Crystallized (Candied) Ginger

Sometimes I go to a Korean supermarket...and I pass by certain items...thinking...

...hmmmmmmm.

Bitter melon. Frog legs. Thai chili peppers. Aloe juice.  Prepackaged and ready-to-eat rice. (Will I live forever with the amount of preservatives in that little 5 oz pack, is the question.) Oh God, the ramen aisle.

...and crystallized ginger. Those little golden strips covered in sugar in a 7x5x2 plastic container.

You know, I read a lot of cookbooks and look up many recipes on the web. Too frequently have I come across "crystallized ginger" on the ingredients list, wondering what it is, what it tastes like, and when I might actually make something with it. Then one day, my mom just looked at me and said, "oh, that thing? You can just make it at home. It's easy."

And so I looked it up, compared recipes, and thought...

...hmmmmmmm.

Father's Day Cake

I'm such a Mama's girl that I don't think about fathers much.

True, this.

But I do have tremendous respect for fathers. I think they play such an important part in our lives, whoever we are and wherever we come from.

I would imagine fathers to be... the first to throw us up in the air and catch us in their arms. I would imagine them to be fixer-uppers, from broken toys to broken laptops to broken hearts...some that require repair, replacement, or sometimes a real butt-whooping. Especially if there's a boy involved. They would be the ones who throw you (yes, you, the screaming one) into the pool so you can swim your way upward. They would teach you how to skate, how to ride your first bike, how to drive your first car, then come pick you up at the place where you totaled the said first car. Like completely.

Maybe they wouldn't talk much, but they sure would listen. They would probably be the only ones who can tell the truth to your face, but you'll be glad they did. They'll have their absentminded or busy or don't-want-to-do-anything moments, but at the end of the day, they'll be your biggest supporters.

To be perfectly honest, I don't know what a great father-child relationship is like. But I do know that great fathers are often the impetus for strong, successful men and women everywhere. Their care and presence, I believe, have a huge effect on one's self-esteem, confidence, and fulfillment of one's overall potential. I'm especially happy for women who were blessed with strong fathers. I hope to one day marry a man who would make a wonderful father.

This cake is for all the wonderful fathers out there who teach their kids how to rock at life. You are appreciated. So much more than you know.

Happy Father's Day 2012 :)

Cinnamon-Streusel Coffeecake

Dear friends to come in the near and far future,

I want to take this time to let you know- even if we haven't met each other yet-

...that you are SUPER. Just super.

I imagine our friendships to be really easy...and laid-back...and full of good conversations, good laughs, and pictures that should never see the light of day. None of that nonsense where the only way you want to contact me is through Facebook. You know, the one that I will likely have deactivated on a random day. For real.

None of that jealousy, dudes and dudettes. It's such a killer. And all of bringing medicine in the middle of the night. No to guilt trips and fake niceness crap that's totally see-through. Yes to fighting to pay for the other person's meal. A huge Hells-Naw to gossip and secrets that fall on "exclusive" ears. (Hint: "insider info" has an uncanny way of becoming public knowledge...like, the next day.) Yes, please, to great and genuine guy-girl friendships, without the awkwardness.

Call me. Bring me flowers. Set me up on a blind date...NOT. Be on time. Tell me to get over myself. Remember my (future) kids' names. Steer me away from guys who are rude to women and elders and waitstaff. Hit me over the head if I don't listen to you.

And please, come over for some coffeecake!

I promise to listen to your first day on the job, your dissertation on economic brinksmanship policy, and even about that annoying co-worker who likes to correct your spoken grammar. And listen only. Offer only the most necessary and concise advice. (Shush. I'm working on it!)

Ooh, and guess what? I'll give you extra coffeecake to take home with you.

Because to me, food is love, and I feed those whom I love.

And I'm pretty sure I'll love ya.

;)

Marbled Cream Cheese Brownies

I have high standards for brownies.

I like them a certain way: thick but not cakey, fudgey but not mushy, chocolatey but not too sweet. Chewy and rich yet easy on the taste buds and the stomach. Easily cut, easily wrapped, and easily gifted in a jiffy.

And these pretty treats meet all my expectations. 

This brownie recipe deserves an A+, a crazy kitchen dance, and a batter bowl licked super clean. 

I love giving these brownies as gifts. The cut pieces keep their shape so well, and they're a fast treat to make and give in bulk. I haven't met anyone who didn't absolutely love these brownies. They're a godsend on an exam day, or on a huge research paper day. Aw heck, any day you need a little bit of sweetness.

Add a lot of fun. Add a lot of love. Share. Repeat.

Thank you very much.