tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11285362925015957142024-03-13T10:28:50.136-04:00Frills and SprinklesRimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-43221488738390876512012-07-06T14:34:00.000-04:002012-07-06T14:34:20.072-04:00Mushroom Spaghetti with Miso Cream Sauce<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7P4OfLzIh4/T_coAt0oUUI/AAAAAAAAAU8/F84wZyAq_tA/s1600/IMG_4786+(600x401).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-o7P4OfLzIh4/T_coAt0oUUI/AAAAAAAAAU8/F84wZyAq_tA/s1600/IMG_4786+(600x401).jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love Asian mushrooms. I am so grateful that I can find shitake where I live. But in a bigger cities, more varieties are available. I brought "Enoki" from Florida. I love this mushroom. It's very long and skinny and a kind of crunchy. I should have bought different kinds of mushrooms at the Asian market that I went to. I decided to do creamy mushroom pasta, so I went to a store near my house to get shitake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I remember that I had Miso cream sauce at a restaurant in CT before we moved away. I made it for chicken and it was good, but I thought it would be really nice with pasta. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I was growing up in Tokyo more than 3 decades ago, Italian style pasta was not really common. Fortunately I was introduced to it by my father who had lived in Rome. However, if we go to a pasta restaurant (there were restaurants that serve only pasta dishes... they still exist), lots of dishes were very Japanized. We didn't like it at all. I also remember Western people were complaining about weird Japanese spaghetti dishes in 80's. I completely agreed with them at the moment. Nevertheless, now I look back, those restaurants seem to be the pioneers of fusion dishes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This pasta could be easily on the menu back then though I don't remember seeing it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Mushroom spaghetti with Miso cream sauce*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Spaghetti 240 g</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Olive oil 1tbsp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garlic 2 cloves sliced</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mushroom of your choice 2 cups</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Cream 2/3 cup</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Yuzu Kosho 1/4 tsp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miso 2 tsp</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 1 > Start boiling the pasta.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 2 > Saute garlic in olive oil and put mushrooms when garlic started to brown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 3 > Pour cream in and cook in low heat for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 4 > Cook pasta to al dente. Keep 2 table spoon of boiling water.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 5 > Dissolve Yuzu Kosho and Miso in the boiled water, and pour it in the cream mixture with pasta. Cook with medium heat for 2 minutes. If the miso is not salty enough, sprinkle with sea salt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 6 > Serve with Shiso if it's available. Putting bunch of Arugula is nice, also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Yuzu Kosho is citrus pepper paste from Southern part of Japan. It's made of Japanese citrus, Yuzu and chili pepper. I didn't know about it until 10 years ago until I was befriended with someone from Oita. She recommended to put it in Miso soup. I loved it so much and it became regular condiment in my house hold ever since. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I would think substituting is possible... Maybe grated lime zest and green pepper sauce? I need to try that sometime.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We enjoyed July 4th in St. Augustine. I loved the blue sky and beautiful architecture in down town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-87624024823453708072012-06-28T14:05:00.000-04:002012-06-28T14:05:58.870-04:00Summer Rice balls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t_1bWBQoyM/T-ySJ3AWiMI/AAAAAAAAAUc/gGwGEvVlgxA/s1600/IMG_4596+(400x600).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4t_1bWBQoyM/T-ySJ3AWiMI/AAAAAAAAAUc/gGwGEvVlgxA/s1600/IMG_4596+(400x600).jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">Rice balls are must have for lunch box. My mother told me that it is the best since it doesn't get spoiled even it's warm outside. By saying that, she avoided making sandwiches. I envied my friends who brought sandwiches for school trips, but I enjoyed my rice balls anyway.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> There are lots of variations. One is made of white rice and there is something in the center. I think this is most traditional. The inside could be a pickled plum, salted salmon, fish eggs, seaweed, etc. The other kind is made of mixed rice. White rice is mixed with Furikake, or scrambled eggs, seaweed, sesame seeds, dried shiso leaves, etc. </div><div style="text-align: center;">The latter one has same taste anywhere you eat, but the white rice one is plain until you get a bite of inside. It is fun not knowing what is inside and the plain part is a good complement to meat and vegetables in a Bento box.</div><div style="text-align: center;">My rice ball was always the white rice ball with Nori wrapped around and the center was pickled plum. That was my favorite. I always liked something sour.</div><div style="text-align: center;">However, my husband thinks the white rice ball is boring until you get to its core. So I started to make rice balls with mixed rice after I got married.</div><div style="text-align: center;">These rice balls are really refreshing for summer lunch. Pickled ginger is the only thing that provides saltiness (except for a little salt). Shiso gives very nice aroma to this simple mixture.</div><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Summer Rice Balls ( 6 mini rice balls)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">* Ingredients *</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cups of cooked white short grain rice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 large leaves of green shiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 large leaves of red shiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 table spoons of pickled ginger</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sea salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 1 > Put rice in a large bowl and let it cool down a little bit so the heat wouldn't wilt shiso.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 2 > Cut shiso leaves and ginger to long strips and mix with the rice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 3 > Wash the hands well. Make them moist and sprinkle palms with a little salt. Put the rice on the palm and make rice balls. Make sure the salt gets around evenly around the rice balls.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If you bend your fingers from the base and make edge with your knuckles, you can shape rice balls to triangles. My mother never did this. Hers was always a circle. But I somehow can't make it like that. So my rice balls are more like rice triangles that appears in cartoon. I also like mini sized ones. It looks small, but it is packed with lots of rice, so it is a good prevention for not eating too much of carbohydrate.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making rice balls with saran wrap became very popular as I grew up. It prevents hands getting dirty and more sanitary. You can also wrap rice balls with the saran wrap as you finish them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But traditionally, they are made with bare hands that are sprinkled with a pinch of salt.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After having lunch with my daughter, I asked if it will be nice to put tuna or something in these rice balls. She said that it is refreshing as is. I agreed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-65409828328962777312012-06-25T14:40:00.001-04:002012-06-25T14:41:44.628-04:00Summer has comeI can't believe it is summer already. Summer started with my parent's visit and I didn't really have a moment to realize the fact spring is over. I took them to lots of places and that let me discover many things. How beautiful scenery is around here. How peaceful trees make me feel. The size of the sky and shapes of the clouds etc....<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have a green thumb. I call myself a "plant killer". But I am enjoying having a little garden and I got ambitious this year so I started growing Shiso which is basil like Japanese herb. When I was living in Japan 20 years ago, it was almost impossible to find fresh basil in even in Tokyo. Cooking books usually suggested to use shiso instead. Yet it is a lot different from basil. I associate the taste of shiso with traditional Japanese dishes so I am not a good candidate to describe the taste. However, shiso is nice with non-Japanese dishes, too. I particularly like to cook it with butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It started to grow nice leaves, so I decided to make cold noodle with shiso for lunch.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Ingredients*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Cup of water</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 1/2 Table spoon of Sugar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 Table spoon of Soy sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 Tea spoon of Salt</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Crashed garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Table spoon of Fresh squeezed lemon juice</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 table spoon of Rice wine vinegar</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Teaspoon of Sesame Oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Japanese Eggplant</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10 Cherry tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 Scallion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 Leaves of red shiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 Leaves of green shiso</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 1 > Put water and sugar in a sauce pan and bring to boil, then take it out of heat. Put rest of the ingredients for the sauce and mix. Let it cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 2 > Slice an eggplant and cook it in small amount of oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 3 > Slice cherry tomatoes and scallion. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 4 > Roll shiso leaves together and chop them to skinny strings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 5 > Boil Somen. Somen is very thin wheat noodle. Be careful not to over boil it. After it's boiled, run cold water until it's cool.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 6 > Mix the vegetable and sauce with the noodle and serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somen is very thin and white noodle. It can be found in Asian stores. I use Korean version of it and it tastes very good. Sometimes I saw "Soba" on a menu of Asian restaurant and I was served Somen. Soba is buckwheat noodle. Thin white noodle is Somen. Although this recipe would be nice with Soba noodle, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">To me, shiso makes dishes very summer-like. Because it's summer herbs. Coupled with summer vegetable (or fruits?) such as an eggplant and tomatoes, it is very refreshing. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'd love to play with this herb more during summer.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-73809303366816963752012-03-05T21:03:00.002-05:002012-03-05T21:07:10.228-05:00Woven Shibori<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJqR2yKwefk/T1VscXtzCzI/AAAAAAAAATQ/vetVtzF_3vM/s1600/Pillows+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jJqR2yKwefk/T1VscXtzCzI/AAAAAAAAATQ/vetVtzF_3vM/s1600/Pillows+1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've tried to weave Woven Shibori for first time. I was amazed at the idea of this weave. I love traditional Japanese shibori fabric. But I never thought you could weave the tread to resist dye into fabric. I was very curious if this method or anything similar is known in Japan. I asked the director at Shibori museum when I visited Kyoto, and he told me that there was similar method called "Taiten Shibori" which actually is mentioned in Catharine Ellis's "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Woven-Shibori-Weavers-Studio-Catharine/dp/1931499675" target="_blank">Woven Shibori</a>" book.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">How the fabric is folded after gathering the fabric is really interesting . It reminded me of paper folding in a way. The folds come to 2 sides of the fabric and I used different colors to dye it, and here it is. It's very interesting looking. I loved it!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I realized it is very different from Japanese fabric Shibori technique. You can use the thread to resist dye, but I found it more interesting to use the thread to make pattern for folding.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I made pillow cases with the fabric I weaved and dyed. I love how the mathematical shibori pattern becomes organic after dying. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Colors of spring..... It seems like spring has already arrived, but it's cold today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-19001068814221958772012-01-13T23:54:00.000-05:002012-01-13T23:54:58.215-05:00New Year in Japanese style<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dymfpl5dytk/TxD889BKx4I/AAAAAAAAARw/6RTcPasuZYc/s1600/Osechi+12-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Dymfpl5dytk/TxD889BKx4I/AAAAAAAAARw/6RTcPasuZYc/s1600/Osechi+12-3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Happy New Year!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We celebrate New Year in Japanese style every year. I've been doing it since I came to the US with my husband. It became tradition to our family now. We like the calmness of Japanese New Year. I work in the kitchen practically all day on the New Year's Eve. But I must do this. It's like a renewal of my will to spend time and effort as much as needed to make something nice, to develop skills to make something that makes loved ones happy, to be creative, and so on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So it's a ritual that I have to go through every year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Therefore, I couldn't leave my American husband and American daughter until the New Years day is over to visit my parents in Yokohama. It's a kind of funny that I couldn't make it to have New Year day in Japan because I had to do Japanese New Year in East TN.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I was able to catch the trail of Japanese New Year in Kyoto.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ncbsT1T7Q/TxD9J0oI1HI/AAAAAAAAASI/it-FsfnJjzQ/s1600/New+Year+decorations.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-D_ncbsT1T7Q/TxD9J0oI1HI/AAAAAAAAASI/it-FsfnJjzQ/s1600/New+Year+decorations.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wasn't expecting this, but those New Year arrangements are supposed to be displayed until 7th. So I saw lots of beautiful arrangements. My mother was surprised how sophisticated the arrangements in Kyoto were. The style is different from Tokyo.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWFmviUwZsc/TxEBqJJwwZI/AAAAAAAAASQ/MHNbqeJSKZk/s1600/Kyoto+1+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wWFmviUwZsc/TxEBqJJwwZI/AAAAAAAAASQ/MHNbqeJSKZk/s1600/Kyoto+1+2012.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">Kyoto is such a popular place and I almost feel ashamed to visit. But I must admit that it's so beautiful. Well, if you only saw the beautiful pictures of the traditional looking Kyoto and visit there, you will be surprised at how modern Kyoto is. Less crowded than Tokyo, but still pretty crowded. Some temples are too crowded to feel the tranquility, some are too busy with street vendors. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">But you can find the calmness somewhere. A corner in a shrine, back street, temples that are far form the main part of the city, etc.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One of the biggest reason that I love visiting Kyoto is that everything is tasty there. The restaurants in the station building, tiny noodle shop in the back street, vendors in a market, not to mention fancy traditional restaurants.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is obvious that food are made with a great care. It probably take long time and good ingredients to even make a broth for the base. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It must be the culture and tradition in the old city. I admire that so much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My interest in Kyoto grew once I started to study Fiber Art. I always loved Kimono fabric, but now I am interested in how they are made. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I visited Shibori museum and Museum of Traditional Crafts. I just love the craftsmanship that goes into the beautiful works. The skill is unbelievable. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But sadly, they are endangered. Those products cost so much because of the intensive labor yet those traditional crafts are not part of modern westernized life. So only handful of people can afford it. It doesn't bring enough money to the craftsman to sustain their living. Young people are not attracted to be one of them.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've heard about that everywhere I went. Even taxi driver was mentioning that. It is sad but it is true. I wouldn't pay thousands of dollars for Kimono even it's beautiful because I don't need it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Kyoto amazed me with its desire to create tasteful and beautiful things, and the skills and the amount of time that go behind the things they produce. I always wished that I had born in the past to be a craftsman, but it's still going on there. That makes me feel so happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Yet Kyoto left me feeling sad. The tradition and skill is rapidly disappearing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I was inspired by it. I will continue learn and incorporate the inspirations into my creation.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So visiting Kyoto was reassurance of my New Year hope. I will try making this year meaningful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-44126197172856252472011-12-30T10:15:00.000-05:002011-12-30T10:15:18.232-05:00Christmas RainbowWe visited Florida for Christmas. It was so warm! It was pretty chilly last year, so we weren't expecting to swim in the pool but it was warm enough to do so. I usually would think it's nice to feel warm air, but for Christmas, and the fact that I was not expecting the warmth, it was too much. But we had a very nice time with family.<br />
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It was raining on the Christmas morning. On and off. I looked outside from the patio, and there was a rainbow! It was not clear, but everybody came out to see it. Then all of them expect my daughter and I left. More we stood there and looked, it became clear and clear shaping a perfect half circle very vividly. It was the best Christmas present ever.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1G1VOhtofQ/Tv3UZp0sZfI/AAAAAAAAARU/hiP_VHnsgqU/s1600/Xmas+Rainbow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S1G1VOhtofQ/Tv3UZp0sZfI/AAAAAAAAARU/hiP_VHnsgqU/s1600/Xmas+Rainbow.jpg" /></a></div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-10380466802668718712011-12-10T22:53:00.000-05:002011-12-10T22:53:31.471-05:00I can't believe it's almost Christmas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLx7KweZcwA/TuQh6m_gv2I/AAAAAAAAAQc/Na3Xnl7piLE/s1600/Square+Financiers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BLx7KweZcwA/TuQh6m_gv2I/AAAAAAAAAQc/Na3Xnl7piLE/s1600/Square+Financiers.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We visited Florida for Thanksgiving. I baked 4 different financiers to bring with us. Pecan and chocolate chips, Almond and English tea, Almond and Green tea, Hazel nuts and chocolate.... Too bad I finished my green tea powder. It really gave nice taste of green tea. I must put that on the list of the things to buy in Japan.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Our dog Rosco had a great time playing with Mama's dog Layla. They were such a perfect couple. So cute together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Thanksgiving in Florida was pretty warm. With the sunshine coming through the big windows, it didn't feel a bit like Autumn. The feast was great. We had a fun with the family, definitely. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I contemplated over going shopping on black Friday. I decided to pass. But I ended up going to an outlet mall in the afternoon. It was not as crowded as I thought. I guess experiencing real crowdedness in Tokyo and NY toughened up my tolerance for the crowd. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was a very short visit, but it was so nice as usual. I am so glad we are close enough to do this. 8 hours of driving is not too bad considering the 16 hour drive we had to do from CT.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And this time, we didn't go home through Savannah, we went through Atlanta. This gave us extra 2-3 hours of driving, yet, it was worth it. I was able to shop in H-Mart which is Korean super market. I haven't gone to serious Asian store for over a year. I went literally crazy. As soon as I saw the vegetable section full of vegetables that are not available in east TN, my well thought-out grocery list lost its meaning. I just shopped as if I haven't had any food for a week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were able to have very down to earth Japanese breakfast next morning.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natto on brown rice. Miso soup with seaweed and tofu which is not cut to 1/4 inch cubes like restaurants. Japanese people would cut tofu to much bigger than that! Korean tofu is so tasty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Natto is one of the most difficult food for non Japanese to eat because of the strong aroma for fermentated food. But J likes it. Actually he loves it. It's also very healthy. We bought so many packages of them...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The days go by so quickly after the holiday. Every year, November and December were busiest time for me because of Nutcrackers. Since we moved and I am so far away from my clients, I was not busy in this season last year, and I felt very sad. But this year I am busy finishing up the first semester at the college. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am finishing the project for my weaving class. I enjoyed weaving so much. It is really nice not to use any machinery. I am so glad to discover the craft I can enjoy besides sewing.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6dSCxlT31Q/TuQhqSJqLuI/AAAAAAAAAQU/mhqPAYIIIvY/s1600/Weaving.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W6dSCxlT31Q/TuQhqSJqLuI/AAAAAAAAAQU/mhqPAYIIIvY/s1600/Weaving.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After this is done, I will have to be in the serious Christmas mode!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-58938630716346431932011-11-10T14:14:00.000-05:002011-11-10T14:14:40.706-05:00Halloween<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYDjvkl-DGA/TrwfMUM06jI/AAAAAAAAAQE/DlgBPRtboJg/s1600/Hazelnut+Financier+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nYDjvkl-DGA/TrwfMUM06jI/AAAAAAAAAQE/DlgBPRtboJg/s1600/Hazelnut+Financier+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Halloween was most fun when my daughter was young. I made costumes for her ever year. But now that she doesn't go trick or treating anymore, it is not too exciting, sadly. We had lots of Halloween candies to give out. But they didn't appeal to me. I am not a big fun of Halloween candies even though I love sweets. So I decided to bake chocolate financiers with hazel nuts.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The combination of chocolate and hazel nuts is inspired by Nutella, obviously. I just make hazel nut powder with a grinder. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was really rich and tasty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I realized that I had missed baking. Now that I go to school, it is hard to find time to bake. I love the quietness in the kitchen and I like moving slowly to savor every moment of baking. But that kind of baking hadn't happened for long time. So I enjoyed baking these financiers in the Saturday afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We curved the pumpkin in the last minute. I love the devilish smile my daughter designed.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-19881560412867173942011-10-29T19:20:00.000-04:002011-10-29T19:20:37.829-04:00Fall<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2L3KBr8VS-M/TqyGayXW2ZI/AAAAAAAAAPc/DAWuooqUflU/s1600/Fall1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2L3KBr8VS-M/TqyGayXW2ZI/AAAAAAAAAPc/DAWuooqUflU/s1600/Fall1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The time passes so quickly when you are busy. After I started the school, it's been non-stop! Studying for general study classes, producing projects for art class, finishing painting the rooms, taking care of family, and my minuscule Etsy business..... </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I took a moment to enjoy the colors of fall leaves. In the afternoon sunshine, they were so beautiful. Walking in the quiet woods with red, yellow and orange, listening the wolves hauling (but they are in the cage in the main area of the park so we didn't need to be afraid), it was great fall afternoon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The lilly leaves get red, too. I didn't know that! I love water lilies. We need to go back there when it gets warm to see them blooming. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that it is getting cold, the farmers market is getting smaller. In a way, it's easy to find a spot to park, yet it's a little sad to see some venders go. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But I found chestnuts. That made me smile. I love chestnuts. My grandmother boiled them and cut half, and served them with a spoon. But I decided to roast them in a oven. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DW0lGGrFAdI/TqyGdGVCvRI/AAAAAAAAAPs/VfoDjXw0hiE/s1600/Chesnut+roast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-DW0lGGrFAdI/TqyGdGVCvRI/AAAAAAAAAPs/VfoDjXw0hiE/s1600/Chesnut+roast.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was going to use them for sweets, but they were so good as is, so they were all disappeared before I could use them for baking. Now I have a reason to go back to the market. Next time, I'll get more. I'll make chestnut puree.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzh5aIhesws/TqyGn3B950I/AAAAAAAAAP0/RRrKkfAErMk/s1600/Fall3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mzh5aIhesws/TqyGn3B950I/AAAAAAAAAP0/RRrKkfAErMk/s1600/Fall3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-37136425064397197362011-09-10T08:44:00.001-04:002011-09-10T11:55:56.191-04:00The curtain has been openedThe whole one year I spent after we moved to East Tennessee seemed so empty to me. Because I didn't work at all. I wasn't really happy. It was like construction and painting after the construction, and new construction and more painting and new construction....... Anyway, that is almost done. <br />
I wanted to do something creative like when I was in North East. I do miss the time. Yes, I was almost going to drive myself sick by working like a mad woman.....<br />
I was getting fed up with not moving forward. I know it's not entirely true. I learned a few tricks during the first year in TN. I became much better at baking. I got a new camera and started to really enjoy taking photos. I housebroke our puppy. Even I don't have a green thumb, I was able to grow some tomatoes and basil in the little garden we made. But I still felt empty.<br />
But that period is over. I now have a few small plans for my business. And more importantly, I'm back in College. I'm going to finish BFA that I never finished in NY.<br />
Two weeks ago before the school started, I was thinking that the first year in TN had been a very long overture before the curtain was opened. I liked the idea because I've worked at a theatre. But now that the school has started, I am so busy. But it feels good.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_x60swehSU/TmtayVhHiOI/AAAAAAAAAPU/whjfVj32nww/s1600/F+%2526+S+colorful.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X_x60swehSU/TmtayVhHiOI/AAAAAAAAAPU/whjfVj32nww/s1600/F+%2526+S+colorful.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But August went by working on painting, getting ready for College... I couldn't bake much. But I am happy that I can make roll cakes pretty effortlessly these days. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fvy68QTlEA/TmtbJ4bdM7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/j9vivdxO9MA/s1600/August+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-2Fvy68QTlEA/TmtbJ4bdM7I/AAAAAAAAAPY/j9vivdxO9MA/s1600/August+11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-14409822639917578642011-08-07T15:16:00.001-04:002011-08-09T15:41:18.858-04:00Summer Holidays are over!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQrNPpLqleM/Tj7eolterGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Sirdnl_C9s4/s1600/Rosco+at+Beach+x4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gQrNPpLqleM/Tj7eolterGI/AAAAAAAAAPM/Sirdnl_C9s4/s1600/Rosco+at+Beach+x4.jpg" /></a></div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I can't believe that the school started already. Somehow, it starts early August in East Tennessee. So I feel like it should be cooler, but it's still August, so it is still hot. Summer is not over yet.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We had a busy first half of summer vacation. We went to Florida, we attended Wedding, my daughter went to drama summer camp, and we went to Florida again. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aceiOuZ-UYQ/Tj7fCBs-bkI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8GwMxxOcTfg/s1600/Wedding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aceiOuZ-UYQ/Tj7fCBs-bkI/AAAAAAAAAPQ/8GwMxxOcTfg/s1600/Wedding.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But last half of summer vacation was very slow. We didn't have any plan, and the construction was going on, we practically stayed home everyday, not doing anything much.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was not really fun for my daughter nor for me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So we are so glad to have school started. And the construction is done, so we can now paint the newly renovated bathrooms and bedrooms. Suddenly we are very busy!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Here are the sweets that I made during summer. I was so fortunate to have good berries and peaches in June and July. Almost all the sweets were made with local fruits.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWu46t0Txoc/Tj7dlNqryaI/AAAAAAAAAPI/dQFGuft2ZQU/s1600/Sweets+July+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hWu46t0Txoc/Tj7dlNqryaI/AAAAAAAAAPI/dQFGuft2ZQU/s1600/Sweets+July+11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today marks one year from the day we came to TN form North East. I feel like I didn't do anything this past year. We had the cycle of having renovation going on, which means I get stressed out having workmen in the house all the time, then it's done and they are gone for a while but we can't relax, because we have to paint, then the next renovation starts.... we did that 3 times in the past year. Our painting part is not done yet. But after that, it's done for now. I am glad.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope 2nd year of our new life in Appalachia will be nicer. We couldn't go out much because either we wanted to do something at home while the workers are not around, or we had to paint. I'd love to visit lots of places and check out some events. I want to start working if it's possible. I don't know if there are many chances like in North East for me to make dance costumes, but I would like to do something with my skill.</div><div style="text-align: center;">There are a lot of hopes for the future.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-78002248157938704922011-08-04T12:14:00.000-04:002011-08-04T12:14:47.822-04:00Tulle... My favorite fabric<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX8o4DZzEDY/Tjq-nDpL09I/AAAAAAAAAO4/r24bCjNRFjg/s1600/Pink+Tulle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GX8o4DZzEDY/Tjq-nDpL09I/AAAAAAAAAO4/r24bCjNRFjg/s1600/Pink+Tulle.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tulle is my favorite fabric. I always loved it. Ever since I saw a ballerina dancing on a stage as a child, I dreamed of the skirt. I told my parents that I like to learn ballet. They knew that I was not really active. I was a child who spent time drawing and reading, never into any physical activities so they said it didn't seem like a good idea for them to send me a class. They knew I was just dreaming about the costumes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I drew pictures of princesses and I soon forgot that I even wanted to dance. But I always liked watching ballet on TV or ballet themed movies, etc....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I love making tutus. Not those tutus for the little girls, the tutus for grown up dancers. Gathering tulle makes me so happy. And I have to say that my parents knew me so well. They encouraged me to learn design and here I was making the costumes that I dreamed about.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that I left North East where I worked as a costumer, I miss making tutus. So I started to make little tulle flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GbGUqX-F24/TjrEUET9uqI/AAAAAAAAAO8/Sp0EW4EgXDo/s1600/100001-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5GbGUqX-F24/TjrEUET9uqI/AAAAAAAAAO8/Sp0EW4EgXDo/s1600/100001-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gathering tulle had calming effect on me. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I started to decorate my room with the tulle flowers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSNDeIe8Pbw/TjrE8yvzvsI/AAAAAAAAAPA/4relW2p0R6w/s1600/300003-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KSNDeIe8Pbw/TjrE8yvzvsI/AAAAAAAAAPA/4relW2p0R6w/s1600/300003-1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-72070759544910657922011-08-01T17:13:00.000-04:002011-08-01T17:13:31.316-04:00Sleeping Beauty Ballet Craft Class (How to make a tissue flower)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok_gGrm6O5Y/TjcTi1j9MnI/AAAAAAAAAOo/ByxgRzS2epg/s1600/Tissue+Flower+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ok_gGrm6O5Y/TjcTi1j9MnI/AAAAAAAAAOo/ByxgRzS2epg/s1600/Tissue+Flower+2.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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When I was still back in North, I had a chance to teach a class for young ballerinas. Not a dance class. A craft class. I worked as a costumer, so a little craft is my cup of tea.<br />
The summer ballet camps for young children usually include arts and craft class since they need a break from dancing. But lots of times it is just to color the printed out ballerina pictures or putting stickers on the paper dolls. I wanted to teach something about ballet along with the crafts they enjoy. So I made the session into Ballet Craft Class.<br />
I would tell the stories of the ballet. Everybody, especially young children know the stories of Sleeping Beauty or Cinderella. But what they know is usually Disney version or fairy tale version. The story lines for the ballets are a little different. I would bring in the pictures of stages, and describe how the stories go act to act.<br />
I had realized how messy the gluing with preschoolers can get, I was always thinking about something that doesn't require glue. The little dancers are so anxious to try on the headpieces or wings that they just finished and some end up with very sticky hair or leotards. I needed to avoid that.<br />
For the ballet Sleeping Beauty, I picked a rose for Act 1's climax, Rose adagio. I made these flowers as a preschooler and I know it's not messy! I can talk about very important part of the ballet, too. The principal dancer has to be on her toe while the 4 prices give her rose one by one. It's extremely difficult position to sustain. It's so beautiful though.<br />
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Here is how to make the flower:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exhyliAqAgc/TjcVYRHjDvI/AAAAAAAAAOs/TsBtaNQAyMc/s1600/Tissue+Flower+x5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-exhyliAqAgc/TjcVYRHjDvI/AAAAAAAAAOs/TsBtaNQAyMc/s1600/Tissue+Flower+x5.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now all the little ballerina has a rose.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTqtXacBaS4/TjcVZ6f7DfI/AAAAAAAAAOw/oAecbYipM8A/s1600/Tissue+Flower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LTqtXacBaS4/TjcVZ6f7DfI/AAAAAAAAAOw/oAecbYipM8A/s1600/Tissue+Flower1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-26843576595448596002011-07-24T16:09:00.000-04:002011-07-24T16:09:02.039-04:00Wrapping the little cakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdnChHsOws/Tix0jRJa1EI/AAAAAAAAAOI/SNrljSvpVDM/s1600/Brownies+wrpped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7pdnChHsOws/Tix0jRJa1EI/AAAAAAAAAOI/SNrljSvpVDM/s1600/Brownies+wrpped.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I baked brownies because my daughter was going on a small trip with her friend's family. I wanted to give them something to eat on the road. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">If it was for us to bring along, I'd just put them in a tupperware. But that's not cute nor inviting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I bake, I do everything from scratch and spend good amount of time, so I want to make sure that will be eaten. Therefore, I'd like to present the goods more nicely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Recently when I brought mini cakes to friend's house, I used a basket form farmer's market. Whoever picked the bluish green for the basket has a great sense in colors. Colors of fruits stand out so well against the green. My mini cakes had red and purple form raspberries and blackberries, I thought it was great box to use.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQMqCoPEJBI/Tix0hi62WvI/AAAAAAAAAOE/6bQXOJIoQyA/s1600/Berry+Mini+cakes+wrapped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sQMqCoPEJBI/Tix0hi62WvI/AAAAAAAAAOE/6bQXOJIoQyA/s1600/Berry+Mini+cakes+wrapped.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wrapped the whole thing with wax paper and a ribbon. It was ready to be a little gift. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like show what's inside. Because it feels more casual. It's not a fancy present so it shouldn't be so pretentious.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wished if I had the box. That could be thrown away easily and nice looking. But farmers usually recycle them, so I rarely get to have them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I wanted to put the brownies in a open box so it's easy to grab and also visible. But I wanted the brownies individually wrapped, so if they don't eat some of them, they still keep. And the box has to be something disposable do they don't need to worry about returning it to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I decided to make a basket with a brown paper bag. I wrapped the brownies with wax paper and cooking string. It's not too fancy but more inviting than plastic wrap.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEw9YHirHGw/Tix0vNYTo7I/AAAAAAAAAOM/lnjS4n-FP1E/s1600/Brown+Bag+Bascket.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VEw9YHirHGw/Tix0vNYTo7I/AAAAAAAAAOM/lnjS4n-FP1E/s1600/Brown+Bag+Bascket.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This is how:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-38721044370721059252011-07-17T08:22:00.000-04:002011-07-17T08:22:03.922-04:00Tarts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG0w_xKE_sw/TiLOYH8eJiI/AAAAAAAAAM0/r7Qu9XU5Vu0/s1600/Lemon+Blue+berry+tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NG0w_xKE_sw/TiLOYH8eJiI/AAAAAAAAAM0/r7Qu9XU5Vu0/s1600/Lemon+Blue+berry+tart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had never baked tart until this January. I like tart all right, but I always preferred cakes with cream. But I remembered that I enjoyed tarts from this nice little shop called <a href="http://www.auxdelicesfoods.com/">Aux Delices</a> in Connecticut. However, I can't get anything like that here in my town. Only solution is to learn how to bake it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I started. I remember that some kind of filling they used was so good. Now I know that was almond creme. It was not too difficult make. After I got comfortable making dough, I started to experimenting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I like custard in tart, so I made very simple custard and fruits tartlets for afternoon snack.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jseDJlGsdnU/TiLOjcOf65I/AAAAAAAAAM8/TBzOr4wotyA/s1600/Apple+Tartlets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jseDJlGsdnU/TiLOjcOf65I/AAAAAAAAAM8/TBzOr4wotyA/s1600/Apple+Tartlets.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV-JEqYQQZI/TiLOGZpoBFI/AAAAAAAAAMs/RB5hCQcZE10/s1600/peach+Tartlets.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uV-JEqYQQZI/TiLOGZpoBFI/AAAAAAAAAMs/RB5hCQcZE10/s1600/peach+Tartlets.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It is so much fun to arrange the fruits. Especially caramelized apple. I like make it look like a flower.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I just love cooked fruits. Of course fresh fruits are great, too, but I do like them cooked also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75H6LH2k1Gs/TiLObV6rxrI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Qdu31iExZlE/s1600/Peach+%2526+BBerry+Tart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-75H6LH2k1Gs/TiLObV6rxrI/AAAAAAAAAM4/Qdu31iExZlE/s1600/Peach+%2526+BBerry+Tart+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now when I make filling for tart, I do substitute almond with other nuts. I like Walnuts. It gives more down to earth feeling to the tart. I especially like pecans. If they are coupled with brown sugar, it becomes very "county" tasting to me. I love making peach pecan tart. To me it tastes Southern. It probably doesn't to real southern people, but the all the ingredients are from this region, an taste so simple and kind so I feel that way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KczCEdw3tiw/TiLN-WUHiOI/AAAAAAAAAMo/v9B33aXpOdc/s1600/Peach+%2526+Black+Berry+Tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KczCEdw3tiw/TiLN-WUHiOI/AAAAAAAAAMo/v9B33aXpOdc/s1600/Peach+%2526+Black+Berry+Tart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Making small tartlets is fun too. They look so cute. I always make a few for taste testing when I make big tart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I've been wanted to make something pretty. Not food. With my sewing. But I couldn't find what to make for long time. Doing renovation all the time brings chaos to the house and my brain. I always had clients to tell me what they want, so without them, I felt lost. But I think something brewing in me. I found a scrap book that I made 20 years ago to get ideas. I love the feeling of thinking about making something pretty.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-16771035626601149622011-07-07T11:44:00.000-04:002011-07-07T11:44:51.262-04:00Tiny Raspberries and Long Blackberries<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_EENG8lNlk/ThXNRtzRWQI/AAAAAAAAAKw/i7snidBTh5o/s1600/Rasberries.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0_EENG8lNlk/ThXNRtzRWQI/AAAAAAAAAKw/i7snidBTh5o/s1600/Rasberries.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I started seeing berries at the farmers market. I remember we had very big blackberries last year when we came here for closing of our house. They made my daughter who never had liked blackberries completely change her opinion on blackberries. So we've been looking forward to having them again. I also found tiny raspberries. They are half of normal raspberries in a grocery store. They are very sweet and I can't pass them since they are so cute looking!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So I made Raspberry Custard Tart for July 4th. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLtPk0YHpmg/ThXOL_849lI/AAAAAAAAAK0/nbFzOw00VwM/s1600/Raspberry+Custard+Tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jLtPk0YHpmg/ThXOL_849lI/AAAAAAAAAK0/nbFzOw00VwM/s1600/Raspberry+Custard+Tart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We came back from Florida 4 p.m. and I was baking the tart right away....</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was such a short trip. We left on Friday night and drove back on Monday. But it was really fun taking our dog to beach. Although he is afraid of water. I hope he will get use to it but there are no beaches where we live.... We need to look for a lake, I guess.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxZ5j3iISQI/ThXRQa2h17I/AAAAAAAAALA/8_T2mdA6RqE/s1600/RoscoatBeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oxZ5j3iISQI/ThXRQa2h17I/AAAAAAAAALA/8_T2mdA6RqE/s1600/RoscoatBeach.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Besides the berries, South Carolina peaches are in season. So I baked Peach and Blackberry Tart one day. Instead of almond cream, I made walnut cream. I love changing out the nuts to make cream. My favorite is pecan cream with brown sugar. It tastes very country-like to me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6hxHAbie0/ThXOQ4yIvWI/AAAAAAAAAK4/JDKFoOKG8-Q/s1600/Peach+%2526+Black+Berry+Tart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8l6hxHAbie0/ThXOQ4yIvWI/AAAAAAAAAK4/JDKFoOKG8-Q/s1600/Peach+%2526+Black+Berry+Tart.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was happy that I used up my berries very tastefully, but I saw them again at the market yesterday. I couldn't walk away from them.... So they were thrown into mini Lemon Cake.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p47alydN_0U/ThXTGtyIpII/AAAAAAAAALE/uFEhLpb-9qA/s1600/Rasp+%2526+black+Berry+mini+cakes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p47alydN_0U/ThXTGtyIpII/AAAAAAAAALE/uFEhLpb-9qA/s1600/Rasp+%2526+black+Berry+mini+cakes.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess my baking with berries will continue for a while until they stop selling them at the farmers market.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-80933660854756568542011-06-21T12:10:00.000-04:002011-06-21T12:10:37.425-04:00Gorgonzola Pancakes with Roasted Cherry Tomatoes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wITTAhrCKQ/TgC7TKA7hKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/AR4Yfnzq29o/s1600/Gogonzola+Pancake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wITTAhrCKQ/TgC7TKA7hKI/AAAAAAAAAKg/AR4Yfnzq29o/s1600/Gogonzola+Pancake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I sometimes put chocolate chips in my pancakes or blueberries, or nuts and bananas.... but I never cooked pancakes that are not sweet. But I was feeling experimental. So I deicide to make something different with the ingredients that I'm comfortable with. I love gorgonzola. It's my favorite cheese! Gorgonzola and red wine makes me as happy as sashimi and Sake. I know I don't need to pick but I sometimes like torture myself by asking which would I take if I can only have one for rest of my life.... It's difficult decision. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Anyway, that afternoon, even though I spent all the afternoon making Father's day cake for my father in law the day before, I was ready to work again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">*Gorgonzola Pancakes*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 cup Flour </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 teaspoon baking powder</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 egg yellow</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salt to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/3 cup Milk </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 ~1/3 cup gorgonzola cheese</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 egg white</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 tablespoon butter</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 1 > Mix flour, baking powder, egg yellow, salt together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 2 > Dissolve the cheese with milk and mix into the batter.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 3 > Whisk egg whites until it forms a peak and mix it into the batter carefully.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 4 > Melt the butter in a heated pan. Swirl the pan to coat the bottom and pour excessive butter into the batter and mix.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 5 > Cook pancakes as you would cook normal pancakes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I roasted halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil and dried oregano to accompany the pancakes. It was very nice to have sweetness and tartness of the tomatoes to balance out the bitterness and richness of the cheese. The pancake is very fluffy with the whipped egg whites. I think fig preserves will accompany this pancake very nicely, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess I was in the cooking mood this weekend. I do bake every Sunday to bring to my father in law's house as desserts. But I wanted to make something special for Father's day, so I opened the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Desserts-Pierre-Herme/dp/0316357200">book of Pierre Herme</a> even though it is a huge challenge for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJQZbis2Py8/TgDAr-E7t8I/AAAAAAAAAKs/5Q2lj-l-fdw/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-aJQZbis2Py8/TgDAr-E7t8I/AAAAAAAAAKs/5Q2lj-l-fdw/s1600/Father%2527s+Day+Cake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It took hours to make, but it was tasty. And my father in law loved it. So I was very happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-50430685196131022142011-06-13T14:30:00.001-04:002011-06-13T20:46:00.154-04:00Visiting St. Petersburg<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOqBuMW2CME/TfZN8WDRrjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/gtHQMkTKOy4/s1600/St+Pete+.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JOqBuMW2CME/TfZN8WDRrjI/AAAAAAAAAKM/gtHQMkTKOy4/s1600/St+Pete+.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When we visit my mother in law in North Florida, we sometimes drive to Orlando for theme parks. But this time, we went to St. Petersburg. I've wanted to visit St. Petersburg for long time to go to Dali Museum. I found out that Busch Garden is in Tampa which is on the way to St. Petersburg so my daughter might be able to have a fun there also.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It turned out that the rides there were too much for both of us.... and after going to very relaxing and not crowded Jacksonville zoo, it was difficult to enjoy the zoo part at the park. But I definitely enjoyed Dali Museum!!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was so lucky to visit the newly opened museum. The building itself was amazing. Dali's art was a little too much for my daughter but she enjoyed the little garden outside and his film. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We also went on a cruise to see dolphins in Tampa Bay. It was so much fun! They followed the boat that we were on and jumped right next to us. Of course we tried to take pictures of them, but it was very difficult.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCzB1trZrYo/TfZRczE5AeI/AAAAAAAAAKc/dSK1U8Supkg/s1600/Dolphine+Cruise.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XCzB1trZrYo/TfZRczE5AeI/AAAAAAAAAKc/dSK1U8Supkg/s1600/Dolphine+Cruise.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">One night, we went to eat oysters on shells. We love oysters. We had a favorite oyster bar back in Connecticut, but in East Tennessee, it is not easy to find a place to eat them. After having great dinner, we suddenly decided to go to the beach. It was too early for the sunset but the beach was surrounded by the beautiful colors.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uip4TbQ8m8/TfZN9wwNWFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/e3s5zkCii8Q/s1600/St+Pete+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4uip4TbQ8m8/TfZN9wwNWFI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/e3s5zkCii8Q/s1600/St+Pete+Beach.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We looked for pretty shells in the air that was tinted with pink and blue. It was such a nice moment. We usually don't do things spontaneously. So coming to the beach after dinner was fun. We decided to spend next afternoon at the beach.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Before going to the beach in the next afternoon, we went to a tropical garden named Sunken Garden. It was full of the plants and flowers that we weren't used to seeing. I enjoyed it much more than Bronx Botanical Garden. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znWWpncc-FE/TfZOAqV2KnI/AAAAAAAAAKU/fRfxaELlVLA/s1600/Sunken+Garden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-znWWpncc-FE/TfZOAqV2KnI/AAAAAAAAAKU/fRfxaELlVLA/s1600/Sunken+Garden.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We spent all the afternoon at the beach. Reading <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Françoise </span></span>Sagan. Taking a nap. Building sand statues. Playing with baby horseshoe Crabs. Finding more shells.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This time, I couldn't miss the sunset. So I planned to go back to the beach right on time for it. When you think about it, you can't see Sun setting on the ocean in East coast unless you are in Florida on the side of Gulf of Mexico. So it's special.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It was beautiful. That's all I can say. I loved the little trip we took. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0St Petersburg, FL, USA27.7730556 -82.63999999999998627.6379241 -82.754202499999991 27.9081871 -82.525797499999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-78751979191125553882011-06-03T09:04:00.000-04:002011-06-03T09:04:53.363-04:00From Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmzfka11Yic/TejLZb18ptI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Jt8Ls2A9hjo/s1600/Jax+Beach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Qmzfka11Yic/TejLZb18ptI/AAAAAAAAAJ8/Jt8Ls2A9hjo/s1600/Jax+Beach.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's still beginning of June but the summer vacation has started in East Tennessee. So has the remodeling for bedrooms and bathrooms. So I am away from home to my mother in law's house. We drove for 8 hours to get to North Florida. It used to take us 16 hours from Connecticut, so 8 hours is nothing comparing to that!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What a nice place to be. She lives in a beautiful house decorated really comfortably. I always loved visiting her here, but coming to North Florida was not as exciting to us when we lived in North East, but now that we live in Appalachian, it became really exciting.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FAo-Tywjbw/TejLLIg0bfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6I_WmGnBEUI/s1600/After+Sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1FAo-Tywjbw/TejLLIg0bfI/AAAAAAAAAJs/6I_WmGnBEUI/s1600/After+Sunset.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The size of the sky is significantly larger. I've developed love for the beautiful mountains surrounding us in TN, but the large sky makes me feel free. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Coming from the city 1 hour away from NYC, I didn't need to shop at all when I came here before except for outlet malls near by. But now that I don't have Anthropologie, William Sonoma, Apple Store, Sephora and Wholefoods in driving distance, there are a lot to look forward to. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Moreover, we had beaches in CT and Jones beach in Long Island was an hour and half away from where we lived. But of course there is no beach we can go as a day trip in the mountains. So being able to pack light to just play for a few hours at the beach has become luxury. We did that yesterday and the ocean was so warm. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The biggest thing we miss about North East is the diversity of food. Although the lots of different kinds of food have become available comparing to even 5 years ago in East Tennessee, it's not like NYC that has so many people from different cultures bringing their authentic cooking and ingredients. Not many place in US can compete with NYC on that, I'm sure. But Jacksonville has a lot more to offer comparing to East TN. So we are taking advantage on that. We found a nice Korean restaurant run by Korean people. I just love Kimchee!! I feel right at home when I eat really good Japanese. (I must say that doesn't happen often in the States.... once a while in NYC) Korean food makes me feel very similar to that. I don't know why. I didn't grow up eating Korean food. It is also spicy and the Japanese food is not. But there is some similarities in use of vegetables, fermented products, how the rice is eaten with meat or fish, and broth that they use for soup, etc.... So I felt so happy, almost home sick eating tofu and seafood soup, kimchee and white rice.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We always enjoy eating great fruits when we visited FL. I had berry salad for breakfast for last 3 days with greek yogurt. It's so simple and nice. I put 2 cups of different berries and 1 table spoon of tupelo honey and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-v_yDscox8/TejLQ4BoRnI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/5GgANcCTYNQ/s1600/Berry+Salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g-v_yDscox8/TejLQ4BoRnI/AAAAAAAAAJ0/5GgANcCTYNQ/s1600/Berry+Salad.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love eating fruits for breakfast. The colors of red berries opens my eyes. The tartness of them stimulates my mind. The sweetness of them makes me happy. I'm ready for the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Last night we had a dinner here. I made a crab salad with mango and avocado, and my sister-in-law (J's brother's wife) brought a home made herb quiche. My mother-in-law was very happy to have 2 daughters in law cooking for her. I guess next thing she should look forward to is her grand daughter preparing a nice meal for her. I need to get busy teaching my daughter how to cook.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There were a lot of berries so I made a rolled cake for desert.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mn5lzqytZ9A/TejL0q2bKiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Y1EMnxjuwsA/s1600/Berry+Rolled+Cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mn5lzqytZ9A/TejL0q2bKiI/AAAAAAAAAKA/Y1EMnxjuwsA/s1600/Berry+Rolled+Cake.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I don't have a standing mixer at home. I don't even have a hand held mixer either. So when I bake roll cakes, I usually use a whisk. I don't mind spending 20 minutes trying to make the egg white stiff.... But it was so much easier to use my mother-in-law's standing mixer!! I hate to give in to modern technology too much, but this is tempting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O-WmlUVO7Q/TejLVVlhUVI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-33AwjwMaR4/s1600/FL+5-31.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--O-WmlUVO7Q/TejLVVlhUVI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/-33AwjwMaR4/s1600/FL+5-31.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's so beautiful to be here. So relaxing. Drinking tea in the air-conditioned room with plenty of sun with the cooking book that I wanted to read. Chasing my mother-in-law's cat. Going out with a hand weaved basket. Watching my daughter swimming like a mermaid. It's so peaceful.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-60803632694446602232011-05-26T08:51:00.000-04:002011-05-26T08:51:27.147-04:00Ricotta vs. Béchamel Sauce for Lasagna<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzVmfVWWSgU/Td496J2JTgI/AAAAAAAAAJc/L3DZgohXM7M/s1600/Lasagna+top.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TzVmfVWWSgU/Td496J2JTgI/AAAAAAAAAJc/L3DZgohXM7M/s1600/Lasagna+top.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I didn't have an oven when I was in Japan. It doesn't come with a stove like in USA. So I was so excited to have one in the tiny tiny studio apartment in NYC. I had a good recipe for meat sauce so I knew that would make great lasagna. Since all the lasagna I had in the States were layered with ricotta cheese, I started to make it with ricotta. I liked it, and J liked it. I vaguely remembered that lasagna I had in Italian restaurants in Tokyo were usually made with béchamel sauce, but I thought that it was because it's hard to get ricotta cheese in Japan. But as I lived in USA, I found that Italian cooking books suggest béchamel sauce for lasagna. But using ricotta is so much easier. You just have to go to store for it whereas you have to MAKE béchamel sauce. So once a while I made lasagna with béchamel sauce when I feel like working hard. J said it tasted different. Not bad, but not same. I didn't quite like the reaction, so I continued cooking with ricotta.</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But One day, I realized that the milk gravy that is used for southern fried chicken is basically béchamel sauce. I am not sure why fried food has to be smothered with butter, milk and flour, but it tastes good and J likes food like that, so I made fried chicken with milk gravy. </div><div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqmqlu3K9Ng/Td5BMtk1KJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2-4LYUmFk38/s1600/Fried+Chicken+w%253AGravy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oqmqlu3K9Ng/Td5BMtk1KJI/AAAAAAAAAJk/2-4LYUmFk38/s1600/Fried+Chicken+w%253AGravy.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And there was left over milk gravy a.k.a. béchamel sauce in the pan. I had all the ingredients to make Lasagna next day. So I decide to make 2 kinds of lasagna to compare the taste.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYjZ7YwhOw/Td499DsWpFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/-cSh3ux2pnw/s1600/Lasagna+x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AjYjZ7YwhOw/Td499DsWpFI/AAAAAAAAAJg/-cSh3ux2pnw/s1600/Lasagna+x2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We definitely preferred the one with béchamel sauce. It brings the taste of meat forward whereas the ricotta is watering down (or ricottaing down?) the taste of the meat. I was wondering béchamel sauce will be too rich, but, no, it compliments the tanginess of tomato sauce and evens out the complexity of vegetables while the taste of ground beef and liver is brought to spotlights. It was perfect.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I guess I will make lasagna with béchamel sauce now on. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I finally started to sew something other than curtains. It is so nice to sew in my own sewing room. I'm making a dress for my daughter to wear for wedding next month. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2fgPFm-MX8/Td5KFeJY33I/AAAAAAAAAJo/isqlQbuPwkU/s1600/Anna%2527s+Dress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2fgPFm-MX8/Td5KFeJY33I/AAAAAAAAAJo/isqlQbuPwkU/s1600/Anna%2527s+Dress.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">12 years old is not easy to make a dress for. It can't be too cute, but it can't be too adult. Such a complex age.... The last bit of childhood is still there. As much as I hope her to grow up, I will probably miss it when it is gone.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-1327435818103435542011-05-20T08:59:00.001-04:002011-05-26T07:45:10.978-04:00Spring is here and so are the Farmers Markets<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5JOl8kxtkE/TdZaL15_FUI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/JEeiDwRU0-I/s1600/Fresh+Tomato+Pasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-P5JOl8kxtkE/TdZaL15_FUI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/JEeiDwRU0-I/s1600/Fresh+Tomato+Pasta.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The farmer's markets in my area are finally opened. I am so happy! Even though the scale of the markets are much smaller compared to Union Square Farmer's Market, there are lots of nice local produces. And each town has their own market, so I can visit different ones easily and that's fun, too.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Tomatoes are very reasonable at the market and the wether is getting warm, so I decided to make fresh tomato pasta one day. This recipe is adapted form the cook book written by Sophia Loren, the Italian actress, which was translated to Japanese and published in 74. My parents must have bought it when it came out. It is really a precious cooking book for me. Same version translated in English is published in 98 as " <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Sophia-Lorens-Recipes-Memories-Loren/dp/1577193679">Sophia Loren's Recipes and Memories</a>". The English version has more pictures of the actress and nicely styled food photos, but the Japanese one has more recipes. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">* Fresh Tomato Pasta (For 4)*</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 large tomatoes</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">10 green olives</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">3 teaspoon capers</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/2 small onion</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A bunch of parsley</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">2 cloves garlic</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">1 table spoon oregano</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Salt and pepper to taste</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 1 > Chop tomatoes to bite size. Chop olives and capers to small pieces. Mince onion and parsley. Crash garlic with the blade of large knife so the extract will seep out. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 2 > Put everything together and keep it in the refrigerator for at least 12 hours. (It will keep 1-2 days).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">< 3 > Just boil the pasta to al dente and pour the tomato sauce over and serve. Don't forget to take out the garlic cloves.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I always feel like that I should put fresh squeezed lemon juice in when I'm putting all the ingredients together, but it is not called for. The tartness from olive and caper is enough, yet more gentle than lemon juice so the sweetness of the tomato stands out more.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Don't press garlic through a garlic press. The juice comes out from the crashed cloves is just right amount of garlic taste. More than that will be overbearing. A slight garlic taste is more suited for this dish. I have to admit that even though I'm a garlic lover.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This pasta makes me feel like it is finally spring. It was nice weekend lunch. Although we had a cold spell this week. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The strawberries are in season right now, too. I found a gallon of them for $10. That is a lot of strawberries and we ate them in many ways.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberries with pancakes, strawberry mojito, strawberry and grapefruits sorbet, strawberry roll cake, strawberry and rhubarb pie..... They were all very enjoyable. Simple strawberry sorbet is in my freezer right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Other thing that I must write is these donuts at the Farmer's Market. These donuts are very famous in this area. Mennonites fry them and glaze them right in front of your eyes. I am not a big donut fan. Not a even small fan either. I only eat them every 3 to 5 years. I love sweets like tarts and cakes, but I was never attracted to donuts. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irr-Pz56sEQ/TdZaUUPAu-I/AAAAAAAAAJU/nDTQ24YGVGU/s1600/Donut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-irr-Pz56sEQ/TdZaUUPAu-I/AAAAAAAAAJU/nDTQ24YGVGU/s1600/Donut.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There is always a long line of people trying to buy these donuts. The first time I saw it, I though: they are probably good, but I definitely wouldn't stay in the line for 20 minutes to get something like donuts! But J sent me for them one day because he ate it at his office and it was very good. The day, the market was not too crowded because it was early and drizzling a little, so I stayed in line for 5 minutes.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">These donuts are not donuts that I knew. It's fluffy, light, not greasy, not too sweet, has nice aroma of vanilla, so simple. They are the best donuts I've ever eaten.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn1SUalwRnY/TdZaXOGIpTI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Q1Wqy0YqOw4/s1600/Donuts+x2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dn1SUalwRnY/TdZaXOGIpTI/AAAAAAAAAJY/Q1Wqy0YqOw4/s1600/Donuts+x2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Now that I know that they are the donuts form heaven, I must fight the urge to stay in the line every time I go get fresh vegetables.... It is spring now and summer is around the corner. I can't put on weight right now.</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-42029852546219177772011-05-04T12:00:00.000-04:002011-05-04T12:00:10.198-04:00Financiers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SesbM2lAdas/TcFxNj3qiuI/AAAAAAAAAJI/c8dWPMvZR-s/s1600/FINANCIERS+4-22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SesbM2lAdas/TcFxNj3qiuI/AAAAAAAAAJI/c8dWPMvZR-s/s1600/FINANCIERS+4-22.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I became addicted to come up with ideas for Financiers. I guess I had never thought of using powder made of nuts until I started to making Financiers. I love varying the nuts and adding different flavor to it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">From left top to right bottom : Walnut and brown sugar with tiny bit of soy sauce .... tribute to Japanese sweets, Kurumi-Yubeshi.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Green tea Financier and basic financiers with chocolate shavings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Basic financiers with chocolate chips.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Hazel nut and chocolate financiers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Earl Grey Financiers with rose pedals.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pecan financiers with chocolate swirl.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Strawberry financiers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Pecan financiers with chocolate shavings.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Chocolate financiers with raspberries.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I love using walnuts and pecans! Hazel nut is great with chocolate. Cashew and coconut flake make financier more tropical. There are so many ingredients to experiment with... It's sometimes far from financiers. Shall I call them nut cakes? </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-65718689306881451362011-04-27T16:26:00.001-04:002011-04-27T16:28:38.428-04:00My RoomI didn't have my own room until 18 since my parents and I lived in a small apartment in Tokyo. I finally got a room all to myself when we moved to bigger apartment. But I left the apartment 3 years after to a even smaller studio apartment in NYC with J. After that, we moved to lots of places but I never had a room to myself. I had a work space.... but it was shared with a bed room, office or dinning. So this is so nice to have my own room even it's a tiny little space. I can't make this room anything other than sewing room because of its size, but to be able to make the room to my taste is wonderful!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhYmeLHfFCQ/Tbh5uEjapiI/AAAAAAAAAJA/zNpjE5nuatI/s1600/My+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DhYmeLHfFCQ/Tbh5uEjapiI/AAAAAAAAAJA/zNpjE5nuatI/s1600/My+Room.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">After putting the room together, I realized how much I missed sewing. I couldn't open the boxes full of my things because of the renovations. So I practically didn't have them around for over 6 months after we moved in. I am not sure if I could work as a designer or seamstress like when I was in CT, but I do really hope to use this room a lot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I loved making something pretty.... and I will do that again!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qrgm6_PpaQ/Tbh739Gh24I/AAAAAAAAAJE/mR_psaleN6A/s1600/Blue+Tutu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_Qrgm6_PpaQ/Tbh739Gh24I/AAAAAAAAAJE/mR_psaleN6A/s1600/Blue+Tutu.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-68971214710985052542011-04-22T17:45:00.001-04:002011-04-22T19:38:36.400-04:00Busy April<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ4eLRshUSc/TbHzqMmKRBI/AAAAAAAAAI8/CPhrGnPgXGg/s1600/Dogwood.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YQ4eLRshUSc/TbHzqMmKRBI/AAAAAAAAAI8/CPhrGnPgXGg/s1600/Dogwood.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's been very busy in this April. Finally the 2nd floor is done. So it is ready to be painted....by us. It's not a small space so it takes long time and a big effort to paint. We finished J's room and my sewing room, but hallway and staircase are yet to be painted.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1ilEc-Y9UI/TbHzkBzKMhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/jd7J3gZ-qYA/s1600/Painted+Room.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x1ilEc-Y9UI/TbHzkBzKMhI/AAAAAAAAAI0/jd7J3gZ-qYA/s1600/Painted+Room.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But it feels like spring now. The dogwoods are beautiful outside of our house. I enjoyed Magnolia and Cherry trees and now, Dogwoods are beautiful all over the town.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qoCrZsKFpY4/TbHzmjBTUII/AAAAAAAAAI4/-Gs8pnY0qGw/s1600/Dogwood+x3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qoCrZsKFpY4/TbHzmjBTUII/AAAAAAAAAI4/-Gs8pnY0qGw/s1600/Dogwood+x3.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We have white and pale pink ones in front of the house. I don't remember seeing them so much in NY area. I like flowers that are not too fancy. That's why Cherry Blossoms and Dogwoods make me so happy.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We got busy because of our new dog. In addition to our 2 cats, we now have a Australian Shepherd puppy named Rosco.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjNq6s4hue4/TbHzhRlpgfI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9nTQyUwFfOQ/s1600/Rosco+4%253A11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MjNq6s4hue4/TbHzhRlpgfI/AAAAAAAAAIw/9nTQyUwFfOQ/s1600/Rosco+4%253A11.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He is yet to be 4 months old but twice bigger than the cat. He will be twice bigger than how big he is now. I never had a dog and I am not used to a big ones, so it is almost scary to see how fast he grows. He is sweet and funny, but makes me crazy with the toilet training. My daughter was much easier on the regard.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm missing time to bake this month.... Cooking became a choir because I'm so busy painting and moving things up stairs.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I hope things settle down a little bit so I can enjoy working in my kitchen again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1128536292501595714.post-60134816776601424152011-04-05T21:17:00.000-04:002011-04-05T21:17:43.493-04:00Southern Cooking and Sweets Cooked in March<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dX-wM30JL4/TZu1fBykA8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/XxbyKL22Or0/s1600/biscuits+2-26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7dX-wM30JL4/TZu1fBykA8I/AAAAAAAAAIU/XxbyKL22Or0/s1600/biscuits+2-26.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I am interested in lots of kind of food. When people ask me what I usually cook, it is very hard to answer. I do cook Japanese naturally, but now that I'm living in TN, it's not easy to accomplish. I also cook other Asian dishes.... Chinese, Korean Thai, Vietnamese. But usually, I cook with more common ingredients so Italian and French influenced dishes appear a lot on the table. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">When I lived in Connecticut, my friends and I sometimes pick a town to visit in NY based on what kind of restaurants and stores available there. We visited Bronx for Italian food, Brighton Beach for Russian, Astoria for Greek, etc... When I have a chance to eat something that is from different culture, I am so happy to try it.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Nevertheless, I never liked Southern food that much even though my husband J is from Appalachia. I guess the richness of frying food is not too appealing to me.... I know J wanted me to learn to cook good Southern food, but I didn't really take it seriously.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">But one day, I baked biscuits. J says that it's not supposed to be sweet like the ones in North. I got the recipe that is not sweet and tried it. It came out pretty tasty. Even my daughter who never liked biscuits like it a lot. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I baked cornbread other time since J wants to cut down gluten intake, I thought I'd give a try to bake cornbread with only corn meal. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihaBk4PDRdQ/TZu1j8SsL1I/AAAAAAAAAIc/XuSrhHVMmCY/s1600/Cornbread2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ihaBk4PDRdQ/TZu1j8SsL1I/AAAAAAAAAIc/XuSrhHVMmCY/s1600/Cornbread2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">He also said that cornbread shouldn't be sweet like the ones in North. So he liked my cornbread that didn't have any sugar in it. It was fun baking in a pre-heated cast iron pan!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Somehow, now I am more open to cook southern food. I am not a big fan of frying food, but I can certainly try to make some recipes less rich to suit my taste. I think visiting Asheville was good for me in the regard. I don't get to eat southern food in my town because it's not a tourists place so there is not much of Southern restaurants. But place like Asheville has interesting Southern food. More modernized, more healthy, more trendy.... Looking at them made me interested in it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p38Co-5ptPs/TZu75XGdDaI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Ky_-fUhhXQA/s1600/Fried+Tomat+%2526+Grits+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p38Co-5ptPs/TZu75XGdDaI/AAAAAAAAAIo/Ky_-fUhhXQA/s1600/Fried+Tomat+%2526+Grits+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span id="goog_393494845"></span><span id="goog_393494846"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Grits is one of the thing I picked up there. It's practically Polenta... I can put different kind of cheese in it. I love it with fried green tomatoes! It's not a heavy combination especially if I cook tomatoes in a little bi of olive oil.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There are lots to learn .... But it at least started. It's too bad I don't have hard core Southern relatives around me to teach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">It's already April. It was so warm yesterday. But it went back several step today and I was wearing my coat this morning. I hope to put it away soon.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9IB-Pky9CA/TZu-et0CViI/AAAAAAAAAIs/a1aop3SkeeU/s1600/Sweets+March+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k9IB-Pky9CA/TZu-et0CViI/AAAAAAAAAIs/a1aop3SkeeU/s1600/Sweets+March+2011.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">So in March, I made these sweets. I hope to try something new in April...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>Rimahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11474169164283951241noreply@blogger.com0