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Eleanor Hoh

How I learned to Cook Like a Wok Star from my Mom!

May 9, 2020 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

  • Mom, pianist
  • Eliza Hoh
    Mom, Eliza Hoh
  • Mom, Teacher

I learned to cook from my mom, whose instructions were, “it’s just a little bit of this and a bit of that.”  Who knew, decades later, what she taught me became my mantra too. 

My mom was born in Singapore and met my Dad in Malacca.  When my parents moved from Malaysia to China, then Hong Kong, she had to make do because she couldn’t find many Malaysian ingredients. 

  • Cub Master
  • Malaysian Kebaya
  • Kimono, gift from Japanese neighbors

It was fascinating and hilarious to hear mom’s stories of chickens laying eggs on her pillow. She didn’t learn to cook till after she got married and she didn’t enjoy cooking at the beginning. My mom was multi talented, I don’t know how she juggled 5 kids, taught at a Boy’s School, gave private tuition, was a Cub Master, as well as taking lessons in crochet, ikebana, cooking and piano. She had such an infectious laughter, she would set off and get us all in hysterics.

Mom looked gorgeous in a Chinese Cheong Sam as well as in western outfits.
Mom enjoyed entertaining with lavish dinner parties and decorating.
I think my sisters and I picked up many of her talents.

When my sisters and I were shipped off to boarding school in England, circa 1970’s, we were at a loss how to imitate her delicious dishes we grew up eating. We would call her up and I’ll never forget a simple thing as using the right vinegar could make or break a cucumber, tomato, onion pickle!  She served that with Spicy Malaysian Chicken Curry or Char Quai Teow to cool us down. We were hooked on that pickle and to this day, I make this whenever I’m making a spicy dish. 

  • Malaysian Chicken Curry bowl
    Malaysian Chicken Curry
  • Malaysian Chicken Curry on banana leaf and newspaper setup
    Street Food Style
  • Rempah and curry paste for Malaysian Curry Chicken
    Rempah and curry paste

Some of my fondest and best childhood memories were of cooking with mom and my three sisters. What a blast, there was so much giggling and silliness going on, we wondered how we ever got dinner made. To this day, those memories come up whenever I cook. Certain smells of curry leaves, sour tastes from tamarind, sounds of a sizzling hot wok and even the way I peel and score down the cucumber to make a pattern and release its flavors bring back such vivid associations of food I grew up with. 

  • Char Quai Teow
  • Banana fritters
  • Singapore Noodles

Just the act of preparing dinner for my husband and myself makes me feel I’m taking care of our health and our well being and my mind goes into a state of a relaxation. Being in the moment, appreciating the action of chopping vegetables or stir frying in my cast iron wok, the wok my mom introduced me to using all those years ago!

My wedding day with mom.

Now, decades later, whenever my sisters and I have our reunions, we always cook together and reminisce about how fun it was cooking with mom.  And now, I get to share everything I learned from my mom to help you cook at home the same way I learned from her, except easier and faster. 

I’m telling you this story because if you knew how cooking with your family can bring such joy, such creativity, such happiness, such incredible memories, you’ll be inspired to start your cooking journey and experience those feelings I have when I cook.   

Filed Under: Home Page Tagged With: "cook like a wok star", "learn to cook", Eleanor Hoh, wok cooking

Documentary: Taste of Home with Eleanor Hoh

January 15, 2019 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Amazing how the universe heard me! I’ve wanted to be in a documentary and journalist, Lei Huang came out of nowhere.  Honored to be part of her Master thesis, Taste of Home, about how  food help people build home when they are far away from home.

Watch it and I would love to hear your feedback in comments below.

Proud of Lei, coming up with concept and following through. I think she’ll be a fantastic documentary filmmaker and storyteller!  She captured the essence of how food is a great connector when we leave home, whether it’s giving cooking classes, cooking together or eating out!
She also made a nice little video when she was shooting me make Easy, Yummy Singapore Noodles Video, you can view it here. So, of course I had to do a blog, Easy to Make Singapore Noodles! with step by step, hope you’ll try it, so good! 

So happy to attend Lei’s Commencement and now we are friends for life!

Thanks Lei and Mariana for making me look good, ha, ha!

 
 

Filed Under: blog, cooking, documentary, Eleanor Hoh, wok cooking Tagged With: "cooking documentary", "cooking video", "Wok Star", cast iron wok, documentary, Eleanor Hoh, wok cooking

Miami Historic Haven: Patch of Heaven Sanctuary hosts Wok Star class

September 2, 2018 By Eleanor Hoh Leave a Comment

Ready for a unique Wok Star experience?  Start with my cooking class followed by a fascinating tour of  Patch of Heaven Sanctuary, a hidden jewel in South Miami! You’ll feel like you’re in Asia, surrounded by ancient relics and luscious foliage. You’ll end the afternoon with flavored beverages and Asian pastries. I’m so excited to share this hidden treasure with you. I first visited POH when I attended a Yoga Retreat and spent a day there taking the tour. What a relaxing experience it was and met many like minded people I’ve stayed in touch with. 

Majestic Entrance to Patch of Heaven Sanctuary with huge, gorgeous Poinciana tree.

Why I chose Patch of Heaven Sanctuary to host my class?
My classes are usually held in upscale kitchen design showrooms because a beautiful environment sets the tone for learning and creativity. POH is so serene and peaceful, you’ll immediately feel like you’ve stepped into a beautiful retreat out in the countryside. You’ll be ready to learn ANYTHING in these surroundings.  I am so honored to be hosted by them. 
Beautiful wood tables where class will be held!

Courtyard beside the area where the class will be held.

Why Patch of Heaven Sanctuary is so unique?
You won’t find anything like this in Miami. It’s like stepping back in time, as if you’re in Asia. Everywhere there are Buddhas and Asian relics, or timeless pieces picked up from all over the world. Cozy spaces, wood benches to sit, meditate and be in the moment.  
There are a few more interesting projects in the works which are not featured here like the Bat towers and Beekeeping project. You’ll hear the history and fascinating stories about POH. I’ve taken this tour personally and it’s definitely so worth it.

There’s the most beautiful Koi pond, a couple of houses with adorable indoor waterfalls, swimming pool and a horse barn. It’s TOTALLY a magical space. I’m only sharing a small portion of the property because I want you to experience the wonders yourself. You’ll be blown away by its extraordinary beauty at every turn. Bring your camera, you’ll want to remember this place and share with others. 

This unique property encompasses tropical hardwood hammock forest, pine rock-land, exotic gardens and historic structures built by the Matheson family in 1964.




Cost of POH tour?
Cost is $25 which goes directly to POH to help with upkeep of their property. There will be infused water to hydrate as well as Asian pastries on your return. 

Purchase my Wok Star class EARLY!
This is a first come, first serve basis. Do not put off till last minute and be disappointed you cannot get in. TOTAL is $110: $85 for class, $25 for tour. This is a complete experience.  

Click HERE to book your experience NOW!
Keep in mind, you can book their various spaces for weddings, photo shoots, Quinces, Corporate events, launches, musical events, food festivals, well, for anything you want with a different vibe! There’s plenty of parking too, so rare in Miami.

About Patch of Heaven Sanctuary:
POH is a one-of-a-kind historic estate dedicated to reforesting and preserving their native plant and wildlife species. Visit Patch of Heaven Sanctuary website for complete details.  It is a nonprofit charity organization located in the Redland area of Miami-Dade County and their mission is Preservation, Conservation and Education.

 

Filed Under: "Miami things to do", blog, cooking class miami, Eleanor Hoh, Miami Events Tagged With: "miami cooking class", "Miami Things To Do", "Patch of Heaven", Eleanor Hoh, Miami Event

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