French and Italian cuisines are often considered the most romantic, can a Middle Eastern meal be romantic and can you suggest some dishes for a romantic meal?

Eric Hendry says: Of course a Middle Eastern meal can be romantic. Middle Eastern cuisine is really based on sharing which gives you a great opportunity for conversation and interaction. Most Middle Eastern restaurants aren't too stuffy or formal which gives you a great opportunity to relax and be yourself. Although we all have to rely on the French for great Champagne to top it off! Below is a recipe for oysters.

Oysters with tomato and pomegranate

12 oysters, freshly opened

Dressing:

1 tomato, skinned, seeded and finely diced

2 shallots, finely diced

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

1 teaspoon pomegranate molasses

2 teaspoons fresh pomegranate seeds

80ml extra virgin olive oil

40 ml red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

To make the dressing combine all the ingredients in a bowl whisk until combined. Arrange your oysters on a plate and drizzle the oysters with the dressing. Serve with a couple wedges of lemon and extra pomegranate seeds.

Is it possible to make gnocchi with non-wheat flour as I can't eat wheat anymore but love gnocchi?

Florian Trento says: If the potatoes are starchy enough, no flour is needed; if not, try rice flour or cornstarch (not ideal, but it might work) or there is also gluten-free flour as another option.

What is your favourite meal to make for friends/family and can you share any recipes or hints?

Paul Lau says: I have many favourite dishes to make for my family and friends, including Crispy Fried Chicken (當紅炸子雞), Stewed Rice Vermicelli with Shredded Duck Meat and Preserved Vegetable (雪菜火鴨絲炆米粉), and Braised Sea Cucumber with Shrimp Roe (蝦籽蔥燒遼參).

To make Stewed Rice Vermicelli with shredded duck meat and preserved vegetable, simply remove all the meat from the duck and cut into strips, then mix with preserved vegetable and potato flour. Use the bones to make a soup base by boiling the bones and adding in a few pinches of salt and sugar. Lastly, combine the duck meat, preserved vegetable, and vermicelli in the soup and add oyster sauce, salt, and sugar as seasoning.

The most important factor in Chinese cooking is the balance of taste. There are four prime ingredients for marinating: light soy sauce, salt, sugar and sesame oil; while there are three for seasoning: salt, sugar, and oyster sauce. The taste of the dish will be perfectly balanced by using these ingredients before and after cooking. They are the secret key to making a good dish.