mom's birthday dinner

We celebrated my mom's birthday over the weekend. She asked for a nice dinner at home, no muss and fuss of dining out. That's fine by me, since my dad's home cooking is what I consider my ultimate comfort food. Many of his dishes are passed down from his father, my grandpa, a real chef and legend in our hometown in northeast China. Many of the ingredients my dad used were fresh from his garden- peppers, japanese eggplant, scallions, cucumbers and tomatoes. I let him take care of the main courses while I prepared a fresh fruit tarte for dessert. We dined, wined, and celebrated my mom's birthday, her youth and vitality, in the comfort of our kitchen.

Kao Da Xia - Wok Fired Jumbo Shrimp

Jiao Xhi Yu - Sweet and Tangy Crispy Whole Fish

You Chao Qiezi La Jiao - Spicy Eggplant and Pepper Stir Fry

Garlic Stir-fried Broccoli and Snow Peas

Fresh Fruit Tarte - Strawberries, Golden Kiwi, Creme Patissiere

Also on the menu, but not pictured-
Butter lettuce salad with avocado, cucumbers, and dates
Red bean (Adzuki) congee