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.
I had another moment recently that called for kitchen inspiration. Specifically, in the spring and summer, grilling on an outdoor barbeque can be a headache (literally, for those with pollen allergies). While browsing the shelves at HomeSense, I picked up a cast iron grill that has opened up endless possibilities for summer meal preparations. Whether… Read more »
At Canadian 7-11s, we fill up our gas, grab a cup of coffee and in the midst of summer heat, maybe gulp down a cup of Slurpee. Unlike the familiar 7-11 convenience store and gas station combo, 7-11s across the globe in Taiwan have a familiar but culturally unique vibe that is worth a visit. … Read more »
Many students are finishing up their studies as convocation looms, so now’s the time to lock yourself in the comfort of your bedroom to binge watch your family TV shows. While you’re curled up in a cozy blanket, you might be tempted for some quick, easy snacks. It’s unfortunate that most snackable foods are at… Read more »
As an AU student, you might be tasked with having to feed, not just yourself, but family and perhaps roommates as well. Preparing meals day in and day out, you might become fatigued at brainstorming new inspirations for recipes and, of course, having to bring those ideas to life. We call this the chef’s block… Read more »
My father used to say, “eating is about fooling the mouth and pleasing the tummy”. In other words, good food should be palatable but healthy at the same time. Typically, healthier dieting options aren’t always a taste bud pleaser. Luckily, since I’ve discovered the secret to maximizing one’s diet with Vietnamese rice paper, I have… Read more »
For many AU students, April means wrapping up the final semester and perhaps deciding to reward oneself with a long-awaited vacation. Travelling as a student means the freedom to explore new corners of the globe, soak in rich cultural experiences, and, of course, no trip is ever complete without trying the best foods each region… Read more »
If you love pasta like me, you realize that your regular outings to the local Italian eatery are adding up on your credit card statement. Like other AU students, when my motivation to meal-prep is at an all time low I like to feast on a bowl of ramen noodles or grab a plate of… Read more »
Are you an adventurous foodie? Do you enjoy ethnic cuisines and are not afraid to make a statement with the food you’re eating? Then this article is for you! Having travelled the globe to seek out authentic palette pleasers, I wanted to share some of the most unique food I’ve had from around the world…. Read more »
For many beginner chefs, curries can seem intimidating. I know that for me, the early days of living independently meant relying on a few simple recipes, and curry simply did not make the list. The thought of having to find the right ingredients and mixing the right balance of spices seemed like a giant headache… Read more »
It’s spring time, the time for gardening, the time for getting outdoors will be soon upon us (give or take a month for Canadians). Fortunately, for those with allergies or who are less outdoorsy, such as myself, gardening can be less taxing when done in the comfort of your kitchen. Yes, that’s right. I’m talking… Read more »