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.
Having grown up overseas in in the bustling city of Shanghai, China, Christmas was always a foreign concept. It symbolized a mysterious yet exciting festival, complete with vibrant LED lights, whipped-cream snow, and, of course, endless days of feasting. I used to equate this exotic festival with the likes of Chinese New Year, where family… Read more »
The holidays are just around the corner, but before we get there some AU students might be wrapping up their fall semesters with a round of old-fashioned finals. This week we’re here to help you take care of yourself and power through the last stretch with delicious and nutritious superfoods. The brain will need the… Read more »
The entire fall and winter season highlights the importance of pumpkins. Whether it’s pumpkin carving, pumpkin spiced lattes, pumpkin pies, or more, we savour the king of squashes not only for its bright colors and delicious pulp but also for its nutrient content. Pumpkin is a specially cultivated member of the gourd family, abundant in… Read more »
Last week, I landed in the sun-kissed 22 degrees clime of Las Vegas. Among other things that are jaw-dropping in the entertainment capital of the world, the buffet was a mouth-watering highlight of my trip. As AU students looking for a budget vacation, Vegas can provide an affordable vacation while offering an unforgettable dining experience. … Read more »
For an essential and versatile ingredient found in nearly every meal you’d think we have better ways of cooking the yolky contents. But when it comes to eggs, we resort to the mundane poached, scrambled, or pan-fried varieties. Occasionally we might treat ourselves to an eggs benedict, but few of us have experimented with making… Read more »
Last month, I wrote an article describing five different instant noodle brands. You might be thinking, “I can do better than instant noodles” and you absolutely can. So this week we bring you the best of traditional starving-student meals with a twist. For AU students juggling between full-time work, family, and postsecondary, it’s a wonder… Read more »
Have you had your eyes set on a potential partner for the longest time yet they’re unresponsive to your cues? Or maybe you’re in a relationship but you’re wondering what to do to show your affection. Since the dawn of civilization, cooking and dining has been a way for us to show appreciation—to celebrate and… Read more »
Halloween simply isn’t complete without its share of themed food and drink items. But if you’re a busy AU student, the time-consuming preparation that goes into making delicious and artistic Halloween food cameos almost feels like a trick rather than a treat. To help you cater to your spooktacular house guests, or perhaps stimulate your… Read more »
A few years ago, when the first French fondue restaurant opened in Edmonton, I recall the amount of hype it received in the community. Everyone around me was bringing their spouse, children, friends, and relatives to gather around a pot dipping their various entrees into liquified cheese. The sight reminded me of my days in… Read more »
Fall is upon us, and the chilly mornings and long nights call for hearty stews and curries. Curries are simple to make, packed with nutrients, and help spice up your meals. One underlying theme of curry is the flavorful herbs accompanying every dish. While the dish is common in South Asia, the style of cooking… Read more »