Happy Earth Day 2010!

14 years ago, it was Earth Day on April 21, 1996. I was in sixth grade and that day my story was published in the front page of the The South China Morning Youth Post in Hong Kong. I searched hard in the archives to share with you the story but unfortunately couldn't find it. The story was set in the not so near future, where humans lived in a concrete jungle, where trees were a rarity and fresh produce was a thing of the past. With a touch of a button at home in front of the television, there was nothing humans could do without leaving the house. 

 beautiful scenery in Williamsburg, VA

The story might seem somewhat cheesy now but I realized I have lost some of that optimism I had as a child. What I have achieved in the last fourteen years in my vow to protect what Mother Nature has given us? Besides the occasional use of environmentally friendly light bulbs and remembering to turn off the lights when I go out, I still run the dishwasher far too many times and go through enough plastic bags to fill a landfill. I am ashamed but  this post has inspired me and given me a chance to redeem myself.

On a positive note, I recently planted some seedlings at home: sweet basil, dill, and yellow pepper. I am hoping the greenery will be a constant reminder to me how much work and time it takes for a plant to blossom. Oh, and I am definitely bringing that recyclable shopping bag with me tomorrow to the supermarket. 


Do you have any goals on Earth Day?

Welcoming the Year Of The Tiger RAWR!

lCNY is all about the reunion, the "hong bao" $$$, the candy, the flowers, the atmosphere, the firecrackers but most important of all, Chinese New Year is all about the FOOD. It is one week of the year when you can eat whatever you want, as much as you want and it's all for good luck! I invited some good friends over and had our own mini CNY feast in the middle of Richmond. For 2 hrs, it kinda felt like home :)

Spicy Beef Tendon (麻辣牛筋)

Turnip Cake 

Scallop Blossoms 花開富貴

 

 Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables (梅菜扣肉)

 

Braised Mushrooms with Vegetables 

Taiwanese Style Clams

Wishing you all a Happy New Year of Good Health, Prosperity and Happiness :)

Just for Dor: Giant Stuffed Crab Mushrooms

My sister Kar, my cousin Dor and I have been calling ourselves the Three Musketeers ever since we could talk..well, almost. We have been through thick and thin together; we have seen each other in our best, our worst, fat days (maybe just me), bad haircuts, good moods, lousy tempers...You name it I've seen it. So here's a big shout out to my two bestest friends in the entire universe ---without you guys, I wouldn't be here and I can't imagine a life without you two!

So here's to Dor and her love for these Crab-Stuffed Mushrooms courtesy of Paula Deen from Food Network. It's no surprise why they're such a huge hit. Who can say no to fresh crab meat and creamed cheese awesomeness?!?!?!

Don't worry Kar, I will make something special just for you too :) JUST YOU WAIT!!!!!


<3 GO 3 MUSKETEERS!

You Make Me Smile

I smile most when I see the smile on someone's face when they taste my food for the first time.

What makes you smile?