Chinese Tomato , Almond, Pork Bone Soup with Figs

Figs are commonly used in Chinese soups. It's nutritious values and natural sweetness makes it a wonderful ingredient for everyday cooking. This is very simple to make, just prepare it before you leave for work in the morning in a slow cooker or Thermos thermal cooker, and enjoy it when you get home at night!

Ingredients:
Large tomatoes (about 2-3)
Dried Turkish Figs (about 6-8)
Pork Neck Bone (trimmed fat. 1/2 lb)
Chinese North and South Almonds (1 cup each-see picture below)
Water (1 L)
Sea Salt (a few pinches for taste)

Step 1: Boil a big pot of water. Add pork bone and boil for about 8-10 minutes).

 Step 2: Pour hot, cloudy liquid out, leaving the pork bone in the pot. Fill pot with water.

Step 3: While the pot is heating up, chop up the tomatoes (big chunks are okay).

Step 4: Add dried figs, tomatoes and Chinese almonds into the pot.

Step 5:  Transfer liquid mixture to a slow cooker or Thermos thermal cooker. Let it cook for at least 8 hours. Add a few pinches of salt to taste upon serving. Enjoy!!

IRON CHEF BASIL!!

I apologize for my delay of this posting. Once again, we had a neck-to-neck IRON CHEF battle at our department to celebrate our upcoming moving at our workplace. It was a delicious day for everyone!

1st place! Renee Biss
Renee went out of her way, selected the best ingredients and combination to come up the following creative dishes.

Strawberry Basil Mocktail - Sweet yet tangy with a great fragrance. I want more!

Citrus Basil Vinegarette with baby greens. Dried cranberry and grated cheese (top)

 Grilled Polenta Round with Smoked Mozzarella, Tomato & Basil Sauce (bottom)

Best Presentation! Frances Wun
Frances successfully created a great looking, Italian/Thai infused plating at the table.

Eggplant with Italian Basil Stuffing Bacon Wrap

Thai Vinegarette Noodle with Peanuts 

Tasty and Refreshing! Bryan Capstick
Need not say more. This was very refreshing and had a strong limey taste. Perfect summer dessert.

Basil Lime (with a hint of mint) Sorbet Served in a Lime Cup with a Raspberry

Single Dish Winner! Juliette Carvalho
This dish might look simple to the eyes, but it's truly a genius idea of combining potatoes and creamy dipping. It was very delicious and all gone within the first hour of serving! "It's a much fancier version of the classic potato chip with dip. Haha." -Juliette

Basil Roasted Potatoes with Creamy Basil Dip

Stay tuned for more delicious cooking ideas!