not dead
Recipe: tofu fish
Long hiatus, I know. That’s what happens when you have major surgery. Apologies for the silence. I haven’t been on the blog at all and barely looked at my email in the past week. It’s all piling up and I’m not overly concerned at the moment. Thanks for all of your notes and comments.
I was in the hospital for 5 days with all manner of nurses “caring” for me round the clock while I endured some pretty horrific pain. [Caring is in quotes because I really believe if left in the hands of some of those nurses for more than a 12 hour shift I would indeed be dead by now.] Because it was emergency surgery, I got the surgeon on-call instead of my normal surgeon. Funny how some people have an accountant or an attorney, but me? I have a surgeon. I prefer my normal surgeon, but more than that, I prefer no surgery, no staples down my belly, no incapacitating pain when I sit up or stand.
I had mentioned a while back that we were preparing for a slew of visitors. Our first visitor, my dear friend Mitch, arrived in Boulder the night I went to the ER and flew home to London while I was still in the damn hospital – but we were able to share some QT while I was hooked up to oxygen, IV, O2 monitor, catheter, morphine, etc. I managed to get home right before Jeremy had to go on travel for a very important something or other (mum’s the word still), so my aunt came to stay with me until he returned this weekend. Now my parents are visiting. If ever you wondered how I got to be so hyper and full of energy, I point you to my mom and dad.
Kaweah was confused and a little depressed while I was away, but upon my return she has been quite pleased with all of the visitors and extra attention. Plus, while Jeremy was out of town, she snuggled up next to me on the bed each night, although she nearly killed me on Thursday when she shoved her chin on my abdomen and tried to hoist herself closer.
a puppy heals you faster than any drug
In my stupor of recovery, the weather in our mountain town has begun to flirt with fall. Overnight lows are nearly at freezing and on occasion we are getting those downright chilly, damp, and overcast days. I love it. I’d love it even more if I could get out into it… but I’m trying to keep my patience (or find it… whatever).
now that is what i’m talking about!
I can barely stand up straight for 10 minutes let alone cook right now. Instead, you are getting a guest cook tonight: Dad. Non-food bloggers cook very differently from food bloggers. My parents were surprised when I said that the final plating was in fact, one of the most important shots to get. They find the whole process intriguing and amusing. At least they humor me.
striped bass marinating in chinese sherry, salt, ginger, and green onion
We spent the first half of the day driving around Denver and Boulder to do some grocery shopping for this week’s menu. Shopping for Asian groceries was far easier when we lived in Southern California… My parents are all about cooking. They are both great cooks. Mom tends to be consistent and efficient. Dad almost never produces the same results, yet makes a big splash as well as a huge mess. Tonight, he made Tofu Fish (tofu yu).
sliced firm tofu
three kinds of hot sauce
Typically, my dad will catch his own fish for this dish. He recommends a striped bass or similar fish on the order of 2 pounds (whole fish) because anything larger loses tenderness and sweetness. Of course, the best we could find at the H Mart in Denver was a 5 pound striped bass, so Dad used the mid section.
tree ears, preserved mustard greens, ground pork, garlic, green onions, ginger
The recipe is somewhat involved. I highly recommend reading over the instructions carefully. I say this because when I asked my dad to sit down with me while I went over a previous version of the recipe, he changed about 50% of it. He kept saying, “Where’s the ground pork? You forgot to include that,” or “Not TWO tablespoons!” I nearly split my incision from laughter because he was the author of the previous version and kept wondering aloud who wrote such a stupid recipe…
sauté garlic, ginger, green onions and ground pork
simmering the fish in the sauce
Much of the recipe should be tweaked to taste. Dad likes food to be unbearably spicy. This is not a dish for spice wimps. It is indeed spicy, but amazingly good on a cold evening served along with steamed rice or Chinese flatbread. Much like Mapu Tofu, the flavors are better the next day.
add tofu to simmer
I haven’t yet made this dish myself, but I have watched my dad make it a dozen times by now. It’s one of those special occasion dishes. If you have issues with the recipe – take it up with Dad.
serve hot and spicy
Tofu Fish (tofu yu)
[print recipe]
2 lb. whole fish (cleaned/gutted) or 1.5 lb mid section of a fish (prefer striped bass)
1 tsp salt
1 stalk green onion, sliced
1 tbsp ginger, sliced
1/4 cup Chinese cooking sherry
2 lb. fresh firm tofu or firm packaged tofu, sliced 1/2 inch thick
1 tsp salt
4 oz. ground pork
1 tsp soy sauce
1/2 tsp Chinese cooking sherry
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tsp water or chicken broth
3 tbsps vegetable oil
1/2 cup green onion, minced
1/4 cup garlic, minced
1/4 cup ginger, minced
3 tbsps Chinese black bean chili sauce
3 tbsps Chinese chili garlic sauce
3 tbsps Chinese chili sauce
1/2 cup tree ears, julienned
1/2 cup preserved mustard green, rinsed and julienned
1 tbsp fermented sweet rice (jo nian) OR 1 tsp sugar
28 oz. chicken broth
2 tbsps cornstarch (mixed with 2 tbsp water)
cilantro or green onions, chopped (for garnish)
If using fresh tofu: bring a large pot of water and 1 tsp of salt to a boil. Add the tofu and let cook for 2 minutes, then drain water off and set aside.
Make vertical cuts along the length of the fish on both sides. Mix sherry with salt, green onion slices, and ginger slices. Rub mixture over the fish and let sit for 10 minutes.
Mix the ground pork, soy sauce, cooking sherry, cornstarch, and water (or chicken broth) together in a small bowl. Set aside.
Heat vegetable oil in a large frying pan. When the oil is hot, add ginger, green onions, and garlic. Sauté until fragrant. Add pork and stir-fry until half cooked. Add all hot sauces and cook until pork is done. Then add tree ears and mustard green. Cook for a few minutes then add chicken broth and fermented sweet rice (or sugar). Bring to boil, then place fish in the pan. Cook on high for 4 minutes then reduce to medium heat for 6 minutes. Turn fish over. Add tofu and simmer for 6 minutes. Remove fish and place on a platter. Add cornstarch mixture to sauce. Cook until thickened, then remove from heat and pour over fish. Garnish with cilantro or green onions.
September 7th, 2008 at 10:12 pm
Yeah! I’m glad you’re alive and kicking! We were getting worried. I’ve never had tofu and fish like this before… it looks fantastic!
September 7th, 2008 at 10:45 pm
Glad to hear you are better…although it sounds like a frustrating process. The tofu fish dish looks stunningly delicious…even to a hot food wimp like me :) Hope you have a swift recovery :)
September 7th, 2008 at 11:00 pm
I’m so happy to see that you are back and kicking! I can imagine that this kind of “event” isn’t all that thrilling and pleasant…
Anyway, your recipe looks fabulous and your picture are gorgeous, as always! Kaweah looks so sweet!
Cheers,
Rosa
September 7th, 2008 at 11:25 pm
I found your site from foodgawker and showed my roommate a few months ago; we’re both readers and believers (of your recipes and photography) now. When I approached my roommate and said “DUDE Did you hear that Jen Yu has appendicitis?!” my roommate replied with “YEAH What The Hell *sad face*” I totally admire your tenacity and that you still find time to blog while recovering from freaking surgery. You are bad ass. :) Hope you have a speedy recovery!
September 7th, 2008 at 11:31 pm
Thank God you’re okay (sort of)! Whew! I was very worried by the long silence. I’m glad that you’re home again and I hope you’re up and about soon.
How nice that your parents were able to come and help out, especially since they’re both good cooks. ;)
Your dad sounds adorable – a lot like mine. I love what he did with that fish! The spicier, the better!
Rest up and take care.
September 7th, 2008 at 11:46 pm
Do you think she’s able to tell that you’re sick? That Kaweah’s thinking, “Poor thing, mistress went through chemo* again?”
*We have to draw a line at her intelligence– she probably won’t be able to tell exactly what’s wrong with you, haha :)
I’ve just realized I’m part of a heat-loving family. I doubt your dad’s delicious dish is hot beyond reason. In other words, bring it awwwn. My patience for boning fish is decreasing, though. When I’m hungry I wanna eat now, not five minutes later! I think your dad will have some choice words for me ;)
I’m glad you’re well enough to take pics of your dad’s meals! I hope the abdominal pain drastically decreases so you can resume laughing uncontrollably!
September 7th, 2008 at 11:51 pm
I remember the pain of having the ol’ appendex burst. Luckily mine burst on the table as they were taking it out so I only ruined part of my body and got out a few days before you!
Sorry that happen to you. :(
That is a beautiful meal your family made for you! And you were super good to take photos of it you crazy woman you!
September 7th, 2008 at 11:58 pm
So good to hear you’re doing ok!
I am intrigued by tree ears. How critical are the tree ears and the mustard greens? Any reasonable substitutes? If I can find all the ingredients, I might give this a shot. The spice level is just what I need. Especially right now. It’s nippy at nights down here, too. In the mid 40s. We’re going camping in RMNP two weeks from now and I think your weather is what we will have there. Brrr!
September 8th, 2008 at 12:03 am
Good to hear you’re home. I wish you continued recovery. You’ve had more than your share with medical issues – but you sound very resilient.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:06 am
Glad you’re doing better, Jen! Wow, I thought Ithaca was among the coldest places in the States, but ~30 degrees in early September takes the cake.
Props to your dad. The Yu Tofu looks wonderfully spicy – my favorite!
September 8th, 2008 at 12:06 am
hooray! nothing like spicy food (and puppies, and laughter) to help the healing process.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:20 am
Glad you are back! Sorry about all the pain and suffering you’ve endured. I hope you feel 100% very soon.
My GOD in heaven, your dad can cook. That fish looks so good I almost licked the screen!
September 8th, 2008 at 12:23 am
So glad you’re back home with the parents and dog to make you feel better! Nothing like having parents around to make you feel well-cared for. Hope you heal quickly! XOXO
September 8th, 2008 at 12:25 am
I’m so happy to hear you are back at home and recovering. Really, and truly. We’ve missed you! :)
September 8th, 2008 at 1:23 am
Wow, what a nightmare for you. Glad you’re on the mend with family’s, friends’ and puppy’s help. And lots of good food.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:29 am
So glad to hear you’re home! It’s absolutely mind-boggling that you have the energy to post, let alone take photos and write up recipes! Mmm, I wish I could taste that fish, looks delicious. All the best to you.
September 8th, 2008 at 1:53 am
Glad to know you’re felling better now. It’s good to have tou back!
September 8th, 2008 at 2:00 am
hope you are all healed very soon!!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:06 am
So glad you’re back and feeling better!
September 8th, 2008 at 4:08 am
So happy to see you back. Hope you get lots of good rest and good family food. Please take care, in that Jen kind of way. *smile Best wishes, always!
September 8th, 2008 at 5:26 am
Very glad to hear you’re on the mend.
September 8th, 2008 at 5:42 am
So happy you are back!
don t want to crowd your board with questions, but I do have a curiosity: do you speak with your parents in Chinese or English? Did Jeremy learn any Chinese yet? :-)
September 8th, 2008 at 6:05 am
Yikes, you keep getting hit with one reason after another to be in the hospital. You seem to have done an amazing job of keeping your spirits up, all things considered. While I’m sure your friends and family would have loved to visit you while you were healthy, I bet they were glad to be there when they could be helpful.
The recipe looks great – a combination of so many delicious ingredients.
September 8th, 2008 at 6:40 am
Go dad! And I’m so happy to hear you are doing well, all things considered.
The food looks amazing and I’m glad the weather is cooperating. Can powder be far off?
K was very worried that your K might be missing you, and we’re so happy to hear she’s been able to resume snuggle duty!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:14 am
Glad to see that you are back to posting, even if you can’t cook yet. I hope you’re feeling better – we’ve missed you!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:21 am
I was really starting to think…bad things. So glad to see your post this morning. Isn’t it weird the way that some nurses are Absolutely Fabulous while others are terrifyingly bad?
And as for your Dad’s fish: YUM.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:52 am
So glad you’re feeling better Jen. I’m sure Kaweah is taking very good care of you (aside from the whole poking you in the abdomen thing). Here’s hoping you can get out and enjoy the cooler weather very soon!
Bri
September 8th, 2008 at 8:53 am
I found your blog not too long ago and enjoyed your photography and recipes very much. I had abdominal surgery last year too so I know how you feel. Take it easy and don’t rush yourself.
September 8th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Oh Jen! You don’t know how glad we all are to see you back in action. And knowing that you’re on the healing road makes us feel at ease, finally!
Even without being able to stand for 10 minutes straight, you did a great job with the photographs! Chick, you rock!
This dish sure looks like Mapo Tufu! And it looks real good.
Enough for now, you take care hon! Bao zhong!
September 8th, 2008 at 9:10 am
Glad to hear that you’re feeling better and it’s always nice to be amused by one’s parents. I read the caption about Kaweah as “A puppy heals you faster than any dog”. Hmm. It took me a minute to figure out.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:20 am
I am so glad you’re back! I hope you have a speedy recovery. Until then, it looks like you’re in good hands.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:04 pm
Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah! Oh Yeah!
You were/are on the mend, not fading fast. (not that I was worried or anything.)
Okay, now, that is it.
It is time for you to cancel your order for Long Suffering, you have had more then your fair share. ;)
It is now time for blessings of good health and long life. (I’m just sayin’)
So glad to hear your parents are helping you convalesce.
The fish looks wonderful, thank you for taking the time and energy to shot and post it.
September 8th, 2008 at 12:47 pm
Hi jen- It’s good to have you back. I hope you feel better soon although these things take time. wonderful fish and your photos are amazing as always!
September 8th, 2008 at 1:22 pm
It’s great to hear from you again. I’m so happy to hear your parents are with you. Thanks for taking the time and effort to post this wonderful recipe and to let us know how you’re doing. All the best to you,
Susan
September 8th, 2008 at 3:13 pm
what wonderful talented parents you have, jen. great to hear you sounding so upbeat and on the read to recovery. hugs to you.
September 8th, 2008 at 3:26 pm
so very happy to see that you are home now and on the mend…..i was getting a bit worried. and of course you would come back with a spicy bit of a recipe……looks totally yummy!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:40 pm
I’m glad you are home where you can mend. I think it is so amazing and fun that you could create this post with your parents! Mine just think I’m weird and criticize about the blogging – oh well. Anyway, thanks for letting us know how you are doing!
September 8th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Glad to hear from you again! I was worried.. and now I’m hungry :)
September 8th, 2008 at 5:37 pm
This looks like an awesome dish! Try not to get too discouraged. My daughter had an emergency appendectomy last year and she was a long time recovering. The first two weeks were really hard (mainly from the gas they inflated her abdomen with). Take care and take your time!
P.S. I can’t take pictures this great and I haven’t just had surgery!
September 8th, 2008 at 5:49 pm
So glad that you are back. Years ago, I was in the hospital for 1 week and our dog toppled me when I came home. They are so sensitive and loving. Glad you are eating delicious food in recovery. Stay healthy.
September 8th, 2008 at 6:31 pm
Dad- your amazing! That is one good lookin’ dish! That final plate is truly awesome!
I am so glad you are on the road to recovery. I missed you, your sarcasm, your vitality, your dry wit and your amazing gumption. Welcome BACK!
September 8th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
It’s good to hear your on your way to fully recovering, it’s nice to have a sweet pet to keep you company and give you lots of love. I am sitting here wondering what in the world are ‘tree ears’!?
September 8th, 2008 at 8:06 pm
I was thrilled to see you back. When I had my first c section , I started crying out loud after I accidentally laughed when I looked up, and saw Barney Fife with his hair all tousled when Sheriff Andy was quizzing him for a road test. It is amazing how much you use those abs! My favorite way to use my abs is by digesting my food. This fish rocks. Welcome HOME!!!
September 8th, 2008 at 8:45 pm
Hey there! Glad to hear the folks are in town to give you some TLC and help out with the cooking. I’m sure like all good chinese parents, they will do their best to fatten you up during this visit and make sure you have good yummy (& healing & restorative) nourishments on hand and well after they leave. Speedy recovery so you can get back outdoors!
September 9th, 2008 at 5:12 am
Get well soon and I’m glad you’ve got lots of loved ones around you to lend a hand.
September 9th, 2008 at 5:51 am
Good for you you’re out of the hospital. Wonderful to have your dad guest blogging :) Hope you feel like making stuff in the kitchen soon.
September 9th, 2008 at 7:18 am
I’m glad you are doing well. And it’s great that your dad made you this delicious meal. And I agree there’s no better medicine than the company of a puppy!
September 9th, 2008 at 7:26 am
Oh, Jen. What a relief. I’m sorry to hear you had to rush to hospital for surgery but glad to know you are recovering, my dear. And with delicious food made by dad?? You are going to be 100% well in no time.
Many warm hugs!
September 9th, 2008 at 12:43 pm
Glad you’re on the road to recovery and getting some puppy love and attention from people who love you and will cook. I’ve been pouting about the temperature drop and I don’t have any good excuse like surgery to care that much, just not quite ready for it.
September 9th, 2008 at 12:51 pm
so good to know that you’re back… yes, puppy always know when we don’t feel good. they just know…
big kiss and hug to kaweah for her caring! enjoy everything you’re posting.
September 9th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Ah…my favorite bad ass is back! I did not even know mine was about to burst until I went to the doctor for something else and he did a basic exam, touched my belly and I screamed from pain..did not even had felt pain there before that day…
Aren’t pupps the best when you are sick!! Send me some cool weather…pleaaaase!!!
That dish is just fantastic!
September 10th, 2008 at 2:20 am
Glad to hear you are back. And you dad surely can cook as well !!!
September 10th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Look at her face – She knows it was worth the wait, lol.
Glad you’re feeling a bit better, Jen…
…Still no excuse to be cooking fish though. :-P
September 10th, 2008 at 11:46 am
I love sushi and sandwiches more than anything.
I also love your blog.
I came across you through Todd and Diane last month and read your post on them and also the one about your sister from 8/1. I finally made it back over here today to look around and could.not.stop.reading. 15 pages later…
I’ll be back. A lot.
Wishing you speedy recovery and lots of Kaweah kisses~
September 10th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Glad you’re out of the hospital- i’m sure it must be hard for someone with your energy and drive to be laid up so long. I’m glad you have lovely friends and family to care and care for you. Hey I wish my Dad would come cook for me- especially that lovely, lovely Tofu Yu. I agree about the puppy healing too!
Many wishes for rosy health to you!
xo
September 12th, 2008 at 11:11 am
Please feel better soon. Sending you all the good vibes, voodoo, thoughts, prayers, doggy-kisses, and whatever else may help. Yummy looking fish, and I cracked up about your dad. My grandma is exactly like that. “What idiot gave you *that* recipe?!” Um…… :D
September 13th, 2008 at 10:58 pm
Still checking-still wondering-still hoping to hear that you are feeling well.
September 14th, 2008 at 3:37 pm
Jen-Jen, you ain’t out climbing a mountain yet, iz ya?……;)
I’m thankful you are on the mend. I received your note and will zip you soon. Take care and DON’T rush the mending!!!!!!
September 14th, 2008 at 4:40 pm
Just a quick hello, to say that I hope you are having a quiet, peaceful, HEALTHY weekend!
September 14th, 2008 at 11:28 pm
Chuck – thanks, dear!
Laura – indeed, very frustrating :( The fish was great!
Rosa – definitely looking forward to getting past the recovery stage :) Kaweah sends wags.
Anna – you’re very sweet. Thanks a lot for the well wishes!
Susan – thank you, my dear friend. Well, my parents’ visit was planned to fall well after my treatments were done. We weren’t planning on having them out during my recovery :)
Mark – I think Kaweah just thinks “dang – why won’t she get me a treat?” My family loves spicy too, but my dad’s idea of spicy is a little extreme – even for Chinese!! I saw “Best in Show” the other day and didn’t hurt myself while laughing my brains out :)
Peabody – goshy. I wonder how much more our medical lives will parallel one another? What else do I need to check off? How about you?? :) I’d rather we just parallel our cooking lives instead ;)
Manisha – my dad says the tree ears and mustard greens aren’t critical, but they are easy for you to get since you’re down on the flats. Have you been to Pacific Ocean Market in Broomfield? (off 120)? You can read about tree ears here: https://userealbutter.com/2008/02/05/being-chinese-being-me-long-post/ and the preserved mustard greens are with the canned vegetable section or found in small aluminum pouches shown as shredded preserved vegetable. I know – it’s quite vague… Oh, here’s a link that shows the mustard green: https://userealbutter.com/2008/05/05/cool-it-with-tofu/
Psychgrad – awww, thanks :)
Tony – ha ha, Ithaca hasn’t got anything on us – we’re up 8500 feet! I love tofu yu too!
Anita – thanks! Puppy is definitely a good way to feel better.
Lisa – getting there… slowly :)
Anita – thank you, dear! I just wish I could stomach more of the awesome food my parents made :)
Jackie – missed you guys too!
Kitt – that’s certainly one way to get better.
Astrid – thanks :)
Clumbsycookie – you’re so sweet!
Kristina – me too ;)
Marija – thank you.
Joyce – awww, thanks hon. Good to hear from you!
Kat – thanks!
Sally – I speak with my folks in both Chinese and English. Jeremy understands some Chinese and knows basic phrases like thank you, how are you, etc.
Bridget – tell me about it! I’m hoping this is the last for a looooong time. Thanks!
Mollie – powder is not far off, m’dear. I’m already thinking about getting my skis tuned ;) K has resumed snuggle duty and snoring duty and “shoving her people off the bed” duty!
Mia – that’s very sweet of you – thanks!
Fiona – yup, so true about the nurses :)
Bri – yes, hoping!!! thanks!
Louise – it’s a balance between trying to get better and trying not to overdo it. Arrrrrrrrg!
Mrs. E – thanks dear. Didn’t mean to worry you (you are a worrier!). xxoo
Collette – hee hee.
Andrea – thanks!
Elizabeth – how I wish! Tell that to the bod. At least the appendix will not be the source of further problems :) Good riddance.
Aran – so sweet of you. Thank you!!
Susan – thanks for your comment. Very sweet of you!
Bee – oh, we’re all just crazy hyper people :) xxoo
Magicfish – that spicy is entirely my dad’s doing. He is crazy about spicy! :)
Holly – mine think the whole blogging thing an amusing mystery. They don’t actively blog with me, but they like that I want to document the food. So you’re not alone there ;)
Sono – ha ha, thanks!
Deborah – Oh, I feel for your daughter. Surgery blows. At least it doesn’t hurt like hell to sit up anymore!
Maybelles Mom – Oh doggies! Good thing my dog didn’t topple me or I’d have been sent straight back to the hospital. My Kaweah likes to sniff your pants and lick your pant legs. Go figure.
Lori – thanks!
Reeni – tree ears are a fungus that grows on trees. It’s a common ingredient in Chinese cooking much like the black mushrooms. You can find them dried in Asian grocery stores and sometimes fresh in the bigger and better Asian grocery stores. I love them!
Cynthia – I know, those abs are used to do EVERYTHING. I couldn’t even roll over in bed for several days. Thanks!
Susan – thanks so much. I’m still working my way back to a normal appetite. Haven’t been able to digest or consume even half of normal.
Joanne – thanks!
Linda – I already feel like making stuff, but just need a little more endurance to get through it!
Veron – hee hee :)
Patricia – thanks :)
Susan – oh, I am *definitely* ready for the snow… well – give me a few more weeks so I can get into shape for tele season! heeeeeeeee!
Rose – thanks! Kaweah isn’t big on kisses as she is on treats ;)
Tartelette – my word, you were so lucky! I can’t figure out how I had abdominal pain for so long (and twice before too) and no one figured it out?! oh well, at least we have pups :) Instead of sending cool weather, why don’t you bring yourself over here? We’ll have fun ;)
Francesco – thanks :)
Graeme – ha ha! Oh yeah, the fish. We’ll get you converted yet, my dear!
Melissa – thanks, that’s really nice of you. Glad you found your way over here. T&D are awesome!
Gabi – thank you. It makes a big difference to have people who care :)
Irene – ha ha, your grandma sounds like a riot!
Lisa – yup, just not blogging much.
Margie – not yet – this is taking quite some time.
Sally – thanks, that’s really sweet of you.
September 15th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Jen, hilarious that you say we’re down on the flats when I am always touting our 1 mile plus altitude. :-D And yes, I shop at POM but I get very overwhelmed very quickly in the Chinese / Korean / Vietnamese sections. Thanks for the links to your previous posts. I think I should be able to find them now!
September 20th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Manisha – ah ha ha! I supposed it’s all relative :) I know what you mean about being overwhelmed. I feel this way in Viet grocery stores (which is why I LOVED following Diane around in Little Saigon last month!). Let me know if you have troubles. I have more pics of various “labels” to help you find them.
October 8th, 2008 at 2:26 pm
The dish looks great my kids and I like to try new foods as I teach them that being different is what makes us special. It helps us to relate to similar things on different levels. Glad to see you are doing better. It takes a brilliant mind to use everyday blessings to bring people togather. Sharing family memories in your special moment. My your health be bountiful with strenght and endurance, your heart stay beautiful
October 12th, 2008 at 11:16 pm
Kim – awww, thanks. That’s so nice of you.