tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55407532871154793032024-03-14T10:38:42.671-05:00A Heap of Lemon ZestThe many (mis)adventures of a wacky little Asian girl with a penchant for feeding people.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger30125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-53646643173070803452014-06-19T05:30:00.000-05:002014-06-19T15:40:04.250-05:00Of cabbages and kings<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtInkHSDF78" target="_blank">Hi hello</a>~ It's been <i>ages</i>, you guys!<br>
<br>
Since the last post (over two years ago! I am so ashamed of myself), I have finished two and a half years of medical school. That's right, I'm back in the northern hemisphere and halfway through my third-year clinical rotations.<br>
<br>
Which means I really shouldn't be blogging right now. Shhhh.<br>
<br>
But can I just say, it's true what they say about med school: every year is better than the last.<br>
<br>
The workload increases every year, for sure, and there is less time to study more material, which is utterly overwhelming. But I am learning <i>so much</i>, every single day. Most of that learning comes from the best teachers out there -- real patients who are nice enough to take the time to talk to a medical student -- with guidance from some awesome doctors doling out wisdom.<br>
<br>
<iframe width="640" height="360" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/EtAG3e3JLNI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br>
<br>
So... If you are ever in a teaching hospital and a student asks to talk to you, please say yes. It may seem like a waste of time to have to answer the same questions twice, but students have more time and fewer responsibilities than a resident or attending, so we can focus better on you as an individual patient. Besides, just by talking to a medical student, you are contributing to his/her education.<br>
<br>
That makes you a teacher! Of medical students!<br>
<br>
YES.<br>
<br>
I am actually serious. Say yes to medical students. You just may see us a few years later, looking exhausted and harried, but proudly sporting the long white coat in place of the short one.<br>
<br>
Anyway. When I'm not at the hospital, I'm usually passed out at home. I know. I am properly ashamed. I'm in <i>NEW ORLEANS</i>, for goodness' sake. But I have been squeezing in a bit of exploration whenever I could!<br>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-jK-w46J_7bc/UxE7W__hPiI/AAAAAAAADXI/0rrYR-ZINcU/s593-no/IMG_2111.JPG" width=47%> <img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-PoiP4zlHExQ/UyX1S6FXnvI/AAAAAAAAOSQ/-rXMgigjNHM/s593-no/2014-03-16" width=47%><br>
<img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-DXYAdMU2D7c/UyXyrbYzncI/AAAAAAAAOR8/wD3RrktICU4/w333-h592-no/2014-03-16" width=47%> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/tswbq4b1n9VuJ6dBrfOi7PS3j_HnuOhdg0Mm9HudUPc=w334-h593-no" width=47%><br>
<br>
And of course, Mardi Gras! This year it fell smack in the middle of exam week, but my roommates and I managed to see a few parades and get lots and lots (and lots) of beads.<br>
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<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-YsvYbjYFVUQ/UxcyJA9CJXI/AAAAAAAAODE/-PzNw93WoxQ/s593-no/IMG_20140304_082531_1.jpg" width=30%> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-dk8Sqt3VJhY/Uxcywzgo8OI/AAAAAAAAOI8/gIBKOEADBt4/s593-no/IMG_20140302_195653_1.jpg" width=30%> <img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/--XPbcFnXIIs/UxcyrIJXvII/AAAAAAAAOIw/cUN7chRBH-g/s593-no/IMG_20140302_183406_1.jpg" width=30%><br>
<img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-i_FXBiSVL1M/UxcyFq4gTLI/AAAAAAAAOC0/FqJ-PDxZsP8/s593-no/IMG_20140304_082613_1.jpg" width=30%> <img src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-s5hrrzjkc9E/UwqcgZEo0LI/AAAAAAAADQc/R_vRnly_sNA/s593-no/2014-02-23" width=30%> <img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-qCV3f3DWZiM/UxczJBRvtrI/AAAAAAAAOK8/DdDK82bO-ik/s593-no/IMG_20140223_174155_1_1.jpg" width=30%><br>
<br>
We also ate so much king cake, you guys. Apparently it's a thing here -- people bring king cake to share at work.<br>
<br>
So I found a recipe and made king cake to bring to the hospital.<br>
<br>
I mean, what else is a girl to do?<br>
<br>
<img src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-sF9jJlhCBxU/U6I3u9HSl5I/AAAAAAAAO3c/6spFob8w6Uo/w890-h593-no/P5231380.JPG" width=90%><br>
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<b>New Orleans king cake</b><br>
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://livlifetoo.yummly.com/2011/03/king-cake-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">Liv Life</a></i>.<br>
<br>
This is a yeasted loaf cake (<i>gâteau des rois</i>), popular in southern France. The options are limitless as far as filling is concerned. I've had plain cakes with just cinnamon sugar, as well as fancier ones with jam, Bavarian cream, or even apple pie filling. There is another version of king cake that is more popular in northern France, consisting of layers of puff pastry with almond paste in-between (<i>galette des rois</i>). I think I'll try my hand at the <i><a href="http://www.davidlebovitz.com/2014/01/galette-des-rois-kings-cake-recipe/" target="_blank">galette</a></i> next year. :)<br>
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<u>Dough</u>.<br>
1 Tbsp. yeast<br>
1 c. warm water<br>
1/2 c. warm milk<br>
1/2 c. sugar<br>
4 3/4 c. flour<br>
2 tsp. salt<br>
1 tsp. nutmeg<br>
1 tsp. cinnamon<br>
Zest of 1 lemon<br>
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened<br>
5 egg yolks<br>
<br>
In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water and milk. Add sugar and stir. Let sit for 10 minutes.<br>
<br>
In a separate bowl, combine flour, salt, nutmeg, cinnamon, and lemon zest. Add to yeast mixture and stir. Add butter and egg yolks, knead into a sticky dough using hands. Scrape the dough onto a clean countertop and knead -- without adding more flour -- until it becomes less sticky.<br>
<br>
<i>NOTE: I like to use the sweet dough kneading method described in <a href="http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2011/03/cinnamon-rolls-with-whipped-cream.html" target="_blank">Not So Humble Pie</a>. It is a very vigorous process, but yields an amazingly soft and chewy texture in the bread. However, if you don't feel like getting a workout into the bargain, refer to the original recipe linked above.</i><br>
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Place the dough in an oiled bowl and cover. Let sit in a warm, dry place for 1 hour, or until dough is doubled in size.<br>
<br>
<u>Filling</u>.<br>
8 oz. cream cheese, softened<br>
1/4 c. sugar<br>
3 Tbsp. flour<br>
1 egg yolk<br>
1 tsp. lemon juice<br>
1 tsp. vanilla<br>
<br>
In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, sugar, flour, egg yolk, lemon juice, and vanilla and mix with a fork until smooth.<br>
<br>
<u>Assembled cake</u>.<br>
1 dry bean<br>
1 egg white<br>
1 Tbsp. milk<br>
<br>
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.<br>
<br>
Punch down and knead risen dough a few times. Divide dough into three equal pieces.*<br>
<br>
Lightly flour countertop and rolling pin. Roll out one piece of dough to about 12" x 4". Spread 1/3 of filling over dough, leaving a 1" margin on all sides. Roll up the dough lengthwise to form a long cylinder, and pinch the edges to seal. Repeat with remaining pieces of dough and filling.<br>
<br>
Braid the three strands together, then place braid onto prepared baking sheet and wrap into a circle. Pinch ends together to seal, smoothing the dough to hide the seam.<br>
<br>
Hide the bean in one of the crevices in the braid. Cover braided ring with plastic wrap and let sit for 45 minutes, or until dough is doubled in size.<br>
<br>
Preheat oven to 350ºF.<br>
<br>
Beat egg white with milk, then brush over risen dough. Bake for 35-40 minutes, until golden, or a thermometer reads 200-210ºF.<br>
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<i>* Alternatively, divide dough into four equal pieces. Roll out and assemble with filling as described above, and make two smaller loaves of two strands twisted together. I found this to be more manageable in terms of cake size.</i><br>
<br>
<u>Glaze</u>.<br>
2 c. powdered sugar<br>
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened<br>
1/2 c. lemon juice<br>
Zest of 1 lemon<br>
<br>
Cream sugar and butter until smooth. Mix in lemon juice and zest.<br>
<br>
Drizzle lemon icing over cake. Sprinkle with sprinkles or colored sugars. Allow topping to set before serving.<br>
<br>
Remember that bean you sneaked into the cake before baking? Whoever finds it in his/her piece of cake is the "king" for the day. He/she is also responsible for bringing the cake next time. :)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-18407988302814804882012-01-29T01:02:00.001-06:002012-01-30T04:12:13.128-06:00In which there are adventures<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/Nwh3FmpZ7kg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
It's the rainy season here in Aus. That means wet <i>and</i> hot (bleargh). Oh well. I'm thankful it hasn't flooded like it did last year.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images.brisbanetimes.com.au/2011/01/13/2131807/600air1-600x400.jpg" width="45%"> <img src="http://www.risingglobe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/01/r697051_5305814.jpg" width="45%"><br />
<br />
Mostly I just feel very cooped up, and will be very glad when the rain does finally let up.<br />
<br />
We did get a lovely respite from the rain on Australia Day, of which my friends and I took full advantage for a day at the beach in <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GSmKuVSocN8" target="_blank">Miami</a> (oh yes) on the Gold Coast.<br />
<br />
And of course the pre-rain days were filled with explorations and adventures, as is only right. :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkk1yxHNhgz8To7xB7lKXZQlv0cT3v_rE5qua46J1ow65TbktwBLG4EcCpbjixvYpd2VL28dFmFsfrsKuBdcWZCCzdKxoKGHsgsvWQuN_x9zhzPPpWqW2J0Fa-jLjCJM4KAK-UYnNdqqg/s800/IMG_0028.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQI5zojMp1_H4lH59xd3L0oMyraq3TXUaQUkficMXKPEhHSzygCg1YWGADvm-nUa-E5Cq11CwiSIH44us4xC0FhaknkDfRFaTuM3Cb_cL8agTYjeePkEFLDeNbhSH1bLt4jhXKMsIdf5w/s800/IMG_0033.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/p480x480/424848_10151220317845711_549180710_22987705_1220913372_n.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy9sBmocT8r1SK9Ddr6XyV_MEhDr_y1v-VztJ-AGVTXx3cEDZgQEOPmzY4e2Yfeg5uNUG2OiLXa6hPoHw_vW6BCG17_2pHUmQss_3hsI6x3st9J3A3KjfHJdRK3UdMZSNCBz7XkzaWiEo/s800/IMG_0032.jpg" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rk0GJF9TrmMuu5IeP37Qxs9XNnLOF7MlJnB-FJcfVfcvoVbSsTydIBaUO2QkLwY4KBTg5ao57Ddc7Jp_G81B1o6NNtvFO3J380kNat0K39iO92ktNab_p2TYOqGVN1k7AYo8ZKHtguw/s800/IMG_0023.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtFQtOawKEYeniInlYcIBDQOXJ-uX69H_cvds3JO7oS21geyLZiu0ZMR8W-NM-MWSNR7Lo2SjxLCj_BOnW3NPyOzK9XEdOuMd7vO1BW813AjOwEDEjRT2K1SJnWuv0JA_XCT0Rw9RMd2U/s800/IMG_0110.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3bcCXJHaTyekaaMTtC9qNAPjXF2d1dOhBv6SgbDGy1KVXiXBX-lNXJM63NWOGXTcrwrJpNXnnjWSVJ8zLP3C9i7sH-sRULHWy4OWeOEkAZYismTJJuOWrfM_SEtSf4Pi9pmWCnoAhZcw/s800/IMG_0088.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiXYGGYcZYgCNo992fxrWZ73Bx-kLCxRmBvn7jUXjrtk-vGvq1mxl1XD9UulTgWDXO9ZZEFJyznZu1509iKQwD4nHY1tjQUfiSNC6KlNSJpVgZFI38ZRIlLbBRhM2XYE4Y5YWMuElzcgg/s800/IMG_0118.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAw_iKBLP-Yp0HqPDMwjpdQiVDwMULM-5MQCRCD9t_zt5oDi-DAkZ90IxIPrlh4JCUTHJFOhVmA0Zs1jHaKd2upE6dP8uhe-mYnGGlIXoKRdyGbpb4V5iEfp8Gr7qmjhLKHS4swU6mlzU/s800/IMG_0018.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMqmnrX42FPiklyZ0LbHjadXU3MUyXbj6yi_XHXOP6h11KO7lYBS_LUrPbSXZv33RzZ3TosL-DmIZGWCp6StlJnLmdZdlDYeZwEYtWW2Nat6OHeIbJ8aMlL_0xFmNlmTFDZ1iZV27JOI/s800/IMG_0106.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRTzUIZoJfA_bos9rljcKquJB8J-G5J3KWT7X1VHAbqCk3j8fgRe0L3GQXhUuQLsBVbXa3NiJjPd_7Kdui0oWnXmD61cv6JjS41YCTUZGydYfZa_0xthJecJP_H_cItpxueb3TSsC6MjA/s800/IMG_0107.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVduBKtzC3EGyRijbY27eMI-SLIxST0ZmfaDL8HHZlkWE-XiPYqRxUU016OVjrod7YwVaOxL8DkkkQE08S8WqRIzNLsDSQ20Fx2R4EB0KMZQMPiIBuWv_bHN7NXrdlGg_NtfjkBvVRo4E/s800/IMG_0065.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifzZBUHcUXdEEoZ8bEU7sAgwFY2oA-FL8Z46uMeW69fn5lGpDDjY18KYaSUJHKylbHlHdxi3LOuYxiFlItOuwxTe26UKpuDSHqdN8409SK1CTb98CjuR49gK8cT9dY2ktXbj6sZXsPaKs/s800/IMG_0047.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/402173_596562980880_3900773_32464613_850362892_n.jpg" width="45%"> <img src="https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/399616_10100285653879189_5808583_45035038_783613115_n.jpg" width="45%"><br />
<br />
Guys, a kangaroo <i>ate out of my hand</i>.<br />
<br />
I felt like such a cool kid.<br />
<br />
We also got to pet a koala, and saw loads of other cool animals like platypuses and wombats and Tasmanian devils, all at the <a href="http://www.koala.net/" target="_blank">Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary</a>. It is by far one of the coolest zoos I have visited, because seriously, what other zoo will let visitors mingle freely with kangaroos and wallabies and emus?<br />
<br />
In other news, school has been chugging along nicely (contrary to the impression I may be giving my readers, I am actually here to study, not to frolic about and make you all madly jealous). We just finished the introductory module, and will be diving into the "real thing" tomorrow.<br />
<br />
So, uh, if you find this blog rather neglected in the months to come, please pardon me.<br />
<br />
Last week some friends came over to make pizza dough and bread. The pizza dough was just allowed to rise, then divided and frozen for later use. It will be used tonight, and I've been invited over for dinner, so maybe next time I'll write about how that turned out.<br />
<br />
The bread was shaped and baked that day, and proved to be quite popular.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5pT2zmolSPQ03-edt87b6FVaHAncRTxQeMu4ymfQOamHrm_XgWfBgr0KsM4CKubN62ncd4a6SIcniuCd2hybYtLncn40kSoTXaa5wXqauo_dbb3BIcQqzZVBWLHqt-yGbaRCP-lQpv1I/s800/IMG_0147.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
This was based on a recipe I made up while I was in Madison, just before coming here.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9uz5EzAu_aRFZrYRBmPmgvjTtqOTL-rxSxso0xhMtEmfztwoi204UuKnbKIyEDhUj9gJCXgKrsdUApHNNz5f0lr5WEsHw0SG8-JqIhjlazcp_FkOG5uDrC3nMmCfajS49Ll6gicgKqA/s800/IMGP2798.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
The thing I love about baking bread is that there is infinite room for experimentation with ingredients. The recipe I'm posting is the original one I came up with, but the one I made with my friends had some ingredients added (e.g., Craisins, sunflower seeds), some substituted (e.g., raw sugar and honey for brown sugar, sultanas for raisins), and others omitted (e.g., flaxseed). I'll probably revisit this original recipe once I've had a chance to visit the organic foods store for some flaxseed and wheat germ.<br />
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<b>Oatmeal raisin bread</b><br />
<br />
2 1/4 tsp. yeast<br />
3/4 c. warm milk<br />
3/4 c. water<br />
1/2 c. brown sugar<br />
2 eggs, beaten at room temperature<br />
3/4 c. vegetable oil<br />
1 1/4 c. rolled oats<br />
1/4 c. ground flaxseed<br />
2 c. all-purpose flour<br />
2 c. whole wheat flour, plus more for kneading<br />
1/2 c. raisins<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and water. (<i>Note</i>: Make sure the liquid is not too hot, else it will kill the yeast! What I do is microwave the milk on high for about 30 sec., then mix it with cold water.) Stir in the sugar and let stand 5 min. or until bubbly. Stir in the eggs and oil. Add the oats, flaxseed, flours, and raisins, and stir until a soft dough forms.<br />
<br />
Flour the counter with a handful of whole wheat flour. Turn the dough out and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWj8oHMPFm0" target="_blank">knead</a> for 5 min. or until smooth and elastic, adding just enough flour to prevent dough from sticking to hands (dough should still feel sticky).<br />
<br />
Place dough in a large bowl, cover with a damp dish towel, and let rise for 1 hr. or until doubled in size.<br />
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Preheat oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and grease two loaf pans.<br />
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Punch down the dough, knead 1 min. Divide the dough in half and shape into loaves. You can shape the loaves however you would like. Personally, I like to make them into twists or braids, both for the aesthetics and the texture it gives the bread.<br />
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Place loaves into the prepared loaf pans, cover with a damp dish towel and let rise for 1 hr. or until doubled in size.<br />
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Uncover and bake the loaves for 40 min. Test for doneness by listening for a hollow sound when loaves are tapped on the bottom. Cool in pan on a wire rack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-20115039254984997152012-01-13T18:13:00.002-06:002012-01-13T18:20:13.707-06:00We're off to see the wizardG'day mates!<br />
<br />
First of all, I apologize for my long absence, to anyone out there who actually reads this blog. I'll try to make it up to you with an extra-long post with plenty of pictures.<br />
<br />
It has been a very full several months, involving many people and even more miles.<br />
<br />
I spent the summer in Korea, three full, glorious months. It was the longest I have been back since we moved to the States seventeen years ago, which meant a lot of family to see, cousins to catch up with, and friends (old and new) to meet.<br />
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Oh, and did I mention my cousin got married?<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwm13aSSXErPDb2qtFretwG_SWkIjVcMact3iQ8TwuzqLvR6Ys4ANU0XO4zWAeG8pwGIC2n0GRKF8qLYGc98Z0cjYIGf4-N8IhiB3Ou8dQxNiw1beSVvcKdjGMos7mWhPuTRvk9AMr7fs/s800/DPP_0010.JPG" width="90%"><br />
<br />
Isn't she beautiful? :)<br />
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She is the eldest of the grandchildren on our dads' side, so she always took care of us all. She's really more like a sister to me, and it was lovely to see how happy she and her husband are together.<br />
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This was also the first time that our grandmother had her eleven(!) grandchildren all in one place, so of course we took a photo to commemorate.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoLO4wwVp-7EwbGauek19lAH6jpAjr_laHP3IwEePfSs3Q0Uivh2pwPaqKzRJJE1rf-egI5UF5JUjJ9IFHWdpKCJiOUjLRgCEkIeEzaaSWx_43bhxserE8-NVKGoj6elgUVRsznRNvgQE/s800/DPP_0071.JPG" width="90%"><br />
<br />
When I wasn't catching up with family, I was playing with a lot of really cute kids. Every day.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNUAsKLUn-5MRirsjBHDhIL-jz5L33SW-umhuTbpdTqdDA3XAgfsWC77DxQY-qPwSgV_aKk26VhnwDCMAPxouQVK4BBf_vaiaTcAXXCtK0ybO1ih3KBGdmEkCTh4Q_1hhBGfWW_MxLs-Q/s800/IMGP2172.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPbh7qU9zmjXqmG5qn0b2pzKK8MBFzweku8GLx12TAX-6praTRLMtvBaBKUwfZ0Q1rE17E2MBONPf9hDzBElklzpWdyPSKTJAAPFIXfcrItp2Xxv1b_vD4_Xfa1JzM8VhvtauBz0W_eJo/s800/IMGP2525.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOPtiJdgJHxJUNKeJvx_yU8nzACWHcsUhz0d4sttL6PG64YTi4ekZipPYu30E8E-hVwk7k1Ps4Yi6XDHHLq3ocdNh8LxWVgfDoDVD9bl35RnuGOlJ6jcuNbQ2uLVCgAdy2u6pQxyCYu2Y/s800/IMGP2517.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmEzVn_9G36lWNokuq8Wp2mPDlQFEhBCpxythSXizU0G07eP-ABBUubLiW7qgFt7oJTZT5oqmbvFslH466Mbp9hdAvQu8MuQZaL0gn14W9LVSlumfuhGzjzgoD5QQHuWyizmv_fnNlg4w/s800/IMGP2497.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE-KmzALCTnxYPpWhB8jx3wF7APtWGWXEYw2_I2oeoflUo0U8ftVR1NG9NwSESdDkHUl34FsZgezw9N31ueRNee3PEsGJ0o1iGae0RSwQc9rF2LCyWEsb5qjw08PFXSs_pY7jxdFHaBDE/s800/IMGP2210.JPG" width="45%"> <br />
<br />
You are so jealous right now.<br />
<br />
There were also adventures, with limits to push and lessons to learn. And sometimes, just laughter.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgW2DbkntQOD0xjdtrjLSJhVzgLKcmi0g_kSHh9wvRyV8tuT_wagDFdvx6RXT4EAQ1tCn2nhJppgNYg4cysU6oKhSubv4qsPm5qFybmCPzJwSU6r_FlqSyBd8ZZVwxzl4HgtIxrHWX3K1g/s800/IMGP2275.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfaRTeQOy5LtBJ2Gd61ofMRUTlAg-Aj6UsVkjFEn_K75YVPkZHka3Vgl0OWY6uBUDeSloDdreFpVpCo0ledZHXOkdGk8Cm761U81AvXxGZYjPfLJtiux9RSUlrVtfyOKD2hWQ2rL5If0/s800/IMGP2030.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczsNhQl2BDZqX2WHI2FoaLQw3j9nSgEO_z03V1yHD6IFwid_xZCQFZlfdNJkWkiNaXSdH-wIu53JF8x1WKG5VmRiaMiCFoUTMrxJPa9_gv82uC2hTsRhtE3sPSHytT4TGpdFUZLXh2FA/s800/IMGP1853.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaNHLhbI5oPqFeMfdhjq18sNLNUCyTAIRDE5lTGS694JsyCewgRi10TwczhMcGnJ3hW-0cLDGzEtb55eGfPZuOU-23esOFA2rfgeasQcKS97MpREQm6msYIvg6D05jYsRMIRK06eaOWYU/s800/IMGP1864.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPVImB2wUM3PGFTWalZ_B-NFebd8y-KpSLCn19WHf7wPe6htPHTdGUksyrOEV64gWzryJmgM6Mnfdy8aD1-IHZsULWJPMAhsnmeV_hzxQ_QSMXh_qiN-TyoLCG4YqSmoTDM1fnQ5UJ_Vs/s800/IMGP2389.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<br />
And there was, of course, loads of delicious food to cook and eat.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXtIxs0njPI98d6Kov6tw1N1kQCcoxb8xlMJ2_0BlcJjOaPTwPLZEiTbKBE5bMqB_AYYWvr8xzouj6Fg6UkL4khmulqTInnJJGJXLL0uSNbnfIWGNX3We-85Do0FsagQ4SyaenKPnDbaA/s800/P110724015.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEGx2PF2IaJ1w-0JnYNFjcFogKDmulGx_mGK-iCGmvCqtQM35yvYsFqF2N7bEEPu02PZEzJVIWBErhjVZmbwviyOPlomw8YxQRf9VGQlnLLvnl7WFC4MFP_T1s4WK4wDyJOr2crWfQS90/s800/P110802004.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDdIEIMGbXvdXLiLslPrGBp6S5eqQpBUi9go8ST8xky3jsoZydnfhZpNfin1oIbGRDMpuMAKuCcX00N0EJZwmh1X_Eqewb1dCbKy82XqK0TVttjLMIc9AAQn9Pa9s9ZXOAhtC6op7HWeI/s800/IMGP1613.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR0CmQtIDxRR9KyseAuUVPQkNPd_emG1EjFjx_Iya7S3FBrFYWiGxsEwxRKwe-_k_-cgSXcXqlABsijKlH59MJMKsX7CzcUDLNMNEuEKgVTpaSKtectdCpr6h2_K76dEiNHsNf2pkhyzk/s800/IMGP1542.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcfNyu0dbjRO4KXRcrytPeJquXbQSVW_Ayxmd21q5HU6MgdbSQqYAEzDGioGar5RG5ZSZJCKv9UjGbq_A8dwdKC4kb49m2OqIkHu1xvX4DWCKpa4nkby2hRsifQ0c9qkQtuhdjNYKwFm4/s800/IMGP1829.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrMovEmXJ0p6y9FqiGc6t3coi6Kc9Hg9iK66QSwFPXRGaEc65ZM4N-HS7JepFjQ2ttGGdUQ-5yz2_Bwx4xFr9TkcipLSBtRSqhWgiwBkb33rU9cru3UhZhL2ADoEQ5XQuJABiWASbnYlU/s800/DSCN1113.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbIkKPrFcLeYQVE6XbxDVR5x7relqYooB4TIsPiJoqLM7xjTLVS0aNCJcQX67wQycAD3f8kQySxjaT1-G62gqq_ndjdw6zqLpvv-cpPkI9ezQ5u3O-uSImD15B3xax_EuTqiaLw6Ptqzw/s800/IMGP2139.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwlb8lcvqkOIabPdLCN6S-C44RXsyFVjhi4WVHkyQsriT6NREalkkcRGwUnoZTiUZ5M8wbuY1T_UgsxzGYLFoyPCl5MaefeWnBa1RiD-yj1ffjJ1pQ88qtkGROoF1iCAVrzxb_SFS95z8/s800/DSCN1014.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqmxtdkUwsfppYTkdfFbt5FFQxwOFtrLllUILeptooRafG_NukR_NNWb8170BM0GkyzGvt3OpPwB8qZDJCivEBCeeWjIRJqvVukX-8mOmq6sMj_SD1Mp8aUFTxrTfE2rKDDbDlvISh_F8/s800/IMGP2135.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dlMtOC7Dk0-wqOJ5Ts2b4XXNU_7rM9cMmVvdVz80CdwyqcRotF4IQnlmM3NE8tnRxF4Ocx_4ckTiowgmGLohbNCHCGihR4Kcvb79XN9KC0UsqzMNLM_nU8naJnU-LbaD7Fy5aQi92O0/s800/IMGP2154.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
After that lovely vacation, I was back in Madison for a spell. This was again the longest I have been back since leaving for college. Having been away for so long, I could really appreciate how autumn brings out the best in Madison.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8xCHj3XLTF9h59m8SswYMwqI3I_cSzz8r3_ixgw96xHvkaJTIuWjoPmuN7Mx0XgDlzPtOcerBvv3H8r6EiGky-YTwdi5nJCBDisRkz6GEoavmIK6wcbjVM8NHShyphenhyphenf6wmZmyLJxDV0Y3k/s800/IMGP2678.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigsa15wyNjIuXTejdLnx64jhr7frpoud47hZVoebhzVFl-ia4S7k24RoaF0QlNljQ9ZGDXriC9aVjAk6A3RUem6Q7cP0aEe1U7_dXOv4bmhrHds9MA6M7VjcPMPppP2yEnO6N3IpfM7yU/s800/IMGP2692.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZq5Y6LfZNSfUmQEtCK1wEAAxUkYEVlN-StUTpaJDCv6t40faxX-lAH1ONswqZvQjUUMDt34ibPuPj0kgW0J21K8E9iOlX9GleiUhWdwdjMAwQNKNj4UYQAPKu2lJfA_fN5TD_SXqvJFg/s800/IMGP2695.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpI9eb5M-97kYguouKVAC7ELKRC2qB5kaB9Y9zuto3eI7BW2SYUyfXFGo-Jx65-qOQUI3oDGAmt-IL9Bowa_a_YHzM4g8S1tdePV_yfgJRuO0FY3UFElAX6HHxva-w9WagzImN6Smr6f4/s800/IMGP2746.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrZQK8gV_LHCZ8brI0A_Lv5XZrRnl3ojNZDnc6giOx6LkXHJoIkKN1iSwDe9owhly6OyqRLbjy7ioxSA_neInKyS_ehCBPi-mF0ypF7Ickqw3JCqAz3NX7ULq0dM580SjTX15h2TUHp-o/s800/IMGP2747.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
I spent a lot of my time cooking, baking, reading, running, seeing friends... and occasionally thinking about packing and getting ready for the big move.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSV3zKD0o-ycyOsLYWKiSY_L3dq79gwbbhQSRk_X9E1zuqO_ArIhSuMomiwq0HV5B3ARQSlIN5hzXR8gFHZmkk3gTlDAEDpbNXHcdveDEYLbTmj1I2_Piysr_I6DSh-CjRJUGKBDj67Vo/s800/IMGP2758.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwymrxNlaMmQIvGZAa4ekDG-iLh7UMYFsXrKgzxmOE8Zrt_oqHLCn9UKsJz2e9-1uMVcTWOB8LzQJMbrzZYA-33ilD0JHybKK89c7-2M-0YNpPCABZqcLEkv3K-ke14M0RUosMsqceJE/s800/IMGP2763.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMDjI7oubkPhbR4-1et5vCYY1qr1fCHYv7n5c3kP4S_lAR3kRmGW62jdu1iYgV4DtwiowPYpq_hqBs5cpfY_Pj-v03T9hdocPIAe7FWqln0NI-IowHZbemVJA5sje5opjzCEaruSRYxtU/s800/IMGP2767.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCy7xggbcBnW3ZvgFN9UPdVSXA3h-oBAOetUN-Aq_gkdM9nQ0wDn8waETnHWtArDLXz5XL07txYQLeaG99KCYYhwPkbb2FU3ntkVag1eVjr-HbPYLprwfEijhh1OzqfFddzhQnfF5CflU/s800/IMGP2771.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSX7TT0FgaEwJdTo2-jOqflcucCphLJwgvKAGUSDivJ4a3g2PkSpxHKlVxDSRDkotW4QtaTo1OXKmKE933xv1FmNPDLOQiFfrRSqwc4WXQpg79ugOjv3erwpqplVQhSeOF8bLs2-qx8iY/s800/IMGP2781.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfzEQcQ_rRHjy0_V2voEwB34l0sXZfIvjO2J095V3IzwkQb5nBLmkYN81zpzdvHaVmq-AkJ7NMsau_bEBuNu92Q-VX9izLrqD2rIAa6sv8gsT0EubL7zp_Jy76q3mMRgbNTGafKvAlMyo/s800/IMGP2782.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9g10lFYNdSvCeRA5ZbLvBdQKdxLqtfnGp0wtzScBcdBwE2hOmLhdhAG91wKrIuLL3T-hrkL1n2f0vGBUOH6CDHwDjtThWU-az7w2OYO7MQzQ4ZZ7co_PexOIvRds0zEg-utiEi2yb5Zo/s800/IMGP2785.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia7qZ_sg7TS0hababJd7p48P9QgxdkaN4kHIXrszPNY6yOTtjAylMqP7e-38mCbSawfUp9IB5FNbGn3HAjrrF03IUC6F-Okm2wnDpZchiHU3xvwqkfogk3lNMAe6H1qYSTFOQCzl2YuuM/s800/IMGP2790.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiL9uz5EzAu_aRFZrYRBmPmgvjTtqOTL-rxSxso0xhMtEmfztwoi204UuKnbKIyEDhUj9gJCXgKrsdUApHNNz5f0lr5WEsHw0SG8-JqIhjlazcp_FkOG5uDrC3nMmCfajS49Ll6gicgKqA/s800/IMGP2798.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjusDSk6G9ADVFB9SjyWGTZufE6P-HfAKWJa2bUx8tJc9u5vljPg8UjPe7DBoRVsVHhurcucla7NG9WSJkN1gd4T5tomQqEfFSKSooBL3H3R-Uw-57vAC1ckrb-4bUcOXhTd8jPzdIecao/s800/IMGP2806.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
Well, believe it or not, I actually did get through all the packing and the intricate bureaucratic dance, and have been in Brisbane for two weeks now.<br />
<br />
I am in love with this place so far.<br />
<br />
There is so much to explore and love about it, and so many people to meet before classes start next week!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEW3XqS4NduFOxfRDoE5SsSnqMVfQbMG1iuSScV63ajy9X4l74cjiGSTsJPWkNO-xNm3rYSSEh-MVy1ds7sA8qBav-Qwd6lWAvNNmH7pTTMxGtaEUNhW-768GvYjmJ8yHlaaMTYvz2VY/s800/IMGP2813.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDednRa2Tn_m0jgcD8dv67sOCSdWEIfxn-1eYrPaxSE-80oIcS1EjS7K9IWfUKLV6ggIW_RINZOfSG5zVfXDoGaK1vV8wCxv9FnwPIyyres7LCnIfiH6gnL2aZk6s3eHhhFMNvRi-DH_c/s800/IMGP2815.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGPxhhDCyruCLt7_javSu3Ev9oG_B_Dj8bLVDT_zAKmRESDNydgSMnxevSL0O0g2ilZSFqSCh3aZINNY1t6JjAZQx0y_CjEoOYKc8_o9SH-55oP0jftOekQqQXkOq8ZodhKBG3USssO2E/s800/IMGP2829.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKwrZC8Fzfm4eN6-eRlPIJ8_HbSAJpCplyPUvThvitYrdGxTCKUNZbqEXc9VENxGgTQHCMufT4VrtCo2fydGY3F1AQKHO0-44A5eAWIkxT6SLCp6cUipXDtbeV-ElXXfi2gWh3Y1gJ_ns/s800/IMGP2840.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKwCvjknmX59KdPuzIEtQP4_5BuXtIz5Y6bMmHtC9fzjOYL5pyb62pYgFcWrzgpNVmxmvBnIr8ceb2jlSX91aoIzat2ROQjBAsWw6zW0JSpYoOKF8biA6D9S4cR9EHpUHQedkyiJ5k77s/s800/IMGP2844.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH_uBHLgXJGE7QtD8qws-QUuowI-u1WU7RfaYwUXi6-FXm7akMwaFOvs7Go4zUAExVQ2azRiC-Ljlvye3yenHDL3ABYUgG_G8abxiWZwOBD10JIhZaTYCVb77jxECKgewA2g7VpzXDhSQ/s800/IMGP2832.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPV76dIdB0gdEgo3vJOY10_JghgyosviFDgmFuipEmIvUdsNUmq9GtraFHKalTw7IJThh9mfWjBUOLaCRLbiDEuBMkBfs8H4z2V34KSmv9jWrecqAOx7XJjm2ztuDdtLfSYXU7fjBOxjE/s800/IMGP2833.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7iD2RXJkdMs3aYKD1y9FBOgy9kGvQqLj6LuMOcwsKfgY-ytTezlY_9RN7-69d1phcBwGH6_NY1bKYUps1K9xLjNKsmDOClwhkOiR2eWbJF8IEGcz4y_XB9-uCnBsZ_Qq5ijAwmhIA7K4/s800/IMGP2835.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQslYkD5faEh0Mp05r7lOVM7OvIYjT8SLuAuFr4psF3j-9dlQsZCOEyVzlk8K4EvVAqmfsW_CQRJ6kK0x_O6L1iD-58Ix8XDyF6Pt9f_rmq5A5g67aKae6bAEcDZdJq8EqTkMuFqNGaHc/s800/IMGP2845.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XJQMyReLxEgX15BdbfIJpDcD77pWnYi49Ebb4wezRsOUlOIkD0L1HMR7Tb5DaBQ0SNHSr0xg6E_ZOPv8CYsZYuQJlryCsYT65Ps-aMOUcCM9m5bP0SMOStEWPUz3Sr7rZKfIlNJH9Cg/s800/IMGP2856.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYIDxxgyFnWDYARN2uILDBMIoxrDYyj1TL4DsL2uViN308r_fH3ZuuukHKuwfKgLIfvMobEAkACu3TNyYp-artn-swjIt5AMcnLrwxv-gBXBzdVfWQKGGRzOzL57625ft2lUIlGQj1Uh8/s800/IMGP2842.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCaYJPyDJm1m9ptceXEyQoqMlrO8GqN4uTuPFGWQoGEIEEjU6tZKx61oC1m712wW5mrb1Nfcn-iYL_l0cBuoWX4ext19OEZgalnzLKeCrAOoNHiR9uB58ud2wP8mQSy0VMZMzwNPzSFlQ/s800/IMGP2855.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzyTuu9A_rlQw1c94Lntb_AikpwSSZvURRg0qHbr2_YnH1HUwGsy3FqNX-7z2pAK-JJCPhN8iaSRqiJ6Mp8JaUqHoChk0EtXs6nSaKKzUo8sRjogU8gDo2yJXsNHVdQViL2PAqM__pXoY/s800/IMGP2857.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2QMzsNaMfo2gikj9qTjgNS05WpRU_HE_2tmKpOnKs9NEvGACwKzD-lvgdOMEqQONmiMyPWcvlWPubxNB0NUU8Klg05g7JE45e4Sd2F0G8mFL3bzvFiCiaLpx2EHo-A1_8KWCeuSL57jw/s800/IMGP2867.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_EmCNZE6GuNZZ5glrTMueihTqo7OlsEfUy7ZW-vNm6nSpdl1TyFDELP6pXSePUP7AKOi2pLVWimGfgwi1OaNLErdZt9kLvW10-xpJ7KZtYNsVLwshuHHrR5d_E_k6Qu-wuafA1-4i8j4/s800/IMG_0002.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir68GZC65jvoVUTtK9-lFWgCinSXjX5b5JQOFAgjvLr8fn1xytlYepklI_f2k0JLUVjNynrGvBFIKiVzw-VQ8IqKOfaC6zj2aBiQBlFz5HfyCre0cN5oypkz4qvVXeSNP-WXwnkuNeKvM/s800/IMG_0009.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0m6h14FUYnFW9RQW2MSTPLUpXeRGZHWC7MGMeo0iRISiK5_2-71HSLqSmIeovjZZKXZczOUDk_w0nVla9vZiImvCfWaQqtSizAbSgLoP8upkczaoxIWhHdw5TL85Ue6CPjsH72-poDGs/s800/IMG_0010.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQCAFK_816uol4pu8HssBGjbRXQnYe9wycvUd-oIErlmcNd2hS6da5ZcPmDa849zxnVQfQHRjeibqdgwFlPNeYwWZLMgO_xxXW1oMAK6eEKH7v_lSsWCYVyfLFhUEzfcfevr5e7Wkpplc/s800/IMG_0012.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<br />
It's summer here, which is all kinds of confusing for my Midwestern winter-accustomed brain. The sun also rises super early (around 03:30), which throws off my sense of time even further. What with all the sunshine, and the crazy flora and fauna around, it's no wonder Dorothy was amazed when she stepped into Oz for the first time.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlKrxj9Ix8ULMxstFOJHXPo7kvVMAGqIhNjNGJn-GLfRiJJF0ryVoFhc5DVLZq77BGSi0SCl9nPCMQ58R-1UVFy2OOEx0vsrHDTcia_1NXf3-5Wux95syVFhcZOuA8ELioY13y5wfBI1Y/s800/IMGP2822.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFUTMnphDMbtgMG3-Zb2ZnIjwJiFPBKaloTiYtRXBlzZIR57edqtC0V3dKgwZQs9KTW_M8KV_cI3GkZab-rC1epwotuKbKjoZC1NUqN4pQ6AQP9JYgf2eayNjSEnystEB2lfc_KtWP5HE/s800/IMGP2839.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipEBxxM0izVz_MHu0SLK4QZfuMVSLs80_dsM5S0ebBp_h_1v6NxRASyA5GV7AxI68AvLzv8-WGZM5SUzEQghJzxOmLDACM204ri4-oKcQD7VwHN-QVmZEE2bMQZsSb6WVrW7sPn_GZLuw/s800/IMG_0003.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4HLklPNxNRcExUJi-riEw7QT6cSecE6FGEMquKORQDUdO-4QziR_ZR1JDZyxAAWE-mU-uXOqP2PLq_ZBcOAxfV9iEmP7rJuqmr0kGqTj1XGLtc3ROqgg_YdzlU2fvv0gUU5C8v4htROM/s800/IMG_0004.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Pmc_oZpDfDpnXlgR0fEGRS1X4Gkk3az5p50jW8-Zo1bLW4QxYZUIwenGHyAma1quR7RnETVvGCSjJIMQKbAvb970U4peahDLJY-n8q0J-c0akRwViAc89qzJIVAPtloJp2OQfBkq7eI/s800/IMG_0005.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9cHqJajXNtKDMSjHsUHQ9G5J-jeUpiOLzfEsZocqFS2yk5K5G7KbqhaM8EfRqjWWo9xW6MR3ix9DDnBg8pmdVUjrBOiO5kAHuD1g0mdhDec9njh6TzrLczytb4CB8u9S14UyLiEmYFJk/s800/IMGP2860.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR_Ec-ENB01Ibv7a09PVJHvL9UIl0H8Knk7axhE4OJNBONOH_AM7LRqfJx1ErasxWZBRGi8EPwfQIzzdqBWmyDV0DnNUbvUCtat4TBzODZNP0_NUvZv2cIZ5iIStURA_dQPABWaiC_33Y/s800/IMG_0007.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
By the way, the Aussies have a great sense of humor and take immense delight in warning tourists about <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-WD_Nh_rboQ" target="_blank">drop bears</a>, or rabid koalas that will jump from trees to attack passersby.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5429900174_f039406d06.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7PvzBTvHlu41BwXl-C61v3NogMjcOTPw5smRylN_C54JuLnN2lgSCAqH4KSQJeXLPjQVoJM2AL4TLAtDSekg6IDxgsdNecssX0W71sRecW2ez_6sRzz9oRuskXH1mAtP3s6IN40PLgUO0/s1600/drop+bears.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="http://images.cheezburger.com/completestore/2011/1/24/f8acdf73-ae21-464d-a2bc-3dc25afa29dd.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<br />
It's okay, we tell them all about the killer moose we have back home.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/__cb20070424164931/uncyclopedia/images/a/a2/Newfoundland_Moose_Sign.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="http://www.writerscafe.org/uploads/stories/b5edfd899d71b29d32f805de73c2d179.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="http://crazycreatures.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Moose.jpg" width="30%"><br />
<br />
It's all in good fun and quite silly, and you can see why it appeals to me (simple minds and all that). :) Another simple pleasure in life, of course, is cookies.<br />
<br />
My house, while lovely and equipped with almost everything I could ever need during my two-year sojourn in Brizzy, does not have any baking pans or cookie sheets. It does have three rice cookers, but I have serious doubts as to their oven-safeness. So yesterday a friend and I made a trip down to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXlp6gxcHO8" target="_blank">Ikea</a> in Logan, involving three bus transfers and several nerve-wracking moments during which the Google Maps GPS failed to locate us. We finally made it there, though, and I got a cookie sheet and a loaf pan.<br />
<br />
And then, you guys, it was time to make cookies!<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGJRA5wUjovsmtpEGzcOJrPib_sheYRDxQg4mgaW-ELRJ5vyGDfT49PJQPRA8B6WUmvn9cIye2ymVov0EYNGwmCIREF3CGo2Jq0nUqpImGgOieFRymQN3wJrJs7WWyO43ZgssbQfA4vrY/s800/IMG_0010.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnv1R14jS5UdPzVCNY3hg1geSLYsIPvucdKPnl-Ft8P2q_u6t9x809MkhWuUGr6Y1vOrfTwxF8IoagIEt4dQ4Yyq8qUyG624CplwVs78Hb_n5L35ZVAq7iQ0Mm5BN880DXeHl4yiXAc3w/s800/IMG_0016.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
I had forgotten to get vanilla when I bought baking ingredients, so I used orange zest to flavor these cookies instead, which turned out rather beautifully! These cookies are not too sweet, and I love how thick and soft they are.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Orange chocolate chip cookies</b><br />
<br />
250 g (2 1/5 sticks) unsalted butter<br />
1 c. (scant) raw sugar<br />
zest of 1 orange<br />
2 eggs<br />
2 1/4 c. flour<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 c. dark chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF (177ºC). Lightly butter a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
In a medium bowl, sift the flour and baking soda together.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar. Mix in the zest and eggs, then the flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto prepared cookie sheet, placed about an inch apart. Place cookie sheet in freezer for half an hour, then in preheated oven.<br />
<br />
Bake for 10 minutes, or until cookies are golden brown, rotating the cookie sheet halfway through.<br />
<br />
Cool on wire rack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-35474888845237239492011-06-16T01:33:00.000-05:002011-06-16T01:33:15.656-05:00If brains were lard...The night I got back home from DC, the local news coverage featured a place called Walkerville.<br />
<br />
Okayyy? And?<br />
<br />
Well, you might have noticed that my adopted hometown of Madison, WI, has been cropping up in the news pretty frequently these past many months.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gawker/2011/02/egyptwisconsin_01.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Yeahhh. Remember now?<br />
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Our lovely gov'nor has been keeping quite busy, trying make himself as unpopular as possible among his constituents.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3l-8voPc1wOymoyLprgQZDx9SiLvl48cuHkU7h8rJtnLykjR-aF4oXwnVpDDyhxH0I86OvrsxIjRWTF6n5VpL1gzwgonUYtMpxaA6P9DajJBc6d6FOfVt6KNqqF0yzI2pgKUeL0JpnqQ/s800/IMGP1444.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
So, we -- by which I mean those of us who either were adversely affected by or disagree with Gov. Scott Walker's actions (or both) -- are hoping he'll be recalled from office... which apparently can't even be brought to a vote until he's been in office for at least a year.<br />
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I know. He hasn't even been in office for a year and he's already done this much damage. Terrifying, isn't it? The guy must have set some sort of a record.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjefEQyR3SdJhogcHjNHH-7u4XJCWfyNKODoScNFyPiV7KuilXZhQJ23ghkE_LJouaUgk196j6ryod2-KRazJL3_pEpjHxoup3eIVOQaRTf8PG9W2vMLNEXxlsfWtmkXG4mxLNI6by-kwI/s800/IMGP1446.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpTvin1KHrufS0c9MxYFdpQwA6eTFiIPzj0gJVY4nYcoxo5FW5HBiUSP4XcDPMNg4Nx-9eb9qKrYOjBuIgsO84h77h6zNG_WEJZnc8Vcd3dX-Lq4Am1MQD6Oz_GnuApKnlPkdiGiR3Fg/s800/IMGP1443.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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So, Walkerville. It's a village of protesters against Gov. Scott Walker, literally camping out on the Capitol Square, because the state police is guarding the entrances to the Capitol. Our tax money is being put to real good use, guys. Anyway, I'm not sure exactly what prompted this timing, but it must have been suffocating in those tents because of the heat those couple of days.<br />
<br />
In addition to the tents, there were also several musicians performing to keep the protesters entertained, and witty signs to amuse the walkers-by (heh).<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNhDiDI9HuMyjPegB1ksZuz_RZqmbbhKiWe2O3YG9QjdrlOoVsJV7gxsaUFujYaKCq13un7BvcVlJADP5Anl7UVAOVtaCdQGwY8O6YGm_bCsepqD0JG1etZ1d89zjiNDJecooIhY0W4ik/s800/IMGP1445.JPG" width="40%"><br />
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Do <i>you</i> have enough brains to grease a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0S8wBNoiv90" target="_blank">skillet</a>?<br />
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Oh, don't worry, these cookies don't contain brains. Just some (relatively) harmless butter. :)<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVEIQFBOx8qMjDFtTHdr6G8f1kcTXvYbwImCZPHyljIBB9PSSW0ozJVFjKS-3fcDzpM6euUuxuKO0pVYTXaDuNlNKN8s6cV4rw6xutW-RmDcjNzbS2oJMSxMZXbKzFpTjdz1cW3YoQVjY/s800/IMGP1442.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Lemon Cloud Tea Cookies</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2009/05/lemon-cloud-tea-cookies/" target="_blank">Joy the Baker</a>.</i><br />
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These cookies are... <i>fluffy</i>. I can't think of a better word to describe how airy and light -- with just the right touch of crispy -- they are. And that little zing of lemon at the end of the bite? Perfection.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeTBjhyphenhyphenLIXiLSW_1jr1kwKUzROr4ioo0vGyjTiPLpjT0g64A2cmYanmU7zpsqRcaol6QuR_t3Ecx3nRPw1aP8uUjhlE6dNXt-ySXemVZ4Eq7RaMH4RSwvcTVnKFE4qSHFFOqKOivPrH28/s800/IMGP1433.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
1 1/2 c. flour<br />
3/4 c. corn starch<br />
4 tsp. baking powder<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 c. powdered sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
1 Tbsp. lemon zest<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, sift together then flour, corn starch, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time, then stir in the vanilla, lemon extract, and zest. Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing into a soft dough.<br />
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Wrap dough in plastic wrap and refrigerate for ~1 hr.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
Tear off bits of refrigerated dough and roll into 1" balls. Place on prepared cookie sheet and flatten slightly. Note that the dough will puff up, rather than spreading very much, so the balls can be placed fairly close together, about an inch apart. Bake 20 min. Let cool on cookie sheet for 5 min. before transferring to wire racks to cool completely.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-75212030162551678792011-05-25T22:50:00.002-05:002011-05-25T23:02:35.911-05:00Fortune cookie wisdomThis school year is nearly over.<br />
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HALLELUJAH.<br />
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It's been an <i>intense</i> couple of months, guys, and I'm still trying to decide if this experience has been worth all the sweat and tears shed over it. Of course I'm not in a position to decide just yet, because I am in the middle of<br />
<ol><li>packing up and mailing off (most of) my earthly possessions,</li>
<li>studying for two exams, and</li>
<li>searching for and reading papers, so that I can</li>
<li>start writing my paper.</li>
</ol>Oh, and updating the blog. For the second time this week, because I am supposed to be devoting my time to other, more <i>important</i> things, like the ones listed above. You know how that goes.<br />
<br />
I guess it's the time of year when a lot of people -- at least those of us in or <a href="http://wso.williams.edu/discuss/comments.php?DiscussionID=3094" target="_blank">just finishing up school</a> -- are packing and moving. Georgetown has been in chaos the past few weeks.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiofQmvXaFloA_FiiBVz_C2O4m7Q0POAnyYSy8Wd-4MHDfF-TBeR9Wg4HgnZw0RZAbFwwaggLgKqCd5eR33NTHJlzlUVoFT0iZyw1q4un6qA_Ol1uCXlJAeWXU7_SmZpJcqRPCyjjUf-ew/s800/IMGP1434.JPG" width="40%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvaZpZeUuKP0J3Fh6IiVQ9fK_H8y_Rtw0wISqgGaJcFEXSuP_KsoWazx7UPKBRo2TG5x6FnvECP2H_pl8mXOVysP0X1fxb9N6uLKI_txyTWJ_it1VajYLhCpDq2QCPnVs8hgBpA7s2KHs/s800/IMGP1435.JPG" width="40%"><br />
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Now, I don't know if anyone out there actually likes packing for a move (very different from packing for a trip, which I find rather enjoyable). If you do... I don't know. You are either really weird, or deserve some serious respect from me.<br />
<br />
Let it be known to the universe that I, for one, absolutely <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZQVSxXTCjg" target="_blank">loathe</a> packing to move.<br />
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It is so depressing to strip a room (or a house!) of all the things that made it "home" and tuck them away in boxes, for goodness knows how long. And there is always, always something that must be given up, and it tears my heart apart to see it go. Like the awesome IKEA bed that my amazing friends got for me when I moved to Boston. Or my <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/good-morning.html" target="_blank">trusty steed</a> of a bike that's been with me for two years.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZmOM07v56s4EFywntvGki4yhwFTD2ZTzW50erqcPsSI4NDZu3RfWdSKJgCXPoABuat9q8Cci2ex-78FBK3hHw63ZvyEw8Eii3CJpuMY3o3jOwKJuLx-ZLNyEum_MYfqKj6EF0f3lOmCw/s800/IMGP1436.JPG" width="60%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmBZK0KoVsZzaxLqr91bXyuJj-dAZ8GXsWJteHkv0T6JYPWMKnjgcrWZMALuvUSXx7S7GwyVO_3ZamGc0guzkD4_KXyoYsKg9n15e6OqaUFLj9jgMOEkIc_t7dlyWRhhEMAulkSkCGvQ4/s800/IMGP1437.JPG" width="30%"><br />
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Since I have had to go through this pretty much every year since 2005 (<i>sans</i> 2009), I have come up with a few tricks to make the process a bit more pleasant for myself.<br />
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<b>1. Make a good, long playlist.</b> Everything is better with its own soundtrack! I recommend Disney songs, and maybe songs from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fplGR59YHHs&playnext=1&list=PL0747FCB92B8F1B84" target="_blank"><i>Wicked</i></a>. Sometimes when I want to feel extra badass, I put on the soundtracks from <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwIVs_F2kMo&playnext=1&list=PL91A6C048ECBF1C13" target="_blank"><i>The Lord of the Rings</i></a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYq85kcIlVc" target="_blank"><i>Pirates of the Caribbean</i></a>. K-pop is great, too, if you're into that -- <a href="http://gyopoincollege.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">my brother</a> judges me for this, but he's not the one packing, now is he?<br />
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<iframe width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/tW-H2njncbM" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
<b>2. Take breaks.</b> Over the course of pulling everything out of its place for sorting and packing, you will occasionally find something that makes you smile. Take a minute to look through that stack of photos, or to glance through that bundle of letters and postcards. And read through those fortune cookie fortunes saved in a ratty old envelope.<br />
<br />
Like these, which I found particularly apt for <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2011/05/pay-it-forward-in-2011.html" target="_blank">where my life is headed</a> now:<br />
<blockquote>A good time to start something new.</blockquote><blockquote>You will step on the soil of many countries.</blockquote><br />
This one makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside:<br />
<blockquote>You will always possess a charm and sense of humor that attracts others.</blockquote><br />
And then some are just plain funny:<br />
<blockquote>You are the crispy noodle in the vegetarian salad of life. <i>(Potential food blog title??)</i></blockquote><blockquote>Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.</blockquote><blockquote>Fortune not found: Abort, Retry, Ignore?</blockquote><br />
<b>3. Upgrade to brownie breaks</b> when you get to that nitty-gritty stage where you are unlikely to discover any more little treasures. Packing is hungry work! Now, note that the brownies must be baked before you start packing -- you wouldn't want to leave your mixing bowls and baking pans behind, would you? -- but they are worth the planning ahead. Plus this is a great way to use up those extra ingredients before you start packing.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz4MB4DveSdZl7usPbvrdVlZclgCzicsjlBKviHQLgZC1v-mHe3474WPf8sI5MC4QDueDC2-inFTXl63mx3UFA7U6rM8akTBewN8PwxBUIZ1JnpQUysq4IQpDBSVXCtsjbmEE5zZD_qEo/s800/IMGP1440.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
For some reason I haven't been in the mood lately for chocolate. I'm glad I made these brownies, though, and so were my housemates!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNGPjkRu_y-ImBvZRA28julYci4PwLnxJRa7VsiN04Kdl5RzN3GEQQ4k8HXdkr0npHrccFG8d3VGfxSs_ZP3S34O6jKkOaTNtnRHFsw3d6gd5aNfebIUw5Tp5eKuX9WMb5cza1cW2mSDY/s800/IMGP1438.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<b>Peanut Butter Brownies</b><br />
<i>Adapted from the <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/aheofleze-20/detail/0881506591" target="_blank">King Arthur Flour Cookie Companion</a>.</i><br />
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I got impatient and cut the first few pieces too early, can you tell? ^^<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3RwfRpbEQfhQNXu-1FZSiHYh93i77nf8ajTlYmfsDgteX1wl1uuv3hTX7R-2MwGRh7KkJFR6RzsRLivuYSh-OpQ_CY09vzU02ZScRWZtDcQ_vVhOxTHtBKpkv6TOni-nV5AInXBlQMIM/s800/IMGP1439.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Peanut Butter Base</u>.<br />
1/4 c. (1/2 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1/3 c. creamy peanut butter<br />
3/4 c. powdered sugar<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 1/4 c. flour<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9" x 13" baking pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream together the butter, peanut butter, sugar, and vanilla. Add flour and salt, mix thoroughly until a crumbly mixture forms.<br />
<br />
Firmly press the mixture into the bottom of prepared pan. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<u>Fudgy Brownie</u>.<br />
3/4 c. (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
1 c. Dutch-processed cocoa (I used 1 c. unsweetened cocoa + 1/2 c. sugar)<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 c. flour<br />
1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
<br />
In a double boiler (or in a large bowl over a medium pot of simmering water, making sure the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl), melt and mix together the butter, sugar, and cocoa. Remove from heat while lumps of butter still remain, then continue to stir until smooth. Let cool, then stir in vanilla. Whisk in eggs, one at a time.<br />
<br />
In a separate large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until just combined. Pour batter evenly over peanut butter base.<br />
<br />
Bake until a shiny top forms on brownie layer, 22-24 min. Cool completely before cutting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-46148256365233096762011-05-24T12:53:00.002-05:002011-05-24T13:12:17.154-05:00Pay it forward in 2011Guys, guys. I'm moving to Australia at the end of the year! Starting in January I will be attending <a href="http://www.mededpath.org/" target="_blank">medical school</a> for two years in Brisbane, at the University of Queensland, then in New Orleans for the following two at the Ochsner Clinical School! Can you tell that I'm excited??<br />
<br />
Now that I have a plan for <i>next</i> year, I'm thinking of what to do for the rest of this one. My current thoughts include spending some quality time in Korea and learning to cook Korean food, and maybe visiting some friends in Europe on my way back to the States, before heading Down Under. I'll think through the details once the more pressing priorities are out of the way.<br />
<br />
But to backtrack a bit now. At the start of this year, I made an <a href="http://www.facebook.com/sunmiishness/posts/142262195830273" target="_blank">announcement</a> on Facebook:<br />
<blockquote>Pay it Forward in 2011: I will send something handmade (most likely food, in my case) to the first 5 people who leave a comment here. They must post this in turn, and send something they make to the first 5 people who comment on their status. The rules are that it must be handmade by you and it must be sent to your 5 people sometime in 2011.</blockquote>Now that we're about halfway through the year, I figured I should get cracking on my offerings before my life gets any more hectic with exams, papers, and Big Life Decisions (see above), and such like.<br />
<br />
My original plan was to bake something special for each person, but I was struck with a new idea upon espying a small bead shop near campus. I used to love making bead jewelry in middle school, and thought it would be fun to try my hand at it again.<br />
<br />
So, a bit about my four(!) Pay it Forward recipients...<br />
<br />
<i>For Joanne: a necklace</i><br />
I met <a href="http://digitalawareness.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Joanne</b></a> through another friend while we were living in Boston. She is an incurable Hello Kitty addict, but I actually associate her more with sunshine, laughter, and bright colors. She is also your go-to girl for fun, pretty jewelry, whose extensive (and ever-growing) collection makes her (awesome!) husband Atom shake his head in mock despair. So, sorry Atom, but I'll be adding to that collection.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrgDX0rtuh-5GtmyRMowz3zsiQUf-HLunm_Q0RHsPO1QxxWkRv93WYnQoQvQtU3ItqVXCTvEmYS2QduFugPNWQ7FHa6ulT4Q_QxysMjtFaoOr2NJwN0s4mqm19-iT6lhx3fO4pVh36R18/s800/IMGP1411.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<i>For Raba: a set of knitting stitch markers</i><br />
<a href="http://christinarabadan.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Raba</b></a> comprises one-third of The Brain. She and Jodi are my buddies for knitting, quilting, baking, cooking, chick flicks, Chinese takeout, Lord of the Rings, <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2011/02/songs-about-food.html" target="_blank">VeggieTales</a>, history classes with a certain professor wearing a mustard-yellow sweater... and so, so much more. I can't think about Williams without remembering the hours we spent giggling over cheeseburgers and buffalo fries at the Snack Bar, and the innumerable movie nights with takeout from Chopsticks. Lately Raba has been incredibly busy with classes and work, but I hope these stitch markers will remind her to take a break once in a while and relax with a movie and some knitting!<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1xNtnQqQQLKHcCCHCoB_Sv10-W0SYYS0-Dnjr364NsQinCDBhvtJwB0mIZVz4RA04tsRQfezRyo54qHymHBWxoAaG353CPTfjKGnsm6nrEc3muW_F45tkX2M7WO_afQtQZArZBhrY6UE/s800/IMGP1406.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<i>For Haydee: a bookmark</i><br />
<a href="http://recreationalmathematician.blogspot.com/" target="_blank"><b>Haydee</b></a> is my math buddy. We became friends while struggling through math problem sets together for three years at Williams (she studied abroad junior year). The janitors in the math building grew quite accustomed to walking in on us in empty classrooms at 6am, exhausted and covered in chalk dust but (usually) triumphant. We made for an excellent team, with Haydee thinking up novel approaches to problems, and me picking through the details to find weak points in her proofs. Haydee is well on her way to becoming a professional mathematician now, having just finished her first year of math grad school!<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQCK_b1r4BrFN66ykxq0qljhh-ofovDq3p33IrR8lKc5pZ5-cxEl44o7vtyZQLSTkMkj4BHhYSOQAC3cCK3C-vOc51hYjz6PfUg3RtTa0UD8ELuJimDB03yTooxCut2wJbrGj98A81mM/s800/IMGP1423.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<i>For Jake: a cake</i><br />
<b>Jake</b> is another brilliant mathematician I know from Williams, all set to graduate with Honors (High Honors?) come June, and head off to math grad school in the fall. I first met Jake at the start of my senior year (his freshman year), chatting about the math and chemistry departments. He was later pressured into joining the <a href="http://mmmoocowmmb.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">marching band</a>, which I think he ended up enjoying much more than he had expected. Since he was the only guy to reply to my Pay it Forward announcement, he got a cake! He wisely chose the lemon + blueberry combination (my specialty!) over chocolate, so that's what he got.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhav1q4_WlHohk6WJB4iuu-Ec3pPyx7VEqzNT_arwZXycisffoGINYr6B22k8n2U3TQ9dLoDgpmyPg4llJORpL89xPAiV2RilX04M6KBEAiN3x3_Nyjx6RnX8lXzYJ_3Lndy66SzQNquc8/s800/IMGP1427.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpCvBRgXMZeH_9paAWGNX6oVbY5txqa1c-xLsfifMqaKrRX1mMtyxccqu7Gl_e1bHof3qtHkpa5w-iE0ZslKG5CvSxjEQfpwWiR4_7qg7HfEQ4heHg1w26n7uL5mFrePTpwxr406k0OG8/s800/IMGP1428.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Yes, in a bright pink box, because that's what the Safeway bakery lady gave me when I asked for a cake box.<br />
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<b>Jake's Lemon Blueberry Cake</b><br />
<i>Modified from <a href="http://www.womansday.com/Recipes/Lemon-Bundt-Cake" target="_blank">Woman's Day</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Unfortunately the cake did not arrive in one piece (thanks, USPS), but Jake says it was delicious.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9Fp0KbTGPrArNz7y4oZ89slW_2Qs-hlDdAGhROcJ-YERnlkzjIjV7ofNXHw4Dun7lhUBVm_9tRkIDbMROzkSYfb8hcxNikrP0MAAWHO3QKSOVnrqLDRMY9G5_SFSGVrRJghPqcPvIyVc/s800/IMGP1425.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Cake</u>.<br />
2 3/4 c. cake flour (substituted with 2 1/2 c. flour + 3 Tbsp. corn starch)<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 c. (2 sticks) unsalted butter<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
1 c. sour cream<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
2 Tbsp. lemon zest<br />
8 oz. frozen blueberries<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Thoroughly grease and flour a bundt pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, sift together the cake flour, baking powder, and baking soda.<br />
<br />
In a separate large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then stir in the sour cream. Add the eggs, vanilla, lemon extract, and lemon zest, whisk until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. Add blueberries, stir carefully to avoid crushing berries.<br />
<br />
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until done, approx. 70 min. Cool in pan.<br />
<br />
<u>Syrup</u>.<br />
1/4 c. lemon juice<br />
1/4 c. water<br />
1/2 c. sugar<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, water, and sugar. Drizzle over warm cake still in pan, allowing the liquid to soak in completely. Allow cake to cool completely, then invert onto plate.<br />
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<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
1 c. powdered sugar<br />
3 Tbsp. milk<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, whisk together the sugar and milk until smooth. Drizzle over cake and let stand until glaze sets.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-52601627885742756972011-05-08T20:21:00.003-05:002011-05-08T20:23:24.582-05:00A salute to the parentsIt's <a href="http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103679271" target="_blank">Mother's Day</a> today. But it's also May 8, which is 어버이 날 (Parents' Day) in Korea.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://www.crossmap.co.kr/imgsearch/upfile/2704b9fdcc672a93e5bd8b82c5764292"><br />
<br />
It's customary for children to give carnations to their parents on 어버이 날, and I remember making paper carnations at school like <a href="http://photo079.blog.me/60107501193" target="_blank">these kids</a>, for my parents and grandparents.<br />
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I haven't done that since we moved to the States sixteen years ago, though, and I haven't seen either of my parents in May since I graduated from high school seven years ago. I suppose it's an inevitable part of growing up, but it feels odd to realize it.<br />
<br />
My mom still treats me like a kid for the most part when I'm home, but she <i>did</i> have a mild freak-out moment during my spring break when she realized that she got married at my age... and had me a year later. In other words, she is now old enough to be a grandmother!<br />
<br />
Don't worry, Mom, you look <i>much</i> younger than your age. And I'm certainly not planning on getting married or having kids anytime soon, even if quite a few of my friends have jumped on that bandwagon recently.<br />
<br />
So! A happy Mother's/Parents' Day to all you mothers/parents out there! You all are amazing people.<br />
<br />
엄마, 아빠, 고맙습니다! 사랑해요~~! ^^<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK55AG4-OioH23nUD47NQ6mMN31ZXRd1Mnc3jI_WTdw0goK3CFa2xQwVxY-ssdkhqZlg0ewVwy4NCkCdcMF1KW5XxJpeWimb8SSBnu1V2p_tvDP8SbxtNoXA1ai_-hGosDawp28Y0wsJQ/s800/IMGP1396.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<b>Avocado-Lemon-Coconut Cake</b><br />
<i>Adapted, appropriately enough, from <a href="http://www.koreanamericanmommy.com/2011/04/avocado-coconut-lime-bundt-cake.html" target="_blank">Korean American Mommy</a>.</i><br />
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This recipe uses avocados instead of butter. Thus it is imperative that you mash the avocados thoroughly, lest you end up with chunks of avocados in your cake.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmBW6jJnyDFxmvmhmylYnEZGXyOpqBo2SMTBeUaspIqlTBsUoqQaxR_Erwry-SZ64uf6-MmTEknigHCjYN3-nMGpeqDADFjbo_ZqqG4oZgjnpym-r6C9o2uvu5rzsHOuQJ2LQYmITmIg/s800/IMGP1399.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<u>Cake</u>.<br />
2 ripe avocados, peeled and mashed<br />
2 1/2 c. sugar<br />
5 eggs<br />
1 1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
2 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />
1/2 c. sour cream<br />
3 c. flour<br />
1 tsp. baking power<br />
zest of 1 lemon (minus 1 tsp. for glaze)<br />
1 c. sweetened coconut flakes<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Thoroughly grease and flour a bundt pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.<br />
<br />
In a separate large bowl, cream together the avocado and sugar, then beat in the eggs one at a time. Stir in the vanilla, lemon juice, sour cream, lemon zest, and coconut flakes.<br />
<br />
Gradually add the flour mixture, mixing until just incorporated. Pour batter into prepared bundt pan and bake until done, approx. 1 hr. Cool before inverting onto a plate.<br />
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<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
1 c. powdered sugar<br />
3 Tbsp. lemon juice<br />
1 tsp. lemon zest<br />
<br />
Whisk together the powdered sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest to form a thick glaze. Drizzle over warm cake.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-7076678972762604602011-04-15T09:46:00.006-05:002011-04-15T12:08:50.430-05:00Don't you? 'Course you do!Spring! It's the loveliest time of the year, if only for the longer daylight hours.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqobNn2CUy4z0WZX5yQ5jDMBeuoLwyizm__LTzm9-5A_2ZoE_wdpA69FW0Q85LNWhGgmnOGVxB52VGtNxQbcG8UcjNVpoFIyPTYLZ39N-F6g5SYfBJmBdU1Vgfa4oyKJyzzM9QZvmYgnY/s800/IMGP1323.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
And spring means spending Sunday afternoons <a href="http://youtu.be/q2If9bVJJLY" target="_blank">poisoning pigeons in the park</a> with my sweetheart.<br />
<br />
Wait, what sweetheart?<br />
<br />
<font size=1><i>Disclaimer: I harbor no particular love for pigeons, but I don't actually condone killing them.</i></font><br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/pWS8Mg-JWSg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Okay, so that wasn't about pigeons, but swallows are cool birds because they <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heungbu_and_Nolbu" target="_blank">carry things</a>. I had just wanted to share some media that greatly influenced my college years, and fowl just happened to star(?) in both. And you know keeping a blog is all about sharing information nobody cares to have.<br />
<br />
In that spirit, here's another song we used to sing a lot in college, about a duck.<br />
<br />
Er, I mean, a llama.<br />
<br />
And a duck.<br />
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<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/KMYN4djSq7o" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Right. So, guys, it's spring! The birds are tweeting outside my window at 4am, the squirrels are frolicking, the flowers are blooming, the pollen is flying...<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghTm1U5343Nt-fvXeFwz4DhsGlrCsBDVmjKEL3_Hph4NQxrhRFEewby6laswvITIDhFGE5yz6XnNSpXZLULu-IJQTHOl8LJBxDxiH5HzIJ30PwJLa_3YEB2Bzx_2wOnPOoBdgyZ9QTnl4/s800/IMGP1327.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4pxQjMGUXdfOjsjhSMXoe4aRpvQTUlaYE911HhVshoPVSBuJhObk2mHDTknPWV4F5n9a0tAogAnffvYIY2obXgGJryYl-o5YD3KrjYMht8dK2YfBz3oWuHYQVtPC23PVxZLTDppCon94/s800/IMGP1328.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
My condolences to those of you who suffer from allergies, by the way. My allergist informed me last year that I have been suffering from hay fever all my life. Ohhhkay, but do pardon me if I blithely ignore what he said, because as far as I can tell, I am not suffering from hay fever, nor did I before.<br />
<br />
I did almost fall out of my chair laughing when he told me that I was also allergic to animal dander, though, because at the time I was a <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/incredible-edible-mouse.html" target="_blank">mouse wench</a> spending most of my waking hours in the animal facility. It's possible (probable?) that I developed an allergy from working there for two years, but what can you do?<br />
<br />
Well, that's neither here nor there, and my supposed allergies aside, it really is spring, and all this daylight is making me very, very happy.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikWWzVyxpyFcMiPd6Hz8dqcgdM9Djo8E3PK4cjdrzfrVNHc0gwGSJ7T6lVJwzZVKFc2d5BUW4J-GSI3OEcQMp47DX59WQtb4gQmdVFqJRmnQNVC_nX6zXQ0k7JRQZuDaqS4AdhqYFwGnY/s800/IMGP1325.JPG" width="45%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiizhxhgfpRnwX-OBp79QF8Jvxze7LBb2o13VyugjU68zesi5F4pdXC6thJ8P32HZbIDr82DJ9ETqyIuyUOdDz80xOW6vd4Y9NwnfvKZlWbCP1SN9ShRKeS27wQKM8otRbmO7xbV5EVs0E/s800/IMGP1326.JPG" width="45%"><br />
<br />
A while ago there was a post on <a href="http://sweetapolita.com/2011/02/triple-lemon-blueberry-layer-cake/" target="_blank">Sweetapolita</a> about a delightful cake that was the very embodiment of sunshine and spring. I haven't had the time or patience to attempt the layer cake yet, but it's in the queue.<br />
<br />
I settled for a lemon-blueberry bundt cake in the meantime, and it's quite tasty, despite the sub-par photos. My trusty dusty <a href="http://reviews.cnet.com/digital-cameras/pentax-optio-m10/4505-6501_7-31677182.html" target="_blank">Pentax</a> has its limits.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Glsb4Ii2STBAd3e6tR3qOGPvCvgqjPQExwxJayVbJtS4f4xp1C42mRe-jBWKSBHu_TS_LhHyF-I7a6GUm2117OkwLGO0MVaeorUlUXGfIFy47cJle73nZzD4Aw2SdpHLPno3U6pWgPE/s800/IMGP1342.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<b>Lemon-Blueberry Bundt Cake</b><br />
<i>Modified from <a href="http://kitchenrunway.com/blueberry-lemon-coffee-cake/" target="_blank">Kitchen Runway</a>.</i><br />
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This cake tastes best after the first day, probably because the glaze will have had a chance to soak completely in. The glaze makes it very moist and lemony. :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj9JpJGRw6xH-DTByD3MRS87_PfYFe9XRCBADnDXa8HYDA3BmJmKoJQribX2VKPJHWNlIoNHwToz2aw3RhyjCYmyiU_ROHUhajECgcQ2-ouvxQjxVFYyYiB1SL87Wkme0_njuWnHCA8Q/s800/IMGP1331.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Cake</u>.<br />
2 c. flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
3 eggs<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
3/4 c. vegetable oil<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
zest of 1 lemon<br />
12 oz. frozen blueberries, slightly thawed<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour a bundt pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and salt.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then mix in the sugar, oil, lemon extract, and lemon zest. Gradually fold in the flour mixture, mixing until just combined. Add blueberries and stir gently to incorporate.<br />
<br />
Bake until done, approx. 90 min. Allow to cool in pan.<br />
<br />
<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
1 c. powdered sugar<br />
juice of 1 lemon<br />
1/4 c. milk<br />
<br />
Whisk together the ingredients, then while the cake is still in the pan, pour approx. 1/3 of the glaze over warm cake. Allow glaze to soak in. When cake is cool, remove onto a plate. Pour the rest of glaze over the cake and allow to soak in.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-23866265733114000302011-04-05T19:11:00.002-05:002011-04-05T20:03:10.179-05:009,131 daysHey, um, so, I just finished living the first <i>quarter-century</i> of my life.<br />
<br />
I'm officially old, guys.<br />
<br />
My birthday falls on Arbor Day (식목일) in Korea, so my dad used to tell me that people were planting trees to celebrate my birthday. It's kind of embarrassing to admit, but I believed it when I was little because I thought I was <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mqFLXayD6e8" target="_blank">special</a>.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://a2.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v195/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30816579_710.jpg" width="30%"> <img src="http://a6.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v167/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30766645_2517.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
I really used to be that cute... so what went wrong?<br />
<br />
I'm from a huge family, where my dad is the second eldest of seven children, and my mom is the eldest of seven. So for quite a few years I was the only grandchild on my mom's side, and the youngest of three on my dad's. Having a lot of unmarried aunts and uncles meant that I had no shortage of babysitters, and was completely accustomed to being the center of everyone's attention.<br />
<br />
That is, until <a href="http://gyopoincollege.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">this one</a> came along.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v185/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30816578_7199.jpg" width="47%"> <img src="http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v185/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30816575_6513.jpg"><br />
<br />
Good thing he was adorable, eh? :)<br />
<br />
Almost all my aunts and uncles are married and have kids now, and I have seventeen(!) younger cousins to keep track of, the youngest of whom was born just a few months ago. Plus my oldest cousin, who is like a sister to me, is getting married this summer, so I guess I'll have nieces and nephews soon, too?!<br />
<br />
Being the "cousins in America" means there is a lot expected of my brother and me, so it can be kind of stressful to have so many people to visit whenever we go to Korea. But at the same time, it is amazing to feel so <i>welcomed</i> every time we go back. :)<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/gLd40ddnN7c" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
My mom cooked me a delicious Korean birthday breakfast while I was home for spring break, and my dad sent me an awesome package full of Korean food, so I was all set for this birthday already. I just couldn't pass up such a good excuse for baking a cake. :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJ9Dte5f0fF2e7U88QNitANfTcB7OV5RV3E_tOW-SAkWX31waAag50mmtF9NE9if3Cf7JlThIg3xwRKI1KGP3uxCcEHqMZAnZIPl-DuFWjeKVMiWiL1xK85VnWRfjtCH7KydbuuTeS1E/s800/IMGP1333.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1gFxpyuDo9296D0nChlWVpqTz99CNxH6NYrT7qiMmoPRtK1YrZ3AJvHduLoWnKsagy53jrFbqrWT59iV7NXSDF4zin5GkdMOLeVPVhO3tnycGFSwNwtqL2jJRX_0myFNA4XrVjSkCse8/s800/IMGP1343.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Simple Lemon Cake</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://foodrepublik.com/real-lemon-cake/" target="_blank">Food Republik</a>.</i><br />
<br />
This lemon cake, originally from <a href="http://orangette.blogspot.com/2004/08/slow-roasting.html" target="_blank">Orangette</a>, has a lovely dense and moist crumb, and is not very sweet at all without the glaze. It might be a good candidate for a layer cake, if the recipe were doubled.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUu2bqhmai95EcahbbyFN48z3PLw2Qwwusopk0npmdR_96c2FHXWOwCHvkUbEK-1IICttLPw-zLXMleAECGght6L90LHwL6Tyad2FoOTbffQBVJ5wJ2AMXUe6D59GooYfre1yx6HVOEs8/s800/IMGP1345.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Cake</u>.<br />
1/2 c. sour cream<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
3 eggs<br />
1 Tbsp. grated lemon zest (approx. 1 lemon)<br />
1 tsp. lemon extract<br />
1 1/2 c. flour<br />
2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/2 c. vegetable oil<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease a 9-in. round pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, blend together sour cream, sugar, eggs, lemon zest, and lemon extract.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder. Add to wet ingredients and mix until just combined. Stir in oil until batter is smooth.<br />
<br />
Pour batter into prepared pan and bake until done, 25-35 min. Cool 15-20 min. before turning out onto a plate.<br />
<br />
<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
5 Tbsp. lemon juice (approx. 2 lemons)<br />
5 Tbsp. milk<br />
1/4 c. powdered sugar<br />
<br />
Using a fork, whisk together the lemon juice, milk, and powdered sugar. Drizzle over cooled cake.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-5372645443776862072011-03-28T22:25:00.000-05:002011-03-28T22:25:53.605-05:00Bring out your dead!Hey there, universe, did you miss me?<br />
<br />
I have neglected this little blog quite shamefully, and have been generally hard to reach, on- or off-line, the past month or so. But thankfully SDR (affectionately known as The Module from Hell) is finally over, and I can come up for air again.<br />
<br />
So I'm not dead, I feel fine. In fact, I feel happy!<br />
<br />
<font size=1>If you aren't already familiar with <i><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00005O3VC/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=aheofleze-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B00005O3VC">Monty Python and the Holy Grail</a></i>, please note that your life will not be complete until you have watched this movie. You're welcome.</font><br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/grbSQ6O6kbs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Well, okay, to be completely truthful, I <i>felt</i> happy while I was on spring break. Williamstown was wonderful despite the weather, as it always is, and Madison was lovely because of the weather. Now that I'm back in DC, I shall miss the unpolluted air and the stars.<br />
<br />
Since spring break was only a week long, I spent most of it catching up on sleep, watching movies, reading, and running/walking about. Oh, and baking for my mom and brother, of course.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJTMPv5ixz4kAh0sgKl5VTNUe3aJi1Sge0U4oCGihNOuN-t71zQLoTGGAohpdxPETFXLuwKU-UTkD8OBVR7f708rmbGyewiPn4EhMmRCjmbTHKuVO96hzSBwIsBbqAiKHTihEi1GeIdDk/s800/IMGP1311.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
You know you're jealous.<br />
<br />
The first week of my brother's two-week spring break overlapped with my break, so ironically I couldn't see him during my visit to Williamstown, but I did see him for a few days in Madison.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWa-muPEucXFWfj1W1D0ioyBYP24-tqn1_jDPlctGZihYaN5cdVk2iqreX0vP5-cufoyl6OhR_9i3JREaamdFH6tc3ny0Dc9xvhUdmfNO5OJmDypDX7pb4wLJUCHS0u4LTrPZnrtUVVgk/s800/IMGP1313.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
My feelings about being back in Georgetown are as yet undecided, independent of the unmistakable feel of spring about the air. It should be easier to be optimistic, though, I think, with just two modules and a term paper left in the program. Plus it's spring now, with more daylight hours, and budding greenery and flowers everywhere. Huzzah for spring!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Chocolate Chip Cookie Brownies</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.evilshenanigans.com/2011/01/chocolate-chip-cookie-brownies/" target="_blank">Evil Shenanigans</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I had meant to make these for a care package for my brother, but then SDR happened, so the package had to wait. I made these and a <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/09/i-want-to-eat-this-dish-is-hard-grunge.html" target="_blank">zebra cake</a> while I was home. My family was properly impressed. ^^<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEJKdRRTtx0kS7mGC6m-9qjec-MVIYyIqcqpMsB38EppaHsNiY9I8Q1XdC53WFjEC17djuoEx1uSDcO3KGNgVaGRbARz-rXXrRoGb0XJD8fHTzzwRbZBdveg5UG3GAdkTb18ZoNSyuQuc/s800/IMGP1314.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Brownies</u>.<br />
8 Tbsp. (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 oz. semisweet chocolate, chopped<br />
1/2 c. sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 Tbsp. cocoa powder<br />
1/2 c. all-purpose flour<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease an 8" x 8" baking pan.<br />
<br />
In a double-boiler, melt and combined the butter and chocolate. Let cool. Mix in the sugar, eggs, vanilla, and cocoa powder.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, combine the flour and salt, then add to chocolate mixture and stir until no lumps remain.<br />
<br />
Pour and spread evenly into prepared pan. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<u>Cookies</u>.<br />
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter<br />
1/4 c. brown sugar<br />
2 Tbsp. sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1/2 c. flour<br />
1/4 tsp. baking soda<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
3/4 c. chocolate chips<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugars. Blend in the egg and vanilla.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, and salt. Stir into wet mixture until mostly incorporated. Mix in chocolate chips until evenly distributed.<br />
<br />
Scoop the cookie dough into the brownie batter, then bake until the edges are just set and the center does not wobble, 25-30 min. Cool before slicing.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-40417501186385032582011-02-24T22:12:00.002-06:002011-02-25T06:27:19.754-06:00Songs about foodDid you know that Louis Armstrong sang a song called "Cheesecake"?<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/fqrhdYQ_wMg" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
I didn't, until I searched for "cheesecake song" in YouTube. There is even a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2vIxdHDT8tc" target="_blank">Muppets version</a>!<br />
<br />
So, why was I searching for songs about cheesecakes? (Do I need a reason?)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-UTiERRQjrfm0PFA2tR7gJUbOFZO-0BvKGIx_BAwKZgFFvl8iftosrHoy4au0C4zlIZ3q0gdS0CkUOADrWQ0Fnd-7o_TneVMzsiZr1Yt1Ku3YPvUL_y4VbEiXS1Y6b1zWN9blwfRHYrA/s800/IMGP1316.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
That's right. I made mini cheesecakes after the exam.<br />
<br />
The discovery of the cheesecake song made me think of the 냉면 (naeng myeon) song sung by Jessica of Girls' Generation and 박명수 (Park Myeong Soo). It's cute and catchy, with a summery feel to it.<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/duNmH6sE5F0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Despite the differences between the two singers -- Jessica is a 20-something, Barbie-like member of the most popular girl idol group in Korea, and 박명수 is a comedian in his 40s famous for his shouting gag -- I think they match and balance each other out quite well.<br />
<br />
And since I'm on the topic of summer, I can't very well leave out <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5woPZzKxnuQ" target="_blank">팥빙수</a> (patbingsoo), now can I?<br />
<br />
<img src="http://c.ask.nate.com/imgs/qrsi.php/10541083/16179405/0/1/A/%ED%8C%A5%EB%B9%99%EC%88%98.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
YUM.<br />
<br />
윤종신 (Yoon Jong Shin), the singer of the 팥빙수 song, is another well-known Korean celebrity, mostly because he's done <i>everything</i>. He is the all-around entertainer: singer, songwriter, actor, MC, etc. A year or two ago, he was a cast member on the awesome variety show 패밀리가 떴다 (Family Outing), in which the celebrity cast plus 1-2 celebrity guests go out in the country for two days and house-sit for an elderly couple, allowing the couple to enjoy a weekend trip. While there, the members (and guests) are responsible for completing certain tasks, as well as cooking for themselves. The show allowed people to get a sense of what life is like in the country, and all the work involved.<br />
<br />
To keep things fun (this was a variety show, after all, not a documentary), they often played games, especially in the mornings to decide who would be responsible for making breakfast.<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/kuF0MFQtGGU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Breakfast was an arduous process that included gathering (and/or catching) the ingredients, as well as cooking for 9-10 people, so it was not a popular task. Plus, since the members not on the breakfast team can go back to sleep, people got pretty intense about winning the games. :)<br />
<br />
Anyway, I digress. (As I do.)<br />
<br />
This silly song -- I mean, love song -- is probably my favorite song about food:<br />
<br />
<iframe title="YouTube video player" width="480" height="390" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_LtjBk5c0yE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />
<br />
Would you believe me if I said that my friends and I used to sing this (and many other silly songs) in college? Yes, in <i>college</i>. We were seriously cool kids.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Orange Grove Mini Cheesecakes</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.nabiscoworld.com/recipes/recipe.aspx?recipe_id=75980&cat=11&subcat=37&catname=Cakes%2fPies%2fCheesecakes&subcatname=Cheesecakes%3a+Baked" target="_blank">Nabisco</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Jason, a friend from my semester at <a href="http://web.williams.edu/williamsmystic/Home.html" target="_blank">Mystic</a>, introduced me to this recipe.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkJYDhZ5IQ_4kLi_3bUqsousYPMJuI9nWRdvXWE7BqGpfsvdYBxGTZncDLtG3FVj9fIYoTwwW7aAvV6WUO1iYRplWLL-KmVC6HYwXolXMrJKKDrojbEQpny48-T5ZZ4hbri8y5KZkPby8/s800/IMGP1320.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Cheesecakes</u>.<br />
24 <a href="http://www.nabiscoworld.com/Brands/ProductInformation.aspx?BrandKey=nilla&Site=1&Product=4400003721" target="_blank">Nilla Wafers</a><br />
16 oz. cream cheese<br />
1/4 c. sugar<br />
1/2 c. sour cream<br />
1 Tbsp. orange zest<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
2 eggs<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line muffin tin with 12 muffin tin liners, and place a Nilla wafer in each.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream together the cream cheese and sugar. Thoroughly mix in the sour cream, orange zest, vanilla, and eggs.<br />
<br />
Spoon the batter into the prepared muffin tin, and bake 20-25 min.<br />
<br />
Let cool, then remove cheesecakes from tin and allow to cool completely in the refrigerator.<br />
<br />
<u>Strawberry Sauce</u>.<br />
1 c. frozen strawberries<br />
1 Tbsp. sugar<br />
<br />
In a small saucepan, combine the strawberries and sugar and cook over medium heat until a thick sauce is formed. Let cool.<br />
<br />
Spoon ~1 Tbsp. of sauce onto each cheesecake, then stick a Nilla wafer into the middle of each cheesecake.<br />
<br />
The first time I made these, we froze them, which made them almost ice cream-like.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-4182731471320852802011-02-10T15:15:00.002-06:002011-02-10T15:20:13.513-06:00I feel it in my toes<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdNsEWGG4v7mewy8a4rVo54DsMPldlK_w91OD2tfpw48bmYfj_WmONWAUb-qtGtv9boxgD0LDNRhxVP8iP8Nuveqj8AqAQGLms_uwKmhIqVZ1-FH0HjJBCKbki_8h3h6JvM_f1-xDSiY/s800/image001.jpg" width="40%"><br />
<br />
Heh.<br />
<br />
My mom sent me the above picture a couple of days ago, saying that it snowed another two feet in the <a href="http://imgur.com/wcs33" target="_blank">Midwest</a>.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://i.imgur.com/wcs33.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Personally, I was hoping for a repeat of last winter's Snowpocalypse in DC, too, but it already feels like spring here.<br />
<br />
Apparently it snowed enough in Madison for the public schools to declare a snow day, which is really quite something. During the nine years that I lived there, we had one, maybe two snow days. As long as it stopped snowing by 04:30, we could assume the roads would be cleared and we would have school. We still watched for the school cancellation notice on the morning news, though -- you know, just in case.<br />
<br />
And then, our hopes crushed to tiny bits, we would resign ourselves to digging our way through the snow to school (my brother and I walked to school, and often the sidewalks wouldn't have been cleared yet).<br />
<br />
Do you see why I felt such disdain for DC when the whole city shut down after about five <i>inches</i> of snow a few weeks ago? The power went out on my street, so I stumbled around the house a bit with my headlamp (I am <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUm2K6eDuMU" target="_blank">a cool kid</a>), before eventually giving up and spending the night at a classmate's house nearby. It turned out to be a good thing that I did, because the power stayed out for about 16 hours.<br />
<br />
DC, you wuss.<br />
<br />
I can't say I totally minded having a snow day, but it did mean a crazy catch-up day the following day, which happened to be a Friday. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_-aMV2xXdps" target="_blank">@#$%^&*!&$*#@^!%</a>. I may or may not have gone straight to the kitchen after classes ended, and taken out my stress on some ground turkey.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN3VtZlE4mhyphenhyphenUYx8BylqJUBu_WeG5i_a9oj0jqopgJtv5oijDYmTRFkLs6k7ThsBlcpBQgQxm8PhMnxweEkfPM6q1PWIzLgkALANLZRhdKUkycCZYNtShb8PBZuhkgMLZArz008Tkdn_w/s800/IMGP1309.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Perhaps I should be more worried about my tendency to <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/10/some-pursue-happiness-others-create-it.html" target="_blank">mash things</a> when I'm stressed.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Turkey Meatballs</b><br />
<i>Modified from <a href="http://orangette.blogspot.com/2005/02/man-who-knows-meatballs.html" target="_blank">Orangette</a>.</i><br />
<br />
1 lb. ground turkey<br />
1 small yellow onion, minced<br />
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped<br />
1/2 tsp. ground cumin<br />
1 tsp. salt<br />
2 tsp. black pepper<br />
3 slices whole wheat bread, crumbled<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, mix all ingredients together by hand,taking care not to overwork the meat. Form into ~1" balls.<br />
<br />
Heat 2 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Pan-fry the prepared meatballs, turning frequently to make sure they cook evenly.<br />
<br />
<i>Optional</i>: When the meatballs are done, fill the frying pan with tomato sauce, season with spices of your choice (I usually reach for plenty of basil and oregano), then cover and allow to simmer for approx. 15 min. while the pasta cooks. Serve warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-28240914230048585982011-01-23T23:41:00.000-06:002011-01-23T23:41:09.012-06:00It's ridiculous to leave all the conversation to the puddingWhen the weather turns nippy, it makes me think of <a href="http://science.whoi.edu/GG/demarara/DemararaRise-Knorr2010/DemararaRise2010.html" target="_blank">Jordan</a>, my freshman year roommate and best friend (hi Jordan!).<br />
<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v256/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30916468_5667.jpg" width="40%"><br />
<br />
Jordan grew up in Los Angeles and had never lived in a place with snow before coming to Wililams. She used to worry me, shivering in her bed next to the heater with all our extra blankets piled on her, and layered up in her skiing gear.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-sf2p/v249/19/124/3900788/n3900788_30909531_5819.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
She's come a long way since then, and now really embraces the cold. She's come a long way in other ways, too, surprising herself. She studied in New Zealand for a year, wrote a thesis in oceanography, sailed for weeks offshore aboard a research vessel, and is now in grad school, studying climate change.<br />
<br />
I am <i>so</i> proud of her, and of being her friend.<br />
<br />
This is the girl who knows exactly how I'm feeling and what I'm thinking, even when I can't find the words. She was my first real introduction to non-classical music, and the extra nudge I needed to apply for a semester at <a href="http://www.williams.edu/williamsmystic/" target="_blank">Williams-Mystic</a> despite my parents' skepticism. She shares my love of running and cooking. She takes care of me when I'm tired and discouraged and grumpy. And I take care of her when she hurts herself cutting up watermelon or running in the woods. We have had a lot of adventures together, and there are still so many more to come.<br />
<br />
Maybe that's why the cold weather still makes me think of Jordan. When the wind is rattling around and seeping in through the cracks -- seriously, what good are the windowless cement walls of our library, if they can't even keep out the wind? -- I would love nothing better than to ditch my lecture notes and cuddle under a blanket with a good book or two (textbooks don't count). Alas, that is not to be, and the next best thing I could think of was a bowl of warm rice pudding topped with cinnamon, to sweeten the study time.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC0qEsbZuU4N4JE7wsLhZUs2NLynV8Aest2fweHR1f7-KMaOvNBzhWuhiMllLfJHgMTKc5PR94Er9QpHc7bCSxlqWgE1bfbf7eHTOrjQ5PLbd7QxPKoQAR0OsZfjsaMThc9eaTsgx3MEI/s800/IMGP1306.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
It, uh, helps me think about how the GI tract works.<br />
<br />
Right.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Rice Pudding</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.dana-made-it.com/2011/01/rice-pudding.html" target="_blank">MADE</a>.</i><br />
<br />
The original recipe uses milk, but I had a carton of almond milk in the fridge, so I used that. Since this was my first time making this, I don't have a basis for comparison, but this version turned out delicious.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWksSctRLj2_w_GSrGsSYoN4PFh0Jx32GWkDNh73i0MQnirbbR5NGrJG_kY26ZeTyD6bhfkL5v0SeMImzT1YAClOFPliwAZKRdOsQJKvRFjJPxYlocere0B9RA4TEs-3n8PkgkzjlgRCo/s800/IMGP1308.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
3/4 c. rice<br />
6 c. unsweetened almond milk<br />
1/2 c. sugar<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1/4 c. raisins<br />
<br />
Combine the rice and milk in a large saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, 10-15 min. Then reduce to a very low simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, the rice is soft and the pudding becomes thick. This takes 30-35 min.<br />
<br />
Remove from heat and add the sugar, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and raisins. Allow to cool, then serve in bowls while warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-75095167355728341032011-01-01T13:45:00.005-06:002011-01-02T11:46:37.884-06:00I'll be home tonightInquiring minds want to know: is DC part of "The South"?<br />
<br />
I mean, it <i>is</i> south of the Mason-Dixon Line, but a lot of people insist that I do not live in the South, so I'm wondering. It's definitely the furthest south that I've ever lived, and the lateness of autumn and winter has been confusing as all get out. Halloween, for instance, totally sneaked up on me, because there hadn't been even a hint of frost on the ground yet.<br />
<br />
Call me crazy (really, do; everyone else does), but I love winter, and I love the cold. Going home to <a href="http://www.badgerband.com/music/badger.php" target="_blank">Wisconsin</a> -- to a <i>real</i>, invigorating winter with brisk air and piles of snow -- for winter break was simply lovely.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicn_dMCVYPWDwwLsoXIVN6ggWLon1bS5MDSVXX1vQ_aicUb2dNo05bCPQhyphenhyphenFblacrotFY9lw_HWaMJG1iXO6ndxGkbx-ikLM943I14T1SMqDP6ixuHl1krfbANMxoL5TWL7_oBAh64rzM/s800/IMGP1278.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Sure, my fingers and toes were cold, and my nose rivaled that of Rudolph when I came back inside from shoveling snow, but "truly to enjoy bodily warmth, some small part of you must be cold." * Besides, after you've been outside, a bowl of hot, spicy, Korean ramen tastes... unbelievable. :)<br />
<br />
<font size=1><i>* A box of cookies for the first person who can identify the source of the quote without an Internet search!</i></font><br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPWKm4HisivZM4A5s7zS3NtLT4635aqOgXmQ1uUGYmQcIAdgLwZ4GoK-w7EVUDVZjUXXqQ-dMTxBwnrNIMcWVq3wqOqdEccOaF3njOXGiTwZ8t3WGCjDrwInDBH6mSXHQ2DOCybZ-GzOA/s800/IMGP1282.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5M5airZTeCHyMuvzThMY1nTf14fqpQyh-4rguqOTm1bc8wnskV8CAB-6fmnHpteCGVMb_WO5k0whZXCXBIUEyQBhjTl6DpUeQ16aJ-3Qum4Shu-YDNMfIvo0QIUuSC_-3HZaC6HKat1g/s800/IMGP1273.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1EXiJaXsXvg7lkjp3Z9Bn5yHTnrctIpRmMzUoz6hN6h-vZXN33lBq7qMbjjaAmujMpPSRBJVPbdrCATVfJMNcbrod5Wonv4CfmDWozoAazuRrBw2qo0adI6WSPiBHQlhgKIF2KR8eJsU/s800/IMGP1259.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<br />
At the same time, I love that on most days in Madison (and in New England, where I also spent a good number of years) I can get away with not wearing gloves or a hat, since it's not, say, the Arctic.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSOLgmRaG6VjHgnNgYadmUw4X6VvqkssAQuCEABKwihGUK1MVH7opNc4f_wRA7CkchH8tBhlslp9kZZOG8UTWeyqYs7AdkBpShf-ESSM-fnC0ppKU901vMWGJ7B9_3pWlfmICYchG63c8/s800/IMGP1283.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
While I was home, I made like a champion and relaxed with all my might, feasting on my mom's cooking and catching up on sleep. Of course I baked and cooked a lot, too, mostly to enable my little <a href="http://gyopoincollege.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">brother</a> in his foraging habits (he's twenty, he <i>needs</i> the calories), but I also spent a lot of my time reading.<br />
<br />
Ten books in eight days. Oh yes, it was bliss.<br />
<br />
I also had a chance to meet up with a few friends, some of whom I hadn't seen in years. ♥<br />
<br />
Well, break is nearly over now, and I'm back in DC, with Internet access again. I am recharged and bracing myself to face another semester!<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ0v8fjb4Rl9AgIVFiaFxZuBj1z_8v4P0Y9YQyBxFGQSrmDhLp_6gfRwNiU_HcUGa8jDdvUN0sLkESXzbBxZEFkbtQIVIXY65CDAgXc0yjI8gB6vFGFaElOPx7JjCpHpMXGH4nqCjwfDA/s800/IMGP1299.JPG" width="60%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDuGaXC6YtY858MbiFz6LHyM16ScImWQdm_o-CTUz6T_iwKOvOP82pyijrd2oXJlPLvGbVzx5OUOuQFhqYL_bRk1wzayE3fSUcmmY_gTrlNdUGJM5LSjzBS_MV_D7wZJJISMKXKsiXKo/s800/IMGP1304.JPG" width="30%"><br />
<br />
Borrowing from the brilliance of <a href="http://niemann.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/16/let-it-dough/" target="_blank">Christoph Niemann</a>, I wish you all the best:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://graphics8.nytimes.com/images/blogs/niemann/posts/2010/12/24newyearQ.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Happy 2011, everyone!<br />
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<b>Whole Wheat Coffee Cake</b><br />
<i>Adapted from Crisco®'s <a href="http://www.crisco.com/Recipes/Details.aspx?recipeID=3610" target="_blank">whole wheat walnut crumb cake</a> recipe.</i><br />
<br />
The the streusel layer and the glaze topping add just enough sweetness to complement the cake, which is not very sweet by itself. I didn't have any powdered sugar on hand, so I used brown sugar for the glaze, hence the coloring.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDoeUXPxkJA3Sri9N9FftaoHCF3FWMJ4OV7mZ7dBsUiXAZEzn4gF30xJprKKUp3hxgYFCyYNfgieUmVVOXtQlx4QfdsRm62fiWIAN1t5ZTunjH9quSyRFm4SfP974gmBnmPcJ7QzuZsw8/s800/IMGP1255.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
<u>Streusel</u>.<br />
1 c. chopped walnuts or pecans<br />
1/3 c. brown sugar<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients. Set aside.<br />
<br />
<u>Cake</u>.<br />
2 c. whole wheat flour<br />
1 c. brown sugar<br />
1 Tbsp. baking powder<br />
1 c. milk<br />
1/3 c. unsalted butter<br />
1 egg<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease two 8" or 9" loaf pans.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar, then beat in the milk, egg, and vanilla.<br />
<br />
In a medium bowl, mix the flour and baking powder. Stir into wet mixture, mixing until just combined.<br />
<br />
Spoon in approximately a quarter of the batter into each of the prepared pans. Evenly sprinkle half the streusel into each pan, then spoon the remaining batter over the streusel. Bake until done, 30-35 min.<br />
<br />
<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
3/4 c. brown sugar<br />
1 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
5 tsp. milk<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, whisk together all ingredients. Drizzle generously over each loaf while still warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-77124235570964337662010-12-11T14:29:00.004-06:002010-12-11T14:51:45.873-06:00An invasion of childhood memoriesOh hi, universe. I'm still here, believe it or not.<br />
<br />
Still very much on the Internet, too, silently lurking on other people's blogs while feeling guilty about not updating my own. So here I am! Updating!<br />
<br />
Instead of, you know, studying for my cardiopulmonary exam. I make great life choices, guys.<br />
<br />
About a week ago there was a Facebook meme where everyone set his/her profile picture to a cartoon from his/her childhood, as a way to raise awareness about child abuse.<br />
<br />
This was mine:<br />
<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs791.snc4/67100_544029503390_3900773_32028574_2498483_n.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Can you tell that I spent my formative years in Asia? I totally impressed myself by remembering all the words to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f42e4nhsIt0" target="_blank">opening theme song</a> despite not having seen this show since the second grade. It was really cool, and not just a little nostalgic, to be flooded with all those memories.<br />
<br />
And then last night my friend <a href="http://indaica.livejournal.com/" target="_blank">Jodi</a> sent me an AMAZING video. Did you know that Josh Groban has a cooking show (of sorts)? The premise to "Groban's Garden" appears to be that kids send in recipes of their own devising, and Mr. Groban makes them on his show.<br />
<br />
Yes, this is every bit as hilarious as it sounds.<br />
<br />
The first recipe is <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFMMRJ9K5u0" target="_blank">William's chocolate cake</a>, which is plenty funny, but I think Mr. Groban's sense of humor really shines in the second video:<br />
<br />
<iframe width="480" height="295" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/_YpR63yuMc4?fs=1" frameborder="0"></iframe><br />
<br />
Guys, the man is <i>snarky</i>. That fact raises him to a whole new level of win, at least in my estimation.<br />
<br />
And this show! Who among us hasn't invented a new recipe at least once in our childhood, with or without hilarious results (largely depending on the amount of patience, tolerance, and sense of humor on the part of our parents)?<br />
<br />
All this, plus being sick and craving comfort food, prompted my decision to make some 호떡 (romanization: "hoddeok"), which is a Korean snack food popular in the winter.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNXHtS_mTrIb8Kw_V4nqBk3ANypzIXOro_saiJTxqH2cRoXENif0FhYvaXg0x3i0lunLZgWeiCExUePobHdxpsvALi_d8Z0NHMffy8Fixx-ZmKeax4FEzcTExPtibB80D_A5ui5Ii1bnI/s800/IMGP1250_2.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>호떡 (Hoddeok)</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.maangchi.com/recipe/hoddeok" target="_blank">Maangchi</a>.</i><br />
<br />
You can use pretty much whatever you want for the filling. I made the sweet version, but she also suggests mozzarella cheese for a more savory option. What are your ideas for a tasty filling?<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFvSq_6bzMGfDnVTU9ZQi3D_fZOxODDO6gWqZpBovJxS2-NFBBDdTZc8OKlF0ZRF-4nz8m5_lBm6Ipq2MOP3aRamciuDo-VloEUwydrGwPRwbgZrg7YtRtds_rFdQYNAxUiqkVaAqLVLo/s800/IMGP1253.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Dough</u>.<br />
1 c. warm water<br />
1 pkg. (2 1/4 tsp.) active dry yeast<br />
2 Tbsp. sugar<br />
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
2 c. flour<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, stir together the warm water, yeast, sugar, oil, and salt. Mix in the flour, then cover and let rise until doubled, 1 hr.<br />
<br />
Punch down the dough. Cover hands in flour and lightly knead dough, then divide into eight pieces.<br />
<br />
<u>Filling</u>.<br />
1/3 c. sugar<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1/4 c. raisins<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all ingredients.<br />
<br />
Spread around ~1 Tbsp. of vegetable oil in a frying pan, and heat over medium heat. While the pan heats, flatten each piece of dough, spoon in some filling, then fold and pinch the dough over the filling to make a round bun. (If this step is not clear to you, I suggest watching the linked video on Maangchi's site.)<br />
<br />
Place each bun on the heated frying pan, seam-side down. After ~30 sec., flip the bun over and flatten with a spatula. Cook another ~30 sec., flip over again. Let cook ~1 min., then remove from pan.<br />
<br />
Do this with all eight pieces. Serve while warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-33186109321307167972010-11-10T14:36:00.053-06:002010-11-10T17:00:31.058-06:00Tea parties are for little girlsOctober 30, 2010: a date of no significance whatsoever. It just <i>happened</i> to be the day of the <a href="http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/" target="_blank">Rally to Restore Sanity and/or Fear</a> on the National Mall.<br />
<br />
(Yes, this post is way late, what of it. I have priorities.)<br />
<br />
So my friends JoJo and Tom came to DC that weekend from Williamsburg and NYC, respectively, and we celebrated the joyful reunion with a little Carr-aft Night.<br />
<br />
You see, I spent the spring semester of my junior year in a <a href="http://www.williams.edu/williamsmystic/" target="_blank">magical fairyland (with lots of boats)</a> called Mystic, CT, and JoJo and Tom were two of my housemates there. It was easily the best semester of my life, and one of the many, many highlights was the weekly craft night we hosted at Carr House. Hence the name "Carr-aft Night." We're simple people, yo.<br />
<br />
We made like super-cool kids, spending many a Friday night decorating T-shirts, making model ships, and baking marine policy-themed desserts.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v133/32/45/3900773/n3900773_30659834_4974.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Yeah. Some things just never change. Do you understand now why I love these guys so much?<br />
<br />
This Carr-aft Night was to make T-shirts and signs for the rally. For the T-shirts, I cut out the stencil, and then JoJo masterfully applied the fabric paint to get the stamped look. It was far too crowded at the rally to take out our signs, so I don't have any pictures of them. Oh well.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_-nLukQeFlZi0z9dbMIdXbentfOpWPNufRHCe1foTcNqf3NpfSTJ5ufQvuI4LQZqYLwoqmDbePAgXXYqglaebzLkBVAvoItXM8ukwwigEDO0OCg0p3zt02KQW452Js832bJ55nkNownY/s800/IMGP1196.JPG" width="30%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCN83sE33SLeovU6uGZEvqhh4rcTw0QF10Axo3WrtxOVVCBJnhAir1klMj9jCAVUf8F-rO0wbKKf9lmSUpgvv6ww83wa0Mr4xT0uSQCCteJFS_PKXR3xriCqc7RSDW8AMbmR6-pbhww-E/s800/IMGP1197.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
The rally was super fun! It was my first time attending a rally of any sort, and I think it was a great first experience. Some very cool and unexpected guests showed up, among them my favorites <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/meet/jamie-hyneman.html" target="_blank">Jamie Hyneman</a> and <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/mythbusters/meet/adam-savage.html" target="_blank">Adam Savage</a>.<br />
<br />
You know. The guys from <a href="http://dsc.discovery.com/tv/mythbusters/" target="_blank">Mythbusters</a>. Also known as MY HEROES FOREVER.<br />
<br />
If the med school thing doesn't pan out, I would so love to work for these guys. Jamie and Adam, are you looking to hire? I love science -- especially the kind involving FIRE and EXPLOSIONS and PROJECTILES -- I'm good with my hands, <i>and</i> I often bring baked goods to work!<br />
<br />
Ahem. Unfortunately I was nowhere near enough the front to even be able to see the stage (sometimes it really sucks to be short), but I did spot some funny signs that people brought. I particularly enjoyed this one I espied on our way out:<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT2c5qK_qeRvfaPtRDjgF0rVCQrDgjb9MHUpuPQGXJFkmgLaxYnWW79KsK6y0FDENTQtTFRrjpEYxRfLjTnqs382QM9UfWKMKQrk-9FtuGVEneWy0vRG_a71y-WRc7NmB5oiZoLvuz20s/s800/IMGP1242.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
There are more photos on the <a href="http://www.rallytorestoresanity.com/photos/" target="_blank">rally website</a> and on <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/sanityandorfear/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>, so go check them out!<br />
<br />
...<br />
<br />
You're still reading? I envy you your attention span, I really do.<br />
<br />
Well. I <i>did</i> originally log on to post the apple crisp that I made for our class' potluck last week.<br />
<br />
The cool thing about this recipe is that <i>I made it up</i>, and it <i>turned out okay</i>. Pretty good, even! My classmates cleared the pan in twenty minutes flat, which was impressive given the vast quantity of food at the potluck, especially of desserts.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Apple Crisp</b><br />
<i>Recipe by yours truly, and taste-tested by the SMP Class of 2011.</i><br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMFPOqgKyE7XL132p8VLVwJ_jt7zln3LPB-2BIlUNXbvCdVVaZW1U70fZAhWhBeu9UVEJ_bAmPfTAlXOaN4AuMT8Q8BAV85CkpPDb0sT-kmkmJHsFmj8b_lQCJnbrhyphenhyphenhb4gabCSZL7rqQ/s800/IMGP1245.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Filling</u>.<br />
8 c. apple slices, thin (8-9 medium apples)<br />
1 orange (zest and juice)<br />
1/4 c. brown sugar<br />
1 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1 Tbsp. cinnamon<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, toss together all ingredients and set aside.<br />
<br />
<u>Topping</u>.<br />
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 c. oats<br />
1 c. flour<br />
1/2 c. sugar<br />
3/4 c. brown sugar<br />
1/2 tsp. nutmeg<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
<br />
Preheat the oven to 450ºF.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, cut the ingredients together using a pastry cutter or your fingers, until crumbly.<br />
<br />
Evenly spread out the filling in an ungreased 13" x 9" pan. Crumble the topping over the filling.<br />
<br />
Bake at 450ºF for 20 min., then reduce the heat to 350ºF and bake for another 30 min., until the topping is golden brown.<br />
<br />
Cool on wire rack. Serve warm.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-49003714514402103402010-11-05T16:20:00.001-05:002010-11-05T16:26:31.511-05:00Coquo ergo sumA couple of weeks ago, we had a discussion in one of my classes about the <a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/heribert_watzke_the_brain_in_your_gut.html" target="_blank">evolution of the human brain in relation to the gut</a>, and its effect on our diet.<br />
<br />
See, humans evolved to have such huge, fuel-hungry brains, but managed it without significantly increasing our metabolic rates. We didn't even have to evolve a correspondingly large gut to provide all the fuel demanded by the brain -- in fact, the human gut <i>shrank</i> as the brain got bigger, which conserved on fuel by not needing quite so much energy to digest.<br />
<br />
Okay, but wait. Doesn't that actually complicate things, since now it's even harder to digest food?<br />
<br />
Here's the secret: cooking.<br />
<br />
Yeah, that big brain's gotta earn its keep somehow. By cooking, humans are able to eat more easily digestible and calorically efficient foods, like meat. (As opposed to, say, grass, which requires a cow an entire day of chewing cud, plus four stomachs, just to get enough fuel to get through a day. Doesn't leave much time or energy for rocket science, does it?) A diet of easily digestible foods allows for more efficient metabolism, and, consequently, the reduction of gut size.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBjRznETGEQ" target="_blank">Totally brill</a>.<br />
<br />
Now me, I love meat: it's delicious. And I gotta hand it to our ancestors, they came up with some ingenious ways to cook meat. Plus, you know. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XBqY6cJD3CE" target="_blank">Fire!</a><br />
<br />
But a hunk of meat can never look as pretty as a perfectly ripe lemon.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyK-KNM-kJE9VXCsGkB8c__nlCqb8Vv7rUg0aSMt_xoksvS82VbvGePK7H6B2DjiA0ND9-zroVV1Q-Vh-zOB2l__tKa6ERdESPUSQ7uDd-Scw24jxni7y01kaCk10bECro6y4kOLrxrLw/s800/IMGP1186.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
This, my friends, was a beautiful lemon, perfectly yellow and oh! so fragrant. It added a great tanginess to these zucchini muffins.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6wRXluBXA6FyPdRYjAjXIIVNHgeR4cvckA_pieNiYggyq2ACvIfew4B82eZm2zRi5fr58IsjfljTeX_Ft7qEvYwLx72YFRe824IOxFo2VvMt7kfprYjaxQPZsG1sVAkcYC0vhzqE-tjg/s800/IMGP1191.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Zucchini Muffins</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Moms-Zucchini-Bread/Detail.aspx" target="_blank">Allrecipes</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I had three zucchini, which came out to about 3 c. grated (and tamped down), so I three-halved(?) the original recipe, which is linked above. What follows is the recipe I used, which made 30 muffins plus a bundt (I don't have any loaf pans).<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnOzlVSWHh03kFWE30nMNUTZ5aFtbGpq1_MgW58ZQnFBN-nLGdU0ikAY839SKnNisUlTbvbwQgtmvSEmYhum8BouIrdi45PNxZVFSnn9EYjOCITNAhZuRf4TzmJnoZZS2jVcJWm-3dy7U/s800/IMGP1188.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
4 1/2 c. flour<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 1/2 Tbsp. cinnamon<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 1/2 c. vegetable oil<br />
3 1/4 c. sugar<br />
1 1/2 Tbsp. vanilla<br />
3 c. grated zucchini (three medium-large zucchini)<br />
1 lemon (zest and juice)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325ºF. Line 30 muffin tins with muffin paper, and grease and flour a bundt pan. (Alternately, grease and flour three 8" x 4" loaf pans.)<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt.<br />
<br />
In another bowl, beat together the eggs, oil, sugar, and vanilla. Add in the flour mixture, then the grated zucchini, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing until just combined.<br />
<br />
Spoon batter into muffin tins, filling them 2/3 full, then pour the rest of the batter into the prepared bundt (or loaf) pan(s).<br />
<br />
Bake until done, 25-30 min. for muffins and 40-50 min. for loaves. Cool on rack.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlm8c1KX6LoqzAwa7j8U51OjdLBOsKireaoVTaWwJtXHRIQp4ER_b2zPzNN-sTpN9aG3mvklYAi7tzA39GHwCNt1WbkTGiPuqe7FeZbTH-Ub7IFrdx19qnXNDBdfbpQrSLICKR5AZLpFI/s800/IMGP1194.JPG" width="60%">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-23511427332913171712010-10-26T00:23:00.013-05:002011-01-01T13:23:17.253-06:00Mega-doofy. Times infinity!Do you remember <a href="http://pbskids.org/arthur/" target="_blank">Arthur</a>? It is actually still airing, and you can even watch old episodes on <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FBgRQqkkUA" target="_blank">YouTube</a>!<br />
<br />
This was an amazing discovery for me, since most of the other PBS shows I used to watch (and love!) and learn English from have long since been retired.<br />
<br />
My favorite, <a href="http://pbskids.org/retired_wishbone.html" target="_blank">Wishbone</a>, was culled ages ago, though I think some stations may still be airing reruns. (Which would be <i>awesome</i> if that were true.) I do believe <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wishbone_%28TV_series%29#Main_characters" target="_blank">Joe</a> has the dubious honor of being my first-ever celebrity(?) crush. At the tender age of, what, nine? But you know what, not trying to pick fights or anything, but Joe was loads better than <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Troy_Bolton#Troy_Bolton" target="_blank">Troy</a> or <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Twilight_characters#Edward_Cullen" target="_blank">Edward</a>. Just sayin'.<br />
<br />
ANYWAY. I digress. A lot. (Why didn't you stop me?)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZrDWR_7D4IUMuPuHeKH_K3Rl6aGulVjlG4xVzRFBD-l4RodZdV923VlmUzKEoYemgVx8sVqyXINTuhCvQhdwntz_qmKWPvlF5Gv7_IVZkEztuyqdxFmyxknNZ4H4g2oDGyMnW0bPIBM/s800/IMGP1182.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Professor Pacelli of the Williams Math/Stats Department, also known as Allie of <a href="http://zuccherodolce.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Zucchero Dolce</a>, is hosting Sugar High Friday for October. This month's theme: <a href="http://zuccherodolce.blogspot.com/2010/10/sugar-high-friday-octobers-theme-is.html" target="_blank">layer cakes</a>.<br />
<br />
Yes, the deadline is today, what of it. I had exams to study for, okay?<br />
<br />
Note that this is my first attempt at a layer cake -- the <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/incredible-edible-mouse.html" target="_blank">mouse cake</a> doesn't really count -- so, uh, please keep the mockery to a minimum?<br />
<br />
Okay?<br />
<br />
Promise?<br />
<br />
Well, but you <i>are</i> allowed to laugh.<br />
<br />
Because, how could you not?<br />
<br />
I couldn't possibly begrudge you that.<br />
<br />
It would be too mean.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTZZtzyMmxQRKPm0rLMnpwSJf0em-k-sMr3F9cZi21cPd1wk1NFWbKaxO5BLufuo_qwspB0wbDA9QfIl3r5Dv6jeeIynam0-eev8AfCEy-8cN2X_71K-yjl7GFp3k1pxpJuzpJZWE0RO8/s800/IMGP1183.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Yeahhh.<br />
<br />
Really, go on. Laugh. It's good for you.<br />
<br />
I didn't realize just how much the cake was tilting until I started to frost it. Of course, I could have just <a href="http://cakewrecks.blogspot.com/2010/02/its-in-there.html" target="_blank">leveled it with frosting</a>, but my conscience wouldn't allow it.<br />
<br />
Besides, I am still laughing.<br />
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<b>Deep Dark Chocolate Cake</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://inncuisine.com/decadent-desserts/have-your-cake-and-eat-it-too-recipe-deep-dark-chocolate-cake/" target="_blank">Inn Cuisine</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I realized as soon as I cut into the cake that I didn't put enough frosting between the layers. Like I said before, this is my first attempt at a layer cake, so please be lenient with me.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLoeDpneNk4GiPVDuRlVZ8Tqa8K6UKlDn3ssjJhuRwPWd1w8UHlED_xE_BbAmtqMQAGAkP5TlJXTUe0sK68NNLi5FI6fTS4IGQ_u59eXJpLVrnZtlEXRhuG8jA7VwenrJLlpUmS3iPvY/s800/IMGP1185.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Cake</u>.<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
1 3/4 c. flour<br />
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 c. milk<br />
1/2 c. vegetable oil<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 c. boiling water<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Grease and flour two 9" round cake pans.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat in the eggs, milk, oil, and vanilla. Stir in the boiling water, and pour the batter into the prepared pan(s).<br />
<br />
Bake until springy to the touch, 35-40 min. Allow to cool completely before icing.<br />
<br />
<u>Frosting</u>.<br />
12 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature<br />
5 1/3 c. powdered sugar<br />
2/3 c. unsweetened cocoa<br />
1 c. heavy whipping cream<br />
2 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whip ingredients together with a fork (or, if you are so fortunate as to have access to an electric mixer, use that). I ended up needing to add a touch more heavy cream to make my frosting, well, creamier.<br />
<br />
I think I would cut down on the sugar next time. This frosting may actually be sweet enough to give me nightmares, which is saying something.<br />
<br />
Frost the cake, then garnish if you so desire.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNnRr4rnfXqVDwacuSeac0d35XyXRFuT1vAd6gduLUeSwa3fGUB32BBjFQxqm5KgXexfTqwUHTCuFcJqeoB3lvi_vX7i4q_6XkP20VGIE1SqIOuhrIgDs7q5BxPhEF4FgtGA4FG9Sjfcg/s800/IMGP1181.JPG" width="40%">Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-73933833532652841552010-10-11T17:16:00.006-05:002010-11-15T19:16:10.739-06:00"Some pursue happiness; others create it"<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vC_9LQ3iuCI" target="_blank">Let me tell something to you</a>: an alternate spelling for <i>pure happiness</i>.<br />
<br />
C-R-U-M-B-L-E C-R-U-S-T<br />
<br />
It's one of those simple pleasures that never fails to add a dash of color to my day -- even more than the bright yellow tablecloth currently adorning our dining room table.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9tjqbMJ2hAAJD4Bjr9m_tFD0SNv_5IiRpgh0cUVXJHRwRUmmz7JyuZ3FbCyBgXRdsnSl8IaCgVd3ldXrDQ3EW7Mo3B6y8ltaFDI5BG60dUfwoB-hplOZgI9Z5M4Ebt5016cYbi_3BYhA/s800/IMGP1157.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Add to that the perfect late summer/early fall weather we've had in DC the past few days, and I could almost forgive myself for being nuts enough to come back to school. Plus there's the perk of living in a place where the lesser holidays, e.g., Columbus Day, are actually observed, resulting in the occasional three-day weekend. Win!<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Raspberry Oatmeal Bars</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://bunsinmyoven.com/2010/08/06/raspberry-oatmeal-bars/" target="_blank">Buns in my Oven</a>.</i><br />
<br />
Making these cookies was the perfect study break, since it's amazingly therapeutic to mash crumble crust between your fingers. :)<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipqk2nPozar6rClJJovE4rw1_FvmUCcJDSc5YxyyXwUOe1ZFbt66qRZv4qg0wzBs82Nrn4d8MvaBTuxZogZScWVkUqeWpMhCF5TOfZQ8T7oHDxyP6cwMwJhFBDf8wMQXKV37DgkboNw18/s800/IMGP1158.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
1/2 c. packed brown sugar<br />
1 c. flour<br />
1 c. rolled oats<br />
1/4 tsp. baking soda<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
1/2 c. (1 stick) unsalted butter<br />
1 c. raspberry jam<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 13" x 9" pan.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, combine the sugar, flour, oats, baking soda, and salt.<br />
<br />
Cube the butter (approx. 1 cm cubes) and add to bowl. Using your hands, mash the butter into the dry ingredients to form a crumbly mixture without large chunks.<br />
<br />
Press half the mixture into the bottom of the prepared pan. Spread jam over the bottom crust, to within 1/4-in. of the edge. Sprinkle the remaining half of the crumble mixture over the jam.<br />
<br />
Bake until lightly browned, 35-40 min. Cool completely before cutting.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-19581142308250295782010-10-09T08:48:00.004-05:002011-01-01T13:24:35.515-06:00Anthems that winds and fountains singHappy <a href="http://www.williams.edu/home/traditions/#mountainday" target="_blank">Mountain Day</a> yesterday to all you wonderful Williams folks -- and I know there are a lot of you out there!<br />
<br />
It was an absolutely gorgeous day here in DC, too, but alas, Georgetown doesn't have Mountain Day. How lame. That's what I get for going to a school in a city. Well, the beautiful weather is supposed to hold for the whole three-day weekend, so hopefully I'll be able to get in a good long run or two.<br />
<br />
So, the second med course is over! It still remains to be seen just how much it kicked my butt, but at least I'm done with it. We started a couple of the grad courses this week -- the "lite" versions of immunology/microbiology and gross anatomy -- which are supposed to be a bit less intense than the med courses have been so far. Impeccable timing, since my eye has been hurting lately, which means I haven't been getting enough sleep.<br />
<br />
Of course the obvious remedy for chronic dry eyes is staying up late to scrub down the kitchen and bake scones. - -;;<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPgwAKOEF-MXvCcF333NZes1sOfUM25qyQr2CNfyOwIvDRTg8aTpOi4cmVQ6kkrYGJ4BGEEvSQ2RuubrVhAvPZ5IXkEGWFJl2LLnHpX0sxGrNDmfod311iP9hzfz0TJJLh3-9B7hpdlYw/s800/IMGP1165.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Chocolate Chip Scones</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://caffeiiina.blogspot.com/2010/08/ricotta-chocolate-chips-scones-yes-well.html" target="_blank">Caffeina</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I had some ricotta cheese to use up, so I dug up this recipe from a sub-sub-sub-folder of bookmarks. Just so I could have some for breakfast. They're worth it though. Yum!<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfYi61pQpN6A6WZqRqLvb2E-bmizSuDJmI9vmJDWjC6W2v-QckfZzs0nR9RmwlphMq4XmpNT1iWEDSx0RxRzIbPAh9I5_1x7Ry7Lpi1BXa4pnaUL2TKiTo2l8rTZdm43d01Ztqu6KByf4/s800/IMGP1167.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
1 3/4 c. flour<br />
4 Tbsp. sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/4 tsp. baking soda<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
3/4 c. ricotta cheese<br />
4 Tbsp. unsalted butter<br />
1/2 c. milk<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
2/3 c. chocolate chips<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt.<br />
<br />
Lightly cut in the ricotta and butter, then stir in the milk, vanilla, and chocolate chips.<br />
<br />
Turn the dough out onto generously floured surface and lightly knead. Add handfuls of flour as needed. Dough should be fairly sticky but holding together.<br />
<br />
Break off a chunk of dough and roll into a ball between hands. Pat the ball into a disk approximately 1 in. thick onto prepared baking sheet. Repeat with rest of dough.<br />
<br />
Bake until lightly browned, 15-17 min. Cool on a cooling rack.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-8126079155887454142010-09-22T19:48:00.006-05:002010-10-15T21:14:11.436-05:00"I want to eat this dish is a hard grunge"<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidRBWBWrFhEzRpg-XlQRx4a1xddQjJNgC0qxYJ4XGkGmhq9KvSzt6JMjgz0ePYF-6tvB4_pyy_v6kVkDfdtgJdN4X7widdnV7HWcidS1OmemyW0ZMYw0_Nx71DCyWUsAmw634IOT-A8Xo/s800/%EC%B6%94%EC%84%9D.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Happy 추석, everybody!<br />
<br />
추석 (the romanization is "Chuseok") is like Korean Thanksgiving, celebrated on August 15 of the lunar calendar. It's the second most important holiday in Korea, after the lunar New Year, and the whole extended family gathers to pay respects to the ancestors and eat great food and generally enjoy each other's company.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSFoPhh9pLiB6twUqr70-71KDyMkYsnT6tCcIAgcObC91oofad5qnJfz8Al05JcIdbdFWCIV35Kmwe76mj32eYCQmcyAsPTPwqvagRj7Z0PezRASCcmyk5IakF1QB1SIJqFKtLmmhwVCY/s800/%EC%B6%94%EC%84%9D%EC%9D%8C%EC%8B%9D.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Well, I'm here in DC and my <a href="http://gyopoincollege.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">brother</a> is in Massachusetts, <i>not</i> in Korea, tragically enough. So we spent about an hour conference-calling relatives in Korea last night.<br />
<br />
It was really good to hear everyone's voices, especially when one of our baby cousins insisted on talking on the phone, too, and then couldn't think of anything to say. So cute! It was good fun, but it also made miss Korea a lot, not to mention Korean food. I especially miss 송편 ("songpyeon"), which is a special rice cake often eaten on 추석.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq8IUCjr1wzBHpq9EIrZCI7tjpapo4kIBWKAzXzpjYtW1efYII3bRAAn4TfoioPUMrGnO8_9cOuF7rbEfRwL6Qd7BObtPQ-Ae-jcPn0W-mZj-15VC9i4BR0O5zAQwiFrFg5LYhcnSATIA/s800/%EC%86%A1%ED%8E%B8.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Mmmmmm. I looooove me some Korean rice cakes. The reminder prompted me to set my Facebook status this morning to: 추석이라 그런지 송편 먹고싶다~~ ^^<br />
<br />
Now, before y'all go reaching for your Korean-English dictionaries, it means: Maybe it's because it's Thanksgiving, but I'm craving 송편.<br />
<br />
When my former math prof copy-pasted it into Google translator, however, he got: I want to eat this dish is a hard grunge.<br />
<br />
I... what?<br />
<br />
Anyone ever play the <a href="http://babelfish.altavista.com/" target="_blank">Babelfish</a> game, from back when Google didn't have a translator yet? You take a well-known quote (or song lyrics, or an idiom, etc.), translate it into another language with Babelfish. Translate the translation into another language, and so on, and eventually back to English, and then see if anyone can figure out what the original quote was. There are, of course, many <a href="http://www.translationparty.com/" target="_blank">variations</a> on this.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIRtDM5MWYah5gTOtSvAWHKXPnTnmGk1HE1J6XrTiVp0pC4cY1NOPD1tpkxa09zb0_WzJysLh9N1LRnGWqE11rRqTgveZMNFfSaGCmiwByaNtzVPrcTGbGJZtgfLO1aKaQgj8EBU9g6_g/s800/IMGP1153.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
ANYWAY, since I couldn't have 송편 but still wanted something a little out of the ordinary, I made a zebra cake. That's what I logged on to say in the first place, I just got a little distracted.<br />
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<a name='more'></a><br />
<b>Zebra Cake</b><br />
<i>Adapted from the <a href="http://www.azcookbook.com/zebra-cake/" target="_blank">AZ Cookbook</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I was really <a href="http://www.tweep.com/comic/?date=02-06-09" target="_blank">stressed</a> from the exam that kicked my butt on Monday, so I ate some cake today while learning about the dietary management of diabetes (for the next exam, coming up in less than two weeks).<br />
<br />
And laughed at the irony.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlHg9NCYtIsbrp1fPxo-tBBIvSf466tnkxe0jU3dwwohg_vMU_awYDHEmWLgMJjMbfOCB3LrjE3Wbs_Kx7JXYlfAsfUtzzLJ-udaLlW0tHb-f_Z8npAs9QTqpVqwKBFytcGVPkPNJdINg/s800/IMGP1155.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
4 eggs<br />
1 c. sugar<br />
1 c. fat-free plain yogurt<br />
1 c. vegetable oil<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
2 c. flour<br />
1 Tbsp. baking powder<br />
2 Tbsp. dark cocoa powder*<br />
<br />
* <i>Bitter cocoa, such as Hershey's natural unsweetened cocoa, will take away from the sweetness of the cake.</i><br />
<br />
In a large mixing bowl, whisk eggs and sugar until creamy and light in color. Beat in vanilla, yogurt, and oil until well blended.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, combine flour and baking powder.<br />
<br />
Gradually add the flour mixture to the wet mixture and beat just until the batter is smooth and the dry ingredients are thoroughly incorporated. Do not overbeat.<br />
<br />
Divide the mixture into 2 equal portions. Keep one portion plain, and mix cocoa powder into the other.<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a 9" pan with oil.<br />
<br />
To assemble the cake: Scoop 3 heaping spoonfuls of plain batter into the middle of the baking pan. Then scoop 3 heaping spoonfuls of cocoa batter into the center on top of the plain batter. Continue alternating the batters until you use them up.<br />
<br />
<i>Note: The batter will spread and gradually fill the pan throughout the process, so do not stop and wait between batters.</i><br />
<br />
Bake until done, 35-40 min.<br />
<br />
Immediately run a small thin knife around the inside of the pan to loosen the cake, then invert onto a cooking rack. Turn the cake back over and let cool.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-84334295674684522302010-09-04T16:32:00.004-05:002010-09-22T19:04:07.001-05:00My life in a nutshellI finally got settled in my room, which is a big improvement in my living situation since the last post. For one thing, I'm not living out of a duffel anymore, and have more than six t-shirts and three pairs of jeans to choose from. It also means running out of underwear less quickly, so laundry less often! I moved into the room as soon as the last subletter left, and spent a whole day cleaning and unpacking instead of studying... Oops. :)<br />
<br />
Well, so I will be spending the next ten months or so of my life in a room about the size of a nutshell. It is easily the smallest space I have had to occupy since the one-bedroom apartment in Eagle Heights in Madison, and then it was only because I had had to share the room with my mom and <a href="http://gyopoincollege.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">younger brother</a>.<br />
<br />
This room here is actually tiny.<br />
<br />
The room came furnished with a lofted bed, a desk, half a chest of drawers (the bottom drawer is AWOL), a chair, and a bookshelf, all of the Ikea variety.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirY2V_ikkPdWN141hyphenhyphenH1GMcIEaMzvfYh1RSOWrlHPLiO7yLK501L-Jx0EhuQMUE5LpBlKo2qtryupEiSo3kjsurhMo7FA9XHqro46hYLoqWo2pmAHVxawEkNW8BLJTKs3QVYn1BRxY2L8/s800/IMGP1144.JPG" width="40%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzze5F3_g2hwI9yPnwP1qtKrdjacbFkZOJN06drHYTfGaId2YOYQ_8gdgVW_U9lg-DrztivVBv8AXGOoCmFbDdecJ8MB7kd28NpE9CRPfq1aarQzS5LPDAmzCkeF0des-mkYgGB6FkWR8/s800/IMGP1142.JPG" width="40%"><br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgJWxkvd1bNVnTTfzL8WVTlhvJDCUB0nBMBEnILHxdoVF02f_m0F3reNudDDnQklqUd05xcZRYxy3T42A_7V8M2PNfus2gMvB6sDOqTq2jyhiu-aT8njAteHG7TjUgt_l2HjyNZ2qRXWc/s800/IMGP1145.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
It's hard to snap just one picture that will convey a sense of the whole room because I can't get far enough back.<br />
<br />
I actually don't mind having a small room since I don't have much stuff, and it's much easier to keep it tidy. What I do mind, however, is the nutshell of a kitchen.<br />
<br />
<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhz862JAlFiAoICSBPI2ETlxMRIE14ErwjKK4HPa4WORR-E5GYqw4Rmduplv4dbTycoFUIAuGGpClFMQkiXdI19PHQO6DB41skFl83z5GGvUoGqVYAcA_UIrYwmtRgwjnS-xD3z_8QvKwA/s800/IMGP1141.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Makes me really miss the kitchen of Hatherly College, stripes and all.<br />
<br />
<img src="http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2255/141/66/3901564/n3901564_31224192_5481.jpg" width="60%"><br />
<br />
Hey, but I still have a kitchen! I don't have nearly as much time to bake and cook now, given that I have spent a staggering majority of the past month holed up in a corner of the (windowless) second floor of the med school library, and expect to continue this trend for much of the rest of the year.<br />
<br />
However, de-stressing breaks are good for the soul. We just finished the first unit on Thursday, so I can relax just a little bit before jumping into the next unit on Tuesday. And you know what that means: Chinese takeout, hilarious Korean TV shows, a new YA novel, and baking.<br />
<br />
Oh yeah, I've been fantasizing about my wild, wild weekend for a while now.<br />
<br />
(By the by, Becca sent me the recipe for the <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/becca-is-amazing.html" target="_blank">Golden Grand Marnier Cake</a> so I could share it here! Go check it out!)<br />
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<b>Doughnut Muffins</b><br />
Adapted from <a href="http://www.kirbiecravings.com/2010/07/doughnut-muffins.html" target="_blank">Kirbie's Cravings</a>.<br />
<br />
I came across this recipe a while back, probably through <a href="http://www.tastespotting.com/" target="_blank">TasteSpotting</a>, and bookmarked it because, dude! Doughnut muffins! I think the mini muffins are a great idea, but I lack the proper tins, and the regular muffins are tasty, too. I left them on the kitchen counter with a note for my flatmates to please have some, and most were gone by this morning.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjckcK8s4rsveJm_gJxf9Sy-0ab0xCwjCggBMS4kFTvyCXp_qaAWwRgBueRQRdweZAeDx54mJwK_dFLkHNyby2gASm7DbOLFAssIYVDaKcnWrcFheOFof8CKqscdh-s3XJWax66HMqq7i4/s800/IMGP1150.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
3/4 c. sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 c. flour<br />
2 tsp. baking power<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg<br />
1/4 c. vegetable oil<br />
3/4 c. milk<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350ºF. Lightly grease a muffin tin.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, beat together the sugar and egg until light in color.<br />
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In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and nutmeg. Stir into the egg mixture. Mix in the vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract.<br />
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Divide batter evenly into 12 muffin cups or ~24 mini-muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full.<br />
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Bake until done, 15-18 min. for standard-sized muffins or 11-12 min. for mini-muffins.<br />
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<i>Optional</i>: After muffins have cooled, lightly brush on some melted butter, then roll in sugar.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-8607569198616318322010-08-08T10:51:00.008-05:002010-11-05T16:26:02.577-05:00Another capital cityI'm famous, yo!<br />
<br />
Well, not really. But I did wake up to an email from Jodi saying that my <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/incredible-edible-mouse.html" target="_blank">mouse cake</a> was included in Ms. Humble's <a href="http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2010/08/science-cookie-roundup-6.html" target="_blank">Science Cookie Roundup #6</a>!! Win! Plus, <a href="http://deliciousdeliciousdelicious.blogspot.com" target="_blank">Mr. P</a> even commented on the Pocky whiskers! Double win!<br />
<br />
Ahem. Moving on. (Haha! Get it? "Moving" on? Oh dear.)<br />
<br />
It's almost impressive how quickly I accumulate stuff. When I moved to Boston two years ago, I brought just a suitcase, a duffel, and a backpack (full of things, obviously). Well, I have a few more things now.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfDUN-S5vhaFjNi0ySzZPtL7RNJpnd_vhngP7daPORCl9_0rUYc59fpgn7_vBkggp4KI3mCCWHGcyH_yYDr3-ImWBFGkITMfX_OZyq0saQn6J-JDF8RPqS1xGQtMKAbalXjSihoBhDDU/s800/IMGP1133.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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XOXO to all our science vendors for the shipping boxes! The Great Wall of Science Nerdery could not have been achieved without you.<br />
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Becca and I packed all these, plus my bike, into a <a href="http://www.scion.com/?gclid=CKm9qq6uqaMCFSYRswodJToe3g#xB" target="_blank">Scion xB</a>, and embarked on the ZipCar Fiasco to End All ZipCar Fiascos. That is, Becca drove me and my stuff from Boston to DC, then drove back to Boston last weekend! Have I mentioned that Becca is amazing, and my hero forever and ever?<br />
<br />
Moral of this story: I need to learn to drive! Really.<br />
<br />
Well, so I moved to <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ4mv8_uXzY" target="_blank">Washington, DC</a> -- the 4th capital city in my life, after Seoul, Madison, and Boston -- but couldn't move into my flat yet because it's sublet for the summer. My friend Ben and his flatmates very generously let me crash in their living room this week, but I need to get myself installed in Georgetown before my classes start on Monday. Luckily one of the subletters moved out this morning, so I can stay in her room until my room opens up... after my first final exam at the end of the month. Less than ideal, but I'll live.<br />
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By all accounts, once classes start I won't have time to do much of anything besides study my tail off, so I decided to bake something for Ben and his flatmates during my last week of freedom.<br />
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<b>Linzertorte</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2010/05/linzertorte.html" target="_blank">Not So Humble Pie</a></i>.<br />
<br />
Ben's flatmate Liz has a book called <a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1416566112/ref=nosim/ruhlmancom" target="_blank"><i>Ratio: The Simple Codes Behind the Craft of Everyday Cooking</i></a> by Michael Ruhlman, which analyzes the simple ratios of key ingredients in recipes. According to the pie section, I had just enough flour left over from my last visit here, so I made a pie.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy-yYPzpfQ2uPaYzDXi9aImrMgirrNBN78uCqyAxv6wMSlfsIyXW1hwCM2rfPtsrSYBcFfWFzcsVYsFCqOmGSMRpmr1nlFi_UOW4jiUV1UrmCI2kE8OQobd9STu0bdsgQRfwDAJSWh4WI/s800/IMGP1137.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
1 c. almonds<br />
1 c. powdered sugar<br />
1 1/2 c. flour<br />
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
1/8 tsp. ground cloves<br />
1 Tbsp. lemon zest<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
3/4 c. unsalted butter<br />
3 egg yolks<br />
18 oz. raspberry jam<br />
1 Tbsp. milk<br />
<br />
Chop the almonds into a fine powder and combine with the powdered sugar. (Or use a food processor, if you have access to one.) In a medium bowl, combine the almond mixture with flour, cinnamon, cloves, lemon zest, and salt.<br />
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In a large bowl, cream the butter and beat in 2 egg yolks, then add the almond/flour mixture and mix until just combined.<br />
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Wrap about 1/3 of the dough in plastic and chill in the fridge. Press the rest of the dough into a 9" cake pan (I don't have a tart pan), creating an even layer on the bottom and sides. Fill the pie with jam.<br />
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On a lightly floured surface, roll out the chilled dough and cut into strips using a sharp knife. Lay the dough strips into a lattice on the pie. Note that this dough is quite delicate, so handle with care. Press the strips into the edge of the crust, trimming any excess.<br />
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Chill pie in the freezer for 20 min. and preheat the oven to 350°F.<br />
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Whisk together the remaining egg yolk with the milk and brush the crust and lattice with the egg wash. Bake until the crust has browned and the jam is bubbling, 45-55 min.<br />
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Cool on a wire rack. If desired, serve with a dusting of powdered sugar.<br />
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<br />
I was also <a href="http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com/2009/11/savory-hand-pies.html" target="_blank">inspired</a> to make some ham-and-mozzarella hand pies for dinner that night.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij2fZrADbfO_OOyhb_h3l-ZJilNknosflIcSvtxKuwNgTVznPZcaLwqCnV5Ihe0OqndZlbIAn5cBmWw4UslkDnS_SL75Z3KM3nfwd082NuaTGKsqJON2BXhZpnKcXGPEwZNOQ3TE1hut4/s800/IMGP1138.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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I'll do a post on those when I next get a chance to make them properly, as I was short on time and counter space this time around. I miss my lovely big kitchen in Boston.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-10850129121944579582010-07-24T15:16:00.006-05:002010-10-11T17:18:10.641-05:00Good morning!One of the perks of unemployment is that if I want to get up at 05:00 to make cinnamon rolls for breakfast, I can do that. And then I can go back to bed after my (employed) flatmate leaves for work, if I feel like it, <i>or</i> I can take advantage of the nicest weather we've had in a while and <a href="http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=3901565" target="_blank">bike to Walden Pond</a>. It's all about the choices.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj06cESTXYPKelflMuM1hvmArR6EawZN39cst-KKKQKNLxGcTDaXjqEuxBrZYiUWCqoEqcqZZ4Z5oG4BFWIk-ckmD7AQt4mQ5-sK6w6SDVdAnnAjLMYx8jifiVz_yApSfuon_wbJSEhZlk/s800/IMGP1126.JPG" width="60%"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm7oul6LUGHwk958U0CDXOB6F6ZudlTDZKQB65eyDQl3NQualy9Lw-xHA8OAvhFqkySckuc8X91rrzlXwSD1YB7NLMy95_LX89up4H3lhFhr8qiLBiyfvql3M8009Gxke85Ins-VqCUrQ/s800/IMGP1125.JPG" width="30%"><br />
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People in Massachusetts don't really believe in straight lines or labeled street corners, making it tricky to follow Google maps directions. Still, it was a good adventure, complete with Fig Newtons. :)<br />
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<b>Whole Wheat Cinnamon Rolls</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1622511&iid=news-di-120709&PromKey=XET" target="_blank">Cooking Light</a>.</i><br />
<br />
I really like this recipe, much better than the <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1842384&iid=news-di-051610&PromKey=XET" target="_blank">Giant Cinnamon Rolls</a> I had made for Ben and his flatmates when I crashed with them in DC. (Sorry, Ben!) Too bad I forgot that Becca doesn't like raisins, though.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRvqJCCASfRSFWTp2kdx0xewttlgdlvwzA9zW5rt3d0rBcGDCVfdU_ss99g3Q2Ppu2gTaNz8Mv-bZvaZp6_KtlYvR5rru0Ru9YqvUVSCtzO_c7kdv7iGsKxm23fRHODsRXKyQrMlD5SM/s800/IMGP1122.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<u>Dough</u>.<br />
3 1/4 tsp. dry yeast (1 1/2 pkg.)<br />
3/4 c. warm milk<br />
1/4 c. warm water<br />
1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened<br />
1/4 c. honey<br />
1/2 tsp. salt<br />
1 1/2 tsp. lemon juice<br />
1 egg<br />
1 egg white<br />
2 1/2 c. all-purpose flour, divided<br />
1 1/2 c. whole wheat flour<br />
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In a large bowl, dissolve the yeast in warm milk and water; let stand 5 min. or until foamy. Add the butter, honey, salt, lemon juice, and eggs, and stir well.<br />
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Lightly spoon the flours into dry measuring cups and level with a knife. Add the whole wheat flour and 2 c. of the all-purpose flour to the bowl, stirring until a soft dough forms. Turn dough out onto a floured surface and <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dWj8oHMPFm0" target="_blank">knead</a> until smooth and elastic, adding just enough of the remaining flour to prevent dough from sticking to hands (<i>Note</i>: dough should still feel sticky).<br />
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Place dough in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning the dough to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place free from drafts, 1 hr. or until doubled in size.<br />
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Punch dough down and roll into a 16" x 12" rectangle on a floured surface. Coat the surface of the dough with cooking spray.<br />
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<u>Filling</u>.<br />
1/4 c. packed brown sugar<br />
1 1/2 Tbsp. ground cinnamon<br />
1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg<br />
1/2 c. raisins<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Sprinkle the sugar mixture over the dough, leaving a 1/2-inch border. Sprinkle raisins, pressing gently into the dough.<br />
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Starting at a long edge, roll up the rectangle tightly, pressing firmly to eliminate air pockets. Pinch to seal the seam and ends. Cut the dough into 16 rolls and place in a greased 13" x 9" baking pan, cut sides up. Cover and let rise, 45 min. or until doubled in size.<br />
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Preheat oven to 375°F.<br />
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Uncover and bake the rolls until lightly browned, 22 min. Cool in pan on a wire rack.<br />
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<u>Glaze</u>.<br />
3/4 c. powdered sugar<br />
3/4 tsp. vanilla extract<br />
5 tsp. milk<br />
<br />
In a small bowl, combine the powdered sugar, vanilla, and milk, stirring to form a thick glaze. Drizzle evenly over the rolls.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjF0MIxnNeIBHjo4gFU_FfYQyYsMH8GbpzbU8_e2YVvcKmI_325wn01ilM-ukH3yIVI2ux6Dqh3mumrgbx5VYMCr5lvVKaXJJR0-FndTKBNTg6sgzi94ZUWFI0Qsg2-cMvqLx_PJpr76E/s800/IMGP1124.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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<i><b>Fun fact of the day</b>: I learned the proper way to knead dough through a math colloquium given by <a href="http://www.williams.edu/go/sciencecenter/center/RS01html/RepSci2001-MATHEMAT.html" target="_blank">Professor Silva</a> at Williams College!</i>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5540753287115479303.post-89702716887283134582010-07-22T09:24:00.003-05:002010-07-22T09:41:26.460-05:00Bidding a sweet farewell to mouse wench-hoodSomething I just remembered out of the blue: On the Fourth of July, Robby passed around my <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/when-life-hands-me-lemons.html" target="_blank">desserts</a> amongst his sailing team friends because I didn't want to have to carry half-full glass pans for four miles after the fireworks. Apparently his friends were skeptical at first -- Robby <i>is</i> quite the trickster -- but then bit into the food and remarked, "This is really f***ing good!"<br />
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I think that was possibly the best compliment I ever got on anything I made. ♥<br />
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Anyway, enough narcissism. Ahem.<br />
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My last week at work started off by sucking royally, and by Tuesday I was so fed up with it all that I actually just came home early to indulge in some baking therapy. To be perfectly honest, I had already been planning to bring a <a href="http://heapoflemonzest.blogspot.com/2010/07/heat-advisory-on-east-coast.html" target="_blank">lemon cake</a> for the animal facility staff on Wednesday, since Tuesday was the IACUC inspection (my very last!) and I wanted to thank them for being so awesome to work with for the past two years. So no, this was not quite as spontaneous an act of rebellion(?) as I made it sound. Bite me.<br />
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But you know, I put the cake in the oven, and it still didn't feel like enough. Enough therapy, I mean. So I made coffee cake muffins!<br />
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Becca got home from class just as I was pulling the muffins out of the oven.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL9M0-NnGyGz2iN7R8HDEUwgl8feUj90ccbdHAOIy4IUK0UhtpcNNOxV7WUcjsZEiroPSv-3X2fASLFum9Fs7jRRzW3zMivz84JDxoCojQv1AlHv5m1_iOmKX6KTv8ekPOJiIBlQ8L68/s800/IMGP1112.JPG" width="60%"><br />
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The best part was that these were for <i>us</i>.<br />
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<b>Sour Cream Coffee Cake Muffins</b><br />
<i>Adapted from <a href="http://find.myrecipes.com/recipes/recipefinder.dyn?action=displayRecipe&recipe_id=1932535" target="_blank">Southern Living</a>.</i><br />
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I think I over-beat the batter, or stomped around the kitchen too much (after all I do possess the grace of <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4XkfUM7Hmjg" target="_blank">a leopard seal on land</a>), or <i>something</i>, because the muffins collapsed and came out flat and dense. But they were still delicious, so whatever.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsMtHF0ci1rjl5Pavgc82jVn8_qtmAlc4uNqO6XHMthyEMLPQHgQa528clETR6Mor6LxPmGkCAn7BAUz-d_IH7MctUwBeEvXPCY1U0b_ifZFGWdK2XVdnOYYt53eDl04fQJuEyXAAzDzQ/s800/IMGP1113.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
<u>Muffins</u>.<br />
1 c. vegetable oil<br />
2 c. sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 c. sour cream<br />
1/2 tsp. vanilla<br />
2 c. flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
1/8 tsp. baking soda<br />
a pinch of salt<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350°F. Line the muffin tins with paper baking cups.<br />
<br />
In a large bowl, beat the oil and sugar together. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating after each addition. Add the sour cream and vanilla, beating until blended.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually stir the flour mixture into the sugar mixture. Spoon batter into cups, filling them two-thirds full.<br />
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<u>Topping</u>.<br />
1 c. pecans, finely chopped<br />
1/4 c. sugar<br />
1 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon<br />
<br />
Stir together pecans, sugar, and cinnamon. Sprinkle pecan mixture over batter. Bake until done, 20-25 min. Remove from pans, and cool completely on wire racks.<br />
<br />
So, I made the batter, and <i>then</i> realized that the recipe makes two dozen muffins but I have only one muffin tin. Solution: bake the remaining batter in a greased 5" x 9" loaf pan, approximately 30 min.<br />
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<img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrFLzdIRA52zFpaydckSsu_3xP9xC4A559p1H7r2r7NxlKc0I5HsXJJZC9rjAPkii_kqeUPIyE2EDFjIOZo8ZE8D7quq2qMdb9OJlYD-MN6R3MFPRxQNnxHvzbrsCtK2xIdbdpikIyHik/s800/IMGP1114.JPG" width="60%"><br />
<br />
I think the loaf actually turned out better.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2