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Audiophile Malls Asia: Highsun/Haiyin Plaza - Guangzhou, China. (And thoughts about China and the global order.)

Last time, we talked about Seoul's Yongsan ETLand, so moving along in my Asia trip, let's check out another audiophile mall, this time in Southern China, in the city of Guangzhou. I've been in this city before (as per 2016 post) but not at this exact location, the Highsun/Haiyin (name used interchangeably) Plaza.It looks like in the last 10 years, this place has really become quite concentrated

Easy Fattoush Salad (1 Bowl!)

12 May 2026 at 10:00
Easy Fattoush Salad (1 Bowl!)

Introducing weeknight-friendly fattoush salad! This EASY, 1-bowl, 20-minute version is our inspired take on the classic Levantine dish. Think fresh, crunchy veggies tossed in a bright pomegranate dressing with herby mint leaves, crispy pita chips, and pomegranate arils (major YUM)!

It’s a refreshing side to pair with other Mediterranean- and Middle Eastern-inspired recipes, or toss in some chickpeas to make it a light meal on its own.

Easy Fattoush Salad (1 Bowl!) from Minimalist Baker β†’

More Audio Potpourri: What's the best sample rate converter? The other father of MP3 (James D. Johnston "JJ"). Are measurements important? And TAS' "objective" confusion.

For this post, let's discuss a few other audiophile items that have come my way in recent weeks.First, let's talk about something I haven't brought up for awhile now: sample rate conversion (SRC).A few weeks ago, Spoon (a.k.a. Steven Elkins of Illustrate) sent me an E-mail about his new src.hydrogenaudio.org page evaluating and ranking the qualities of various software sample rate converters

On the Danny Richie / GR-Research's UberBUSS hypocritical video against Amir / Audio Science Review.

After writing the article recently about New Record Day's "AI assisted research" on the P.I. Audio / GR-Research UberBUSS, I thought it was disturbing seeing this recent, rather juvenile, video from Danny:As we can see, there is this ongoing conflict between Danny and Amir/Audio Science Review (ASR) over the years. Obviously, ASR has been highly critical of some GR-Research products like

On using AI/ChatGPT analysis to convince consumers about audio snake oil? GR-Research UberBUSS anyone?!

These days we have AI making hit music, and AI actors coming soon. The AI industry is "hot" and impressive, seemingly the answer to all kinds of queries we may have right at our keyboards! I think it's absolutely true that with the advent of LLM's and multi-modal deep learning models, we have even more ability now to learn, analyze, and summarize all kinds of information unheard of just

MUSINGS: On various characters in the audiophile hobby, debates, opinions and the Hearing Test.

Hey everyone, once awhile I'll take a look at stuff YouTube offers me in the feed that might be interesting. I see that in the last few months, there has been this channel called "The HiFi Five" and in Episode 6 (November 19, 2025) they invited Dennis Burger of SoundStage! for a discussion. I found this video actually quite interesting as an illustration of objective/subjective mindsets

QUICKIES: Black aluminum alloy footers. Equipment racks. Center channel in music. Underwhelming Spotify Lossless. More Paul McGowan/PS Audio USB cable & jitter foolishness.

Hey guys and gals, not much time this week to test stuff but to start I thought I'd show some pictures of the black version of the inexpensive aluminum footers that were discussed last week.I got these black-colored ones (AliExpress) for my center channel, the Paradigm Signature C3 v.3 which is a 3-way, 4 speaker design that sits on my wood/glass component rack. (You can see other

Do loudspeaker footers make a difference? Inexpensive aluminum alloy "isolation" footers.

As you can see through my posts, I'm obviously not averse to trying out "cheap audio guy/gal" products. 😏 I trust that this is completely consistent with my perspective on audio hardware for the most part being mature technologies, refined over decades already. For the high-fidelity audio reproduction pursuit, we can achieve excellent quality at very reasonable prices. Many (not all of course)

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Taco Salad

11 March 2026 at 09:00
Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Taco Salad

If you love our Sweet Potato Chickpea Tacos, get ready for another FAVE! Meet: the Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea TACO SALAD! It’s got fresh kale + romaine, crunchy tortilla chips, smoky roasted chickpeas + sweet potatoes, and a creamy jalapeΓ±o dressing.Β 

The result? BIG flavor, lots of textures, and ready in just 30 minutes (hello, weeknight ease with weekend flavor)! Let’s make this satisfying, flavorful, plant-based dinner!

A little multi-tasking and some speedy knife skills are the tricks to keeping this a 30-minute meal!

Vegan Sweet Potato Chickpea Taco Salad from Minimalist Baker β†’

Vegan Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins

20 January 2026 at 10:00
Vegan Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins

Say hello to morning glory muffins, made vegan + gluten-free! A classic treat originally created by Pam McKinstry in 1978 at her Nantucket restaurant, Morning Glory Cafe, these muffins are lightly sweet, subtly spiced, and packed with fruits, veggies, AND nuts. OH yeah!Β 

Our gluten-free twist uses oat flour and potato starch (no almond flour!) to create a tender muffin that’s wholesome and satisfying.

Vegan Gluten-Free Morning Glory Muffins from Minimalist Baker β†’

Creamy Curried Black Eyed Pea Soup

30 December 2025 at 10:00
Creamy Curried Black Eyed Pea Soup

What’s that? You’d like an easy, delicious soup that practically makes itself and will make all of your wildest dreams come true!? Us too! We can’t guarantee this Creamy Curried Black Eyed Pea Soup does all of that, but it comes close!

This soup is made with simple methods in 1 pot with ingredients traditionally eaten on New Year’s Day to bring good luck and prosperity.

Creamy Curried Black Eyed Pea Soup from Minimalist Baker β†’

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

25 November 2025 at 10:00
Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

If all the classic, herby, savory flavors of Thanksgiving came together into one satisfying main dish, these turkey meatballs would be it! They’re WAY easier to master than baking a turkey, making them perfect for small holiday gatherings and year-round Thanksgiving cravings.

Just 10 ingredients required and perfect for pairing with Thanksgiving classics like mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, and cranberry sauce. Let us show you how it’s done!

Ingredients for Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs

These EASY, savory ground turkey meatballs require just a few basic ingredients:

  • Ground turkey – Turkey is a Thanksgiving classic!

Thanksgiving Turkey Meatballs from Minimalist Baker β†’

1-Pot Kabocha Chickpea Miso Soup

21 October 2025 at 10:00
1-Pot Kabocha Chickpea Miso Soup

Ever followed a restaurant on social media, found yourself drooling over everything they posted, and then realized you’re too far away to place an order? When in that predicament, the only solution is to get into your own kitchen. And so, this Kabocha Chickpea Miso Soup β€” inspired by Salud in Bend, Oregon β€” was born.

It’s everything you want in a soup: comforting, nourishing, brothy, packed with that fun squash you bought without a plan (just us?!), and SO quick and easy to make!

1-Pot Kabocha Chickpea Miso Soup from Minimalist Baker β†’

Pillowy Gluten-Free Pita (from Aran Goyoaga’s Cookbook)

23 September 2025 at 10:00
Pillowy Gluten-Free Pita (from Aran Goyoaga’s Cookbook)

We’ve long admired the super talented gluten-free chef and baker Aran Goyoaga. But our status went from fans to super fans last year when she posted a video of the fluffiest gluten-free dinner rolls we had ever seen. They looked like fluffy, dreamy clouds β€” how could they possibly be gluten-free?! We wanted to reach through the screen to make sure they were real (translation: eat the whole pan 🀀).

Then earlier this year, Aran announced she was writing a new cookbook(!!) and we nearly started doing cartwheels.

Pillowy Gluten-Free Pita (from Aran Goyoaga’s Cookbook) from Minimalist Baker β†’

The BEST Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (1 Bowl!)

16 September 2025 at 10:00
The BEST Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (1 Bowl!)

Fall has three essentials: cozy sweaters, warming soups, and PUMPKIN BREAD! Whether your fond memories of this spice-filled treat are from Starbucks, Grandma’s house, or your favorite box mix, we’re bringing you alllll the nostalgia! This homemade gluten-free + dairy-free pumpkin bread is FLUFFY, tender, spice-filled, and has the perfect balance of sweetness and pumpkin flavor!

Just 1 bowl and simple ingredients required for this fall classic.

The BEST Gluten-Free Pumpkin Bread (1 Bowl!) from Minimalist Baker β†’

Cauliflower Salad with Dates & Pistachios

2 September 2025 at 10:00
Cauliflower Salad with Dates & Pistachios

Whether you’re ready for fall or hanging onto the last days of summer, we’ve got just the salad for the season! This lemony chopped cauliflower salad has the bright, crunchy, refreshing elements of summer coating a comforting fall veggie. The best part? It’s studded with pops of sweet dates!

Made in 1 bowl in just 10 minutes, it’s a quick & easy side perfect for late-summer picnics or pairing with your favorite protein for a simple lunch or dinner.

Cauliflower Salad with Dates & Pistachios from Minimalist Baker β†’

Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans

19 August 2025 at 10:00
Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans

The perfect late-summer weeknight dish is here: Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans! It’s a go-to in our kitchen when we’re craving something simple yet nourishing. Featuring salty kalamata olives, burst cherry tomatoes, creamy white beans, and our BFF kale, it’s a vibrant dish packed with textures, flavors, protein, and fiber.Β 

Vegan, gluten-free optional, and just 10 ingredients and 25 minutes required. Let’s make dinner!

This simple dish begins with getting your favorite pasta cooking on the stovetop.

Garlicky Cherry Tomato Pasta with White Beans from Minimalist Baker β†’

Crispy Oven Roasted Okra

5 August 2025 at 10:00
Crispy Oven Roasted Okra

Into okra, but not when it’s slimy? Us too. Inspired by an amazing charred okra dish at Launderette, we’re bringing you a reliable roasted okra recipe that’s not only easy to make, but has no sliminess in sight.Β 

The result is super delicious and requires just 3 ingredients and 25 minutes. Let us show you how it’s done!Β 

How to Make Crispy Oven Roasted Okra

What’s the secret to the BEST oven roasted okra that isn’t slimy at all?

Crispy Oven Roasted Okra from Minimalist Baker β†’

Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

15 July 2025 at 10:00
Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas

Simple methods and BIG flavor collide in this Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas! It’s zesty and sweet, full of crunch, and packed with wholesome ingredients. With minimal cooking required, it’s the perfect meal for summer or a quick meal prep session.

Just 10 ingredients and 30 minutes stand between you and this satisfying, flavorful, healthy meal!

How to Make This Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad

This quinoa kale salad comes together in a few simple steps that flow seamlessly:

  1. Soak sun-dried tomatoes in hot water if they’re especially dry and hard.

Lemony Quinoa Kale Salad with Crispy Chickpeas from Minimalist Baker β†’

Zucchini Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes & Chickpeas

3 June 2025 at 10:00
Zucchini Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes & Chickpeas

Whether you’re a gardener, farmers market goer, or just love summer produce, this is the dish for you! A summery zucchini pesto pasta with caramelized roasted zucchini, burst cherry tomatoes, sweet + tender red onion, and protein-packed chickpeas. We may or may not have gone back for thirds in the test kitchen!

Just 9 ingredients and simple methods required for this saucy, satisfying, irresistible vegan meal, friends.

Zucchini Pesto Pasta with Roasted Tomatoes & Chickpeas from Minimalist Baker β†’

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