[Book Review] Have Some Dim Sum by Evelyn Chau

Title: Have Some Dim Sum
Author: Evelyn Chau

Have Some Dim Sum is a guide book for people wanting to learn more about this particular Chinese cuisine. Unlike a typical cookbook, this teaches readers the different types of dim sum. Containing 20 recipes for you to try, this book is for anyone who wishes to learn more about the history of dim sum and what delicacies are offered.

I never review cookbooks because I don't cook. I prefer to go out and discover what Toronto restaurants have to offer, hence this blog. I was asked to review Have Some Dim Sum and was told that it wouldn't just be recipes. So I decided to give it a shot. [Note: I will not be giving my opinion on the recipe aspect because as I mentioned prior, I do not cook.]

This is a comprehensive guide covering all of the dim sum you could possibly encounter. Chau describes how each item is made and variations if there are any.

However, I was disappointed that not every single dim sum listed had an accompanying photo. For any that did, the photos were grouped together a few pages in. I wished that each dim sum had its own photo on the same page. That way when using it as a guide, the reader would remember which dim sum is which. Flipping back and forth from the information to the photo isn't as helpful.

I would recommend checking out this book if you have a keen interest in dim sum or is totally new to this Chinese delicacy and would like to try some eventually.

[TNWS Feature] Sweets Canada

Company: Sweets Canada
Product Type: Gourmet chocolates made with high quality and local ingredients.
Website: www.sweetscanada.com

Review

Sweets Canada is an online retailer that sells gourmet chocolates. I had the pleasure of meeting the owner of Sweets Canada at The National's Women Show back in November. Sweets Canada aims to be a one-stop shop for a chocolate lover or if you are looking for a gift. Whether personal or corporate, these gourmet chocolates are made with precision and wrapped with care. The chocolate bars are also placed in a fabric pouch, perfect to reuse afterwards for storing or gifting small items. I was able to try an array of Sweets Canada products for this review.

I got to try three of the Gourmet Chocolate Bars and two of the Edible Flower Chocolates. Each one were unique on their own. My favourite is the Dark Chocolate Matcha Green Jasmine Powder. Being a matcha fan, this is a great blend of jasmine and matcha in chocolate. I thought the edible flower chocolates were quite unique and everyone should try it at least once. Each chocolate bar is made with high-quality and locally-sourced ingredients that you can taste.

I also got to try Q'Bites, which are snack-sized chocolate pieces. I found these to be a hit or a miss, depending on the flavour you pick up. The first one I had were the Orange Chocolate Apricots, which unfortunately was a miss for me. Mainly due to the fact that I don't like apricots anymore, making me averse to this flavour. The Milk Chocolate Malt Balls reminds me of Malteses, however a bit lighter and slightly less flavourful. I did like the Blueberry White Chocolate Cheesecake Balls and Milk Chocolate ChoChip Cookies.

I highly recommend checking out products from Sweets Canada if you have a wedding or office party coming up. These are the perfect gifts to give your favourite chocoholic.