Like a Phoenix...

I recently emerged from the ashes of a brief cooking slump.  I mostly enjoy cooking but there are many a days when the mere thought of making dinner puts me in a funk.  The solution usually involves foodnetwork or a trip to the library to checkout some cookbooks.  The latter did the job and I am newly inspired.  Plus, I tend to eat proper portions when I do the cooking.

Seafood scallion pancake (haemul pajeon) - not the best thing to make on a hot summer evening.  The recipe called for rice flour which made the pancake more dense (which i didn't like) and more crispy (which i liked) than the flour only recipes.

I was in the kitchen for what seemed like hours and this is the fruit of my labor.  Doesn't look like much.  On the left is corn jeon (pancake) and I don't think I will be making any sort of jeon in the next few months.  Jeon should be left for the non-summer months.


Inspired by my error, I decided on a more season appropriate menu.

Angel hair pasta with tomatoes, basil and fresh mozzarella.  I always enjoy angel hair more than I think I will.  There are certain foods which I think I don't like but actually do - like mint.  But more on food prejudices at another time...

Daddy's Weekend

To celebrate Father's Day, John suggested a family hike.  So off we were...but first, a little breakfast.

The hike took about an hour and a half and the girls felt a sense of accomplishment when we were done.

There were lots of cactus plants.  The flowers on this one were so pretty.  I do have to say that being married to John has increased my appreciation of nature.  I would not have noticed such a plant eleven years ago and actually, I didn't notice it on this hike either.  John had to point it out.  Generally, John notices a lot more things than I do.  


Did you see that lizard (about 300 feet away and in the bushes)?  
Uh no.
Look at all the clusters of cactus plants on that hill.
Oh, I thought they were just bushes.
There are so many fish in this lake!
Where?


I grew up being dragged to Yosemite at least once a year and 17 mile drive whenever we had guests visiting.  Let's just say it wasn't my idea of a good time.  John, on the other hand, is a nature man.  He participated in Outward Bound, by choice and has climbed Mt. Whitney more than a couple times, again, by choice.  I sound like I'm bragging because I am.  He is the Man!  

I hope our girls remember our outdoor activities and grow up appreciating nature.  I hate to label the kids early on but I would have to say that Kelly reminded me a lot of myself (complaining, freaking out about the bugs, wondering when it was going to be over) and Katie was a lot like her dad (no complaints, even running towards the end).  


Here's to the first of many hikes to come!

C'est la Vi-vier

The moment I saw it, I wanted it!  I needed me a Clare Vivier.  The messenger bag was everything I was looking for.  The long/short strap allowing for the in the hand/cross body/in the crook of the arm carrying combination.  Nothing was wanting in this simple, slouchy design.

I obsessed over it a few days.  Should I order it online, should I visit one of the LA stores that carry the bags, or should I wait for the feeling to pass?  It never passed.  Lucky for me, Clare is local - Echo Park.  So on an unusually gloomy afternoon, I drove on over to her studio (which turns out to be a back room in her lovely two story home).  She was as kind as can be - offering tea and coffee.  After some thought, I settled for the gray messenger 

and the black la trop.  Then I got the heck out of there before I purchased anything else (like her adorable clutches).

Makeshift KitchenAid or Make Do

I used to have a KitchenAid.  Well, it wasn't really mine but I was keeping it for my mom.  My KitchenAid-sitting ended after a good five year run.  I'm not much of a baker but I do love me some cookies from time to time.  You would be surprised what you can accomplish with room temperature butter, a sturdy fork and some elbow grease. 

The make-do-attitude is valuable in a world where your kitchen lacks counter space, storage space and such "gadgets" as a KitchenAid.  It also comes in handy in a world full of uncertainties and compromises.


Tada!  Cookies!  And the world is a better place...

These are adapted from a David Leibovitz recipe (I used both milk and dark chocolate and no nuts.)  


My sister dropped by with a bouquet of dahlias grown by her very own hands!

Happy Friday!

Green Paper

John found some green paper stock we've had in storage for years. Now it is all I see...

Everything in Katie's heart

• God (Does God have long hair? I think he does, it seems like he would.)
• Kelly, Mommy and Daddy
• Home
• Noah and Jamie
• Anna, Jeehee emo and Uncle Eric
• Halmoni and Harabudgi (Daddy's side)
• Julie emo, Halmoni and Harabudgi (Mommy's side)
• My bike
• Dolphin (my favorite animal)
• Coconut (my favorite stuffed elephant)
• School

Here's to the never ending ream of green paper stock.