Last March, we were fortunate enough to find our ayi (domestic helper), Lianyu, whose kind nature has been a lovely addition to our home. While she has been a tremendous help in interpreting for the endless stream of workers who appear at our door – as well as a huge contributor to keeping our house in order – I had never had the pleasure of tasting her cooking. With our first delivery from the Green Cow Organic Vegetable Club, this all changed, and we’ve found ourselves appreciating Lianyu like never before.
When our first basket of produce arrived from Green Cow several weeks ago, I was in heaven, but at the same time, perplexed. What on earth were all of these wonderful greens? And how should I prepare them? Lianyu stood watching as I admired my bounty and then asked if she could prepare a meal for us using some of the vegetables. We’ve never looked back.
Each evening, before she goes home, Lianyu prepares for us a Chinese feast fit for an emperor. Just this week, we’ve enjoyed such delectable dishes as eggplant in oyster sauce, sautéed greens with garlic, and string beans with pork. Last weekend, she surprised us with steamed buns stuffed with minced long beans, pork, and Sichuan pepper, and tonight we were treated to her homemade noodles. The accompanying sauce was made from delicately sliced potato, green pepper, and pork. Certainly, this was Beijing dining at its best. I just never dreamed I would find it in my own home.
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