Sunday, February 18, 2007

Dim Sum


We headed down to Chinatown today, which probably wasn't the best idea since it is the Chinese New Year, but we thought it might be fun to see the parade and have some dim sum beforehand.
It was swamped. My cousin and I wandered around the mall while my parents waited at Happy Chef for a table. After almost an hour of waiting we had to decide: dim sum or the parade.
Naturally, after waiting that long and with such a build up of anticipation, the dim sum won.
We did get to see the lions dance though.

12 dishes proved to be more than plenty. I think my favorite would have to be the yummy fried taro balls.

I had no idea what to expect when I bit into it, but they were like any other sort of dumpling, except with a layer of taro.Even though we didn't get around to the parade really, it was fun walking around, though it was really crowded. Plus, with some red bean cakes from a bakery to bring home, luck should be on my side.

Friday, February 16, 2007

Shrimp and Edamame Succotash

We had dinner Friday night at our house. Mom made dinner from a recipe from Eating Well, the Edamame and Shrimp Succotash. It was defintely colorful. We had it with some corn muffins. Dessert was the bulgur pudding that I've made before. I'm not sure I really like the strong ginger flavor in it.

Sunday, February 11, 2007

...the vegetables to go with a roast chicken

Sunday, February 04, 2007

Apple Almond Oatmeal

According to the temperature on my Google homepage, its -5ºF right now. According to Dad, the windchill is -25ºF or somewhere around there. That of course, makes today perfect for a hearty and warm breakfast.
There's no better excuse to make oatmeal. I personally am not a big fan of instant oatmeal - though considering the frequency with which I eat them, you can't really tell. I don't like the texture or sweetness (we don't have any regular, Dad bought a big box from Costco). I like to play with my oatmeal, so when it comes with dried fruit and nuts in it already, it throws me off. No to mention the way instant oatmeal triples in size when it hits your stomach.
So lying in bed this morning, I decided to make oatmeal. We had fewer bananas than I thought, but it still turned out well. However, I've adjusted the recipe to include the nonexistent banana.

Apple Almond Oatmeal
serves 3

2 1/2 cups water
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups rolled oats (also called old-fashioned)
1 tablespoon molasses
2 teaspoons sugar
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
2 bananas, sliced
1 apple, diced, and divided
1/2 cup sliced almonds (approx 2 ounces), divided
1/3 cup milk

In a medium saucepan bring water and salt to a rolling boil.
Add oats, reduce heat, and cook for about two minutes.
Add molasses and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, about a minute. Add sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, and bananas and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about two to three minutes more.
Stir in half of apple and half of almonds. Stir in milk.
Divide among three warmed bowls and top with remaining almonds and apple.