Happy Thanksgiving!

Hi everyone!
hope you all are with family and friends and eating A LOT over the next few days.

Wish we could all get together-- hopefully will see you all at Paul and Liz's wedding in March! Sunny LA, here we come!

Miss you all. Happy eating!

love,
sophie

stuff korean moms like

my new favorite blog:

http://stuffkoreanmomslike.blogspot.com/
today (#50) is on Spam but there area a lot of good ones:
socks (#49)
arguing over the bill (#47)
korean dramas (#40)
not having pets (#31)
bragging (#18)
perms (#1)

family dinner???

hey all you l.a.-ites (those of you who read the blog...)
heard there was a funny/cringe-worthy dinner last night with my parents in town. any stories to share???

Hoisin Pork Ribs and Cabbage-Pineapple Slaw, anyone?

Have you been dying to find a new amazing recipe that involves pork, cabbage, pineapple, and jalapenos?? Search no more! Try this...I gotta say, I was amazed at how good of a cook I was with this recipe. I think I really like cumin...I had no idea. Enjoy!


Hoisin Pork Ribs with Cabbage, Pineapple, and Macadamia Nut Slaw
Recipe courtesy Emeril Lagasse, 2006
Difficulty: Intermediate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours
Yield: 4 to 6 servings

For the ribs and sauce:
1 cup hoisin sauce
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup sesame oil
1/4 cup rice vinegar
2 tablespoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons minced ginger
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 slabs pork baby back ribs, 2 to 2 1/2 pounds each
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 cup chicken broth or stock

For the slaw:
1/2 cup cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sesame oil
1 tablespoon crushed red pepper
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1/4 cup chopped cilantro leaves
1/4 cup sliced scallions
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
Salt and pepper
1 cup julienne carrot (about 1 large carrot)
5 cups thinly sliced red and green cabbage
1 cup julienne red pepper (about 1 pepper)
2 cups diced pineapple (about 1 small pineapple)
3/4 cup toasted, chopped macadamia nuts

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

In a large saucepan, combine the hoisin, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook at a simmer until thickened to glaze consistency, 3 to 4 minutes. Set aside to cool.

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees F and position a wire rack inside of a large baking dish. Season the ribs well on both sides with the salt and pepper, wrap in foil, and place the ribs on the wire rack. Pour the chicken stock in the bottom of the baking dish. Wrap the pan tightly with aluminum foil and cook until the ribs are very tender, 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

While the ribs are cooking, make the slaw. Whisk together the vinegar, honey, and soy sauce. Drizzle in the oils in a steady stream, whisking to emulsify. Whisk in the crushed red pepper, cumin, cilantro, scallion, and jalapeno. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. In a large bowl, combine the carrot, cabbage, red pepper, pineapple, and nuts and mix well. Add the dressing to the vegetables and toss well. Season, to taste, with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve the ribs.

When the ribs are tender, remove them from the oven and allow to cool for 15 minutes before proceeding. Change the oven setting to broil.

Drizzle the ribs with some of the hoisin glaze and broil 6 to 8 inches from the broiler until caramelized around the edges, 3 to 5 minutes, taking care not to burn the glaze. Remove the ribs from the oven and cut the slabs into individual ribs.

Place some slaw on a plate/platter. Top with the ribs and drizzle with some of the remaining hoisin glaze.

some mundane-ness...

hi all,
so it's hard to follow up the exciting engagement news popping up all over the place. so instead, i'll just share some links to my favorite youtube videos. something funny to share! nothing exciting in my life to report. every few months or so we put up something on a wall, get a new appliance, think about the projects that are lying dormant.

so here are some videos:

this kid is way cute!!!

the next Asian American idol!!!

a well-trained Korean kid (remember our childhood days???)

what fun!

The cat's out of the bag!!

Yes, Carol blew up our spot and beat us to the punch...We're engaged!!! :)

Here's pics from our happy weekend!:




Thanks for the congratulations!! Can't wait to get the family together again...family reunion 2009?

Roz

Some post-worthy stuff...

Hey Guys!

I have a bunch of stuff to post, but have been really busy...and confused as to which site to post to. But life just keeps happening, so I guess I better get to posting! to begin with, here's this clip that I wanted to share with my most loved ones:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fZqoh2aUW7g
(for PG-13 audiences only...)



I'm trying out both sites...I think I like blogger, cuz it seems faster.

more posts to come...

another one..

ROZ IS OFFICIALLY ENGAGED!!! 
WOOHOOOooOoOOOOOooOOo =]

(good thing I'm moving back east..)

hear hear to sylvie's comments.
i'm feeling the myfamily site, i think. this is kind of fun for blogging but the other site has that, too.

phil, how'd you do those photos?

simplicity - a+
creativity - f
diversity - f
openness- f
suits purpose - c
organization - c
posting speed- untested

average scorecard: 1.3333 D

maybe diversity is the same as openness, okay remove one f
revised scorecard 1.6 still a D

Roswell

Well, since we got here to the desert, it looks like the radiation is really taking its toll. Every morning, my face feels like putty. These are pics from the last two days... It's tough out here...

Korean culture

Since Roz displayed about Korean culture and present, here is something I just published in Moccassin the Apache newspaper. What grandma thought about the present.

My mother told me when I was in middle school that you should give what you think precious as gift to others as she was making delicious rice cake to give my dad’s friend. 

   Hyacinth Wilson, Apache burden basket weaver told me a beautiful story about the Apache Burden Basket. As she was displaying her beautifully made basket, she said “ My mother told me when you weave the bottom it is molding the childhood, the side is the teenage life blossoming, the top ring is adult life holding your life together, the wrapping of the top is old life wrapping up and the jingle is the harmony or melody of the life.”

  When I hear such a beautiful story I think of the Korean poem I cherish.

The poem is for young girls to recite when they embroider something.

While I was running the sky

I dig out a tree without root

It was planted at my garden

One branch produced a sun

One branch produced a moon

One branch produced stars

Took the sun to make outside

Took the moon to lay inside

Took the stars to embroider

Sew rainbow around it

Make string with double rainbow

A precious bag I have made

Hung the precious bag on the wall

Think about friend and look at the precious bag

I don’t want to give that precious bag to my friend.

What she made is so precious and pretty to give away but I want to think she gave away eventually. Because my mother may have given the precious one.

 

 

How the H E Double Hockey Sticks to I post pics??

I've got a whole bunch of stuff to show you people.

Oh, and where are our fancy emoticons. I can not play w/out them. I'm picking up my ball and contemplating going home....someone add some FLAIR!!! Please.

You know you're korean if...

Hey guys...

Not to divert from figuring out the best site to start a family blog, but wanted to share a little funny thing I found on Korean culture that I thought everyone who's Korean or living with a Korean or having a Korean-identity crisis might get a kick out of. I was googling "korean woman gift idea" to search for an appropriate gift for John's mom since her birthday was yesterday (and since I'm so clueless about Korean culture), and came across this site about Korean Etiquette. Some things that I thought were funny and so true:

• "Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise.
• Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.
• Never expect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when questioned. They may give an incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face.
• Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home. Give: small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.

kee-hee...how funny is that? See below for more, if you're interested...
Roz

-------------------

http://www.ediplomat.com/np/cultural_etiquette/ce_kr.htm

SOUTH KOREA CULTURAL ETIQUETTE

The People

Korea is one of the most homogeneous countries in the world, racially and linguistically. It has its own culture, language, dress and cuisine, separate and distinct from its neighboring countries. Hard work, filial piety and modesty are characteristics esteemed by Koreans. They are proud of their traditional culture and their modern economic success. Education is highly valued as the path to status, money and success.

Meeting and Greeting

• The bow is the traditional Korean greeting, although it is often accompanied by a handshake among men. To show respect when shaking hands, support your right forearm with your left hand.
• Korean women usually nod slightly and will not shake hands with Western men. Western women may offer their hand to a Korean man.
• Bow when departing. Younger people wave (move their arm from side to side).

Names and Titles

• It is considered very impolite to address a Korean with his or her given name. Address Koreans using appropriate professional titles until specifically invited by your host or colleagues to use their given names.
• Americans should address a Korean with Mr., Mrs., Miss + family name; however, never address a high-ranking person or superior in this manner.
• Korean names are the opposite of Western names with the family name first, followed by the two-part given name. The first of the two given names is shared by everyone of the same generation in the family, and the second is the individual's given name. Example: Lee (Family) + Dong (Shared Given) + Sung (Given). Dong Sung is the individual's given name. Address him as Mr. Lee or Lee Sonsaengnim (which means "teacher").

Body Language

• Koreans consider it a personal violation to be touched by someone who is not a relative or close friend. Avoid touching, patting or back slapping a Korean.
• Direct eye contact between junior and senior businesspeople should be avoided. This is seen as impolite or even as a challenge.
• Do not cross your legs or stretch your legs out straight in front of you. Keep your feet on the floor, never on a desk or chair.
• Always pass and receive objects with your right hand (supported by the left hand at the wrist or forearm) or with two hands.
• To beckon someone, extend your arm, palm down, and move your fingers in a scratching motion. Never point with your index finger.

Corporate Culture

• Koreans expect Westerners to be punctual for social occasions and business meetings. Call if you will be delayed. However, you may be kept waiting up to a half hour. This is not a sign of disrespect, but reflects the pressure of time on Korean executives.
• Professionals meeting for the first time usually exchange business cards. Present your card and receive your colleague's card with both hands.
• Building trust and relationships is vital to establishing a successful business relationship. This requires patience. Koreans prefer to do business with people they know.
• The first meeting is to establish trust, so business should not be discussed. Be formal in meetings until the Korean delegation loosens up.
• Negotiations are generally long and require several trips. Be prepared for business meetings to go well beyond business hours.
• Koreans generally start negotiations at an unreasonable position and prepare to compromise. Koreans are tough negotiators and admire a firm, persistent negotiator, but refrain from being too aggressive.
• A low, deep bow from Koreans at the end of a meeting indicates a successful meeting. A quick, short parting bow could mean dissatisfaction with meetings. Send a meeting review outlining all discussions and agreements to your Korean counterpart after you leave Korea. Make several visits during negotiations and after business is established.
• "Yes" is not necessarily "yes." Koreans avoid saying "no." Try to phrase questions in a manner that doesn't require a "yes" or "no" answer. Example: Instead of saying "Could we sign the agreement by next Friday?" say "When is the earliest date that we could expect to sign this agreement?"

Dining and Entertainment

• Sharing a dinner is vital to building friendships that foster trust. Your business success is directly related to your social relationships.
• Do not pour your own drink, but do offer to pour others'. It is common to trade and fill each other's cup. To refuse is an insult. Women pour men's drinks, but never another woman's drink. A woman may pour her own drink. Leave some drink in your glass if you don't want a refill.
• Wherever you see a "No Tipping" sign, do not tip. Koreans find tipping offensive, although tipping is now becoming expected in Western hotels.
• Always allow your host to seat you. The seat of honor is the seat looking at the front door. If you are seated in the seat of honor, it is polite to protest slightly.
• Koreans do not like to talk a lot during dinner. Periods of silence are common and appreciated at a dinner. The meal usually comes before socializing at a dinner party.
• It is polite to pass or accept food or drink with your right hand while your left hand supports your forearm/wrist.
• The person who invites pays the bill for everyone. However, it is polite to offer to pay. When two people are dining, usually the younger person pays for the older person.
• Prepare to sing a solo number after dinner, no matter what kind of voice you have. Any song is acceptable, as long as you sing with spirit.
• After dinner, the host may invite his guests to go drinking. Don't refuse this invitation.

Dress

• Koreans dress well, and you should dress accordingly to show respect for them. A formal suit and tie is almost always appropriate. Koreans dress up for city activities, especially in Seoul.
• Women dress modestly. Prepare to sit on the floor; avoid straight, tight skirts.

Gifts

• Gift giving is very common in Korea. Offer and receive a gift with both hands. Wrapped gifts are never opened in the presence of the giver.
• Reciprocate with a gift of similar value when receiving a gift from your Korean colleague. Koreans like regional United States gifts and Indian/Western artifacts.
• Wrap your gift nicely. Bright colors are preferred for wrapping gifts. Yellow and red or green stripes are a traditional Korean wrapping paper design. Avoid wrapping gifts in dark colors or red.
• Always bring a small gift for the hostess when invited to someone's home. Give: small gift, candy, cakes, cookies, flowers, fruit. Do not give liquor to a woman.
• It is common to exchange gifts at the first business meeting. Allow the host to present his gift first.
• Give: liquor (good quality scotch), fruit, desk accessories, small mementos, gifts from France or Italy (which often indicate status).
• Do not give: expensive gifts (Koreans will feel obligated to reciprocate with a gift of equal value), knives or scissors (they signify "cutting off" a relationship), green headwear, gifts with red writing (denotes death) or gifts in a set of four (denotes death).

Helpful Hints

• Never use words like "fellow," "guy," "this man" or "that man." This is considered demeaning.
• Koreans are not Chinese. They are distinct from other Asians in food, language and culture.
• Expect Koreans to ask personal questions. This is viewed as showing a polite interest in your life.
• Deny a compliment. Don't say "thank you." It is impolite and shows a lack of humility.
• Never expect Koreans to admit to not knowing an answer when questioned. They may give an incorrect answer or an answer they think you would like to hear to make you feel good or to save face.
• Don't talk about Koreans or their customs or culture within earshot of a Korean, even if you are saying good things. Do not talk about politics.

Especially for Women

• Foreign women may have difficulty doing business in Korea. Although women are becoming more accepted in the Korean businessplace, Korean men generally prefer to negotiate with men.
• Korean women seldom shake hands. A Western woman can offer her hand to a Korean man, but should not to a Korean woman.
• Foreign businesswomen should always act elegant, refined and very "feminine." Laughing and loud talking are frowned upon.
• Generally, women wait for Korean men to make the first move.

Adapted from material compiled by Window on the World, a cross-cultural training and consulting firm. Originally based on material contained in the "Put Your Best Foot Forward" series of books by Mary Murray Bosrock.

thoughts

i must say, i don't like that you HAVE to have a gmail account to get on this. (is that the case?)
also, i checked out www.myfamily.com and i liked the layout of that. seems more geared toward the variety of things we might want to have available to us.

my try

just experimenting.

this is a link to my pics of Ella's 1st birthday.

isn't she the cutest?

Who wants to try out the new blog?

I do, I do.