at roasting. To make things more complex, I opted to roast a whole duck. Initially, I was concerned with my lack of experience in the kitchen to attempt such a feat. Unlike chicken, duck protein… Read more »
Canadians are among the top contributors to food waste in the world (Janus, 2019). One of the first things we find in grocery stores are the rows upon rows of beautifully stacked, glossy apples and pears that meet the eye. But what happens to the crates of avocados that are oddly shaped or the bananas… Read more »
As a student living independently, I am always on the lookout for kitchen hacks that improve my cooking and meal preparation experience. Having perfected my stir-fry recipes but not having the right tool to prepare them was a frustrating experience. Using a flat saucepan for my stir fries meant my vegetables never had the proper… Read more »
Sometimes the fridge can be a disaster or a blessing, depending on how well it is organized. For busy AU students, waiting to clean and manage the fridge until the end of the school year could mean a logistical nightmare during the semester. So how can we make this space more effective, regardless of whether… Read more »