My Attempt To Cook: Korean Spicy Stew

It was never my intention to create a themed dinner once every week. I started it with Italian the other week, last week was Thai and last night was Korean. I just hope I would be able to commit to this ritual. Anyway, we have several famous culinary specialties from different countries. 

Last night, I was so giddy preparing the meal because I love almost everything Korean. The drama series, the city, food and fashion, of course. Although, Korean dish is mainly hot and with a lot of different bean or chilli pastes I still love them. What more, cooking them on my own which I can adjust the intensity of the chilli flavor.

Korean Spicy Stew Recipe:

This is a good comfort food especially when you are sick. The chilli would make you sweat, the chewy mushroom as your vegetable and the clam or any seafood as your source of protein. This is best cooked in an earthen bowl to keep the stew hot longer.

Ingredients

3-4 cups cold water

10g of seaweed flakes

4 shiitake mushroom, if dried mushroom soak in cold water for 3 hours to soften

6 cloves garlic, crushed

1 medium white onion, cut into four

8 dried anchovies, heads removed

2 tbs cooking oil

2 tbs red pepper paste or gochujang

100g or more clams with shell or mixed with shrimps

soft tofu, squared

3 spring onions,slivered

1 red chilli, adjust according to preference

salt to taste

1 egg

Procedure

1. In a deep wok, mix water, seaweed flakes, mushroom, garlic, onion and anchovies. Bring to boil and simmer for 15 minutes. This is now the jjigae stock.

2. In a bowl or separate deep saucepan, heat the cooking oil and add the red pepper paste. Once sizzling, pour the stock into it and let it boil for few 5 minutes.

3. Add the clams or seafood and bring to boil again.

4. Add the tofu, spring onions, chilli and stir.

5. Bring to boil and add egg. Stir just right with egg still a bit whole.

6. Add salt when necessary.

Serve piping hot and Enjoy!!!

I will be blogging the other food, Green Onion Pancake, in another post.

Book Review: 1001 Home Remedies and Natural Cures

1001 Home Remedies and Natural Cures by Esme Floyd. As the title of the book implies it is a natural and readily available at home for simple remedies and cures. Esme Floyd is known for her works on 1001s. She is also the author of 1001 Beauty Miracles, 1001 Little Health Miracles and others. 

This book is a collection of some of the things we already know on the remedies and cures for simple ailments, burns, cuts and others that are readily available in our homes, can grown in our gardens or found in the supermarket. The chapters are broken down into different areas of health issues with several tips and procedures on how to relieve each problems. It has widely covered the simple injuries such as burns and cuts, coughs, colds, skin problems, headache, PMS, personal care, immune boosters and even fertility enhancers! What do you know?

Although some are not surprising anymore as they have been published in different magazines, websites and lifestyle shows, this is a good book that would come very handy when you forget those drug-free reliefs from different medical complaints. The book is backed with medical research and proven homeopathy remedies but has provided a disclaimer on the advice that caution should be taken when pregnant, taking medications or with sensitive skin and other allergies. It doesn't in any way recommend to use it as a substitute for serious conditions. Makes sense that's why I double check each herbs on the web for any contraindications.

At SGD27.95 I find it expensive since the US price is just $13. But, I cannot not buy this as I find it both fun to read with the illustrations and great thing to have in your kitchen. 

Vansh at The Stadium

I was watching Laputa, Castle In The Sky, by Hayao Miyazaki when hubby excitedly said that we're eating out for dinner. Naturally, I was happy as I don't have to prepare our meal for the night. Yey! After  watching the movie we headed out to the stadium.

Hubby is fascinated by the architecture of this terminal.

 

There were several restaurants at the side of the Stadium. While we were contemplating where and what to eat we strolled along Kallang river.

After much thought we chose Vansh among others. Vansh, which means a new generation within the family, is an award-winning Indian dining spot that offers a unique cuisine combining traditional Indian culture with modern touch of elegance. It is part of the Rang Mahal Group, a consortium of fine-dining Indian restaurants in Singapore. Vansh's interior is washed with romantic soft lighting, comfortable couch in bold colors with contrasting fluffy throw pillows which makes it excellent for long chit chat over food.

source

Our food has arrived. Appetizer with three dips, yoghurt with fruits (this is love!), chutney and mint. These last two are spicy for me. You have to eat this crunchy bread with these three dips and be surprised with the bursts of flavors.

 

This sampler is the best option if you are not familiar with Indian food. Vegetarian Kebab Sampler gives you an excellent taste of mushroom tandoori (one with cheese on top), paneer tika (square one) and aloo. I love the mushroom tandoori. It is succulent and the salty taste of cheese makes it more appetizing.

For our main dish we had fish masala paired with garlic naan instead of rice. Foodgasm! It was the perfect combination. We initially ordered one set of naan but had to have another because we both couldn't stop devouring the fish masala. A masala can either be a combination of dried (and usually dry roasted) spices, or a paste (such as vindaloo masala) made from a mixture of spices and other ingredients—often garlic, ginger, onions and chilli paste - Wiki.

Indian cuisines don't appeal to me. I always stay away from it whenever hubby plans for an eat out. To have this date a little different and since most of the reviews are excellent I have let myself loose to try out Vansh. I am glad I did! It totally changed my palates toward Indian dishes. And, somebody is so happy!

We were hoping to have some dessert but we were so full that we just chilled out to let the food go down for a while. We ended the night with a nice walk along the bridge.

Vansh

2 Stadium Walk, Stadium Waterfront
Singapore Indoor Stadium #01-04
Singapore 397691
Tel: 65 6345 4466
Fax: 65 6344 5344
Email: vansh@rangmahal.com.sg
Opening Hours
Lunch 12.00pm – 2.30pm (daily)
Dinner 6.00pm – 10.30pm (daily)

100

I remember the movie, 100, of Mylene Dizon and Eugene Domingo. Mylene is stricken with cancer and have only three months to live. She decided to do 100 things before she dies. 100 food to eat, 100 places to go and 100 personal things to do. This is a movie that inspires us to go out more, live a life you really want and to love all that is in you. What struck me most is how Mylene prepared for her funeral. Some of us are unable to categorically say how we want our funeral would be. I have gone to one with karaoke where the visitors can sing all the songs they want. Yup, even disco and rock. I have seen also the one with live band and even stand-up comedians.

When I was in high school, father and I walked past a funeral wake on my way to school. We were both sad by the scene where the dead was being used by others to gamble in the open. So I said that when I die I want my wake to be three days only. No more, no less. And, with a purple coffin. That freaked out my father. Telling me not to talk about those things. And, that was enough to make me laugh.

Not that I have a death wish but, I think we should have a say on our wake. Mylene, prepared everything. From the songs, to the dress she'd wear and even to the AVP that is going to be played at the last night of the wake. I forgot if she also mentioned who are going to give the eulogy.

Now, I want that. Aside from buying a Life Plan, I have actually started compiling the songs that are going to be played for three days. During the night, I want it to be thematic. Each night will have a theme, one night would be rock ballad with a little bit of alternative music, second has to be ballad and love songs, the third, the final night has to be rhythm and blues! No AVP whatsoever! Just pure music. Or, maybe I could rent a jukebox? That would be cool! For the food, the first two nights should be just ordinary food but for the last night, all my favorites! Italian dishes, rice cakes, dark choc fondue and others. For what I am going to wear? I have to decide yet. I am torn between a Greek inspired and ala Jackie O outfits. 

Is this post already giving you the creeps? Well, I still have one last item on the list. No eulogy. If ever it is just going to be my husband. I feel like eulogy is a waste of time because you're honoring someone who is unfortunately will not be able to hear and appreciate it. This is just for me and I am nothing against those who do this. I know that eulogy is important because it affirms and honors the goodness of the person. But, for me, I would rather hear it now, while I am alive and still able to comprehend.

Morbid? I think not. Death is certain and we would all come to meet him sooner or later. We can just hope and pray that it will be peaceful and with dignity. But, we can prepare for it. More than what we want our wake or funeral to be, we need to do things that would leave good and happy feelings or thoughts to the people to remember us by. A legacy. An inspiration. Most of all LOVE. So that when we come face to face with him we can be ready without fear. And as we meet our Creator, we can have a wonderful gift for Him, a life well lived.

This Made Me Sad

When you know an ugly truth it doesn't hurt as much as when that truth is being whacked right at your face. Here's a video that has been going around the web about Michael Goodman's 20 Reasons Why I Dislike The Philippines posted on ChannelFix. 

Jimmy Sieczka, the host, lives in Cebu for about three and a half years and he pointed out all the things that he doesn't like in the Philippines. This made me angry. No, actually furious. But it's the truth, a bitter truth that I need to swallow and suck it down to my throat. Yet, again, I chose not to dwell on the negativity and do every possible way I can to prove that Filipinos can be better than this.

20 Reasons I Dislike _____. (the Philippines)

By: Michael Goodman
About: If you think really hard, I'm sure you can come up with a couple reasons not to like something. In the land he loves so much, let Jimmy take you on a lighthearted tour of the negative aspects of living in a crowded country located at the earth's equator. On the flip side, check out 20 Reasons I Love _____. (the Philippines) at: http://channelfix.com/video/109/.

My Attempt To Cook: Caccuicco Stewed Seafood

 

We had an Italian dinner last night and decided to have garden salad, wholemeal spaghetti aglio olio and caccuicco stewed seafood. Eeek! I didn't expect the cooking would take 2 long hours! The actual cooking time was pretty quick but the preparation was exhausting. After everything have been prepared I was too damn tired to eat.

I love stews! Specially those tomato based. They give me comfort. So, here's how I did it.

Ingredients:

1kg assorted seafood (fish fillet, shellfish, squid, prawns, etc.)

1/3 cup olive oil

1 medium sized onion, chopped

1 carrots, cut into strips

1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, chopped

3 big tomatoes, blanched, peeled, seeded and chopped

2 tbs red wine vinegar (an alternative can be apple cider vinegar)

3/4 cups water

chili pepper flakes, thyme, bay leaves, salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. In a wok, saute onion, parsley, and garlic in hot olive oil. Stir in the chopped tomatoes once the onion turns translucent. Season the mixture with herbs, salt, pepper and chili flakes to taste. Let it simmer.
2. When the tomatoes are done and the juices have slightly dried up add the vinegar and water. Simmer again for 15 minutes in low heat.
3. Add the seafood until cooked, about 10-15 minutes.

4. Served hot with toasted garlic bread.

This is my new favorite soup. The chili flavor and the sour tastes of vinegar with fresh tomatoes wake up your senses specially in a rainy weather.

A&F Singapore Flagship Store

Last December I was giddy with the A&F guys in their sweatpants. The A&F flagship store in Singapore opened last Dec 15 and it was only couple of days ago that I was able to visit the store. Photography isn't allowed inside so excuse me for the not-so-good shots and you can deduce that these are all stolen shots. 

Down the corner of Orchard Road at Knightsbridge stands two beautiful men by the door of the store which would give you a hint that you're in A&F store. As you enter you'd feel as if you're about to enter a horror house because of the very subdued lighting which gives you a sense of element of surprise.

I find this a bit creepy. This mural makes me feel like they're going to come alive anytime soon.

The image behind us is as if he's posing with us! Nyah! By the way, look at the two guys on white shirts with suspenders. What can you say?

I was hoping I would buy something from this store. But, the lighting is just too dark, even the fitting room, which made it hard for me to figure out if the color suits me or not. I can't even see clearly the fabric. Plus the perfume is overwhelming! After going around the store for quarter an hour I went out because my sinuses are kicking me.