Russ! So funny hearing you buy taro root buns for hotpot! And wandering around buying those specially marked hotpot symbol.
Those things that are marked with the symbol.... well, they're kinda expensive for the selection plus you're not really sure how long they've been sitting there. Better off just buying individual items. Still, they're great if you don't really know how to go about doing a hotpot plus they're good if you're on a time budget.
Now that you know what to do, you should have no problems going about making one in future.
I forgot to say: add tofu fish cakes.They can be purchased at the fish ball aisle. They're really nice and soft - I have just discovered them and thought they taste awesome.
Another great addition is soft sikly tofu, it's white and comes in a tight 'tube' like packet. Just slice them into pieces and dip in for a few seconds. Don't stir too much or they break apart but once you eat them, it's like heaven. Yummy!
As for the hotpot propane tank, be careful! A friend of mine inserted the thing upside down (don't ask) and managed to burn a small hole into the table at her place. Hehe. Anyways, always make sure you have at least TWO propane gas as you don't wanna run out of gas in the middle of your hotpot.
Check out the Crystal Mall. They usually have cheaper kit (comes with propane gas) and the special looking pot (two sides for different broth) cheaper than T & T.
And yeah, I know what you mean about the electric wok but it's easier for me as I have kids I have to watch.
Fish Tofu looks like this:
Silken tofu:
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