Snow fungus, papaya, double boiled with milk

The recipe for this nutritious dessert available in well known speciality sweet restaurants is actually very easy to follow. Cooked in a baine marie, the essential vitamins and nutrients are preserved and prevents the milk from overboiling.

The combination of fungus and papaya is said to enhance complexion, helps in digestion and build up immunity against flu.

Firstly, pre-soak 2 whole florets of snow fungus (from Asian grocery or traditional medicine store).  When the fungus has expanded (takes about 10 minutes), snip off the dirt and yellowish portions.

Prepare double boiler with hot water at the base and pot for cooking above. This could be improvised by using a slightly larger pot at the bottom and stack another pot on top.

Bring fungus with just enough water to cover it to the boil.  Let it cook for another 10 minutes.

Add papaya cubes and milk (amount would be according to the number of servings).

Add rock sugar last (about 1 cup to 1 litre for moderate sweetness).

Simmer for another 15 minutes. The entire cooking time is one hour plus 15 minutes of preparation time.

Oyster Mushroom : Chicken and Mushroom Stir Fry

Humid and rainy weather is conducive to mushroom and fungi growth in the bush or farms.

Over the past month, oyster mushrooms were abundant in NSW.

This is a simple stir fry that everyone in the family would love to eat with noodles, rice or wraps.

1. Dice and marinate 350g chicken breast or thigh meat.
Wipe oyster mushroom (or wash and drain well) and cut roughly into bite size.
2. Marinate with light soy sauce and pepper for at least 20 mins.
3. Meanwhile, cut a clove of garlic and a knob of ginger into thin slices. Cut spring green onion stalk with a sharp knife into thin strips or slices and set aside.
4. Heat up heavy frying pan with vegetable oil and fry garlic briefly till yellow and fragrant (before turning brown).
5. Turn up the heat and add chicken. Stir fry quickly. Add oyster mushroom. Add a dash of oyster sauce.
6. Garnish with spring onion and serve.