Someone special got engaged and her fiancé requested a Chinese dinner after the proposal. So in preparation I tried a few favourite Chinese recipes.

Since we were going to have spring rolls for starters, we needed some dipping sauces.

Manchurian Chicken

Sweet and Sour Pork

Chinese Cashew Chicken

Honestly, I watched this and Kung Pao chicken recipes and mushed them up. The Manchurian chicken was tastier though.

Basil Garlic Cream Cheese
Excuse the video below for language, but watch it for the technique. She makes a basil walnut cream cheese that is amazing! Of course I do not have walnuts, but I went heavy on the fresh basil and crushed garlic (didn’t put the butter either). Crackers, basil-garlic-cream-cheese and some wine, and your sundowner is set.

Roasted Leeks

The leeks in my little garden thrived and so when a friend suggested roasted leeks I tried them. Previously I used mostly the bottom part of the leeks but I have learnt not to throw away the leafy green top. Clean it and shred it and throw it in with your spinach or beans. Honestly it doesn’t impact the flavour powerfully, but it is less waste, it bulks up the meal and you consume more vegetables. 🙂