Then we’ll be talking to Helen Chen, the founder of Helen’s Asian Kitchen, a widely distributed Asian cookware line, and the author of Helen Chen’s Chinese Home Cooking and Peking cuisine.  Her mother, Joyce Chen, was a pioneering Chinese restauranteur and entrepreneur.  Helen served as the CEO of her mother’s company before launching her own business.  Helen’s latest book is the focus today…Easy Chinese Stir-Fries!

Inside, you’ll find many familiar dishes—Kung Pao Chicken, Moo Shi Pork, and Sweet and Sour Shrimp, to name just a few—and find out just how easy it is to prepare them at home. You’ll also discover lots of less familiar dishes that are equally delicious, such as Chicken with Cashew Nuts, Black Pepper Beef with Green Beans, and Shanghainese Shrimp with Peas. In addition, you’ll find nearly twenty healthy tofu and vegetable dishes, ranging from Grandmother’s Spicy Bean Curd to Garlicky Green Beans.

To help you get started, Helen provides a thorough overview of Chinese cooking techniques, equipment, and ingredients. You’ll discover why cornstarch is important, how much oil to use in a wok, and what kinds of soy sauce you should choose. With Helen’s clear instructions and straightforward recipes, you’ll soon be cooking and enjoying a wide variety of delectable stir-fries.

Throughout the book, more than thirty gorgeous color photographs show just how deliciously appealing these stir-fries can be. Complete with Helen’s fascinating notes on each dish, this handsome cookbook is just what you need to explore the simple pleasures of home-style Chinese cooking.

Jennifer Wall Barefoot Winemaker

Wine of the Week:  NV Barefoot Riesling
Spicy Chinese Stir Fry and this light crisp off-dry Riesling are the perfect match!  Sweet fruit aromas of citrus flowers, crisp yellow apple and hints of lemon, this is a great wine for HOT weather.   I’ll be chatting with Jennifer Wall, winemaker at Barefoot about this wine as well as her other products. 
Note to self:  1.5 ltr Barefoot, all varietals are on sale at Jacob this weekend!!!

This week we begin with the first LIVE Market update from the Plaza in Old Town with Market director Pat Randleas.  The Market was jumping last week and this week features the first of many Cooking Demos, and the continued addition of more vendors.  Great family entertainment and fun every Saturday rain or shine!

Old Town Farmers Market – 7a.m. to Noon on the Plaza

 In the second half it’s all about the Wines of Bacchus Imports with Managing Partner Ricardo Viloria.  We will be focusing on the wines from Viu Manent and Altosur…two great labels from Chile.

The WINES of the week: Viu Manent Cabernet & Altosur Chardonnay, pick up some of each at Jacob Liquor Exchange and join me this Saturday, 9-10a.m. on KNSS 1330AM.