Looking at the sunny photo alone in this suburb of Chicago, you will be deceived how good weather it is. So sunny, yet the temperature is freezing cold.
I was talking to a staff in the hotel I'm staying, he told me I should try the cold in upstate NY. Military in Alaska go their to have extreme coldness training. He was trained in the military at -40 degree F. One night, his friend was trying to pour hot coffee on him, but the coffee turned into beautiful black flakes befor they even hit him. They decided to make a few more cup of flakes. Maybe I should try that next time.
I did something great just now. I actually ate a whole golden fresh apple without my teeth feeling horrible. This is the first for many many years. I might try to buy these golden apples in the future if I want the good taste of apple.
Still, my dislike towards cilantro, century, colored contact lense, unfriendly people and boastful men still remain the same.
I am so grateful with my life now. Yes, the Hubby is 2000 miles away from me, but we can always be connected easily with a 4 hr non-stop fly. He will be coming here in two weeks time.
Work is coming to the end of 3rd week. Busy tend to make time goes by fast. Sooner, it will be September. Ah... the lovely September. A beautiful start of a fall season that will make little kitty feels so at ease. Great season to enjoy delicious mutton and yummy fish. With a nice glass of wine. Laying warmly on my heated floor. Pure bliss.
Home is 8500 miles away, but Skype has been able to connect hearts that are far far away, amazing isn't it? Mom had her birthday on March 30. All I need to do is to dial my Skype, and there she was at the other end, sounding as though just beside me, hearing me saying to her with a smile, "Happy birthday, mommy!" I was grateful for the warm and kind-hearted one to send my birthday cake to her.
Last year, she told me nobody gave her a birthday cake. It made me sad to hear that. It's ok if she has more than one birthday cake this year, I just want to give her mine. ^_^ In exchange, KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. Deal?
Okay, I hope my post is not too confusing. Winter is still around, my mind needs spring to wake me up.
XOXO, Fish Fish
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Kamis, 31 Maret 2011
Travel Photo of the Day: Temple Prayers and Offerings, Bangkok, Thailand
In Feb. 2004, I visited Thailand for the first time and was blown away by the beauty, the history, the scents (a mix of jasmine, incense and spice), the delicious food, the kind and friendly people, the incredible sights and the underlying sense of serenity, even in a frenetic city like Bangkok. The temples are a perfect example of this interesting mix. Filled with curious tourists, bustling tour guides and frantically snapping cameras, the temples are also a haven for the devoted Buddhists of the city, who seem not to be disturbed in their prayers by the buzz of activity that surrounds them.
Wat Pho (pronounced what-po; "wat" is Thai for "temple"), is the largest temple in Bangkok and the most visited as it houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world (46 meters or 150 feet in length and covered completely in gold leaf) as well as a popular Thai massage school, where students practice their skills on tired, grateful travelers at a reduced rate; massage classes are also offered to foreigners. The temple is vast and filled with breathtaking religious art and sculptures and can be overwhelming, but English-speaking guides are available and well worth the small fee. There are also palm readers, astrologers and Buddhist monks, who for a small donation, will provide a blessing for safe travel and a happy life.
Travel Photo of the Day: Temple Prayers and Offerings, Bangkok, Thailand
In Feb. 2004, I visited Thailand for the first time and was blown away by the beauty, the history, the scents (a mix of jasmine, incense and spice), the delicious food, the kind and friendly people, the incredible sights and the underlying sense of serenity, even in a frenetic city like Bangkok. The temples are a perfect example of this interesting mix. Filled with curious tourists, bustling tour guides and frantically snapping cameras, the temples are also a haven for the devoted Buddhists of the city, who seem not to be disturbed in their prayers by the buzz of activity that surrounds them.
Wat Pho (pronounced what-po; "wat" is Thai for "temple"), is the largest temple in Bangkok and the most visited as it houses the largest reclining Buddha in the world (46 meters or 150 feet in length and covered completely in gold leaf) as well as a popular Thai massage school, where students practice their skills on tired, grateful travelers at a reduced rate; massage classes are also offered to foreigners. The temple is vast and filled with breathtaking religious art and sculptures and can be overwhelming, but English-speaking guides are available and well worth the small fee. There are also palm readers, astrologers and Buddhist monks, who for a small donation, will provide a blessing for safe travel and a happy life.
Selasa, 29 Maret 2011
The Royal Wedding
Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
The Royal Wedding
Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
The Royal Wedding
Somehow I started reading about Royal Wedding food themes. The L.A. Times Daily Dish blog reports that 10,000 canapes will be served, and offers recipes in case you want to have a party to celebrate the wedding. Their recipes are amazing -- flavors from many, many cultures. Probably better than the real thing. Making all 22 of them would require a nearly regal kitchen brigade, I bet, though a few of them could make a nice party.
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
CNN has a general report on wedding events and trends, such as the Dunkin Donuts limited-edition Royal Wedding donut available only from April 24-29. Also a description of the "groom's cake" to be served alongside the couple's official wedding cake. This will be made from McVittie's Rich Tea biscuits. And for a complete discussion and history of Rich Tea biscuits -- "invented in the 17th century for the upper classes as light snack between meals and impregnating the scullery maids" -- see this at the Guardian.
What a coincidence: I have been eating Rich Tea biscuits (though the wrong brand) for a couple of weeks -- I bought them at a grocery store when we were in Ireland. In fact, in Northern Ireland, so they really came from the English realm! I can report that they are not as sweet as American cookies -- in fact, a little tasteless compared to say, Girl Scout cookies. But there you are. The Royal Groom's Cake will contain 1700 of them, as attested by this photo, supposedly:
The best Royal Wedding Kitchen Item is a Royal Wedding Refrigerator (it's a joke from here: What’s not to like?):
Roasted Garlic Hummus
I made homemade roasted garlic hummus. It's really easy to prepare and make. Now I don't have to buy hummus anymore!
Ingredients: Roasted Garlic, Chickpeas, Lemon, Tahini, Olive Oil, Salt, Paprika
Served with Savory Mini Edamame Crackers from Trader Joe's.
Roasted Garlic Hummus
I made homemade roasted garlic hummus. It's really easy to prepare and make. Now I don't have to buy hummus anymore!
Ingredients: Roasted Garlic, Chickpeas, Lemon, Tahini, Olive Oil, Salt, Paprika
Served with Savory Mini Edamame Crackers from Trader Joe's.
Minggu, 27 Maret 2011
To do list
Moving to a new city, even for only one person, is not as easy as I thought.
Emotionally, I have to prepare for everything new and unfamiliar. Which is not too bad.
Job load keeps getting more and more. Which is not too bad too, if I get to finish them faster. I do know, next week I'll need to do a lot of OT at home.
These two days, have been very busy days for me to do shopping for things I need, since I'll be moving into my apartment next Saturday. I just got the key this afternoon. Yeah!
Have been looking at all the furniture, and make note of every single one that I want, but I'll wait until when the hubby comes, to decide if those are the good choice.
Today, I went to buy my bicycle and mattress. Also, yesterday night I signed up for my internet and TV services. These three things will enable me to go to work with no problem, sleep very soundly at night and connecting with my loved ones at home early morning and late night.
Yes, I opted for riding a bicycle to work for the two weeks while waiting for my own car to finally arrive, because I figure renting a car for another two weeks really not economically wise. My apartment is just 1.1 mile away from my work place, and riding a bicycle will be a piece of cake for me. I can even walk to work during a good weather day. So yes, once I return my car this Saturday, I'll start my 2 weeks commute to work on my beautiful white and olive bicycle, which I paid $513. My most expensive investment on a bicycle to date. Hah!! Well, if compared to my extremist friend who spend thousands on a bike, my case is considered mild. :P
Another very heavy investment, my lovely bed! Oolala~~~ My most expensive mattress to date! But I want a good bed, so that I get very good sleep and well rested for the next day. No head board.
The Hubby complained I put too much investment on these two items, but hey, I depend on them for my work efficiency and performance, definitely a worthwhile investment for me.
Signed up with AT&T for my internet and TV. But I'll stick with my prepaid phone for now. I rather put my $85 per month on saving and car payment.
Oh yes, my car, that will be my most expensive investment among all the new things I have bought or going to buy. The reveal shall leave until it is delivered to me. I am sooooo excited even thinking about it.
What else? We have fitness center in the company, so I can scratch my expenditure on that every month. I got a Sony MP3 with 8 GB from Amazon, only $60, I consider it a smart investment.
Ah... I feel really good planning for my finance plan now. Once everything is settled down, I'll be my own accountant and try to maximize my monthly saving if possible. It is never too early to save more for your old days.
Hehe... that's my report about my to do list.
Till next time. I hope can show you guys my new apartment soon!
XOXO, Fish Fish
Emotionally, I have to prepare for everything new and unfamiliar. Which is not too bad.
Job load keeps getting more and more. Which is not too bad too, if I get to finish them faster. I do know, next week I'll need to do a lot of OT at home.
These two days, have been very busy days for me to do shopping for things I need, since I'll be moving into my apartment next Saturday. I just got the key this afternoon. Yeah!
Have been looking at all the furniture, and make note of every single one that I want, but I'll wait until when the hubby comes, to decide if those are the good choice.
Today, I went to buy my bicycle and mattress. Also, yesterday night I signed up for my internet and TV services. These three things will enable me to go to work with no problem, sleep very soundly at night and connecting with my loved ones at home early morning and late night.
Yes, I opted for riding a bicycle to work for the two weeks while waiting for my own car to finally arrive, because I figure renting a car for another two weeks really not economically wise. My apartment is just 1.1 mile away from my work place, and riding a bicycle will be a piece of cake for me. I can even walk to work during a good weather day. So yes, once I return my car this Saturday, I'll start my 2 weeks commute to work on my beautiful white and olive bicycle, which I paid $513. My most expensive investment on a bicycle to date. Hah!! Well, if compared to my extremist friend who spend thousands on a bike, my case is considered mild. :P
Another very heavy investment, my lovely bed! Oolala~~~ My most expensive mattress to date! But I want a good bed, so that I get very good sleep and well rested for the next day. No head board.
The Hubby complained I put too much investment on these two items, but hey, I depend on them for my work efficiency and performance, definitely a worthwhile investment for me.
Signed up with AT&T for my internet and TV. But I'll stick with my prepaid phone for now. I rather put my $85 per month on saving and car payment.
Oh yes, my car, that will be my most expensive investment among all the new things I have bought or going to buy. The reveal shall leave until it is delivered to me. I am sooooo excited even thinking about it.
What else? We have fitness center in the company, so I can scratch my expenditure on that every month. I got a Sony MP3 with 8 GB from Amazon, only $60, I consider it a smart investment.
Ah... I feel really good planning for my finance plan now. Once everything is settled down, I'll be my own accountant and try to maximize my monthly saving if possible. It is never too early to save more for your old days.
Hehe... that's my report about my to do list.
Till next time. I hope can show you guys my new apartment soon!
XOXO, Fish Fish
E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit
Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit
Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
E-Yah, the Hungry Spirit
Today at the Detroit Institute of Arts we encountered E-yah, the spirit of gluttony. E-yah, an insatiably hungry spirit, appears as a tiny head on enormous wooden bowls like the two in the photos we took. These bowls were filled to the brim with food and offered up at feasts held by "an elite group of spiritual leaders of the Yankton Sioux nation in South Dakota." Ability to eat enormous quantities of food indicated a sign of spiritual power, according to the documentation (which you can see by clicking on the image).
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
I searched for more legends of this god and found a tale about a man on a journey who returned "looking like a specter. ... The poor fellow, delirious with hunger, fancied himself engaged in mortal combat with Eyah, the god of famine, who has a mouth extending from ear to ear. Wherever he goes there is famine, for he swallows all that he sees, even whole nations! The legend has it that Eyah fears nothing but the jingling of metal." From Old Indian Days by Charles Alexander Eastman.
A god of gluttony or famine who presides over feasts and swallows whole nations? Fascinating. Obviously the product of a very different set of experiences than that of us modern feast-or-diet humans.
Deal of the Day! Fairmont Afternoon Tea
Fantastic Deal of the Day! $72 voucher for $36 for Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
http://www.dealfind.com
Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!
I went last time, and it was fantastic. The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme. The tea I had was delicious as well. It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory. I must go back soon and I will!
I will post pics after my visit!
:)
http://www.dealfind.com
Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!
I went last time, and it was fantastic. The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme. The tea I had was delicious as well. It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory. I must go back soon and I will!
I will post pics after my visit!
:)
Deal of the Day! Fairmont Afternoon Tea
Fantastic Deal of the Day! $72 voucher for $36 for Afternoon Tea at Fairmont Hotel Vancouver.
http://www.dealfind.com
Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!
I went last time, and it was fantastic. The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme. The tea I had was delicious as well. It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory. I must go back soon and I will!
I will post pics after my visit!
:)
http://www.dealfind.com
Usually I find that high tea is very expensive, but when you find a deal that is two for one, how can you pass it up? You just can't!
I went last time, and it was fantastic. The scones were served warm and fresh, they tasted great with jam and devonshire creme. The tea I had was delicious as well. It was a lavender + earl grey combination, I forgot the name of the tea, and the flavors of the tea's slowly fading away from my memory. I must go back soon and I will!
I will post pics after my visit!
:)
Sabtu, 26 Maret 2011
Travel Photo of the Day: Colorful Flags, Ubud, Bali
In January 2004, I stopped over in Bali, en route from Thailand to Australia. Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia (92.3% of the island's residents follow Hinuduism, as opposed to the rest of Indonesia, which is primarily Muslim). Bali is famous for its arts, its beaches, its lush rice paddies and its music and culture. Not being much of a beach bunny, I decided to stay in the center of the island in Ubud, the artist's colony of Bali. Ubud is very different than the packed party beaches of Kuta and Legian. The atmosphere is more tranquil, the scenery greener and the people much more laid back. Several times a day, the Balinese place small woven baskets filled with leaves and flowers such as jasmine and frangipani on the sidewalk or steps of their homes and businesses. The baskets are meant as offerings to Hindu gods and ancestors and are constantly refreshed; as a result, the air is always filled with a beautiful floral scent.
The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word for medicine "ubad" since the town was originally a source of medicinal herbs and plants. Most of the ancient health and healing arts are still practiced today and are a mixture of religion and traditional medicine. When Europeans started to arrive, the town developed a thriving artist community which continues today. Ubud is also home to the famous Ubud Monkey Forest with its Hindu temple, where 340 Crab-eating Macaques live freely. Take care when visiting the reserve though; the monkeys are incorrigible thieves (their favorite items are tourists' sunglasses and hats) and trouble-makers who like to frighten visitors by baring their teeth, yelling at the top of their lungs and jumping on people from trees.
Travel Photo of the Day: Colorful Flags, Ubud, Bali
In January 2004, I stopped over in Bali, en route from Thailand to Australia. Bali is the only Hindu island of Indonesia (92.3% of the island's residents follow Hinuduism, as opposed to the rest of Indonesia, which is primarily Muslim). Bali is famous for its arts, its beaches, its lush rice paddies and its music and culture. Not being much of a beach bunny, I decided to stay in the center of the island in Ubud, the artist's colony of Bali. Ubud is very different than the packed party beaches of Kuta and Legian. The atmosphere is more tranquil, the scenery greener and the people much more laid back. Several times a day, the Balinese place small woven baskets filled with leaves and flowers such as jasmine and frangipani on the sidewalk or steps of their homes and businesses. The baskets are meant as offerings to Hindu gods and ancestors and are constantly refreshed; as a result, the air is always filled with a beautiful floral scent.
The name Ubud comes from the Balinese word for medicine "ubad" since the town was originally a source of medicinal herbs and plants. Most of the ancient health and healing arts are still practiced today and are a mixture of religion and traditional medicine. When Europeans started to arrive, the town developed a thriving artist community which continues today. Ubud is also home to the famous Ubud Monkey Forest with its Hindu temple, where 340 Crab-eating Macaques live freely. Take care when visiting the reserve though; the monkeys are incorrigible thieves (their favorite items are tourists' sunglasses and hats) and trouble-makers who like to frighten visitors by baring their teeth, yelling at the top of their lungs and jumping on people from trees.
Kamis, 24 Maret 2011
Quinoa with Kale
Decided to cook some Quinoa because I felt like eating something healthy. Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein! So if you wanted to give meat a break, you can just snack on some Quinoa.
To cook the Quinoa you need to wash the dried Quinoa, to remove the bitter-tasting saponins.
Quinoa and Kale (reddish-green kale)
I decided to make some Quinoa with Sauteed onions and Kale. I cooked the Quinoa (1 cup of Quinoa with 2 cups of water). Then I sauteed the onions till they were well cooked, then sauteed the kale. Afterwards I mixed the cooked Quinoa with the Kale and Onion, and drizzled some olive oil. I added some salt and pepper for taste. Oh, I threw in some cilantro's too.
Go ahead, try cooking some Quinoa!
Quinoa with Kale
Decided to cook some Quinoa because I felt like eating something healthy. Quinoa is a fantastic source of protein! So if you wanted to give meat a break, you can just snack on some Quinoa.
To cook the Quinoa you need to wash the dried Quinoa, to remove the bitter-tasting saponins.
Quinoa and Kale (reddish-green kale)
I decided to make some Quinoa with Sauteed onions and Kale. I cooked the Quinoa (1 cup of Quinoa with 2 cups of water). Then I sauteed the onions till they were well cooked, then sauteed the kale. Afterwards I mixed the cooked Quinoa with the Kale and Onion, and drizzled some olive oil. I added some salt and pepper for taste. Oh, I threw in some cilantro's too.
Go ahead, try cooking some Quinoa!
New Recipe for Frittata
For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:
3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)
Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.
Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:
New Recipe for Frittata
For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:
3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)
Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.
Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:
New Recipe for Frittata
For 2 to 4 servings, depending on what else you are eating:
3 or 4 eggs
1 or 2 egg whites
1 to 2 cups chopped cooked broccoli
2 roasted peppers from a jar, cut in dice
Salt
1/4 to 1/2 tsp. smoked Spanish paprika or other paprika
1 Tb. butter
4 to 6 slices ham (one oz. slices), cut up
3 to 4 oz shredded cheese (like KerryGold Irish cheese or cheddar)
Beat eggs with salt & paprika; add broccoli and peppers. Melt butter in large oven-proof frying pan and add ham; cook briefly on high. Add egg mixture, turn heat to low, cover, and cook 5 minutes. Meanwhile, preheat the broiler.
After the eggs are cooked but not entirely set, sprinkle with the cheese (which can be mixed with another 1/4 tsp. of paprika). Place under broiler as illustrated above, and cook until cheese is brown and bubbly. Watch carefully so it doesn't burn -- it takes around 5 minutes.
Allow the fritatta to set for a few minutes, cut in quarters, and serve:
Rabu, 23 Maret 2011
A Beautiful Plate
Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)
Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:
A Beautiful Plate
Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)
Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:
A Beautiful Plate
Evelyn made me this beautiful ceramic plate, which I am using for the first time. The salad is apples, fennel, walnuts, and lemon vinaigrette, inspired by an item on the menu where we ate tapas. (We didn't order this one, I was inspired by the description only.)
Another view of the plate, this time with cheese-filled (though leaking) meatballs:
Senin, 21 Maret 2011
Lin Chinese Cuisine
"Delicious" and "Tasty" is probably the best two words to describe the food at Lin Chinese Cuisine. I am a big fan both the Xiao Long Bao, Honey Prawns, and Beijing Style Meat Cakes. The flavors are remarkable!
Xiao Long Bao - These delicate dumplings are filled deliciousness! They were very juicy as well.
Beijing Style Meat Cake - These meat cakes were pan fried. They had a somewhat doughy texture. These were very juicy as well.
Hot and Sour Soup
Honey Prawns - Deep fried, crunchy prawns, smothered delicious honey sauce.
Smoked Duck
Shanghai Style Rice Cakes
I could go on and on about how tasty the food is, but I think that if you enjoy Chinese food, you should definitely check Lin Chinese Restaurant out. The price of food is quite reasonable for the amount and quality of food you receive.
Lin Chinese Cuisine
"Delicious" and "Tasty" is probably the best two words to describe the food at Lin Chinese Cuisine. I am a big fan both the Xiao Long Bao, Honey Prawns, and Beijing Style Meat Cakes. The flavors are remarkable!
Xiao Long Bao - These delicate dumplings are filled deliciousness! They were very juicy as well.
Beijing Style Meat Cake - These meat cakes were pan fried. They had a somewhat doughy texture. These were very juicy as well.
Hot and Sour Soup
Honey Prawns - Deep fried, crunchy prawns, smothered delicious honey sauce.
Smoked Duck
Shanghai Style Rice Cakes
I could go on and on about how tasty the food is, but I think that if you enjoy Chinese food, you should definitely check Lin Chinese Restaurant out. The price of food is quite reasonable for the amount and quality of food you receive.
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