Scented Love

Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012!

2012-01-09T11:20:00.000-08:00

A lot of wonderful things happened in 2011! Life in 2011 was hectic, wonderful, busy, full of adventures!

I have been working hard, but also slacking hard in 2011. First and foremost, I have to apologizes to all my friends, especially those that live beyond the Tahoe basin. I am so bad with keeping in touch :(. Sorry for all the missed calls. Trust me, I really wanted to talk and catch up with you all but between the 900 roles that I am trying to maintain.....the perfect time is just never there....................excuses excuses eh? I will trying harder this year!!! I promise!!!

Customize your own picture slideshow

Bread!!!...........I am obsessed.......

2011-11-06T16:14:00.000-08:00

Life has been busy....Just realized that my last post was in June.......What have i been doing?

Well, let me think..............

Oh yes! Went to Hong Kong and Taiwan with my husband, opened a hostel with my husband, removed over 12,000 nonnative fish from the lake.........................not too too much, right :P

Anywaz, when i actually managed to find some free time, I have been obsessed with bread making.

With different styles!

French, Japanese, Chinese style....

And different techniques too!

Sour dough starters, Wet base starters, Low temp proofing, etc....

Loving all the fresh bread in my house :)

HA7: 4th of July cupcakes (Red velvet with BEETS!!!)

2011-07-02T18:37:00.000-07:00

It is forth of July weekend and of course we need to make something RED WHITE and BLUE! Well here are the RED WHITE and BLUE cupcake, a.k.a Red velvet cupcake with creamcheese icing and blueberries toppers.

I made the red velvet with some of the beets we got from our CSA. We are really loving our CSA, fresh tasty vegetables almost delivered to our front door!!!

HA6: Coffee and Chocolate Cupcakes

2011-06-12T19:25:00.000-07:00

These were really good. I think the coffee adds alot to the flavor to the cupcakes. I think i am going to try to use a more concentrated coffee mixture next time. Aren't those mini oeros cute?

HA5: Coconut Carrot Cupcakes

2011-06-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

Made some of these a few weeks ago for our neighbor's kid two years old birthday. It was a big hit!!! I think I have finally mastered a pipable creamcheese icing. It held its shape really well. I guess the key is COLD creamcheese and ROOM TEMP butter.

HA4: Lemon Brown Sugar Cupcakes with Green Tea White Chocolate Buttercream

2011-04-10T17:09:00.001-07:00

The crumb and texture of this cupcake is awesome!!! I have never baked cakes with coconut milk before, but the richness of the coconut milk definitely shows in the cupcakes. I love it. However, it is not lemony enough to my liking. I think I am going to try to brush them with lemon syrup next time. I got the recipe from Love and Olive Oil, and modified the recipe to my elevation (@6200) by reducing the leavening by 1/4 and baked at a higher temperature.

The buttercream is a white chocolate buttercream with Mocha powder (Green tea powder) added to achieve that green mossy color. Yeah I needed a green mossy color icing without using food coloring.

The two components are great on their own, but I am not sure if they work well together.....Need to think about this a little more :)

Btw, I love those little cake topper :). They are made out of modeling chocolate. I needed to figure out some type of cake topper. I didn't want to use fondant or gum paste cause they are not very tasty. I love it....they are so cute :)

HA3: Caramelized Pineapple Vanilla Cupcakes with Pomegranate Buttercream

2011-04-03T10:11:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite so far! I always love fruit cupcakes, not too sweet with a fruity tang. I had some pineapple and a big bottle of pomegranate juice in my fridge. I have been looking for a good vanilla based cupcake recipe for my HA project, and found this one from Love and Olive Oil. The tangyness from the pomegranate juice and the sweetness of the caramelized pineapples really go great with each other!!!

I just added 1/2 cup of caramelized pineapple (No sugar added or anything, just chop up the pineapple and caramelized it over the stove top).....And replaced the milk/cream in the icing with pomegranate juice.

Still need to practice my piping skill before July!

A High Altitude Cupcake Experiment

2011-02-26T20:14:00.000-08:00

I know I have neglected my blog for a long long while.....but life has been busy....and what else can i say :P..........

But now I have a new project....and I want to document it, so my blog comes in handy again :)

A High Altitude Cupcake Project..............My quest to find a good cupcake recipe fit for high altitude baking. Recently a permanent residence at 6250 feet........I am troubled with tasty cupcakes like the ones from sea-level.....plus I have another reason to do this, but I will tell you all later :)

More later.....right now, studying "Pie in the Sky: Successful baking at high altitudes" to get some ideas on what i am dealing with........

Wish me luck :)

A new whitewater kayaking woman

2010-08-11T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is what I am into lately!!! I had the opportunity to take an all women whitewater kayaking class a few weeks ago, with my friend Wendy Lautner as the wonderful instructor.....and now I am in an article in Tahoe Weekly :). Well read along, Christina is me.......YUP!!! Peeling out :P

http://www.theweeklymagazineonline.com/fea/feat1.html

I completely 100% encourage women who are not afraid of water to go try it......It is really fun!!!

Memories of LPC

2010-07-20T15:12:00.000-07:00

I have always told people that my last two years in high school is one of the best times of my life, and people usually look at me weird........

But recently, I just stumbled upon an old video that our high school teachers made for us, well it was made for I believe our second year's graduation....but our year was part of it too

LPC 2000 from SdGH on Vimeo.

This is why i love my school so much!!! All the amazing teachers we had. They are truly great educators. Education can change lives and they made me believe that!

Somewhere in Oregon.....on one big river

2010-05-05T17:06:00.000-07:00

The slacker of the group finally decided that she should upload some of her pictures :)

Put in getting ready for the 5 day river trip under high wind condition

Wondering which way is upstream and which way is down

BTE hard at work fighting some crazy headwind

Whitewater here we come!

Beautiful wildflower

A view from our hike

The boys (including Rocky) off to their adventure

Kay and the Owyhee

SS Tahoe resting

Collin fighting Montgomery

Jatie looking good in Montgomery

Chels trying her new boat in Montgomery

Kevin showing off in Montgomery

Queen of the River in action!

I guess John is glad that is over

Great trip....looking forward to next year!

Some more Wrinkles

2010-04-28T21:27:00.000-07:00

Some more Wrinkles video from the Snow Flake Lodge gig....

Wondering how the band got their instruments down the mountain? Here is how.......

This is me trying to video tape the action while trying to ski down....of course I am not as good as those guys :P

The Wrinkle on the interweb!!!

2010-04-12T10:44:00.000-07:00

One night opening of DOT

2010-04-06T22:01:00.001-07:00

Back in the beginning of March was BTE's bday and I wanted to treat him to a nice dinner. However, with my slim wallet, limited choice of good restaurants at N. lake, and some nice gifts that I got him. I decided that I can only afford a nice dinner for the both of us if i made it......so that lead to the one night opening of DOT!

For those who knows me well should know that I want to run a little eatery one day and I will name it DOT.

Anywaz, so I spent like weeks to plan the dinner, getting all the ingredients that i need, setting a menu, and buying stuff to transfer the "smallest house in the world" to a little nice faux restaurant. Then came the big day and guess what happened? BTE got really sick.....the 24 hours stomach bug that was running wide in the area.......poor him, spent his bday laying in bed all day, could barely eat.........so we had to reschedule...............

Friday came......I got home early, cleaned the house, moved some furnitures around and started cooking in "the smallest kitchen in the world". The door was supposed to open at 6 but I was delayed so when BTE came home at 6, I had to send him to the neighbours :P

The meun items were as follow:

California Calamari Two Ways

Wild caught shrimp risotto stuffed calamari with cherry tomatoes puree

And

Crispy tentacles dusted with roasted sea salt and cayenne pepper

Roasted Rack of Lamb

Medley of winter vegetables and balsamic reduction

Sinfully Dark Chocolate Cake

Rich buttermilk black cocoa chocolate cake with raspberry coulis

We had a wonderful time and even BTE said that was his best bday ever!

I have to say, I was even impressed by myself that I was able to pull this together......I think I will make this a tradition and do that again next year.......a chance for me to make a nice meal and celebrate my beloved's biggest day :)

and btw, I love square plates!

Kiss Seafood in the City!!!

2010-01-06T21:19:00.000-08:00

There is a funny story behind this.......really!

So we were gonna head to the Bay area for Thanksgiving 2009 and I thought it might be fun to spend a night in the City (San Francisco)....and so we did......deprived of good authentic Japanese food in Tahoe, I decided to take BTE to one for a treat!

After some serious research, i decided to go to Kiss Seafood, a tiny 11 seater located in Japan town. Since BTE had never been to a true Japanese restaurant before, I had to lay down some rules for him so he can fully enjoy the food without offending the mighty chef.......

After a long list of rules......BTE jokingly said: This is serious, isn't it? I feel like this is a test of our relationship. If i don't pass, you will leave me, won't you? I must pass this test......Can you remind me of the rules again???

Are you ready for this? We ordered the Omakase (which means chef specials, the master chef picks out what he thinks are the best of that day and serve in the order he sees fit)

From left to right

Salmon Roe
Radish with scallops
Persimmon and Japanese green salad

Sashimi

I can't remember all the fishes in there but there were giant clams, butterfish, Tuna (red, medium and Toro) and other delicious fish. Everything was so good, each and single fish has its own unique taste and texture (unlike "sushi" you can in the general sushi place)

Chawanmushi-Japanese Egg Custard

Inside of the dish

BTE can't have eggs so he got grill Marckeral instead (equally delicious)

In the middle of service, BTE spilled some soy sauce on the linens and he was worried that he won't pass his "test", so he attempted to cover them

Stains exposed!!!

Uni sushi......so sweet and creamy!!! I loved it, BTE doesn't like it..."a texture thing" he said (separate order)

Braised fish (can't remember what species) in a sweet soy broth

Red miso soup with a variety of mushrooms

* There was also a sushi dish but I was too excited and forgot to take a picture!!!*

The meal was wonderful.....it was on the pricy side (~$ 200 including 3 orders of sake for the two of us)...but well worth it I thought....and BTE passed the "test"!!!

We ended up in the Japanese Mall and got some crepes J-style for desserts!

My first Le Creuset!

2010-01-06T19:57:00.000-08:00

Smoky house.....why?

2010-01-06T19:23:00.000-08:00

We definitely smoked up BTE's house the other day.....why? Cause we were trying to have Korean BBQ in the house without any vent :).

I saw some amazing Angus beef short ribs at the super so I had to get some...and what is better than Korean BBQ to cook those perfectly marbled tender beef.......nothing :)!!!

So I made a spread of banchan and fired up our camping stove and started cooking!!!

I have to say it was mighty tasty....except the fact that everything in the house smells like Korean BBQ for at least two days.....Well worth it I would say!!!

Extremely easy frozen key lime pie

2009-10-22T22:44:00.000-07:00

Although winter is coming and a frozen key lime pie just sounds more like a summer item......my friend AS requested the recipe from me recently......so i figured i will just share it.

The recipe is from the book 100 Best Dessert Recipes....it is actually one of those books that are on the sales rack all the time.... but it actually have some really good recipes

Enjoy this....it is really delicious and extremely easy to make!

Materials

Graham Cracker Crumb Crust
4 limes
1 can (14oz) sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy or whipping cream

Methods

Prepare typical graham cracker crust (crush graham cracker + butter)
Grate 1 tbsp of lime peel and squeeze 1/2 cup juice
In a large bowl, stir condensed milk and lime peel and juice together
In medium bowl, beat cream until stiff peaks (medium speed)
Fold whipped cream, 1/3 at a time into lime mixture until just blended
Pour mixture into crust
Cover and freeze at least 3 hours
Let pie stand 10 mins at room temp before serve

Enjoy!!!

My first bagel attempt

2009-09-29T20:47:00.000-07:00

My first bagel attempt......was ok.....It actually looked and tasted like a bagel......but it is a little on the flat side............will need some improvements

I love going to weddings!

2009-09-04T11:06:00.001-07:00

Recently, I have decided that I love going to weddings!!! Having the pleasure to attend two weddings this summer, one with BTE and his friends and another of my lovely MSJ (or MZ ???), I have decided weddings are fun :).

There is just so much happiness in the air.... you can almost smell the love surrounding everyone. Watching my friend walking down in her white gown, with a huge smile on her face......that was just simply magical. Congrads, E and M........I know you two will have a great life together

Press time again :)

2009-08-27T11:39:00.000-07:00

Tornado warning in Toronto!!!

2009-08-21T08:40:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it......

First time back in TO since I left a year and a half ago..........and what do i get

Tornado warning!!!

I am in the newspaper!!!

2009-07-10T11:43:00.001-07:00

Oh oh... btw, I am in the newspaper!!!

Well they got my affiliation wrong...is with UNR not UCD....but nonetheless it was a good article...I am glad that we can get our research out to the public, so people know what is going on in the science world.

I have been working the project for about three years and it is really interesting to know that alot of people that live in Tahoe don't know that these species are thriving in the lake, so I think is great to get the word out!

Tofu Udon

2009-07-10T11:20:00.000-07:00

I haven't been writing about food lately.... or lets just say I haven't been writing about anything at all.......Work has just consumed me for the past two months....12-14 hours day here and there....working at work and then working at home again.....

As a result of busy schedules, BTE and I haven't been eating all that great. I actually lived off 7-11 for three days last week! (I know, I know.... I don't know how I could have done that!).

So today, I decided that I will stay home and work.....and make something good to eat....hence tofu udon....not Udon with tofu, but udon made with tofu....

Material:
150g silken tofu

100g bread flour
100g pastry flour

or 200g APF

4g salt

Procedure:

1) Mix all ingredients together and form a dough
2) let the dough rest for an hour
3) Row the dough flat and cut to desire noodles thickness
4) Bring water to boil and drop the fresh tofu udon into boiling water
5) When the noodles float up, they are READY
6) You can enjoy your tasty tofu udon with soup or stir fry

Easy eh?

I took a few pictures but i don't have my uploading cable so will post these pictures in the next few days :)

Middle Eel River trip- Part II

2009-05-08T21:22:00.000-07:00

The coastline of the campsite

After we ended the River trip, BTE and I, as well as JB and KG went to the Coast. We stayed at Mackerricher State Park. I have to say i can't believe how much the camp site cost...$20 and the park manager came at like 10 and said "12 is the check out time, if you stay beyond that time you will have to pay for another day".... Can you believe that, also most as strict as a real hotel.

Can you see the sea lions?

Some strange marine plant

JB and KG took off after breakfast and BTE and I head to town (Fort Bragg) to explore the coast and have some lunch. It is actually a cute little town. It was really windy, so although it was quite sunny, it was still pretty cold. We walked around town to look for a good place for lunch and actually settled on a Japanese restaurant called Taka's Japanese Grill(I know hehe... I love Asian food :P). Who would have guess I have to say it was one of the best Japanese food I have had in a while. Although you can get sushi in Tahoe or Reno, but it is really hard to find home style Japanese food. The sushi there was great!!! Most importantly, no sauce!!! and I got Katsu Don(I miss that.... Tokyo Grill in Toronot!!! The best!!! sorry BTE, I know you can't have eggs). It was fantastic!!! Thinking about it makes me want it :). Then we went for ice cream and that was amazing too. I think it is called Cowlick's Handmade Ice Cream. I got coconut flavour and it was so good. There was like huge coconut chunks in the ice cream...........Yummmmmmmmmmm

All so tasty Katsu don......

In the afternoon, BTE took me to the botanical garden. Yup the botanical garden, I felt like a kid again. The flowers were really pretty and it was at a great location. We had a nice wonderful walk around the garden and enjoyed some sheltered sun. We were supposed to stay for another night, but the weather was turning grey on us so we decided it would be better off for us to head home. So we went to the grocery store, grab some snacks for the road and ON THE ROAD AGAIN.....Thanks BTE for doing all the driving :)

I know this post is pretty long, but I just had too much fun!!! I didn't want to go home at all. But i guess good times had to end somehow :( but I sure hope that we can do this again!

My first Kayaking trip- Middle Eel River- Part I

2009-05-08T20:48:00.001-07:00

Everyone getting ready to be on the river!

I know I am slacking off again with my blog. Well same excuses...again. I have been busy. A lot happened in the past couple months, not only that field season has started, I also went on my very first kayaking trip with a group of amazing people and of course BTE :). Well my very very good friend CC and PN from Toronto also came to visit, but I will talk about that in my next post....

MIDDLE EEL RIVER first!!!

Four days on the river.............I was actually really nervous before this trip cause I have never done this before. I think I am the only beginner in the group. But everyone was really nice and encouraging, especially BTE was extremely patient with me.

Protection is key!

Before I talk about the actual river trip, I have to talk about the drive down. I thought I was going to faint :) Those forest service road are simply my biggest enemy, I got extremely car sick and thought I wouldn't make it. Ran into some pirates on the way down :) (They are actually our friends)

Thanks to BTE sister, I get to be on an IK (inflatable kayak, that is how everyone else called them). They are really comfortable and I felt really safe in them. To start, BTE tied my IK with his so he can guide me through the river.

C cruising on the river

I flipped!!! I swam my first rapid....and that was really scary........I honestly felt like I have to fight for my life. But the funny thing was, while i was trying to grasp for air and keep my legs up so they won't hit the bottom and get caught, but i was also thinking I can't let go of the paddle. In my mind I was like " I really want to let go of this paddle so I can use both of my hands to hold on to the boat, but I know this paddle is probably pretty expensive" I can't believe I was thinking about that while i was fighting for my life... I guess that just means it was that scary after all :)

J and K having a snack on some warm rocks

After my swam, I all of a sudden felt a lot stronger, so I detached myself from BTE and went on my own :). I actually paddled some little baby rapids by myself :)

Enjoy some videos!

After being on the river for three days, we finally got to the put out at Dos Rios.......

To be continue-

Bacon Fire!!!

2009-04-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

Here is an action shot of BTE creating this Bacon Fire at CS most recent bond fire.....Details will come later :)

Thanks to Asian Clams...I am on the internet

2009-04-03T10:37:00.000-07:00

I know I am already on the internet with this blog.....but this is different.......I am on the internet because of a NPR radio show!!! That is what is exciting :)

Plus it is semi-related to my work which makes it even more exciting :)

It is a recipe for cooking Asian clams.......Link

You have to scroll down almost to the bottom to see it....

Look for the title "Asian Clams invade Lake Tahoe" with a large clam picture and there it is....

Corbicula fluminea is the newest non-native species in Lake Tahoe. We are doing a lot of work to try to find out more about them. Here is a recent report about them if anyone is interested...Link

You can also hear all about it on the show :).....the link is with the recipe

Now lets start cooking Asian Clams :)

A tricky bbq pork bun business.......

2009-03-31T18:13:00.000-07:00

I don't even have a picture of them this time, cause they got devoured so quickly.... it is not even funny! The one above is from a while ago :)

Even since the first time I made them........BTE, CS, and MW have not stop requesting them......I have even recruited the whole of Ryan household to make some a while ago...........

Since I haven't made them in a long while, I decide to produce some to satisfy those hungry minds :)

I said I was going to post the recipe a long while ago, but i forgot.......so I will do that this time..........

Cha Siu Bao (BBQ Pork Buns)
Make about 12

Dough

2 ¼ cups of All purpose flour ( I usually use 1 ¼ cup of bread flour and 1 cup whole wheat)
3 tsp baking powder
½ C white sugar
2 ½ tbsp vegetable oil
3 tbsp water
8 tbsp milk

Procedure:
1. In a large mixing bowl, mix all dry ingredients together (flour, sugar and baking powder)

2. Add milk to the mixture and mix it with your hands until the flour completely absorbs the milk

3. Add water and mix it with your hands until completely absorb

4. Add vegetable oil and try to form dough. At this point the dough is still not very smooth and elastic.

5. Take the dough out of the bowl and knead for about 15 to 20 mins until dough become smooth and elastic

6. You can also do all that with the bread maker just follow the procedure of adding the ingredients

7. Cover the dough with saran wrap and let it rest for an hour

8. Divide dough into desire size, row them flat with a rolling pin (roll the edges thinner for easier wrapping) and is ready for use

Filling

1 C diced BBQ pork (pork marinated with Chinese BBQ sauce and cook either on BBQ or in the oven)
½ C diced onion
*I also like to put other vegetables in them, e.g. yellow squash, zucchini

Seasoning for the filling

½ tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
1 tbsp oyster sauce
2 tsp ketchup
1 ½ tsp soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
2 ¼ tsp corn starch
5 tbsp water

Procedure

1. Heat oil in medium low heat and add chopped onion in pan, sauté until golden brown (about 5 mins)

2. Turn to medium high heat, add pork and sauté for a few min

3. Add Chinese cooking wine and give it a quick stir

4. Add all other seasoning (except corn starch) and 3 tbsp of water and allow to simmer for a few min

5. Mix corn starch with remaining water and add the pork mixture

6. All the sauce to thicken (keep stirring)

7. Turn off the heat and add sesame oil and mix well

8. Allow to cool and sauce thicken

9. Ready for filling

Buns

1. Fill flatten dough with fillings

2. Steam for 8-10 mins on boiling water until bun become nice and fluffy

I usually have to put them into bags and separate them so everyone gets a fair share of them........and this is how much they love them.......

CS and BTE came home after a day of boating and wanted some...... but they weren't going to share, so each of them took one out of their own bag..............then when CS was about to leave.....BTE was like "do you want to look after MW's bag?"............and CS was like "of Course......extra buns for me"...................I had to hide MW's in the freeze so they won't disappear into the boys' stomachs......

Then the next day I ask BTE if he can bring MW's pork buns to her at the soccer game.....and BTE's response was....... "sure..... but it will cost her.......one pork bun for delivery"........

See......BTE and CS have also went as far as wanting me to make "all you can eat pork buns" for them.........

See that is why it is a tricky business........I can only make some many.........sigh

but Thanks, boys and girls for loving them so much :)

Happy V-day........1st with BTE

2009-02-19T21:28:00.000-08:00

Now into what had happened so far in Feb :)...............

of course of course the Hallmark holiday..........Feb 14.........V-day

The week prior to that..... BTE was at a week long ski trip and at first he told me that he might not be able to make it home on V-day.......and I told him we can always just do it another day.....but then plans changed and he actually made it home......I was super super excited cos it was the first V-day I had with BTE..................he was so cute when he first came back....all mountain man looking!!! It might be weird, but it is actually my favourite look of his.........he is simply a mountain person :)

Anywaz..... since he just got back from his trip, we decided that we should just stay home Sat night......I wanted to treat him with a nice meal.......so I went to Whole Foods and got a bunch of fancy food to make

And on Sat night Feb14......BTE became the first customer of DOT (hehe long story... but basically, if i have a restaurant, it will be named DOT)

and what was on the menu of DOT that night......lets see........

Pan seared Scallops with a saffron Kaffir lime cream sauce

Eggplant Parmesan deconstructed (basically the eggplant is not breaded, so no eggs cause BTE can't have eggs, instead I lined the eggplant construction with some homemade 5 seeds bread that i made the day before)

And finally, Dry aged New York steak with caramelized sweet potatoes and red wine pan jus

Pretty fancy eh..... even impressed by myself :)

The next night, BTE actually took me out for dinner which was really really nice........We went climbing first and then went to this restaurant in Incline Village called Frederick's..... Frederick's can be considered a restaurant that serves fusion food....... California style of food with an Asian twist................We had an awesome night........in fact it was so great that i only remembered to take one picture in the beginning........

and looking at it..... my food is pretty up to par when compared to what is out there....wouldn't you think?

Panko fried oyster and Caesar salad

Thank you so much for everything BTE.......looking forward to the next V-day we will have :)

Chinese New Year.......@ the BLUE!!!

2009-02-19T21:12:00.000-08:00

Well Chinese New Year was celebrated a couple of weeks ago :)..................and I hosted this awesome party at the BLUE :)

I was great because i got to celebrate Chinese New Year with some Chinese New Year virgins.......and based on data collected and my analysis.....everyone had a great time.

What better to do with a house full of people and super cold outside? Chinese Hot Pot...........

KD and M, S and A, CS, MW, BTE and I, plus R................we all tried to wear red for good luck and eat and drink till we were too full :)

I got loads and loads of food.... with all kinds of exotic ingredients............and Since AS is a vegetarian.... we had one meat pot and a veg pot........I was so glad that everyone was super adventurous and tried and pretty much liked everything!!!

It looks like everyone is enjoying themselves.......NO? Look at all those mad chopstick skills!!!

Then BTE and CS had a apple pie baked off..............and guess who won :)..... My mighty BTE!!!

the funny thing is we had so much left over that we had a second hot pot night the next night.....and it was still very enjoyable :)

When i looked at that table on that day with everyone surrounding it.....I was so happy I have these friends in Tahoe..........i am so lucky :)

San Francisco................with vistors!!!

2009-02-19T20:46:00.000-08:00

I have to first apologized about my laziness....... Yes i have been slacking off with my blog update :P...... Sorry Sorry Sorry........ Actually, I haven't really been slacking off, instead I have been working really really hard, trying to finish this report I have to submit. I was pretty much living at my office.............well plus i just found out that I have been sitting on a $700 dollar office chair, that is why I have been so comfortable at work.... a good way to keep your workers working for long hours eh :)

Anywaz...... too much to update, what to start :)

Ok, lets talk about my first visitors every since i moved to Tahoe!!!!

Yes..... R and his mom came to visit me end of Jan.......I was so happy!!! Well actually R's mom only went to SF and we sort of met up there, but still it was really awesome. Get to see some old friends, had tones and tones of good food and lots and lots of shopping!!!

some fotos to share :)

First this is a place that MW recommended.... I think is called Tu Lan........it is a super super southeast Asia like Vietnamese place.....It totally reminds be of Asia.....and the amount of food they serve you is massive... look at my bowl of veg noodles soup

Then It was Chinese New Year so i decided to go to China town and make some turns......I got a chinese clay pot from the Wok Shop..... still has yet to try making clay pot rice at home.....I can't wait!!! Of course, I have to have one of my favourite street food....Curry fish ball on the way home :)

And of course, I had to pay a visit to Citizen Cake..... and try the creation of chef Elizabeth Falkner. I spend a fortune on some of their famous sandwich (which is actually cookies)....The lemon ones are so good. There is a recipe in gourmet for these cookies... i have to try to make them sometime

Another SF hotspot......Brenda's French Soul Food!!!...........R and I went there for breakfast the last day we were in SF........that place was packed.... but i really like it... it is small and cozy.... just like a place that i would want to have if my dream ever come true:) We had their famous Beignets and I also ordered the Sweet Potatoes pancake with Caramel Pecan sauce......to die for........ the portion was a little too big for me.....so i really wish they can be smaller so i can try more things :)

And then R came back up to Tahoe with me.... and he basically just Ski and Ski and Skied.........

..................I have to say......I love SF!!!

Skiing ICE!!!

2009-01-08T18:15:00.000-08:00

I am a blog updating machine today.....

well went skiing with the UNR Crew and AS this morning.............It just seems like everytime AS and I go skiing...........we always encounter less than ideal condition and this is what we had to deal with today............

Great company but NOT A GOOD DAY for skiing!

My knees hurt!

The Real Happy New Year 2009

2009-01-08T17:55:00.000-08:00

I celebrated New Year twice this year............

We celebrated East Coast New Year with BTE's fam, and then BTE and I celebrated West Coast New Year later in the same day :)

New Year was great..........I got to spend some quality time with BTE and his fam............I really have to say..........I love his fam!!! Everyone is super nice and easy to talk to..........All the littlings are really sweet and cute............especially G, she really cracks me up! And BTE's mom JR is a wonderful cook, so much to learn from her!!!

Mama JR, Littling G and BTE celebrating East Coast New Year!!!

We ate so much.........Wed was Chinese with hot and sour soup, spicy eggplants, and we all made our own pork buns (meat and meatless versions). Littling A is a bun making machine..........she was so good at it!!!

Then Thursday we had Ham, a savory bread pudding that i love!!!, and some creamy spinach.......

Friday we had which Sauerbraten which orginate from Gemany..... I guess intranslation, is sour beef pot roast.........with red cabbage, and potatoes pancakes...........The beef was melt in your mouth tender!!!

Sat was leftover day............and something really funny happened..........Sus (BTE's sis) is a much better writer than me so you should check out her posting (link)

Bad photography skills.....everyone cheering for the new year!!!

After we departed the Ryan household, we headed to another New Year Party in Truckee and that was a blast too!!!

Great Music , Great Company, Well i guess it is going to be a great year!!!

2009 here i come!!!

New Year 2009....Part 2 Christmas

2009-01-08T17:39:00.000-08:00

Part 2 of 2008 Christmas continues............

You saw the Turkey.....well this is what i have as background when i was fighting with the Turkey

A thick and heavy snow storm........while the boys were out there fighting the slopes......I was indoor cooking.......with the house dog Rocky............I was glad that I was inside..........

But the next day........i wish my pass is not black out..............look...................sigh.............blue sky with SUN!!!..............A ski bum trapped indoor on a POW day :(. The boys ended up being out there for 8 hours.......

The Turkey ended becoming a turkey sandwich..........The boys didn't even stop for lunch they just had their turkey sandwiches on the funitel..........apparently the other riders were staring at their sandwiches because they were just that great :).......I didn't do much, just turkey, gravy, stuffings and cranberry sauce.....oh yeah and some homemade bread that i baked the day before!

Oh and Last but not Least..........Got one of the best Christmas gift ever this year.........BTE filled this cute little 3D Christmas card with five really wonderful "homemade" coupons for stuff that we can do together........It was so thoughtful and cute...............I almost cried when i saw it..........

The best one is..........Ski lesson........but wait wait......on the back it said "Not valid on any powder day"

Stay tune for some posting of previous events....e.g Thanksgiving......

2009...........is here already! Part 1

2009-01-07T09:54:00.001-08:00

Time really do fly!!!

Before I realized, 2008 has fly by and 2009 is here.............and my last blog post was in Nov 2008.................lazy lazy lazy :P

Well I am trying to get my first rough rough draft for my first paper out......so I really shouldn't be doing this.......so i am just going to post a couple of pictures up.......of what I did in the last month of 2008 :)

Let's start with Christmas............and then i might go back to Thanksgiving and then move forward to new years.....we will see

Christmas 2008

My Squaw Pass was blacked out...........so no skiing for me........and of course we got record crazy snow fall..............well BTE, DT and CS all got to enjoy that while i stayed at home and made my very first Turkey. Well it is actually a team effort.....BTE made the stuffing and stuffed the Turkey to its fullest! It is a 14 pounder!!!

OK.... really need to get back to my paper.............As Susan (BTE's sis) said.............10 mins a day as least and it won't seems as much of a drag

More to come about Christmas

Life is good~~~~!

2008-11-24T13:58:00.000-08:00

Have you ever been at a point where you look around yourself and you realized...............LIFE IS GOOD!!! So good that you are afraid to say it out loud cause you think that if you do so, you might jinx yourself?

I have to tell you, I am there....................I am at a point in my life where I can finally say Life is pretty good. And Yes.... I don't really want to say it out loud because I don't want this to go away.....but I really want to thank all the people that helped make this happen.

Three day climbin trip~~~~

2008-11-03T14:33:00.000-08:00

Mono Lake

It might seems like my life right now is all fun and not much work......cause BTE and I went away again this past weekend :)......but I like to think of it as we both worked really hard and we deserve every single bit of it ...................

Last week...... I worked really hard to finish all the fish processing that needed to be done so i could have Friday (Nevada day) off........so we can head out mid day off to the eastern Sierra.

We left at around 1pm and headed for our "hopefully the weather will get nicer" climbing trip. The weather prediction was not looking too great with rain and possible snow falls, but we decided to go for it anywaz and see what life has in store.........we figured we will have fun either way

Headed to Owens River Gorge.........we passed by Topaz Lake, Mono Lake, Crowley Lake and Mammoth Lake.............and a few places that we have been before.......... (I should give credit to AC because she was the one that reminded me I should make an effort of remembering all the places I have been to and so I did)

On the way to the Gorge.... We stop at Owens Valley and soaked into this hot tube that was in the middle of a wide field............just out in the open there.... ready and warm..............and then we just camped around the corner in the GT (or now newly named as the freedom mobile)

Sat morning when we drove out we saw maybe three rainbows..... They were beautiful...............Then we headed to the Middle Gorge and hike down a little bit until we hit the bottom. The view is breathtaking. It is always seeing places like this that reminded how wonderful my life is....and how privileged I should feel.....

Walking down to the middle Gorge

The weather totally worked out for us... It was a bit rainy in the morning of Sat but as we started climbing the sun came out. We did about 4 climbs and the the clouds started to come in and we hiked out............the first day was a perfect warm up day for me since i have only climbed outdoor 2 times before this and have never belayed a lead climber. Btw, BTW is a great teacher :)

We went to the town of Bishop Sat night to restock our supplies....and then drove to our camping spot. It was dark out there so I didn't know where we were. But in the morning when I woke up. This was what i saw..............it was beautiful

A view out from our door

Then on Sunday.... we went to the upper Gorge to try a few more climbs. We had to hike down this really steep trail to get down to the bottom of the Gorge. See the picture following. Basically, we hiked along that ridge line all the way to the bottom.

A view of the upper Gorge

I had so much fun climbing. I feel like i have definitely improved. I have learned to trust my body, my arms and my legs more. I have learned how to use more of my toe edge. I have also tried moves that i didn't know I had it in me. I made a couple of climbs in one go and I have also learned how to clean a route which was really fun. I was a little scared belaying a lead climber but BTE made it really easy for me and was really good with useful pointers and instructions.......

Here are some examples of my proud climbs......I am looking forward to do this again............Can't wait!!!

A much needed extended relaxing long weekend!!!

2008-10-28T08:15:00.001-07:00

A panoramic view of Donner Lake on a lovely Friday afternoon

This all started last week Wednesday.............I had one of the most amazing weekend (or extended weekend) I have had for a while.......................Work was put aside mostly........and Fun was all in place

Wednesday: I took the morning off to clean my room and run some errands, then I was in "nice dinner" mode. BTE suggested a few days before to take me out to a nice dinner for my belated bday celebration since i was in Lake Mead back then. Anna and I spent perhaps a good two hours the night before to pick out an amazing outfit for the night. I have always wanted to try this American tapas bar BITE in Incline Village, so BTE took me there.

I am not sure what American Tapas is but they definitely followed the theme of small plates. They are famous for their slider (small burgers) so we ordered the Ahi sliders and that was pretty tasty. Although I would suggest that they should bake their own buns.

Then we ordered couple others small plates. Kaffir lime leaf crab cake with a tarragon and cucumber emulsion, Tequila garlic prawns with cilantro creme fraiche and Sweet potatoes fries with creole maple mustard.

We had a couple of drinks, two desserts and a lot of wonderful conversations that night.......but of course I forgot to take a foto at the restaurant so we had to do it at home

Thursday: I had to work in the morning at the Keys. The water was so cold but the lake was calm and nice. I was checking my temperature loggers and my hydroacuostic receivers all morning. With the water level so low, it was really hard for us to go around without getting caught with milfoil and other objects, but we managed to get everything we wanted to do by around 3pm. Afterwards, BTE took me to this amazing cabin in the woods. It is called the Lost Trail Lodge. (sorry forgot to take picture again, but they have a pretty good website). The lodge is amazingly beautiful. It was Twin Peaks, a catering company based out of King Beach, annual party. There was lots of good food and great music. Thanks BTE for inviting me and Mike and Liz for having me there :).

Friday: After a much needed sleep in and some wonderful breakfast provided by Mike and Liz, BTE and I said our goodbye and headed for Donner Summit. Yes, Climbing!!! I am not sure if anyone read a post I had a while back about my accident on the slope, but we decided to try again and this time we headed for Donner Summit. The weather was perfect for climbing. There wasn't a lot of people there which was great for slow climber like me cause usually there would be. I tried two route but did not make any of them. Well next time I tell myself, I will only get better :)

BTE repelling down after setting up the top rope

Saturday: We woke up real early this morning to get ready to head to the ski swap!!! Everyone that i have talked to has told me that if i don't ski or snowboard in the winter, I will be bored to death. So Anna, BTE, Brad and I headed to the ski swap in hopes of finding some affordable equipments for the winter to come. I was so glad that BTE was there cause I have no clue in terms of what to get and he was the master. So i basically just walked around in circles while BTE picked out all the stuff I need for me and all i had to do was pay....and Pay i did..... I dropped $600.... Can you believe that??? Anywaz, 3 hours and 600 bucks later, I am now the proud owner of 2 pairs of ski, semi-new ski boat, poles, gloves and some warm socks. I guess all I have to do now is to get a ski pass and learn how to ski

Sunday: The Do stuff crew which that day consist of MW, JS, JM, K?, AS and Me went hiking from Spooner Lake to Marllete Lake. The weather was so nice. I couldn't believe that it was already late Oct. The hike was about 4.5 miles one way with some slight uphills. It was full of fall Aspens along the trail. The only thing I would complain about was that we had to share the trail with horse riders which means that there was alot of horse deposit on the ground :(.

It was so hard for me to get back into work mode on Monday.... but work must go on!!! And i guess it is those busy days that make the not so busy days so much fun and enjoyable :) Looking forward to another long weekend like this :)

Lake Mead-- An invasive species party

2008-10-28T07:44:00.001-07:00

I know I have disappeared for about a month.... Sorry, that also implied that I had an extremely busy and eventful month :) which was awesome!!!

Well first of all, in the beginning of Oct.... It was our lab's long awaited Lake Mead trip.... which means we headed to Les Vegas!!! Well yeah for work not for fun.... It was fun too but work was hard.

A little background on Lake Mead.....It is the largest man-made reservoir in the U.S.. It spans across two state, Nevada and Arizona. The water is impounded by the famous Hoover Dam......

Why were we there??? We wanted to collect some quagga mussels to run some survival experiments.... Our question was "Can quagga mussels survive in Lake Tahoe water?".

How did we collect those quagga mussels??? We rented a house boat, yes a HOUSE BOAT (with a water slide at the back) there for 10 days and just pull ponars like there is no tomorrow.

** a little side note. Sorry about the lack of pictures. I did get a new camera but I lost all my Lake Mead picture while I was trying to download them onto my laptop... I am really sad :(, so all photos in this post are generous donation from Dr.MW **

Here is our main crew- minus MW and JU trying to figure out where we should park our Deluxe house boat

I have to say, Lake Mead is an invasive species party! We found Quagga mussels growing on live Asian clams... with New Zealand mudsnail motoring around them..... The foto above is a perfect example of little quagge mussels growing on big quagga mussels

During the trip, it was also my bday...... ( I wonder why I looked so mad in this foto??? ) MW and AC made me a cake!!! I was so happy. We went out to the strip one night (sorry lost all my foto) and I have to say what they did to Vegas is incredible none the least, but how wasteful......all the lights, water and resources................I just can't quite understand.

Anywaz................at the end of this.......................I have to say I love my job...........I am grateful for the opportunity to see the world....................

Some random field fotos

2008-09-17T16:05:00.001-07:00

Field Pride (the LeConte is on the left)

Invasion..............................

A perfect picture of the Keys

A baby Sculpin

Some Corbicula for breakfast?

Best of the West Rib Cook off.....

2008-09-01T13:46:00.000-07:00

I am a loyal reader of Yum Sugar..... that is pretty much the first and last website i check everyday and night.... and one of my favourite part is the listing of all the food related event happening around the States......However, living in Toronto before I never actually had the chance to attend any of the listed events... until this past week!

Well I guess is also because I now live in the States :)......

anywaz, I went to the Best of the West Rib Cook off this past week..... well the reason i wrote this past week is because i actually went twice :P..........Well partly because i love ribs... but it is also because I went with two different group of friends and they all wanted to go and I just can't say no to that :)

I have never seen so much meat, BBQ sauces and bones piling around like that...............it was totally a carnivore's heaven or as BTE would say..... "It is the burning man of ribs!!!"..............In combination of the two days of my attendance, I think I managed to taste about 8 different store..... I think my personal favourite for BBQ sauce was Famous Dave's devil's spit and my favourite rib was Rasta Joe I like their Island Fire BBQ sauce too....but the celery seed addition in the Famous Dave's sauce ultimately won my heart.......

I have this say I was a little overwhelmed by the experience.... the big crowd at a hot summer reno/sparks night......but if you like some messy, sticky finger experience and lots of meat.... I definitely recommend it. However, if you can try to go on a weekday..... way more enjoyable, I have to say

Sorry about the pictureless posting lately..... still on the hunt of a camera...... hopefully I will find one soon :)

TBC...............a preview

2008-08-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

As Marion (the person who took this picture) named it...........Food angels being born........

To be continued with the recipe...........I can't put it up because my computer is still in the shop...it has been two weeks ~~~~>.<~~~~

First outdoor climbing trip

2008-08-25T10:10:00.000-07:00

Before I realized, the end of summer is moving near...........and one thing I told myself that I need to try when I knew I was moving to Tahoe was some REAL outdoor rock climbing.......

I have been waiting for this for a long time and finally this past Sunday I was able to go out............

Being a city climber (i.e. indoor gym climbing), I have never climbed outdoor before...........OK be that one time in high school...........but that was it, so I was really excited and nervous at the same time!

After some practice at the little gym in Sparks last Monday.... I thought I would be ready for some real climbing, but.....................

Sunday Morning:

Bright and early, BTE and I left KB and headed for Truckee River Canyon (see link).........There are so many places you can go in Tahoe, but BTE wanted to check out my skills and stuff so we picked this place where there are less people so I can get some practice......

It took us a little while before we found the place...........and when we looked up..........we knew this trip would take us longer then we intended :P

Imagine hiking up some pretty steep terrain mainly composed of big and small Basalt....and some major bushwhacking in FLIP FLOPS.......... Yeah, that was how we did it.............I have to tell you, I will never ever forget to bring shoes when climbing ever again!!!

And on our way up to the cliff..............a little accident happened..........I was holding on to some rock to balance myself and of course, stupid me...............I grab one big rock that was just barely sitting there..................and what happened when I pull on it?..................It fell..............on my chest and then continue its way down the mountain.............Good thing was, I didn't fall with the rock but it sure was scary ~~~>.<~~~

So before we actually started climbing..........I already have one bleeding chest......and two scratched-up legs........

By maybe around 11:30, we finally managed to set our rope down and get ready for some toproping (well when i say we, i really meant BTE cause I have no idea how to do all that........but i was there to learn!!!)...............It was running late as both of us need to be back home in the afternoon. However, we still managed to squeeze in a few climbs before we had to go..................

I have to say real rock climbing is hard.................and it is really different from the gym.................I didn't do very well at all but it was sure really fun............Plus BTE is a great instructor.......informative, patient and really encourging........so I guess that made the experience really enjoyable

Too bad I don't have a camera anymore, or else i would have taken some pictures.... Oh well, next time.... I am sure or I hope we will go again sometime soon :)

To all the city climber out there, (e.g. Natasha and Pete)................you guys should really try to get yourself out there.............even better, you two should come to Tahoe and join me :)

Anywaz, for the time being............i will have to tend my chest so I won't be scar for life.......and await for my next climbing trip

One only? Shakespeare on the Lake

2008-07-25T15:58:00.000-07:00

I went to Shakespeare on the Lake with the TERC crew this past Tuesday...........well this rendition of Mid Summer Night's Dream was interesting...............or may I say "INTERESTING"......... What was more interesting was how Anna and I were greeted at the Will Call desk.......

We had our tickets on hold for pick up at Will Call and when we went up to the lady.....she asked for our last names and looked for our tickets. When she found it, guess what she said?..........."For ONE only"................yes, that was what she said!!! Well I guess people only usually go to these events as doubles or families, instead of singles........but it was just so funny that she said it out loud to both of us. So the two of us were like......."Oh we are together.".............Then a lady behind us was like " Oh, you girls are such a cute couple".................

Well here it is...........a post to my "lover" Anna................I heart you!

Went sailing...................

2008-07-25T15:28:00.000-07:00

A view of the sky, the mainsail, the boom and................a black object :P

I just had an epic field week this past week............I was out on the lake in the boat for a whole week..... every single day!!! Hahaha.... don't worry, I am not complaining.... I just want to make you all envious of me hehe (evil eh!?!).

Anywaz, was gonna have my first outdoor climbing experience in Tahoe last weekend, but that fail through instead I went sailing (not a bad alternative eh!). So last Sunday, I went sailing on BTE and DT's sail boat.........It was actually the first time this summer that I was on a boat but not WORKING!!! Amazing..............

Boat owners........DT and BTE

It was kind of a short notice so I didn't have enough time to make a spread of food...........I used up some of the peaches i bought for making a Brown butter Peach Tart for another event and some leftover puff pastry from 4th of July and made some Mini Peach and Goat Cheese Tart.

It was raining in the beginning so we had to hang out in the Van for a bit, which was kind of fun...almost like a car picnic :) Then, the sky started to clear up a little bit........and off we go............There wasn't much wind on our way out to Commons Beach...........so we basically powered out there, anchored, listened to some pretty so so music, drank some wine and relaxed!!!

On our way back, wind started blowing so we managed to sail a tiny bit...............but not for long , and the wind was gone (oh it rhymes!!!)

Melanie steering us home during our 5 mins of actual sailing!!! (and yes we made it home :P)

Heading home (if you look close enough, you will notice that we were motoring home hehe)

Non work related boating was really fun...........Hopefully will get to again soon..........well if you guys can give an earlier notice.........I promise I will make more food :)

17 miles~~~ Barker Pass to Tahoe City TRT

2008-07-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

Well I have told myself before I move to Tahoe that I need to explore the outdoors as much as possible. So i joined this hiking club from MEETUP, so that I can not only make some new friends but also do some great hikes..........

And I have to say this one was great...........It was probably the best time to hike if you like wild flowers. They were everywhere.........everywhere you look there are some beautiful flowers........I wish i know more about them. I think i am going to try to find a guide book somewhere (the problem is there is not good used book store in North lake). The hike is about 17 miles long. It is a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail. This particular section is pretty mellow, not alot of uphills and are mostly shaded.

A mountain daisy?

I think this is Lupins

I can't remember what these guys are called

I went with two wonderful ladies on this hike, Karinn and Wendy. We had some great conversion and I found out that both ladies are learning ASL. Can you believe that? I have been looking and looking for people to practice ASL with and there they are!!! Wendy is a great signer. She knows so much.

The wonderful Ladies!

We managed to finish the hike pretty quickly. I think we started at about 8 am and finished at about 2 or 3 o'clock! At the end of the hike, I didn't even feel very tired at all. But of course, the next day is always the most painful day...........my butt was really really really sore! I guess I don't use that part of my body very much :P Despite the aftermath, I would still do it again if you ask me :)

Thanks Ladies and looking forward to the next hike with you girls!

17 miles later.................my dirty feet

4th of July Blue House BBQ

2008-07-15T12:29:00.001-07:00

We always say the best food in Tahoe City is in the blue house. And If you came to our 4th of July BBQ, you definitely will agree..............................

I think we started cooking at about 10 in the morning....... Anna was baking chocolate pecan pie (to die for)............Marion was making her "life altering" pasta salad with lots of goodies in it............and House "dad" Collin was chopping up wood for the BBQ..............I choose to make some authentic Korean BBQ and a strawberry goat cheese tart for appetizer.

We then took a break and went to the Beach. Marcy came up with Amber and a bunch of friends from Reno. We were all sitting at the beach and then all of a sudden it just became really windy so we had to hide back in the blue house

A foto of my super easy strawberry goat cheese tart (recipe will be posted soon)

All the Banchan for Korean BBQ

Collin assembling the Korean BBQ

I love Korean BBQ.....................because it is a balance of protein and greens..............I skipped the rice that day because we had too much food, but you can never skip the banchan (Korean side dishes) that go with it.

And that is what is so special about Korean BBQ...............You wrap your meat (marinated with Korean BBQ sauce) in a piece of lettuce and then you add this Korean soybean paste and any of the side dishes that you like.............roll it up like a spring roll and there you have it....................your meat and your salad all in one hand :)

The BBQ was super fun........................We ate and ate and drank and drank till we couldn't do it anymore............and then we all headed out to the beach to see some firework. Because of where we were siting, we actually managed to see the firework from both north and south shore, pretty cool eh?

I had to graduate early that night because of (you know what).................... but I was told that everyone really enjoyed Anna's pecan pie outside my bedroom :P

Great job team....... and thanks for the company........we should do this again sometime soon

That is SOME field work!!!

2008-07-15T12:26:00.001-07:00

Bibimbap........a wonderful summer dish

2008-06-29T17:46:00.000-07:00

Well in my previous post....... I am sure I have already expressed my excitement of finding a Korean market in Sparks.

So to continue that theme of making Korean food, I made one of my favourite Korean dish--- Bibimbap!

Bibimbap is a dish with loads of fun because you can basically put whatever you want on there and it is also a great fridge "cleaner". Whatever you found in your fridge that will go well with rice and spicy pepper sauce is good to go!!! It is also really healthy cause you put loads of vegetables on it.

For this time, I put in the following ingredients on top of steamy fluffy short grain rice:

Zucchini, Carrots, Spinach, Kimchi, the bean sprouts i made earlier that week, and tuna

For the sauce, it is also really easy to make:

Gochujang (Korean hot pepper paste), rice vinegar, sugar and water

To assemble:

- Top a wide bowl with hot rice

- Pour a splash of sesame oil over rice

- Arrange vegetable and meat on top of rice

- Place a fried egg in the centre (optional)

- Sprinkle sesame seed over top

To eat:

- Mix Bibimbap sauce with rice and all ingredients until well mixed

- Enjoy!!!

4th of July is coming.......and I think I am going to make some Korean BBQ to serve my friends!!! It will be fun.................Hopefully everyone will show up (fingers crossed :P)

Banchan-Sesame infused soy bean sprout

2008-06-21T12:32:00.001-07:00

So I found Yim's Asian Market yesterday in Reno.............got like 40 dollars worth of groceries............

Now I am bored on a Sat..........is time to make something!!!

But I feel lazy so i don't want to make anything too complicated............so I think i am going to try to make some Banchan (Korean side dishes), which whoever had Korean food before knows that it is the best part of Korean cuisine.........the variety..........the choices................

Here is one of them:

Sesame oil infused soy bean sprout

Soy bean sprout is slightly different from the typical bean sprouts you see in general supermarket. The one that most people know is grown from green beans or mung beans. The one used in this recipe is grown from yellow soy bean.

I got the recipe from My Korean Kitchen which is an awesome blog for all Korean cooking. Too bad though cause it seems like the blogger had stopped posting new post. I hope she will come back :)

Hmm........What should I make tomorrow?

Yim's............changed my life!!!

2008-06-20T20:58:00.000-07:00

I have always wondered how I am going to survive in the "food diversity desert" of North Lake Tahoe. The lake is pretty (the other day i drove by east shore and looked out...........the lake was so blue and beautiful..........i had to yell to myself "I love you Lake Tahoe!!!"..........It is that pretty :), but really there are not that many choice when it comes to food. I guess unless you are willing to pay top dollars which i don't have................

Well I love food........and I have to say one of my favorite food is Korean food, although i think i might have to say I just love all good food. OK, let just say I love to make Korean food a lot at home. It is easy, tasty and mostly healthy.

Two weeks ago, I went to the only Asian grocer that i know of in Reno. It is at Keystone and 5th.
I think is called Reno Asian Market to stock up my pantry. They have a good selection of Thai and Chinese product, but when it comes to Japanese and Korean products there wasn't much. I was really disappointed cause i could find Gochujang (hot pepper paste) which is used in pretty much every dish Korean. And as i was told by a local Korean, there is no Korean restaurant in Reno. OH no..................I guess I will have to give up Korean food unless I go to Sacramento (according to my reliable sources), until I found Yim's.....................

Yim's is everything Korean, own by Korean and sell mostly Korean product..............I was in Heaven!!! ..................I was so excited which then made me really chatty, so i basically told the owner my life story and how much i love Korean food and how I have come all the way from Lake Tahoe to Reno to visit them.........and on and on and on HAHA (that is me when it comes to food!!!)

Anywaz, I stock myself up the best I can.... i couldn't get everything cause it will just go bad..........so i guess next time :)

So......my next step is to show my "very few" friends what Korean food is all about.......as I think most of them has never had Korean food...................I am excited!!!

Oh forgot.......here is the address of Yim's, in case a curious Tahoeian wants to know where it is

Markleeville Creek camping trip

2008-06-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

It has been about three weeks since i have moved to Tahoe....................i know it was not a long time but a lot of things had happened.....................a combination of work and life, i guess..................

My camping buddies: Jen and Marcy

so when Marcy suggested that we should go for a short camping trip, i was super excited cause I really needed to get out...... let me rephrase, I really need to do some "not for work" outing!!!

Since all of us were busy, we decided to do a spontanous camping trip............no planning, just picked a direction and drive away.........................and it turned out to be extremely fun :)

It was perfect camping weather so there was a lot of people in the area. We found this cute little campsite with only a total of 10 camp spot called Markleeville Creek campground. It was right by the creek so you can hear water flowing at your camp. The camp host John is extremely nice and very helpful!!!

We also did a really pretty hike which started at Grovers hot spring up to Burnside Lake. The hike was about 12 miles round trip. There was a fair bit of uphill hiking with a total elevation difference of about 2200 feet from start to finish. Therefore you can imagine there was quite a bit of change in scenery during the hike. The day we went on the hike was pretty cool, some sun but not too too hot (although i still did get a slight sunburn on my back). It took us about 5 hours to finish the hike including lunch and water break :)

View from the midway lookout

Burnside Lake @ ~8000 feet

Anywaz, I can wait to go out again!!!

I just wish i can order a climbing or camping buddy online HAHA.......................I need more friends!!!

Patience...................

2008-06-05T08:24:00.000-07:00

I won't give up................not now...............

I will prove it..............that I am a special kind!!!

Brownie "beany"......"Beany" brownie............

2008-05-25T18:29:00.000-07:00

As most of you know, I am moving this Friday.................I shipped most of my stuff to Tahoe already last week. I am practically living out of my luggage right now. I think I am just going to wear the same pair of jeans for the next few day.

But I turn around and look at my pile of food..............and stared.....................looks nothing like someone that is moving to another country in a few days............What am I going do with all that???

We are having a lab dinner at my boss Locke's place tomorrow, perhaps I can make something from my pile?

A can of black beans, a bag of chocolate chip and a bag of walnut. Perfect, I can make some black bean brownies. I saw this recipe a few months ago from 101 cookbooks and really wanted to try it. Perfect occasion !!!

Material and methods:

Please check out 101 cookbooks

I didn't have agave nectar so instead I used some Canadian specialty... Maple Syrup instead.... a tribute to Toronto ...... my home for 7 years

Results:

Dark Fudgy Tasty Goodness!!! You can't taste the "bean" in the brownies at all......... the texture reminds me of some Asian desserts. We used allow of legumes in our dessert. One of my favourite Chinese dessert is red bean soup, which is simply just red bean, sugar and water. The recipe is definitely a keeper in my book.

Hopefully, my labmates will like them

I am going to miss them.....................~~~~>.<~~~~

Goodbye TORONTO..................party 1

2008-05-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Being a Torontonian for about 6 years...... I am going to move away from this lovely place to another lovely place.............Lake Tahoe................

Why am i moving? To start a new life.............To learn how to be an adult............To live and work in the real world.......................I probably have mentioned this already, but i will say it again. I think i am really lucky because I got a great job at a great place. I get to continue my hard work from my Master's project and actually continue to do more with it. I guess I will save the glorious details of my thesis till later post...... but stay tune and beware :)

One of the greatest thing I will miss dearly of Toronto are all the great friends I have to leave behind. They are the best people I have come to know and I hope they will forever be part of my life. For now, I will have to say goodbye to them. Well, I am sure we will still chat and email each other, just won't be able to hang out whenever we want..........

FRIENDS.....Don't forget to visit your mountain girl in Tahoe!!!

The following are pictures from my first of a series of going away parties...............Seeing these pictures will remind me that I am LOVED..............HEART YOU ALL!!!

Big hugs to Celia (my hun), Fon, Tracy, Sheena, Phil and Hilton for the delicious dinner, interesting drinks, sticky dance floor and great time we had at the Bier Market...........

What are we doing?

My lovely Tracy.....looking great!!!

It seems like everyone is wearing white.....was there a theme?

Fon and my "failed" sexy look

Fon said we should do a funny weird face........I believed her...... see she is not trustworthy :P

I will miss you all..........................~~~>.<~~~

Tahoooooooooe

2008-05-10T08:28:00.000-07:00

My visa got approved two days ago.................

and now I just bought my ticket to Tahoe................

I can't believe this is really happening!!!

Mountain livin.......here i come

Grad Appreciation Night and EEB colloquium

2008-04-22T18:44:00.000-07:00

Incomplete Rowe Lab (from left to right): Our Leader Locke, myself, Min and Inga....missing member: Sean on the other side, Cait at the other table, and Jen in BC

Last weekend..... We had our annual two-day departmental colloquium and Grad appreciation night.

The departmental colloquium gave an opportunity for everyone from the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology to find out what their fellow researchers are working on. Min proudly represented my current lab and Paul proudly represented my original lab. They both did an excellent job with their presentation!!! Our invited speakers also gave some extremely interesting talks.

I love Dr. Jonathan Shurin (UBC) talk on trophic ecology of freshwater, marine and terrestrial ecosystems. It was interesting to see comparison among these three types of ecosystems. As my friend Meg has perfectly put it "Dr. Shurin is a true community ecologist trying to answer broad scale question"

Dr. Daniel Pauly (UBS) was our Atwood lecture speaker and his topic was " Impact of fisheries and global warming on marine ecosystems and food security". He has published in a number of world renounced top scientific journals (e.g. Nature and Science). In his talk, he suggested that all fishing practices currently found around the world are not sustainable and what we are doing right now to try to raise awareness (e.g. Green labeling, conservation zoning) is too slow and ineffective. He proposed that a social movement is required and we, as global citizens, should push our governments to make drastic changes with current policy.

I can definitely see the need of that, but I also believe good science has to meet with reality in order to get the idea forward.........I think individual efforts should not be discounted and is necessary. Anywaz, I can go on and on about this.........so I should just stop here......

Another highlight of the day was the Grad Appreciation Night where the supervisors (PI) treat their grad students to a nice dinner :)...... and another proud moment was Jen from our lab got the grad student award (i.e. the best PhD student of the year!!!)

Ok this post is getting too too long...... I should just start posting pictures

Min really loves her beer!!!

What is wrong, Min? You don't like my camera?

I am still not sure what Min is up to :)

Incomplete Rodd lab (from left to right): Anna, her leader Helen, and ex-Rodd member Sean with crazy hair (Yeah his life history is complicated :P)

Smart people engaging in serious topic

Proof of Aneil being nice to his student

Locke is shocked!!! About what though?

LIFE IN SCIENCE ~~1: Ladybird Beetle Work

2008-04-22T18:15:00.000-07:00

Meet my labmate Inga from Germany

What is she doing over there? Looking serious and all............What is she watching over?

I will give your 5 sec to make a guess

5
4
3
2
1

Times up!

We are actually observation the mating behaviour of two-spotted ladybird beetles (Adalia bipunctata). I can tell you what we are observing but you will have to ask Inga about the details of her experiments (TOP SECRET!!!).

That is a black two-spotted male mating with a red female

This is what we do, we put a male and a female ladybird beetle together in a tiny petri dish in hope that they will mate with each other (Which they do almost all the time and pretty much right away :P)

We record the length of courtship..........and I believe our record time so far was 6 hrs (correct me if I am wrong, Inga)

Can you imagine how painful this task is? Give it a try and you will know............although I have to say those ladybugs are really quite cute

Stay tune for the next posting...............

PREVIEW: FLY WORK (or Drosophila melanogaster work)

What do scientists do?

2008-04-22T18:06:00.000-07:00

LIFE IN SCIENCE

I am not sure if I have mentioned this before.........but I am sort of a budding, wannabe scientist.............I just recently finish my MSc in Ecology, but I would not quite call myself a scientist just yet. I will do that when I actually published something (In the science world, publications are everything. The number of publications is a measure of success)...........So yeah I would say I am a working progress

BUT, I am sure people have wondered what does a scientist do on a day to day basis? What is it like to be in research? Even my closest friends whom have know me for years have that question.

Since I have been spending more time in the lab than at home lately, I have decided to take some pictures and record my daily life as a scientist in the Lab............

I have been taking a break from my own research and has been working in an Evolutionary Biology lab. The main interest of our lab is life history (basically like the life story of an animal) and sexual selection (Yes, that's right!!!)............Lets not go too deep into the theory behind before everyone starts to leave me :P

NOW Let's begin the "LIFE IN SCIENCE" series presented by Scented . Love

Other @Home chefs

2008-04-22T17:37:00.000-07:00

I am sure my blog has shown how much I love food and the act of eating........................

Therefore conveniently, I have a lot of food friendly friends...........and I have to say THEY CAN COOK!!! I love exchanging recipes with friends, I love cooking with friends,.................

Here are some friendly contributions from my lovely friends............

Jen's Gourmet Almond Chocolate Cake:

The chocolate ganache on top is so tasty and the cake was rich and moist................and I love the decoration ( I think is very Jen"ish")........ Jen, will you teach me how to make it?

BTE's Strawberry Rhubarb pie:

I have to say BTE knows how to make great pies..........
I was really impressed by this pie when i tried it the very first time two summers ago.........I don't like my dessert too sweet and using honey instead of sugar gave this pie the right amount of tartness.........just how I like it..........bring back all the lovely memory from that summer @ LT, too bad i didn't get a slice this time

So all my lovely friends.......if you want to have your creation posted here.....send them to me... and of course Don't forget to send me a sample of the item in the picture too!!!

Your food addict friend,
C

7 layers cookie bar aka Heart attack bar

2008-04-14T18:59:00.000-07:00

I discovered this little yummy treat in Kensington Market........@ a place called Cora's kitchen

I also have a soft spot for chocolate (well i guess who doesn't) and coconut ..............and this bar has it all......................actually alot alot more!!!

The best way to enjoy this bar is to not look at the ingredients and how much calories are involved

JUST EAT and ENJOY!!!

1 stick butter

1 1/2C graham cracker crumbs

1 pkg chocolate chips (I used semi-sweet or bitter sweet, just cause all the other ingredients are sweet enough!!!)

1 pkg butterscotch chips

1 1/3C shredded coconut (unsweeten)

1 can condensed milk

1 C chopped pecans

1) Mix melted butter and graham cracker crumbs and then spread it out at the bottom of a 9 x 13 " pan

2) Sprinkle chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, shredded coconut layer by layer

3) Drizzle condensed milk on top of that

4) Sprinkle chopped pecans on top

5) Bake for 25-30 mins @ 350F

6) Let cool before serving!!!

Make sure you go to the gym for 10 hours after you have a piece of this!!! I am telling you it might be hard work later but it is well worth it!!!

Bread trial # 4: Sweet potato bread

2008-04-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

I have to say.... or as all of you can tell.............I have be in love with bread making lately!!!........

I have always thought that breads are really hard to make, but what I have realized after these experiments is that they are actually easier than other forms of baking (e.g. cake, pastry, etc...). The most important component is patience............

The particular bread making method used for this sweet potato bread can be said to be the ultimate patience tester!!!

Different from the other methods.......This one is (again I am making this name up):

Cold Rising Method

The dough after the initial kneading process is then stored in a Ziploc bag and let rise in the fridge for ~20-24 hrs...... apparently this allows the flour particles to absorb and re-distribute the H2O.............and allow the gluten to form slowly and steadily to develop flavours..........

I added some mashed sweet potatoes in the bread dough.......sweet potatoes not only provided the bread with some natural sweetness........but they are also responsible for the orangy, gold glow of the loaf

Methods

300 g Bread flour

100g Whole wheat flour

180ml Whole milk / soy milk

~250g Mashed Sweet potatoes
*I just cooked mine in the microwave with a little bit of milk and then mashed it

80ml Honey
*that is about 1/3C

20g Milk powder

1 tsp salt

1 1/2 tsp dry yeast

1) Combine all dry ingredients

2) Add wet ingredients to Mix 1

3) Knead dough until a smooth and elastic dough is formed
* This dough is a bit wet, so it will still be slightly sticky but certainly elastic is key

4) Let rise in RT for 30 mins

5) Transfer dough into a large Ziploc bag and put it in the fridge

6) Let rise in the fridge for ~ 20-24 hrs

7) Take out and let sit at RT for 30 mins

8) Shape dough to desire shape or add fillings

9) Let rise in a warm draft free place for another 40 mins or until dough double in size

10) Baked @ 180C for 20-40 mins depending on shape and size
* I made two loafs..... so they are bigger and took about 40 mins to bake

Result

A lovely orange loaf with a hint of sweet potato both in flavour and scent........!!! delicious............

2/3 of a loaf was gone in 2 mins...........

After all these experiments, I have to say

I WANT A BREAD MACHINE

Maybe i should save up and then instead of buying a car when i move to Tahoe, I should buy a BREAD MACHINE

I guess unless I can be as lucky as Inga and manage to find one off the street for free.... I doubt that would happen in Tahoe..........

I guess i can only hope :P

Bread trial # 3 Sweet bun with lotus seed filling

2008-04-07T19:32:00.000-07:00

Using the same bread recipe as Bread experiment # 1 but added much more moisture because I want to create a moister bread..............

I have also used the "old" dough method.........not sure what the proper name is in English, but it is a really popular bread making method in Asian. What you do essentially is to combine in your "new" dough an "old" dough that you saved from your previous bread making experiment. This method is suppose to create a moist and full of flavour output, because the flour, gluten, moisture and all the lovely little yeast were given time to be friends with each other in your "old" dough and that little piece of "old dough you saved with give your "new" dough a whole new level of texture and flavour............well theoretically speaking

Methods:

Bread flour 500g ( I used 300 g of white bread flour and 200 g of whole wheat flour)
* I also added a hand full of oatmeal, wheat bran, and grounded flex seed

Sugar 35g

1 large egg

butter@room temperature 50g

Yeast 1 1/2 tsp

Salt 1 1/2 tsp

Milk or soy milk 300ml

* I had some pear sauce left (~ 2 tbsp) so i added that in there too, figured it will make the bread more moist

1) Mix the dry ingredients (flour, sugar, yeast, salt) together

2) Add egg and pear sauce and mix until combined

3) Add milk/soy milk

4) Use dough hock and knead at low speed for 5 mins, then switch to medium speed and knead for about 5 mins

5) The dough should appear slightly sticky and wet

6) Take out the dough and head knead it until smooth and elastic (when you pull the dough and stretchy thin film should form)

7) Let rest in a warm spot for ~ 1hr (x2 in size)

8) Reshape and rest for 10 mins

9) Cut and shape dough, or add fillings to your desire
* So I added some lotus seed paste filling which you can get in China town, mine came in a can ~$ 2.50)

10) Let rest again for another ~ 1 hr (cover with wet cloth, ~ x1.5 in size)

11) ~180C oven for about 10-20 mins depending on shape and size

And the result was:

Some yummy looking golden little buns............is super moist and soft, plus the lotus seed paste added a different note and texture to the bread................lovely!!!

Well I guess what i have to say about my own bread is not a unbiased source for proper data collection.......I should really wait for the true comments from my daring tasters @ RW to validate my result :)

But this is sure to be an interesting method..........so next time when you try to make bread, be sure to save a little for your future bread making endeavors

If you have tasted this bread, please leave a comment!!! Thanks!!!

DE-pork day 1

2008-04-07T19:29:00.000-07:00

I wouldn't say it was a wild success..... cause I ate a doubles and a fresh baked bun that i made..........

But............at least I have kept myself away from some junk food..... said no to chocolate...........

It is only the first day and i already feel deprived....:(

Hang in there...........

still 10 pounds to go

"Porky" !?!................Split pea soup is my first step

2008-04-06T17:53:00.000-07:00

~20 Ben and Jerry Ice cream......and a year of thesis stress later................I am almost a million times heavier than I was before..............

Since i need to get back into my beach body in a month before I move to the Sun and Sunny............I have decided I need to "de-pork" myself................

I have to say I love food! So some drastic measures have to be done...............I need to get myself back on track!!!

Soup is a great filler......hearty, health , filling, and best of all--> Low in calories

Split pea and ham hock soup:

Super easy to make, high in fiber, rich and creamy

1 large onion
5 sticks of carrots (sounds like a lot because the organic kind is usually smaller)
4 sticks of celery

1 package of dry green split pea (I think the bag i used was 450g)
Vegetable bouillon (I used the organic kind without all the unknown chemical additives)

1 small smoked ham hock (mine costed me about $4.00)

8 cups of water
2 bay leaves

1) Brown onion, chopped carrot and celery with some EVOO in your soup pot. The vegetables should become caramelized

2) Add a few tbsp of water to de-glaze the pot

3) Add 8 cups of water and vegetable bouillon to the pot

4) Add the ham hock and split pea into the pot

5) Bring it to a boil then turn the heat down and let it simmer until the split pea soften

6) When ready, pull out the ham hock and puree the soup mixture until desirable consistency

7) Pull the meat off the ham hock and put it back in to the soup

READY TO SERVE

My goal is to lose 10 pounds!!!

Stay tune :P

I passed my G2!!!

2008-04-04T16:35:00.000-07:00

I passed my G2!!!..... For those who doesn't believe I can drive..... I CAN!!!

My examiner actually said: "You are a good driver" and then gave me a high five!!!

Well I guess...... a Nevada license next.............is brutal, I can't believe I have to take a whole new test again from written to road test........................................I guess driving in the mountains is different :)

Well, I also want to learn how to drive a "manual" car as well............since almost everyone I know drives that in Tahoe.....or is it just because I don't know that many people there :P

Bread Trial #2 experimental result-Chocolate bread

2008-04-02T18:54:00.001-07:00

Result of my experiment: It might be a bit dark..... cause of the coco in the bread.... but is mighty Yummy :)

I am sure all the ladybuggers will agree :)

Bread Trial #2 Chocolate Bread

2008-04-01T18:53:00.000-07:00

I saw this recipe on NPR (click to see and listen to the yummy choc bread) about a week ago.............and i have been thinking and thinking about it...............so since i got to go home early today (i.e. 8:30pm)..........I decided I am going to give it a try.................

Yeah I have been super busy these days. I thought post thesis days would be more play, fun and relaxing............but I am as busy as before...........I guess mostly is because I have to prepare for my driving test this Friday, plus i have a whole bunch of errands i need to do to prepare for my "still don't know when I am leaving" departure to Tahoe.............

Anywaz.... my dough is in the oven rising...................Get bigger Get bigger..........stay tune !!!

Tahoe Blues................

2008-04-01T18:33:00.000-07:00

South Yuba...........I think I am right :) Have to remember
my rivers to be a true Tahoe girl!!! I love the trees, water
and wild flowers............

It has only been a week since i got back from Tahoe................but it seems like it had be a month................................I guess people always miss the good times.....................I am not saying that my time here in Toronto is bad, but my time in Tahoe is just that GOOD :)

I guess I am suppose to say that my main purpose of this trip was to attend the Tahoe science symposium....... but honestly, the symposium was just a perfect disguise of my true intention...........If it wasn't for the conference, I would not have been able to take a week off from work.

The conference was actually really good. It was my first time presenting my work (which is a fish study on Lake Tahoe) to a Tahoe audience. Tonnes of people came up to me and told me I did a good job, so I was really happy.........It was also kind of my debut to my soon to be co-worker in TERC........ I am so glad that people liked my presentation cause i was super nervous, You know my future bosses were all there!!!

Days without the conference were relaxing...........got loads of EXCERISE :P....................got to catch up on my long outdated TV shows and some NCAA March Madness basketball (UCLA!!!)........................plus most importantly COOKED a WHOLE bunch and actually had someone to eat with..... not just me and my computer....

One of my proudest creation (well it was not a sole effort, Thanks BTE!!!) Sun-dried Tomatoes, Zucchini, caramelized onion, and goat cheese on a whole wheat crust

Well anywaz.... this trip was short, but super sweet..........

I can't wait till I can start packing and get myself over there............Mid May is what I hope for.......I hope SC will call me up soon .............................

Hopefully, when I go back.......................Happiness will still be there *fingers crossed*

Trader Joe's Mocha Green Tea Cake Mix--MY interpretation

2008-03-09T20:08:00.000-07:00

My version of Trader Joe's Mocha Green Tea cake mix.....

I turned them into mini cupcakes with mocha infused white chocolate...............

I love green.................and green tea

p.s. I am now a Master of Science HAHAHAHAHAHA

Bread Trial # 1 (Read Bean, Scallion, Raspberry)

2008-03-08T19:34:00.000-08:00

Here are the experimental results.................I will post the method and conclusions later..........

My BIG day!!!

2008-03-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

This Friday is my big day...... Argh...... Super nervous about this!!!

I hope things will be alright.... It has to go well right?

Two and a half years of hard work (well, maybe a little bit of procrastination... just a little bit)

So yeah, after this Friday.....

My life should be turned to a whole new page :)

ToFu in Brownies???...It is actually yummy!!!

2008-02-13T18:57:00.000-08:00

Vegan baking............

It was always hard for me to imagine baking without eggs, butter, and milk.... just mixing those 3 ingredients alone with some sugar and loads of yummy desserts can be made........

For people who love bake goods......i guess butter can be replace with margarine, cow's milk can be replace by soy milk....... but eggs would be something hard to take away...... that golden glow that eggs give to a pie and bread...... that rich texture that eggs give to mousse and cookies......

BUT....i got some interesting news..........BTE told me he is allergic to eggs.........NOOOoooooooo

What to do.... what to do......

For a sweet tooth like BTE, i guess Vegan baking is the only way..........

So there, i started my quest of baking WITHOUT eggs......

Experiment #1

Fudgy Chocolate Brownies

I am sure a lot of you know that...... eggs and butter are two of the key ingredients for really fudgy brownies.........well i guess butter is easy... just replace it with vegetable oil.... but what about eggs......

I found this really cool vegan website.... which seems like is pretty famous among the Vegan circle.... and they have a recipe for some tasty brownies...... and its main ingredient is TOFU!!!

Well I eat a lot of tofu, but i would have never imagine to put tofu in brownies....where i guess you can coat anything with chocolate and make it taste good (maybe not everything :P)........plus it has all these great reviews..................I CAN DO THIS!!!

www.theppk.com

go to their website and get the brownies recipe....... they also have loads of other really yummy looking recipes......

I change the amount of some of the ingredient a little bit and it still turns out great!!!

I add a little extra water to my tofu mixture... mine just seemed too thick in the blender, perhaps my tofu was just extra extra firm (hence lower water content)?

I have to warn you the final mixture (after you add in the flour and coco powder) doesn't look like you typical brownie mixture.... it is much stiffer.... sort of dough like.....doesn't really pour out. I actually have to pat down my "dough" into my baking dish.......

Results:

Extremely delicious Brownies.... animal products free...........

Tomorrow is V-day....... I think i will pack some of these to work......why make myself skinny when i can make everyone else fat haha!!!........The joy of sharing :P

Conclusion:

Vegan baking is achievable.... and not as hard as i think it would be......... therefore this research project will be continuously funded by ME!!!

What to eat in the big TOronto?

2008-02-13T09:39:00.000-08:00

Yes.... i have been lazy..... very lazy actually these days....

I have something that i meant to post right after my trip back from Hong Kong and Taipei (which was back in Jan).......... well i am going to pick up my act and get back on to this!!!

For now..... here is something that i gathered a while ago for Meg's friend Jamie.......

Not the most updated list in my head... but i guess will do for now......
I should really go revisit some of these places...... but is just so cold out.... so much snow ::::::

Restaurants…my two cent

Price: $-under 10, $$-under 20, $$$ above 20, $$$$- just super expensive only for special occasions (not including drinks and tips per person)

Breakfast or Brunch

Saving Grace $-$$

I haven’t personally been to this one yet but a lot of my friends have and they absolutely loved it!!!

907 Dundas W 416-703-7368

Xacutti $$

http://www.xacutti.com/

Please try their French toast with Challah (egg bread) !!! To die for

503 College St 416-323-3957

Hot House $$

http://www.hothousecafe.com/

Known to be one of the best brunch places in town…. Super wide selection….from the traditional breakfast flare to lobster ravioli. It is a bit pricy for brunch, but is a buffet and is mighty good! They also have pretty good pasta dishes for lunch and dinner as well. And you can always drop by St. Lawrence market afterwards.

35 Church Street 416-366-7800

Meals (lunch or dinner)

Some Light or Quick Flare

Sandwich Box $

Make your own sandwich, so choose whatever you like

http://www.sandwichbox.ca/sandwichbox.htm

245 Augusta Ave 416-977-0056

238 Queen Street West

Jumbo Empanadas $

All they sell are empanadas and is great and cheap. Make sure you ask for their Salsa

Burrito Boyz $

Best North American-style burritos in town. It is a bit hidden, is a tiny little shop under ground, make sure you miss it!!! Usually there are a whole bunch of people outside.

120 Peter Street 416-593-9191

Yung Sing Pastry Shop $

Hidden in the Baldwin Strip, this little place reminds me of old times china (do I really know what that looks like!?!) Curry beef or BBQ pork buns are the best I think. Try their Egg tart too flakey and sweet

22 Baldwin Street. Close on Sunday and Monday I think

Butler’s Pantry $-$$

http://www.butlerspantry.ca/

A number of locations around town, but my favorite location would be the one on Queen. They kind of have an international flare. Their Chicken Bastilla Pie is divine!!!

813 Queen Street West 416-203-0222

Real meals

Thai

Let’s be honest there is not really authetic Thai food in Toronto, unless you know thai and can talk to the chef…. But here are some fairly good Thai spot in town

Salad King $

Cheap and good! Always busy and have weird opening hours. Seafood Fried Rice is a must have!!!

335 Yonge 416-971-7041

Thai Basil $-$$

Their lunch deals are great, cheap and yummy. You can substitute all meat dish with tofu and ask them to make anything spicy for you.

467 Bloor St. W 416-840-9988

Spanish

Torito $$$

One of my favorite restaurants in town, a bit pricy but everything is great. They serve food tapas style, so everything is small. Great for Dates or a big group of friend (can make reservation if party is bigger than 6).

276 Augusta @ College 647-436-5874 Closed Sunday, Monday and holidays

Mexican

Rancho Relaxo $-$$

Heaping plates, you will never leave hungry from this place! So remember don’t order too much!!! Wasting food is bad J

300 College Street 416-920-2780

El Trompo $

Al Pastor Taco is a must have! Also try their Hochata, is an almond flavored milk beverage. Close pretty early.

227 Augusta. 416-260-0097

Tacos El Asador $

Hidden in Korean Town, this like place sure gives you a homey feel to it. It is cheap and delicious, what more can you ask for!

690 Bloor West 416-538-9747

Indian

Gandhi Cuisine $-$$

Not your usual West Indi Roti… This is actually Indian… People claim that they have the best butter chicken in town. I personally like their vegetarian selection the best! Saag (spinach) paneer or Mutter (green peas) paneer (indian cottage cheese) are my favorite. Remember Medium is very hot already and portion is big!

Mt. Everest $-$$

Great deals on Indian buffet on bloor.

469 Bloor St 416-964-8849

American

Phil’s Original BBQ $$

Their beans are amazing, and of course Ribs and Brisket. Don’t forget the Cachapas!!!

838 College St 416-532-8161

Duff’s famous Wings $$

http://www.duffsfamouswings.ca/home.html

Go on Tuesday and is just around $ 6 bucks for 10 wings

558 College Street, three blocks west of Bauthurst

Japanese

Japanese food are fairly abundant in Toronto, so I picked a few that are a bit different from your normal Jap place, enjoy!

Tokyo Grill $-$$

Home cook style Japanese food! Ebi (Shrimp) fry and the curry katsu rice are what I love

582 Yonge St. 416-968-7054

Okonomi House $

Right in their name…. Okonomi yaki is what they are good at! It is somewhere between a pancake and an omelette, topped with whatever you want--and very filling

23 Charles W 416-925-6176

Tokyo Sushi $-$$$

There are a couple of Japanese restaurant around town that are called Tokyo Sushi so make sure you are at the right one! This is super small and yes it is super small, but their food is great and fish is freah! If you can, go for lunch because they have a cheaper lunch menu.

33 St. Joseph St (@ Bay) about a block north of Wellesley

Japango $-$$$

Another really small Japanese restaurant and yes they are also really small. They can get quite busy, so make reservations if you can. Japango Maki is the must have, and the spicy scallop

122 Elizabeth @ Dundas 416-599-5557

Korean

Ka Chi $

Everything is cheap and good! I love the Squid stir fry with rice! And they have amazing seafood pancake.

612 Bloor St W (at Palmerston Ave) I think they have one in China town as well 416-533-9360

Italian

Terroni $$

Great this crust pizza! Always packed, no matter what time so be prepare to wait

106 Victoria St 416-955-0258 / 720 Queen W 416-504-0320

Seven Numbers

http://www.sevennumbers.com/

Lovely Italian home style restaurant. Fresh ingredient and great end product. Orzo Buco is a must have.

516 Eglinton Ave West 416-322-5183

Vegetarian

Fresh by Juice for Life $

Try their burger and sweet potatoes fries. Make sure you ask them for their hot sauce, is really good and different.

326 Bloor St and there is one on Spadina and Queen

REALLY Special occasion

The most amazing meal I have ever have in my life so far, almost the most expensive ($100 per person no drinks or any thing just water)à Tasting Menu. Trust me, it will be a meal of your life

Soho Metropolitan Hotel Senses Restaurant

318 Wellington St West 416-935-0400

Dessert

Dufflet Pastries

Great cakes!!! You can basically find their cakes everywhere around town

787 Queen W 416-504-2870

Future Bakery & Café

A wide selection go very yummy cake and is 24 hrs!

483 Bloor W 416-922-5875

Kensington Organic Ice Cream

Best ice cream in town…. Omg… need I say more

Hidden around the corners of Hero burgers Off Queen street on Palmerston 650 Queen West

Hollywood Gelato

A perfect finish after a meal at Duff’s on Bayview. Not the typical Italian gelato….My favorite flavor would be their green apple one, but they don’t have it all the time

1640 Bayview Avenue 416-544-9829

Dolce Gelato

Located at the heart of little Italy….there is really nothing to complain about this place…. Just go and try it yourself

697 College Street 416-915-0756

ENJOY everyone....... Don't you just love eating!?!

One more day......

2007-12-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Today will be the day that determines whether i would be able to go home or not......

Everyone.... keep your fingers crossed for me........ I need to pull all powers!!!

PLEASE.... help me please!!!

I need my passport!!!

What a day!!!

2007-12-18T17:59:00.000-08:00

Today........

Endnotes gone crazy........ so i have to reinsert most of my references
My graduate counselor is sick.............and i am really lost
Still waiting for my passport...........I hope they will reply my email tomorrow
is 9 pm, still at work..............well i guess i was at work from 8:30 am to 11:30 pm yesterday

Hopefully, tomorrow will be a much better day >.<

I want to go home..... but i guess i should at least finish my corrections for Chapter
3..........Hang in there Chris Fish..... hang in there

A Day Off: Chocolate Banana Cupcake with pecans cream cheese frosting

2007-12-16T11:45:00.000-08:00

Today is the second day of the biggest snow storm ever..........

I have never ever seen so much snow before..... well i guess that is also partly because i grew up in a very warm place up until I was 18

Got a call today from my boss Mary...... "the library is close today.......too much snow..... I don't think anyone will come to the library today"

I usually work on Sunday at the library as a librarian from 1-8.......Yeah a day off..... but what am i going to do?

I can't really get to school (or i don't want to head out in the crazy snow) and work on my thesis......

maybe i will make that cupcake that I have been dreaming about ever since i found those mini muffin tins in the kitchen at my new place.........

I have to admit during busy times, i am a lazy baker and find myself using a lot of cake mixes to save some time..........but i always use organic cake mix...... cake mix without all the weird chemicals in conventional cake mix that i myself ,a self-proclaimed scientist or my chemist sister cannot even understand.............and if you are a label reader like me.... you will find that the ingredients in organic cake mixes are just about the same ingredients that you would use if you start from scratch

In this package of cake mix that i used...... the ingredients are

organic wheat flour
organic cane sugar
baking soda
cream of tartar
salt
organic natural vanilla flavour
organic carob bean gum

Not bad eh? everything pre-measured and ready to go............so i can just focus on adding other ingredients to make the standard vanilla cake mix more interesting!!!

This cake mix calls for

3 large eggs (Organic if you want to maintain the organic theme)
2/3 cup (150 ml) organic milk
1/2 cup (125 ml) organic vegetable oil

To make my chocolate banana cupcakes, I changed the above ingredients just a tiny bit

Materials:

2 large eggs
1/2 cup organic soy milk
2 over ripen organic banana (mushed by a fork and some "heavy duty arm strength")
1/4 cup organic pear puree (which act as a substitute to the vegetable oil.....you see that people use applesauce for the same purpose a lot too.....but i like the idea of pears in cakes.......* A little trick of mine: you often find applesauce or other fruit puree come in big jars and if you only use it for baking once in a while, then is really not worthy to buy a big jar..... what i do is i get the baby food fruit puree.... they are inexpensive, alway come in little jars and free of additives)

Methods:

Preheat oven to 325F
Mix all wet ingredients together
Combine wet ingredients with cake mix
Pour batter in mini muffin pans (a package of cake mix should yield ~48 mini cupcakes)
Bake for 15-20 mins
Cool in pans on rack for 10mins and then remove from pans for complete cooling
Ready for frosting

I used the cream cheese frosting recipes from the famous Sprinkles Cupcakes in L.A. to make my pecans cream cheese frosting. I found the recipe a long time ago and i can't really remember where it came from.

Materials:

1 pkg of cream cheese (~8 oz)
1/2 stick of butter (~1/4 cup)
Pecans as much as you like
3 cups of confectioner's sugar
a dash of vanilla extract

Methods:

Blend cream cheese and butter until soft and fluffy
add sifted confectioner's sugar in the mixture until desire sweetness and consistency
Add a dash of vanilla extract for flavouring
Grind pecans in food processor or coffee grinder until fine (not the one you use to grind coffee though)
Add processed pecans into cream cheese frosting and mix with a spectula

Conclusion:

Frost the cupcakes and CONSUME!!!

* I coated some pecan with organic dark chocolate for deco of the cupcakes

* I know the piping is a bit weird..... I can't find my piping tips.... WHERE ARE YOU???
* You might see some pink bites in the frosting.... that was because i added too much sugar in the frosting cause i wanted a stiffer consistency and end up being to sweet, so i added a little bit of grapefruit juice to cut the sweetness

A World of White

2007-12-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning........ and looked out of the window..........

I saw a world of white...........

everywhere was covered with snow.............well i live on the 28th floor now...... so i have a view of half of the city..........................

It totally reminded me of Tahoe...................

Anywaz.... heading over to a Christmas Party tonight...... should be fun.........

I better work some more so i can play harder tonight

Thesis... thesis... thesis...

Traveling.........

2007-12-13T13:48:00.000-08:00

I guess i am on a row with happy things these days........

Had my first Christmas Party today... I love going to parties cause there is always free food... and i have to say i was impressed..... i was thinking it would be the usual pizza flare... but instead we had sushi, roast chicken, meat balls........and of course...... Mary's famous salad (Master's Choice dressings i believe :)

Well with the holidays coming soon..... you start to get emails, msn messages, or facebook notes about the question of "what are you up to these days?"

To answer all questions...... here is a picture of what i am up to lately.... are you ready? It is for sure not for the faint hearted.......

I have been taking pictures of water striders......WHY? well i guess i will have to tell you all later..... cause i still haven't fully transformed from applied aquatic ecology to the dark side of evolutionary biology yet...... so if you are interested (really interested...), stay tune!!!!

Above is a Water Strider picture.... it is a female of a species named Gerris buenoi.......

I was also taking pictures and measurements of some giant water striders Gigantometra gigas which is the largest known Gerrid.........They are endemic to regions of Vietnam and south China...... I am not normally a bug fan... but i have to say they are so cool..........nothing like the common little striders you see in lakes and ponds...............i will try to get some pictures on here when i bring my camera to work

oh... i guess i got steered off track from what i initially wanted to say in this post... TRAVELING

i have been getting a lot of facebook notices these days about people posting their vacation pictures..... well i guess i will be doing that very soon too !!!

I am heading back to HK and Taiwan for Christmas.....mainly because is my very very BEST friend's wedding.... and I am in it..... but also for all the family and friends that i have missed for a long long time.... and not to mention the great food in HK and Taiwan........

I already have a list of places that i want to go eat in HK and Taiwan......hopefully i will be able to take better pictures of these yummy pleasure with my new found "skills" with my camera

On a row........

2007-12-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Chapter 2 Effect of climate change on the surface water temperatures of Lake Tahoe

Empirical modeling approach to predict how water temperatures of the lake will be affected by climate change

COMPLETE!!!

Yeah............

i guess i should take myself out for dinner and read a fun book tonight........ can't decide what to eat!?!

Stop floating and be still

2007-12-06T13:40:00.000-08:00

I got a phone call on Monday..... a very important phone call......

It was from NY.....................

and now............i can be still........i can make plans.......

one thing off my check list..........3 more years to becoming a canuck

What's next???

Thesis

Tahoe

and the World???

Oh and DOT for those who knows........

Leftover paradise: Spinach chicken in a creamy garlic sauce

2007-11-27T18:49:00.000-08:00

I am moving next week.... so i have to clear out my fridge..... all leftovers must.... as well as all frozen storage..........

So here is what i have

Chicken thighs, frozen spinach , evaporated milk, frozen mozzarella, yogurt

I know is a weird combination.... but remember this is a mission of reviving leftover.... so i have to just work with what i have......

So this is what i smell....... seasoned chicken swimming in a creamy spinach sauce topped with mozzarella cheese.........put under the broiler until cheese turn golden and gooey.......

Ingredients

2 pieces of chicken thighs (de-boned)
1 pkg of frozen spinach
1 can of evaporated milk
A healthy pile of grated mozzarella
2 tbsp of plain yogurt
2 gloves of garlic, minced
salt and pepper

Instructions

Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper, let rest for 10 mins

In the mean time, in a sauce pan, heat oil and add minced garlic. Saute until you can smell the aroma of garlic

Pour in the sauce pan evaporated milk and let it simmer. Slow boiling will allow the milk to develop flavour

Pan-sear the chicken with skin side down first until 80% cooked, then cut it into small pieces

Put in the chicken and de-frosted spinach (squeeze dry beforehand) in to the milk mixture

Top the mixture with 2 tbsp of yogurt, put the lid on and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes (the fat in the yogurt will slow separate from the curds and give the sauce a nice finish.... rich with a sweet tang)

Transfer the chicken and spinach concoction into a oven-safe dish. Top the mixture with mozzarella and put the dish under the broiler. Bake until cheese become gooey and golden brown

I had mine with a slice of garlic Naan (store bought)...............garlicky............

Enjoy my silly creation.......

I have to say is mighty yummy!!!

The beginning of a scented adventure

2007-11-27T09:31:00.000-08:00

In the mist of home packing..... thesis crunching...... and soul searching.......... i decided to start a blog.....to document my love for food......my appreciation of nature.....my beliefs in life........

a poor student........ dreaming to become a scientist.........still believe that she can help save the world one fish at a time (yeah i study fish and global warming...killer combination).........cooking in a tiny kitchen....... no expensive ingredient, just the bare essentials........food might not be gourmet...but definitely hearty and full of L.O.V.E.

This will be a scented map to remind myself.......imperfect grammar but definitely understandable............. Life is beautiful with food, adventures, friends and family..............

Sweet and Savory: Bastilla Pie

2007-11-27T09:27:00.001-08:00

Warm cinnamon, turmeric-spiced eggs, crushed almond and a heaping dose of tender chicken covered by layers of phyllo pastry with a touch of snowy sugar

a sweet and savory concoction......

Getting ready to move out of my place.... and venture into a new domain.... i found a box of phyllo pastry hiding at the corner of my freezer.........a box of delicate feathery sheets..........

My first bite into a Bastilla pie was at a place called Bulter's Pantry on Queen West, Toronto a few years ago.....and the sweet and savory taste never left my mind ever since....

I am sure a lot of you are aware of the delicate nature of phyllo pastry..... and that is why it took me so long to finally attempt to recreate this fond memory of mine

There are a lot of Bastilla or Basteeya pie recipes out there.....from few simple ingredients to spices intensive creations, but a few key ingredients are essential:

chicken, onion, garlic, almonds, cinnamon, turmeric, eggs, ginger, sugar

did not follow one particular recipe but an adaptation of much......my pie fits nicely in my cast iron skillet

Ingredients

For the chicken

· 1 medium size chicken (roasted with salt and pepper)

· 8 tbsp. butter, sliced

· 2 onions, grated

· 1 tsp. ground ginger

· 1/2 tsp. turmeric

· 1 tbsp of ground cinnamon

· a pinch of nutmeg

· 1 bay leaf

· salt and pepper

· 2 tbsp. sugar

For the Almonds

· 1 cup toasted almonds

· 4 tbsp. sugar

· 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

For the Eggs

· 4 eggs, beaten

· 1/2 cup reserved chicken sauce

For the pie

· 1 package phyllo pastry

· melted butter

· 1/2 cup powdered sugar

· 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the chicken

Pull off and shred the meat of roasted chicken (can save rack for stock), and set side.

Saute onions with butter until soft and caramelized.

Add ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, pepper and salt to onion mixture, mix well and sautee together for 5 minutes.

Add the water, chicken, bay leaf and nutmeg to the mixture and bring it to a boil and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes.

Remove chicken from the pot. Add sugar, mix and set aside.

Save the simmering liquid for the eggs.

Prepare the almonds

Put toasted almonds, sugar and cinnamon in a food processor and grind.

Prepare the eggs

Warm the simmering liquid over low heat. Bring it to a slow boil and slowly add the eggs, stirring constantly. Cook until they have a scrambled egg consistency. Drain any extra liquid and let cool.

Assemble the pie

Butter cast-iron pan and place 4 or 5 phyllo sheets on it. Brush with melted butter, spread a thin layer of chicken and cover with 2 or 3 phyllo sheets. Brush phyllo sheets with butter, spread a thin layer of almonds, cover with another couple of sheets of phyllo, butter and spread a layer of eggs. Repeat with other layers of chicken/almonds/egg/ until all the fillings are used up. Cover with several sheets of phyllo dough and tug them into the bottom of the pie, encasing the whole thing. Score the top of the pie into diamond shape design and sprinkle the pie with some water (prevent too much puffing of pastry)

Heat the oven to 425F and put the pie inside (no preheating required). Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until golden. Brush with powdered sugar and cinnamon.