tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48786981251939637612024-03-13T22:48:31.979-07:00Vegan's ChroniclesKeep Calm And RAW EatVegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comBlogger74134150tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-45346409216113160282020-05-17T04:01:00.000-07:002020-05-17T04:01:53.922-07:00Veggie Holic Bakery @ Hongdae<a name='more'></a><p>Typhoon Kompasu woke me up so early today~ How rude! My sister and I were going to go down to Cheonan, but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. Thank goodness I don't have to commute to work. I'm content to just stay in my cubby hole of an apartment and munch on all the delicious bread that I bought at Veggie Holic yesterday!</p><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4075/4947840751_f12a616e4c.jpg" alt="IMG_6498" /></figure><p>I heard about Veggie Holic quite a while ago, but since I don't go to Hongdae very often, I kept forgetting about it. However, I recently started hearing all sorts of great things about this bakery from a bunch of different sources (including some of you readers!), so yesterday I finally made the pilgrimage to this vegan sanctuary.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/4947848023_d0353f01f1.jpg" alt="IMG_6517" /></figure><p>Everything is 100% vegan. Dat's the way, uh huh, uh huh, I like it~ uh huh, uh huh~</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/4948432286_bf62f4c551.jpg" alt="IMG_6501" /></figure><p>Oh my gahhh. My heart flutters at the sight of so many vegan carb options!</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/4948432844_6ed01ed42a.jpg" alt="IMG_6502" /></figure><p>Walnut manjoos</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/4948434128_2ffe5c5080.jpg" alt="IMG_6504" /></figure><p>Three different kinds of morning toast breads (black raspberry, mixed fruit/nuts, and sweet pumpkin).</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/4947844543_30b13b85ea.jpg" alt="IMG_6505" /></figure><p>It says 'Blueberry muffins' but there were also chocolate and sweet pumpkin muffins.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/4948435886_9f0f6a2b9d.jpg" alt="IMG_6507" /></figure><p>Chestnut bread and chocolate pound cake.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/4948436470_289d826ffe.jpg" alt="IMG_6508" /></figure><p>Not sure what to call these, but they looked like shortbread sandwiches with candied fruits and nuts in the filling.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/4948437244_2fee7a61d6.jpg" alt="IMG_6510" /></figure><p>*found out that the cookies with the "Cookie" stickers on them are not vegan. (5/10/10)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4074/4947849353_a99af4e033.jpg" alt="IMG_6523" /></figure><p>I'll give you a moment to slurp up that drool from the corner of your mouth~</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4947847589_ef5c087f68.jpg" alt="IMG_6514" /></figure><p>Oh dear~</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/4947848749_0d47d401c5.jpg" alt="IMG_6520" /></figure><p>The vegan drinks menu. I'm sooo getting the caramel affogato next time. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/4947852257_0c20b7f721.jpg" alt="IMG_6537" /></figure><p>Here are the goods that I splurged on: Bokbunja black raspberry bread (복분자식빵, 5,500 won), a package of biscotti cookies (5,000 won), a chocolate chip muffin (2,000 won), and a sweet pumpkin muffin (2,000 won). The little twisted bread/cake came for free along with the purchase of the loaf of bread. Including a tax fee, I spent a total of 14,500 won! Eeeep! But what is life without a little carb-binging... :) And besides, it's always a pleasure to support one of the few independent, vegan businesses here in Korea.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/4948442776_c3d4bee2e8.jpg" alt="IMG_6539" /></figure><p>Ofcourse, my sister and I had to immediately give one of the muffins a taste, so we opened the sweet pumpkin one. Love the vegan muffin top!</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4948443500_869eb1b3a6.jpg" alt="IMG_6547" /></figure><p>This was a little on the denser side (similar to pound cake) and it was delicious. It wasn't sickeningly sweet and I especially loved the nuts and sweet pumpkin chunks.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/4947851669_cb7277053d.jpg" alt="IMG_6530" /></figure><p>Everything got neatly packed in a goodie bag for me to take home. For breakfast this morning, I also had some of the black raspberry bread and the biscotti, both of which are awesome awesome awesome. I can't wait to take a bite out of the chocolate muffin next!</p><p>I was actually most excited to try their vegan soy yogurt, but the lady at the counter said they were all out because the yogurt company was going through some factory/packaging changes. Bummerrr~~~! She felt really bad about it, but assured me that they will have them back in stock by mid-September. I guess that just gives me another reason to revisit Veggie Holic in a few weeks (not that I need much more convincing anyway). You can also order their products through their website, which I might actually do for their yogurt when it becomes available.</p><figure><img src="//sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash2/hs131.ash2/39867_1587914822411_1372024538_31560588_2048207_n.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions: Hongik University Station, line 2, Exit 2. When you come out the escalator stairs, turn left and walk 2 blocks. Then cross the street and walk to the right. Turn into the road between 'Pourtoi Bakery' and Hana Bank and walk straight, passing a 'Kosa Mart' and a church on your right. Then turn left at the corner of a pizza/pasta restaurant. Veggie Holic will be on your left, a few stores down. (About a 5-minute walk from the station exit).</p><p>Opening Hours: Everyday 10AM-10PM</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-42196874413733210442020-05-16T10:17:00.000-07:002020-05-16T10:17:48.999-07:00Birthday Celebration Giveaway!<a name='more'></a><p>Today I turn 27 years old!! That's in Western-age, for those of you who are wondering. Yea, I don't believe in the Korean age system, which tells me that I'm actually turning 28, and that in another month, I'll gain yet another whole year, so I'll be 29 instead of 27. Nope, I refuse! :)</p><p>Wow, 27 seems like such a grown-up age, and yet I still feel like a kid... I'd like to think that I've gotten wiser with age, but I'm not sure that that's the case. Honestly though, I'm happy with my age and I wouldn't choose to be any younger or any older than I actually am. :) So here's to another year of shenanigans! Cheers~</p><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4071/5139869166_d70d15e52f.jpg" /></figure><p>Well, to show my appreciation for all my readers, I'd like to have a giveaway! Up for grabs, is one of my 2011 illustration calendars! Please visit my Etsy shop for more images. Anyone and everyone in the world is invited to take part. Even if you have already purchased one, don't be shy to sign up! If you win, you can give the extra one away for Christmas or something. :)</p><p>All you gotta do is comment on this post (please limit to one comment per person) by the end of Sunday, November 21st, South Korea-time, and then I will either do a random number generator thing, or I'll write the names on paper and pick one out of a hat.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4051/5139869560_9c1910f9c9.jpg" /></figure><p>Also, please make sure that there is a way for me to reach you, incase you win! If you do not have a blog that I can link back to, please leave some kind of contact-info in the comment, whether it be an email address (like "gmail: mipalee"), or twitter address, etc.</p><p>Ok, I'm off to enjoy my day. Good luck! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-59373123128462107882020-05-16T07:39:00.000-07:002020-05-16T07:39:43.823-07:00Scoutin' for Thin Mints<a name='more'></a><p>Today, I am proud to present to you vegan Thin Mint cookies!</p><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4081/5415273133_12b2126b14.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>As a kid growing up in West Africa, I was not exposed to a lot of typical American childhood treats such as the classic Girl Scout Thin Mints. The extent of my experience with American candy was limited to jolly ranchers and fruit roll-ups that our American friends shared with us whenever they got packages from back home. Only after I went to the US for college did any real attachment to American-style treats develop. Particularly my freshman year of college, I think I ate my weight in chewy chocolate chip cookies, fudgy brownies, peppermint patties, and pumpkin pie... it was as if I were making up for all the lost opportunities in the past. But I digress. Back to the thin mints. Even though I didn't grow up eating anything remotely resembling girl scout thin mints, for some reason, I've recently been craving these infamous cookies and their classic chocolate-mint combination. Isn't it amazing how cravings and comfort foods can randomly develop at any time and age, regardless of childhood upbringing or cultural background? Unfortunately, in Korea, we don't have little girl scouts knocking on our apartment doors selling these cookies, so I had to resort to making my own.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5253/5415268625_803c62f0ff.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>For the cookie part, I sort of combined several different recipes into one. I can never seem to follow a recipe as told- I either have trust issues, or the rebel within just refuses to follow the directions. Anyway, a lot of the recipes I found for chocolate wafer cookies use some kind of buttery spread or shortening, but I wanted to make mine with easy-to-find canola oil. In the end, my cookies were more like chocolate shortbread cookies- a bit heavier and less crispy, yet they still had a nice firm 'bite' to them. I'm currently playing around with various wafer recipes, trying to get the perfect chocolate wafer cookie, but for these denser cookies, here's what I did:</p><p>For the chocolate cookie:<br />1/3 c pastry/cookie flour<br />1/3 c whole wheat flour<br />6 Tbs cocoa powder<br />1/4 c canola oil<br />1/4 c agave syrup<br />1/2 tsp vanilla<br />1/2 tsp peppermint oil</p><p>1. Sift & whisk dry ingredients in a bowl.<br />2. Mix wet ingredients in a separate bowl.<br />3. Add wet to dry and mix til everything is incorporated. Shape into a ball and wrap in plastic. Chill in fridge for about 1 hour.<br />4. Preheat oven to 350F or 175C.<br />5. Remove dough from fridge and roll out thinly (about 1/8 inch) between 2 sheets of plastic wrap. Cut shapes with a cookie cutter and gently transfer to baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Repeat until all dough is used.<br />6. Bake for about 10-12 minutes. Let cool on rack before coating with chocolate.</p><p>For the chocolate coating:<br />1 cup dark chocolate chips<br />1/4 tsp peppermint oil (or to taste)</p><p>1. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave, pausing it every 30 seconds to mix.<br />2. Add the peppermint oil and mix well.<br />3. Dip the cookies into the chocolate, and turn over with a fork or chopsticks. Let any extra chocolate drip off and place them on parchment paper to cool. You can leave them out or put them in the fridge to cool faster. Enjoy!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5218/5415879654_ec06304e9c.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>I was bored and poked fork-holes in the tops of the cookies. Sometimes I like to add unnecessary steps to a recipe. ha.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5100/5415882550_c39c094ef9.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Here are the cookies, baked and fully cooled. You could just eat them as is, but my advice is to try to resist eating all of them plain, because they taste infinitely better enveloped in a layer of dark, minty chocolate, like so:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5132/5415270661_299180e9e9.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Ah, the best (and messiest) part- the chocolate coating! Don't bother trying to keep your fingers clean-- you will get chocolate all over, but worse things could happen.^^ I used the back of a spoon to make those 'ripples' in the chocolate, but you could just leave the tops smooth.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5415272057_6e76876965.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Et voila~ Vegan Thin Mintz!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5415883548_06ae328932.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Yes, that is not a real mint leaf, but just a random leaf that I plucked from my mom's veggie garden (shhhh~!). The picture needed something green... :P</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5135/5415273597_b773f0e4c2.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Cross-sectional view. For a first attempt, I thought my thin mints were pretty bomb. Texture-wise, the cookies could be a little crispier and lighter (more wafer-like), but in terms of their taste, let's just say they reminded me of my college days. And for me, that's mission accomplished.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4114/5415885760_9259efe281.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>To satisfy that kid within, I dunked my cookie in a cool glass of [non-dairy] milk. Happy days.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5060/5415274671_03ce6d048b.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>The great balancing act.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5260/5424561887_b586df5f72.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mintz" /></figure><p>Here are more thin mintz and pumpkin biscotti packaged up to be mailed to a friend. You want summa dis? :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-71912395584102383892020-05-16T03:23:00.000-07:002020-05-16T03:23:33.141-07:00Teaser<a name='more'></a><p>This is a sneak peak into what I've been doing all day, in prep for tomorrow's epic bake sale. I thought I'd lure you guys in with some teaser photos.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5171/5394476773_05d44639c0.jpg" alt="bake sale fundraiser" /></figure><p>Coconut macaroons</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5134/5395073322_504359248b.jpg" alt="bake sale fundraiser" /></figure><p>Wholesome Peanut & Jelly Thumbprint cookies</p><figure><img src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5097/5394477871_113d808bb7.jpg" alt="bake sale fundraiser" /></figure><p>Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5294/5392616077_ec6392548f.jpg" alt="Face cookies" /></figure><p>'Happy Vegans' cookies</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5055/5394477015_631b216e65.jpg" alt="bake sale fundraiser" /></figure><p>Banana Walnut Choco Chip Muffins</p><p>Oh, and there's more. Much, much more~ Come with your sweet tooth and cash! :) Our furry friends at the Asan Shelter (and your tummy) will be so grateful.^^ See you tomorrow!!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5123/5375571524_71c6d452c8.jpg" alt="Bakesale-Poster" /></figure><p>Facebook Event page</p><p>Directions to Cafe Harunohee:<br />Gunja Station, Line 5&7, Exit 6. Walk straight for about 5-7 minutes. The cafe will be on your left.<br />Children's Grand Park Station, Line 7, Exit 1. Walk straight for about 5-7 minutes. The cafe will be on your right.<br />Address: 서울시 광진구 능동 283-17<br />Tel: 02-453-0508<br />Daily Opening Hours: 11am-11pm</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-35897147983604308602020-05-16T01:25:00.000-07:002020-05-16T01:25:27.622-07:00Vegan Daechu (Jujube) Quickbread<a name='more'></a><p>I'm in Cheonan right now and every time I come down here, I like to put the large oven to use. My mom and I wanted to bake something to give to the superintendent ajushis as a small thank you/lunar new year gift.</p><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4141/5412305029_1daeb39628.jpg" alt="IMG_5636" /></figure><p>Since we figured they would like something a bit healthy & Korean-ish, we baked some daechu (aka, "jujube") quickbread! We were inspired by a recipe for 'Daechu Cake' from the Korean vegan baking book '채식배이킹,' but we pretty much did our own thing and made it healthier and more substantial. All in all, I think our little experiment turned out surprisingly well!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5285/5354236774_d2afdc94de.jpg" alt="Land of Morning Calm Bars" /></figure><p>By the way, daechu (대추) is a specific type of date that is commonly used in Korean herbal medicine, and supposedly has properties that reduce stress. So if your hakwon kids are driving you nuts, eat more daechu! Or make this quickbread. :)</p><p>Vegan Daechu (Jujube) Quickbread<br />make 1 small-medium sized loaf.</p><p>1 3/4 cups whole wheat flour<br />16 dried whole daechu (about 3/4 cup, or 1/2 cup chopped)<br />1/2 cup raisins<br />1 cup soymilk<br />1/3 cup canola oil<br />1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 cup sugar<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1/3 cup chopped walnuts</p><p>Preheat oven to 175C or 350F</p><p>1. Gently scrub the daechu under running water to get any dust particles out of the crevices. Soak the daechu and raisins in water for about 20 minutes.<br />2. De-seed the daechu and slice them into small chunks.<br />3. In a large bowl, mix all the wet ingredients together, along with the salt and sugar.<br />4. In a separate bowl, measure and stir all the dry ingredients together, and then sift into the wet ingredients. Mix until just incorporated.<br />5. Add the chopped daechu, raisins (gently squeeze excess water out), and chopped walnuts.<br />6. Pour/spoon the batter into prepared baking pans or muffin tin (it will be fairly thick). Bake at 175C for 25 minutes (for mini loaves), or until toothpick comes out clean.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5255/5412606562_7322f90a86_z.jpg" alt="IMG_5631" /></figure><p>I really like how this turned out and will definitely be making it again. Some people don't like the taste of daechu cuz they can be a little bitter (an acquired taste, perhaps?), but I love their unique flavor. They definitely add a certain traditional, 'herbal medicine' twist, and they make me feel healthy, balanced, and mature.^^ Moreover, we only used whole wheat flour and not much sugar- most of the sweetness comes from the raisins. Gotta love healthified quickbreads!</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4119/5411997989_325bbf3ac1.jpg" alt="IMG_5687" /></figure><p>We also turned some of the batter into muffins, which were laaahvely~ we kept these babies for ourselves and enjoyed them as a mid-morning snack.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4139/5412647648_b83fa9448d.jpg" alt="IMG_5712" /></figure><p>I topped mine with marmalade jam. Scrumptious.</p><p>Anywayyy~ Wow, it took me forever to write this post because I'm in a bit of a food coma right now from so much yummy lunar new year's food. Photos to come soon, but til then, happy holz, and don't forget to cook some vegan tteok mandu guk so that you can gracefully gain another year!</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5412310295_2af0a3b1bc.jpg" alt="IMG_8062" /></figure><p>Bunny says "Happy Lunar New Year! It's the Year of the Rabbit, yo! Whut whut!"</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-63701571724756320942020-05-15T05:37:00.000-07:002020-05-15T05:37:42.842-07:00I need bigger bowls...<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4097/4798439890_29689b05fe.jpg" alt="bibimbab" /></figure><p>I've been on a sandwich-binge lately, but lunch at 'BaB' restaurant earlier this week got me in the mood to make my own bibimbab. On top of a dense layer of chopped up lettuce and perilla leaves, I added a mound of mixed brown/wild rice, three different sprouts, sauteed mushrooms and tofu, and a dollop of dwenjang (no gochujang this time). Oh, and a little drizzle of sesame oil. My bowl was filled to the brim! It was quite a challenge to actually mix it all up without making a mess all over my table. I desperately have to get a bigger bowl for my bibimbabs and monster salads.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4073/4798440084_467a4fb565.jpg" alt="bibimbab" /></figure><p>Oh, and my order of pumpkin puree, oats, and blackstrap molasses arrived in the mail yesterday. Perfect timing because I just finished my last can of pumpkin puree in my oatmeal.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4798753206_b48c4a9689.jpg" alt="IMG_2796" /></figure><p>I love ordering presents for myself. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-38730578076210260792020-05-14T09:09:00.000-07:002020-05-14T09:09:14.612-07:00"Green" Tea Cake<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/4273705785_de4553645f.jpg" /></figure><p>Would you believe me if I said that this was meant to be 'Green Tea Cake'? What happened, you ask? Well, my mom and I were trying the 'Green Tea Cake' recipe from the new Korean Vegan Baking book I gave my mom for Christmas, and we did two things wrong. First, we used dark brown sugar, instead of light brown sugar. And second, the green tea powder we used was not the right kind of powder... It was this special green tea granule mix from Japan, made specifically for dissolving quickly in water. Therefore, the green color was very weak to begin with. So those two errors resulted in this "brown" tea cake.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/4274450722_2d9441004c.jpg" /></figure><p>But as the late MJ would say, it don't matter if <s>you're black or white</s> your cake is green or brown, because it will still taste ah-may-jing. And it was just that. We added walnuts, which was genius on our part. Very soft and fully scrumptious.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4006/4274450540_8c7e047929.jpg" /></figure><p>Anywayyy. I really want to try the recipe again, but correctly next time. There are quite a few recipes in that book that I'm excited to test out. One thing though, the measurements are in grams, rather than in cups, so it's pretty essential to own a measuring scale.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-12798524348723472752020-05-14T07:02:00.000-07:002020-05-14T07:02:17.364-07:00Tartine bread<a name='more'></a><p>So now that the art show is all hung up and the reception has passed, I'm not sure what to do with myself. It's weird cuz for the past few weeks, there was just this massive buildup of excitement and anticipation, and I didn't have much time to focus on anything else. But now, I guess it's back to 'normal life', which just seems a little boring in comparison! However, I don't want to lose all this positive momentum. I hope to continue to create many new works, and I already have several more creative projects in-mind.</p><p>And now I'm ready to get back to vegan food-blogging! Honestly, last week, I didn't eat very well cuz I didn't have time to cook proper meals and I also ate far too many sweets, which is that I tend to do when I get stressed or under pressure. haha. And as a result, this weekend, my body started to give me a piece of its mind: "Give me veggies, nutrients, and rest!" I started to feel a little under the weather, with low energy and a scratchy throat, so then I spent most of the weekend being a homebody and catching up on sleep, and today I'm feeling muuuch better. The scratchy throat did not progress into a full-blown cold or flu, thank God. I'm definitely craving 'clean foods' now, like just a big plate of veggies. Ahhh~</p><figure><img src="https://farm2.static.flickr.com/1118/5150464862_c89c1daa7a.jpg" alt="IMG_0334" /></figure><p>I briefly mentioned this in the last post, but at the reception on Friday, I met Eunpah a reader and fellow Korean vegan blogger. She was so sweet and brought me a bag of vegan bread from Tartine bakery in Itaewon!</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1205/5150464928_4c302be33f.jpg" alt="IMG_0338" /></figure><p>I haven't yet been to Tartine cuz I thought it was mostly non-vegan tarts & pies, but now that I know they have artisan breads, I shall add them to the list of places to visit.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4044/5150465026_b0d2d58f22.jpg" alt="IMG_0343" /></figure><p>My friend Abigail slept over at my place after the reception, so we enjoyed this bread for breakfast the next morning.</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1117/5149856061_084ce127fa.jpg" alt="IMG_0347" /></figure><p>Three different toppings: marmite, gooseberry jam (from the vegan swap with Vera) with coconut shavings, and banana slices with walnuts and more coconut shavings. The bread was dense, chewy, and studded with whole oat groats. Yum. Thanks Eunpah!</p><p>BTW, here's a little *Fun Fact*: My parents had their hearts set on naming me 'Eunpah,' until they found out that there was already another baby at our church with that name, so then they switched to 'Mipa.' hehe. Imagine, there could've been two vegan, Korean bloggers named Eunpah! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4034/5139243547_a3dc54d629.jpg" alt="veganmofo_final_header1" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-87795610690508134582020-05-14T04:19:00.000-07:002020-05-14T04:19:58.275-07:00Tis the season for races and weddings<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//www.marathon4cancerkids.com/gif/img_06.gif" /></figure><p>I just signed up for the 10k race at Cancer Kids Marathon on May 1 (Facebook page here). My first race of the year, and also my first official 10k. I was tempted to register for the half marathon cuz I want the windbreaker jacket rather than the yellow shirt, but then I realized that the race is the day after the Bake Sale fundraiser, and I might be worn out from selling cookies and perhaps I probably won't have time to properly train for such a distance. Oh well, there will be plenty of other opportunities for that. Anyone else running this one?</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5629872629_3bb20a78c4.jpg" alt="Miri's wedding" /></figure><p>I also went to another wedding this weekend! We are officially in wedding season... </p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5630457162_7932d3a1ee.jpg" alt="Miri's wedding" /></figure><p>It was a very upscale, extravagant wedding ceremony, with a 4-course meal to follow. Hm, my friends put on some fancy-pants weddings, huh?</p><figure><img src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5027/5629874005_d174872822.jpg" alt="Miri's wedding" /></figure><p>I didn't get my own vegan meal-option this time, but they did have some yummy whole grain bread with walnuts, which I nibbled on.</p><p>I've never been one of those girls who dream about their future wedding, the dress, the colors, the location, etc, but after going to two weddings in a row, I can't help but think about what mine might look like (if I ever find Mr. Alien's Day Out- where are you?). Weddings in Korea are just not my style... . This isn't to be critical of the weddings I've been to here, but there's something rather impersonal about the way many ceremonies are done. Most of the time, the couple doesn't even know most of the guests as they're almost all friends of the parents. Also, I find them to be a lot less personal and intimate- they don't say their own vows, there's no maid of honor or best man, no funny speeches at the reception, no dancing or wedding band... it's just very... . sterile? Is it just me? Anyway, who am I to talk~ it's not like I've ever tried planning a wedding. Besides, I guess the most important thing is the union, not the wedding ceremony itself. The only thing I know is that if I ever get married, I'd like it to be a low-key, outdoors ceremony, with just my closest friends and family, and of course, with delicious vegan food & cake.</p><p>PS. I've heard from two people who are having trouble getting on this blog. Is anyone else experiencing the same problem? Ah, i hope my blog isn't falling apart... .</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-76962135176459267582020-05-14T04:10:00.000-07:002020-05-14T04:10:09.088-07:00'Here & There' Opening Reception!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="https://farm5.static.flickr.com/4070/5145037897_eff541c733.jpg" alt="better reception" /></figure><p>Oh My Goodness. My art show opening reception on Friday night was so much fun. I seriously couldn't have asked for a better reception. The teeny tiny Cafe Harunohee was graced with the presence of some my favorite friends & coworkers, their own friends, and also as a number of newer veggie/art friends I've gotten to know through this blog. Here are just a few people-pictures from the night. I hope they don't mind having their faces posted here! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5151165513_f10c34a05e.jpg" alt="IMG_0934" /></figure><p>Beautiful people.</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1231/5151188137_9b349ebb81.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>More beautiful people.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5151795360_59a0fbf475.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1080/5151796282_22ab5b278c.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>The lovely duo behind the counter~</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4028/5151163145_f86ef60c7c.jpg" alt="DSC_7498" /></figure><p>That's me in the white top.</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1109/5151166451_0c2f6641cd.jpg" alt="IMG_0944" /></figure><p>I was super thrilled with the turnout- and also thrilled to see a few 'red dots' go up on some of the art pieces! :) AHhH~!</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4068/5145637470_9a4da6ef33.jpg" alt="DSC_7463" /></figure><p>Here are some art photos. Please excuse all the different lighting- I got these pictures using various cameras, at different times of the day. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4007/5149852785_8f402ab3b7.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/5149853045_a4ec7556ab.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1248/5145037647_1c68e1918f.jpg" alt="DSC_7467" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4018/5149852727_73b20a760d.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/5151186227_134d83b6ce.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>And now onto food:</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1087/5153114764_816d339454.jpg" alt="IMG_0363" /></figure><p>Every one had a great time, sippin' on drinks like this soy sweet-potato latte, and eating vegan baked goodies.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5152506741_ab18bc895b.jpg" alt="IMG_0375" /></figure><p>Before the reception started, I was busy in my apartment baking up some miniature-sized Mexican Hot Chocolate Snickerdoodles for 'service' for guests and customers. I should've gotten a photo of the entire batch, but here's one lone cookie. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4067/5153115278_2de720b006.jpg" alt="IMG_0378" /></figure><p>I love the little spicy kick you get from the cayenne pepper in these cookies. Everyone said they liked 'em! I also baked vegan banana muffins for people to buy, which sold out by the end of the night. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5151184381_0098727124.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>Vegan friends Kia & Sean came to the show bearing gifts: homemade pumpkin brownies! Gorgeous~</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1375/5151793264_22df19256f.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>These were rich and decadent, and totally awesome. Kia is one talented vegan baker, who regularly participates in ARK bake sales, and is building up quite a fan-base with all her sweet goodies. I think it's only a matter of time before she starts her own baking business! Eunpah, another vegan blogging friend, also brought me a bag of delicious bread from Tartine bakery, But I'm gonna blog about in a separate post. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm2.static.flickr.com/1188/5151798850_d515be8364.jpg" alt="art show reception" /></figure><p>In addition to art, coffee, and vegan dessert, there was also some Jenga action!</p><p>Phew~~ So that pretty much covers the highlights of our humble little art show reception. I was truly touched by the amount of support and love I got from everyone present, and I just feel so grateful. I thank everyone who came out for making the night such a success! You guys rock my world. And to those of you who couldn't make it, there's still plenty of time to check it out~ The artwork will be up til the end of November. :)</p><p>Thank you!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-1618508330040622292018-09-01T06:08:00.000-07:002018-09-01T06:08:17.147-07:00Goji Berries Plus<figure><img alt="Goji Berries" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8JEGNC2-tgw/W4qOnl7tebI/AAAAAAAAEoM/E9IyrR2ZXoowXiEnTBKMZg54DeAt1bBbwCLcBGAs/s1600/Goji-Berries.png" /></figure><p>Here's some dotorimuk (acorn jelly) salad that I enjoyed today. Dotorimuk is popular in Korea and it's generally thought of as a 'diet food' since it's low in calories. It's not exactly full of nutrition though, so I make sure to include lots of healthy greens to compensate!</p><p>For the dressing, I just used what I had on hand:</p><p>1Tbs soy sauce<br />1 Tbs water<br />1/2 tsp sesame seed oil<br />1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />sesame seeds sprinkled on top</p><p>I just mixed all the ingredients together, poured it over the salad, and then topped it with some sesame seeds. Koreans typically include other ingredients like chopped spring onions, garlic cucumber, red peppers, goji berries, etc, but I couldn't be bothered... Simple is good.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-78513637605706750642018-07-28T07:45:00.001-07:002018-07-28T07:45:14.214-07:00Raw Persimmon Balls<figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5246/5360101396_9dc5974e36.jpg" alt="Raw Persimmon Balls" /></figure><p>Last Sunday, I met up with Natalie again, a super cool, high-raw vegan blogger. For our second meet-up, I wanted to surprise Natalie with a lil' something. Since she's raw, I figured I'd try making some raw snack "balls." They seem to be the quintessential raw food snack, so I had to give them a go. Unfortunately, almost all raw desserts call for dates (like medjool) which I can't seem to find here. So I was thinking, "what can I use instead? Raisins? Nah, too sugary and probably not even raw... Dried apricots? Nah, not a big fan... . And then a lightbulb went off. Dried persimmons!!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5089/5359491045_7b5ff3ac4d.jpg" alt="Raw Persimmon Balls" /></figure><p>Cute, no? ^^</p><p>These turned out better than expected, and were pretty much like lara bars, but in ball-form. Infact, the first time Natalie and I met, she generously gave me two of her lara bars, which was so fortuitous because I had just finished my own stash that I brought back with me from Cali last December.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5327091409_0aa5806edc.jpg" alt="IMG_3576" /></figure><p>I love the fact that lara bars use such whole, unprocessed, raw, vegan ingredients, and that's what I kind of wanted to replicate in these balls. Anyway, here's what I did:</p><p>{ Raw Persimmon Nut Ballz }<br /><ul><li>3 dried persimmons, de-seeded & roughly chopped<br /></li><li>1 cup of mixed nuts (I used almonds, walnuts, & sesame seeds)</li><li>1/4 tsp cinnamon (optional)</li></ul>1. In a processor, whiz the nuts for a minute or so, until they are coarsely ground, but still have bite and texture.<br />2. Add the cinnamon and dried persimmons, and process until everything starts sticking together. This won't take long at all. Depending on the moisture content of your persimmons, you might have to use less persimmons, or add more nuts.<br />3. Take some of the 'dough' and roll in your palms to form uniform 1-inch balls (I got 12 1-inch sized balls) Store in a container in the fridge or freezer.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4134/4931447996_3ab8b975a7.jpg" alt="persimmon oats" /></figure><p>Note: The amount of dried persimmons you'll need depends on how 'dry' the persimmons are. Dried persimmons range from those that are still very gooey and mushy on the inside (like this), to those that are a little smaller, more chewy and stiff (like this). For these, I used the drier type to keep the moisture content fairly low.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5002/5360103556_5c56030294.jpg" alt="Raw Persimmon Balls" /></figure><p>The recipe is really easy and customizable. Now that I know I can use dried persimmons (and I have a huge bag-full in my freezer!), I know I'll be making many variations of these in the future.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5290/5370986369_ac33d4c7d7.jpg" alt="IMG_4876" /></figure><p>They made for perfect energy-packed and nutritious on-the-go snacks. I liked that the persimmons weren't as sugary sweet as dates and they imparted a more subtle flavor that paired well with the different nuts. Next time I'm gonna roll them in some coconut shavings. So yummy! I think Natalie also liked em. You can see her post about them here.</p><figure><img alt="Fruit" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-w8AQWsS34ZA/W1yA3f54dyI/AAAAAAAAEng/2lEDyuxjn64sJdO1z0jzalTKsIAnP4iHQCKgBGAs/s1600/Fruit.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-11180524547516046212018-07-07T05:41:00.000-07:002018-07-07T05:41:22.845-07:00The Foreign Food Mart<figure><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-pPP3OoY6AWU/W0C0EU8p6OI/AAAAAAAAEmc/0sywZ_ue-QkvgK5AAOM1oGXw3SAR6MaaACKgBGAs/s1600/style-flavour.jpg" /></figure><p>As part of my 101 List, one of my goals is to learn to cook 5 different international cuisines. One of my fave regional dishes is Thai red curry. I used to eat this all the time when I was living in OC, but since I came to Korea, I think I've only had it about 3 times... in 4 years. Yikes! Anyway, I've always wondered how they get such amazing flavors in one bowl, so it was about time I learned how to make this on my own.</p><p>First things first: a trip to the Foreign Food Mart to get all the key ingredients. I wasn't sure what recipe to use, but I just browsed through a bunch of different ones online to get a general idea of what I would need. Here's what I grabbed:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5371593244_beedb3a581.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>Red Thai Panang Curry Paste, a bunch of cilantro, some lemongrass, galangal & kaffir lime leaves (all in one package), and a can of coconut milk. You can get coconut milk at most grocery stores/supermarkets, not exclusively at the FFM.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5371921442_e7d72aa57a.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>So... the above was my first attempt at Thai red curry. There are so many recipes out there and they're all a little different, so in the end I just winged it without following any specific recipe (but following all of them at the same time), and by going with whatever veggies I had in my fridge. While this first batch still turned out pretty tasty, I knew it could be a heck of a lot better. I didn't have that many veggies on-hand, and I forgot to buy ginger, as well as to garnish it with the cilantro I bought (I'm so scatterbrained). As a result, the soup was definitely missing a certain depth of flavor. So that was yesterday.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5042/5371924062_090495cbb1.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>Fast forward to today, where I made Batch #2! Doesn't this one look miles better? :) Not only did this one look more delicious, it also tasted way more similar to the Thai red curry I've had at restaurants. It was just packed with all kinds of colorful veggies that were stewing in some delicious, deep, complex flavors.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5371922770_9c30007c65.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>I also took a cue from Isa Chandra's recent blog post about thai curry, by putting some brown rice right into the pot while everything was cooking. She used uncooked rice, but I just threw a cup of pre-cooked rice that I had on-hand. I really liked how the rice got saturated with the coconut flavors and also thickened up the sauce a bit.</p><p>I'm sure my "Thai" curry is far from authentic, but I'm happy to share what I did to get this bowl of deliciousness:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5127/5371318713_798f845558.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>Vegan Thai Red Curry<br />Serves 2</p><p>2 Tbs Thai Red Curry Paste<br />1/2 stalk of lemongrass<br />3 kaffir lime leaves<br />1 inch knob of galangal<br />1/2 Tbs fresh grated ginger<br />1/2 onion sliced thin<br />1/2 tbs oil (I used olive oil)<br />2 oyster mushrooms, sliced thin<br />5 cups water (rough guesstimate)<br />1 veggie bouillon cube<br />2 cups kabocha squash, cubed<br />1/2 carrot, sliced thin<br />1/2 block of firm tofu<br />1/2 cup coconut milk<br />1 red chili pepper, sliced thin<br />1/2 broccoli head, cut into florets<br />1-2 cups cooked brown rice (optional)<br />cilantro (for garnish, optional)</p><p>1. Sautee onions and mushrooms in some oil, until onions become soft and the mushrooms begin to brown. Add grated ginger, galangal, lemongrass, and kaffir lime leaves. Sautee for a few more minutes.<br />2. Add water, kabocha squash, carrots, and red curry paste. Bring to a boil.<br />3. Meanwhile, cut the tofu into cubes and pat dry with a paper towel. Using a separate non-stick fry pan, heat the tofu cubes until the edges are brown. Turn off heat and set aside.<br />4. Once the kabocha cubes are soft, add the red pepper slices, broccoli florets, and tofu cubes to the curry. At this point, I also added 1 cup of pre-cooked brown rice, but this is totally optional.<br />5. Add coconut milk & stir. Adjust water to your liking.<br />6. Once the broccoli is cooked through (but not mushy!), it's done. You can pick out the lemongrass stalks, galangal chunks, and kaffir lime leaves if you like, or you can just leave them in and eat around them.<br />7. Spoon into a serving bowls and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves (optional).</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5371922158_c6fcfa2df3.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>The only thing missing was some bamboo shoots. That would've made this sooo perfect.</p><p>If you can't find fresh lemongrass, galangal, and kaffir lime leaves in your neck of Korea, don't worry too much. I don't think they're totally necessary since the curry paste will already have them in there, but I do think they add a greater flavor punch. If you don't have these ingredients, just add more curry paste.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5128/5371318991_f828c021f4.jpg" alt="Thai Curry" /></figure><p>The perfect spoonful.</p><p>So which international dish will I attempt next?</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-53399527417453068072018-04-26T12:02:00.000-07:002018-04-26T12:02:28.976-07:00Tea ceremony<a name='more'></a><figure><img alt="Tea ceremony" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-U8kXkrhK_KU/WuIhoXw72oI/AAAAAAAAElM/r9RFHN84MXQzDgRsaVZboDKXGd020rmDwCKgBGAs/s1600/Tea-ceremony.jpg" /></figure><p>Now that it's April and we've transitioned into Spring, that can only mean one thing: Worldwide Vegan Bakesale! Vegans all around the globe from Argentina to Uganda are participating in this event and ofcourse Korea has to be represented! Kia and I have teamed up once again and this time, we've called upon several other vegan friends and bakers to throw our second fundraiser (check our first one here).</p><figure><a href="https://thecetochronicles.blogspot.jp/2011/04/bakesale-fundraiser-for-japan.html"><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5596808905_f747f5a503_o.jpg" alt="bakesale2" /></a></figure><p>This time, the bakesale will benefit both the human and animal victims of the earthquake/tsunami in Japan. Even though the disaster happened over a month ago, people are still suffering, animals are still being rescued, and there's still a lot of relief work to be done before things can get back to normal.</p><p>We shall be sending the donations to Mercy Corps and Japan Earthquake Animal Rescue & Support (JEARS), which is a "collaboration of three established and registered <em>no kill</em> animal rescue NPOs in Japan." They have been doing some awesome work rescuing abandoned and injured animals. You can find their updates on their Facebook page here.</p><figure><img src="//a57.foxnews.com/static/managed/img/World/660/371/Dog7.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-86075270178847270162018-04-03T11:20:00.000-07:002018-04-03T11:20:15.755-07:00My psychedelic lunch<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5593817421_3f136a8c36.jpg" alt="lunch" /></figure><p>Check out today's lunch. Colorful and so organized! A few weeks ago I went to the Beautiful Store Flea Market that they have every Saturday at the Ttukseom Resort Station, and I found this kiddie cafeteria-style lunch tray for 1,000 won! I thought it would be a fun way to plate my food (for the blog, haha), so ofcourse I had to snag it. It's a bit small, but there's something about all the different compartments that encourage me to make sure I have a variety of foods with every meal.</p><figure><img alt="My psychedelic lunch" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_yLlGMl_UA/WsPFsgEpJWI/AAAAAAAAEkg/HRqlV1E4P3I-kBIRQcl5XGCG5o4bzDveACKgBGAs/s1600/Chinese-cat.jpg" /></figure><p>So today's lunch tray included some brown rice, sauteed mungbean sprouts & perilla leaves, raw carrot sticks with ssam-jang paste, sliced tofu with soysauce & red chili flakes, and some purple daikon radish!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5593817785_6c9f7ecdd9.jpg" alt="lunch" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.how-to-draw-funny-cartoons.com/image-files/how-to-draw-a-unicorn-008.jpg" /></figure><p>I've really been diggin' daikon these days! I normally stick to the regular white daikon, but I saw this purple version at the supermarket the other day and had to try it out. It tastes pretty much the same as regular white daikon, but it's just very purple. It's a bit odd eating something so purple, kinda like having a tie-dyed unicorn on your plate, but it's a funky way to break out of the daily lunch rut. Other ways I've been eating daikon are raw in fresh salads (so crunchy and juicy), and also cut up in cubes and cooked in curries as a potato substitute. It's a very versatile veggie.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5187/5593818155_714762585d.jpg" alt="lunch" /></figure><p>Mm, tofu.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-32610409132317779942018-04-03T11:18:00.001-07:002018-04-03T11:18:51.615-07:00Sugar Sandwich Cookies<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5576009819_1534d820ed.jpg" alt="Vegan Thin Mints" /></figure><p>I've been baking quite a bit of Thin Mint cookies lately, for the orders that have been coming in from my makeshift 'bake shop.' :) By the way, thank you to everyone who has placed orders and supported this blog and my baking endeavors! I'm truly grateful for all the positive responses. Oh, and I recently added Korean won prices on the page too, so that should make it easier for those who want to do wire transfers. Anyway, since I've been making lots of thin mints, I haven't had as much time to experiment with other recipes, but yesterday I got around to making something different:</p><figure><img src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5593818905_1ab80bf7f1.jpg" alt="sandwich cookies" /></figure><p>Sugar sandwich cookies! I used the 'Minono' recipe from VCIYCJ as reference, but adapted it by adding about 2 Tbs extra cookie flour, and chilling the dough for an hour before rolling it out and making cut-out cookies, rather than just shaping them by hand.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5593819401_cb0629fb04.jpg" alt="sandwich cookies" /></figure><p>They tasted good but I think I overbaked them because they were a bit too crunchy. They did look pretty though. The hardest part was trying not to get dark chocolate smudges all over the white cookies. Melted chocolate can get so messy! But in a good way~ haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5593819951_f1f5fec1d9.jpg" alt="sandwich cookies" /></figure><p>On an unrelated note, make sure you take your umbrella out with you today! It's drizzling outside and news reports say that the rain might be laced with some radiation, so you don't want to let the rain touch your skin! It's probably much ado about nothing, but I'd rather not risk it... . I'd like my future children to have 10 fingers and toes, thank you.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-92108604817715738492018-04-03T11:18:00.000-07:002018-04-03T11:18:29.358-07:00Quick 'n' Easy Soy Bulgogi<a name='more'></a><p>As I type, I am currently at Gimpo Airport, waiting at my gate for my flight to Haneda, Japan, where I will then get on the plane to Paris, France! I have about 1.5 hours to kill before I board, so I'm being productive and writing a post. I also plan on blogging from time to time while traveling, so my readers can come along with me on this trip! Haha, aren't I quite the dedicated blogger? :)</p><p>Earlier this week, I went to Cheonan to drop Bunny off with my folks. I was going to leave her at a friend's house in Seoul, but then decided against it because Bunny is going through a major shedding phase and I wouldn't want my friend to freak out about the fur balls. Plus, my parents have experience taking care of her, so I'll feel more at peace with her being there. :)</p><p>Anyway, while in Cheonan, my mom and I tried cooking with soya meat for the first time! We used the package that I got from Loving Hut to make bulgogi- one of my favorite dishes during my omni days.</p><figure><img src="https://farm4.static.flickr.com/3634/5831934051_cec6e4df39.jpg" alt="사진 079" /></figure><p>Perhaps you've already noticed, but lately I've been pushing myself to cook new vegan dishes and overcome certain cooking fears, such as using wheat or soy meats. I rarely crave meat dishes and I usually just stick to foods in their natural, whole form, so I'm not familiar with cooking seitan or soy TVP (texturized vegetable protein). Well, since I had a successful seitan attempt with the vegan sausages last week, I figured I would also give soya meat a go.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3519/5816394655_51e731458f.jpg" alt="IMG_2045.jpg" /></figure><p>I got this package from one of the Achasan Loving Hut, but you can get it at any Loving Hut location, or online. The package has instructions on how to prepare the TVP, but here's a basic recipe for what to do:</p><p>Quick 'n' Easy Soy Bulgogi<br />(serves 2-3)</p><p>1 1/2 cup soaked and drained soya meat<br />1 green bell pepper<br />1/2 red bell pepper<br />1 knob of carrot<br />1 small-medium onion<br />2 Tbs soy sauce<br />2 tsp sesame oil (divided)<br />2 garlic cloves, minced<br />1-2 tsp toasted sesame seeds<br />1 tsp sugar<br />black pepper, to taste<br />1 tsp cornstarch (optional)<br />1/2 cup water (optional)</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2659/5831967403_8274a27686.jpg" alt="사진 007" /></figure><p>First, soak the TVP slices in water, as per package instructions, and let drain in a colander. Next, slice up your veggies and sautee them in a non-stick pan with 1 tsp of sesame seed oil, until the onions are barely translucent and the carrots are slightly cooked. The veggies should still have some crunch. Remove from the pan and set aside.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5831558101_02c205526e.jpg" alt="사진 014" /></figure><p>In the same pan over medium heat, toss in the soy meat pieces and cook for a minute until they are heated through. Then add the soy sauce, another tsp of sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, and some crushed sesame seeds. Stir and cook for a few minutes.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5036/5831558929_0188ac9d2a.jpg" alt="사진 036" /></figure><p>Add the sauteed veggies and cook again for a minute or two more.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5034/5832110918_11b3d9d50d.jpg" alt="사진 051" /></figure><p>Near the end of cooking, add several shakes of black pepper and some more whole sesame seeds. Taste-test to see if it needs more soy sauce or salt. If you want more of a 'saucy' bulgogi, dissolve about 1-2 tsp of cornstarch into 1/2 cup of water and add to the pan, which will then mix with the other seasonings and thicken up into a yummy sauce (we skipped this part).</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3150/5832113058_517994f1a3.jpg" alt="사진 072" /></figure><p>Plate up and serve!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3254/5831561509_c1c1855bc3.jpg" alt="사진 069" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2772/5831565245_40b7b0ef9c.jpg" alt="사진 094" /></figure><p>Wow, looks like real beef. Tastes pretty similar too. The texture is chewy and the basic flavors of 'bulgogi' are there. It's always a weird feeling eating something so similar to real meat, but it is a good way to satisfy any nostalgic meat cravings one might have, especially when first transitioning to a plant-based diet.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5109/5832115990_3af91f6ec5.jpg" alt="사진 093" /></figure><p>Ofcourse, when you're eating bulgogi, you gotta wrap it up in some lettuce with rice and ssamjang (Korean red soybean paste)! Open wide!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/5831562815_898647a0c2.jpg" alt="사진 084" /></figure><p>Here's the entire spread that we enjoyed, with the bulgogi taking center stage. The sides included two different pickle banchans, steamed broccoli, white watery kimchi, vegan kkakdugi kimchi, ssamjang, home-grown lettuce, spinach soup (guk), and a plate of rice. What a feast!!!!</p><p>Ok... . that's all for now. It's almost time to board, and I gotta go hit the bathroom first. See u on the other side!!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-74013265373292216412018-04-03T11:17:00.000-07:002018-04-03T11:17:58.289-07:00Alien's day out in Holland<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="https://farm3.static.flickr.com/2589/5854059529_8081430561.jpg" alt="IMG_0488.jpg" /></figure><p>Well, I'm back in Paris now, after a glorious weekend in the Netherlands! This past weekend, my sister and I were reunited with several friends from our old boarding school in Ivory Coast.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5277/5854158717_df58fff81f.jpg" alt="IMG_0288.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2657/5857846420_08bea11f0f.jpg" alt="IMG_0091.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the whole gang: Jacqueline (Holland), me (Korea), Cathy (Ireland), my sister (LA), and Elisabeth (Norway). We all came in from different parts of the world for this special international reunion. It has been well over 10 years since I last saw these childhood friends and it was so amazing to get together again and find that we're really just the same people we were as kids. We all crashed at our friend our Dutch friend's house in Utrecht, which is a short train ride from Amsterdam. But before heading to her place, we got to walk around Amsterdam for a bit, and even hit up the official Van Gogh Museum. There's my sister and I giving Van Gogh some love... </p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3109/5854862340_7ed1f89a46.jpg" alt="IMG_0107.jpg" /></figure><p>After the museum, we grabbed dinner at a random restaurant called 'Small Talk.' They didn't have many vegan options, but they offered to put together a simple salad for me, which I enjoyed with some scrumptious fries and potato wedges.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5194/5854866524_ddb002ea84.jpg" alt="IMG_0097.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/5854308811_af2796a3b4.jpg" alt="IMG_0108.jpg" /></figure><p>We also took a short stroll through Vondel park, which was really lovely. When we went, the weather was rather dreary, but I'm sure that on a nice day, this park would be perfect for a picnic or for running. Here are some photos of beautiful Amsterdam. I simply love all the canals, bridges, and skinny, wonky buildings with their unique rooftop outlines.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/5854242287_245ba2214c.jpg" alt="IMG_0167.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3075/5854290561_792a587bc9.jpg" alt="IMG_0122.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5854268829_bc07b34b51.jpg" alt="IMG_0145.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2754/5854271405_1dc2e64c81.jpg" alt="IMG_0142.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5200/5854239599_eff5ba7212.jpg" alt="IMG_0170.jpg" /></figure><p>Gotta watch out for the various forms of traffic, especially all the bikes!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5113/5854294033_7c2d7525b7.jpg" alt="IMG_0119.jpg" /></figure><p>One of my friends spotted this sweet sticker on the side of the road and pointed it out to me! I love how my omni friends keep an eye out for vegan things I might like. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5072/5854778458_18b29f918b.jpg" alt="IMG_0197.jpg" /></figure><p>Later that night at my friend's house, we ended up having a midnight "snack" of crackers, fruit, tea and wine, or what I would like to call 'Dinner #2.' The cheese was obviously not vegan so I did not partake of that, but I definitely ate tons of everything else. It was so much fun catching up and chatting into the wee hours of the night while enjoying some fine food.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/5854771570_464c4fbe02.jpg" alt="IMG_0207.jpg" /></figure><p>Man, imagine if I ate like this every day!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2435/5854776904_9679ab2bc2.jpg" alt="IMG_0200.jpg" /></figure><p>This is some vegan pâté spread that I found at a supermarket in Paris. It was primarily made of mushrooms, but tasted like real pâté.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2741/5854221495_74f7098089.jpg" alt="IMG_0205.jpg" /></figure><p>This stuff was soooo yummy, I was schmearing it on practically everything. Even my omni friends liked it, despite teasing me for eating "cat food." haha. I plan on stocking up on this stuff to take back home with me!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2721/5854748894_9ecb919f9a.jpg" alt="IMG_0232.jpg" /></figure><p>The next day, Jacqueline (the hostess with the mostess) set an impressive breakfast table with more than enough vegan options for me to fill up on.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/5854747512_fc8cec58df.jpg" alt="IMG_0241.jpg" /></figure><p>I had a bowl of soy yogurt with fruit, and some delicious whole wheat bread with peanut butter on one half, margarine on the other, and topped with chocolate sprinkles, which is a very Dutch thing to do. :) I remember doing this when I was younger, and this took me right back to those happy childhood days. Infact, I think I went a bit 'chocolate sprinkle-happy' while I was in Holland, as you will probably notice.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2719/5854163137_0aea963364.jpg" alt="IMG_0286.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some other similar eats I enjoyed while hanging out at Jacqueline's house. She was so generous in feeding all of us, and I'm so thankful for the way she tried to make sure I had things to eat. There was a steady supply of delicious Dutch bread, vegan pate, and chocolate sprinkles, all of which I couldn't get enough of... :)</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5854168993_21a7441893.jpg" alt="IMG_0280.jpg" /></figure><p>She also bought some carrot balls! Weirdly-shaped, but crunchy-good.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5240/5854145999_4fe456f83c.jpg" alt="IMG_0301.jpg" /></figure><p>On Sunday, some other Dutch boarding school friends stopped by, to make our reunion that much more awesome.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/5854142849_8b8001e8b3.jpg" alt="IMG_0303.jpg" /></figure><p>A few of them had popped out some children over the years, so there were a bunch of adorable blonde-haired toddlers running around. It was indeed a full house!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2764/5854700572_2d3e347a03.jpg" alt="IMG_0299.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2507/5854166271_0a0fcfc880.jpg" alt="IMG_0283.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2774/5854693032_34e09bed6b.jpg" alt="IMG_0310.jpg" /></figure><p>Jackie also got me to try two yummy classic Dutch desserts. I'm not sure if they are both typically vegan, but the ones she got were! The first was 'stroopwafels,' which is sticky sweet caramel sandwiched between two waffle cookies. Sooo good.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/5854692110_0893ac73aa.jpg" alt="IMG_0313.jpg" /></figure><p>The second was 'speculaas' cookies which had a great spicy taste, similar to that of ginger snaps. Both were totally yummy and paired perfectly with my coffee~</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2426/5854686092_6a04d16195.jpg" alt="IMG_0330.jpg" /></figure><p>I got a gift of Dutch clogs!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3013/5854127069_1fc3046505.jpg" alt="IMG_0348.jpg" /></figure><p>During our visit, we also spent some time looking around downtown Utrecht, which is another beautiful city but with far fewer tourists than Amsterdam. Apparently, in Holland, most businesses and restaurants are closed on Sundays, so the streets were emptier than usual, but there were still quite a few things to see and enjoy. I actually think it's pretty awesome that things close on Sundays- businesses deserve to rest one day of the week! I can't imagine this catching on in Korea though... too much competition for survival... .</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5854116011_46e4f76bd4.jpg" alt="IMG_0371.jpg" /></figure><p>That said, we ended up at eating out at this Greek tapas restaurant for dinner. While most of their tapas included meat or cheese, there were a few vegan options, as well as a fantastic salad bar with some awesome veggie sides.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/5854110075_562ee3a381.jpg" alt="IMG_0392.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3014/5854110809_04a363aa8f.jpg" alt="IMG_0390.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3189/5854109219_fdb57e7c9d.jpg" alt="IMG_0396.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5033/5854114901_438de48de4.jpg" alt="IMG_0373.jpg" /></figure><p>I definitely made good use of the salad bar, and also enjoyed several slices of whole grain bread which was so soft and chewy. I was especially in love with their beets, which are hard to find (or expensive) in Korea. It was another wonderful meal shared with good peeps.</p><p>For the majority of our stay in Holland, the weather was quite drizzly and overcast, but on our final day, the weather decided to grace us with some beautiful sunshine, which we took advantage of by having breakfast in the backyard!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2693/5854096937_514bc63e63.jpg" alt="IMG_0419.jpg" /></figure><p>Jackie has a cute little patio garden which is perfect for such occasions. I'm completely jealous of her pad!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3138/5854099739_3665f7369f.jpg" alt="IMG_0412.jpg" /></figure><p>Breakfast was a whole grain roll, a banana, and countless bowls of soy yogurt and granola.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2698/5854645320_73ea7e6c6c.jpg" alt="IMG_0424.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh yea, and chocolate sprinkles.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2658/5854091287_a28bf62325.jpg" alt="IMG_0433.jpg" /></figure><p>Lots and lots of chocolate sprinkles.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5854635038_bd2b3d8382.jpg" alt="IMG_0448.jpg" /></figure><p>Our last day in Holland included more sight-seeing in Amsterdam before catching the train back to Paris.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5854077313_aca141df03.jpg" alt="IMG_0456.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5315/5854073655_61cd95c88b.jpg" alt="IMG_0461.jpg" /></figure><p>Me being a tourist.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/5854041605_a7b99a7f4d.jpg" alt="IMG_0519.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3006/5854067365_4eff40d10a.jpg" alt="IMG_0479.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2473/5854618562_01cc3dd796.jpg" alt="IMG_0480.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/5854060975_5cbff85b65.jpg" alt="IMG_0486.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/5854598404_e68dfb070e.jpg" alt="IMG_0516.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5854610468_1609506c93.jpg" alt="IMG_0494.jpg" /></figure><p>It was just my sister, Jackie and myself on this day, and so I ended up dragging them to check out this health club called 'RawFoodCafe.' It was basically a gym with a cafe at the front serving raw smoothies, snacks, and supplements. Even though I'm no raw foodie, I was pretty excited about this place!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5854608986_ff61f52781_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0497.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2492/5854054709_500ef13f70_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0498.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of the raw packaged goodies, including dehydrated crackers, nuts, fruits, and raw chocolate bars.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5854606238_0ac01b030e.jpg" alt="IMG_0502.jpg" /></figure><p>They also had samples of some of various dehydrated snacks, which were all amazing. Oh, and the guys behind the counter weren't so bad to look at either. ^^</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5071/5854050983_589227a46e.jpg" alt="IMG_0506.jpg" /></figure><p>Although their goods were quite pricey, I couldn't resist getting some raw snacks for the road: Organic Pumpkin Onion Flax Crackers, and a Probiotic Strawberry Om Bar.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2700/5854038473_c03e94e93b.jpg" alt="IMG_0527.jpg" /></figure><p>On the way to catch the train back to Paris, we saw this amazing chocolatier and absolutely had to walk in, despite the fact that we were running late. We had our priorities straight, obviously... .</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5854589134_85f9c36573.jpg" alt="IMG_0529.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/5854588086_34c86535ec.jpg" alt="IMG_0531.jpg" /></figure><p>All the chocolates looked divine, but the only vegan ones were these chocolates with walnuts and sugar crystals underneath. Ofcourse I had to get one.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5185/5854030847_fcc7e1fa51.jpg" alt="IMG_0552.jpg" /></figure><p>On the train, I proudly unloaded all my new goodies, as well as a banana, and had myself a pretty incredible snack!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/5854582568_23d45d0992.jpg" alt="IMG_0569.jpg" /></figure><p>I don't think I need to tell you how good this chocolate was... . T'was a sweet finale to a sweet reunion. I was so grateful for this chance to get to see these dear friends again, and I can't wait for our next gathering! xoxo</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5854029141_8d5d103ff7.jpg" alt="IMG_5277.jpg" /></figure><p>So, have you guys been enjoying my Europe photos so far? Have you noticed an improvement in photo-quality? If so, that's because my sister brought the new camera I ordered from the US! :) My old point 'n' shoot served me well for the past 4+ years, but now it has a lot of trouble focusing and getting clear images. Therefore, I have replaced my old Canon powershot camera with a new Canon S95, and so far, I absolutely love it! It takes great shots (even in low-light), and it's not so big and heavy like a DSLR. My old camera will still be put to good use though, as I'll be handing it down to my parents who are in sore need of a working camera. Anyway, I hope you like the improved photo quality!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-13659055539442374582017-06-01T19:25:00.000-07:002017-06-12T20:56:29.945-07:00Vegan Style<p>I'd been hoping to tempt you all today with local green and leafies today from my first CSA drop-off of the season, but it was not to be. Drop-offs will, however, begin next week. In the meantime, I thought I'd play on the concept of eating local by drawing attention to the Eastern Mediterranean delights that are held in Ana Sortun's cookbook, Spice, as well as in Chef Sortun's Cambridge restaurant, Oleana. Oleana is a stone's throw from my apartment, but for as often as I can indulge there, it may as well be across the country. Never the less, I've been bringing Oleana to life in my own kitchen regularly since obtaining Spice.</p>
<figure>
<img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg9D7C0EBI/AAAAAAAAB2c/QpvZrtZZi3Y/s1600/post-cookbook.JPG" alt="cookbook" />
<figcaption>Cookbook</figcaption>
</figure><a name='more'></a>
<p>Now, let's be clear, Oleana is not a vegan restaurant (though they do offer an endlessly varied, singularly perfect vegan plate), it's not even a vegetarian restaurant (though they do offer a highly praised prix fixe veggie menu, both rare features for a "fine dining" restaurant in this area). What Oleana and Spice do so well though is to honor the vegetables they work with in preparations that dress them like an absolute stars, resplendent in jewels of spices, herbs and flowers. And, like any well deployed accessory, the spices don't take over the show, rather they highlight the innate flavors of the veggies in these dishes and show them off in a display of simple beauty.</p>
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<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg9EksBTJI/AAAAAAAAB2k/pmfw3QWXkZ4/s1600/post-tofu+and+pears.JPG" alt="post tofu and pears" />
<figcaption>Tofu and Pears</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This, I think, is something only restaurants highly confidant in the quality of their produce can do. Of course, it makes sense that Sortun would be confident in her produce since its source is primarily her husband, a local farmer. This partnership not only introduces high quality produce to the kitchen at Oleana, but it keeps the menu in a seasonal state of flux. In this, Sortun achieves what I aspire to as a home-cook, dishes that draw inspiration and soul from international experiences, history and ingredients, as well as the present moment, rooted, literally, in a specific place.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg3aS3PTyI/AAAAAAAAB1k/sxpp0m-zPmU/s1600/post-pears.JPG" alt="Pears" />
<figcaption>Pears</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>There's something deeply compelling to me in the Arabic Mediterranean food featured in Spice, the spices, the fruits, the floral elements, the richness, the sweetness, the contrasts and the perfect melding of complex flavors all together, every bite seems like something to be unwrapped, explored. Like in this dish, a veganized version the Fried Haloumi Cheese with Pear and Spiced Dates in Spice, caramelized dates infused with sharp lemon zest, grassy oil olive, smoky cumin and sweet-enhancing cardamom are just the beginning.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg9FrlCTSI/AAAAAAAAB2s/UV7iDtGkVjY/s1600/post-pan-fried+pears.JPG" alt="Pan fried pears" />
<figcaption>Pan fried pears</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Lightly charred pears pick up all those same flavors, but contrast with the gooey-sweet dates in both a firmer texture and a different kind of sweet, a drier fruitiness that somehow seems made for the bite of black pepper and warm citrus spice of the freshly ground coriander. Then, the tofu, pressed of all its liquid so that it is denser, like the cheese it takes over in this recipe, and ready to absorb the additional lemon, olive oil, brown sugar and spices.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg5nT1R2VI/AAAAAAAAB10/s8h1AdKUBt0/s1600/post-carrot+purree.JPG" alt="carrot purree" />
<figcaption>Carrot purree</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>This is one of many recipes in Spice that present little challenge to the veganizing process. Here, it's just a matter of substituting one element and understanding the ingredient you're working with. If, like me, you have a little pin that says "I tofu," you probably know that tofu is deserving of love in part because it is so adaptable, so ready to soak up flavors and blend with the dish at hand. The flip-side of this positive trait is a potentially negative one in that tofu in and of itself is generally bland. Bland like a microwaved sponge. In the original recipe, the haloumi is pan-fried on its own in a dry pan. The brined sheep's milk cheese prepared in this way has, I imagine, much more flavor than our humble, yet stalwart tofu would. The cheese also caramelizes when heated and turns a golden brown. To get a similar effect with tofu, I pressed it first to remove much of its excess liquid and then pan-fried it the same pan that I had cooked the dates in with the addition of lemon zest, olive oil and salt. The tofu absorbed these flavors and some of the residual sugar of the dates and browned up beautifully as well.</p>
<p>Other recipes in Spice are vegan as written, like this Carrot Puree and Egyptian Spice Mix with Nuts and Olive Oil (click through for recipe), a signature mezze at Oleana. I got to enjoy this at the restaurant in front of their welcoming fireplace on my birthday two years ago and have been in love with it ever since. Warm bread gets dredged in olive oil and dipped into the dukkah, a traditional Egyptian spice mix that Sortun and the veteran food writer, Claudia Roden, modified with the addition of toasted and ground almonds and shredded coconut. Then, the already delightful bread gets spread with the carrot puree that bursts with the softly sweet warmth of carrot and is highlighted with smoky harissa, a fiery Moroccan condiment that contains a touch of cinnamon that plays against the hot spice and the richness of the other ingredients.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg5n4IvluI/AAAAAAAAB2E/hlvzjgJf7j0/s1600/post-apps.JPG" alt="Apps" />
<figcaption>Apps</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>When I make harissa for the carrot puree, I like to make a double batch and keep some around to use as a condiment on veggies, tofu or bread, or to mix into quick batches of homemade hummus. Two cups of chickpeas, some olive oil, two to four heaping spoonfuls of harissa, salt and pepper to taste and maybe a little bit of unsweetened soy yogurt or tahini for creaminess and you've transformed ordinary hummus into a gorgeous bright pumpkin-colored dip packed with an array of warm flavors. Sortun's recipe for harissa in Spice is probably amazing, but I've never had the opportunity to make it as written. In her recipe ground Urfa chilies are called for. Urfa or Isot peppers are a Turkish variety that seem to be primarily a special order item and I just haven't gotten around to special ordering. They are a purple-black pepper that is sundried for a day after its picked and then wrapped up to "sweat" for a week or more. This process is supposed to impart a smoky, earthy flavor to the pepper that makes it perfect for harissa. The Aleppo chili is a more direct substitute for Urfa, but for me the guajillo chili (also called the New Mexico chili) is most readily avaliable. It's dark and earthily-spiced, so I use that in my harissa, soaking a packed cup of them in hot water along with 1/2 a cup of sundried tomatoes for 1-2 hours or until very soft. Then, simply remove the stems and toss them in a food processor with 4 cloves of crushed garlic, 2 1/2 teaspoons of course sea salt, 1 cup of warm to hot water, 1/3 cup olive oil, and a tablespoon of Moroccan Ras el Hanout, a spice mixture that you can buy premixed or mix your own at home with a recipe like this.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg5ns6SUhI/AAAAAAAAB18/_vfrKfUlVH0/s1600/post-walnut+spread.JPG" alt="walnut spread" />
<figcaption>Walnut spread</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Another vegetarian mezze that is easily veganized in Spice is the muhammara, pictured above. Muhammara in Arabic means "brick-colored." The dusky red-brown color that inspired this dish's name comes from the blending of roasted red pepper and toasted walnuts, as well as chilies and pomegranate molasses. The result so complex a flavor and so satisfying a spread, it could be a meal all on its own served with some bread. The pomegranate molasses especially adds some magic to this puree. Its misleading name may invoke thoughts of black strap and gingersnaps, but in reality, pomegranate molasses is like molasses only in its consistency, which is thick and syrupy. It's simply a reduction of pomegranate juice, but the process of boiling the juice down intensifies the unique fruity tart taste of pomegranate. I've seen it in many conventional grocery stores all over the US in international sections and it's also avaliable at Middle Eastern specialty stores. It's worth seeking out.</p>
<figure>
<img src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ttg_izrG4Ps/SEg5oK8lUwI/AAAAAAAAB2M/2oPkXHEDTNo/s1600/post-bread.JPG" alt="Bread" />
<figcaption>Bread</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>As is the za'atar used to garnish this manaaeesh, a Lebanese flat bread and the house bread at Oleana, for which there is a great recipe in Spice. Za'atar is a Middle Eastern blend of spices that is made, more or less, with ground dried thyme, oregano, marjoram, sumac, toasted sesame seeds and salt. Some recipes also call for savory, cumin, coriander or fennel seed and some draw on only three or four different herbs and spices. You can make it at home pretty simply with a recipe like this, or purchase it already mixed. I get mine from a local spice shop and it's really very good, so good it's not worth the time to make my own, but I've also purchased pre-packed za'atar from the grocery store and it's not been the best. It could just have been old batches, but that's the risk you run when buying pre-mixed. Like all herbs, shopping for them at a place that you know will provide fresh, high-quality goods will ultimately yield an infinitely better finished product.</p>
<p>Spice not only has prompted me to make more use of these wonderful spice mixtures, but has also introduced me to a technique that I know I'll be making much greater use of in the future. In this roasted beet salad with toasted pine nuts and fresh oregano, I modified a lemon aioli recipe in Spice, using soy mayonnaise in place of the beaten egg yolks and oil and whipping in 2 crushed cloves of garlic, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and two lemons worth of toasted zest. Toasting the zest produces an incredible malted caramel flavor to the zest that is as unexpected as it is welcome. Just peel the zest from any citrus and remove all of the white plinth from it then leave it out on a baking sheet for about two days to dehydrate naturally. Then, pop it in a 200 degree oven for a minute or two to finish. Grind the toasted zest to a rough powder to use. Sortun says that she adds this toasted zest to many dishes at Oleana and once you've tried it, it's easy to see how that would add a great dash of complexity to lots of different dishes.</p>
<p>And what's a meal of delicious mezze and soft bread without a refreshing cocktail to accompany it? I fell in love with white sangria a couple years ago when I saw a recipe somewhere for one that incorporated mango juice and white wine; now it is a staple of summer dinner parties and evenings hanging out in the backyard. This is a very Oleana twist on white sangria, incorporating one of my favorite wines, Muscadet, with orange blossom water, orange juice, cognac, and, the real twist, toasted coriander seeds. Sorton suggests that this is a great midwinter sangria, a good time to make use of the best seasonal oranges or blood oranges, but summer and sangria were also made for each other. Someone has thoughtfully posted the recipe for this drink here and I highly recommend trying it. It's definitely got me thinking of other spices that would make interesting contributions to drinks this summer.</p>
<p><strong>But wait. Did you think I'd leave you without something sweet? Really?</strong></p>
<p>Pear rose-water and cardamom sorbet, a slight variation on the recipe in Millennium's Artful Vegan is how I'll leave you today. Not that Oleana doesn't have many compelling and veganizable desserts, including, notably, a recipe for Sicilian Cremolata with Sugared Almonds that is essentially frozen fresh almond milk. Next time I have six cups of almonds it won't take much to figure out what I'm going to do. But for now, an appropriately spiced sweet ending to a small culinary tour of the Eastern Mediterranean. Just a quick note on the Millennium recipe, I like this preparation infinitely better than other recipes which tell you to use pear nectar and not fresh pears. In this recipe, 4 cups of fresh diced pear are cooked down until translucent and then pureed to yield an intensely fruity and more substantial sorbet that has a much more luxurious mouth feel. I make my sorbet with just half of the 6 tablespoons of agave called for in the original recipe, 1/2 a cup of water and almond milk, 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of rosewater (an add-in that gives the pears a more floral quality but doesn't overwhelm the sorbet) and a full teaspoon of cardamom, instead of the 1/4 teaspoon called for. Refreshing and light, a perfect ending.</p>
<p>This sorbet has got me back on my ice cream maker with a passion and I've been working on all manner of ice creams including today's special: Thai Basil Ice Cream. Check back this coming week for that and piles of spinach from Parker Farms CSA.</p> Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-65539164589390726522017-06-01T19:18:00.000-07:002017-06-12T19:20:53.250-07:00The Maple Breakfast Sandwich<p>Is an outrageously decadent – almost to the point of incivility – brunch sandwich enough to atone for my absence of the past month? I can only hope so. (This is NOT an April Fools’ joke.)</p>
<p><img title="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5177/5535871444_3f57e4b765.jpg" alt="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" height="333" width="500"></p><a name='more'></a>
<p>When Marly of Namely Marly asked me to join a panel of 10 vegan bloggers whose mission, should they choose to accept it, would be to veganize Endless Simmer’s America’s Top 10 New Sandwiches, I immediately responded not only “yes,” but that I desperately wanted to do “The Maple,” a brunch-time beast consisting of two slices of maple-currant bread pudding loaded with savory sausage, chipotle cheddar cheese, and tangy shavings of fresh fennel. Not only does this sandwich hit the sweet/savory note that we all know and love, but it’s from Portland – irrefutably known to be the best city in the country. And, as a gluten-free vegan, I could not resist veganizing a meal from a restaurant called Meat Cheese Bread. There’s something irresistible about such blatant irony.</p>
<p><img title="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5056/5535866724_57c10a008f.jpg" alt="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" height="333" width="500"></p>
<p>Although I’m quite a competent (dare I say talented?) chef, I’m not exactly known for my recipe-creating abilities, so I tried not to push my luck. I made <strong>Maple “Bread Pudding”</strong> with >millet bread, using Isa’s recipe for “Fronch Toast” in <em>Vegan with a Vengeance</em>, as well as her recipe for <strong>“Tempeh and White Bean Sausage Patties”</strong> from the same book. I substituted some <strong>Maple Caramelized Onions</strong> for the fresh fennel because, as far as I’m concerned, fennel is a villainous vegetable – a regular Mr. Wickham of the plant kingdom, if you will.</p>
<p><img title="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5059/5535294871_3016049de0.jpg" alt="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" height="333" width="500"></p>
<p>I did, however, venture into the world of cheese sauce, devising my own recipe for <strong>Chipotle “Cheddar” Sauce</strong>, which I will provide here for your pleasure! It makes plenty of extra to be used on nachos, in burritos or quesadillas, or as a topping for veggies!</p>
<p><img title="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5139/5535870690_df00176a11.jpg" alt="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" height="333" width="500"></p>
<p>Without further adue, here is my recipe for <strong>Chipotle “Cheddar” Sauce</strong>, one element of my sandwich. For the full recipe and assembly instructions for The Vegan Maple, head over to Marly’s blog – you’ll find the nine other sandwiches in the series listed immediately following my recipe. So close your eyes, pretend you’re huddled up for brunch in a cozy lodge somewhere in New England’s maple country, and enjoy! And don’t forget to schedule an hour or two for digestion after eating this sandwich! ;)</p>
<p><img title="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5211/5535295537_91508fc1c7.jpg" alt="The Maple Breakfast Sandwich" height="333" width="500"></p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-49260889154008775352017-06-01T18:29:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:31:22.016-07:00Vegan Bake Sale Fundraiser for BTR-GSR<figure><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xRA-4VDVrBQ/WT8_x91S7II/AAAAAAAAEgE/J_APDLbNf5EKNLEUUG4f-5kraX-b-8PAwCLcB/s1600/Chakras.jpg" data-original-width="1600" data-original-height="1175" /></figure><p>Hello people in Korea!<br />My friend Raphaelle is organizing a vegan bake sale fundraiser to benefit the Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue Organization. They are working hard to rescue these beautiful dogs (borzois, greyhounds, deerhounds, etc) from Korean shelters and find them forever-homes, usually overseas because it's harder to find homes for these larger breeds here. These dogs are simply stunning and it is so sad to see photos of them rejected and broken. Please browse through their website and read about their story and how the organization was founded.</p><a name='more'></a>
<p>If you would like to donate some vegan goodies, please contact the event planner through the FB page. I plan on contributing a few goodies too! Anyway, I will let you read the details below, copied from the FB event page. Hope you can make it~~</p>
<p>When: Sunday, Jan. 29th from 11 AM to 2:30 PM</p><p>Where: Camarata Music Studio in Haebangcheon. It is across from Jacoby's burgers, just next to the Family Mart. Subway station Noksapyeong, exit 2, or blue bus 143, 401 or 406. See detailed directions at the bottom of the post.</p><p>What you can do:<br />- donate some home made vegan baked goods. Gluten free option would be appreciated too! So far we expect to have cookies, muffins, cupcakes, bars cinnamon rolls, banana bread... </p><p>- come and enjoy some vegan baked goods! We will also have some light lunch options for sale, such as soup or curry. Just show up on Sun. 29th before 2:30 pm.</p><p>- advertise the event to your friends who might be interested: dog lovers, vegans, people with eggs or dairy allergies, people who enjoy cake... </p><p>Where the money goes: Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue is a grassroots dog rescue network specializing in borzois, greyhounds, deerhounds and similar breeds all over Korea. These large dogs are particularly difficult to re-home here.</p><p>Born to Run typically needs funds for vet care, crates, collars and leashes, and quarantine/immigration requirements when the dogs are adopted outside of Korea. All the board members are volunteers, the money directly helps the dogs.</p><p>Here are their website and facebook page. Have a look at the pretty dog pictures!</p><p>If you can bake for us, please message [Raphaelle] now with a list of what you plan on contributing. Thank you!</p><p>Directions<br />Subway: Take the #6 (brown) line to Noksapyeong. Take exit 2 and walk along the concrete wall of the army base. At the intersection keep following the wall until you get to Kimchi jars. Walk up this road on the left side past Phillies restaurant until you come to a Family Mart. Just before the Family mart is a big wooden door opening to a basement. Delicious cake and friendly folks should be found at the bottom.</p><p>Bus: Take blue bus 143, 401 or 406. Exit the bus at “Yongsan Hanshin Apartments”, the stop between "Haebangcheon" and "Namsan tunnel 3". Walk on the left side of the road when looking at Namsan. The walking path will get separated from the main road by a sound wall. The path will make a left turn, putting you on the main Haebangcheon street next to Indigo’s restaurant. Go right, up Haebangcheon street, until you see a Family Mart on the left side of the road. Just before the Family mart is a big wooden door opening to a basement. Delicious cake and friendly folks should be found at the bottom.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-70367319714446020292016-05-25T09:22:00.000-07:002020-05-25T09:24:16.591-07:00Vegan Biji Jjigae<figure><img alt="gun" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q2Hf0Kvxqqg/XsvwrsbmBkI/AAAAAAAAEvI/MRcYfnvFcH0gyQPKMfhINorPuAcGdmqTQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/gun.jpg" data-original-width="1424" data-original-height="826" /></figure><a name='more'></a><p>Since going on this month's Locavore challenge, I've been making my own soy milk about once a week. While the soy milk gets used up quickly enough in things like tea and baking, the collected pile of okara ("biji" in Korean) has been growing bigger and bigger, threatening to overtake my entire freezer. So to counteract this problem, I've started throwing spoonfuls of okara into anything and everything, from jjigae (soup) and ramen noodles, to muffin batter and even oatmeal! It's kinda becoming a habit or a nervous twitch, like, "Hm, what's missing from this dish... Oh, I know! Let's throw in some okara!" Thankfully, adding just a spoonful or two doesn't really change the flavor of anything, so I'm not sick of it yet. In fact, I like the thickness it gives to soups etc~ Plus, it's also a good way to get a little extra protein and loads of fiber into your diet! Gotta stay regular, folks~</p><figure><img src="https://farm6.static.flickr.com/5131/5458358782_16a3d99658.jpg" alt="biji jjigae" /></figure><p>Anyway, one great way to use up soy bean pulp is to make a Korean dish called 'biji jjigae' (okara soup/stew). I love this dish but a lot of restaurants serve it with shrimp sauce or bits of pork, so I usually steer clear. However, since I have a massive supply of biji, I've been making my own vegan version, several times a week. Normally, recipes call for blended up whole soy beans (not just the pulp), but in my case, that kind of defeats the purpose of getting rid of the okara while reserving the soy milk for other purposes, so I just use the pulp.</p><p>Depending on your method for making soy milk, you might have either raw or cooked okara. I've made biji jjigae with both and it really doesn't make much difference in terms of taste or texture. However, if you're using raw okara, you'll just want to give it some more time to actually cook, than if you were just throwing in some pre-cooked pulp. Also, my soup is more 'watery' than the standard version which is much thicker and creamier. For creamier results, I'm guessing that just you could just add some of the soy milk back to the okara. Finally, I like making biji jjigae with vegan kimchi, but a lot of Koreans make it without so that it's plain and white. In this case, you might want to add some more soysauce or salt to make up for the saltiness from the kimchi.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5252/5457750655_c70dd808a1.jpg" alt="biji jjigae" /></figure><p>Vegan Biji Jjigae (Korean okara stew)<br />(makes 2 servings)<br /><ul><li>2 tsp sesame oil</li><li>2 garlic cloves, minced</li><li>1/2 medium onion, diced</li><li>1/4 cup vegan kimchi, chopped</li><li>1 cup enoki mushrooms (or shiitake)</li><li>3-4 cups vegan Korean soup stock</li><li>1/2 Tbs soy sauce (or to taste)</li><li>1 cup okara (fairly dry, raw or cooked)</li><li>1/2 zucchini, diced</li><li>handful of chives, chopped</li><li>1 tsp red pepper flakes</li><li>1/2 red chili pepper (optional)</li></ul><br />1. In a pot (I used my Korean stone pot, but you could use any regular pot), heat the sesame oil over medium-high heat, and then begin sauteing the garlic, onions, and mushrooms. After a minute add the kimchi saute some more.<br />2. After a few minutes, pour in the stock, soy sauce, and also add the okara. Stir and bring to a boil.<br />3. Add chopped zucchini, red pepper flakes, and chili peppers (if using).<br />4. Once the zucchini is cooked through, throw in a handful of chopped chives and then turn off the heat. Serve and enjoy!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5014/5458359182_58ba3dd597.jpg" alt="biji jjigae" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-57945482044975590022012-03-20T20:48:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.686-07:00Jumeok-bap! Fist Rice Snack, in yo' face!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6991217955_81193d9d4a.jpg" alt="IMG_0071.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week, I was meeting some people at Apgujeong station and was sooo hungry I had to grab a snack at the Hyundai dept store there. I found some jumeok-bap rice balls (주먹밥 = "fist rice") by the food court area. Actually, these aren't exactly 'balls.' They're more like hockey pucks. Luckily they had a vegan version: Dried radish greens with Doenjang Rice Balls for 2,300 won each (on the left).</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6845092354_0e5a034dc3.jpg" alt="IMG_0073.jpg" /></figure><p>It seems like these rice ball snacks are trending right now and little shops are popping up all over, but unfortunately, it's actually rare to find a vegan one.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6845092998_9ca0f26284.jpg" alt="IMG_0074.jpg" /></figure><p>Pretty tasty. A good carby snack to grab on the go. Just make sure you don't have gim stuck in your teeth when you're done. :D</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-13837454553372962072012-03-19T16:52:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.711-07:00Weekend update~<a name='more'></a><p>This past weekend was packed with seeing people and various activities. During the week, I don't always get to socialize much, so whenever I get a chance to hang out with people and catch up, it's just really nice.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6991444201_39e8039bfb.jpg" alt="IMG_3262.jpg" /></figure><p>On Saturday, I attended a bridal shower for a former coworker. I hadn't seen her as well as a few of the other girls in soooo long and it was really good to catch up with them. The bridal shower was held at a pretty upscale posh restaurant in Daechi dong... Orange Hill. It's one of those fanshy places where rich Gangnam ladies come to lunch and sip tea with their pinky fingers raised. Really feminine and elaborate interior.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6991446345_1b3256ef5a.jpg" alt="IMG_3275.jpg" /></figure><p>Bread basket... probably not vegan, especially the black bread, which is most likely colored with squid ink.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6845319574_f560e5a764.jpg" alt="IMG_3278.jpg" /></figure><p>The menu didn't have many vegan options, but I was able to get a mushroom salad with balsamic dressing (gotta request it without any cheese). The salad was definitely loaded with mushrooms, which were soooo good. Chewy, juicy, and even meaty in texture.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6845317920_936a53ff1a.jpg" alt="IMG_3267.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6991444739_4b8c860a66.jpg" alt="IMG_3266.jpg" /></figure><p>Isn't the champagne color so pretty? Cheers to the bride-to-be!!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6845321660_a33f51c832.jpg" alt="IMG_3290.jpg" /></figure><p>And then right after that, I had to rush to Gangnam for another gathering with my church small group. We met up at Julio for Mexican food (google map here). This was my first time going there and I had heard some good things from different people so I was excited to try it out. However, in the end, Julio's really disappointed in the veg-friendly department. Practically everything had animal products in it and a lot of them were pre-mixed with cheese etc, so they couldn't even leave the cheese out of tacos or burritos. So in the end, I ordered two different sides, both of which weren't all that.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6845322068_13f0517985.jpg" alt="IMG_3292.jpg" /></figure><p>A side of chips and salsa (2,000). The chips were a bit oily... but the salsa had a nice spicy kick.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6991449765_f5997ac3d0.jpg" alt="IMG_3294.jpg" /></figure><p>Chips and refried beans without the usual sprinkling of cheese (2,000). I also totally forgot to ask whether the refried beans were fried in lard... . so it's possible that this wasn't even vegetarian.</p><p>So in the end, I really can't recommend Julios to any vegans out there. Dos Tacos is way more accommodating. Thank goodness I was with some awesome company, because otherwise, it would've been a really sad dining experience! I was too involved in the conversation to care about what I was eating any way.</p><p>Well, moving on to something SO DELICIOUS:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7256/6848844532_fbaa911799.jpg" alt="IMG_0084.jpg" /></figure><p>Yuuup. So Delicious mini ice cream sandwiches! I got this at a 7-11 store in Gangnam, but I've also seen it at Shinsaegae department stores and Veggie Holic bakery (I think). One box with two small sandwiches cost 3,800 won (none of the prices you see in the photo are the right ones). It was definitely expensive, but it's been years since I last had an ice cream sandwich and this time, I couldn't resist. Seriously, back in the day, ice cream sandwiches were my thang. I never cared for ice cream in a cone or in a cup... I was all about the sandwiching action. But then I went vegan and haven't had one, until now.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7263/6994970845_4269305234.jpg" alt="IMG_0086.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6112/6994972275_430d2877d7.jpg" alt="IMG_0087.jpg" /></figure><p>Korean info. Check their Korean website to find Purely Decadent cafes.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7253/6994973447_cc9a691a86.jpg" alt="IMG_0089.jpg" /></figure><p>Two mini sandwiches, each the size of a bar of soap.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6994975261_9bbf8fe556.jpg" alt="IMG_0090.jpg" /></figure><p>Eeeee! :) So cute, I just wanna bite it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7110/6848853976_00c37e14c3.jpg" alt="IMG_0091.jpg" /></figure><p>Like dis. Mmmm. Yea, it was good. And deliciously coconutty. The ice cream was actually lighter and fluffier than I was expecting. Not as creamy as regular ice cream, but almost marshmallowy... not that that matters.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7070/6994983743_acdd3f3b93.jpg" alt="IMG_0108.jpg" /></figure><p>I ate my ice cream while hanging out at one of the numerous 'multi rooms' in Gangnam, which are getting more popular these days. Multi-rooms are basically where groups of friends (or couples) can go to hangout in a room that isn't your actual room. It's kind of like a norebang (karaoke room), but oh so much more.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7272/6848864552_126ed48131.jpg" alt="IMG_0110.jpg" /></figure><p>Koreans usually don't hang out at each other's apartments like people do in Western countries, so sometimes they don't have anywhere to go to just lounge around without spending a fortune. So multi rooms are the answer. How it usually works is you pay by the hour and get a small curtained room where you can play wii games, watch movies, eat food, or make out if you're a horny teenager. You could also go into the 'cafe' area any time to fill up on complementary drinks and snacks. And if you're super hungry, you can even order food from a restaurant outside and have it delivered to you. So Korean... :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7222/6994988779_37437efd7f.jpg" alt="IMG_0114.jpg" /></figure><p>Us gals getting our wii on.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7091/6848859454_157b3be1a5.jpg" alt="IMG_0104.jpg" /></figure><p>We pretty much just played the wii dancing game the whole time. Hilarious, and also quite the work out.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6848855404_1819a4732b.jpg" alt="IMG_0094.jpg" /></figure><p>My reward for all the wii dancing.</p><p>Ok, that was my weekend update. Peace out!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-67443915143213932412012-03-17T18:34:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.740-07:00Coming out of hibernation<a name='more'></a><p>Wow, the weather is sooo warm this weekend! It was pretty cold a few days ago and then all of a sudden, it got so nice out.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6980414983_cf17879db3.jpg" alt="IMG_0026.jpg" /></figure><p>The other day, with the smell of spring in the air, I laced up and went for my first outdoor run in a loooooong time. I hate being cold so I can never bring myself to run outside in the winter, so I've been resorting to my gym treadmill. In general, I don't have any problem with treadmills, but lately, I've gotten to the point where I really feel like a caged hamster on a wheel. Time to break out of the rutt! It was still pretty cold last week but I wanted to try out the iMapMyRUN app on my new iphone. haha. It's definitely motivation to get my butt moving because now I can know exactly how far and fast/slow I'm going. Boramae park is near my area so I ran around there and back home~ It looks pretty stark and bare, but I can't wait for things to turn green again.</p><p>My local outdoor market is better than ever these days. So much fresh fruit, cheap kabocha, and vibrant wild mountain greens, it's simply the best.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6834283262_d83373477e.jpg" alt="IMG_0016.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6980413395_656b2cd6c7.jpg" alt="IMG_0024.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7204/6980412741_300f368425.jpg" alt="IMG_0021.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6834280930_d77287b034.jpg" alt="IMG_0011.jpg" /></figure><p>Deep fried things... . hehe. Not fresh or healthy, but it's fun to watch them being made.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6839883158_0b9c6b355f.jpg" alt="IMG_0042.jpg" /></figure><p>This past week was also included my mom's birthday, so I made a quick trip down to Cheonan to celebrate. We made some healthy pumpkin cake (recipe here). The addition of applesauce made it really really moist and delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6986004073_ef3a9dd6ff.jpg" alt="IMG_0041.jpg" /></figure><p>A typical breakfast at the Lee's. Toasted whole wheat bread with nondairy butter and marmite, split pea & lentil soup, fresh fruit, and lipton tea. My parents are so English when it comes to breakfast... . Birthday flowers in the background.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7185/6839882290_c94e0e1488.jpg" alt="IMG_0040.jpg" /></figure><p>My mom's homemade kumquat jam which I've been spreading on everything lately, including the strawberry scones I made yesterday.</p><p>Happy Birthday to my umma~</p><p>More random eats to come. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-70007375787812480232012-03-16T20:19:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.759-07:00Three!<a name='more'></a><p>Today is this blog's 3-year anniversary! In some ways, I can't believe it's already been 3 years, but then in other ways, I feel like it should be longer! So much has happened since the beginning and I feel like I'm a completely different person from who I was back in the beginning. Well, I just wanna say that I'm grateful for you readers out there who keep tuning in and for those who take time to write me nice comments. :)</p><p>And coincidentally, the Chincha?! blog just posted an interview of me for their 'blogger of the week' series. I'm honored to be featured! Chincha?! is a really great site and they're always sharing hip and exciting upcoming events in Seoul, so check 'em out.</p><p>Anyway, Happy 3 Year anniversary to all of us aliens out there, exploring this world one day at a time. Let's continue to be fearless in the kitchen, nourish our bodies and those we love, and live every day like it's a precious gift.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6988826465_8ee466d7ae.jpg" alt="IMG_3204.jpg" /></figure><p>I leave you with a photo of today's breakfast: springtime strawberry scones with homemade kumquat jam.</p><p>tata~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-84939292114080439862012-03-15T18:35:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.777-07:00Accidentally Vegan: Woongjin puffy cereal balls<a name='more'></a><p>As most of my readers probably know, I usually eat oatmeal or just fresh fruit for breakfast, but on the rare occasion, I will buy a box of cereal because it makes me feel like a kid again. There aren't too many vegan cereal options here, but you can find a few at department stores, Emart, Home Plus and Costco. In the past, I've gotten strawberry puffy cereal from Orga and Organic Heritage Whole Grain cereal from Costco.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7189/6788010104_2f3a1ccf40_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2689.jpg" /></figure><p>Well my most recent cereal purchase was this 곡물과채 cereal at E-Mart, produced by Woongjin company. I've also tried Woongjin's 현미칠곡 cereal which is more similar to rice krispies, but it's made with 7 different grains, as well as some nuts and roasted beans (also available in large boxes at E-Mart or single-serving cups at Family Mart). It's pretty good, healthy, and vegan, but not as fun to eat as the puffed balls. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6788012360_3f75930e5e.jpg" alt="IMG_2702.jpg" /></figure><p>At first, I wasn't that impressed especially because they looked quite different from the image on the box, but then as I kept eating them, they got addicting! Love the crunch-factor and they taste a little fruity without being overly sweet. It's a nice break from the usual bowl of oatmeal, which I do get sick of sometimes. I could munch on this stuff for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Oh, and as a snack in between.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7043/6788011612_4e4446747a.jpg" alt="IMG_2698.jpg" /></figure><p>Xtreme close up~ You can see little specks of green spinach. :P</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6788010872_7ab831c4ba.jpg" alt="IMG_2694.jpg" /></figure><p>According to the ingredients list, they use whole, real ingredients including five different grains, and are flavored with veggies and fruit like kabocha pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, spinach, apples, and strawberries.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7205/6934124477_d73f8bdd4a_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2696.jpg" /></figure><p>100% local (Korea-grown)<br />0% artificial additives<br />15% natural fruit & vegetable flavoring (?)</p><p>*Unless specifically mentioned, Alien's Day Out is not paid or sponsored to write product reviews. Moreover, 'Accidentally Vegan' items may be processed in a facility that also uses animal-derived products.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-73178089814158149762012-03-13T18:52:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.820-07:00High Street Market in Itaewon<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6799075394_3f28a9e2aa.jpg" alt="IMG_2834.jpg" /></figure><p>Finally got to visit High Street Market a few weeks ago. Even though it's been open for over a year now, I only just got around to checking it out! Slow poke.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6799071050_5035b4e94a.jpg" alt="IMG_2821.jpg" /></figure><p>They're most well-known for their gourmet deli section with fresh bread, imported cheese and deli meats. The whole arrangement and ambiance of the shop is rustic, charming, and homey. However, the outside banner is rather unassuming and just blends in with all the other visual noise, so it's easy to skip by it and not know this place exists.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6945185537_c6fa4f96c3.jpg" alt="IMG_2833.jpg" /></figure><p>Inside, the store design has a country-barn feel to it with wooden box displays, chalk boards, barrels, and bulk bins. Being surrounded by almost all imported products, hearing English from other customers, and reading English menu boards, makes you forget for a moment that you're still in Korea.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6945182817_cc808b5081_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2825.jpg" /></figure><p>Admittedly, High Street Market is not quite as exciting for us vegans as it probably is for omnivores who will love this place for all the gourmet cheeses and deli meats and sandwiches. Most of the vegan products they have are the standard ones you can find at other supermarkets, like salsa, nachos, crackers, or oats. I also think the prices are slightly steeper, compared to say, the Foreign Food Mart. But if you dig around a bit and look hard enough, you can find some special goodies to take home.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7199/6799073536_bb96d3d292_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2828.jpg" /></figure><p>Crofter's jam (also available at most department stores).</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6799074380_5afc600a04.jpg" alt="IMG_2831.jpg" /></figure><p>They have a small section of bulk bins with rice, beans, and oatmeal so you can pay by weight.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6799070572_a1be0d82a2.jpg" alt="IMG_2819.jpg" /></figure><p>Nature Valley granola bars. The more common Oats & Honey bars aren't vegan but the Maple Syrup and Apple Crunch are.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6945181957_54374127f7.jpg" alt="IMG_2822.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6945183189_0e0cf868bf_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2826.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6945183615_3846a7f0c8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2827.jpg" /></figure><p>In addition to all the canned goods and snacks, they also have a wine selection, a fridge of imported beers and fruit juices, and also some baking and cooking pans.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6945182373_e752dfc7d5.jpg" alt="IMG_2823.jpg" /></figure><p>Please check website to order online, or for more info and a map.<br />High Street Market<br />Directions: Itaewon station, Line 6, Exit 2. Walk straight for 5-7 minutes. HSM will be on your left, on the 2nd floor, right by the main intersection.<br />737-21 Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Seoul<br />02-790-5450</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-82902417022609960192012-03-11T22:12:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:46.846-07:00Lunching @ Lilian's<a name='more'></a><p>Last week my friend Lilian (who co-organized this bake sale last year) invited me over to her place for a late lunch and to bake together. :) We had been wanting to bake together for a while but kept having to postpone, so I was glad we finally got together and made it happen. When I got there, Lilian was already busy in the kitchen, cooking up some tasty goodness.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6828852186_8a21c1fcc6.jpg" alt="IMG_3000.jpg" /></figure><p>Quinoa with veggies and huge tofu cubes cooked in taco spices. She recently got back from a trip home in the US and brought with her this quinoa as well as a bunch of other things. It's almost impossible to find quinoa in Korea but you can order it from iHerb. I actually have a bag of quinoa that has been sitting in my pantry for months and now I feel inspired to use it up.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6828852924_b2478a9180.jpg" alt="IMG_3001.jpg" /></figure><p>Cucumber tomato salad with onions and yellow bell peppers. So fresh and healthy.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6974978137_5d8d3e3f80_z.jpg" alt="IMG_3004.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6974980313_de7a083a2f.jpg" alt="IMG_3009.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6974979231_8fd0128661.jpg" alt="IMG_3007.jpg" /></figure><p>Everything was so good, I kept going back for seconds, and thirds,... and fourths... I can't even count how many servings I had. Quinoa is so light and fluffy that it makes you feel like you're not eating that much until a while later when you feel completely stuffed.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7038/6974981347_b364d3d707.jpg" alt="IMG_3016.jpg" /></figure><p>After lunch, and while waiting for our dessert to bake up, Lilian put together this snack platter of apples, dried blueberries, cherries, walnuts, and candied ginger cubes. She won me over with the ginger candy.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6974981857_793db0cd4f.jpg" alt="IMG_3017.jpg" /></figure><p>Who needs to go to cafes when you can just go to a friend's house! Unbeatable suh-biss-uh.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6828861874_f13012d006.jpg" alt="IMG_3061.jpg" /></figure><p>Lilian is a lover of strawberry shortcake and she's actually the one who inspired this dessert last year. We just made a standard vanilla-lemon cake, sliced it up and put strawberries and tofu cream on top. I know this isn't like the traditional shortcake that uses a more biscuitty base, but we made it work. This cake was barely out of the oven and we were already slicing it up~</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7181/6828860356_60a9a682a1.jpg" alt="IMG_3053.jpg" /></figure><p>I was trying to make my plate all elegant and well-balanced, while off on the side, Lilian was creating her own monstrosity:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6974985563_8bde2cd31d.jpg" alt="IMG_3056.jpg" /></figure><p>Lol, Lilian's plate cracks me up cuz you can barely see the cake underneath all the strawberries and cream. Now that's how you do it right.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7048/6828863016_58483c6825.jpg" alt="IMG_3067.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6828862428_d6a8d0a9ef.jpg" alt="IMG_3062.jpg" /></figure><p>We both whipped out our cameras to capture the beauty.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6828863398_974c980c94.jpg" alt="IMG_3068.jpg" /></figure><p>Time to dig in! Yummy. I was so full at the end and it was sooo fun to hang out with Lilian. Laughed so much. I'm so thankful for friends who I can share my love of food with and who accept me and all my social awkwardness. Heck, I'm just grateful for friends. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7195/6828864368_13bb53598f.jpg" alt="IMG_3075.jpg" /></figure><p>Last but not least, Lilian's roommate has a kitty cat!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6974988551_71486dfc51.jpg" alt="IMG_3073.jpg" /></figure><p>Wakey wakey! I shall pat you.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7177/6974989511_c9b3975576.jpg" alt="IMG_3079.jpg" /></figure><p>i need a hair trim... </p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-35071562738507495712012-03-07T20:12:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:46.874-07:00Green Tea Cookies for St. Patty's Day<a name='more'></a><p>As promised earlier this week, here is the recipe for the green tea cookies I made last weekend. And whaddya know, it's perfect timing for St. Patty's day next week!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6954667337_476967fd4e_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2848.jpg" /></figure><p>I've made green tea cookies before, but these are souped-up with dried figs and sunflower seeds for added texture and flavor. I love dried figs because they're so chewy and yet the seeds are crunchy and 'poppy'. :) The ones I got are the small, really dry Korean kind so I had to soak them for a few minutes in hot water which softened them up and made them easier to chop. But depending on the kind of dry figs you have, you can skip that step.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6808563872_7e68c51b6f_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2894.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6954671231_6536ae045e_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2877.jpg" /></figure><p>Also, I've found that the quality of green tea matcha powder you get makes so much difference. You gotta use the good stuff, or the color and flavor will not be as intense. Mine are so green, they kind of remind me of Shrek.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6954673067_3d01baa1da_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2897.jpg" /></figure><p>Green Tea Cookies<br />makes 12 cookies</p><p>1 cup all-purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/8 tsp baking powder<br />2 tsp matcha green tea powder<br />1/4 cup canola oil<br />1/2 cup sugar<br />1/2 Tbp molasses (or agave syrup)<br />1/2 tsp tapioca starch<br />1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/4 tsp almond extract<br />3Tbs soy milk (I used the thick, unsweetened Korean soy milk)<br />1/8 tsp salt<br />1/4 cup chopped dry figs<br />1/8 cup sunflower seeds</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 350F or 175C. Prepare cookie sheets.<br />2. In a large bowl, sift and mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and green tea powder.<br />3. In a separate bowl, whisk the sugar, oil, molasses, tapioca starch, extracts, soymilk, and salt. Whisk well, for about a minute.<br />4. Add the wet to the dry and mix until just combined. Add chopped figs and sunflower seeds and mix again. I like to save some of the figs to place on top of the cookies too, so they don't get hidden in the dough.<br />5. Take spoonfuls of dough and gently shape into a ball and place evenly on baking sheet. Flatten slightly with fingers. Top with more figs and sunflower seeds (optional). You can also roll the balls around in a plate of sunflower seeds first to get a pretty effect (see picture below).<br />6. Bake for 9-11 minutes, rotating the pan about halfway through. The cookies will look soft as they come out of the oven, but they will firm up more after cooling.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6808561116_b8532cea88_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2868.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6808559352_ea7c95e892_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2859.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7190/6954670605_dc6b5770e3.jpg" alt="IMG_2873.jpg" /></figure><p>I've never been too enthusiastic about drinking green tea as a plain watery hot drink, but I'm all for it in a thick frothy latte or a pound cake, and in this case, cookies. :) So for this year's St. Patty's day, dress up like a leprechaun and bake these cookies.</p><p>Also available for order on the bake shop (shipping within S.Korea only).</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-32290831489792686542012-03-06T23:10:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:46.900-07:00Yippeee! Guess what I gone and done...<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7188/6814671752_55f0561e84.jpg" alt="IMG_2988.jpg" /></figure><p>I have finally joined the rest of modern civilization and got myself a smart phone. Yes ah diiid! (*byoink*!) Until yesterday, I was one of the last people I know who was still using an old school 'dumb' phone. Even my tech-illiterate parents got smart phones before me. The main reason I resisted for so long was because the monthly bill is just so expensive. Oh well... it's worth it. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7051/6960786377_6d8f938a57.jpg" alt="IMG_2992.jpg" /></figure><p>Aw, ish sho puurrdyyy~~ and it looks so nice next to my ipod and imac. :) I'm still really awkward with using it though. I don't even know how to hold the thing properly without accidentally touching wrong buttons and getting lost. But I can already tell I'm gonna be addicted to all the apps... . teeheehee.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6814611788_d0e02243be.jpg" alt="IMG_2983.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyhoo~ moving onto some random eats. Here's today's lunch. A cob of steamed corn that I bought at my local market, sauteed veggies, smoky tempeh strips, and fresh carrot rounds.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6814612270_52a57f6781.jpg" alt="IMG_2985.jpg" /></figure><p>I used to dislike Korean corn because it's so starchy compared to sweet yellow corn. But now I think it's delicious. I love the texture and I reckon it's a great source of carbs and fiber.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6945158933_bb175e4741.jpg" alt="IMG_2731.jpg" /></figure><p>One-pot noodle and veggie curry with silken tofu. The reason I don't post many recipes for actual main dishes is because all my normal meals look pretty much like the above... everything but the kitchen sink cooked together. And sometimes (read: most of the time) I can't even be bothered to plate it up and just eat it straight outta the pot. ^__^</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6799075804_1032cebe0a.jpg" alt="IMG_2836.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" /></figure><p>Here's something a little more appetizing to look at. Last week I had dinner with a friend at Wang Thai. I got the vegan pad thai 10,000 won. So filling and scrumptious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6799069234_9697379fa8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2812.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6945179047_cb4d82f4ef_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2810.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6799069764_e62e65cbde_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2815.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7066/6942434313_ce53dbfda6.jpg" alt="sweater brigade" /></figure><p>And in closing, here's a random sketch!</p><p>Ok... I'm gonna go play with my iphone now. Tata~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-70558327625181867542012-03-05T00:17:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:46.927-07:00Coffee, Hot Dogs & the Night Flea Market<a name='more'></a><p>Saturday was quite an eventful day. Went for a short run, baked some cookies, and then spent the rest of the day and night hanging out with people... I feel like I haven't been very social lately and it was nice to see friends and be out and about.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6954675043_2695b029f6.jpg" alt="IMG_2905.jpg" /></figure><p>First, I got to hang out at Gabean Coffee Roasters cafe (map). This coffee shop is a really nice spot to bring a laptop and be productive.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6954674659_51284602d8.jpg" alt="IMG_2901.jpg" /></figure><p>They also make good coffee. There are so many coffee roasteries popping up all over Seoul these days. Koreans are reeaaally into coffee culture now, even though most of them (myself included, hehe) aren't exactly interested in all the finer qualities of coffee roasting etc.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6954673653_66d1171aa4.jpg" alt="IMG_2898.jpg" /></figure><p>I brought along some homemade vegan green tea fig-sunflower seed cookies to share (recipe to come!)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7055/6954675607_bbe181fed5.jpg" alt="IMG_2906.jpg" /></figure><p>After coffee, Chris and I ended up at Thien Dang Loving Hut. Chris got the tom yum noodles and a burger.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7191/6954677127_74712f7e67_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2916.jpg" /></figure><p>I ordered this 'Relish Hotdog' 5,000won. This was pretty epic to look at: a vegan frank and thin chewy strips of fried tofu stuffed into a buttery hotdog bun, topped with relish and zigzags of ketchup and vegan mayo. Vegan junk food. Yum.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6954677667_ff60b853f7.jpg" alt="IMG_2917.jpg" /></figure><p>I rarely ate hotdogs back in the omni days and it's definitely not something I miss or crave now. But I was curious and had to give it a go.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6954678149_41ccb2cafa.jpg" alt="IMG_2918.jpg" /></figure><p>Overall, it was pretty good! Definitely a 'hotdog' in terms of greasiness. It was yummy, but after a few bites, I started getting that 'neukki' feeling... you know, the slight queasiness in your stomach after eating something too oily or creamy. And the buttery hotdog bun didn't help. It was all just a tad one-note, and I think a little acid would've cut through some of the greasy taste. Even though there was 'relish' on top, it wasn't vinegary enough... a dill pickle on the side would've been perfect. Oh, and a squeeze of yellow mustard. But as my first vegan hotdog ever, it was still thoroughly enjoyed.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6808570014_6127489d9b.jpg" alt="IMG_2920.jpg" /></figure><p>Hard to believe this whole thing is vegan. Props, Thien Dang, props.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7064/6808570552_36d481cf77.jpg" alt="IMG_2924.jpg" /></figure><p>Then later in the evening, a bunch of us headed to Platoon Kunsthalle's Night Flea Market event. Kunsthalle is a creative multi-purpose space made from old shipping containers and on the first Saturday of every month, they hold a flea market where anyone can sign up and sell their old clothes, shoes, art, whatever.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6954685253_6b8916fd51_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2952.jpg" /></figure><p>We got there pretty early and the place was a madhouse. It was so packed that I really didn't even try to sift through all the goods for sale. It was a bit too overwhelming so we just did a quick walk through and then spent the rest of the time people-watching, and just hanging out with some drinks. After a while though, it calmed down a bit and we could look through the stuff a bit easier, although most of the best finds were claimed by then.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6954681073_b6e8cc8e77.jpg" alt="IMG_2931.jpg" /></figure><p>The crowds at Kunsthalle are super hipster and stylish. This ain't your grandma's flea market.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6808575840_77582b0578_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2951.jpg" /></figure><p>It's a bit hard to handle all the hipster 'tude going on in one spot but it certainly makes for fun people-watching.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7053/6954685809_3294c96bb9_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2956.jpg" /></figure><p>I also ended up running into Wilfred, a friend who is a talented artist/caricaturist and we've been in two group shows together now (including the one that's up now). He had snagged some space and was selling prints and doing caricatures for people. Being his awesome self, he sketched a lightning-fast caricature of me and Saehee! :P I think it looks hilarious. He definitely captured my squinty eyes, rabbit teeth, and button nose. Spot on.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6808577380_dd0a806dd7.jpg" alt="IMG_2958.jpg" /></figure><p>And in the corner, he included a block of tofu. Tofu-power, assah!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-62151799021577326892012-03-02T00:28:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:46.956-07:00Lock it up and throw away the key<a name='more'></a><p>Yesterday was a holiday in Korea. It doesn't make much difference for me since I'm pretty much the boss of my schedule these days, but at least other people got the day off to hang out~ :) I had lunch and dinner plans in Itaewon but wanted to do something in between, so I called up SaeHee to see if she wanted to wander around Namsan, and yay, she was down.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7067/6945170679_d55a0b03ff_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2775.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though I've been in Seoul for about 5 years now, this was only my second time going to Namsan. I know some people who go there all the time, but I guess I just don't get that excited about seeing a pointy building on a hill.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6799049120_457663480b.jpg" alt="IMG_2734.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6799049860_a8274be119_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2738.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, we met up at the bottom of Kyungridan in Noksapyeong, but before Saehee arrived, I grabbed a cuppa soy latte at Lazy Sue cafe. I didn't think they had soy milk, but apparently they do~ With all the foreigners in the area, more coffee shops around Noksapyeong have soy milk options. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6799050670_580f9aefb9.jpg" alt="IMG_2741.jpg" /></figure><p>Soy Cafe Latte 4,500 won. It's not every day that I treat myself to a sweet frothy latte and this was delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7060/6945166299_8505b721f0.jpg" alt="IMG_2754.jpg" /></figure><p>So anyway, with coffee in hand, we started walking up the hill and took a stroll around Namsan park which was a first for me. It was just so peaceful and serene... just what I needed!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6945167227_3e80605a1d.jpg" alt="IMG_2758.jpg" /></figure><p>It's been a reeeaaally long time since I did anything remotely outdoorsy and I've missed it. But now that the weather is getting bearable again, I hope to spend more time outside... I'm looking forward to picnics, hiking, running outside, and feeling grass between my toes.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7207/6945167703_a16808d1ea_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2761.jpg" /></figure><p>close to Namsan tower... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6945178353_eb9e7bfac5.jpg" alt="IMG_2804.jpg" /></figure><p>It only took us about 40 mins of leisurely strolling to get there from Noksapyeong, but for those who'd rather not sweat their way to the top, you can catch one of these Namsan buses which are all electrical-powered! More info & directions to Namsan tower here.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6945178767_e2ba4327de.jpg" alt="IMG_2809.jpg" /></figure><p>Here they are getting' recharged by plugging in on the sidewalk. Kinda funny so I had to snap it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7176/6799061258_581b25c03c.jpg" alt="IMG_2779.jpg" /></figure><p>Since it was a national holiday, there were quite a lot of people and also some kind of event going on... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7201/6799066972_a134200c6b.jpg" alt="IMG_2802.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6799057904_006c62ff2b.jpg" alt="IMG_2765.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6799065058_1b865207c0.jpg" alt="IMG_2794.jpg" /></figure><p>In my option, the main attraction of Namsan Tower isn't exactly the tower itself, especially if you don't plan on going to the top. Instead, it's all the locks of love secured to the railing around the observatory deck. The thousands upon thousands of locks left as a symbol of undying love. Since I'm so short, I could barely see over the wall of locks to admire the view. Dangit, shortness strikes again.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6945172789_573624a4e2.jpg" alt="IMG_2782.jpg" /></figure><p>Koreans can be pretty corny and overly-sentimental when it comes to romance. Haha. I think they've been influenced by all those Korean dramas where a character professes his love in some melodramatic way... . shouting on top of a mountain, running into icy ocean water, or donating an organ when he dies of some illness, are just a few that come to mind. Hm, compared to those, I guess buying a cheap padlock is easier and less painful. It's all a bit overwhelming though to see how they're all crammed so tightly together... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7179/6799062108_c70ec81641.jpg" alt="IMG_2781.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6799061704_ae399c9e19.jpg" alt="IMG_2780.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7178/6945173311_c6f67cfeec.jpg" alt="IMG_2783.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm a bit of a cynic when it comes to lovey dovey cheezy mushiness, but after being there long enough and reading some of the love notes, it kinda warms the heart and makes you want to do it too.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6799063266_9a948c59fa.jpg" alt="IMG_2784.jpg" /></figure><p>Heart over Korea.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6799063530_5f29437129.jpg" alt="IMG_2785.jpg" /></figure><p>At least one portion of the deck railing was uncluttered so I could fully admire this hazy view.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6799063886_45fd66b3e3_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2789.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of the older locks are crusty and rusty, but still hanging on strong (or so it seems). Til rust do us part?</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7057/6799066180_33fcd4490a.jpg" alt="IMG_2797.jpg" /></figure><p>Glad I went to Namsan again. It has changed a bit since my last visit and those giant human sculptures in the sky are no longer there, but they've added more love-themed pieces instead. I guess it's official.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-61896754211092511932012-02-29T00:18:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.003-07:00*Boing*boing*boing*~~<a name='more'></a><p>... that's the sound of me jumping up and down on my imaginary trampoline because today is Leap Day! Has it already been 4 years since the last one? Eesh, I thought it wasn't until 2 more years... . Time is flying by too fast, I can't keep up. Well, unlike probably every one else, I'm not doing anything particularly special or different to 'carpe diem.' It's just another lovely day over here at ADO. :)</p><p>So let's do some random eats and small talk.</p><p>Recently Theresa Bergen over at the 'Healthy & Creative Living' blog did a short interview of me as a vegan blogger in Korea and wrote some heart warming words about Alien's Day Out and my art. Her blog shares inspiring interviews with vegans in various odd countries and it's pretty cool to see how eating compassionately is possible anywhere in the world~ It's really humbling to be included amongst so many inspiring vegans, so thank you Theresa. Clickiddy click on the link here!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6908166645_f4448cc9e0.jpg" alt="IMG_2574.jpg" /></figure><p>And now bouncing on to some random eats. I had spelt pancakes for breakfast last week, made with spelt flour that I ordered from iHerb. I didn't even realize it was pancake day until after the fact, but I guess I somehow knew deep down.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6908167151_b1bf97b968.jpg" alt="IMG_2577.jpg" /></figure><p>Thoroughly enjoyed with lots of agave syrup... . perhaps a bit too much.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6788009434_342ab8c13c_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2682.jpg" /></figure><p>Ended up spending an afternoon in Gangnam and so I popped into Tea Purple cafe for a sec. Soy milk added by me.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7039/6788013230_aa4a98a0f2.jpg" alt="IMG_2710.jpg" /></figure><p>And lunch today was low-carb... just a bunch of sauteed veggies and tofu, with teriyaki style sauce. First, I lightly sauteed some onions, garlic, and enoki mushrooms in a pan with some sesame oil. Then I added some cabbage and about 1 Tbs soy sauce, 1/2 tsp fresh grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and about 1 tsp of sugar, and continued to saute. Next, I dissolved some cornstarch (2tsp?) in about 1 1/2 cup water and poured it into the pot to get a thick sauce. Near the end, I threw in some broccoli and cubed firm tofu and cooked until the broccoli was tender but not mushy. And there you go, easy peasy one pot wonder.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7187/6776347128_c3fd68c38e.jpg" alt="IMG_2628.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7063/6776347366_74c8262d58_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2630.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6922462703_f514275aa6_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2641.jpg" /></figure><p>And here are some sweets I've been baking. Marble cake, pomegranate-flavored cookie bites with cranberry bits, and lots of chai tea muffins.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6776348422_62af097976.jpg" alt="IMG_2656.jpg" /></figure><p>I bought some pure pomegranate powder at the bangsan baking market and added them to some drop cookies~ It gave them a light pinkish hue and lovely berry flavor. :)</p><p>Aiights. That's all for today. Have a happy leap day and let's go into March with new-found inspiration and passion for life.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-71803016189897439552012-02-26T23:54:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.038-07:00Coffee & Bread<a name='more'></a><p>Hello my dear Aliens! Hope everyone had a relaxing weekend and got to enjoy the amazing weather. Ahhhh, looks like the worst of winter is over. I can finally smell spring in the air and it puts a 'spring' in my step (sorry for the pun). Can i get a whut wutt~ Yesh, indeed.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6704759063_863029355d.jpg" alt="IMG_1616.jpg" /></figure><p>Merong! If you know where this Einstein pic was taken, you get a gold star.</p><p>Well, I recently had the pleasure of hanging out at Hapjeong for a little bit and got to indulge in two of my fave past-times... cafe-crashing and bakery-browsing.</p><p>I love going to cafes to work, draw, read, blog, catch up on emails, or journal. I hate staying at home and I find that I'm most productive when working at a cafe with coffee in hand. Even though coffee in Korea is expensive, I just tell myself that I'm paying for the cafe experience, not just the drink. And having been to countless cafes all over Seoul, I've developed this real pickiness about the cafes I visit. It's usually not even about whether they're vegan-friendly or whether their coffee is actually good, but it more has to do with whether they have comfy seats, non k-pop music, quiet and chill ambiance (no loud groups of ajushis or ajoomz), lots of electrical outlets, books and magazines, free wifi, and clean bathrooms. If I ever opened up a cafe, you could bet it would have all of those and more. But I digress... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6924328715_dd20402eb9.jpg" alt="IMG_2670.jpg" /></figure><p>Well last week I went to Cafe Nostalgia which is along that popular cafe-lined road in Hapjeong. The only pic I took was this one because there was a kitty! She (or he) was so flooofy and cute, and pretty much just napped the whole 4 hours i was there. I really wonder how Bunny would react if I ever adopted a kitty. Yay for cafes with furry animals.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6623998963_8aeff9c060_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1311.jpg" /></figure><p>Well, since I don't have many pics for Nostalgia Cafe, here's another cafe along the same street that I went to way back in December last year (yea, this is way overdue). Paul & Lina Cafe. This is a newer spot that I've visited a few times now.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6604507257_f0cb36bda6.jpg" alt="IMG_1076.jpg" /></figure><p>It's simple, modern, classy/cutesy in style (as is practically every other cafe in Korea), and they have comfy seats, a clean bathroom within the cafe, plenty of natural lighting, friendly service, and ofcourse wifi. I'm assuming that they're somehow connected to the Paul & Paulina bakery in Hongdae because the name is so similar. Either that, or they're too lazy to come up with an original name. But then again, I'm pretty sure Paul & Paulina bakery is based on the Paul bakery in France... .</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6604505075_c1a2df8ec4.jpg" alt="IMG_1068.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6604506799_5bc18a2cef.jpg" alt="IMG_1074.jpg" /></figure><p>Since this was around the holidays, they had their Christmas deco up. ^_^</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6604505683_b0247cf01c.jpg" alt="IMG_1071.jpg" /></figure><p>Check out this bunny mug.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6604508747_2670d14a5c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1086.jpg" /></figure><p>My americano. For service, they give a clementine and a chocolate truffle (not vegan). Overall, a lovely cafe-experience. Nice environment, bright natural lighting, kind service, and free coffee refill. :)</p><p>Directions to Paul & Lina Cafe: Hapjeong Station, Line 6&2. Come out Exit 5 and turn right at the 'Giant' bike store. Walk straight for 5 minutes and the cafe will be on your right, on the 2nd floor.</p><p>////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7180/6778210212_33ed52b5b6.jpg" alt="IMG_2660.jpg" /></figure><p>While wandering around the Hapjeong/Sangsu area, I also popped into this Bread05 Bakery. This bakery isn't exactly new (I think it's been around for almost a year or so), but this was my first time actually going inside. It's also pretty easy to overlook because it's in the half-basement of the building.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7058/6778211156_542a1d0cdc_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2663.jpg" /></figure><p>The space is pretty tiny but they seem to make it work for them. There's a skinny table along the wall where you can sit and enjoy some coffee with your bread, but I've never seen anyone actually hanging out there before.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7183/6924327191_0123de14e4.jpg" alt="IMG_2662.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6778210496_248d9dd9a6.jpg" alt="IMG_2661.jpg" /></figure><p>Sadly, the vast majority of their bread is not vegan... When I asked which items were vegan, the guy at the counter pointed to the baguette, campagne buns and ciabatta.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7193/6778211606_7fac774205_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2665.jpg" /></figure><p>You can see the vegan baguettes in the top right corner of this pic. Hm... pointy. They look like elf shoes.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6924328111_169c21115e.jpg" alt="IMG_2667.jpg" /></figure><p>Pain de campagne (vegan) Honestly, none of the breads were really calling to me, but I couldn't walk out empty-handed after taking photos of the place, so I just got one of their ciabattas... .</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7198/6778215232_dffccc6aa8.jpg" alt="IMG_2677.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the ciabatta bun (1,800 won), which I took home and had with some tofu scramble and coffee for breakfast.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7208/6924331525_ae2626f925.jpg" alt="IMG_2678.jpg" /></figure><p>The ciabatta was a lot crisper and harder than I expected... I like ciabatta that is ever so slightly crispy on the outside and really pillowy soft on the inside, but this was super hard and crusty and more like a baguette. It wouldn't been perfect for bruscetta though. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7054/6924331769_e5b32ed09d.jpg" alt="IMG_2680.jpg" /></figure><p>All in all, I had high hopes for Bread05, but it was a bit of a disappointment. Cute bakery, but not the best (vegan) bread, imho. Perhaps my particular bun was just stale, they were having an off day, or that's just their version of ciabatta, who knows. At least my tofu scramble saved it somewhat. :)</p><p>Bread05 Bakery (between Sangsu & Hapjeong Station)<br />Address:서울시 마포구 서교동 408-25<br />Seoul, Mapo-gu, Seogyo-dong, 408-25<br />Tel: 070-7656-9905<br />Hours: morning - 9pm.<br />Closed on Mondays<br />Click for Google map.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-12414886926652266762012-02-23T22:20:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.069-07:00Accidentally Vegan: Packaged Sweet Pumpkin Juk (Hetbahn)<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7194/6914534111_56c82c1a67.jpg" alt="IMG_2588.jpg" /></figure><p>For this week's Accidentally Vegan product, I've chosen Hetbahn's ready-made Sweet Pumpkin Porridge. Hetbahn is most well-known for their instant rice, but they have plenty of other instant meals available like soups, curies, and porridge (although not vegan). This product, as well as many other brands of packaged pumpkin or red bean juk are actually vegan and they're very easy to find at most local supermarkets and convenience stores, and even Daiso.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6914535949_bde7c099e2.jpg" alt="IMG_2592.jpg" /></figure><p>It's packaged so that you just have to microwave it for a minute, but I don't own a microwave so I just transferred it to a pot and heated it over a stove. I know it may seem like I'm in a 'juk' (porridge) phase because my last post was also about juk, but I swear it's not intentional. Overall, this made for a pretty good snack. I would've preferred it to be smoother, without the visible bits of bloated rice, and some more red beans would've been good too, but maybe I'm expecting too much of a packaged juk.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7192/6914569037_b22036c699_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2605.jpg" /></figure><p>The ingredients list does not include any animal products, but it does have some unnatural ingredients/flavorings. Also, you might see the characters for crab, eggs, soy, wheat, milk, tomatoes, and pork on the label, but that's just saying that this product has been made in a facility (or with equipment) that also processes those things. But they are not actually in the ingredients list. Someday I'm gonna have to do a post solely on Korean nutrition labels and break it down for y'all (not that I'm a pro or anything... ). :)</p><p>Have a good weekend!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-74676368313000376792012-02-23T00:44:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.089-07:00Danpat juk 2.0<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7045/6922461479_b441feccab.jpg" alt="IMG_2615.jpg" /></figure><p>Made danpat juk the other day. Mmm~</p><p>If danpat juk didn't take so much time and advanced preparation, I'd probably eat this all the time. But sometimes the best things in life take time (aaanz, some words of wisdom brought to you by ADO). It's nourishing, comforting, filling, and since it's slightly sweet, it's also like a really healthy dessert. I didn't measure the ingredients of anything, but you can totally just wing it and it will still turn out awesome. For the simple version of the recipe, here's what you do:</p><p>Ridiculously Simple Danpat Juk</p><p>Besides water and a pinch of salt, it takes a whopping 3 ingredients:<br />adzuki (red) beans<br />sweetener<br />glutinous rice flour (or corn starch or potato starch)</p><p>1. Boil beans until mushy and soft.<br />2. Stir in sweetener and glutinous rice flour.<br />3. Eat.</p><p>Crazy-simple, right? Three steps. And the third one doesn't even count. But here are some more detailed instructions if you'd like:</p><p>1. Soak a bunch of beans (maybe 1 1/2 cups?) in water overnight. Wash and rinse.</p><p>2. In a large soup pot with plenty of water (at least twice as high as the beans) bring the beans to a boil and then lower heat to medium-low, and continue to cook the beans until they are mushy and begin to break apart (45mins - 1 hour?). Stir every once in a while to make sure the beans don't stick to the bottom of the pot. Add more water as needed.</p><p>3. Add sweetener of choice, to your taste. I usually add agave syrup or rice syrup, but you could use sugar or even stevia.</p><p>4. Next, sprinkle in about 1 Tbs of glutinous rice four and stir thoroughly. It's important to sprinkle in the rice flour, otherwise it will stay in clumps... . which might be your thing, who am i to judge. :) The rice flour will thicken up with porridge. Reduce to low and add more water or rice flour to get the thickness/consistency you like. Simmer a little longer until the beans are fully mushified.</p><p>5. Garnish with walnuts or dried fruit etc, and enjoy hot. Yeaa! Fist pump!</p><p>TIP: If the beans have been cooking for a long time but aren't yet soft enough, sometimes I throw in a pinch of baking soda to speed up the softening process. Works like a charm.</p><p>Also, check my more elaborate danpatjuk recipe here.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-63599494600553109122012-02-16T19:39:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.110-07:00Art show & Chai tea breakfast muffins<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7184/6889288233_7c1e932a30_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2570.jpg" /></figure><p>This is what's all over my floor right now. I have a group art show coming up next week at Artelysia Gallery which is a little outside of Seoul, in Anyang city. It opens next week Thursday, Feb 23 which is coming up suuuper fast and I've been scrambling to get stuff completed and framed. If anyone is interested in visiting the show, it will be up from Feb 23 - April 24.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7206/6888816593_8968a71dac.jpg" alt="IMG_2565.jpg" /></figure><p>Go fishyyy~!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6828405971_383db4e7d3_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2500.jpg" /></figure><p>Next, I made some breakfast chai tea muffins last week because I have several boxes of chai tea just sitting around. I love chai as a drink, but lately, I've just been sticking to coffee or hot chocolate as my comfort-beverage. So I decided to use the tea bags to make breakfast muffins. The good thing is that these muffins aren't too sweet so you don't feel like you're eating dessert for breakfast.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6828407029_4394330a85_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2502.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6828408221_a833579a13.jpg" alt="IMG_2508.jpg" /></figure><p>The silken tofu also keeps them moist and a bit spongy. And even though they probably wouldn't last too long, I reckon these muffins would get even more flavorful over time as the chai spices really get infused in the muffin. Yummy! (also now available for order on Bake Shop site)</p><p>Chai Tea Breakfast Muffins<br />6 small muffins, or 4 large ones.</p><p>120g (1 cup) all purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp cardamom<br />1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />1/8 tsp all spice</p><p>100ml unsweetened organic soy milk<br />50g silken tofu<br />3Tbs canola oil<br />contents of 1 chai tea bag<br />1 Tbs fresh lemon juice<br />1/4 cup sugar<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/8 tsp salt</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 350F or 175C. Prepare muffin pan.<br />2. Sift the flour, baking soda, baking powder, and spices together in a large bowl.<br />3. Using a blender (I used my hand-held immersion blender), whip up the other ingredients until smooth. Pour the wet into the dry and mix until combined. Feel free to gently fold in some nuts, choc chips, etc if desired.<br />4. Spoon batter into muffin pan and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted come out clean.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7056/6880114141_441a6137b8.jpg" alt="bcake_IMG_0445R" /></figure><p>Oh, and remember the birthday cake I made for the twins last week? Well, Tammi (one of the twins) was awesome enough to take a photo of the cut cake and send it to me! So now we can all see how it looked on the inside. :)</p><p>Thanks Tammi~!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-51437003611269945502012-02-15T22:35:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.129-07:00Accidentally Vegan: 7-11 Tteokbokki Snack<a name='more'></a><p>One of the top requests on the ADO survey at the end of last year was to post more Korean vegan packaged foods, so I'm gonna start reviewing various easy-to-find products that just happen to be vegan. I shall call this the 'Accidentally Vegan' series, and hopefully I'll have something every week. There are actually quite a number of snacks that a vegan can grab on the go- you just gotta keep your eyes open!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6828409973_54c7feab31_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2520.jpg" /></figure><p>So this week's Accidentally Vegan item comes from the king of convenience stores, Seven-Eleven. They apparently have a line of '7-Snacks,' most of which are not vegan, but there's one surprising vegan selection... . their Tteokbokki Snacks! Ooooh yeaaa. As if there weren't enough stalls selling tteokbokki on every street corner, they had to make a packageable, crunchy snack version.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6828411669_7988a9f7c3_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2528.jpg" /></figure><p>Free of animal ingredients, but not free of artificial flavorings (aka MSG!). Eat at your own risk.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6828412273_350f2e1576.jpg" alt="IMG_2530.jpg" /></figure><p>And how do they taste? Meh... they were aiight. They have a hard sugary coating that makes them taste more sweet than spicy. A bit of a let down when you want to satisfy the hot gochujang craving. But if you want something crunchy, these definitely delivery in the crunch-department. And even though I was disappointed with the first few bites, I'll admit that it was hard to stop eating them because of the satisfying crunchiness... :P</p><p>Anyhoo~ I don't know if anyone will actually go out and buy these tteokbokki snacks that aren't healthy or even very tasty, but if you're curious and want to try a wacky Korean snack that just happens to be vegan, give 'em a go. ^^</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-22839424420726813172012-02-15T01:11:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.152-07:00Why hello, Blog... I've missed youuuu~<a name='more'></a><p>Things have been bananas over here at ADO Headquarters (aka, my teeny studio apartment)... For the past few days, my oven and I have been working overtime, churning out cookies, truffles and cakes all morning, afternoon, and night.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7196/6879808969_a71ba0d6c0.jpg" alt="IMG_2538" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6879810233_89a26f6d43.jpg" alt="IMG_2550" /></figure><p>Conversation heart cookies, before and after dipping in chocolate. Happy Belated Valentine's Day, btw! Sadly, these are the only photos I took of the baking process.</p><p>Anyway, now that the Valentine's day mad-rush is over, I can relax a bit and update this bloggie of mine. I feel rather guilty having left it un-managed for a whole week, but the internetz survived without me, life went on, and we're all truckin' along as usual. So let's just brush the dust off this thing and bring it back up to date, shall we?</p><p>Hm... where to start... whenever there's a long gap between blogging, I always feel a bit awkward when it's time to write again. :) And even though I have all these past half-written posts, they're mostly about things that happened so long ago that they no longer seem relevant. But I'm gonna just share them anyway... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6798511697_3f73d1cdc5.jpg" alt="IMG_2182.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6798512259_9920a99f74.jpg" alt="IMG_2183.jpg" /></figure><p>Several weeks ago, my friend Raphaelle held her bake sale for the Born to Run Global Sighthound Rescue Organization. I was able to drop a few items off at the sale right before it started (above photos), but couldn't stick around so I just snapped some pics of the goodies other people donated:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6798513385_bd0d810fe1.jpg" alt="IMG_2187.jpg" /></figure><p>There were various cookies... .</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6798515101_bb1a197623.jpg" alt="IMG_2191.jpg" /></figure><p>cinnamon rolls with icing, made by Raphaelle (looks amazing, no?)... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6798514481_81265cf7d1.jpg" alt="IMG_2190.jpg" /></figure><p>chocolate muffins with hazelnut-chocolate glaze... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6798516145_bb6781a247_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2198.jpg" /></figure><p>jelly donuts muffins... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6798516839_8e84e92c99.jpg" alt="IMG_2200.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6798517445_60695d9182.jpg" alt="IMG_2201.jpg" /></figure><p>... and even two savory dishes - I think veggie and lentil soup! There were also a bunch of other goodies that I didn't get a chance to photograph.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6798517881_6e78a92f37.jpg" alt="IMG_2202.jpg" /></figure><p>I got one of Fiona's afghan biscuits, cuz they're the bomb. And according to the FB event page, they were able to raise 635,000 won! Totally awesome and I'm sure the funds will greatly benefit all those gorgeous dogs.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6828372453_86115374ec.jpg" alt="IMG_2241.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6828372987_d774dc0e62.jpg" alt="IMG_2242.jpg" /></figure><p>A few weeks ago, I also somehow managed to squeeze in a quick trip to Cheonan to keep my mom company while my dad was out of the country. Got fed some good homey eats.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6828373363_37969e8f8e.jpg" alt="IMG_2247.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6828374275_04abedccc0.jpg" alt="IMG_2254.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6828373761_ac7536e171.jpg" alt="IMG_2251.jpg" /></figure><p>Ahh, whole wheat bread, vegan butter, Marmite, split pea-lentil soup, and lipton tea. Reminds me of England... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6828375939_b41ed25f24.jpg" alt="IMG_2263.jpg" /></figure><p>I also tried making some fat-free applesauce cake. lol. I usually don't make things totally oil-free but I was in experimental-mode, so I gave it a shot. I used the recipe for Vegan Raspberry Applesauce Muffins from this 'Simple Math Bakery' blog, but just replaced the raspberries with apple chunks. And instead of muffins, I made loaves and topped them with thin apple slices and cinnamon sugar. Here's the recipe with my changes:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6828379197_376c0b83cd_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2293.jpg" /></figure><p><strong>Vegan Fat-Free Applesauce Cake</strong><br />Adapted from this recipe on Simple Math Bakery<br />Yield: 2 medium loaves</p><p>2 cups white whole wheat flour<br />1 1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/4 teaspoon salt<br />1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />1/4 teaspoon nutmeg<br />1/2 cup brown sugar, packed<br />1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1 cup soy milk<br />1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar<br />1 cup chopped apple chunks<br />1/4 apple, cut into thin slices<br />cinnamon-sugar from sprinkling on top (optional)</p><p>Preheat oven to 375°. Prepare loaf pans or paper molds. In a small bowl, stir together the soy milk and apple cider vinegar. Let sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes, until it starts to curdle.</p><p>In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, spices, salt, and brown sugar. In a separate bowl, whisk together the applesauce, vanilla extract, and buttermilk mixture. Add the liquid ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir just until combined. Gently fold in the apple chunks.</p><p>Divide the batter between the two loaf pans and spread evenly with a spatula. Lay some thin apple slices on top of the batter and sprinkle with some cinnamon-sugar (optional). Bake for about 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool on rack and enjoy~</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6828377953_3033d2e308.jpg" alt="IMG_2280.jpg" /></figure><p>The result was on the chewy side and I kinda overbaked it so it was a bit dry on the bottom, but the apple-cinnamon flavors were still really yummy~~ Since there was no oil, it wasn't as rich in flavor and the texture was a bit uneven, but it made for a nice health(ier) afternoon tea-time treat.</p><p>Well, that about wraps things up for today. Thanks for reading!!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-83390860302148637132012-02-06T22:51:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.186-07:00A tale of two birthday cakes<a name='more'></a><p>It's been almost an entire week since my last post! Yikes. I have a bunch of food photos that are waiting to be blogged about, but it may take a while to get around to them, especially since the next week or so is looking to be pretty busy with Valentine's Day orders. BTW, the last day for ordering the 'Be My Valentine' Gift box and truffles was originally today, but I've extended it til Thursday, Feb 9. :)</p><p>Anyway, part of last weekend was spent making two birthday cakes:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6828381525_60474abb45_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2319.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7002/6828398895_83532aa70a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2445.jpg" /></figure><p>Exhibit A and B.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6828379665_547b9dbce2.jpg" alt="IMG_2306.jpg" /></figure><p>The first was for Chris, who is a long-time friend, fellow vegan, and chocolate-lover. To ease his pain of getting older (I like to affectionately call him 'ajusshi' even though he's far from it), I made a three-layer chocolate cake using the recipe from 'Joy of Vegan Baking' by Colleen Patrick Goudreau. I then spread chocolate mousse topping from VCTOTW in between the layers and all around the outside. And even though it's a bit early in the year for strawberries, they're beginning to appear at the market, so I grabbed a pack to prettify the cakes.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6828380189_46e8a4a128.jpg" alt="IMG_2311.jpg" /></figure><p>The completed cake, before going in a cake box.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6828385633_1b08f77faa.jpg" alt="IMG_2342.jpg" /></figure><p>And here it is, lit up like a christmas tree. Happy Birthday Chris!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6828391253_1a83ba0e56.jpg" alt="IMG_2392.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's what it looked like on the inside. Everything tasted awesome, if I may say so myself. The cake was moist, very chocolatey, and the strawberries added nice bursts of juicy freshness. And as far as I could tell, everyone really enjoyed it. The tofu chocolate mousse layers could've been thicker and maybe a little sweeter, but all in all, it turned out delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6828390511_e803cdb4cc_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2373.jpg" /></figure><p>slice #1... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6828392065_64deb1b863.jpg" alt="IMG_2393.jpg" /></figure><p>and slice #2. Couldn't resist having seconds. :P</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6828383695_883d510b42.jpg" alt="IMG_2334.jpg" /></figure><p>And as per Chris' request, we also had homemade vegan burritos and guac for dinner. For the main filling, we stir-fried rice, potatoes, onions, kidney beans, button mushrooms, broccoli, and fresh cilantro.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6828382743_0344e16a97.jpg" alt="IMG_2331.jpg" /></figure><p>We also consumed about a bucketful of guac... . T'was an incredible sight to see.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6828387977_cdb287de5d.jpg" alt="IMG_2351.jpg" /></figure><p>Everything wrapped up into a toasted wheat tortilla. You can get vegan tortillas at the foreign food mart, costco, or major department stores.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6828401743_4f7821697f_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2467.jpg" /></figure><p>And now moving onto Cake #2! This was for T & S who are twin sisters and have been ordering cookies from me ever since I first started the bake shop. They have been so great that when T asked if I would make them a vegan birthday cake, I was more than happy to. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6828401149_aa14cb79ac_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2455.jpg" /></figure><p>She asked for a pretty simple chocolate layer cake with butter-cream frosting, but then I felt that it would look too plain, so I ended up decorating the top with chocolate-covered strawberries and some flat chocolate buttons that I made just from melting dark chocolate.Happy Birthday T&S! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6828398279_2b4d6eefb2.jpg" alt="IMG_2444.jpg" /></figure><p>Too bad I couldn't cut into the cake to take a cross-section photo. I don't think their birthday would've been very "happy" if they got a cake with one slice already cut out of it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6828403319_46b34b1f19_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2476.jpg" /></figure><p>Boxed up and ready for pick-up. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6828403821_16ae64021f.jpg" alt="IMG_2480.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and when I met up with T, she was so sweet and gave me a bag of goodies from Veggie Holic bakery. 1 loaf of raspberry bread and 1 chocolate chip muffin! My favorite items from Veggie Holic. :) Ahh, I love my customers... </p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-29208881582232054592012-01-31T16:53:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.212-07:00Pure Snow<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6798521743_c68437b7ed_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2223.jpg" /></figure><p>Whee, check out the snowfall from yesterday! The first major snowfall of this winter. There's nothing quite like a blanket of fluffy snow to coverup some of the dank ugliness of the city. Although, pretty soon, it will all turn to grimy, sooty slush... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6798519737_4b3ef97508_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2213.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6798521135_e8082e35f0_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2222.jpg" /></figure><p>I went for a walk and I was going faster than all the cars that were crawling at snails pace~ So glad I wasn't stuck in traffic.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6798522817_086c042285_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2227.jpg" /></figure><p>And this morning, Bunny went for a walk around the patio. See her footprints? Apparently she's not as afraid of snow as I anticipated.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6798525295_1e178fe779_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2233.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6798526345_fd851d9c1b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2235.jpg" /></figure><p>She could almost blend in if it weren't for her little brown spots.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6798526769_ec8ff70c82_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2236.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6798527179_29a526aca3_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2237.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6798523381_10eab673b5.jpg" alt="IMG_2230.jpg" /></figure><p>That's her "pet me~" face.</p><p>Stay warm, and be careful when walking outside! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-89225278592571970932012-01-30T21:24:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.229-07:00Accidentally Vegan: Ivy Crackers<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6724034135_5ac95bfe49.jpg" alt="IMG_1682.jpg" /></figure><p>Snacked on some Korean Ivy crackers today, which are animal-free as well as sugar-free.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6724033723_8882102cd1.jpg" alt="IMG_1681.jpg" /></figure><p>Don't you love finding packaged foods that are unintentionally vegan? I probably spend too much time at grocery stores scrutinizing nutrition labels. Even if I already know that something isn't vegan, sometimes I'll check the ingredients list again, just to see whether the company recently updated the recipe. Such optimism... ..</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6724034507_a42f6843f9.jpg" alt="IMG_1688.jpg" /></figure><p>Mmm, not bad. Not bad at all. I shall be enjoying the rest sprinkled over some veggie soup for dinner. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-56963874436352505862012-01-29T17:00:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.252-07:00'Be My Valentine' Gift Box<a name='more'></a><p>Hi Friends in Korea!</p><p>With the first month of 2012 already coming to a close, that means that Valentine's Day is right around the corner. Unfortunately, most valentine sweets and cakes here are laced with dairy milk, butter and eggs, so us vegans in Korea might feel a little left out when everyone else around us gets boxes of chocolates from secret admirers.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6774865583_056a177892_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2129.jpg" /></figure><p>To remedy this situation, I decided to get creative and put together a sexy, chocolatey gift box available for order on my bake shop site. If anyone is looking to express their love in the form of cruelty-free, handmade treats, this could be your answer. Even if you don't have a significant other, you can always get a box for your single gal pals, or even just for yourself~ Hey, sometimes we need to say 'I love you' to ourselves too. :)</p><p>Each gift box will include:<br /><ul><li>1 small vanilla-chocolate marble cake</li><li>4 vegan hazelnut truffles<br /></li><li>4 raspberry choco pinwheel cookies</li><li>4 black forest cookies</li><li>6 snappy chocolate-dipped hearts</li></ul></p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6780843109_dda1b10a09_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2084.jpg" /></figure><p>Marble cake; the perfect metaphor for two becoming one. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6780802975_92b4d4595b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9271.jpg" /></figure><p>Soft, rich chocolate cookies with chewy, tart, dried cherries.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6781095899_10ff132f8a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2036.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm especially excited about these melt-in-your-mouth hazelnut truffles, which are essentially a vegan (and gluten-free!) version of ferrero rochers. You can also order these separately by the dozen, however, please note that these will only be available during this Valentine's season.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6780860289_056f7239e9_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1935.jpg" /></figure><p>Raspberry-flavored chocolate pinwheel cookies with chewy pieces of cranberry throughout.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6780915467_90f3a9b688.jpg" alt="IMG_2124.jpg" /></figure><p>A cookie-version of the iconic Valentine's conversation sweets. These are crunchy chocolate hearts, imprinted with a love message and dipped in more chocolate.</p><p>Please submit and complete your gift box order by the end of Tuesday, Feb 7 (Extended to Thursday, Feb 9). Packages will begin shipping on Feb 9. Feel free to indicate whether you would prefer to receive your package before or after the weekend and I will try to accommodate your request. All items will be wrapped in cello bags for freshness, carefully packaged in a brown gift box, and then tied up in red ribbon. Personalized gift messages can also be included at no extra charge.</p><p>For prices, shipping info, and more photos, please check the bake shop site. Thank you for your interest!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-30830456656010318192012-01-26T02:13:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.267-07:00Lunar New Year food recap<a name='more'></a><p>Here are some eats from my Lunar New Year hols in Cheonan.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6753434109_b025bc6342.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 028" /></figure><p>Someone gifted us with a purdy box set of Korean traditional snacks. Korea's version of a box of chocolates. Thank goodness it wasn't a box of spam.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6753422539_7a8bcfa30a.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 011" /></figure><p>Toast for breakfast with fresh fruit, carrots, and avocado!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6753420897_d7ac592d8e.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 015" /></figure><p>Avocado is so ridiculously expensive in Korea, these little morsels were indeed precious. I remember back in Ivory Coast, there were several avocado trees around my boarding school compound and we'd climb them and pluck fresh avocados! We'd just slice then open, sprinkle with some salt and pepper and spoon the creamy goodness it into our mouths. Yum.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6753413301_352e9ac2bb.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 005" /></figure><p>My mom and I also got busy putting together homemade vegan mandu. Recipe here. Over several meals, the mandu got cooked in various dishes, using all sorts of methods, such as... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6753415125_ee99c6f84c.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 007" /></figure><p>steaming... .</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6753419257_1baeac74f2.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 013" /></figure><p>... boiling in 두부전골 (type of tofu soup, except the tofu is hidden underneath all the veggies and mandu)... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6753434925_6f5f1f102b.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 029" /></figure><p>... fried euuup... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6753437417_85a8bd9afd.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 032" /></figure><p>... and last but not least, cooked in a big pot of vegan tteok-guk, which is absolutely essential on Lunar New Years. Mandu tteok-guk all the wayy!</p><p>And here are some pics of the banch' lineup, made by either my mom or aunt:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6753416709_0b479dd263.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 009" /></figure><p>fresh sea vegetable salad</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6753417521_73d78c24f9.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 010" /></figure><p>peanut jorim</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6753435777_762e9d5bf4.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 030" /></figure><p>spinach banchan</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6753444865_25d6e74fdf.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 041" /></figure><p>kimchi</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6753438205_58406fb5ff.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 033" /></figure><p>sauteed white radish banchan and sea vegetable salad</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6753439099_c4c06d5c58.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 034" /></figure><p>bean sprout banchan</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6753440181_00aed4a800.jpg" alt="차보험용사진 035" /></figure><p>Finally, to add a little 'western' flair to the holiday, for one meal, we roasted up some veggies including pumpkin, potatoes, onions, red bell peppers, enoki mushrooms, and carrots. Everything got tossed together with olive oil, agave syrup, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, dijon mustard, dried basil, oregano, parsley, and salt and pepper. The best part about roasting veggies is you can just leave it to cook in the oven while you focus on cooking the other dishes, and in the end, you have an amazingly flavorful, colorful dish. So good~</p><p>Aiights. That was a super speedy recap. Hope everyone had a good holiday~~ Ta ta!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-455573567760291512012-01-23T16:37:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.278-07:00Humble hodge podge dinner<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6739230635_6c7f3e8ef9.jpg" alt="IMG_1716.jpg" /></figure><p>Happy Lunar New Year, everyone~ I'm in Cheonan right now with the family, busy eating too much holiday food, but I thought I'd take a time-out from the feasting and share some pics from this past weekend. Instead of going out and spending a bunch of money on restaurant food, some friends got together for a small dinner at my place.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7032/6739225439_36f521d716.jpg" alt="IMG_1702.jpg" /></figure><p>I made these baked bean burgers using a 'mash-up' (no pun intended) of different recipes, and just winged it with what I could find in my pantry. I used dried beans that were soaked overnight and boiled with a pinch of baking soda for them to get suuuper soft, but you could ofcourse use canned.</p><p>Kidney Bean Burger Patties</p><p>3 cups cooked and drained kidney beans<br />1/2 onion, finely chopped<br />1/2 green bell pepper, finely chopped<br />1 carrot, shredded<br />1/4 cup walnuts, roughly chopped<br />3 cloves garlic, minced<br />1/2 tsp cumin<br />1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />1 tsp dried basil<br />1 tsp dried parsley<br />1/4 tsp coriander<br />1/2 tsp liquid smoke<br />1 Tbs olive oil<br />1 tsp salt (or to taste)<br />1/4 tsp black pepper</p><p>1. preheat oven to 400F or 200C.<br />2. Mash beans with a fork (you could pulse them in a food processor). Add all other ingredients and mix.<br />3. Lightly oil a baking sheet. Form patties and place on sheet. Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the patties are browned and firm.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6739228349_b087ccdfd4.jpg" alt="IMG_1710.jpg" /></figure><p>I also made the curried carrot dip from Veganomicon. I've been eyeing this recipe for so many years and only just got around to trying it out. Yummy!! I used toasted walnuts instead of sunflower seeds, and only 1 tsp sesame oil instead of 2 tsp of grapeseed. It turned out really great. I especially liked the deep nutty flavor of the toasted walnuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6739233765_4ededbc58b.jpg" alt="IMG_1723.jpg" /></figure><p>Especially tasty when paired with the bean burger patties.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6739229435_3a2c8446ef.jpg" alt="IMG_1714.jpg" /></figure><p>Chris brought vegan bread from Pain de Papa at Garosugil. Love that bakery!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6739231155_6a84e354b4.jpg" alt="IMG_1719.jpg" /></figure><p>Fresh salad of lettuce, cabbage, and carrots. Can you tell that I was trying to get rid of some carrots? haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6739233153_43c8872b8b.jpg" alt="IMG_1722.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo came and cooked some delicious fried rice with button mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers. This was so good, I had to have seconds.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6739234357_8605ba1f0c.jpg" alt="IMG_1725.jpg" /></figure><p>Salad with apple-ginger dressing.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6739234853_bc034e572f.jpg" alt="IMG_1729.jpg" /></figure><p>Some fresh kiwi to cleanse the palate. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6739236171_1850862cf1.jpg" alt="IMG_1731.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6739235539_b26bd0011f.jpg" alt="IMG_1730.jpg" /></figure><p>Bunny getting her noms on.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6739238561_065569249a.jpg" alt="IMG_1743.jpg" /></figure><p>Banana sorbet with dried fruit and chocolate chips for dessert... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6739237969_8748dd81be.jpg" alt="IMG_1742.jpg" /></figure><p>more sorbet... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7147/6739239995_0ea443a24d.jpg" alt="IMG_1751.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and we ended up baking some late-night brownies, jus coz. Thick, dense, and very chocolately. Can't think of a better way to end the night-- on a chocolate high.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6739241909_b975c10365.jpg" alt="IMG_1761.jpg" /></figure><p>The end.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-85987456873929903992012-01-22T17:54:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:33:29.259-07:00Vegan Fly<figure><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qwvVDRTwCBE/WT9AsaLL5rI/AAAAAAAAEgQ/wUjQ-IPb5m44aROIXSocfrXXNz_SdRIYQCKgB/s1600/City-of-Brampton.jpg" data-original-width="730" data-original-height="1031" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-66180856076387568122012-01-18T22:45:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.311-07:00My basic oatmeal recipe<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6718467655_58bd27084a.jpg" alt="IMG_1672.jpg" /></figure><p>I've gotten some questions recently asking how I make my oatmeal so I figured it would be good to do an oatmeal post. If you've been following this blog for a while, you'll know that one of my all-time fave breakfasts is a hot bowl of creamy oats. I can never go too long without it. It's healthy, comforting, creamy, nutty, wholesome, rustic... and there's something about the ritual of cooking it that makes me happy. One might think that it's too much hassle to make a hot breakfast over a stove before work, but really, it usually only takes around 7 minutes. 10 minutes tops. It's also really filling- I eat breakfast around 8am and it sustains me til lunch time. So anyway, here's a general idea of what I do.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4050/4382371310_8801449144.jpg" /></figure><p>First, for those in Korea, if you're curious, I use this brand. Comida Oatmeal (꼬미다 오트밀). I order this stuff from this home baking site at 500g for 3,500won, but you can get it on Gmarket. It's reasonably priced compared to imported Quaker oats. I also tried using another Korean brand of oatmeal that is sold at Bangsan baking market, but I really didn't like the texture and it tasted old and rancid. Yuuuuck. So I have been a loyal fan of this Comida stuff.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4038/4382371044_0e1e7626f6.jpg" /></figure><p>It's a little different from Quaker-style rolled oats which are usually very flat and whole. These are slightly flattened and roughly broken into pieces, so you get a mix of creamy and chewy texture. I love it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6718467083_a019831375.jpg" alt="IMG_1664.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, onto the recipe. Hm... . I usually just estimate measurements, so in order to share a proper recipe I tried to measure things out for ya.</p><p>2 cups room temp water<br />1/3 cup unsweetened soy milk<br />1/3 cup rolled/broken oats<br />1 Tbs chia seeds<br />1/2 Tbs ground flax seeds</p><p>Optional add-ins:<br />fruit (1/2 chopped apple or 1/2 mashed banana)<br />sweetener: 1 Tbs molasses (or pinch of stevia)<br />spice: 1/4 tsp cinnamon<br />nuts, dried fruit, nut butter, pumpkin puree, cacao nibs... </p><p>In a pot over medium-high heat, begin to boil about 2 cup of room temperature water. Toss in the oats, chia seeds, flax seeds, soy milk, and mix. It's important to do this before the water is hot because then everything will just clump together. Bring it all to a boil, gradually stirring every now and then. While it is heating up, I always add a piece of fruit such as chopped apples or a mashed banana. I love including mashed banana because it adds to the creaminess. As it starts to boil, it will thicken and begin to bubble. Reduce heat to low and continue to cook for a few more minutes, or until the apples (or whatever fruit you're using) are cooked through and the oats are soft. At this point, check the thickness and adjust to your preferences. Sometimes I want to keep it thick and goopey, but when I want a more watery oatmeal, I'll add an extra 1/2 cup of water. And now it's time for the best part: the add-ins, sweetener, and toppings. I always change it up by throwing in different dried fruits and/or nuts, nut butter, more ground flax seeds, smashed ginger snap cookies, or pumpkin puree. This is your chance to get creative!</p><p>Here are some oatmeal concoctions I've enjoyed~ If you need more inspiration, check out Kath's blog!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6141/6035537854_c20ee4cd04.jpg" alt="IMG_2362.jpg" /></figure><p>oatmeal with toasted coconut, tropical fruit, and raisins</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4075/4767558834_7488f168ca.jpg" alt="IMG_2161" /></figure><p>carrot cake oatmeal</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4138/4753507905_e5bc5a39a0.jpg" alt="IMG_1858" /></figure><p>pumpkin oatmeal with ground flaxseeds, PB, and molasses on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4117/4803958708_44b9fa9bd6.jpg" alt="IMG_3043" /></figure><p>Peach oatmeal with pb, ground flax seeds and molasses.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6122/6205653079_bb35b72914.jpg" alt="IMG_5316.jpg" /></figure><p>sunflower seeds & molasses</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4100/4923819580_15ff8fc106.jpg" alt="IMG_5977" /></figure><p>Ginger snap cookie, peanut butter, and Heritage bran flakes</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4102/4931448162_9a386cfb99.jpg" alt="persimmon oats" /></figure><p>''sujunggwa" oatmeal: dried persimmons and cinnamon</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6104/6242226235_5f38b19953.jpg" alt="IMG_6036.jpg" /></figure><p>Land of Morning Calm Oats: persimmon, jujube chips, sesame seeds.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4151/4947837837_9463b090bf.jpg" alt="IMG_6480" /></figure><p>Vegan strawberry fruit loops, sunflower seeds, PB, and cinnamon.</p><p>Happy Breakfasts!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-46810098495795195912012-01-18T00:25:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.322-07:00Sukkara Cafe, Revisited<a name='more'></a><p>I can't even remember when I last went to Sakkura Cafe in Hongdae, but it was several years ago... I remember they were semi-vegan friendly in that they had soy lattes and a vegan chickpea salad option, but not much other than that. The first time I went, I got super excited over their tofu cheesecake which I assumed was vegan but then later found out that it contained egg. :( I think that scarred me for a while. haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6704759825_ded03021c4_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1618.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, I finally decided to revisit them (with some friends in tow) and was thrilled to see they have a new and improved menu, which is infinitely more vegan-friendly and very detailed about ingredients. They now clearly specify whether a dish has animal products and allow diners to customize dishes according to their dietary preferences/allergies.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6704763747_a960949689.jpg" alt="IMG_1624.jpg" /></figure><p>Creamy vegetable soup, fresh salad with chickpeas, thin slices of natural yeast bread and a dollop of tofu spread (10,000 won).</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6704769731_2d1d707bd4.jpg" alt="IMG_1634.jpg" /></figure><p>The soup was quite filling with bits of potato and carrots. It definitely had a unique mild flavor which was beany yet potatoey at the same time. The chickpea salad was also quite lovely.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6704764657_5a12fdaf37.jpg" alt="IMG_1626.jpg" /></figure><p>However the best thing on the plate was this herbed tofu spread which tasted like cream cheese.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6704770463_87205dcba9.jpg" alt="IMG_1636.jpg" /></figure><p>So good.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6704767159_2d65997f53_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1630.jpg" /></figure><p>Bread and vegetable soup set with homemade fig jam (6,500 won). I reckon this would be perfect for anyone just looking for a small snack.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6704768029_e993ac3f0f.jpg" alt="IMG_1631.jpg" /></figure><p>Their fig jam was delicious. especially when paired with the vegan cream cheese from the first dish!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7141/6704771413_57468c1ae9.jpg" alt="IMG_1638.jpg" /></figure><p>Olive oil vegetable pasta without the bacon that usually comes with it (10,000won).</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6704772291_0ceb160a16.jpg" alt="IMG_1639.jpg" /></figure><p>We also ordered a soy latte. You can't tell from this photo, but underneath the foam, the soy milk was curdled due to the acidity of the coffee. I've had soy lattes there before and this was never a problem, but for some reason, this time, their latte was bland and unappetizing. :(</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7028/6704774059_0e2d81a754.jpg" alt="IMG_1643.jpg" /></figure><p>Finally, for dessert we shared a slice of their 'Apple with steamed grain cake'. I was expecting it to be like an apple pie, but it was definitely something else. The base 'crust' was made from chewy sticky rice, and then there was a thin layer of clementine preserves, a thicker layer of sweet red bean paste, and topped with cooked apples.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6704774801_12f7d57f2b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1651.jpg" /></figure><p>Although it was a bit lacking in flavor, it was still pretty good and definitely a healthier dessert. A unique, creative interpretation of an apple tart.</p><p>In the end, it was quite a tasty, healthy, "interesting" meal~ I really love their revamped menu and that they are so accommodating to vegans now. The cafe vibes are still as homey, chill and hipster as it was several years ago, so if you haven't been to Sukkara yet, I recommend making a visit. It's one of the few independent cafes in Hongdae that have endured all the steep competition over the years, and it's still going strong so props to them!</p><p>Website<br />Address, 1F Sanullim bldg. 327-9 Seogyo-dong Mapo-gu Seoul.<br />Tel, 02-334-5919.<br />Open, 11:00 am. Close, 12:00 am (L.O 11:00 pm).<br />Holiday, 3rd week Monday</p><p><small>View Larger Map</small></p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-23872802554419725522012-01-15T18:31:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.334-07:00Kkokkal Cone Corn Snacks<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6705038463_bd29b49763.jpg" alt="koreansnacksADO" /></figure><p>These are some old-school snacks that all Koreans grow up eating and have nostalgic feelings about. But one of these is not like the others. Can you guess which one?</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6683281319_3f19a8f8e8.jpg" /></figure><p>Okay, so I probably gave it away in the post title, but if you guessed the Kkokkal cones, you're right. And wanna know why? Cuz they're the only vegan ones of the lot! Seriously, I could go on and on about all my childhood favorite Korean snacks that are I no longer indulge in. Nongshim shrimp crackers (새우깡), onion ring snacks (양파링), choco pies, and pepero sticks were and still are some iconic ones that I honestly do miss. Sometimes I wish I could just be a kid again, munching away at a whole bag of Nongshim onion rings, carefully nibbling out gaps in the rings and then sticking them on my earlobes and pretending they are earrings. Don't try to tell me you didn't play with your food too!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6683281677_0d61e0b9b9_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1546.jpg" /></figure><p>Luckily, I don't have to give all my childhood snacks up because these don't contain any animal products. Sometimes I'm out and the only place to get food is a hole-in-the-wall convenience store, and if I'm super hungry, I will snack on a bag. Sure, it's not the healthiest thing to eat, but at least they're vegan.</p><p>In my opinion, there is only one way to eat these... . stick them on your fingers and eat one by one:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6683282449_d7221afc86.jpg" alt="IMG_1548.jpg" /></figure><p>Rawr~~ claws comin' at you.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-37287424087867640232012-01-13T20:28:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.344-07:00Play time with the Bunz<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6665410641_ea59dcb13c_m.jpg" alt="Photo 1.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7009/6665411755_8ac44851ee_m.jpg" alt="Photo 3.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6665411389_de23aceda4_m.jpg" alt="Photo 2.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6665411027_404a48c50b_m.jpg" alt="Photo 4.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-3751056280608870162012-01-13T01:53:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.354-07:00Random eats so far in 2012<a name='more'></a><p>Here are some random eats from the past week or so.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5738747894_c0f2d63996.jpg" alt="IMG_0853" /></figure><p>I've been craving bibimbab and banchan these days.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3458/5738197679_a4867974f4.jpg" alt="IMG_0850" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5190/5832105670_595e996a82.jpg" alt="사진 076" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3395/5832105334_6518efa837.jpg" alt="사진 075" /></figure><p>Gosh, Korean food is quite simply the best.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7143/6631825723_9588e0dd7c.jpg" alt="IMG_1430.jpg" /></figure><p>Experimental ooey gooey pecan-choc chip shortbread bars.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6562335859_58fdb886c4_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0541.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6676930763_ccc48e6d13_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1535.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6504007369_a5a090c7de_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0023.jpg" /></figure><p>I've also been baking and tasting new goodies to add to the bake shop.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6670246457_78a76e8728.jpg" alt="IMG_1475.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week I visited Cheonan and got to enjoy some of my mom's danpatjook (sweet red bean porridge). A delicious traditional winter-time Korean treat.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7160/6670247055_9374d39311.jpg" alt="IMG_1477.jpg" /></figure><p>My mom also made her own ddeok.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6676918055_0f0f0f68fa.jpg" alt="IMG_1496.jpg" /></figure><p>Lemon poppyseed muffin. I think I'm obsessed with anything lemony these days. Clean, bright, and zesty. Is it just me or does lemon taste like happiness?</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6640092609_5b9dfd94b4.jpg" alt="IMG_1451.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's some of last week's homemade bread with pumpkin butter and bananas with apple jam on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6670244909_c7628e04a3.jpg" alt="IMG_1464.jpg" /></figure><p>Once that loaf ended, I made another one, this time with lots of poppyseeds, oats, and flax seeds sprinkled over it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6687594681_e795cf4bca_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1613.jpg" /></figure><p>Last but not least, breakfast this morning was a glorious green monster smoothie. The first of the year. I finally unpacked my blender after months of leaving it buried in moving boxes because I really miss making morning smoothies! This one included 1 ripe banana, 1 cup unsweetened soy milk, 1 Tbs chia seeds, 1 handful spinach, a few ice cubes, and a squeeze of lemon. Seriously, green smoothies always make me feel so good about myself. Sometimes it's these little nourishing acts that set yourself up for a good day.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6687642327_7bb32e5dcc.jpg" alt="IMG_1606.jpg" /></figure><p>Happy Friday & have a good weekend!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-23656145849777124512012-01-11T22:18:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.366-07:00Bamboo Shoots to Save Tuna<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6604524291_670cdd31e7_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1143.jpg" /></figure><p>Lately, I've been trying to get out of my long-time food rut and get experimental in the kitchen with main meals. I love testing new baking recipes, but I don't get as excited when it comes to actual meals and savory dishes. However, in an attempt to sample new foods and change things up, I decided to try using a new-to-me ingredient: canned bamboo shoots. I've had bamboo shoots before in dishes like thai coconut curry, but I'd never actually bought any and cooked it myself, let alone the canned version.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6604511395_52e5b03d72_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1101.jpg" /></figure><p>Korean canned bamboo shoot.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6604512319_3e7e8c6eb4.jpg" alt="IMG_1103.jpg" /></figure><p>I was expecting to see julienned slices of bamboo, so when I opened the can and saw this, I was like wtf?</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6604513085_a3c0bbffa1.jpg" alt="IMG_1107.jpg" /></figure><p>Looks scary, like chopped off alien tentacles... ! I wasn't expecting it to look like this.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6604514535_34bd3925e9.jpg" alt="IMG_1111.jpg" /></figure><p>And so I started rinsing it off (it had some white residue on it), and found that the texture was fibrous and 'piece-y,' similar to fish. So then a light bulb went off in my head... . let's make vegan tuna salad! I'm sure using fresh bamboo (or even the vacuum-packed kind) would've been far superior, but if you want to try this out, here's what I did:</p><p>Vegan Bamboo Shoots 'Tuna' Salad</p><p>1/4 block of medium organic tofu, blended (or use vegan mayo)<br />1 Tbs dwenjang or miso paste<br />1 tsp garlic powder<br />1 can bamboo shoot, roughly chopped<br />1/4 medium onion, finely chopped<br />2 stalks celery, finely chopped<br />2-3 dill pickles, finely chopped<br />2 sheets of nori, finely torn<br />salt & pepper to taste<br />dash of smoked chipotle pepper (optional)</p><p>1. Blend the tofu, dwenjang paste, and garlic powder with a hand immersion blender til smooth.<br />2. If using canned bamboo, thoroughly rinse and drain the shoots.<br />3. Chop into rough chunks and add to the tofu "mayo," along with all the other veggies, nori pieces, and spices. Season with salt & pepper to taste.<br />4. Assemble sandwich and enjoy.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6604515167_67ca2ff780.jpg" alt="IMG_1115.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the bamboo, chopped up. I'm sure you could make a chick'n salad too, by replacing the nori sheets with some fresh parsley or dill.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6604517081_fb1e5426bc.jpg" alt="IMG_1121.jpg" /></figure><p>The end result was this creamy-crunchy salad.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6604520739_a829f966de.jpg" alt="IMG_1131.jpg" /></figure><p>I spooned some onto a ciabatta bun (from October bakery) with lettuce and a squeeze of mustard.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6604522575_a02204ef39.jpg" alt="IMG_1134.jpg" /></figure><p>Enjoyed with some radish kimchi (I'm Korean afterall), and an apple.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6604523519_a373a61222.jpg" alt="IMG_1142.jpg" /></figure><p>Healthy, low fat, vegan tuna salad sandwich.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6604525167_eafbee8265.jpg" alt="IMG_1145.jpg" /></figure><p>It's a bit hard to describe the texture of the bamboo. It wasn't exactly chewy... . more... crispy? The flavor was also interesting (in a good way), somewhere between artichokes, hearts of palm, and corn? Bah, I dunno... you'll just have to try it out for yourself. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6604526867_99debfd3c4.jpg" alt="IMG_1151.jpg" /></figure><p>Experimental sandwich mission: accomplished.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-69973434583972604522012-01-10T22:29:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.376-07:00T.O.F.U. Magazine, based in Daegu!<a name='more'></a><p>The other day I was blog-hopping and came across this awesome zine about vegan food and living called T.O.F.U Magazine. And then amazingly later that same day, I got an email from Ryan Patey (editor in chief and the main brain behind the magazine) saying that he follows my blog and very recently moved from Canada to Daegu, South Korea. So now we can proudly claim that T.O.F.U is currently based in this little land of morning calm. How awesome is that. And although the content is not specifically related to Korea, he mentioned that it will probably include more Korean-related topics/recipes in the future.</p><p>Anyway, just wanted to pass this nugget of info along~ I had a look through it and there are tons of engaging articles and food for thought, as well as a number of tempting vegan recipes to try out. You can download a copy at this link by contributing as much or little as you see fit. Yes, you can get it for free! But I reckon it would be awesome to support this veg publication in any small way. :)</p><figure><img src="//images.lp.s3.amazonaws.com/products/18191_large.jpg?1325163869" /></figure><p>Here's some info about their winter issue:</p><p><i>In an effort to become more inclusive of the whole vegan community, the magazine is focusing on the diversity within the movement. Hence, Issue six covers the intersection of veganism with forms of oppression such as racism and homophobia, as well as other relatively controversial topics surrounding a plant-based lifestyle.</i><br /><br /><i>Highlights include interviews with Breeze Harper and Jasmin Singer, articles from Dan Hanley and Leigh-Chantelle Koch, and recipes from Miss Savvy, Lindsay S. Nixon, Miriam Sorrell, and more.</i><br /><br /><i>100+ pages, full colour.</i></p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-40625026706522737492012-01-09T00:32:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.386-07:00Bread for breakfast<a name='more'></a><p>It was late last night and I was feeling antsy, but didn't want to go to bed, so I proceeded to make bread. There's really something so therapeutic about mixing, kneading, and then seeing the dough rise and expand. I would really love to bake more bread this year. I just love the process and that fresh baked bread aroma that fills the apartment. I pretend that I'm some rustic bread baker in the countryside as I throw flour around and get my hands sticky with dough. Most of the time I have no idea what I'm doing or how the loaf is going to turn out, but I just go with it and hope for the best. No two loaves come out exactly alike, for me anyway, but even when it doesn't come out quite right, I still feel proud for trying.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6624018637_62001fe734_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1345.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's my latest bread attempt. I used this recipe for reference, but changed it slightly. I made mine with a mix of Korean-grown whole wheat flour and some Rob's Red Mill stone ground whole wheat flour. I also added whole flax seeds and chopped walnuts for some crunch, and dried cranberries for a little sweetness. Oh, and I used molasses instead of honey.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6624026269_4b84df683e.jpg" alt="IMG_1352.jpg" /></figure><p>So round and plump, I just want to swaddle it in a blanket like a baby.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6624035589_34b4f49474.jpg" alt="IMG_1368.jpg" /></figure><p>I probably could've baked it a little longer, because the inside was ever so slightly on the moist side, but it still came out pretty good. Dense, chewy, and robust.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6631819643_e19c97e86c.jpg" alt="IMG_1417.jpg" /></figure><p>Chewy slices with a shmear of homemade pumpkin butter.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6631818635_cdcedc3e22.jpg" alt="IMG_1415.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6624043487_0c87f15c18.jpg" alt="IMG_1378.jpg" /></figure><p>Yay, this should last me a few breakfasts. Also, I'm sooo glad I added the cranberries and walnuts. They're a stellar combo.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-25101400185208864772012-01-04T18:21:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.397-07:00National Foods Mart in Itaewon<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6586583073_f9b4418b27.jpg" alt="IMG_0970.jpg" /></figure><p>Looks like there's a new foreign food mart in town. National Foods Mart is directly across the street from the other 'original' foreign food mart in Itaewon that we all know and are familiar with. The store is fairly small but is packed with plenty of good products and seems way more organized. Everything has a price sticker, and they actually have cash registers that accept credit cards- some things that the FFM is lacking.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7164/6586583423_6eb19254ea.jpg" alt="IMG_0971.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7154/6586583955_d06591544d.jpg" alt="IMG_0973.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6586584417_59113a9557.jpg" alt="IMG_0975.jpg" /></figure><p>In terms of products, they have the basics covered like spices, canned and dried beans and lentils, imported snacks, fruit preserves, cereals, and even tempeh. They may not have some of the obscure products that the FFM carries, but I'm sure they'll continue to add things to their inventory over time.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6586584799_84f030a8f0.jpg" alt="IMG_0977.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6586585267_7d94a4bfd9.jpg" alt="IMG_0979.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7007/6586585771_85f68df92c.jpg" alt="IMG_0980.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions: Itaewon Station, Exit 3. Walk straight and turn right at the end of the block. Walk up the hill and the store will be on your right.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-57813969667742672642012-01-03T18:07:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.422-07:00Candied Ginger Strips<a name='more'></a><p>I was doing some grocery shopping at the Chinese market the other day and saw loads of beautiful, gigantic ginger roots and simply had to buy bring some home. I looove ginger, but mainly just use it to make ginger cookies. However, for a while now, I've been wanting to make crystallized ginger candy. I've seen it sold occasionally at home plus or department stores, but they are always so expensive for just a little baggie, so I figured I would save myself some bucks and make my own.</p><p>From what I understand, ginger root has properties that can strengthen the immune system, reduce inflammation, stimulate blood circulation, and help with digestion and nausea. For more health benefits, check this link. There's no doubt that including eating ginger is a good thing. Well, if you're looking for a way to incorporate more ginger into your life without having to drink buckets of ginger tea or binge on gingersnap cookies, here's one method:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6578828575_9dcb21cb9c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0887.jpg" /></figure><p>Make crystallized ginger strips! Okay, so I know that the ginger gets covered in sugar which some of you might be avoiding, but this isn't the type of candy that you scarf down all in one go. It's really spicy that just a little piece is usually enough to satisfy that sweet craving, while giving you that lovely warm feeling radiating in your mouth and throat.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6578846025_52181a369e_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0935.jpg" /></figure><p>These turned out really yummy but they were quite time-consuming to make, especially because I added the extra step of baking them in the oven. However, if you double the recipe, you'll get a huge batch of ginger candy to last you a long time in the fridge or freezer. I also took things to the next level by adding some orange peel and cinnamon, but you can skip that if you'd rather them plain.</p><p>Candied Orange-Cinnamon Ginger Strips</p><p>3 medium-large ginger roots<br />1 cup sugar<br />1 cup water<br />the peel of 1 orange<br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)<br />extra sugar for coating</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6574837499_4bc60845b6.jpg" alt="IMG_0646.jpg" /></figure><p>Peel the ginger by scraping it with the edge of a spoon. Rinse clean.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6574838175_6723fd01cb.jpg" alt="IMG_0649.jpg" /></figure><p>Slice into long strips (or whatever size/shape floats your boat).</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7035/6574838801_9bbef48518.jpg" alt="IMG_0651.jpg" /></figure><p>In a large pot over medium heat, add equal parts sugar and water, and bring to a boil. Add the ginger, orange rind, and cinnamon.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6574839487_ae51db410d.jpg" alt="IMG_0662.jpg" /></figure><p>Lower the heat so that it's just simmering and half-cover the pot with a lid, stirring occasionally, for about 20-30 minutes, or until the ginger is tender. Keep an eye on the pot to make sure the syrup doesn't bubble over, or you'll have a hot sticky mess!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6574839969_fa2959fc44.jpg" alt="IMG_0669.jpg" /></figure><p>Pour everything into a strainer and catch the syrup in a bowl so that you can use it for other things like ginger tea. Once the ginger pieces have strained sufficiently, lay them out on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper and place in the oven for about 20 minutes at around 100C, just so that the sugary syrup dries up a bit. Otherwise, you'd have to wait many hours, and even still, it will probably be sticky and gooey.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6574857621_6b962be5af.jpg" alt="IMG_0755.jpg" /></figure><p>Remove from the oven and let cool fully. Sprinkle a generous amount of sugar and toss until every piece is covered with crystals. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6574859251_9059ac5da4.jpg" alt="IMG_0760.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6574861009_0be292e8ef.jpg" alt="IMG_0763.jpg" /></figure><p>Voila, candied ginger strips, with a hint of orange & cinnamon.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6578849957_a5a3de83f9_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0947.jpg" /></figure><p>Package in an airtight container or jar. I'm guessing it should last at least 2 weeks in the fridge? And even longer in the freezer.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6578832407_568e1bb481.jpg" alt="IMG_0895.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6578837829_df34a744e7.jpg" alt="IMG_0911.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6578835143_ed7445089b.jpg" alt="IMG_0905.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6578842205_9ee437684d.jpg" alt="IMG_0921.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm a huge ginger fan and these are deliciously spicy! Because they are so strong, one little piece is usually enough. I've been eating a little every day and I also chopped some up and added them to a batch of ginger-molasses cookies. SO GOOD! I also love the chewy fibers~</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6574843975_2a475de3a0.jpg" alt="IMG_0691.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and don't forget to preserve the thick syrup infused with spicy ginger-cinnamon flavor. I like to dilute it with lots of water and then put it in the fridge for a refreshing flavored drink.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6574844449_ca948299ef.jpg" alt="IMG_0703.jpg" /></figure><p>Or you can make hot tea~</p><p>Happy days.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-49797845546585595502012-01-02T23:14:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.435-07:00Out 'n' about<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6586592245_d8d9e25128.jpg" alt="IMG_1019.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week, my parents were visiting Seoul and we ended up going to Gyeongbokgung palace. Can you believe that I've been living in Seoul for 5+ years and this was my first time going there? Wow... . it's quite shameful. What can i say, sometimes it's the things in your own back yard that get overlooked.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6586606245_f019e1f6f3.jpg" alt="IMG_1060.jpg" /></figure><p>Guards posing by the main gate.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6586596753_14c6edfcac.jpg" alt="IMG_1036.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6586601359_66e6d6d6e0.jpg" alt="IMG_1047.jpg" /></figure><p>If you'll recall, it was super cold last week so we couldn't stay out too long, but we pretty much walked around the whole palace grounds, which is much larger than I thought! The land was pretty stark and bare, but I imagine it's really beautiful in spring and autumn. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6586604145_de21bc8ca8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1054.jpg" /></figure><p>Snow covering the frozen pond.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6586582705_2fb784a455.jpg" alt="IMG_0968.jpg" /></figure><p>That same day, I had to go to the Yungdeungpo-gu office, and out front there was a small farmer's market going on, so we took a look and ate some yummy samples.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7003/6586578335_32b3de1704.jpg" alt="IMG_0951.jpg" /></figure><p>fresh ddeok that was soooo light, chewy, and nutty.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6586580073_aaa321943e.jpg" alt="IMG_0957.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6586579631_363147a1ef.jpg" alt="IMG_0956.jpg" /></figure><p>Dried sweet potatoes!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7034/6586580573_6583b98f1f.jpg" alt="IMG_0959.jpg" /></figure><p>Puffed rice snacks</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7175/6586581463_9a1e51c2aa.jpg" alt="IMG_0961.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7030/6586580957_acc3db85e2.jpg" alt="IMG_0960.jpg" /></figure><p>Fresh, peeled chestnuts. I didn't know that you could eat raw chestnuts, but they were really good~ Surprisingly sweet and crispy, like apples.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6586581889_326bca02f3.jpg" alt="IMG_0966.jpg" /></figure><p>Bags of sliced ddeok for New Year's ddeokguk.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6586582261_e07ec28018_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0967.jpg" /></figure><p>yes... . :)</p><p>And now for some things I've eaten so far in 2012:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6616091055_c7cef63f85.jpg" alt="IMG_1264.jpg" /></figure><p>Kicking the new year off on a healthy note, here's my bowl of chia & banana oatmeal for breakfast.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6616092069_15477dbb5b.jpg" alt="IMG_1269.jpg" /></figure><p>toppings: banana slices, blackstrap molasses, pecan nuts, cinnamon. Ah, some how, starting the year off with heart-healthy oatmeal feels so right.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6617480885_826fb7b429.jpg" alt="IMG_1296.jpg" /></figure><p>A ginormous salad composed of lettuce, cabbage, tofu, tempeh, dotori muk, green bell peppers, sea vegetables, onions, and dressing.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6616727857_3c8a595760_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1288.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6616721465_fecd888e29.jpg" alt="IMG_1280.jpg" /></figure><p>And here's the first thing I baked in 2012: coffee chocolate chip cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6616730569_1a44e842fb.jpg" alt="IMG_1292.jpg" /></figure><p>yum.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6609662443_8997e92301.jpg" alt="IMG_1176.jpg" /></figure><p>Actually, this bibimbab was from last year, but I'll post it anyway because it was delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7026/6609662949_5d75b0ae69.jpg" alt="IMG_1178.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7158/6624002399_e4d404594c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1324.jpg" /></figure><p>Chillin at Hapjeong & Hongdae~</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6574868883_f06198f8b5_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0805.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6574871393_65a062400c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0809.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6586589823_9776d0e09b.jpg" alt="IMG_0998.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are more photos of Bunny donning her Christmas sweater. I accidentally spilled some pellets on the floor, so Bunny vacuumed it all up with her mouth. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6586590937_b42b1965ce_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1012.jpg" /></figure><p>gawd, her cuteness kills me sometimes.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-65692155546997989652012-01-02T22:41:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.448-07:00Maoz Vegetarian<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6586607319_138cf35377.jpg" alt="IMG_1065.jpg" /></figure><p>I already posted this on the FB page, but last week I was in the Insadong area and passed by this brand new Maoz Vegetarian location! Maoz finally in Korea! I haven't tried it yet, but from what I've heard, it's pretty Koreanized... . Anyway, check out their website for more info. I think there are several other locations set to open in Seoul soon, which is pretty exciting!</p><p>Directions to Maoz by Insadong: Anguk station, Line 3, Exit 6. Walk straight and pass the entrance to Insadong road. Cross the street and Maoz is on the corner.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-73310700713571164362012-01-01T05:30:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.474-07:00Goodbye 2011~<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6609659567_1096b15e8b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1163.jpg" /></figure><p>Happy New Year~ Hope everyone has transitioned into 2012 with peace, joy, and hope in your heart for the upcoming year! I actually went to Jubilee church's midnight service for the countdown, but earlier during the day, I hung out at a coffee shop by Gwanghwamun and walked by the chungaechun stream for a bit. Too cold to walk outside for long!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6609660103_06f99690bd.jpg" alt="IMG_1164.jpg" /></figure><p>Making wishes for 2012.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6609658751_d08d857453.jpg" alt="IMG_1162.jpg" /></figure><p>This made me sad.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6609661401_14f9012f32.jpg" alt="IMG_1171.jpg" /></figure><p>Seriously? Horse-drawn carriages in Seoul? Doesn't make any sense and it's not cool. Watch the documentary 'Blinders' to learn more.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6609663547_3b03f6355b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1181.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6609667687_8a9f285b0a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1198.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, later in the evening, I went ice skating with some friends at city hall's outdoor plaza~ The ice was quite rough and bumpy with so much use, but thankfully I didn't fall on my butt!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6609667005_7f38a1717b.jpg" alt="IMG_1197.jpg" /></figure><p>Hyun skates and takes phone calls at the same time. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6609665655_ea381f2441.jpg" alt="IMG_1194.jpg" /></figure><p>Hyun and her friends visiting from Hong Kong. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6609664191_bec29b40dc.jpg" alt="IMG_1190.jpg" /></figure><p>We only skated for about 45 minutes, before they closed off the rink to clean up the ice. I don't think I could've skated for too much longer anyway cuz my toes were getting cold! hehe. Anyhooz, I had a great New Year's Eve, and I really couldn't have asked for a better way to close out the year. Goodbye 2011... . it's been real.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-65072129211918963412011-12-29T23:51:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.488-07:00Best of 2011<a name='more'></a><p>Hey readers in Korea! The poll results for the Alien's Day Out Best of 2011 Survey are officially in! A huge thank you to everyone who submitted and also for leaving some wonderful and touching comments. I truly appreciate all your feedback and kind words.</p><p>Disclaimer: although there are numerous fine vegan-friendly establishments outside of the capital city, Alien's Day Out is primarily a Seoul-based blog, so this survey focused on eateries within Seoul. Perhaps in the future, I'll open it up to include other cities. :) Moreover, with competition amongst restaurants and cafes being incredibly tough, there were several eateries that bit the dust this year: Honest Loving Hut, Muffino Cafe, and Macro Cafe (not in Seoul), to name a few. While we bid a sad farewell to those veg-friendly spots, we also welcomed some newbies to the scene such as Thien Dang Loving Hut, Garobee, and Bao. It is our hope that as more conscious restaurants pop up around this city, we will be able to vote with our hard-earned Won, support their efforts, and also show that there is an ever-growing demand for vegetarian food and products in Korea.</p><p>So without further ado, here are your picks for the 'Best of 2011' veggie survey, along with some commentary from me. I don't have an actual award to give to them, but they just get props on this blog and perhaps this will encourage them to develop more vegan-friendly dishes. Thank you again, and Enjoy!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6513888549_2fb88d3308.jpg" alt="IMG_0119.jpg" /></figure><p>*****<br />****<br />***<br />**<br />*</p><p>Most veg-friendly neighborhood in Seoul<br />Itaewon, Noksapyeong, Haebangchon</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6153/6170527209_a5ff546076.jpg" alt="IMG_4244.jpg" /></figure><p>This is where you can find some delicious vegan Indian curry, Thai noodles, falafels, hummus, and veggie burgers in Seoul. With such diversity of International cuisines and food options, there's always something for a vegan, and since most waitstaff are familiar with English, foreigners can specify their dietary needs without too much trouble or wild hand motions. :)<br />Runners up: Hongdae/Hapjeong & Insadong/Samcheongdong</p><p>Best Fancy Veg-Friendly Restaurant<br />The Taj: Taste of India (Gangnam location)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6361536573_a15007d512.jpg" alt="IMG_8165.jpg" /></figure><p>In the heart of Gangnam, The Taj: Taste of India is a more upscale Indian restaurant with a classy, romantic ambiance, modern and clean washrooms, and very accommodating service. With curries averaging at 17,000won, it's certainly on the pricier side, but the food tastes absolutely delicious and you get to dine in style for your special occasion. website<br />Runners up: Zelen & Kyotofu</p><p>Best Loving Hut location in Seoul<br />Achasan Loving Hut buffet</p><figure><img src="//farm4.staticflickr.com/3294/5815175458_d9649a8fd4_m.jpg" alt="IMG_2009.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2183/5814604497_246f547ea0_m.jpg" alt="IMG_2024.jpg" /></figure><p>Perhaps it is no surprise that an all-you-can-eat joint should win the top spot out of all the Loving Hut establishments. For the very reasonable price of 12,000 won on a weekday (16,000 on weekends), you can enjoy a fresh salad bar, various Korean dishes, soy and wheat meat dishes, soups, spaghetti to order, and a fruit bar. And you can finish up your meal with vegan cookies, banana cake bites, and a hot cuppa coffee. Everything is 100% vegan and even your omnivore friends will leave impressed and feeling they got their money's worth. Website<br />Runner up: Thien Dang Loving Hut</p><p>Best Korean / Temple food restaurant<br />Sanchon (Insadong)</p><figure><img src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2573/3925155567_103f0f3578_m.jpg" alt="Sanchon @ Insadong" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2673/3925944412_09b2a33586_m.jpg" alt="Sanchon @ Insadong" /></figure><p>Eating at Sanchon is like going to an event where you get a multiple-course meal and entertainment in the form of traditional Korean music and dancing. Their dinner price is definitely on the steep side, but for those who want a cultural experience that goes beyond just temple-food, I recommend checking this place out at least once. It has been long-established as one of Seoul's finest Temple food restaurants, and has even been reviewed in the New York Times. A word of warning, since this is a temple-food restaurant, the flavors and spices are mild and even slightly bland, but everything is prepared and presented with mindfulness and delicacy. For Alien's Day Out's first review of Sanchon, check this old blog post.</p><p>Best Vegetarian Buffet<br />Achasan Loving Hut buffet</p><figure><img src="//farm4.staticflickr.com/3217/5815173154_8f5f860358_m.jpg" alt="IMG_2019.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.staticflickr.com/2001/5815174006_3fdeb6e7b7_m.jpg" alt="IMG_2015.jpg" /></figure><p>Once again, Achasan Loving Hut wins the top spot, this time in the best vegan buffet category. Compared to other buffets in Korea, the price, quality of food, diversity of dishes, all simply cannot be beat. :)<br />Runner up: Garobee buffet (Gangnam)</p><p>Best Veggie Burger<br />Loving Hut, Thiendang</p><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5108/5621979692_1ca844d4d3.jpg" alt="Loving Hut" /></figure><p>If you have a hankering for a veggie burger, look no further than Thien Dang Loving Hut. Their 'Big Burger' is composed of a juicy veggie pattie, sandwiched between layers of lettuce, fresh apple slices, tomato, thousand-island dressing, and vegan whole wheat burger buns (5,000won). Oh, and for an additional 2,000won, you can complete your happy meal with a side of crinkly fries.<br />Runner up: The Wolfhound Pub (Itaewon)</p><p>Best vegan-friendly bakery<br />Alien's Day Out bake shop</p><figure><img src="//1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZZmWsVgpnw/Tv0mub9Yi_I/AAAAAAAAAs4/ZK_xglnkfpg/s1600/5170672370_0e6c0d2f07_z.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6082/6122095196_6990ddd923.jpg" alt="IMG_3340.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6118/6346186071_cec1eca444_m.jpg" alt="IMG_8013.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6222/6375643049_c982aedf08.jpg" alt="IMG_8376.jpg" /></figure><p>Wow, I really did not expect the ADO bake shop to get first spot in this category. I am incredibly grateful to those who voted, and especially to all those customers who have taken a chance on my startup online biz. I thank you all. Well, I'm not sure what kind of commentary to write that doesn't sound self-congratulatory, so instead, I will just point you to what customers have written in the reviews page.</p><p>Runner up: Veggie Holic (Hongdae)<br />My personal favorite nominee: October Bakery in Hapjeong</p><p>Best Independent, Vegan-friendly Coffee Shop<br />Cafe Harunohee (Gunja)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3367/4626992384_1661e9805a.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4023/4611576678_e3f26d42f2.jpg" /></figure><p>In addition to having vegan soy milk on their menu, Cafe Harunohee has held several vegan events this past year that make them deserving of this title, such as hosting a vegan bake sale fundraiser, and having a 'Vegan Day' event. Moreover, they occasionally had vegan desserts on the menu such as strawberry shortcake and cookies from the ADO bake shop.<br />Runners up: Cook and Book, Standing Coffee, Sukkara</p><p>Best veg-friendly Indian, Pakistani, Nepali restaurant<br />Everest (Dongdaemun)</p><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5017/5474540755_b1e576c001_m.jpg" alt="Everest with Megan" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5094/5474540435_61bbfa6924_m.jpg" alt="Everest with Megan" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5133/5475136920_0c02e8cb01_m.jpg" alt="Everest with Megan" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/4064207330_52b71b8a00.jpg" /></figure><p>Everest is a true gem of a restaurant in Seoul, famous for its delicious Indian/Nepali cuisine, and it's the perfect oasis to rest your feet after hours of hectic shopping in Dongdaemun. Here, you can fill up on mouthwatering curries and fluffy-warm roti bread, all at very affordable prices. The servers are always accommodating for vegans, and eating here is like escaping Korea for a brief moment, as you get to surround yourself with exotic decor and watch Bollywood music videos in the background.<br />Runner up: Taj Palace (Itaewon)</p><p>Best veg-friendly Thai restaurant<br />Buddha's Belly</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4111/4955840087_49d8fca7fb_m.jpg" alt="Buddha's Belly" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6188/6102573950_c4785665ab_m.jpg" alt="IMG_3210.jpg" /></figure><p>A swanky restaurant that serves up some delicious coconut curries and pad thai. Most of their menu is not vegan, so you have to specifically request that they do not use fish-sauce or eggs in their dishes. However, they do provide the option to add tofu instead of animal meat in their curries and noodle dishes. Personally, my experiences at Buddha's Belly have been a bit unpredictable, and sometimes the waitstaff are not knowledgeable about veganism, but in the end, their food has never disappointed. Check blog post for more details.<br />Runner up (and ADO personal favorite): Wang Thai in Itaewon</p><p>Best veg-friendly Mexican restaurant<br />Dos tacos</p><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5047/5371594784_389b03b217.jpg" alt="Dos Tacos" /></figure><p>With several locations around Seoul, Dos Tacos is certainly one of the more well-known Mexican restaurant chains in Korea. Reasonable prices, fast service, fresh ingredients, vegan tortillas, helpful waitstaff, and a customizable menu are all factors that make Dos Tacos a favorite amongst the veg community. Personal faves: the refried bean broccoli burrito, & the potato burrito. Website<br />Runner up: Tacos Amigos</p><p>Best supermarket for imported food items (storefront)<br />Foreign Food Mart</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2422/3614098556_09b787f3fc.jpg" /></figure><p>This was hands-down, the most-voted foreigner-friendly supermarket in Seoul. This is where you can go to get tempeh, liquid smoke, flax seeds, brot, dried & canned chickpeas, pumpkin puree, and a variety of vegan snacks. The store is somewhat chaotic as they do not allow credit cards or give receipts, but they do seem to be improving, and they have perhaps the most diverse international food products than any other foreign supermarket in Seoul. (Although a brand new, fairly impressive international food store just opened up across the street, which could give the FFM a run for its money!)<br />Runner up: Costco</p><p>Best online shop for vegan food products<br />www.iHerb.com</p><figure><img src="//farm6.staticflickr.com/5238/5814608979_07af3b0288.jpg" alt="IMG_1997.jpg" /></figure><p>For expats, health-nuts, and anyone on a vegan/gluten-free/raw diet in Korea, iHerb has become a complete lifesaver. In fact, it's hard to remember how we survived without iHerb and its affordable international shipping rates. Where else would we get nutritional yeast, gluten-free sorghum flour, or vegan-specific supplements? Oh how we heart iHerb. (First time shoppers, you can use coupon code MIP268 for $5 off).</p><p>Favorite Vegan Korean Soy Milk Brand<br />Yeonsei Organic Soy Milks</p><figure><img src="//farm5.staticflickr.com/4116/4923812778_1477ef1d22_m.jpg" alt="Lotte Dept Store Vegan Products" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6015/6016680344_385b25ee23_m.jpg" alt="IMG_2338.jpg" /></figure><p>Yonsei Organic soy milks were voted as the favorite soy milk brand. There are two types, the regular organic soy milk in the blue cartons, and the sugar & stabilizer-free organic version in the brown cartons. They were both on top, so I have just grouped them together. You can find the regular organic soy milk at EMart, department stores, online, or at Loving Hut locations, however, the sugar-free version is slightly harder to find. I have occasionally seen them at EMart, but I think the best way is to order them from GMarket.<br />Runner up: Woori Soy Milk</p><p>Favorite online veg resource for Korea<br />Alien's Day Out blog<br />Again, thank you so much! You guys flatter me~~ :)<br />Runner up: Hanulvut.com</p><p>Favorite Animal Organization<br />Animal Rescue Korea</p><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/10/charlie_1.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/12/untitled.png" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/12/malamute%201.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/10/Beatty.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/12/388828_994434782758_19701102_42727782_884353788_n.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.animalrescuekorea.org/sites/default/files/styles/325x325/public/images/2011/11/312302_256834051018136_252886171412924_817456_878054680_n_0.jpg" /></figure><p>(Photo credit: ARK website)<br />ARK has successfully placed numerous abandoned animals into loving homes and has organized several fundraisers this year to help the animals at the Asan shelter. The website is well-maintained and has plenty of information regarding pet travel to/from Korea as well as foreigner-friendly vet clinics. All the ARK volunteers I have met are passionate and tirelessly dedicated to helping animals. Please check their website for information on adopting or fostering a furry friend.<br />Runner up: CARE</p><p>And last but not least, here's how you rated the difficulty of following lifestyles from 1 (impossible) to 10 (easy).<br />Vegetarian 8.1<br />Veganism 5.8<br />Gluten Free 4.8<br />Raw Vegan 3.8</p><p>*****<br />Thank you for reading! Let's hope 2012 brings plenty more vegan options in Seoul~</p><p>All photos unless otherwise noted are taken by and belong to Alien's Day Out. Please do not use or reproduce without permission.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-51482315660628751972011-12-25T05:31:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.520-07:00Have yourself a merry vegan Christmas~<a name='more'></a><p>Happy Christmas! I had a wonderful weekend, hanging out with dear friends, being with family, and gobbling up lots of homey eats. On Friday, Chris was hosting a small Christmas appetizer & dessert potluck, so I got busy in the kitchen, preparing the following desserts:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6562333339_38c5bd4791.jpg" alt="IMG_0528.jpg" /></figure><p>I know pumpkin pie is more traditionally eaten for Thanksgiving, but I actually didn't get any at Thanksgiving dinner this year. Although Kia's pumpkin cheesecake was seriously amazeballs, I still felt a deep longing in my soul for pumpkin pie. A month later, I could no longer ignore the craving, so I decided to make it for Christmas.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6562320293_3d231c3009.jpg" alt="IMG_0431.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6562320673_85cfeb5af0.jpg" alt="IMG_0432.jpg" /></figure><p>I went with the same Veg Web Tofu Pumpkin pie recipe I've used for several years now. However, it didn't turn out so well this time because I had to strain the canned pumpkin puree which was too runny. In the end though, I think I maybe strained it too much! As a result, the filling was thicker/denser than normal, and it also had a 'skin' on the top from being overbaked. Oops.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6562327517_5e8e6b0895.jpg" alt="IMG_0479.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7022/6562329513_d18402fbbe_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0501.jpg" /></figure><p>It still tasted fine, but I might have to appease the perfectionist freak inside me by making another one soon.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6562345123_1e2aa760eb.jpg" alt="IMG_0586.jpg" /></figure><p>Ah, what a fine spread. No one wanted to bother with fancy entree dishes or create a sit-down menu, so we all decided to have an apps & 'serts potluck. No entrees allowed. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6562338661_b15b0552b0_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0556.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6562341425_8afe1ab5ec_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0565.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6562339193_acb5d43480_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0560.jpg" /></figure><p>For my appetizer contribution, I brought two different dips (to be eaten with good ol' nacho chips): tomato-garlic bean dip, and a vegan chickin' salad-style dip made with bamboo shoots. In addition to the pumpkin pie, for dessert, I brought cherry-chocolate chip cookies, mint chocolate wafer cookies, and strawberry thumbprint cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6562340935_06568d1367.jpg" alt="IMG_0563.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some other treats: traditional Korean snacks.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6562343119_2f6eb93fc6.jpg" alt="IMG_0578.jpg" /></figure><p>Chris found some vegan bread at the 'Milk & Honey' bakery section of EMart. Yea, the bakery name is not 'vegan' at all, but apparently, they have some decent animal-free bread. Loved the dark loaf. So chewy-good.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7016/6562343579_85fed26c9c.jpg" alt="IMG_0580.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo's signature ddeokbokki, for spicy deliciousness.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6562342009_6d21427d3d_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0573.jpg" /></figure><p>Everyone also brought pressies and stuck them under the Christmas bush. It felt like being with family~ :) Eating good grub, opening up presents, and then watching 'Elf' and eventually falling asleep.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6562347715_4fa32e7df0.jpg" alt="IMG_0594.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and during the night, it snowed enough that there was a thin white blanket covering Seoul the next morning. I took Bunny out to admire the snow.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7169/6562348209_7844601a76.jpg" alt="IMG_0596.jpg" /></figure><p>Being the high-maintenance bunny that she is, she wasn't too keen on getting snow in between her toes and quickly scampered off to dry ground. She's such a prissy pot.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7159/6568520647_1dba379711.jpg" alt="IMG_0632.jpg" /></figure><p>Then on Saturday, I headed down to Cheonan to spend the rest of Christmas weekend with the 'rents. Here are some neighborhood shots of the snowfall in Cheonan.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6568519671_703815f4b3.jpg" alt="IMG_0624.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6568520139_a93f6a4296.jpg" alt="IMG_0627.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6568518381_522326b636_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0610.jpg" /></figure><p>Christmas eve dinner was at my uncle & aunt's house, where we had bibimbab, japchae, miyukgook, and lots of vegan kimchi. I know bibimbab isn't exactly a special holiday meal, but I don't think you can go wrong when there's rice, and a bunch of my favorite Korean banchans all mixed up in one bowl. YUM.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7174/6568519179_623af4cc06_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0620.jpg" /></figure><p>For breakfast on Christmas morning, before rushing back to Seoul, I had homemade dan patjuk (sweet red bean porridge) with rice balls, some toast, and loads of fresh fruit. A perfect brekkie.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6562318503_bb649f4c1b.jpg" alt="IMG_0396.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and before I end today's Christmas post, here's Bunny with a bit of Christmas flare. haha. I just took one of those fruit foam wrappers and put it around her neck. I thought she would try to take it off, but I don't think she even realized it was on her.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6562318973_8b2071dc16.jpg" alt="IMG_0400.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6562319365_57fc3a74af.jpg" alt="IMG_0413.jpg" /></figure><p>She just went on her jolly way, doin' her biznaz, etc, while I laughed at her and took pics to show you guys. She entertains me endlessly.</p><p>Wellps, that's all I got for tonight. Have a good Christmas!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-36885591708274327132011-12-22T20:04:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.534-07:00baby it's cold outside...<a name='more'></a><p>Crappidy crap, it's so colddddd! blargh. Is it just me, or is winter this year extra brutal? I really ought to get a warmer coat, but in my mind, coat-shopping is a chore. Especially when trying to find a good cruelty-free one in Korea that is affordable and stylish at the same time. If anyone's got any leads, help a vegan sista out! Thankfully, I got some toasty gloves as a Christmas present the other day, so my hands are covered.</p><p>Anyhooz, Wednesday was my dad's birthday, so I made a quick trip to Cheonan to celebrate. Sadly, I wasn't able to do anything really special for him this year. :( Poor dad. I always feel bad because his birthday falls so close to Christmas day, and everyone's so busy that he doesn't get as much as he deserves. However, my mom put together a yummy birthday lunch:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7006/6552289015_a752a6c1be.jpg" alt="IMG_0358.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6552287859_34aa06062b.jpg" alt="IMG_0345.jpg" /></figure><p>Check out these onion ring jeon pancakes! Somehow, my mom got this idea of pouring the pancake batter into floured onion rings. hehe. They were cute and delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6552288437_0dacbd5c2c.jpg" alt="IMG_0355.jpg" /></figure><p>bean sprout and chives banch'</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6552290025_efe348c08b.jpg" alt="IMG_0365.jpg" /></figure><p>For dessert, I made a blueberry-almond cake, using a recipe from a Korean vegan baking book.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6552290971_ea40e049bc.jpg" alt="IMG_0384.jpg" /></figure><p>I loaded it with tons of blueberries (frozen), so it was positively oozing with gooey goodness. The bottom got a bit over-baked and it was rather plain for a birthday cake (no frosting, sprinkles etc), but thankfully, my dad is a simple kinda-guy and is pretty easy to please in the sweets-department. He never says anything bad about my baking, even when I think it's a flop. haha. Love my dad!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6536175825_4da0556306.jpg" alt="IMG_0121.jpg" /></figure><p>Hm, onto some other vegan eats, I recently had lunch at Garobee buffet. Yummy and fresh.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6536176405_472b000644.jpg" alt="IMG_0123.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6536176827_64e9a6f9ed.jpg" alt="IMG_0124.jpg" /></figure><p>Tater tots!!!! Let's all take a moment to picture Napoleon Dynamite stuffing his pockets with 'tots.</p><p>Well, it's Friday today, which means Christmas weekend! :) I'm going to a small potluck gathering tonight, and so i just made some miniature cookies and now I have a pumpkin pie in the oven. :) Fingers crossed... . If I don't post anything tomorrow, Merry Christmas!!! ta ta~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-71471451814451899782011-12-22T04:23:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.545-07:00Bottomless cookie jar<a name='more'></a><p>Wow, it's been a while since my last post. I'm sure other bloggers can relate when I say that I'm constantly thinking about this blog and my readers, even if it might not show visibly on here. Lately, I've just been a bit scatterbrained and disorganized. heehehe... I could be on the subway or just strolling through the grocery store, and I'll get this profound idea for a blog topic, and I'll say to myself "oh, I have to share that with my readers." But then ofcourse, by the time I actually sit down to write a cohesive post, I've long-forgotten all brilliant thoughts, my mind goes blank, and then I get distracted with other things. Bah. So I guess this is my feeble excuse for being a bit MIA lately. But fear not, my blog is not forgotten or neglected!</p><p>So then, what have I been up to? Well, the truth of the matter is that I've been spending most of my time baking. Holiday cookies, to be precise. Yeup. I wish I could say that I've been busy finding a cure for cancer or saving the world somehow, but nope... I've merely turned into a cookie-making machine. Not exactly lofty or glamorous, but by golly it's so much fun! Lately, I've been finding any excuse to try out new cookie creations, whether it be for my dad's birthday, for all my lovely bake shop customers, or for the ladies who work at my local post office. Cookies just make perfect holiday pressies and never fail to put a smile on someone's face.</p><p>In addition to actually baking the cookies, I've also had a blast photographing the results. Food photography has turned into such an awesome hobby and creative outlet, and you guys are my captive audience. Some of yous may have already seen some of these pics on my FB page, but for those of you who haven't, behold the cookie parade:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6452632841_a97dbfd017.jpg" alt="IMG_9271.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7156/6452631971_0a972551df.jpg" alt="IMG_9258.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_8075.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6233/6346188641_ecfb3b4d30.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_7997.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6346184829_f2c94c296a.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6218/6375645079_fbd7364542.jpg" alt="IMG_8390.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6222/6375643049_c982aedf08.jpg" alt="IMG_8376.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6109/6361550303_0d5131d292.jpg" alt="IMG_8290.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6046/6361554777_a6061bdef2.jpg" alt="IMG_8348.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6040/6361546367_42bec58629.jpg" alt="IMG_8227.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6036/6361541795_61d9034903_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8204.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6536187359_44638af470_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0222.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6536189395_e790c3f3c4.jpg" alt="IMG_0232.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7146/6504010517_edf8d04ee6.jpg" alt="IMG_0059.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7149/6504007369_a5a090c7de_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0023.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7165/6536182619_754ce11dfe_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0171.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7152/6536181379_604bd6f99b.jpg" alt="IMG_0160.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6542435475_85416814f8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0259.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6542442963_33ed083daf_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0334.jpg" /></figure><p>Ha. And you thought I was joking about me going cookie-crazy. One day, I'll have to compile all my cookie pictures into a recipe booklet or something... :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6513888549_2fb88d3308.jpg" alt="IMG_0119.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and there's only one more week to fill out the 'Best of 2011 Survey' for Korea! Hop to it. Spit spot.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-59613072953799474032011-12-16T22:30:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.556-07:00Noodle Box<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6119/6324576174_5184f1a06a.jpg" alt="IMG_7603.jpg" /></figure><p>This is a bit old, but a few weeks ago, some friends and I were wandering around Hongdae looking for dinner and we ended up at a Noodle Box joint. There are a few locations around Seoul, including one right by Itaewon station.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6038/6324578510_3dcef954c1.jpg" alt="IMG_7610.jpg" /></figure><p>They serve southeast asian food like pad thai and vietnamese-style noodles, and everything is always served in takeout boxes, even if you're eating in. It's a fun gimmick, but once the meal is over, you're left with a table covered with trash. It's a lot of unnecessary waste when you could just enjoy your dish from a washable plate. Hm... not such an environmentally friendly concept.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6059/6324577212_9f08f91e3d.jpg" alt="IMG_7606.jpg" /></figure><p>They prides themselves on their healthy menu and quick service. However, I think their menu falls short on the veg*an front. The only potentially vegetarian item is their Bun Bo Xao (5,700 won), which is a cold noodle dish with pineapples, carrot, onions, and cucumber, and some traditional Vietnamese sauce. I would've ordered this, but they were out of the necessary ingredients (weird since there's not a whole lot that goes into it anyway), so I ended up modifying their pad thai dish (no shrimp or eggs).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6223/6323825527_7a682f9d16.jpg" alt="IMG_7613.jpg" /></figure><p>Not a whole lot of ingredients left in the end. haha. Taste-wise, it was decent. It definitely could've had more colorful veggies like the photo on their website shows, but it was aiight and I didn't feel too bad about it since it was cheap (6,700 won).</p><p>For more info on locations and menu, check their website.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-24243395448902686202011-12-16T01:43:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.568-07:00Random eats!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7166/6475862207_9f384be09b.jpg" alt="IMG_9350.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week I went to Cheonan to help with the annual gimjang kimchi undertaking. My aunt was also making a ton of kimchi for her sister and friend, so we shared the workload. Her kimchi wasn't vegan, but my mom made a separate kimchi paste that was animal-free, just for me. I really need to post a proper recipe for vegan kimchi some day, but my mom always just eyeballs all the measurements so it's a bit hard to keep track... .</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6475862645_e47f0eb0f6.jpg" alt="IMG_9356.jpg" /></figure><p>The vegan kimchi paste</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7173/6475861903_e359837b43.jpg" alt="IMG_9348.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7023/6475862981_03ec72c6ea.jpg" alt="IMG_9357.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6475863693_9a47e1263d.jpg" alt="IMG_9381.jpg" /></figure><p>If kimchi were a currency, I'd be ballin' wid my giant tubs of vegan kimch' yo!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6475864645_ce1e017b25.jpg" alt="IMG_9406.jpg" /></figure><p>My own, my prrrecious. Yea, I get a bit protective over kimchi. I think I'm actually eating a bit too much these days that it's not going to last me all winter. Must ration... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7167/6475870269_13c0023572.jpg" alt="IMG_9473.jpg" /></figure><p>Little bit of ddeok for a snack</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7170/6475870921_f325162e88.jpg" alt="IMG_9495.jpg" /></figure><p>I also took some tempeh to Cheonan for my parents to try for their first time. My mom sauteed it with some other veggies and it was delicious!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7024/6475871511_a01e4ff5f1.jpg" alt="IMG_9500.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan jeon pancakes.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6475875011_090e186b9e_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9561.jpg" /></figure><p>We also tried making yakbab with brown rice, but it didn't quite turn out right because we didn't soak or cook the rice long enough. As a result, the rice was a bit on the tough side, but it still tasted yummy~ I love yakbab! It's like an energy bar or a portable snack, but it's not something I buy often because it's typically made with white rice. If I get ever get around to trying it again with brown rice, i'll definitely share it on here!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6475876135_90d8701696.jpg" alt="IMG_9573.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan dwenjang jjigye. One of my favorite Korean comfort foods.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7142/6475860839_b9fa8001bf.jpg" alt="IMG_9343.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's today's lunch. Rice, sauteed veggies, tempeh bacon (again), and gim.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6475861193_a82d56ce77.jpg" alt="IMG_9345.jpg" /></figure><p>If you can't tell, I'm totally addicted to tempeh these days. I have it almost every day! So stoked that the FFM started selling it.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6496866309_f5f52c976e.jpg" alt="IMG_9704.jpg" /></figure><p>Dotori mook salad with kimchi, gim, and sesame oil.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6513697877_826d4abd68.jpg" alt="IMG_0061.jpg" /></figure><p>And here's my latest order from iHerb. :) 2 packs of sorghum flour (for gluten-free experiments, hehe), aluminum-free baking soda, rooibos tea, and organic vanilla extract. Don't we all love this site? It's a godsend for us expats in Korea... .</p><p>Aiights people. That's all for today. Happy Friday!!! I'm gonna go snuggle with Bunny now.</p><p>Ps. Don't forget to submit your entry for the 'Best of 2011' Seoul Survey! And thanks to those who have already done it. So far, some interesting results!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-17376229724996464602011-12-14T23:24:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.579-07:00Polls open for my 'Best of 2011' Survey!<a name='more'></a><p>There's only a few more weeks before 2011 comes to an end, and you know what that means? The Alien's Day Out 'Best of 2011' Awards! For those of us in Korea, let's take some time to look back on a glorious year of vegan living in the land of morning calm.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7011/6513888549_2fb88d3308.jpg" alt="IMG_0119.jpg" /></figure><p>Last year, I compiled and shared my personal 'Best of 2010' list, but this time, I'm opening it up for the public to decide.</p><p>We've all enjoyed some delicious cruelty-free meals, explored new parts of Seoul, and discovered new online resources and delivery services to make vegan-living in Korea easier than before. So what better time than now to highlight those that were most memorable! This is your chance to voice your opinion and vote for your favorite veg-friendly restaurant, neighborhood, or grocery store. Who knows, maybe this survey will encourage more meat-centered establishments to provide vegan options in the future~</p><p>The polls will be open until Wednesday Dec 28th (less than 2 weeks), after which the results will be posted here on the blog. So what are you waiting for? Vote away! :)</p><p>Side notes: After much thought, I decided to limit the list of restaurants/cafes to those in Seoul. I understand that there are numerous vegan eateries outside of the capital city, but since Alien's Day Out is primarily a Seoul-focused blog, we'll start here. Perhaps next year, we'll open it up a bit more. :) Last but not least, there are several veg-friendly establishments I really wanted to include, but sadly, they have closed their doors. Macro Cafe, Muffinio Cafe, and Honest Loving Hut, to name a few. I'm still mourning the loss of Macro and their veggie burger... . sigh.</p><p>POLLS OPEN NOW. VOTE HERE! 1 submission per computer.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-25250199015155596462011-12-09T18:00:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.599-07:00Boozy Vegan Christmas Fruit Cake<a name='more'></a><p>Happy First Snow day in Korea! :) I was walking around outside yesterday and thought my face was gonna freeze off. Brr~ I hate winter weather, but I admit that I do love the holiday season. It just makes me want to round up all my family members and close friends, and give them a big bear hug. This time of the year also brings up so many good childhood memories of when my family lived in England/Edinburgh, and West Africa... . Some of my favorite Christmas memories took place in the UK, where we'd have Christmas crackers, chocolate advent calendars, and ofcourse, the stodgy Christmas fruit cake with marzipan on top.</p><p>For the longest time, I didn't enjoy Christmas fruit cake at all because it was just too dense and... fruity. I had a prejudice against it because it just seemed like something for old fogies. I guess shriveled up dried fruit with a hint of bitter rum just isn't something a kid craves. But now that I'm grown up and want to indulge in some old-school traditions, I've come to appreciate this classic dessert in a new way.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6479886943_11f17fed78_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9580.jpg" /></figure><p>To start, I checked out various vegan fruit cake recipes online and then adjusted them according to what I have and the size I wanted. Traditionally, you're supposed to bake the cake, wrap it up and store it in a tin container while "feeding" it with alcohol for a few weeks until it is good and fermented with rum. And then before serving, you top it with a blanket of marzipan. Phew! That's just more time and work than I'm willing to put into cake, so I called it 'done' after the first step. hehe. To anyone who does the whole shebang, my hat's off to you! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6475869109_68b2b36b5a.jpg" alt="IMG_9462.jpg" /></figure><p>For the alcohol, I originally wanted to use rum, but couldn't find it on short-notice so I just went with whiskey instead, which turned out fine. I actually didn't use much alcohol compared to certain fruit cakes I've had in the past. I remember one year when my parents were living in Wales, my mom made her first real fruit cake, with all the works. So several weeks later on Christmas day, we finally cut into it and it was so boozy, you could definitely get a little buzz going from one slice! Mine on the other hand, isn't that strong at all, but you can feel a teeny bit of warmth down your throat when you bite into a fruit piece that has been plumpified with the whiskey. :P</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7020/6475865831_d0938ab584.jpg" alt="IMG_9417.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6475866761_4a2dc92c82.jpg" alt="IMG_9432.jpg" /></figure><p>My first cake was tasty but a bit lacking in the fruit department, so for my second go, I increased the amount and variety of fruit to get this:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6479891153_1bbda4c2b2_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9634.jpg" /></figure><p>I think this one strikes a good ratio between cake and fruit- just enough to get the pretty stained glass window effect. Even still, it had less than most of the other recipes I checked out! I actually don't like it when fruit cake gets too bogged down with so much fruit that it's as heavy as a brick and just tooooo sugary sweet.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7018/6479888759_7b0c050244.jpg" alt="IMG_9612.jpg" /></figure><p>Instead of marzipan, I just decorated on top with blanched whole almonds.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6479899475_4939b1b8d2_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9690.jpg" /></figure><p>Boozy Christmas Fruit Cake<br />Makes 1 medium cake<br />advance preparation required</p><p>1/4 cup rum or whiskey<br />3/4 - 1 cup total of dried fruit. I used the following:<br /><ul><li>raisins</li><li>sultanas</li><li>dried tart cherries</li><li>dried apricots</li><li>dried cranberries</li><li>caramelized orange peel</li><li>tropical dried fruit mix (papaya, mango, pineapple bits)</li></ul>125g all purpose flour (1 cup)<br />1 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 tsp ground nutmeg<br />1/2 cup soy milk<br />1 tsp brown rice vinegar<br />45ml canola oil<br />80g sugar (3/8 cup)<br />2 tsp soy bean flour<br />2Tbs blackstrap molasses<br />1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/4 tsp orange extract<br />1/4 tsp almond extract (optional)<br />handful of blanched almonds.</p><p>1. Soak dried fruit in the whisky for at least 24 hours, stirring every so often so that all the pieces get softened.<br />2. When you're ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350F or 175C. Prepare your baking pan by lining it with paper or some oil and a light dusting of flour.<br />3. Sift the flour, spices, and baking powder together.<br />4. In a separate bowl, add the vinegar to the soymilk and set aside to curdle for a few minutes (essentially making buttermilk). Add soy bean flour, oil, sugar, molasses, extracts, and whisk well.<br />5. Mix the wet and dry ingredients until just incorporated, and then add the soaked dried fruit and almonds. Be careful not to overmix.<br />6. Pour into your prepared baking pan, and decorate with more almonds. Bake for 40-50 minutes, or until it is looks nice and dark on the top and a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Careful not to poke it too many times, or you might push all the fruit down to the bottom! :P</p><p>*I usually measure everything in grams for accuracy and consistency's sake, but I've tried to include volume measurements on the side.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6479901449_34104f99f7.jpg" alt="IMG_9695.jpg" /></figure><p>Moist, sweet, and has a lot of depth of flavor. Mmm~ tastes like Christmas. Cheers! (Gunbae!)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6479902397_0e4a1e8a60.jpg" alt="IMG_9703.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's a tiny, single-serving cake I made with some leftover batter. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7031/6479894927_362dd11c0b_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9656.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, do you like the rudolph card? I got it in the mail yesterday, from my unnie. First Christmas card of the year. :) xo</p><p>Happy Holidays, friends!</p><p>Ps. For those in Korea, this fruitcake is available on my bakeshop site. Order soon to get yours in time for Christmas!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-305278723692398562011-12-08T05:07:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.608-07:00First gluten-free baking attempt: Carrot Bread!<a name='more'></a><p>So it's already Thursday night and I really don't know where this whole week has gone... . time is just flying and before I know it, it will be 2012. craziness.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6452607247_bdc7d87bf1_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9148.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6452611179_a0f7191b9a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9163.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, before I start looking too far ahead, I wanna backtrack for a sec and do a post about the gluten-free carrot bread I made last week~ As mentioned before, this was my first foray into the world of gf baking and I have to say, I was nervous! hehe. Clearly, I don't have any intolerance to gluten, but I've gotten a few requests from some readers in Korea asking if I can include some gf items on the bake shop site, so I figured it would be useful to learn a bit about baking with different flours. Gosh, I can't imagine being gluten-intolerant in Korea... it must be a nightmare, so I think it would be cool to be able to eventually provide some gf treats.</p><p>When I first started looking into gf baking, I was totally intimidated by all the different flours that I have never used or even heard about before. At least in Korea the flour varieties are more limited, which is actually a good thing because it simplifies my options... No teff, sorghum, or quinoa flours here (at least not that I know of). Instead, so far, I've found the following flours online, at supermarkets, or at the Foreign Food Mart:</p><p>rice flour (various types)<br />soy bean flour<br />corn flour<br />pumpkin/kabocha flour<br />potato starch<br />tapioca starch<br />buckwheat flour<br />coconut flour</p><p>Still a decent amount of options, and I'm sure there will be plenty of wild experiments in the future!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7005/6452608745_e12e72dac5.jpg" alt="IMG_9155.jpg" /></figure><p>Since this was my first time baking gf, I wasn't sure what to expect. The bread rose beautifully, but the texture was noticeably... different. It was slightly gummier than I expected, but had this spongy quality to it at the same time. Is this normal? I also noticed that even though I only used 1/6 cup of oil, it still felt oily to the touch. It was still definitely edible though, and not bad for a first gf attempt! I'm a bit hesitant to post the recipe because I'm a total gf-noob and the carrot bread isn't quite where I want it to be. However, I'll let you try it and judge for yourself... . maybe you can tweak the recipe and let me know how yours turns out. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6452609447_d4b733f417.jpg" alt="IMG_9159.jpg" /></figure><p>For my gluten-free flour mix, I used a blend of three different flours/starches:</p><p>White rice flour 1 3/4 cup (270g)<br />Potato starch 2 cup or (205g)<br />Tapioca starch 1 1/2 cup (205g)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7013/6452618091_5f0a29b918_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9182.jpg" /></figure><p>Gluten-Free Carrot Bread<br />makes 1 small loaf</p><p>1 cup gf flour mix (see above)<br />1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/4 tsp salt<br />1/2 tsp xanthan gum<br />3/4 tsp cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp nutmeg<br />1/4 tsp all spice<br />1/4 tsp ground ginger<br />1/8 tsp ground cloves</p><p>1/4 cup + 2Tbs sugar (could increase slightly)<br />1/6 cup canola oil<br />1/3 cup soy milk<br />1/2 tsp brown rice vinegar<br />3/4 cup grated carrot</p><p>1/4 cup raisins, walnuts, etc</p><p>Preheat oven to 135F and prepare your baking tin. Sift and mix all dry ingredients together. Measure out the soymilk and add the vinegar, setting it aside for a few minutes for it to curdle. In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients, including the sugar, and also add the soymilk-vinegar mixture. Mix the wet with the dry, until just incorporated and gently stir in the raisins and nuts. Pour into baking pan and place in oven. Bake for about 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6452616147_a959cdb3b0.jpg" alt="IMG_9177.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-40402518072462223372011-11-30T01:42:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.626-07:00Holiday Gingerbread Cookies<a name='more'></a><p>Now that it's the holiday season, I've become completely obsessed with baking cookies. Hm... there's something about turning on the ondol floor heating, sipping a mug of minty hot chocolate, and listening to some naughty Christmas dubstep, that just makes me want to dance around and bake cookies. Lemon drop cookies, chai snickerdoodles, pecan shortbread cookies, chocolate cherry cookies... . I've posted a bunch of pics on my Facebook page, but I'll try to also share some of the recipes here over the next week or so. Get ready for some cookie porn, y'all!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6375662519_22326d3d14.jpg" alt="IMG_8634.jpg" /></figure><p>First up, a holiday classic: gingerbread men!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7172/6392913429_669db83ae9.jpg" alt="IMG_8947.jpg" /></figure><p>For these, I slightly modified Isa's wonderful Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies recipe on the PPK by reducing the sugar and oil slightly, and added about 1 Tbs of fresh ground ginger for some extra spicy oomph.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7168/6392910431_dddc7228ef.jpg" alt="IMG_8936.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the recipe with my modifications:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6234/6375670137_4fd0d6abdf_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8688.jpg" /></figure><p>Gingerbread Cut-Out Cookies<br />(adapted from Isa's recipe)</p><p>1/4 cup canola oil<br />1/2 cup + 2Tbs sugar<br />1/4 cup molasses<br />1/4 cup plain soymilk<br />1Tbs fresh grated ginger</p><p>2 cups all-purpose flour<br />1/2 teaspoon baking soda<br />1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />1/2 teaspoon salt</p><p>spice blend:<br />1/2 teaspoon each ground nutmeg, cloves and cinnamon<br />1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger</p><p>In a large bowl whisk together oil sugar, molasses, soymilk, and fresh grated ginger. In a separate bowl, sift all the dry ingredients together, and then add to the wet ingredients. Mix til you get a stiff dough. Wrap in plastic and chill for at least an hour. When you are ready to bake, preheat your oven to 350F. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thick and cut into shapes with cookie cutters. Poke holes for eyes with a chopstick and make smiley mouths with the edge of a teaspoon. Bake for 8 minutes for softer gingerbread cookies, and up to 11 minutes for crispier ones. Remove from oven and let cool on rack, before digging in~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6032/6375667963_3a71e4915e.jpg" alt="IMG_8669.jpg" /></figure><p>Poor guy got decapitated. T'was a swift execution.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6375670531_861d8a7deb.jpg" alt="IMG_8692.jpg" /></figure><p>The only problem with trying so many cookie recipes is that I end up with way more sweets than I can eat myself, so I've been sharing them with friends and sneaking extra random cookies into orders I get from the bake shop. hehe. Sharing the love, but also indulging my compulsion to bake. Win-win!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7015/6416260179_3323cee2c8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9125.jpg" /></figure><p>And check out my hand-painted cookie gift boxes. :) Oh what fun~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-13575246089328012562011-11-29T05:06:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.636-07:00Turkey-free Thanksgiving 2011<a name='more'></a><p>I know my Thanksgiving meal blog post is a bit late, but the past few days have been a bit cr-razy. Lots of things going on and the other day my oven decided to crap out on me while I was baking some pumpkin bread. Let's just say that I had a bit of a melt-down, rushing around looking for a new oven and also trying to fix my beloved old one. So I was a bit stressed and crunched for time to do any blogging. But thankfully, I was able to get my trusty lil' convection oven fixed today and now it's running smoothly. It's certainly not the most high-tech oven, but we've been through a lot together and I know it so well that it's like my baby! Hopefully it will stay strong for me to crank out many more pumpkin loaves and cookies.</p><p>Anyway, back to Thanksgiving. On Saturday, I went over to Sean & Kia's place for thanksgiving dinner. This was the first time in a few years that I didn't host the dinner at my place. It was nice to let someone else stress out over the menu-planning and cooking for once. haha. But even if Kia was stressed, she didn't show it and did an amazing job. She put together a smorgasbord of vegan-awesome, complete with tofurky, pineapple-glazed ham, and pumpkin cheesecake. It was probably the most impressive homemade vegan thanksgiving meal I've ever had. She went above and beyond, especially in creating the seitan dishes that I would be too scared to attempt myself. Anyway, here's everything that we had to eat for our turkey-free Thanksgiving Feast:</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7171/6410810093_59e338ae45_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9070.jpg" /></figure><p>To start, we each got a bowl of creamy veggie soup that tasted like it had smoked bacon in it. It was perfect as a soup, but was also doubled as a tasty gravy sauce for the mashed potatoes, seitan slices, and er... just about everything.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7019/6410811611_221e409584.jpg" alt="IMG_9077.jpg" /></figure><p>Perhaps the star of the meal was this stuffed tofurky roast. Looks amazing, no?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6047/6410805335_2e8c35109b.jpg" alt="IMG_9050.jpg" /></figure><p>Kabocha gnocchi & asparagus with creamy sauce.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6410801705_b03fc4bce2.jpg" alt="IMG_9026.jpg" /></figure><p>Button mushrooms filled with stuffing.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7157/6410805991_7576af1446.jpg" alt="IMG_9056.jpg" /></figure><p>Mashed potatoes!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6410807269_202f58323d_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9062.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan pineapple-glazed ham. "Wow" is all I have to say.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7029/6410808769_b2c25fb302.jpg" alt="IMG_9065.jpg" /></figure><p>scones</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6410806625_d187328283.jpg" alt="IMG_9057.jpg" /></figure><p>Kabocha with lentil salad</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6232/6410803223_8b371e381e.jpg" alt="IMG_9035.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6410800913_51c9a3d71a.jpg" alt="IMG_9024.jpg" /></figure><p>The condiments: spinach pesto & homemade cranberry sauce.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7155/6410814121_80b6794e30.jpg" alt="IMG_9082.jpg" /></figure><p>And since I didn't want to go empty handed, I brought some green bean casserole! Green beans in Korea are generally super expensive (and hard to find), but I was able to get a big bunch at a reasonable price, at the Chinese market in my neighborhood. For the recipe, I kind of just winged it after looking at several vegan ones online. Since french fried onions don't exist in Korea, I just sprinkled the top with vegan breadcrumbs mixed with a teeny bit of melted nondairy butter, salt and pepper. I imagine it was slightly healthier than using the traditional deep fried onions.</p><p>Here's what I did:</p><p>{ Vegan Green Bean Casserole }<br />serves 6-8</p><p>500g green beans, chopped<br />1 tsp salt<br />a pot of water</p><p>1/2 Tbs olive oil<br />1 medium onion, diced<br />3-4 cloves of garlic, minced<br />2 cups mushrooms, sliced (I used button and enoki)<br />1/2 carrot, sliced into small pieces<br />1/2 tsp sage<br />1 tsp dried basil<br />1 tsp dried parsley<br />salt & pepper to taste<br />2-3 Tbs flour<br />1 cup water<br />1/2 cup soy milk (I used a sugar-free version)</p><p>1 cup vegan breadcrumbs<br />1/2 Tbs nondairy butter<br />pinch of salt & pepper</p><p>1. Boil a pot of water and add chopped green beans and salt. Cook until the green beans are tender but still slightly crunchy. Rinse and let drain in a collander.<br />2. Preheat oven to 400F.<br />3. In a medium-sized pot, heat up some olive oil and then add the onion, garlic, and mushrooms. Stir until the onions are translucent. Add carrots, green beans and herbs. Cook and stir for a few minutes.<br />4. Dissolve the flour in about 1 cup of water and pour into the pot, stirring as it thickens. Add soy milk and cover the pot as it cooks for a few more minutes, until the carrots are soft. If the sauce is too thick, add more water or soy milk. Transfer to a baking casserole dish.<br />5. In a small bowl, rub some vegan butter into the bread crumbs, with some salt and pepper. Toss a bit before sprinkling over the veggies in the casserole dish. Place in the oven for about 15 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are brown and the sauce underneath is bubbling on the sides. That's about it! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7014/6410814789_1208504123.jpg" alt="IMG_9083.jpg" /></figure><p>Dayam hot vegan deliciousness on a plate.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7004/6410815395_01fbbe8696.jpg" alt="IMG_9084.jpg" /></figure><p>X-treme close up of green bean casserole.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7161/6410816803_958fdd3794.jpg" alt="IMG_9090.jpg" /></figure><p>Dan brought some super yummy bean burger patties which were addictively good, especially when topped with Anna's sun-dried tomato spread.</p><p>Talk about a feast!! And that doesn't even include the desserts. Kia was on a mission to make all of us feel stuffed to the max, by serving up two different desserts, using her brand new copy of Vegan Pie in the Sky by Isa Chandra Moskowitz and Terry Hope Romero. I can't wait to get my hands on my own copy to complete the recipe book trilogy!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6037/6410819743_de467f9d34.jpg" alt="IMG_9104.jpg" /></figure><p>Pumpkin cheesecake... </p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7021/6410819019_d05dc75fed.jpg" alt="IMG_9102.jpg" /></figure><p>... and chocolate pudding pie! Woahhhh~~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6054/6410820661_e7a90e7986.jpg" alt="IMG_9106.jpg" /></figure><p>Anna baked this awesome apple crisp with some special ingredient that I can't remember the name of... . It was goooood!</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7001/6410822527_0ee8d39777.jpg" alt="IMG_9111.jpg" /></figure><p>My dessert sampler plate. Everything was delicious! The pumpkin cheesecake was really good, but I think my favorite was the chocolate pudding pie. It wasn't fully set yet so it fell apart a bit, but who cares, it was yuummmmy~ tasted like childhood.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7150/6410809449_182e5ca021.jpg" alt="IMG_9068.jpg" /></figure><p>I also brought along some gingerbread cookies for dessert. I used the recipe from the PPK, but reduced the oil and sugar quite a bit.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7162/6410818279_136e1399ff.jpg" alt="IMG_9098.jpg" /></figure><p>The after-effects.</p><figure><img src="//farm8.staticflickr.com/7010/6410803897_209462299a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_9046.jpg" /></figure><p>The dogs also got some thanksgiving love. "Look stupid, Marcel! Gooood boy~" ^^</p><p>Well, by the end of the evening, I was completely stuffed to the brim. As always Kia & Sean were so generous in hosting this amazing gathering, and it was such a pleasure to hang out with some lovely friends. I definitely feel that I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Family, friends, my new apartment, my online bake shop, this blog, my readers and customers, delicious compassionate food, and good health... . grateful for everything.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-19151530472802845572011-11-28T04:49:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.646-07:00Silk Soymilk!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6053/6375641827_098a9a8e0d.jpg" alt="IMG_8364.jpg" /></figure><p>I found Silk soy milk at Sinsaegae Department store at the Express bus terminal, both chocolate and vanilla flavors! They only carry the small cartons and are quite expensive, but I know some people who are die-hard Silk lovers, so this one's for you. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-16428325460382677032011-11-23T23:08:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.655-07:00Home-cookin': the good, bad, and downright ugry<a name='more'></a><p>Happy Thanksgiving!!!</p><p>Wow, it's so cold outside! Buggin 'ell! I was hoping the season would stay perpetually in fall, but no... . Winter had to stealthily sneak up from behind and deliver a roundhouse kick to our faces. I don't even know if that's even possible from behind, but whatever, it's coooold! It was so frigid yesterday that I officially pulled out my fake ugg boots to keep my feet cushy warm before heading out today. Mmm, toasty toes!</p><p>Anyhoo, enough chit-chat about the weather... . let's talk food.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7581.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6230/6323819083_73c2d1f4fe.jpg" /></figure><p>Recently, I was amazed to learn that the FFM carries tempeh! I never noticed them before, because they are buried in the corner of one of the freezers in the back, amongst various frozen meat products.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7833.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6113/6346170499_5a57374b62.jpg" /></figure><p>I've been stocking up and eating this on a regular basis now. Protein, fiber, iron! All good shtuff.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7836.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6346170727_5836e9f73e.jpg" /></figure><p>With my first block, I made tempeh bacon using the recipe from Vegan Brunch. However, I left out a bunch of ingredients like the tomato paste and vegetable broth, and subbed agave syrup for maple syrup, and sesame oil for olive oil.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7838.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6346170907_910d8c1b6c.jpg" /></figure><p>I'd actually never cooked tempeh before (only eaten it a few times in the US), so this was new territory for me. Yet even with all those omissions and substitutions, my bacon strips still came out yummy!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7842.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6346171307_dc44e74110.jpg" /></figure><p>The taste and texture was actually more like ham/spam, but it was really good. Super salty, in a good way. I wanted to make a BLT sandwich with this, but didn't have any bread on me, so I ended up eating it with rice and banchans. I'll make a proper BLT next time~</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7827.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6346920390_2e3b7fc45a.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's a tofu & veggie scramble.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7949.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6346930060_e01f4ce258.jpg" /></figure><p>Breakfast of oatmeal with chia seeds (ordered from iherb), pumpkin ddeok, pears and persimmon.</p><p>I've also been playing around with different baking recipes lately. And as is the case with experimenting, there are always a lot of flops and disappointments... </p><figure><img alt="IMG_8464.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6375649509_ecee195c81.jpg" /></figure><p>Apple muffins. They looked okay, but tasted bland because I forgot to add any spices.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_8470.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6239/6375649985_68a0d8ecba.jpg" /></figure><p>It was desperately crying out for some cinnamon and nutmeg.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_8495.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6040/6375651051_61ca30a99e.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_8522.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6049/6375652377_c8c9a4edfa_z.jpg" /></figure><p>I also attempted a whole wheat carrot quickbread, but it turned out a bit dry and crumbly... . :(</p><figure><img alt="IMG_8524.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6050/6375652835_7a0a23c317.jpg" /></figure><p>back to the drawing board!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7582.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6057/6324573304_1c8fbe1c7c.jpg" /></figure><p>And how can I forget my failed persimmon muffins, which came out spectacularly flat and gummy on the inside. Persimmon season is ending, so I've kind of given up on this one. Maybe I'll try again next year... . :P</p><figure><img alt="mug cake" src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/4955806095_c5b5e69c6f.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and don't even get me started on my attempt at the ever-so-popular microwave mug cake.</p><figure><img alt="mug cake" src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/4956397910_f0cf318b27.jpg" /></figure><p>yeaaa... . we'll just leave it at that.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-83733410581011413242011-11-22T01:07:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.668-07:00Happy Workspace 2012 Desk Calendar!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6216/6381740307_a067b4be95_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8906.jpg" /></figure><p>My 2012 Calendars have arrived from the printer! Phew, I was a bit nervous that they wouldn't be done in time for the holiday season, but thankfully they were delivered today, a little ahead of schedule. This leaves plenty of time for them to be shipped anywhere in the world, before Christmas and New Years. :) And I'm so happy with the way they turned out!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6229/6381735681_554011ed53_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8825.jpg" /></figure><p>side view. sturdy cardboard backing.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6095/6381731637_4195630c02.jpg" alt="IMG_8715.jpg" /></figure><p>2012 full-year calendar. There's also a full calendar for 2013 on the last page.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6221/6381736109_38613534d0.jpg" alt="IMG_8830.jpg" /></figure><p>Each month has a different color palate, and there is plenty of space to scribble down your important notes and birthdays.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6381734249_8528776efd.jpg" alt="IMG_8804.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6116/6381734677_b2b9c4fa95.jpg" alt="IMG_8819.jpg" /></figure><p>Once the year is over, you can tear the pages out and hang the images on your wall, or turn them into cards. Recycling is encouraged! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6104/6381737373_970d886e8b.jpg" alt="IMG_8875.jpg" /></figure><p>Available for purchase on my Etsy shop.</p><p>Thank you for your interest and support! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-16580292092639453862011-11-21T05:53:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.679-07:00Ahn Hyun Pil Healthy Buffet @ Daerim Station<a name='more'></a><p>So it's been almost 2 months since I moved to the west side of Seoul. While I'm enjoying a lot of things over here, I also miss my old stomping grounds at Gunja. One of the biggest things I miss is being so close to the Achasan Loving Hut buffet! Now it's just so far that I don't want to sit on the subway that long to get there.</p><p>However, lucky for me, I found another veg*n buffet quite close to me! It's called 안현필 건강 밥상 (Ahn Hyun Pil Healthy Dining Table) and upstairs they hold health classes that teach community residents about holistic nutrition and the value of plant-based, natural, whole foods, organic diet. Originally, the buffet started out as a cafeteria for the students who attended the courses, but people enjoyed the food so much that they turned it into an actual restaurant.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7951.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6346180219_cfdd369676.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, my mom was here the other week and so I dragged her there with me to check it out. As soon as we walked in, the owner ajuma greeted us with a warm smile. She also quickly walked us through the buffet line, letting us know where everything was, and explained the concept of the restaurant and their food values.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7958.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6346931258_ac936941dd.jpg" /></figure><p>The spread isn't as plentiful and diverse as the Achasan LH, but eating here only costs 9,000 won so I reckon it's worth it! :)</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7954.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6092/6346930642_572d78661a.jpg" /></figure><p>All their greens are organic, they use whole wheat flour for their jeon pancakes, and they have healthy rice made from a mix of brown and wild rice.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7961.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6346931498_a90d15aa08.jpg" /></figure><p>They also aren't as veg-meat heavy like LH. There's only one wheat meat dish and the rest is just various vegan Korean dishes like japchae, mook, salads, soups, and kimchis.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7955.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6346930876_850bff6b94.jpg" /></figure><p>Uncomplicated, fresh, natural food... just like it should be.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7953.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6095/6346180447_facab90ba5.jpg" /></figure><p>Fermented natto beans, vinegary soy beans, and dwenjang.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7964.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6346931788_e8fb300a5c.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though it's a buffet which is normally associated with eating as much as your belly can handle, it's not the kind of place that promotes over-eating. They suggest that guests take their time to really savor the food and enjoy the meal, and they also ask that no food be wasted. Trust me, not a single morsel went to waste!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7963.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6346181669_d3ca36c9ec.jpg" /></figure><p>Lots of greens for rice-wrapping. Also, some salad with vegan dressing, natto and vinegary beans, and sea vegetables.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7970.jpg" src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6044/6346182763_b84b9ba860.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm actually not such a fan of natto... the sliminess is hard to get used to.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7974.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6346933086_5ab6af4a08.jpg" /></figure><p>Pat juk! This wasn't the sweet version of patjuk, but just the regular, more savory type. Quite nice~~</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7965.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6346931968_7aa6210fda.jpg" /></figure><p>Miyuk guk.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7976.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6346933538_c034862e89.jpg" /></figure><p>Whole wheat bread with some of their homemade syrup, seeds, and 5-bean powder. The ajuma suggested I eat the bread like this. :)</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7981.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6346183709_a57178e829.jpg" /></figure><p>The bread was kept in a steamer so it was nice and warm and chewy~ I didn't really see the point of sprinkling the bean powder on top, but I did like their syrup and seed mix.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7989.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6346934012_7c34b57324.jpg" /></figure><p>By the cash register, they have shelves carrying various veg*an foods like veg meat, ramen (not all are vegan though, so just double check), wheat crackers and snacks, various flours, dry noodles, organic sugar, etc.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_7995.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6346184649_7b61dac605.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions to Ahn Hyun Pil:<br />Daerim Station, Line 2 & 7. Go out Exit 2 and go down the first road on your left. Walk a few minutes, pass some food markets, and the restaurant will be on your left. 4-5 minute walk from station exit.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-2638502423029114842011-11-19T15:39:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.689-07:00Birthday yums<a name='more'></a><p>Thank you everyone for your all your birthday wishes and amazing comments on the postcard giveaway. Not only did you share your favorite veggie dishes and your locations around the world, but you also wrote some incredibly touching words of encouragement. Sometimes I second-guess what I'm doing, lose confidence, and think myself into a funk, but then you guys overwhelm me with goodwill and put a smile on my face. Really, thank you! :)</p><p>Well, I had a wonderful birthday. As I shared in my previous post, I went down to Cheonan to hang out with family first. My mom was the best and put together a delicious lunch for us and my aunt who also came over to celebrate. If anyone were to ask what I'd want for my last meal, it would look something like this:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6101/6361531277_52f47d3822.jpg" alt="IMG_8120.jpg" /></figure><p>Good ol' Korean food!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6031/6361529071_c173cca8b8.jpg" alt="IMG_8112.jpg" /></figure><p>Bowl of hot miyuk-guk (sea vegetable soup). This is a traditional birthday soup for Koreans, but actually, I didn't grow up eating this on my birthdays because I used to hate seaweed! But then I went vegan, learned about plant nutrition, opened my mind, and now I love it. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6211/6361529607_c37a80c618.jpg" alt="IMG_8113.jpg" /></figure><p>Japchae noodles.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6120/6361529989_913ce7151b.jpg" alt="IMG_8114.jpg" /></figure><p>Fresh baby greens from my parent's indoor farm. haha. Can't believe the veranda farming is still going strong.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6220/6361530353_14364c8ca8.jpg" alt="IMG_8115.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan bulgogi made with soy meat, bought from here. Recipe here. I find it quite amusing that my mom, who's not vegetarian, is better at cooking tvp than me. Go umma!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6218/6361530861_830b07fb24.jpg" alt="IMG_8117.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan chong-gak kimchi.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6060/6361531611_08ee7d7658.jpg" alt="IMG_8123.jpg" /></figure><p>Dessert: persimmons, clementines, coffee.</p><p>Oh, and although I said I might not get around to baking a vegan birthday cake for myself, the thought of having a cake-less birthday was depressing, so for the sake of tradition, I (with the help of my mom and aunt) baked a simple vanilla sheet cake. Once it was done, we sliced it up and spread raspberry jam between the layers:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6111/6361532063_7343dbf3e3_z.jpg" alt="IMG_8139.jpg" /></figure><p>Happy birthday to me.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6039/6361533125_500c8911bf.jpg" alt="IMG_8155.jpg" /></figure><p>I also topped it with some lemony tofu cream and a frozen strawberry from my mom's freezer. I didn't blend the cream long enough so it was a wee bit lumpy, but it was a nice way to top everything off.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6221/6361534807_2984d214c9.jpg" alt="IMG_8162.jpg" /></figure><p>Nothin like a hunka birthday cake to ease the pain of getting older.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6109/6361539295_f77723f12f.jpg" alt="IMG_8171.jpg" /></figure><p>Later in the afternoon, I rushed back to Seoul to partake in a truly scrumptious dinner at Taj: Taste of India, with some of my favorite people. I really like this Indian restaurant. It's on the pricier side, but it's worth it for the classy, romantic ambiance, excellent service, vegan-friendly menu and staff. Oh, and their food is always delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6235/6361536573_a15007d512.jpg" alt="IMG_8165.jpg" /></figure><p>Yellow dal & spinach curry (no cream, cheese, etc), enjoyed with many baskets of vegan roti.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6052/6361538775_9dc77a5d87.jpg" alt="IMG_8170.jpg" /></figure><p>Mushroom & potato curry.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6237/6361528513_fee2ee97a2.jpg" alt="IMG_8109.jpg" /></figure><p>As for birthday loot, my uncle was so generous and bought a huge box of clementines for me. Fresh fruit: what an awesome pressie! I also got some lovely non-edible presents from both family and friends such as a beautiful wooden tray, body lotions, tea, pajamas, and a donation to the Humane Society made in my name. :) Love them all.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.staticflickr.com/6094/6361535979_2646cff759.jpg" alt="IMG_8164.jpg" /></figure><p>And check out these bunny socks I got! I shall be rockin' these til they get stinky and holey.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-72716801626857284722011-11-15T02:21:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.710-07:00Learning to love & respect this veggie-fueled body<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6346171739_3bf07f0226.jpg" alt="IMG_7847.jpg" /></figure><p>Last Saturday, a couple friends and I went to check out the Body Worlds & the Cycle of Life exhibition that is going on at The War Memorial of Korea, near Samgakji Station. For those who have not heard of this exhibit before, it's shows real human bodies that have been preserved though a process called 'plastination.' I'd only seen a few pics of this famous exhibition before and was actually rather scared to see it in-person (I'm a woos, remember?), but curiosity won out, and in the end I was really glad I went! It was pretty incredible. You could see everything: bones, muscle, tendons, blood vessels, organs, hair, nails... . fetuses in different stages of gestation, cross-sections of entire body parts, and bodies arranged in various positions.</p><p>The bodies actually really didn't seem real and I kept having to remind myself that I was looking at an actual human being that once lived a real life. The exhibition wasn't that big but I thought it was really interesting and I came away with not only a new sense of wonder for the human form in general, but also a new-found respect for my own body. I feel that so often we (especially women) are quick to critique all of our bodily flaws. But seeing this show was a reminder to focus on the strength of my body and its ability to function the way it does, and to treat it with respect and kindness. It's interesting how these stripped-down, plastinated figures can say so much about the beauty and wonder of our physicality. Anyway... not to bore you guys, but I thought it was a great exhibit and I recommend checking it out whether you're in Seoul, or when the show comes to a place near you.</p><p>And now onto some weekend eats:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6346173047_ffe57b7158.jpg" alt="IMG_7861.jpg" /></figure><p>After the exhibit, we walked to Noksapyeong/Itaewon and had dinner at Wang Thai. They have an awesome vegetarian menu with plenty of vegan options (see this post). I got their Vegetable Sweet & Sour dish (10,000?). It was lovely~~ I'm usually not a fan of cooked pineapples, but I actually enjoyed them in this dish.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6231/6346927886_02fec32367.jpg" alt="IMG_7922.jpg" /></figure><p>Over the weekend, a handful of friends got together at Chris' place just to veg-out, watch movies, and eat snacks. My goodness, there was so much food that all the snacking turned into very filling dinner. There was a seemingly bottomless supply of nachos and salsa, lots of wine, crackers, nuts and raisins, and a huge pot of this:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6346176805_fde57c637f.jpg" alt="IMG_7912.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo whipped up some bombass vegan ddeokbokki! She actually bought vegan odeng (fish cakes) at the Thien Dang Loving Hut and it was a great addition.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6101/6346177573_2a7d8d43d3.jpg" alt="IMG_7921.jpg" /></figure><p>I haven't had this classic street-food dish in ages because almost all street vendors cook it with the fish cakes and hardboiled eggs mixed in. And Yunseo did an amazing job with her vegan version- it was yummmyyy~ :) I just love how nowadays practically everything and anything can be made cruelty-free and still taste delicious!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6346179045_2b6693d62a.jpg" alt="IMG_7938.jpg" /></figure><p>While Yunseo was at Thien Dang Loving Hut, she also grabbed a box of pre-made vegan spicy chickin' wings, made of texturized soy protein. We just popped them in the microwave for a sec before digging in.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6346928548_42745146a7.jpg" alt="IMG_7929.jpg" /></figure><p>Boom. Vegan chickin' wings. They look pretty amazing, eh?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6346929356_773070b761.jpg" alt="IMG_7939.jpg" /></figure><p>Taste-wise, they were pretty decent too~ The texture was somewhat 'airy' (?) and it was a bit too oily for my liking, but I s'pose that's only being true to the original. hehe. I did enjoy the salty, spicy, sweet bbq sauce though! It was definitely a novelty to eat vegan chikin' wings. Now if only we had some vegan ranch dressing... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6346176961_966012aaa5.jpg" alt="IMG_7915.jpg" /></figure><p>My small contribution was some olive focaccia bread from Bakersfield in Gangnam, and these homemade peanut butter rice krispie squares with melted chocolate on top. :) A little sugar to balance all the salty-spiciness and to make our movie-grub complete. Perhaps it wasn't the most nutrient-dense or diverse spread, but it was all plant-based, cruelty-free, and my body (read: my tummy) was happy.</p><p>Anyway, my body, mind, and soul were all fed and well-satisfied this weekend. Life is good and I wish the same for all my readers! I'm sending happy thoughts your way~ nite nite!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-47370829502192952422011-11-11T02:42:00.000-08:002017-06-12T18:09:47.729-07:00Triple-Eleven, babyyy~<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6333813638_9d083a29cd.jpg" alt="IMG_7720.jpg" /></figure><p>Today is Nov 11 which means Pepero Day. And this year, it's 11-11-11, or as Koreans have dubbed it, "Millennium Pepero Day"! This annual commercial event seems to get bigger and bigger every time, but this year, it might as well be a national holiday. Supermarkets, convenience stores, cafes and bakeries have gone totally bonkers with their Pepero-theme displays and no one can avoid or escape these cookie sticks. If you thought Pepero days were ridiculous in the past, this year, it's Pepero day on crack.</p><figure><img src="//farm5.static.flickr.com/4017/5166107905_eaa0755886.jpg" alt="IMG_0559" /></figure><p>I know this is ultimately just a gimmicky business strategy by Lotte, and like Valentine's day it promotes the idea that you need to buy 'stuff' in order to tell people you love them. However,I gotta admit that it's pretty brilliant marketing on their part and I've kind of gotten sucked into all the hype. A day where you get to give and receive chocolate-covered cookies... who wouldn't want to participate!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6333816514_d4c56c68dc_b.jpg" alt="IMG_7753.jpg" /></figure><p>However, instead of giving Lotte my hard-earned money by buying their non-vegan pepero, I decided to 'stick' it to the man by making my own cruelty-free version. I did this last year too, but this time I used a slightly different recipe.</p><p>The recipe for the cookie part is actually the recipe for my basic homemade crackers. They're really easy to make and don't require many ingredients. You could even substitute the soy milk with just water if you wanted.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6333065363_64909e35be.jpg" alt="IMG_7759.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan Stick-it-to-the-Pepero-Man! Sticks</p><p>3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1/4 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 1/2 Tbs sugar<br />pinch of salt<br />2 Tbs grape seed oil<br />2 Tbs soy milk</p><p>1/3 cup dark chocolate chips<br />toppings: chopped nuts, fruit, coconut shreds, sprinkles, etc</p><p>Preheat oven to 170C. Sift and mix all dry ingredients together. Add the oil and rub it into the flour with your fingers until you get a coarse sandy texture. Add the soy milk (or water) and mix until it comes together in a ball. If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour by the teaspoon, and if it is too dry add a little more soy milk. On parchment paper, roll out the dough to about 4mm thick. Next, use a knife to score lines through the dough. Transfer the whole parchment paper with dough onto a cookie sheet and bake for about 15 minutes, or until it is slightly browned and crunchy. Break the pieces apart and let cool.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6333813084_f42cedee27.jpg" alt="IMG_7710.jpg" /></figure><p>Prepare your toppings by chopping some nuts and/or dried fruit into small pieces. Next, melt your chocolate in a double boiler or microwave. Hold one end of a cookie stick and use a spoon or spatula to cover the cookie in a thin layer of chocolate, before rolling it in the toppings.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6333061329_251873a6a4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_7707.jpg" /></figure><p>Lay the sticks on sheet of parchment paper and leave for about an hour for the chocolate to cool and set.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6333070797_c5e60be3f2_b.jpg" alt="IMG_7813.jpg" /></figure><p>Package them up and give to all your friends on Pepero day. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6333814300_bc80f214f0.jpg" alt="IMG_7736.jpg" /></figure><p>You could use any toppings you like, but here's my vegan pepero trifecta:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6333815800_49946bd7e6.jpg" alt="IMG_7749.jpg" /></figure><p>Coconut</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6333063711_9ba002624a.jpg" alt="IMG_7743.jpg" /></figure><p>'The Classic'</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6333063367_03a90dc00e.jpg" alt="IMG_7740.jpg" /></figure><p>Cranberry-Almond</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6333067551_dcba75fd90.jpg" alt="IMG_7779.jpg" /></figure><p>The cookie part doesn't have too much flavor or sweetness, but the chocolate and various toppings make up for that. It's really all about the crunch and the fun of biting into the long stick. :P</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6031/6333068151_37c91d0177.jpg" alt="IMG_7794.jpg" /></figure><p>Pepero Day or not, any reason to bake cookies and cover them in chocolate is good in my books.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6019/6333071507_e6a1c8f731.jpg" alt="IMG_7819.jpg" /></figure><p>I know the day's almost over here in Korea, but if you're on the other side of the world, it's not too late to make your own vegan pepero sticks and celebrate this unique date. Happy 11-11-11 day!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-56661333947312712612011-11-04T01:30:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.749-07:00Feel. Good<a name='more'></a><p>If anyone's interested, here are some things I've been up to lately:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6307710206_5397fbbfa1.jpg" alt="IMG_7390.jpg" /></figure><p>Baking! Thank you to everyone who has ordered and shared goodies with friends and coworkers, I appreciate your support!!. ^^</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6307711218_f08d93009e.jpg" alt="IMG_7417.jpg" /></figure><p>Random cookie. I bought a set of cookie alphabet stamps at the Bakery Fair, so I tested them out on a naked thin mint cookie (without chocolate coating).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6256408285_043228a0e4.jpg" alt="IMG_6306.jpg" /></figure><p>I shopped at Gyahaha (갸하하), one of my fave vintage stores in Hongdae.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6256939626_ff9549fb33.jpg" alt="IMG_6316.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6276301250_8edd1b203e.jpg" alt="IMG_7023.jpg" /></figure><p>Next, I've returned to one of my favorite past times: cafe-exploring in Hongdae. I wish I could chill at a Hongdae cafe every day, but when one Americano costs around 5,000 or more, that's just not gonna happen.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6276301692_4a0db6394e.jpg" alt="IMG_7027.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6262142113_c2fa763d0c.jpg" alt="IMG_6421.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6262140029_69f213a051.jpg" alt="IMG_6392.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6262666672_10078cb410.jpg" alt="IMG_6402.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6107/6276302816_434e4834d0.jpg" alt="IMG_7038.jpg" /></figure><p>Lilian and I also grabbed dinner at a random Korean restaurant where we asked the ajuma to make vegan dwenjang jjigye- and she did! For me, this is the ultimate comfort food: rice, jjigye, and banchans. I'm so Korean.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6280165416_61dfe09b7d.jpg" alt="IMG_7166.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week, I also met up with Janice who flew in from Cali, and she surprised me with two huge jars of agave syrup and almond butter!! They don't look that big here in the photo, but trust me, they are the large versions. I've been enjoying the almond butter immensely- she know me too well.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6310902850_a43f1ee3cc.jpg" alt="IMG_7570.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's a shot of today's breakfast featuring the almond butter. Hot oatmeal with apple chunks, dried jujube slices, almond slices, and a dollop of almond butter.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6093/6310900174_867958fe34.jpg" alt="IMG_7519.jpg" /></figure><p>This was yesterday's lunch: rice noodles sauteed with various veggies, and some vegan hotdog franks that I got at Thien Dang Loving Hut a few days ago.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6291648562_4c17ae1753.jpg" alt="IMG_7171.jpg" /></figure><p>I also recently visited Boramae park which is walking distance from my house. A smallish park, but clean and peaceful~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6275778897_06141da61f.jpg" alt="IMG_7034.jpg" /></figure><p>Last but not least, whenever I have a chunk of free time, I've been trying to draw or paint. Multi-tasking is not my forte, and with various other things going on these days, it's hard to get myself to sit down and paint for a solid couple hours. Must work on that... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6116/6242216347_e8f4979dd8_z.jpg" alt="IMG_5961.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's a commissioned owl painting I did last month. i love painting owls~ heehee</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6256407863_9919da44e7.jpg" alt="IMG_6302.jpg" /></figure><p>Well, that just about sums up my life these days. Not very eventful or exciting, but it's a content life. :) ta ta for now!~~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-29931729619861548732011-11-02T22:00:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.763-07:00Pho & cookies<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6307193095_458c3e99b0.jpg" alt="IMG_7465.jpg" /></figure><p>Went to Thien Dang Loving Hut last night. Believe it or not, this was only my second visit to this LH branch, and ever since I heard that they added pho to their menu, I'd been meaning to return! I looove pho from the bottom of my heart and I still get cravings for the amazing vegan pho I had at Cali last year, so it's a bit of an understatement to say that I was excited to try Thien Dang's version.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6307717054_aaef060a2c.jpg" alt="IMG_7478.jpg" /></figure><p>Pho (8,000 won)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6307195099_30f3c313b7.jpg" alt="IMG_7480.jpg" /></figure><p>So how was it? Hm... it was aiight. Okay, to be honest, it was a bit of a miss for me. I really wanted to like it, but the rice noodles were too thick, bloated, and soft that they kept breaking apart. The soup also wasn't very flavorful and they didn't have hoisin or sriracha sauce on the side to make the pho experience complete. I know I shouldn't expect so much since they're not a specialized pho restaurant, and perhaps my past vegan pho experience has set the bar too high, but still... There was only one lady in the kitchen doing everything from taking orders to cooking, so I think my dish ended up sitting on the counter for some time before serving. Moreover, I think pho noodles really ought to be eaten with rounder plastic chopsticks that won't cut into the noodles the way flat metal chopsticks do. Overall, the whole thing was just a bit awkward to eat. But on a positive note, the veg meat slices were a nice addition and the portion was quite large. And as the only restaurant in Seoul with vegan pho, I gotta give them props. Next time though, I think I'll stick to their rice dishes, or their burger which is juicy delicious. Yunseo and Chris ordered different dishes which they both said they enjoyed.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6307193557_16407f028e.jpg" alt="IMG_7468.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo ordered the Tomato spaghetti</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6307716270_a3a2c90cd2.jpg" alt="IMG_7470.jpg" /></figure><p>Chris got the Tom Yum Goong with rice noodles.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6307716658_4219be2985.jpg" alt="IMG_7474.jpg" /></figure><p>the sides</p><p>Anywayyy~ After dinner, we ended up hanging out at my place. My first house guests (besides my parents)! Chris offered to hook up my new wireless router for me (I'm technologically-challenged), so while he was busy doing that, I helped Yunseo bake her first ever batch of cookies!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6221/6307718758_3a199790a4.jpg" alt="IMG_7487.jpg" /></figure><p>We picked the Cherry Almond Cookies recipe from VCIYCJ which is super easy since they're just drop cookies, but we replaced the cherries with cranberries. The recipe says it yields 2 dozen cookies, but I guess we made ours a little bigger and got 16.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6307722098_4fbeced238.jpg" alt="IMG_7506.jpg" /></figure><p>As Yunseo's first cookie-baking experience, she did an awesome job. They turned out delicious!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6057/6307721600_70d6b075c0.jpg" alt="IMG_7504.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6307721134_d29b561f9e.jpg" alt="IMG_7502.jpg" /></figure><p>Slightly firm and crispy on the edges yet chewy and soft on the inside. Chris gave his manly stamp of approval by gobbling down about five cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6307200357_ca22792bf4.jpg" alt="IMG_7511.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6307723400_564140a48e.jpg" alt="IMG_7516.jpg" /></figure><p>So yea, what could be better than hanging out with chingus at home, blasting some tunes and baking late-night vegan cookies? Oh, and for the first time in my life, I have wifi in my own home! Wooottt~! Now i can take my laptop outside on the patio and blog from there~~ I've entered the twenty-first century. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-15708262367594016362011-10-31T04:58:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.785-07:00Scary Movie Night!!!<a name='more'></a><p>Wow, it's been a while since my last post! Apologies for the long pause. Well, today is the last day of October which means Vegan MoFo has come to an end! I hang my head in shame over how little blogging in did this month for MoFo. But instead, I'm sending out virtual props and high-fives to all my fellow veg bloggers who showed the world that vegans don't live on carrot sticks and tofu alone. You guys blogged some crazy, impressive, cruelty-free deliciousness. Well done you!</p><p>Anywayy~ Since it was Halloween weekend, on Friday a couple of us gals got together at Kia's place for a scary movie night!</p><figure><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-19ifRi4XsQA/TrFSxJ-8JLI/AAAAAAAAAq8/9OFejwF0bRQ/s1600/s_70047_d6d28c61.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.best-horror-movies.com/image-files/dracula-horror-movie-poster.jpg" /></figure><p>I am seriously the worst at watching scary movies. I'll never forget in college how I couldn't sleep for about a week after watching that zombie movie 'I Am Legend' with Will Smith, and I had to sleep in my roommate's bed! I usually avoid horror flicks at all costs, but this time, I decided to be brave and and embrace the 'scary.' First, we watched the classic 'The Exorcist' and later we also watched Francis Ford Coppola's version of 'Dracula.' Omg. I think I covered my eyes for about half of 'The Exorcist.' Freaked me out!! Everyone else had already seen it before, so I got them to warn me when the scariest parts were gonna happen. But still... . certain scenes and sounds... . aghhh, i don't want to think about it... moving on!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6102/6291131875_ceeccffb5e.jpg" alt="IMG_7196.jpg" /></figure><p>For movie-noshing, Kia whipped up three different vegan flavors of popcorn (cheezy-garlic, smoked chilli, and butter-salt), and a batch of soft, chewy chocolate chip cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6291130297_81282e4298.jpg" alt="IMG_7181.jpg" /></figure><p>cookies cooling on the rack.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6291651488_3c50e05f90.jpg" alt="IMG_7193.jpg" /></figure><p>mulled wine!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6291130905_b1ef7a4a17.jpg" alt="IMG_7186.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6291651258_444f9f035f.jpg" alt="IMG_7190.jpg" /></figure><p>Dogs went crazy for some popcorn! Anyhoo, I'm proud to say that I survived the night and actually didn't have any nightmares after (at least not yet). I guess I've gotten a little less sensitive with age... haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4064696754_3e638742a6.jpg" alt="Halloween 2009 (blue tone)" /></figure><p>Happy Halloween!! I didn't dress up this time, but here's me as a dark unicorn from last year.</p><p>What is the scariest film you've ever seen?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-75659692315787750802011-10-23T22:59:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.837-07:00Songnisan in the Fall<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6268486031_7c8a5b1865_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6598.jpg" /></figure><p>For the past 2 years or so, my parents have been wanting to visit Mt. Songni-san in the fall because it's pretty famous for its beautiful autumn colors. However, we were always either too busy or we missed the peak fall foliage period, so we never got around to going. However, amazingly, this year we set the date like a month in advance, stuck to our commitment, and made it happen! My uncle and aunt who recently moved back to Korea from Brasil also joined us which was nice.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6268485075_6886201323.jpg" alt="IMG_6595.jpg" /></figure><p>The changing leaves and their bright autumn colors were so gorgeous.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6269015822_45efeba476.jpg" alt="IMG_6611.jpg" /></figure><p>Being in the middle of such natural beauty never fails to recharge my batteries and inspire new passion for life!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6268498377_79300253ae.jpg" alt="IMG_6653.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6269041966_609e0e13ee.jpg" alt="IMG_6806.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6269024152_a2e1ac13bb.jpg" alt="IMG_6647.jpg" /></figure><p>Leaves, the 'rents, and a tiny bug.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6269010114_a90453f765.jpg" alt="IMG_6590.jpg" /></figure><p>Can't image a more perfect coffee break spot.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6268497339_1751e0db39.jpg" alt="IMG_6648.jpg" /></figure><p>I love trees!!!</p><figure><img src="//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6268485075_6886201323.jpg" alt="IMG_6595.jpg" /></figure><p>The hiking course we picked was about 3.5km and it wasn't too steep or difficult, but it was still a quad workout. My parents and relatives were too tired to go the whole way, but I was determined to get to the top!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6269017964_244d49f58a_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6621.jpg" /></figure><p>Soon all the colorful trees turned into rocky boulders and at the very peak there was a steep metal staircase that led to a small look-out point, where you could see a 360-degree view. Climbing the stairs on the side of the rock was a bit scary because it was so exposed and the strong winds made me feel like I might get blown off.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6268492349_7c4cdb796c.jpg" alt="IMG_6627.jpg" /></figure><p>The view from the top. Awesome.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6268491103_11e49ac4c2.jpg" alt="IMG_6622.jpg" /></figure><p>I love that all you can see is layers and layers of mountains, far into the distance. These photos don't really do the actual scene justice. It was much more impressive in person.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6268610241_62b93db7ac.jpg" alt="IMG_6623-IMG_6633.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's a panoramic view that I stitched together out of multiple photos. Click here for larger view.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6268494105_2151e7d199.jpg" alt="IMG_6634.jpg" /></figure><p>Unfortunately, it was really windy and cold at the peak and I wasn't dressed warmly enough, so I just snapped some photos and made my way back down. I didn't time myself from the start, but I think it took about 1:20 hours to get to the top, and another hour coming back down.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6269030002_3228233fc7.jpg" alt="IMG_6693.jpg" /></figure><p>By the time I met up with everyone else and returned to the bottom, I was pretty low on energy and needed fuel. So en-route to lunch, I munched on a vegan banana muffin that I baked for our trip and a clementine.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6035/6269028906_6defd33bbb.jpg" alt="IMG_6676.jpg" /></figure><p>For lunch, we popped into a random Korean restaurant by the road. I got sanchae bibimbab.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/6268502431_a2b9909b4f.jpg" alt="IMG_6686.jpg" /></figure><p>I was really hungry after all that hiking and this totally hit the spot. I usually like lots of fresh lettuce in bibimbab, but this was amazing with all cooked, seasoned wild greens, a squeeze of sesame seed oil, and a dollop of gochujang. It could've been my hunger talking, but this bibimbab was just so good! Deliciously memorable.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6051/6269027680_060a70bb5b.jpg" alt="IMG_6670.jpg" /></figure><p>The banch' spread.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6269032826_c217673ec2.jpg" alt="IMG_6749.jpg" /></figure><p>After lunch, we hit the road and headed to the main side of Songnisan National Park.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6268547209_f40c2d38fb.jpg" alt="IMG_7003.jpg" /></figure><p>map of Songnisan National Park</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6269043792_deb3c098d3.jpg" alt="IMG_6816.jpg" /></figure><p>There were a lot more people here, just taking a leisurely stroll~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6269044154_6365bddc30.jpg" alt="IMG_6820.jpg" /></figure><p>I know nature shots tend to be a bit boring, but I gotta post these because I just love trees in the fall!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6219/6269066896_b9af7a1337.jpg" alt="IMG_6973.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6111/6269046016_3b5ba7fa98.jpg" alt="IMG_6830.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6268528499_9bc08a1bf9.jpg" alt="IMG_6903.jpg" /></figure><p>At Songnisan, there's also a large Buddhist temple called 'Beopjusa,' and on these grounds, there's a gold-plated Buddha statue (Cheongdong mireuk bul) which is apparently the tallest in the world!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6059/6269047578_40dc14e1fd.jpg" alt="IMG_6839.jpg" /></figure><p>Woah.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6269049838_e7eb9063cd.jpg" alt="IMG_6851.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6268523973_223fe329f5.jpg" alt="IMG_6860.jpg" /></figure><p>Towering over everything!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6048/6268525349_9be1a0b2bf.jpg" alt="IMG_6871.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6224/6268527005_3938657a3d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6883.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6269055004_4d39bf516b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6896.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6269059536_4474530aef.jpg" alt="IMG_6932.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6269057692_86597e43ff.jpg" alt="IMG_6920.jpg" /></figure><p>me & a big slab of rock.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6268536469_6d0c0f6dec.jpg" alt="IMG_6950.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6268536801_6159b5f77d.jpg" alt="IMG_6951.jpg" /></figure><p>More trees! So colorful!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6268538455_37c0b0239f.jpg" alt="IMG_6963.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6269066206_6139e11dd8.jpg" alt="IMG_6965.jpg" /></figure><p>stacks of wishes</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6269064686_3f3f494df8.jpg" alt="IMG_6962.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6240/6268540895_c57871ba23.jpg" alt="IMG_6980.jpg" /></figure><p>Moss-covered squirrel sculptures, clinging to trees.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6269068244_f18a7a6fcb.jpg" alt="IMG_6982.jpg" /></figure><p>Where am i?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6269072790_34f3ea8d88.jpg" alt="IMG_6999.jpg" /></figure><p>Along the road leading to the National Park, there were plenty of restaurants for hungry hikers to unwind and relax at.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6268546475_2c3406490e.jpg" alt="IMG_7001.jpg" /></figure><p>dong-dong ju (동동주). A type of traditional rice liquor, similar to makkgeolli.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6269034298_78686d3336.jpg" alt="IMG_6770.jpg" /></figure><p>There were also lots of farmers selling local, seasonal fruit and veggies for people to take home as edible souvenirs. Ofcourse we took a sack of persimmons. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6269034600_556d01839b.jpg" alt="IMG_6771.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/6268508277_1d7c1738ba.jpg" alt="IMG_6773.jpg" /></figure><p>Fresh and dry jujube dates!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6037/6269035282_f7a83969eb.jpg" alt="IMG_6774.jpg" /></figure><p>Crunchy, sweet, and delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6269068966_940ac8805f.jpg" alt="IMG_6986.jpg" /></figure><p>Snack cart. Yay!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6232/6269037778_75c19ab397.jpg" alt="IMG_6785.jpg" /></figure><p>Corn and ddeok rice cakes on a stick.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6268509887_fb4890a622.jpg" alt="IMG_6779.jpg" /></figure><p>Roasted chestnuts!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6268511467_63bd4df882.jpg" alt="IMG_6787.jpg" /></figure><p>Gosh, there is so much great food in the fall~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6269070058_4ec89300fc.jpg" alt="IMG_6990.jpg" /></figure><p>Loads of dried edibles like strange roots and gogi berries... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6269069658_827a846bde.jpg" alt="IMG_6989.jpg" /></figure><p>... and bundles of dried wild mountain greens.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6269072392_c128a3c92f.jpg" alt="IMG_6998.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/6268543847_99072c1a61.jpg" alt="IMG_6992.jpg" /></figure><p>traditional, Korean knick-knacks.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6268548495_c1b7dc294a.jpg" alt="IMG_7011.jpg" /></figure><p>Mid-afternoon snack: clementines and chestnuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6268504821_5ea9617835.jpg" alt="IMG_6730.jpg" /></figure><p>Anywayyy~ before we knew it, the sun was starting to set and it was time to head home. I was pretty pooped by the end of the day- traveling and sight-seeing is hard work! Really though, every time I explore a new part of Korea, I'm impressed and moved by all the beauty this small country has to offer. I recommend everyone go hiking this fall, before all the leaves disappear! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-51461891432975535262011-10-23T01:23:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.852-07:00Fell + Cole @ Hongdae<a name='more'></a><p>I hope I'm not boring you with all these Hongdae posts, but there are just so many interesting veg-friendly places to blog about in this part of Seoul.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6262654716_768c8078fa.jpg" alt="IMG_6368.jpg" /></figure><p>Last week, I got tipped off to a new ice-cream joint in Hongdae called Fell + Cole, and was told that they have vegan sorbet! I was there the next day.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6262655062_c337f019f4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6372.jpg" /></figure><p>You know you're somewhere special when one of their ice cream flavors is called "Darth Vader." :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6262130407_f0e763e363.jpg" alt="IMG_6379.jpg" /></figure><p>Cute halloween decorations~ I love it when Korean businesses get into the halloween spirit!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6262130077_c44d85b14e.jpg" alt="IMG_6378.jpg" /></figure><p>Apparently, the owner picked up the skills to make gastronomic ice cream when he lived in San Francisco. He is really kind, friendly, and speaks perfect English. The whole place is very foreigner-friendly~ And even though this place has a flair for wacky flavor combinations and prides itself on its use of high-quality ingredients, the interior and staff behind the counter are down-to-earth and unpretentious. Oh, and as soon as I told them I was vegan, they wasted no time in giving me sample spoons of all the dairy-free options!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6262655310_26a5a9e353.jpg" alt="IMG_6375.jpg" /></figure><p>I got to taste four different vegan sorbet flavors that they had in-stock that day: lemon, blueberry-banana, strawberry wine & szechuan pepper, and red wine & coke. Although sorbet is meant to be just fruit and sweetened water, this is Korea and often times vegan things are unveganized for no good reason, so it's nice that Fell + Cole knows what it's doing in the sorbet department.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6262130883_b45cf0bcc2.jpg" alt="IMG_6384.jpg" /></figure><p>In the end, I picked this Strawberry wine and Szechuan pepper sorbet (4,200 won). Perhaps a tad pricey, but delicious! The tiny pepper bits added a unique, slightly bitter edge to the overall sweet strawberry wine.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6262656838_e1fcd2375a.jpg" alt="IMG_6386.jpg" /></figure><p>Lilian and I enjoying our cold treats. :)</p><p>Visit Fell + Cole's Facebook page for info & directions.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-12880707887900228742011-10-20T05:13:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.861-07:00Vegan Banana Cream Cake @ Cafe Harunohee<a name='more'></a><p>While I was living at Gunja station, Cafe Harunohee was always my go-to coffee shop. Now that I'm all the way on the other side of the city, I miss going there and just hanging out with Minju and the other workers. But lucky for me, it looks like I'll be making regular trips to Harunohee because I'm going to be stocking the cafe with baked goods again! Check out the newest cruelty-free item on the fall menu:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6263503964_310b32420d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3055.jpg" /></figure><p>Banana Cream Cake! This is a vegan banana chocolate-chip walnut muffin that has been sliced in half and filled with non-dairy whipped cream and fresh banana slices, and then topped with more cream along with a sprinkling of dark chocolate shavings.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6084560921_91e25285db_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3073.jpg" /></figure><p>It's a banana cream pie, in cake-form.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6058/6238951599_83500775a8.jpg" alt="IMG_5876.jpg" /></figure><p>There will also be various cookies/biscotti for sale from the Alien's Day Out bake shop!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6263453362_1eb001c87e_b.jpg" alt="사진 001" /></figure><p>So wat you waitin' for. Treat yo self to some vegan banana cream cake and cookies, while sippin' on a soy sweet potato latte~</p><p>(haha, love this clip, but just ignore the part about the "fine leather goods" hehe.)</p><p>Directions to Harunohee Cafe:<br />Gunja Station, Line 5&7, Exit 6. Walk straight for about 7 minutes. The cafe will be on your left.<br />Children's Grand Park Station, Line 7, Exit 1. Walk straight for about 7 minutes. The cafe will be on your right.<br />Tel: 02-453-0508<br />Hours: 11am-11pm</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-4290381394544925892011-10-18T19:50:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.872-07:00October Artisan Boulangerie<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6216/6256930826_d074703301.jpg" alt="IMG_6260.jpg" /></figure><p>New favorite bakery in Hapjeong: October Artisan Boulangerie!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6211/6256406425_22aaa8f8a7.jpg" alt="IMG_6288.jpg" /></figure><p>Love the interior. Reminds me of all those bakeries I visited in Pareee~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6256407613_18af0a2811.jpg" alt="IMG_6297.jpg" /></figure><p>It's got a good selection of animal-free breads and the lady at the counter is vegan-savvy in that she recognized the word 'vegan' and said that they get quite a lot of people coming in with specific dietary restrictions. She was also helpful in pointing out several options, free of milk, butter, cheese, lard, egg, etc:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6052/6256402409_9493ab94ea_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6266.jpg" /></figure><p>Three different vegan focaccia breads: basil, button mushroom, and olive focaccia.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6256931550_f49429f58c.jpg" alt="IMG_6264.jpg" /></figure><p>The mushroom one looks especially juicy and delicious... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6256403393_a25a100d59.jpg" alt="IMG_6270.jpg" /></figure><p>These three rustic French breads in the center were all vegan.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6256933512_44c73d6641.jpg" alt="IMG_6273.jpg" /></figure><p>Levant</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6256404145_f761130a2f.jpg" alt="IMG_6274.jpg" /></figure><p>Ficelle bread</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6256934284_31c837a2e6.jpg" alt="IMG_6276.jpg" /></figure><p>Campagne bread</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6256934762_daf67a22db.jpg" alt="IMG_6279.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6256405589_3c7fafd57d.jpg" alt="IMG_6282.jpg" /></figure><p>More vegan options:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6256403187_30b046e043.jpg" alt="IMG_6269.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6256404905_0f6b0b4345.jpg" alt="IMG_6277.jpg" /></figure><p>Looks so crispy good!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6256406855_2d171fa6c0.jpg" alt="IMG_6294.jpg" /></figure><p>Plain ciabatta</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6256402665_a5ae134d20.jpg" alt="IMG_6267.jpg" /></figure><p>Ciabatta with a Mediterranean twist? Yes please~!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6257047037_662df7bc84.jpg" alt="IMG_6326.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm just gonna go ahead and say that this was the best ciabatta bread I've had in Korea. It was ridiculously soft and pillowly. I just wanted to take a nap on it... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6096/6257048901_be90b13046.jpg" alt="IMG_6342.jpg" /></figure><p>... but I used my better judgment and instead turned it into a sammich for dinner with sauteed spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, and pan-fried smokey tofu.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6257049363_1c36747396.jpg" alt="IMG_6345.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's what I did:</p><p>For the tofu:<br />2 thin slices of tofu<br />1/2 tsp liquid smoke<br />1/2 tsp crushed fennel seeds<br />salt & pepper, to taste<br />1/2 tsp olive oil (for pan frying)</p><p>Pat your tofu dry with a paper towel to soak up as much water as you can. Next, sprinkle some liquid smoke, crushed fennel seeds, salt and pepper on top. Heat some olive oil in a nonstick skillet, over medium heat, and then place the tofu in the pan, cooking on both sides until it is browned and slightly crispy. Remove from pan and set aside.</p><p>For the veggie filling:<br />1/2 tsp olive oil<br />1 garlic clove<br />1/4 cup mushrooms<br />1/2 of a red or green bell pepper, sliced thin<br />1/2 tsp dried basil<br />1/2 tsp dried parsley<br />salt & pepper to taste<br />handful of spinach leaves, washed and drained</p><p>In the same non-stick pan, heat a little more olive oil over medium-high, then add the garlic, mushrooms and bell pepper slices. Toss until they are fully cooked and the mushrooms are nicely browned. I like to cook them until they are even slightly charred... hehe. Add seasonings and toss for a minute more. Next, add the spinach and toss quickly, just until the leaves are wilted, before removing from the heat (less than one minute). Finally, assemble your sandwich with the veggies, the pan-fried tofu, and whatever other condiments you desire. Enjoy!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/6257580358_f5398240b1.jpg" alt="IMG_6348.jpg" /></figure><p>The only thing missing was some mustard spread. Must add that to my shopping list.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6257050773_9c33bbb23b.jpg" alt="IMG_6357.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6225/6257581606_8ce999cdd2.jpg" alt="IMG_6359.jpg" /></figure><p>dinner: scrumptious sammich with crunchy apples for dessert.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6229/6257582016_e48046682e.jpg" alt="IMG_6362.jpg" /></figure><p>Seriously, best sandwich I've made in a long time, thanks to October Bakery!</p><p>Anyway, I think October is my new favorite bakery in the Hongdae/Hapjeong area. It's bigger than Paul & Paulina, has a greater variety of breads, more vegan options, and there are tables inside as well as outdoor seating. You can also order a steaming hot coffee to enjoy with your breakfast baguette.</p><p>So go check out October,... in October! :)</p><p>Directions:<br />Hapjeong Station, Line 6&2. Come out Exit 5 and turn right at the 'Giant' bike store. Walk straight for 5-7 minutes and October will be on your left.<br />See Google Map.</p><p>서울시 마포구 서교동 399-24<br />02-322-7882</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-61633875817382437982011-10-17T05:04:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.885-07:00Random eats & Bunny's glamorshots<a name='more'></a><p>Here are a few things I've eaten lately:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6249089320_869d72c052.jpg" alt="IMG_6045.jpg" /></figure><p>On Friday, I slept over at my friend Rachel's house, and we had a very healthy midnight snack of fruit while watching a Korean rom-com! Not your typical sleep-over snackage, but it was good~ :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6249089536_57f4de8eef.jpg" alt="IMG_6050.jpg" /></figure><p>Then the following morning, we were too lazy to go outside for lunch, so we ended up ordering-in. I got a bowl of pat-juk (red bean porridge). It was okay... definitely had too much rice in it and not enough beans. My mom makes the best patjuk, for sure.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6248563323_98f9bf7b09.jpg" alt="IMG_6052.jpg" /></figure><p>On Saturday, I also attended my good friend Dan's wedding. Can't believe he actually got married, and I'm so happy for them! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6248563717_a05dbcc2e1.jpg" alt="IMG_6056.jpg" /></figure><p>They look like an Asian version of Ken and Barbie. A beautiful couple. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6248563531_8c96bf2f05.jpg" alt="IMG_6055.jpg" /></figure><p>As is typical of Korean weddings, after the ceremony there was a big buffet spread. Most of the food wasn't vegan, but there were a few veggie banchans I filled up on.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6248564379_96aa861356.jpg" alt="IMG_6061.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6249090740_a2b771912c.jpg" alt="IMG_6060.jpg" /></figure><p>Dessert was 2 bowls of ddeok and fruit. The round, green ddeok with sweet white bean filling was soooo soft, chewy, sweet, and delicious! Best ddeok I've had in a while.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6242226235_5f38b19953.jpg" alt="IMG_6036.jpg" /></figure><p>Sunday's breakfast was oatmeal cooked with apple chunks and cinnamon, and then topped with a persimmon, jujube chips, and sesame seeds.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6220/6242226533_496f74c55d.jpg" alt="IMG_6038.jpg" /></figure><p>I shall call this my 'Land of Morning Calm' oatmeal.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6249089058_c45f3b8bb0.jpg" alt="IMG_6044.jpg" /></figure><p>Today's lunch was curry noodles with eggplant, enoki mushrooms, tofu, and perilla leaves. And vegan kimchi on the side.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6053/6251745191_dd869520f8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6087.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, enough about food. Yesterday, the weather was so lovely that I took Bunny to the rooftop of my building and we hung out there for a bit. I caught up on some reading and journaling, while Bunny ran around and enjoyed the view.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6032/6251763649_9ecb06daf5.jpg" alt="IMG_6242.jpg" /></figure><p>We had a mini photoshoot for Bunny. Enjoy:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6252286150_b3ee0f75cd.jpg" alt="IMG_6181.jpg" /></figure><p>First, hair & make up.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6212/6251758009_c369af0146.jpg" alt="IMG_6197.jpg" /></figure><p>Gotta clean behind those ears... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6252281454_b4a4631790.jpg" alt="IMG_6143.jpg" /></figure><p>Lookin' fierce. A bit too fierce.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6120/6252280724_14ae0ec055.jpg" alt="IMG_6142.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6251752195_cb18c473b2.jpg" alt="IMG_6149.jpg" /></figure><p>pensive. gazing into the distance... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/6251762195_2e1503dc66.jpg" alt="IMG_6231.jpg" /></figure><p>sexy, wind-blown hair</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6044/6252278700_b1553ba66f.jpg" alt="IMG_6122.jpg" /></figure><p>Wait, where u going... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6251748375_15a6de50cf.jpg" alt="IMG_6121.jpg" /></figure><p>come back.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6112/6251753395_9fd77349f7.jpg" alt="IMG_6166.jpg" /></figure><p>Good job, Bunny!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/6252283636_05f3168980.jpg" alt="IMG_6173.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6251752783_1e12943144.jpg" alt="IMG_6161.jpg" /></figure><p>*pet, pet, pet*</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6230/6252290890_cb9e5389be.jpg" alt="IMG_6228.jpg" /></figure><p>up close n personal.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-61901826014478916342011-10-14T01:33:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.897-07:00Laksheme: vegan "donuts"!<a name='more'></a><p>Now that I'm on the west side of Seoul, I'm muuuch closer to Hongdae which is one of my favorite places in this city. Before, I only made it out to Hongdae about once every few months, but now I'm pretty sure I'll be hanging out there at least once a week. There are just so many things to explore, discover, see and taste!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6242219967_9b12ba60f5.jpg" alt="IMG_5988.jpg" /></figure><p>For instance, yesterday, I came across Laksheme, which is a "well-being" donut shop right along the main road leading up to Hongik University and believe it or not, they serve some delicious vegan donuts! Ok before I go any further, I should warn you that these are not your typical fat-laden dunkin' or krispy kreme donuts. Instead, Laksheme has healthified "donuts" that are steamed rather than deep-fried, and they do not come with tooth-rotting glaze or eggy custard inside. And for those with soy allergies, their vegan donuts are all soy-free too! The lady at the counter was great in pointing out the five vegan options, which comprise the following:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6242736080_88f085533f.jpg" alt="IMG_5979.jpg" /></figure><p>Very Berry donuts, and Lemon Peel donuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6242736390_707b02cb9c.jpg" alt="IMG_5980.jpg" /></figure><p>Mocha donuts</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6242737264_c1630d3b77.jpg" alt="IMG_5985.jpg" /></figure><p>Cinnamon donuts</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6242736906_35aa1cedcd.jpg" alt="IMG_5982.jpg" /></figure><p>And almond donuts!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6039/6242739114_a3f3c3a53b.jpg" alt="IMG_5997.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6242221959_f037df0dd6.jpg" alt="IMG_5999.jpg" /></figure><p>They also have steamed muffins, although these are not vegan.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6242737518_dd530694ba_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5986.jpg" /></figure><p>"Low Fat, Yes Diet" haha. I'm not a calorie counter, but for those of you who are, you'll be pleased to know that the store lists the calories right next to each item. Depending on which donut flavor you get, the calories range from 120-190. I don't know how that compares to regular donuts, but I think this is pretty low, no?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/6242220213_5001a4d9a8.jpg" alt="IMG_5990.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6097/6242738284_6c0f68f2e8.jpg" alt="IMG_5991.jpg" /></figure><p>cutesy interior~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6239/6242741038_1a7f6d5e30_b.jpg" alt="IMG_6006.jpg" /></figure><p>I picked the 'Very Berry' donut (1,700 won) and headed to Design Aa Museum cafe where I enjoyed it with some overpriced Americano.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6242223587_a6c749e348.jpg" alt="IMG_6008.jpg" /></figure><p>To be clear, I'm not really sure you can honestly call this a 'donut' because aside from the familiar ring shape, it did not resemble a donut in either texture or even taste. Since it wasn't deep fried and contained minimal fat, it did lack the slight crispy surface and the rich flavor that is characteristic of a traditional donut. BUT, with all that said, I have to say that I LOVED this. Some donut loyalists might be offended or disappointed at this 'faux,' healthified cake-thing, trying to trick people into thinking it's a real donut, but I've never been a fan of donuts anyway so this wasn't the case for me. Infact, I think I preferred this, although it's kind of like comparing apples and oranges.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6226/6242743290_0dace2b29b.jpg" alt="IMG_6019.jpg" /></figure><p>The crumb was ever so light, soft, and spongy, and the dried cranberries provided just the perfect amount of mild sweetness. And there were plenty of walnuts studded throughout.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6242225691_52940450f1.jpg" alt="IMG_6027.jpg" /></figure><p>I was kind of in awe of the whole thing, while it quickly disappeared into ma mouth. I enjoyed it so much I almost walked all the way back to the store for a second one! I know I will absolutely go back to Laksheme to try all the other flavors in the near future.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6242735484_39030dafc7.jpg" alt="IMG_5975.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions to Laksheme<br />Hongdae Station, Line 2, Exit 9. Walk straight out of the exit for 1 block and turn left after VIPS. Go up the road towards Hongik University. Laksheme will be on your left, in the Prugio complex. It's a few stores before Dos Tacos. Check their map.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-29080087845997047182011-10-12T23:49:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.909-07:00'I Love Fall' Care Package!<a name='more'></a><p>A couple bake shop announcements and shameless self-promoting today! Thank you for bearing with me as I peddle my goods... ^^</p><p>To celebrate this glorious fall weather, I've adding a sampler box to my online bake shop called the 'I love Fall' Care Package (16,000 won). Inside your carefully-packed box, you will receive:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6228/6238952809_e74b02d866.jpg" alt="IMG_5904.jpg" /></figure><p>1/2 loaf of banana nut bread<br />1 cranberry cacao-nib oat bar<br />2 cookies (ginger and/or chocolate snickerdoodle)<br />1 slice of zucchini bread<br />1 slice of pumpkin bread<br />1 brownie w/ walnuts<br />4 coconut macaroons<br />1 original art postcard (design may vary)</p><p>This is the best way to taste and sample as many different things as you can without having to order whole batches or loaves. It will also make a great gift for that special person in your life, vegan or not. And if you feel weird about ordering a care package for yourself, drop hints to your folks back home to order a box for you using Paypal, and then act surprised when you get it! :)</p><p>Next, for those who want to order items individually, there are two new items on the bake shop menu:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6187147548_8c9852a110.jpg" alt="IMG_4818.jpg" /></figure><p>#1. Brownies! Took me long enough to get this on the menu, eh? Dense, cakey yet slightly fudgy at the same time, these walnut-brownies are an indulgent treat for your sweet tooth. Individually packaged for freshness.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6186638689_edba67d5a4.jpg" alt="IMG_4947.jpg" /></figure><p>#2. Banana Nut Bread. Slightly chewy on the outside, yet soft and moist on the inside.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6187157410_d6da77eb02_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4935.jpg" /></figure><p>The natural sweetness from the bananas + the nuttiness of the walnuts = match made in heaven~ :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6239472074_0c81b1f1ec_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5916.jpg" /></figure><p>Last but not least, I recently got 10 different postcards made, each featuring one of my original paintings and illustrations! :)</p><p>- Coffee Dunk<br />- Bunny says hello<br />- Trees<br />- Sprinkles, not salt<br />- Bird & Balloons<br />- Do yoga, not drugs<br />- Drops<br />- Faces, united<br />- Bunny misses you<br />- Owl</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6064025854_69bf0e760c.jpg" alt="IMG_2642.jpg" /></figure><p>Write a note on the back and send these to your friends and family back home, or simply frame them for hanging. You can order them individually from my bake shop site at 1,500 won each, or you can get the complete pack of 10 postcards, 12,000 won for Korean bank electronic transfers or $12.99 for Paypal orders.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/6238954593_8245b2f847.jpg" alt="IMG_5933.jpg" /></figure><p>And great news for my international readers! I will ship the postcards to anyone and everyone all around the world, so no one is excluded! If you're ordering through my bake shop site, please note that baked items are limited to those in South Korea. This 10-pack is also listed on my Etsy store, but the price is slightly higher to cover the listing fee.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6239473042_3579946b4f.jpg" alt="IMG_5922.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6114/6238953387_a2027caa43.jpg" alt="IMG_5919.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6064024314_b62c0e8863.jpg" alt="IMG_2634.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6106/6239472690_ea1036de01.jpg" alt="IMG_5920.jpg" /></figure><p>'Sprinkles, not Salt'</p><p>Thank you for your interest & support! ^^</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-55135013253658828582011-10-12T03:23:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.920-07:00Carrot-Pineapple Cake with Tofu Cream~<a name='more'></a><p>It's only been about 1 and a half weeks since I moved into my new apartment, but for some reason, it feels like over a month. So much has been going on lately that the days have all just blurred together... While I am pretty much settled into my new place, I also feel a strange sense of home-sickness. I miss the familiarity of my old Gunja neighborhood, and even the comforts of living at home in Cheonan! I think it's the crisp fall weather that's making me all sentimental and nostalgic for simpler days... . So last week, I revisited my old stomping grounds and hung out at Cafe Harunohee, and then yesterday, I was feeling the need to be around family so I managed to make a short spontaneous trip to Cheonan! The countryside was a-callin'.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6234264180_2660d236db.jpg" alt="IMG_5784.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, while I was there, my mom wanted to try the carrot-pineapple cake I made for the art reception this past weekend, so we did a little baking together. And now here's the recipe for you to try it yourself! The original version comes from this famous "Incredible Vegan Carrot Cake" recipe, but I made a few modifications based on the reviews. I subbed in some whole wheat flour, reduced the oil and sugar, and added some applesauce. The original recipe also includes all kinds of add-ins like shredded coconut, nuts, and raisins, but I kept the cake as 'basic' as possible to let the texture and flavor of the carrot and pineapple chunks stand out more. I'm sure the addition of walnuts and raisins would've turned this cake into a disco dance party in your mouth, but instead of that, I just topped the cake with some silky smooth tofu cream and garnished it with a few almonds, pumpkin seeds, and raisins.</p><figure><img src="//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6151/6233741293_8236219c22_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5835.jpg" /></figure><p>Carrot-Pineapple Cake (adapted from here)<br />Makes 1 9" x9" cake</p><p>3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp cinnamon<br />1/2 teaspoon allspice<br />1/2 tsp nutmeg<br />1,2 tsp salt<br />1 1/2 Tbs ground flax seed<br />1/4 cup water<br />1 cup organic cane sugar<br />1/4 cup canola oil<br />2 Tbs applesauce (I used homemade)<br />1 cup carrots, finely grated<br />1/4 cup canned pineapple, crushed and drained<br />1/2 tsp vanilla</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 350F or 180C. Line cake pan with parchment paper or lightly oil and flour the inside. In a medium bowl, mix flours, baking soda, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, baking powder, and salt.</p><p>2. Use a whisk or blender to whip the flax seed and water until it gets thick and creamy (I use a hand-held immersion blender), and then add the sugar, canola, applesauce, grated carrots, crushed pineapple, and vanilla extract. Mix well.</p><p>3. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix until just combined. At this point, feel free to throw in any add-ins like raisins, nuts, or coconut shreds. Pour batter into cake pan and smooth the surface with a spatula.</p><p>4. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean (in my convection oven it took about 30 minutes, but in my mom's gas oven, it took about 40.)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6233740841_6f3a633a46.jpg" alt="IMG_5829.jpg" /></figure><p>Tofu cream topping<br />1/4 block of medium-firm tofu, rinsed and drained<br />1 Tbs agave syrup<br />1/2 tsp cornstarch<br />1/2 tsp vanilla extract<br />1 tsp marmalade jam (or lemon juice)</p><p>For the tofu cream, rinse and drain the tofu as much as you can, then simply blend all ingredients together until very smooth. Taste and add more sweetener if needed. Spoon onto the cake and garnish right before serving. Enjoy!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6233738587_8db5211d92.jpg" alt="IMG_5771.jpg" /></figure><p>Pre-bake</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6103/6234263864_7b46e5bb49.jpg" alt="IMG_5779.jpg" /></figure><p>Post bake.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6222/6233739559_2ee20f5286.jpg" alt="IMG_5788.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6117/6233741525_6b49a0048a_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5837.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though the cake was plenty-moist by itself, the addition of tofu cream on top made it extra luscious and special.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6034/6234266534_c300ec3b0c.jpg" alt="IMG_5854.jpg" /></figure><p>I definitely savored every bite.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6060/6234266852_6ebe2bdcac.jpg" alt="IMG_5860.jpg" /></figure><p>And added an extra dollop of tofu cream for the last mouthful. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure><p>Ps. How's MoFo going for everyone? I haven't looked through my google reader in a few days and I'm scared to even attempt to read through the thousands of unread blog entries... . Mo-Fo on, my friends!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-67641511581179415412011-10-10T05:45:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.932-07:00Saturday Scenes<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6224600090_879509b777.jpg" alt="IMG_5724.jpg" /></figure><p>Had a fun-filled weekend! On Saturday, I attended OZE Escapade, a musical performance/installation show at the Mullae Arts Center. Actually, the main reason why I went was because my Alien's Day Out bake shop was catering vegan treats for the event! Jee Soo was one of the artists/planners of the event and as a vegan herself, she wanted to have a vegan reception. How cool is that? And ofcourse I was totally on board and thrilled at this new opportunity. As my first official catering gig, I was a bit nervous, but it all turned out awesome and things went off without a hitch.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/6224080747_d1cace1657.jpg" alt="IMG_5729.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's Jee Soo in one of her many performances. I didn't get a chance to see all of her pieces because I was busy prepping for the reception, but what I did experience was pretty awesome! It was so rad to meet her because we have so many things in common. We're both Korean, have both lived in the US and UK, and we're both interested in the arts! Oh, and we were both excited to be able to share vegan food with Korean omnis. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6224073001_165fe2f055.jpg" alt="IMG_5689.jpg" /></figure><p>The reception was held in the cafe area of the Mullae Arts Center. Here are the things I made:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6224594266_00cddc2a0e.jpg" alt="IMG_5693.jpg" /></figure><p>Coconut macaroons with chocolate drizzled on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6235/6224074549_3c0ebc5a7b.jpg" alt="IMG_5699.jpg" /></figure><p>Chocolate snickerdoodles. This is only about half of the lot.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6224077043_81259b3a27.jpg" alt="IMG_5709.jpg" /></figure><p>Several trays of super moist and flavorful carrot-pineapple cake. I think this was the biggest hit! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6091/6224587618_581e3ba256.jpg" alt="IMG_5645.jpg" /></figure><p>Now if only I had some tofutti for the vegan cream cheese frosting... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/6224591806_ba3bd4ebfc.jpg" alt="IMG_5679.jpg" /></figure><p>And finally, I made some thin mint squares, individually packaged for people to take home.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6224597698_c6bbfab7a4.jpg" alt="IMG_5710.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6104/6224599280_9f678db22a.jpg" alt="IMG_5720.jpg" /></figure><p>The boys from AWEH also attended the event and I believe they liked the vegan goodies!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6224592220_2b5e5846d4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5686.jpg" /></figure><p>I got some business cards printed... . finally!!!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6041/6224081689_68130f7d77.jpg" alt="IMG_5736.jpg" /></figure><p>After the art show and packing up my containers, the guys and I were wandering around the area and came upon the Mullae Artists Village which is located in one of the back alleyways. It was such a random yet awesome discovery because one wouldn't expect to find such a passionate artistic community in this crusty, run-down part of Seoul. During the day, the buildings function as old industrial complexes and factories, but then at night when all the businesses close up shop and the gates come down, you can see all these murals and graffiti, and the artists (and feral cats) come out of hiding.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6224602938_f427ed0d5b.jpg" alt="IMG_5740.jpg" /></figure><p>hanging out by an outdoor video art installation.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6224603550_efe212e371.jpg" alt="IMG_5742.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and we also ended up going to Hongdae which is always suuuuper crowded on weekends.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6214/6224085463_1af6058a80.jpg" alt="IMG_5753.jpg" /></figure><p>Live performance in the playground park</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6100/6224086585_5d07167554.jpg" alt="IMG_5758.jpg" /></figure><p>This man and his ginormous husky have been on the streets of Hongdae for so many years. The dog is practically the mascot of Hongdae. He's such an impressive yet calm dog, letting strangers get close and pet him... . he needs a bath though.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6224088267_88b9163a95.jpg" alt="IMG_5767.jpg" /></figure><p>The name of a store. :)</p><p>Anyhoo, that about sums up my Saturday night filled with creative, inspiring people! Good times all around.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-42285353198305278162011-10-09T16:09:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.945-07:00Standing Coffee<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6219119545_be26715afc.jpg" alt="IMG_5587.jpg" /></figure><p>I didn't know this before but Standing Coffee in Noksapyeong has soy milk! It's not written on their menu, but you can just ask the barista.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6110/6219119269_e3dd282188.jpg" alt="IMG_5586.jpg" /></figure><p>My caffeine fix: soy cafe latte</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6094/6219118981_b3c7e9b817.jpg" alt="IMG_5582.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions to Standing Coffee: Noksapyeong Station, Exit 2. Walk straight and go down to the underpass. When you come up on the other side, take the stairs on the right. Standing Coffee will be on your left.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6219643240_acf352ed95_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5602.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-62979024313300172822011-10-06T08:01:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.966-07:00Grocery shoppin' in ma 'hood<a name='more'></a><p>My first week in my new Seoul neighborhood has been going great! As a new resident of Daerim-dong, I've been trying to get acquainted with the area as fast as I can, so that I can figure everything out and be as productive as possible with running errands etc. This week I've been pretty busy making trips to the post office, bank, emart, homeplus, lotte supermarket, printing shop... . I feel like I already know my neighborhood pretty well. hehe.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6213/6214181104_2305b3220e.jpg" alt="IMG_5368.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, possibly one of the best things is that there's a wonderful outdoor market where I can get the freshest veggies and fruit!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6213666693_569969df08.jpg" alt="IMG_5366.jpg" /></figure><p>I just love strolling through this market, even if I don't have anything to buy. Just seeing the vibrant colors of fruit and veggies is like therapy for me. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6214176298_0051190a62.jpg" alt="IMG_5342.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6213666389_2304cfeed4.jpg" alt="IMG_5364.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6214177300_28ef2b3113.jpg" alt="IMG_5347.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6218/6213663439_90388bdcb7.jpg" alt="IMG_5345.jpg" /></figure><p>Gosh, I love ddeok stalls.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6217/6214177566_03f44a5046_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5348.jpg" /></figure><p>I didn't know this about the Daerim area before I moved, but I've noticed that there's a huge Chinese community here! :) Within and around this market, there are loads of authentic-looking Chinese restaurants and street-food stalls. I also often hear people speaking Chinese around me and even most of the shop owners are Chinese themselves. In some ways, I feel like I'm not actually in Korea. I love that I get to experience a little of another culture.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6214181840_e2536e609a.jpg" alt="IMG_5370.jpg" /></figure><p>Lots of steamed buns and other traditional Chinese fried treats. There are several stalls selling these seriously huge pancake/crepe/omelet things that people can buy slices of, kind of like getting a slice of pizza.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6098/6213665731_88ecc3f042.jpg" alt="IMG_5360.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6042/6213666019_b96b46de01.jpg" alt="IMG_5362.jpg" /></figure><p>The only sad part is that in addition to all the wonderful, vibrant fresh produce, there are also a lot of exotic meat things on display that can be quite jarring to look at because there are all kinds of organs and body parts that have been deep-fried beyond recognition. I didn't take any photos, but you can use your imagination. I try to avoid looking at them when I walk by... . So yea, that's the worst part about this market, but other than that, I'm really so happy to have such bountiful fresh produce nearby.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6213663151_f06f6098e3.jpg" alt="IMG_5343.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and since this market caters to a lot of non-Korean Asians, there's loads of fresh cilantro everywhere! You can get a bunch for 2,000won, which is way cheaper than what you'll get at the Foreign Food Mart or any department store. Pho! Burritos! Yessss!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6213665055_c644a99ebe.jpg" alt="IMG_5357.jpg" /></figure><p>Daytime-shopping</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6213668559_acbec54e6e.jpg" alt="IMG_5371.jpg" /></figure><p>Evening-shopping. It looks like it's late at night in this photo, but it's only around 7pm, cuz the sun sets so quickly now! :(</p><p>Directions to this market: Daerim Station, Line 2 & 7, Exit 12. When you come out the stairs, turn right and walk about 400m and you'll start to see the market area.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-32205496757493001102011-10-05T05:43:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.979-07:00(Almost) Wordless Wednesday<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6205653079_bb35b72914.jpg" alt="IMG_5316.jpg" /></figure><p>Oatmeal breakfast</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6206167576_621a60102b.jpg" alt="IMG_5317.jpg" /></figure><p>creeeeamy~~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6105/6213664721_f5c2ed791a.jpg" alt="IMG_5355.jpg" /></figure><p>They're back!!!!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6214178110_b5a52d2a0a.jpg" alt="IMG_5353.jpg" /></figure><p>Best. Fruit. Ever.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6119/6213662683_bd5f8f4458.jpg" alt="IMG_5336.jpg" /></figure><p>Rice rolls at Pho restaurant</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6234/6213662167_6483cb5513.jpg" alt="IMG_5324.jpg" /></figure><p>Chocolate-bottomed coconut macaroon (from my bake shop)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/6214175756_2b0af5f657.jpg" alt="IMG_5328.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-59271362514722205512011-10-03T05:54:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:47.994-07:00Rustic, nutty, whole wheat bread<a name='more'></a><p>Even though I'm now back in Seoul, I still have a couple of Cheonan eats to blog about. There's just been so many things going on that blog posts are getting a little backed up... oops.</p><p>Anyway~ whenever I'm home, one of my favorite times of the day is eating breakfast with my parents. It's kind of a family thing. We all sit down at the table and enjoy a filling, healthy breakfast, while talking about the upcoming day, etc. Unlike many other Korean families, we've never done the whole rice-and-kimchi-for-breakfast thing... just the thought of it makes my stomach turn. Instead, my parents are pretty 'Western' when it comes to breakfasts... bread with butter (non dairy), jam, marmite, or peanut butter, loads of fresh fruit, and always English breakfast tea. It's a morning routine. My mom especially loves thick, dense, rustic bread, probably because it reminds her of when we lived in Europe. Anyway, this type of rustic bread is really hard to find in Cheonan, so we decided to attempt our own loaf!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6138557692_dc17da8ef0_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3794.jpg" /></figure><p>I've only baked bread a few times before because it always seems like a scary adventure into the unknown. I can never get consistent results and it just takes too long... waiting for it to rise, kneading the dough, waiting again, and then baking etc. Even though one of my favorite smells in the world is that of fresh-baked bread, I'm too impatient to be a bread baker! However, I'm happy to say that things turned out deliciously and it was worth the extra labor.</p><p>I got the original recipe for this whole wheat bread from a Korean blogger, but made a few modifications. Instead of using half wheat, half white bread flour, I used only whole wheat flour. I also replaced the pine nuts (too expensive in Korea!) with chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds and raisins. Even though I used the exact amount of water the recipe stated, the dough was a little dry and tough, probably because I used 100% whole wheat flour, so next time I will add a little more liquid. It still tasted delicious when it was done though! Oh, and since I halved the measurements, I got 1 loaf instead of 2.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6138009279_13f31c64d8.jpg" alt="IMG_3792.jpg" /></figure><p>{ rustic, nutty, whole wheat bread }<br />makes 1 smallish loaf</p><p>4g instant dry yeast<br />1/2 Tbs organic sugar<br />1/4 tsp blackstrap molasses<br />50-60ml warm water<br />50ml organic sugar-free soy milk<br />215g whole wheat flour<br />1/2 Tbs canola oil<br />3/4 tsp salt<br />30g whole flax seeds (I used toasted golden flax seeds)<br />30g walnuts, roughly chopped<br />20g pumpkin seeds<br />20g raisins, soaked for 30 minutes and drained.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6136200214_e0472fb247.jpg" alt="IMG_3561.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6135655347_d3e7ab3164.jpg" alt="IMG_3563.jpg" /></figure><p>Korea-grown whole wheat flour (통밀가루). Jenico Instant Yeast, 4g per packet.</p><p>Dissolve the sugar, molasses in the warm water, and then add the yeast and give the bowl a little stir. Wait about 10 minutes for the yeast to get bubbly and poofy. In the meantime, mix the rest of your dry ingredients together in a big bowl (flour, salt, seeds and nuts). Once the yeast is activated, mix in the canola oil and soy milk. Pour this mixture into the dry ingredients, along with the drained raisins (if using), and mix together. You will have to use your hands as the dough will be very thick and tough.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6135650109_594cf2b622.jpg" alt="IMG_3505.jpg" /></figure><p>Knead for about 10-15 minutes. Place the dough in a bowl, cover with a damp towel, and place in a warm, draft-free place for about an hour, until the dough doubles in size:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6136202228_34d93059b3.jpg" alt="IMG_3568.jpg" /></figure><p>After the first rise, punch the dough down and knead again for about 5 minutes. Let it rise a second time for about 40 minutes (I waited about an hour).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6135662325_8298b8a317.jpg" alt="IMG_3607.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6135662941_07c2d6c8e0.jpg" alt="IMG_3613.jpg" /></figure><p>Then, roll out the dough til it is about 2cm thick, and begin rolling it up from one end, pressing the front edge down as you go.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6136209112_5983a322cf.jpg" alt="IMG_3616.jpg" /></figure><p>Pinch the seams to seal the roll, turn it over so the seam is underneath, place on your baking tray, and wait another hour for it to rise.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6135667421_609fba9a60.jpg" alt="IMG_3641.jpg" /></figure><p>Sprinkle some flour over the top and make a cut in the top of the dough lengthwise with a sharp knife. Bake it for about 35-40 minutes, at 200C, until it sounds hollow when tapped.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6135670149_194c9e4b71_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3662.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6136228540_ee44c51c28_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3744.jpg" /></figure><p>Fresh outta the oven.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6135683813_19f449bf78.jpg" alt="IMG_3748.jpg" /></figure><p>We couldn't resist cutting a few slices off while it was still warm.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6138007669_763bc64b79.jpg" alt="IMG_3784.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the loaf, cut up the following morning for breakfast.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6138010089_873b8c0062.jpg" alt="IMG_3793.jpg" /></figure><p>Can you see all the walnuts, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, and raisins dispersed throughout?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6138022739_dcd273f5c5.jpg" alt="IMG_3846.jpg" /></figure><p>T'was delicious. I really liked the dense chewiness of it, and especially the nutty flavor from the flax seeds and walnuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6138565966_9c578dcfcd.jpg" alt="IMG_3825.jpg" /></figure><p>It made for a yummy, healthy breakfast, topped with some homemade kumquat jam. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-83829758128067874492011-09-30T19:47:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.006-07:00A day of many firsts<a name='more'></a><p>Today happens to be a special day of many firsts:</p><p>First #1: The first full day of living in my new apartment!!!!!<br />Yesterday, I moved into my new Seoul apartment. AHHH! I'm so happy!!! Thanks to my parents and all their help, moving went smoothly and pretty much everything is already unpacked and in its place. Even though the apartment itself is smaller than my old apartment (way tinier kitchen and bathroom), there is one significant feature that makes the downsizing all worth it:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/6199507106_984041c853.jpg" alt="IMG_5266.jpg" /></figure><p>My very own outdoor patio! This in itself is a big 'first,' and it's the sole reason why I was willing to wait a whole month in Cheonan before moving into this apartment. When I saw this patio, my mind was made up and all the subsequent apartments I saw after just didn't cut it. The patio is simply perfect for Bunny to run around on, for drying clothes, getting some daily vitamin D, and even growing plants. Oh, and I plan on getting some used patio furniture so that I can enjoy breakfasts outdoors, before it gets too cold!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6199508538_d27e27c51a.jpg" alt="IMG_5292.jpg" /></figure><p>Actually, the previous tenant left all her plant boxes there, and some of them even have peppers growing on them!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6174/6199508798_a0d83ff942.jpg" alt="IMG_5294.jpg" /></figure><p>I shall be harvesting those soon~ free food! Assah~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/6198992129_9ddfb22e0b.jpg" alt="IMG_5289.jpg" /></figure><p>Bunny's not used to getting her paws dirty, but she's exploring all the nooks and crannies of our new home. Although, I do plan on cleaning the patio a bit, to reduce the amount of debris getting stuck between her toes and on her bum.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/6199509520_501dd46dd1.jpg" alt="IMG_5306.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6199507324_526bc3e64e.jpg" alt="IMG_5270.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6199510150_6a4e567115.jpg" alt="IMG_5311.jpg" /></figure><p>I already woke up this morning and enjoyed my first cuppa soy coffee while watching Bunny run around in her new 'backyard.' Can you see her in the background?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6199507990_c5f9f8715d.jpg" alt="IMG_5284.jpg" /></figure><p>Another thing that I love is that this apartment gets a lot of natural light, which is something my previous apartment sorely lacked. My old room was tightly surrounded by other buildings, which blocked out almost all sunlight, save for a few hours in the morning. But now, I don't even have to turn on the lights until evening, which will save electricity and will also be ideal for all my food photography. :) In the morning, I can feel the sunlight coming in and it just warms the soul. And even though I'm going to have to work around the small kitchen area, I'm thankful that at least everything is clean and somewhat new. Oh, and check out my new-to-me, used fridge! It's almost double the size of the fridge that was in my old place! Woooot~</p><p>So that was a sneak peak into my new home sweet home.</p><p>First #2: Today is October 1st- omg, the year is almost over and I'm getting old... . (*insert panic attack here*)</p><p>First #3: And with the first day of October, comes the first day of Vegan Mofo!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6154276359_cdc8b6d1b6_o.jpg" /></figure><p>Things have been so hectic lately that I haven't even had a chance to think much about Vegan Mofo this year. This is not my first year participating (third actually), but I'm still excited for all the new vegan blogs I'm gonna discover through the Mofo RSS feed. I don't think I'll be able to blog every day like I know some people are doing, but I'm gonna do my best!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/6190999121_5158bb8625.jpg" alt="IMG_4996.jpg" /></figure><p>So to kick off this year's Vegan Mofo, I present to you another first: some heart-healthy Apple Raisin Bran Muffins I baked in Cheonan earlier this week. I used the bran muffin recipe from The Joy of Vegan Baking, but added chopped apples and reduced the wheat bran and raisins.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6191517350_8451d393ae_b.jpg" alt="IMG_5008.jpg" /></figure><p>These came out dense, chewy, and quite delicious! There's a lot of ground flaxseeds in this recipe, so it had a nutty flavor, in addition to the earthy, nuttiness of the wheat bran. Definitely a rustic, healthy muffin to keep your gut happy and regular.</p><p>Apple Raisin Bran Muffins (adapted from the Joy of Vegan Baking)<br />makes 22-24 muffins</p><p>6 Tbs ground flax seeds<br />1/2 cup water<br />1 medium apple, chopped into small cubes<br />1 cup wheat bran<br />1 1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />2 1/2 tsp baking soda<br />3/4 cup organic unrefined sugar<br />1 tsp salt<br />1 cup soy milk<br />1/3 cup grape seed oil (or canola)<br />1/4 cup raisins</p><p>Preheat oven to 350F or 180C and prepare your muffin man. First, peel and chop your apple. Next, sift and mix all your dry ingredients together. In a separate bowl, whisk flax seeds and water until it gets thick and goopey, then add the other wet ingredients and the apple chunks, and mix well. Combine the wet with the dry and mix until just incorporated. Spoon the batter into the muffin tin and bake in oven for 20-25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6191000085_0fa07edc7b.jpg" alt="IMG_5027.jpg" /></figure><p>In my humble opinion, these are best enjoyed warm with some homemade kumquat jam!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6191518332_054d3cac3a.jpg" alt="IMG_5039.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and you don't want these to sit around longer than two or three days, because the moisture from the apples could make these spoil sooner than other muffins. Not that these muffins would last long anyway~ :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6191518680_902d596e8a.jpg" alt="IMG_5045.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/6191001003_1b265393d0.jpg" alt="IMG_5048.jpg" /></figure><p>muffin love~</p><p>So that's about it for now. There are a lot of 'firsts' in my life these days, and a lot of changes to adjust to, but I feel a sense of renewed energy and gratitude. May this be only the beginning of many more happy 'firsts' to come.</p><p>Have a fab weekend!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-16378769176501963992011-09-29T01:13:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.018-07:00Random Cheonan eats<a name='more'></a><p>I've been meaning to mention this on the blog earlier, but I'm moving back to Seoul tomorrow! The old tenant ended up moving out a few weeks early, so now I'm taking over the place ahead of schedule. Yay!!! Not that I haven't enjoyed being in Cheonan with my parents, but I miss Seoul life and friends, and this awkward transition period has made me a bit anxious. I've had this uncomfortable feeling of my life being on hold, even though I've been keeping busy with the bake sale, painting, and taking bake shop orders. I'm looking forward to getting settled, painting and baking more, exploring my new neighborhood, and inviting friends over for dinner. :)</p><p>Anyway, onto some random foods that I've been eating:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6088/6136198630_977ba27456.jpg" alt="IMG_3532.jpg" /></figure><p>Now that the weather is getting chilly, I've been baking lots of comforting pumpkin bread, not just for orders, but also for myself to enjoy. This is the same pumpkin bread as the one on my bake shop, except that I replaced the walnuts and chocolate chips with cashew nuts and pumpkin seeds, and also made it flatter.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6136198052_6e88b0e068.jpg" alt="IMG_3531.jpg" /></figure><p>fall is here!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6180985080_6670f589c6.jpg" alt="IMG_4790.jpg" /></figure><p>My mom's japchae noodles</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6186631109_14a70a1bf9.jpg" alt="IMG_4893.jpg" /></figure><p>Salad made from home-grown greens.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6180460507_6820dedb3e.jpg" alt="IMG_4793.jpg" /></figure><p>Rice with beans, japchae noodles, kabocha squash, miyuk guk, vegan kimchi, and red bean banchan. Healthy, varied, balanced, and tasty!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6190998587_9cb92304fb.jpg" alt="IMG_4973.jpg" /></figure><p>And here is what is probably my last patbingsu of the year. I just used my mom's food processor to grind up some ice cubes, and then added some sweetened red beans (팥), pears, frozen mango cubes, and soy milk. Cold and delicious!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6180974608_d1ab3c36ac.jpg" alt="IMG_4704.jpg" /></figure><p>Bunny hammin' it up for the camera... or i just caught her mid-chew. I think Bunny has enjoyed her stay here too. Little does she know, she'll be back in the big city tomorrow.</p><p>Well, that's about it for today. I gotta finish packing everything up, and the next time I blog, I'll be settling into my new apartment in Seoul! See ya!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-29829687203038617242011-09-27T23:18:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.029-07:00Taj Palace again<a name='more'></a><p>It seems like most of my blog posts these days take place in or around Itaewon! I usually only go to Itaewon to buy beans at the foreign food mart, but lately, I've had reason to spend more time there, whether it was for the bake sale, the art show, or just to meet up with friends. I know a lot of people who can't stand going to Itaewon because of its sketchy alleyways and rowdy night-time party scene, but personally, I really enjoy this part of Seoul. I love the diversity of people, the different languages, the English bookstores, the foreign food mart, and the plethora of international cuisine. Whatever your opinions are about Itty, you can't deny that there are some awesome veg-friendly dining spots there.</p><p>Last week, I was in town for a farewell dinner for Angela, a friend I met through this blog. We originally wanted to go to a West African restaurant there because Angela has also spent time in Ghana, and we have both been craving red-red and fufu for the longest time. However, we got to the restaurant and they were closed for the day! Boooo! Thankfully, we were in Itaewon where there is never a shortage of good veg-friendly eateries, so we just walked a little further and went to Taj Palace for some tasty Indian grub.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6171061306_630cf5f91d.jpg" alt="IMG_4246.jpg" /></figure><p>These days, this is the only place I get Indian food in Itaewon, and one of the very few Indian restaurants I frequent in Seoul. They are reasonably priced for their portions and the staff are very accommodating for vegans. Oh and ofcourse, the food is good. I also noticed on this visit that they recently redesigned their menu and there were a few new veg-friendly dishes! Can't wait to go back and try all of them.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6158/6170529371_0cae37b40c.jpg" alt="IMG_4252.jpg" /></figure><p>vegan roti. (2,000won for 4 pieces)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6162/6170529709_869e2c50a9.jpg" alt="IMG_4254.jpg" /></figure><p>My order of Aloo Palak, without any cream/yogurt on top... . potato chunks, sauteed spinach, garlic, red peppers, onions, and other deliciousness. (12,000 won)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6170527961_3dc7de68fc.jpg" alt="IMG_4247.jpg" /></figure><p>Kia's vegan dish (no cream). I didn't get the name of this dish, but it had mushrooms and corn (12,000won). This one definitely has an awesome spicy punch, for those who like a good sweat.</p><p>Here are some other images of Taj Palace's dishes I took when my mom and I ate there a while back:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5058/5438284342_8d29096a90.jpg" alt="Taj palace" /></figure><p>Aloo Gobi</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5293/5438284566_47a91185e6.jpg" alt="Taj palace" /></figure><p>Dal Tarka</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5015/5438284736_9a7a01ef98.jpg" alt="Taj palace" /></figure><p>Roti and some nan. Their nan is not usually vegan, but they were able to make a vegan version for us on the spot!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5220/5438284970_d1d8398d4f.jpg" alt="Taj palace" /></figure><p>corn soup</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6170527209_a5ff546076.jpg" alt="IMG_4244.jpg" /></figure><p>Sunset in Itty</p><p>Directions to Taj Palace: Itaewon station, line 6, exit 3. Walk straight, turn right after Dunkin Donuts and walk up the hill (towards the Foreign Food Mart). Taj Palace will be on your right, on the 2nd floor. 3-minute walk from subway station. Check website for map.<br />Hours: 11am-10pm, 7 days a week.<br />Address: Seoul-si Yongsan-gu Itaewon 1(il)-dong 132-2 2F<br />Tel: 02-790-5786</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-65392545544571448842011-09-26T21:10:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.040-07:00Fun times at the AWEH launch party & some weekend eats<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6167/6180980818_f6952c443f.jpg" alt="IMG_4763.jpg" /></figure><p>This weekend, I went up to Seoul to attend the AWEH launch party at the Laughing Tree Lab, which went swimmingly well with what seemed like half the expat community in attendance.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6180455405_b77c07fcd5.jpg" alt="IMG_4760.jpg" /></figure><p>This was my first time at this recently-opened underground (both literally and figuratively) art gallery, and the space was much smaller than I expected, but it made everything that much more intimate.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6180981548_18c1febf66.jpg" alt="IMG_4769.jpg" /></figure><p>There was everything from paintings, drawings, and small clay figurines, to live digital painting, and live music~ The party also spilled out onto the sidewalk where people could enjoy the perfect autumn weather and check out some live graffiti and painting.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6179/6180457623_8fbc460480.jpg" alt="IMG_4779.jpg" /></figure><p>Aidan Cowling wheat-pastin' on the sidewalk. We've been in a few shows together now, and he's just such a talented, kind, inspiring artist! I love being around so many creative minds. :) Oh, and I believe that's Patty Hogan in the red cardigan, who is also so super-awesome that I was too shy to introduce myself. bah.</p><p>Anyway, it was such a fun event and I'm really thankful to all my friends who came out to support. I even met a few blog readers! :) Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to get a good photo of my two pieces hanging on the wall because the lighting was really dim, but here's a shot of one of them:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6145355225_b7c30f4c9f_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4101.jpg" /></figure><p>This dark raven was a commissioned piece. The other painting in the gallery was a smaller owl, which you can see an unfinished image of here.</p><p>And now onto some Seoul weekend eats... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6160/6180979084_72a3e8a83d.jpg" alt="IMG_4755.jpg" /></figure><p>Before the art show, a friend and I met up for dinner and we ended up going to Bao restaurant in Noksapyeong. I had been there before and really enjoyed the food, but my goodness, my experience there this time was so disappointing. My friend ordered the flat rice noodles and I ordered the thin rice noodles with Thai sauce (without oyster sauce). While the flavors were fine, both of our rice noodles were undercooked with some chunks being completely dry, plasticky and crunchy from not being cooked long enough. Bao, what happened???</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6180454423_a5e7a0a7f7.jpg" alt="IMG_4756.jpg" /></figure><p>We both sent our dishes back to be fixed, but I don't think they did much because the noodles were still stiff and dry when they came back. They just tossed everything in the skillet for a few seconds, thinking that would soften the noodles. At that point, we kind of just picked out the parts that were edible, and left the uncooked bits on the side. I've heard that maybe they got a new chef recently and so the food isn't consistent, but really, how hard could it be to at least serve fully-cooked, soft noodles? I mostly just felt bad to my friend because I was the one that recommend we eat there... It was especially bad when my friend had to remove bits of plasticky flat rice noodles from her mouth that looked like cartilage. haha. ew. I don't want to completely write off Bao because my previous experience there was so delicious and their menu is actually incredibly vegan-friendly, but I think they just need to work on consistency... . I hope things will be better on my next visit.</p><p>Anyway, moving on!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6180978652_465e3d1212.jpg" alt="IMG_4750.jpg" /></figure><p>Earlier in the day, I got lost in some used books at the Foreign Book Store in Noksapyeong.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6180452133_9908c84fa1.jpg" alt="IMG_4746.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and after staying out late on Saturday night, Sae Hee and I crashed at Kia & Sean's place. Us girls were still so wired and awake that we ended up watching 'Forks over Knives' while munching on some delicious nooch-laced popcorn:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6180984216_6b7d1a229e.jpg" alt="IMG_4785.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6180984720_68e9a22b37.jpg" alt="IMG_4788.jpg" /></figure><p>Woke up the following morning and had some of Kia's apple-rosemary scones... supermegadelicious.</p><p>So that about sums up some of this past weekend's shenanigans. I have to say, I'm really thankful to friends who have let me crash at their place whenever I'm visiting Seoul. And they always open up their vegan pantry for me to raid whenever I get hungry. Even the weekend of the bake sale, I got to sleep over at Fiona's house which, by the way, has the most comfortable couch in all of Korea.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6171059888_ea7233c5f3.jpg" alt="IMG_4229.jpg" /></figure><p>Breakfast at Fiona's place: nectarines, bananas, vegan granola, and organic soy milk.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6171060550_deb05b6f5e_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4242.jpg" /></figure><p>One of Fiona's rescued cats. :P</p><p>Yay for vegan friends with couches!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-10382172739953023762011-09-26T00:17:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.051-07:00Simmered Kidney Bean Banchan<a name='more'></a><p>I know I promised to share all the recipes from my Chuseok meal almost 2 weeks ago, but I only got about half-way through all the dishes before I got side-tracked with other blog-topics... . but I'm gonna continue to post the rest of the recipes (albeit sporadically), so thanks in advance for your patience!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6146331361_6213c33e47.jpg" alt="4353792330_f082d48f69_o-2" /></figure><p>So lately, my favorite banchan is these sweet & salty simmered kidney beans that my mom makes. In Korean, it's called 'kkong jorim' (콩조림), but this version is a bit different from the typical Korean dish you find at banchan stores or restaurants because instead of the usual black beans, this is made with red kidney beans. My mom also uses less sticky sweet syrup and leaves some of the liquid in, rather than simmering it all out.</p><p>Simmered Kidney Bean Banchan</p><p>2 cups dried kidney beans<br />about 5 cups of water (enough to sufficiently cover the beans)<br />2 Tbs soy sauce<br />2 Tbs brown rice syrup or sugar<br />1 tsp salt</p><p>Soak the dry beans overnight, or for about 4-5 hours. After the beans have soaked and expanded, rinse, drain, and place them in a large soup pot with about 5 cups of water, or about double the amount of beans. You don't have to measure the water exactly- you just want the beans to be well-covered. You may or may not end up adding more water later, so don't worry too much about it. Cover the pot and bring the beans and water to a boil, and then reduce the heat and let it simmer until the beans are cooked and slightly soft inside, but not mushy.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6171054030_67a8a5e018.jpg" alt="IMG_4108.jpg" /></figure><p>Test a few beans to make sure it's cooked. Once the beans are cooked through, add the seasonings (soy sauce, salt, and sugar), and turn up the heat slightly, leaving the pot uncovered to let the liquid reduce quicker. If you feel that there is not enough liquid, add some more water. Personally, I like to leave a good amount of the 'sauce' covering the beans because it prevents them from drying out later, but you can reduce the liquid down as much or as little as you wish.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6171054290_f9b81b13dc.jpg" alt="IMG_4111.jpg" /></figure><p>Continue to simmer until the beans are at your desired softness and have soaked up the flavors. Turn off heat and let cool in the pot before serving. These will last about 1 week in the fridge, stored in an airtight container.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6139451376_26aeda69f8.jpg" alt="IMG_3936.jpg" /></figure><p>I love the soft texture and its mild sweet-saltiness. This is only the most basic recipe, and ofcourse, you can play around with the measurements and adjust the saltiness or sweetness according to your taste. To up the interest-factor, you could throw in some toasted sesame seeds, red pepper flakes, or chopped scallions. You could also add these beans to any other dish or meal, like burritos, rice, salad, and even quick breads!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6121550793_f167594bd3.jpg" alt="IMG_3326.jpg" /></figure><p>Such a versatile dish and a great way to get nutritious beans into your diet. It does take some time to make, but if you make a huge pot of it at once, you will have a steady supply of bean banchan for the rest of the week.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-71786588781341940162011-09-23T06:56:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.063-07:00Takin' it easy in the countryside<a name='more'></a><p>This past week, Bunny and I were alone in Cheonan holding down the fort while my parents were away at a conference. Save for a day trip up to Seoul, I spent most of my week here in the countryside painting and preparing for the AWEH art show, reading, writing, you know, just the usual stuff. The first week of living in Cheonan, I was really antsy the whole time and felt isolated from the rest of the world, but this week I'm much calmer and I'm learning to stop and smell the roses. While I miss friends, all the good restaurants, cafes, and just the general convenience of living in Seoul, I can't deny that I also love the open countryside here. The clean fresh air, the sound of birds, and even the stillness... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6168/6174006543_d02ff9627f.jpg" alt="IMG_4391.jpg" /></figure><p>The other day I went on a lovely solo walk from my house to the Independence Hall of Korea. The sky was blue, the rice fields were green as ever, and there was a hint of autumn in the air. Ahh, these are the days~~~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6174532022_1ef7f1fdf0.jpg" alt="IMG_4341.jpg" /></figure><p>rice paddies</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6174532272_a106877f24.jpg" alt="IMG_4354.jpg" /></figure><p>I also passed by several creepy crawlies along the way:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6175/6174529184_b7dc2846a0.jpg" alt="IMG_4277.jpg" /></figure><p>A praying mantis crossing the sidewalk. It's got quite a pot-belly~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6174002469_02c60a17a2.jpg" alt="IMG_4273.jpg" /></figure><p>"Whut-chu lookin' at."</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6174532492_593332da08.jpg" alt="IMG_4366.jpg" /></figure><p>Saw loads of dragonflies basking in the warm sun~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6174006095_da71ef1a9d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4374.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6174533288_33227db1c4.jpg" alt="IMG_4401.jpg" /></figure><p>This is merely the old, empty outer shell that a cicada left behind. Creeeepy.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6174545658_09d3f8d556_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4686.jpg" /></figure><p>Another praying mantis.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6174533498_d2cacc1018.jpg" alt="IMG_4409.jpg" /></figure><p>A teeny spider. Every time an ant would march past this guy, he would spin around to watch it, but he was too slow to chase any of them down. hehe.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6145347303_2d0b002fb3.jpg" alt="IMG_4016.jpg" /></figure><p>A bigger spider with lots of treats stuck in its web... .</p><p>That's it for the bugs I saw... I hope I didn't gross anyone out. If you've been reading my blog for a while, you might know that I get excited about finding insects and photographing them... They fascinate me! You can see more of my bug blog posts here and here. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6174538078_3194f8d18f.jpg" alt="IMG_4510.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the Independence Hall from a distance... I've been here more times than I can count, but I don't think I could ever get sick of this place. The grounds are so open, clean, relaxing... and it gives me a sense of being connected with history.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6152/6174538614_aa33010542.jpg" alt="IMG_4555.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6174539696_5982964cbe.jpg" alt="IMG_4573.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6163/6174540102_9cdc41551d.jpg" alt="IMG_4577.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6174010683_4425ccd87a.jpg" alt="IMG_4485.jpg" /></figure><p>Mugunghwa, Korea's national flower</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6174540518_c6ed59f5b9.jpg" alt="IMG_4601.jpg" /></figure><p>By the independence hall, there's a really big pond. Do you see those orange-yellow things in the water?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6174540720_abe32e73ef.jpg" alt="IMG_4603.jpg" /></figure><p>They're humongous koi fish. Some of them are almost 2ft long!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6174014505_e29502d8d9.jpg" alt="IMG_4606.jpg" /></figure><p>So colorful and beautiful, but also kinda freaky... especially when someone throws food in the pond and they all swarm to the same spot.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6174541852_ef608b2a48.jpg" alt="IMG_4630.jpg" /></figure><p>I like to walk... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6155/6174529668_7825ec63bb.jpg" alt="IMG_4295.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6174531586_d30bc13313.jpg" alt="IMG_4338.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6153/6174004141_f97c0c874a.jpg" alt="IMG_4324.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6174534370_ee2700bd53.jpg" alt="IMG_4433.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6157/6174531340_9368b14529.jpg" alt="IMG_4333.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6174018189_74dee3826d.jpg" alt="IMG_4667.jpg" /></figure><p>... and feel grass between my toes.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6166/6174015861_4c9719c500.jpg" alt="IMG_4637.jpg" /></figure><p>A peaceful hang-out spot for me to rest and read my book. :)</p><p>Hope everyone has a wonderful, relaxing weekend!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-29195576892667663442011-09-19T21:47:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.085-07:00Cartoons & Cookies<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6129467419_86e7b05ee7.jpg" alt="IMG_3357.jpg" /></figure><p>One of my afternoons last week was spent hanging out with these two munchkins. Their mom is a close friend of the family and actually used to be my french tutor in middle school! It was great to see her again after all these years, and also to finally meet her husband, their three kids (these two girls, and a baby boy). Usually, children tend to scare me, but these kids were so cute and well-behaved that I didn't mind babysitting them for a few hours. Not that I did much anyway. We pretty much just drew some pictures, played with stickers, and watched lots of episodes of Pororo.</p><p>Prior to that day, I had no idea who or what Pororo was, but I quickly learned that it's the name of a cartoon penguin in a super popular Korean children's animation series. Has anyone else ever seen this show? If not, you gotta watch this episode:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6130015848_04baf1997d.jpg" alt="IMG_3356.jpg" /></figure><p>riveting stuff.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6130017518_b51a3751d4.jpg" alt="IMG_3398.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and we ate cookies! Knowing we would have these kids over, my mom and I baked some kid-friendly peanut butter oatmeal cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6130018346_b5a155e6b9.jpg" alt="IMG_3405.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan Peanut Butter Oatmeal Cookies<br />(adapted from www.food.com)<br />makes 24-26 cookies</p><p>1/3 cup natural, smooth peanut butter<br />1 Tbs non dairy butter (we used Nuttelex)<br />2/3 cup organic sugar<br />1/3 cup soy milk<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/2 cup whole wheat flour<br />1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />1/2 tsp baking soda<br />1/2 tsp salt<br />1 cup rolled oats<br />a few shelled peanuts for decoration (optional)</p><p>Method:<br /><ol><li>Preheat oven to 375 degrees.<br /></li><li> In a mixing bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, non dairy butter, sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until everything is smooth and creamy.<br /></li><li> In another bowl, sift together flour, soda and salt. Add the oatmeal and mix well.</p><p></li><li> Combine the wet with the dry, and mix until just incorporated.<br /></li><li> Drop batter by tablespoonfuls onto baking sheet and slightly flatten with your fingers. For decoration, place a peanut on top of each cookie (optional).</p><p></li><li>Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until set.<br /></li><li>Remove sheet from oven and let cool on tray for 5 minutes before transferring to a cookie rack.</p><p></li></ol></p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6130016864_7167432ee0.jpg" alt="IMG_3389.jpg" /></figure><p>I didn't know this at the time, but one of the girls is allergic to certain store-bought cookies with unnatural additives and preservatives, so her mom only gives her home-made cookies. Luckily she was able to enjoy these vegan cookies without any fear.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6130018696_c6fc104d55.jpg" alt="IMG_3415.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6130019084_b643b7393d.jpg" alt="IMG_3419.jpg" /></figure><p>Soft and chewy! The kids gave me their stamp of approval.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6129471327_a73557bf89.jpg" alt="IMG_3441.jpg" /></figure><p>And here's what the grown ups got. Just for fun, I experimented with about 1/4 of the cookie batter to make thumbprint cookies with some homemade mulberry (오디) jam that someone gave us. The jam by itself is amazingly delicious with blobs of whole mulberries in it, stems and all! You can even see a tiny mulberry stem still in the cookie:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6130019948_1fd906ee95.jpg" alt="IMG_3438.jpg" /></figure><p>When baked, the berry juices seeped out a bit too much and they dyed the cookies black... . but they still tasted good!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6069/6129472753_625011c005.jpg" alt="IMG_3458.jpg" /></figure><p>Take away goodie-bag.</p><p>So that was an interesting afternoon of cartoons, cookies, and crayons... . I'm soooo not used to being around small humans. They make me feel self-conscious... probably because they are so honest and innocent, and I feel like they can see right through to all my insecurities. hehe. But I had a surprisingly good time, and I hope they did too! Really, just watching them happily nibble away on vegan cookies made my day.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-12330335039082502962011-09-18T00:55:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.106-07:00Bake Sale for East Africa: success!<a name='more'></a><p>Phew, what a weekend! The vegan bake sale fundraiser for the horn of Africa went amazingly well and we were able to raise a whopping 1,200,000won (around $1,100) in less than 3 hours! That breaks all the other records for the bake sales I've participated in. Amazing.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6198/6155073751_553e36b97f.jpg" alt="IMG_4188.jpg" /></figure><p>There isn't a whole lot I can write to recap the event because it all went by so fast! We got a good mix of customers who came specifically for the event, and also people just passing by who were curious as to what we were doing. Once things got started, we got a steady stream of people coming through and before we knew it, everything was sold out and we were already packing up the tables! Woahhhh!</p><p>Here is part of our all-vegan spread:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6155642342_490b426b01.jpg" alt="IMG_4169.jpg" /></figure><p>Kia's brownies & blondies... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6155641694_83b8da6757.jpg" alt="IMG_4172.jpg" /></figure><p>biscotti, apple-rosemary scones, chai cupcakes, and lemon cake all made by Kia, and cinnamon rolls by Raphaelle.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6156/6155098227_674fef779f.jpg" alt="IMG_4160.jpg" /></figure><p>a close up of Raphaelle's cinnamon rolls.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6170/6155619020_77ec94daa1.jpg" alt="IMG_4189.jpg" /></figure><p>Fiona contributed these three drool-worthy cakes! German apple cake, mango cake, and java chocolate cake. She also brought her traditional New Zealand chocolate afghan cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6155097669_0145db9679.jpg" alt="IMG_4163.jpg" /></figure><p>Thanks to Sae Hee and Fiona, we had a diverse selection of gluten-free treats too, such as these shortbread cookies with jam... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6177/6155642692_af0bd0ce0c.jpg" alt="IMG_4168.jpg" /></figure><p>... and these gf lemon drops! Other gluten-free items included pumpkin muffins, cowboy cookies, chocolate-dipped cookies, and chocolate mini bundt cakes.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6155099949_dcbc2e7588.jpg" alt="IMG_4150.jpg" /></figure><p>As for me, since I was lugging everything all the way from Cheonan, I had to pre-package my items individually for freshness and protection during transportation. Some things I brought were banana nut bread, zucchini walnut-raisin bread, pumpkin bread, coconut macaroons... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6155098975_bb19397032.jpg" alt="IMG_4153.jpg" /></figure><p>... cacao nib cranberry oat bars, chocolate-orange biscotti, and tropical biscotti. Not pictured: thin mints and tropical oat bars. I really wanted to do things like cupcakes or muffins, but those would've gotten smashed during transportation! haha. Oh well, there's always next time!</p><p>And check out my lovely vegan friends sporting some awesome tees:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6155621350_5e8c4882e4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4185.jpg" /></figure><p>"You eat what?"</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6155072367_f7f971a1e7_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4191.jpg" /></figure><p>"Please don't eat me... i love you."</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6155639008_ca76734076_b.jpg" alt="IMG_4180.jpg" /></figure><p>"Because they don't have a voice, you'll NEVER stop hearing mine. GO VEGAN!!!"</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6159/6155092979_ea6ff7475f.jpg" alt="IMG_4183.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6176/6155068345_deffdd2146.jpg" alt="IMG_4210.jpg" /></figure><p>Lilian and me! Sadly, I missed the memo to wear my vegan-pride t-shirt!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6155068741_bc974d8232.jpg" alt="IMG_4208.jpg" /></figure><p>furry friends in attendance</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6155069021_fd2aeb57ba.jpg" alt="IMG_4207.jpg" /></figure><p>Anywayyy~ it all went by in a blur, but it was such a great experience and I'm just really grateful for all the positive feedback and support this fundraiser event received. Seriously, the generosity of all our customers who stopped by our booth was impressive- a huge thank you to everyone! And ofcourse, special thanks go to all the other vegan bakers who donated their resources and time, to Lilian Lee and Daniel Gray for all their hard work in organizing and promoting the event, and to Suji's restaurant for letting us use their store front and tables.</p><p>The earnings will be donated to the World Food Programme to help the famine-relief efforts in East Africa. Even if you were unable to come to the event but want to help fight against world hunger, please consider making a donation directly to the WFP here! :)</p><p>Hope everyone had a great weekend~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-26935550052850393552011-09-15T17:31:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.116-07:00Pink Bibim Guksu<a name='more'></a><p>Not a whole lot of blogging time today, as I have a ton of baking to do for tomorrow's bake sale fundraiser! But here's a light lunch that I recently enjoyed:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6135646979_a25e67bc60.jpg" alt="IMG_3492.jpg" /></figure><p>Pink guksu (wheat noodles) with raw veggies, and soy-sesame oil sauce.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6151686730_5e48349af3.jpg" alt="IMG_4148.jpg" /></figure><p>The specific name of these noodles is '수연 소면' (Sooyun Somyun) and they come dry and packaged in bundles of various colors. The pink noodles are missing from the box because, well... we ate them. What's cool is that each color is derived from natural foods. Chlorella (green), pumpkin (yellow), brown rice (brown), and red yeast rice 홍국 (pink). No artificial colorings or chemicals here!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6136191732_768e70dfb9.jpg" alt="IMG_3487.jpg" /></figure><p>Its like having a rainbow on your plate.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6171/6135648465_84c6e5daf6.jpg" alt="IMG_3496.jpg" /></figure><p>The sauce on top is the same soy-sesame oil dressing as used in this tofu dish, but I'll repost it here.</p><p>Just whisk all the following ingredients together:<br /><ul><li>2 Tbs soy sauce</li><li> 1 Tbs finely chopped spring onions</li><li> 1 tsp minced garlic</li><li> 1 tsp dried red pepper flakes</li><li> 1 tsp sesame oil</li><li> 1 tsp crushed toasted sesame seeds</li></ul></p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6135647375_77d627827d.jpg" alt="IMG_3493.jpg" /></figure><p>ok... time to start baking! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-39164891527525652952011-09-14T03:50:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.127-07:00A friendly reminder~<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6092423384_5e316e5b77_b.jpg" alt="africa poster2" /></figure><p>We interrupt the sequence of Chuseok recipe posts to remind everyone in Korea to stop by the vegan bake sale fundraiser this Saturday. There's gonna be a ton of all-vegan food, and even a selection of gluten-free treats. Let us know you're coming on the Facebook event page!</p><p>Hope to see you there. :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-64672570429054277342011-09-12T22:55:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.137-07:00Chuseok tofu platter & dipping sauce<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6194/6139450690_3efdcc89f9_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3927.jpg" /></figure><p>One of the main dishes in my family's Chuseok meal was this platter of pan-fried tofu topped with dae-chu (jujube) spirals. I was inspired to make this dish after seeing it on this Korean blog, but we created our own soy-sesame oil dressing for dipping.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6139448766_1338a14094.jpg" alt="IMG_3911.jpg" /></figure><p>This dish is actually super simple and does not include many ingredients. Essentially, it's just pan-fried tofu with a basic Korean sauce, but the addition of tiny daechu flowers make it look more elegant than it really is. The clean presentation also makes you appreciate and savor each bite all the more!</p><p>For the tofu:<br /><ul><li>1 block of firm tofu</li><li>1-2 Tbs corn starch</li><li>1/2 Tbs veg oil</li><li>5-6 daechu (dried jujube)</li></ul><br />Cut the tofu into slices, about 1 cm thick. Lay the slices out on a clean paper towel and to soak up some of the liquid. Next, pat both sides of the tofu slices into some corn starch on a plate. Heat some vegetable oil in a non-stick frying pan and cook the tofu, flipping halfway, til both sides are lightly browned. Remove from the pan and assemble on a plate.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6139445552_b6067b3fe7.jpg" alt="IMG_3876.jpg" /></figure><p>To make the daechu spirals, use a chef's knive to carefully cut the skin and flesh away from the seed, rotating the fruit as you go.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6139445954_43cc7080a0.jpg" alt="IMG_3884.jpg" /></figure><p>Tightly roll the daechu flesh and then cut horizontally into thin slices, kind of like making kimbab or sushi rolls.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6138897391_439d2ee553.jpg" alt="IMG_3900.jpg" /></figure><p>Daechu flowers! Some say that daechu is an acquired taste and I also used to dislike the flavor, but now I'm a huge fan. It's supposed to have all kinds of health benefits as well and is frequently used in Korean herbal medicine. In this dish, the daechu adds a sweet yet slightly bitter flavor to the tofu, which is then complemented by the salty sauce.</p><p>For the sauce, just whisk all the following ingredients together:<br /><ul><li>2 Tbs soy sauce</li><li> 1 Tbs finely chopped spring onions</li><li> 1 tsp minced garlic</li><li> 1 tsp dried red pepper flakes</li><li> 1 tsp sesame oil</li><li> 1 tsp crushed toasted sesame seeds</li></ul></p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6139457306_d96ddd2d6d.jpg" alt="IMG_3986.jpg" /></figure><p>You can either dip the tofu into the sauce, or drizzle spoonfuls directly onto the slices. Enjoy!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-88249586065127349892011-09-12T00:13:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.148-07:00Chuseok, veganized<a name='more'></a><p>Happy, merry Chuseok, everyone!</p><p>It seems a strange coincidence that this year's Chuseok holiday, a time of thanksgiving and a celebration of the bountiful harvest, comes right after the 10-year anniversary of 9/11. Yesterday, many of us remembered the tragic events of a day that changed the world, but today, those of us in Korea have a chance to reflect upon all the blessings we have been given... . loving family, friends, health, freedom, and life. And truly, I have so much to be grateful for.</p><p>So with a thankful heart and with my eyes looking forward, I wish everyone a happy, healthy, compassion-filled Chuseok! I hope everyone got to enjoy loads of delicious Korean food- I know I certainly did:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6165/6138904447_b040147f44_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3966.jpg" /></figure><p>Today we had an absolutely grand Chuseok lunch feast. My mom did most of the cooking, while I helped wherever I could, chopping veggies, stirring things, and trying to keep up in writing down recipes and taking photos of the cooking process. In the end, we had an impressive traditional Korean, all-vegan spread. We kind of out-did ourselves, if I may say so myself.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6172/6139453280_3bd9485168.jpg" alt="IMG_3952.jpg" /></figure><p>Japchae noodles. recipe here.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6138906695_7ddaface0f.jpg" alt="IMG_3983.jpg" /></figure><p>Pan-fried tofu with jujube spirals, and a soysauce-sesame seed dipping sauce. I'll share the recipe for this in my next post! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6139451804_425ab15e7e.jpg" alt="IMG_3942.jpg" /></figure><p>Tricolor veggie side dishes.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6180/6139451376_26aeda69f8.jpg" alt="IMG_3936.jpg" /></figure><p>Sweet & salty saucy kidney beans. This is one of my favorite banchans right now- it's so addicting!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6085/6138899361_a1a203f519.jpg" alt="IMG_3918.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6139455920_a22a19da54.jpg" alt="IMG_3976.jpg" /></figure><p>Various kimchi side dishes</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6139450088_6ebe52c4f6.jpg" alt="IMG_3923.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6178/6138904857_00e6b3b4cd.jpg" alt="IMG_3970.jpg" /></figure><p>Miyuk guk (Korean sea vegetable soup) with enoki mushrooms.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6139458264_3fcb746292.jpg" alt="IMG_3989.jpg" /></figure><p>A little of everything on ma plate~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6139458666_2a13345862.jpg" alt="IMG_3992.jpg" /></figure><p>Finally, to cleanse the palate and make our Chuseok meal complete, a plate of juicy Korean pears and traditional Korean songpyeon (moon-shaped rice cake).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6169/6138909063_a64ee2467a.jpg" alt="IMG_3999.jpg" /></figure><p>We got two types: one with sweet white bean filling, and another with sweetened sesame seeds. Chewy, sticky, yum.</p><p>So now that I've revealed my family's Chuseok meal, I plan on sharing as many recipes for these dishes as I can in the next few days. First, I'll highlight the recipes for our traditional tri-colored seasoned vegetables, called '삼색나물' in Korean.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6164/6138902041_117cb36d5e_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3946.jpg" /></figure><p>This trio of vegetables is a traditional Korean Chuseok dish, not only because they are so colorful, healthy, and delicious, but each vegetable symbolizes something different. The white doraji is a root vegetable (bellflower root) and therefore represents our ancestors and our origins. Next, the dark brown gosari namul (fernbrake or bracken fiddlehead) is the stem portion of the plant, and symbolizes parents (your own, or you if you are a parent yourself). Finally, the green spinach side dish represents the "leafy," fresh, vibrant youth, or the future generation. So there you have it, a little culture and Korean folklore, brought to you by Alien's Day Out. And my work here is done.</p><p>Oh wait. The recipes... .</p><p>Three-color Seasoned Vegetables<br />The seasoning ingredients are pretty much the same and you can also play around with the amounts, according to your taste. Each recipe makes about 6 servings.</p><p>Gosari Namul (seasoned fernbrake)<br /><ul><li> 300g of soaked and drained gosari</li><li> 1 1/2 Tbs chopped spring onions</li><li> 1 Tbs minced garlic</li><li> 1 Tbs soy sauce</li><li> 1 1/2 Tbs sesame seed oil</li><li> 1/2 tsp salt</li><li> 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds</li></ul></p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6136205126_3911159a05.jpg" alt="IMG_3580.jpg" /></figure><p>Assuming you have dried, packaged gosari, soak the dried stems in warm water for 3-4 hours beforehand. After that, in a large pot of water, boil the now-softened gosari for about 10 minutes. Remove from pot and drain. At this point, you can chop the stems into the length you desire. In a bowl, mix all the seasoning ingredients together, and then mix with the drained gosari stems.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6173/6136206356_f69648be8d.jpg" alt="IMG_3601.jpg" /></figure><p>In a shallow pan, heat some vegetable oil (1 tsp) and cook the gosari for a few minutes until the seasoning is well-infused into the stems. Plate up and sprinkle some more toasted sesame seeds on top.</p><p>Doraji Namul (seasoned bellflower root)<br /><ul><li> about 200g fresh doraji root<br /></li><li> 1 tsp chopped spring onions</li><li> 1/2 tsp minced garlic</li><li> 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste</li><li> 1 tsp sesame seed oil</li><li> 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds</li><li>some extra veg oil for pan-frying</li></ul></p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6136203978_180c7f929c.jpg" alt="IMG_3573.jpg" /></figure><p>Peel, wash, and rinse the doraji root. Then slice into long, thin pieces. Mix with about 1/2 tsp of salt and leave for about 15-20 minutes to remove some of the bitter flavor. Next, rinse thoroughly in plenty of cold water. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and blanch the doraji roots, then remove from pot and drain. In a bowl, toss the doraji with the other ingredients, gently mixing and squeezing everything with your hands.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6136206910_26d77fb095.jpg" alt="IMG_3603.jpg" /></figure><p>In a shallow pan, heat some vegetable oil and then add the seasoned roots to lightly pan-fry it, about 5 minutes.</p><p>Shigumchi Namul (seasoned spinach)<br /><ul><li> 200g spinach (about 1 large bunch)</li><li> 1 Tbs chopped spring onions</li><li> 1/2 Tbs minced garlic</li><li> 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste</li><li> 2 tsp sesame seed oil</li><li> 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds</li></ul><br />Wash and rinse the spinach well to get rid of any dirt. Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a bit of salt, and then add the spinach leaves for about 2 minutes, just until the greens are wilted but not mushy- you do not want the spinach to start breaking down and dissolving. Drain everything into a colander and rinse with cold water to preserve the bright green color and prevent further cooking. Next, gently squeeze the water out of the spinach with your hands. If your spinach stems are too long, you can chop them into slightly more manageable pieces.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6139444934_90f2e60a06.jpg" alt="IMG_3866.jpg" /></figure><p>Place the spinach in a mixing bowl and add the rest of your ingredients.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6075/6139445236_b53768f6b0.jpg" alt="IMG_3872.jpg" /></figure><p>As Koreans say, mix with you hands for better, more authentic flavor. Plate up and garnish with some more sesame seeds on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6073/6139452818_c562f3f1f9.jpg" alt="IMG_3949.jpg" /></figure><p>Happy Chuseok!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-23868704320469484862011-09-08T01:29:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.160-07:00Life in Cheonan<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/-UU0ti9PR7rU/TmgXjKLxVoI/AAAAAAAAAqQ/mrQUOTIfyoI/s1600/10mag.tiff" /></figure><p>First things first. This year, I have been included in 10 Magazine's poll for 'Best expat blogger in Korea'! :) Would you do me the ultimate honor and vote for me? I'll send you virtual vegan brownies and lots of happy thoughts. Before you vote though, you have to create an account with 10 Mag and confirm an email. It's a bit of a hassle, but it really only takes 2 minutes. Seriously, how cool would it be for a vegan blog to beat out all the others? The poll closes on Thursday, September 15th. Muchas gracias.</p><p>So I've been in Cheonan almost a week now and so far so good. It's really quiet living here in the boonies, but I'm breathing lots of fresh air... and eating loads of yummy home cookin'. I feel really lucky in that whenever I'm home, my parents eat almost all-vegan food with me. In my opinion, my mom is the best cook in the whole wide world (I might be a tad biased), and she always has a bunch of vegan banchans stored in her fridge. My dad also never complains about going meatless whenever I'm around. hehe. I love my parents so much and their support of my veganism means more than they probably know.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6121550793_f167594bd3.jpg" alt="IMG_3326.jpg" /></figure><p>Yesterday's lunch. Baby goguma (Korean sweet potatoes), lentil soup, sweet n salty kidney bean banchan, raw kelp with ssamjang dip, perilla leaves banchan.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6114693811_f5830388ce.jpg" alt="IMG_3233.jpg" /></figure><p>Another meal consisted of gondeurae (wild mountain greens) rice with red beans, lentil soup, pickled garlic cloves and cucumbers, and Korean jeon (pancakes).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6114693299_ea646f57a7.jpg" alt="IMG_3229.jpg" /></figure><p>A cabbage slaw topped with noodles, pickled cucumber kimchi, black sesame seeds, drizzled with a soysauce-sesame oil dressing.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6115237404_d42db82613.jpg" alt="IMG_3222.jpg" /></figure><p>The mornings here in Cheonan have been a bit nippy (fall is on the way!), so my breakfasts have been hot oatmeal porridge. This one has walnuts, dried figs, and black sesame seeds on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6115238588_3bc6a48e72.jpg" alt="IMG_3241.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though I'm just temporarily living in Cheonan and haven't even unpacked my suitcase, I'm still running my little bake shop. The only thing that has changed is that the quick-delivery option is temporarily unavailable while I'm in Cheonan. Other than that, it's business as usual!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6122095196_6990ddd923.jpg" alt="IMG_3340.jpg" /></figure><p>I recently ordered some nice new boxes for my packages.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6184/6121554507_d66c012f23.jpg" alt="IMG_3341.jpg" /></figure><p>Ready to be delivered to your doorstep. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6126095473_55464ab2e9.jpg" alt="IMG_3346.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and I've started painting again! I'm going to have a few pieces in an exhibition at the Laughing Tree Lab, to celebrate the official launching of AWEH. I'll post more info on this soon, but for now, check the FB event page! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-746411870995109862011-09-06T21:44:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.170-07:00Vegan Brownies<a name='more'></a><p>For some reason, since going vegan, I've only had brownies about... . 2 times? 3 times tops. It's almost too sad to even think about. But the other day, I felt the need for a big hunka chocolate-lovin', and this is what happened:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6084/6115516545_228e910977_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3300.jpg" /></figure><p>Dear God, thank you for brownies. Amen.</p><p>I'll never forget the first brownie I ever tasted. I was about 6 or 7 years old and my family was living in Ghana, West Africa. Having previously only lived in England and since Ghana was colonized by the British, my sister and I knew next-to-nothing about American culture and food. However, we were really close to this other Korean family with two girls the same age as my sister and I, and they had previously lived in the US. Whenever they got care packages from the States, they would share their precious jolly ranchers and fruit roll ups with us, and my sister and I would savor every morsel with gratitude and a little bitter jealousy mixed in.</p><p>So anyway, one time, I remember we were hanging out at their house and their mom baked this thing called "brownies." This memory has been so ingrained in my head that I actually recall thinking that the name "brownie" was the silliest thing to call a food, and I thought their mom had just made the name up herself. However, I also remember eating a slice of this dense, chocolately, crackly-topped, square cake and thinking it was the most heavenly, decadent thing I had ever tasted. And so as a kid, I quickly came to associate America with all things rich, sweet, and indulgent. Looking back, I realize my impressions were a bit skewed, but this was my honest first view of American foodie culture.</p><p>Hm, not sure why I bored you with that whole story, but whenever I have a brownie this memory flashes through my mind! Anyway, back to these vegan brownies... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6116059504_ee503f0ec5.jpg" alt="IMG_3283.jpg" /></figure><p>For this batch, I used this popular Vegweb recipe, which is so easy and delicious that it's a wonder people even bother making non-vegan brownies! I only made two modifications by adding some ground flax seeds and also a teeny bit of coffee extract to intensify the chocolate flavor, a brownie-making tip I got from Kia who is always in charge of making the brownies for our bake sales (don't forget to come to our next bake sale fundraiser, on Sept 17th!).</p><p>Vegan Brownies (adapted from this Vegweb recipe)</p><p>2 cups all-purpose flour<br />3/4 cup baking cocoa<br />1/2 teaspoon baking powder<br />1 cup water<br />1 Tbs ground flax seeds<br />2 cups organic unrefined sugar<br />1/2 cup grape seed oil (or canola)<br />1 teaspoon vanilla extract<br />1/2 teaspoon coffee extract<br />1 teaspoon salt<br />1/2 cup chopped walnuts</p><p>1. Preheat oven to 175C. Prepare your baking pan by lightly oiling it or using parchment paper (I used paper because my pan is a little old and crusty).<br />2. Sift the flour, cocoa, and baking powder together in a large bowl. Mix well.<br />3. In a separate bowl, add about 1/4 cup of the water and the ground flax seeds. Whisk til it gets thick and goopey. Add the rest of the water, along with the sugar, oil, extracts, and salt. Whisk well.<br />4. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry, and using a spatula, stir until everything is almost all incorporated. Then gently fold in the walnuts.<br />5. Pour the batter into your prepared baking pan and spread evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle more chopped walnuts on top, if desired.<br />6. Bake in oven for about 30-35 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted comes out clean. Let it rest about 30 minutes before cutting and serving.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6116058648_7777ebaf62.jpg" alt="IMG_3277.jpg" /></figure><p>X-treme close up of crackly-top.</p><p>Everyone always talks about how they prefer either cakey or fudgy brownies. Me, I like mine somewhere in-between, and they absolutely must have walnuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6115515009_da1234bcff.jpg" alt="IMG_3288.jpg" /></figure><p>Something like this.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6116061894_a65fed18e9.jpg" alt="IMG_3303.jpg" /></figure><p>Mmm, indulgent and not at all healthy, but so scrumptious... . The sugar-content is high, so one slice will go a long way in satisfying that sweet tooth. I found that while these were good eaten while still warm, the flavor and texture were even better the next day.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6116061102_982266374b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3292.jpg" /></figure><p>Not for the faint of heart.</p><p>Do you remember your first brownie? Care to share a childhood brownie memory? :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-5634829530537517862011-09-02T15:56:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.190-07:00It's moving day!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6202/6107567028_d02f73c21d.jpg" alt="IMG_3217.jpg" /></figure><p>For the past two days, I have been buried in the mountain of crap that is my belongings. Seriously, it's embarrassing how much "stuff" I own. I didn't realize moving would be such a hassle, but yea... Looking around at everything that had to be done, I would stand there paralyzed not knowing where to begin... . But thankfully, everything is boxed up now and my apartment is looking quite bare. I think it has finally sunk in that I'm moving out and will soon no longer be a Gunja-resident. Aw... . I wanted to do an 'Ode to Gunja' blog post before I left, but I ran out of time. Even though I'm not going very far, I can't believe I'm gonna be saying good bye to this part of Seoul and this apartment that has been my home for the past 4+ years. *sniffles*. Bunny and I are gonna miss this place!</p><p>ok... time to pack my computer... . bye Gunja!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-43787329533732537412011-08-30T23:45:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.199-07:00Press!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/images/KT_logo.jpg" /></figure><p>I know I already posted today, but just wanted to share this Korea Times article entitled "With creativity, vegetarians thrive in Korea", because it mentioned me and my humble blog! My friend Sean who was first interviewed for the article, introduced the writer to me and so I briefly spoke with him over the phone the other day, and now I'm quoted in the Korea Times. Woahhh. It's awesome that big news publications are taking notice of the growing veg movement here in Korea, and I'm just happy to be a part of it. ^^</p><p>Oh! And I was also recently interviewed by the 'Vegans on the Move,' a blog that is doing an awesome job of highlighting vegan activism around the world. It just got posted, so you can read it here!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-24589551270031962702011-08-30T23:05:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.208-07:00Oriental Spoon: Asian-Style Cafe Restaurant<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/6098342932_ed53b366bf.jpg" alt="IMG_3166.jpg" /></figure><p>Oriental Spoon is a restaurant chain that serves up modern Asian cuisine such as Thai, Vietnamese, and Korean fusion dishes. The last time I went to Oriental Spoon was when they only had one location in Apgujeong, but in the past few years, they've grown in popularity and now have several locations around Seoul. I usually avoid eating there because their menu is hardly vegan-friendly, what with all the fish/shrimp sauce, egg, and meat in the dishes, but this weekend, I was hanging out with my friend Suzy at Garosugil, and all the other restaurants seemed to have long lines or were closed for the day, so we ended up walking into the Oriental Spoon there.</p><p>I asked the waiter what items on the menu were vegan, and practically everything on the menu had some animal product in it. Luckily though, there were a few items that could easily be modified.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6097793973_5b88f22fe2.jpg" alt="IMG_3150.jpg" /></figure><p>To start, Suzy and I shared this silken tofu salad. Actually, when the salad first came out, it had a pile of Japanese dry fish shavings (Katsuobushi) on top! Neither Suzy or I realized that this was included in the salad when we ordered it, so we sent it back. We probably should've been more careful when ordering in the first place, but the waiter also should've warned us, since we had already told him that I don't eat seafood or meat. Ah well, thankfully, the waiter and chefs were accommodating in bringing out a new, fresh salad without any fishiness. Overall, a nice, light salad with yummy sesame dressing.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6097794959_2ee4f2ff54.jpg" alt="IMG_3157.jpg" /></figure><p>We also ordered a large bowl of the Bun Bo Xao, which is a Vietnamese noodle salad that usually comes with beef on top, except that we ordered it without the meat. The veggies you see are dry-roasted garlic flakes, cucumber, pineapple, radish, carrots, lettuce, and ground peanuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6098342376_4bf0b099ba.jpg" alt="IMG_3163.jpg" /></figure><p>Here it is all mixed up. I quite enjoyed this dish!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/6097794619_e6ca174176.jpg" alt="IMG_3155.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6098342716_79655a3a0a.jpg" alt="IMG_3164.jpg" /></figure><p>At first I thought the noodles were a little dry, but once everything was thoroughly mixed with the sauce at the bottom and with an extra squeeze of hot sauce, it really came together. It felt light, refreshing, and healthy.</p><p>I still think Oriental Spoon needs to make their menu more veg-friendly, but all-in-all, it was a tasty, healthy meal, and I'm glad I tried their food again.</p><p>To find a location near you, please visit their website and click on the small orange "go" button next to the image of houses.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-30290830779082658692011-08-27T23:59:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.228-07:00Seocho Flea Market<a name='more'></a><p>So... I've slowly started to pack up all my things, but it seems like the more I try to organize, the messier things get. It's really unbelievable how much junk I've accumulated over the course of 4 years. Argh! I always thought I lived a rather simple life, but apparently that was all in my head because I'm suddenly overwhelmed with my piles of STUFF, and I just want to get rid of it all.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6084562053_75d7ec628e.jpg" alt="IMG_3090.jpg" /></figure><p>So on Saturday, my Korean friend Yunseo and I participated in the weekly Seocho flea market in between Isu and Sadang station. I originally wanted to sell my stuff at the Beautiful Store flea market at Ttuksom Resort station, but the spaces were already filled for that one, and the date for the Platoon flea market didn't work for me either. There are numerous flea markets around Seoul where you can pawn off your used things, but most of them require you to sign up for it, which can be a bit of a hassle. Luckily, Yunseo submitted the application for us on Monday, and then on Thursday, participants were picked by a random lottery, and whaddya know, we got a spot!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6191/6085110096_4b154ef048.jpg" alt="IMG_3083.jpg" /></figure><p>Early on Saturday morning, I lugged a huge suitcase full of old clothes and knick knacks all the way to the Seocho flea market. Yunseo also brought a bunch of stuff, and together we sold quite a bit! We priced our things ridiculously cheaply though (most things around $1), so it's not like we made a fortune or anything, but it was just a fun experience~~ and ofcourse, I was happy to see some items get passed on to new owners.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6085114958_5f5ebd8912.jpg" alt="IMG_3139.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo & I</p><p>Oh and the sun was scorching hot that day! We got there before 9AM, and it was already burning hot... . Good thing we had sunblock, an umbrella for shade, and lots of bottled water and iced coffee! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6085110732_e847de4415.jpg" alt="IMG_3094.jpg" /></figure><p>Boiled potatoes, nectarines and cucumbers for sustenance.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6084566123_e62580584b.jpg" alt="IMG_3134.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo and Hyun bought three of my old paintings. I also sold one of my handmade notebooks. :P</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6078/6085112104_887bf60027.jpg" alt="IMG_3111.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some other shots from the flea market. Most of the other sellers were ajumas and ajushis, who gather other people's used stuff and sell them there on a regular basis, but there were also several people like us, who just brought their own things from home. There was everything from clothes, shoes, and jewelery, to books, toys, handbags, and hats... . I saw several things I wanted to buy, but I didn't get anything because, well, that would defeat the whole purpose of me being there in the first place. I would love to actually shop here sometime though, because you can definitely find good deals, and it's just better for the environment to buy second-hand.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6085111374_ebe166c106.jpg" alt="IMG_3105.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6085114272_3fba0f526a.jpg" alt="IMG_3131.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6205/6085112726_76e11c4971.jpg" alt="IMG_3118.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6085114042_e08f12e619.jpg" alt="IMG_3130.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6085113814_dc90335d4f_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3129.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6181/6084564907_4f493c85dc.jpg" alt="IMG_3125.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6085111566_d75d4dfd3d.jpg" alt="IMG_3109.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though I was able to unload of a bunch of stuff, I still have more things I want to get rid of, but couldn't take it to the flea market because it was too heavy. So later this week, I am going to donate the rest to Beautiful store.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6085109878_a9deb9c061.jpg" alt="IMG_3080.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and I have loads of old magazines that I'd like to hand off... 2 years worth of Adbusters magazines, 1 year of Runner's World, and 1 year of VegNews (claimed), as well as some ReadyMade (claimed) and Real Simple (claimed) mags. If anyone wants to buy any of these, 1,000 won per issue (compared to 11,000 won at 'What the Book?'), please send me an email or hit up my facebook page, and you can come pick it up from me at Gunja station. First come, first serve. Imagine, hours and hours of bedtime (or bathroom) reading!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-68576250468250615352011-08-26T14:37:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.237-07:00One last hike up Achasan<a name='more'></a><p>Exactly one more week before move-out day! Eeeeek!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6078752607_ef5bb05e9b.jpg" alt="IMG_3036.jpg" /></figure><p>So anyway, on Thursday, I hiked up Achasan for what will probably be the last time while I'm still living on this side of Seoul. The last time I went to Achasan was before my Paris trip, and I really missed it! It's the perfect difficulty-level for me... not too strenuous or steep, and it only takes about an hour to get to the top and come back down. The view's ain't bad either.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6079290776_f45b9da3da_b.jpg" alt="IMG_3035.jpg" /></figure><p>There's always a number of ajumas and ajushis getting their regular exercise too. I think it's so funny how some of them lug up backpacks of food to enjoy a full picnic spread at the top! Rice, kimchi, soju, ddeok and all. hehe.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6078753199_063d96ce57.jpg" alt="IMG_3042.jpg" /></figure><p>Me, on the other hand, I enjoyed the views while munching on my homemade energy bar. :)</p><p>I know I'll still be able to visit Achasan even after I move, but it won't be right in my backyard! I'm gonna miss it~~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-76525565079079346272011-08-25T01:22:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.247-07:00Adopt one of these loveable puppies from the Asan Shelter!<a name='more'></a><p>Today's entry shall be my very first guest post! I would like to introduce everyone to my vegan friend and domestic goddess, Kia! She has been mentioned on this blog a few times (like here, here, here, here, and here), and she was one of the first vegan friends I made in Korea. hehe. Since meeting for the first time a year ago, we have shared many delicous vegan meals, organized two vegan bake sales (with more to come), and she is such a generous, open-hearted person with a huge heart for helping animals. Being the animal-lover that she is, Kia frequently volunteers at the Asan shelter, with Animal Rescue Korea, and would like to send out a call for help with adopting/fostering some shelter dogs. Anyway, I'll let her explain the situation, and we both thank you for your time and interest!</p><p>****************************************************<br />Eleven puppies are in need of urgent care at the Asan animal shelter. While no animal deserves to spend their lives in a shelter, these poor babies are especially vulnerable and need help now if they are to have a chance at life. Several moms and their litters have turned up at the shelter over the past few weeks (spay and neuter -- please!!) and the conditions are much less than desirable for these babies who don't yet have the immunities to fight off disease. The are forced to live outdoors with no one to check in on them for days at a time. Volunteers go on the weekends, but it can be hit or miss for care in between. For now, we are seeking donations to get them the medical attention they desperately need (they need to have health checks to even make sure they are strong enough to handle the vaccines when the time comes) and trying to line up foster homes for them as soon as they are old enough to be away from their moms. Their best chance at survival would be getting them into foster care or permanent, loving homes as soon as possible.</p><p>If anyone out there is looking for a life long friend or just wants to provide a temporary, warm, safe, loving home for these little guys, please contact me at kia.veselsky@gmail. You may be saving a life and will acquire a best friend in the process. Or, if you are unable to foster or adopt but want to donate money towards their medical care, you can also contact me at the above address and I'll put you in contact with the right person.</p><figure><img src="//fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/316287_964058153779_120803691_48488382_5563847_n.jpg" /></figure><p>And now for the good part - puppy pictures!! There's Blossom, Bubbles, and Buttercup. They appear to be shihtzu mixes (can't be certain but will be small) and are weaned. They came to the shelter with no mom and I don't really know to much else about them. They are ready for foster homes NOW. They're really sweet little furballs who love to be held and cuddled. Wouldn't you after living on a cold, hard cement floor for weeks?</p><figure><img src="//fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/295772_964057485119_120803691_48488333_6687895_n.jpg" /></figure><p>Then, there's the tiniest puppy and his mom. I'm not sure what happened to the others, but I hope for the best. He still needs to spend some more time with mommy, but would love to come live in your warm home soon!</p><figure><img src="//fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc6/281742_2313418716328_1275216629_32853052_4137365_n.jpg" /></figure><p>Next we have Sandie and her five puppies. She's a small Korean mix and the father is unknown, but the puppies will be small. These little guys are wonderful balls of fluff. They still need to stay together for a while longer, but mom and babies will all need homes. Hopefully, we can get Sandie spayed in the process, too!</p><figure><img src="//fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/294647_2313417476297_1275216629_32853045_4374241_n.jpg" /></figure><p>And last, but not least, we have gray dog and her two puppies. They may be a schnauzer mix? They're not quite weaned yet, either, but will need a warm place to sleep and someone to give them yummy food when mom can't do it anymore. Mom would also love a nice home and family to call her own.</p><p>Again, these puppies are in desperate need of foster/forever homes. If you would like to take one home, please go to www.animalrescuekorea.org and fill out the "adoption application." It is the same form for fostering, just skip irrelevant questions about leaving, etc... </p><p>If you have any questions please e-mail me at kia.veselsky@gmail and I'll try to answer them or at least get you to someone who can help.<br />Thanks so much!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-31464483708780869452011-08-24T03:10:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.257-07:00Single-serving peach cobbler<a name='more'></a><p>As a single gal living on my own, there have been times when I wanted to bake all kinds of rich desserts, but restrained myself due to the fact that I would end up eating the entire thing myself. This is one of the reasons why I entertained thoughts of moving in with a roommate- just so that I would have someone to feed and share all my baking experiments with.</p><p>And when I bought those peaches at the market the other day, I was just realllly craving peach cobbler. I wanted me some ooey-gooey, caramelized sweet peach slices with crusty biscuit-like topping, ya know? But I wasn't about to make a full pan that could serve 8 people, with no one to help me finish it... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6072234718_db8eeb0a35_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2851.jpg" /></figure><p>... and then I came up with a brilliant solution: peach cobbler for one!</p><p>Okay, so maybe it's not such a revolutionary idea, afterall, there are single-serving muffin and cupcake recipes all over the blogosphere, but I was excited at the thought of getting to satisfy my craving without having to over-do it on the sweets.</p><p>I used this recipe from Vegweb as reference, dividing most of the measurements by 4, but I did make a few adjustments, such as decreasing the sugar and adding more lemon juice. I feel like it's hard to mess this up... even if your measurements aren't perfect, you'll still get a bowl of deliciousness.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6072236284_3a459eda80.jpg" alt="IMG_2862.jpg" /></figure><p>{ Single-Serving Vegan Peach Cobbler }</p><p>What you'll need:<br />1 medium peach, sliced<br />1 Tbs sugar<br />1 Tbs lemon juice<br />1 Tbs water<br />1 tsp corn starch (I used tapioca starch)<br />1/8 tsp cinnamon</p><p>3Tbs all purpose flour<br />2 tsp non-dairy butter (I used Nuttelex)<br />1 tsp sugar<br />1/4 tsp baking powder<br />pinch of salt (about 1/16 tsp)<br />1 Tbs soy milk</p><p>Method:<br />1. Preheat oven to 400F.<br />2. Wash and and slice the peach into thin pieces (chunks would work too).<br />3. In a small bowl, whisk the sugar, lemon juice, water, starch, and cinnamon, until the starch is dissolved. Add the peach slices and transfer into a small saucepan. Cook over medium heat until it begins to bubble and thicken, stirring constantly for about 2 minutes. Pour into your small oven-safe bowl.<br />4. In a separate bowl, rub the non-dairy butter into the flour with your fingers and then add the sugar, baking powder, and salt. Next, add the soy milk and mix until just combined. Evenly spoon lumps of the batter on top of the cooked peaches.<br />5. Bake in oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is lightly browned. Be careful that the peach juices do not bubble over and mess up your oven.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6072232546_48d3aecab0.jpg" alt="IMG_2811.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's the cooked fruit... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6071689903_625026b2d5.jpg" alt="IMG_2814.jpg" /></figure><p>... and now with the dough spooned on top.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6203/6071690551_ea54ee772a.jpg" alt="IMG_2833.jpg" /></figure><p>Right outta the oven.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6065/6072235758_3a054e7067.jpg" alt="IMG_2859.jpg" /></figure><p>Enjoy immediately. Sharing not allowed. ^^</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6077/6071693599_e5e29c9135.jpg" alt="IMG_2867.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm not always a fan of hot, cooked fruit, but this is one of those cases where it absolutely works (like apple pie or banana bread). Steamy, juicy, mushy peaches! Mmm~ And the topping is like a buttery biscuit/scone.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6185/6072237196_a4a851f832.jpg" alt="IMG_2880.jpg" /></figure><p>Craving satisfied.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-22570510258509930022011-08-22T23:17:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.268-07:00Norunsan Market<a name='more'></a><p>By now, I think all my readers know that one of my hobbies is grocery shopping. Especially if you followed my Paris trip posts, you will know that I am obsessed with outdoor food markets and health food shops. While the food markets in Korea may not be as glamorous, hipster, or organic-friendly as the ones in Paree, I do enjoy strolling through Korean shi-jangs because they also have their own character and charm.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6069358122_49823b1db0.jpg" alt="IMG_2776.jpg" /></figure><p>Ajusshis shouting out their sale prices, dodging bicycles and loitering halmunees, and breathing in weird pungent smells... . it all remind me of older, simpler days. I also feel good about supporting these mom 'n' pop stores, not to mention, I can usually bag a lot more fresh produce at these markets, than at big supermarkets like EMart or Home Plus.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6076/6068814585_88d7acfcd7.jpg" alt="IMG_2784.jpg" /></figure><p>I usually go to a covered market closer to my house at Gunja Station, but the other day, I checked out Norunsan market, which is closer to Kundae University station. It's pretty much just your average Korean shijang ... not too big, but still has everything from food and household items, to clothes and bed sheets.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6068815719_eb63b411bd_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2786.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6068816339_2219e32974.jpg" alt="IMG_2788.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6187/6069364016_e04f1560e6.jpg" alt="IMG_2789.jpg" /></figure><p>Loads of fresh veggies... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6071/6069358554_2de6d35de0.jpg" alt="IMG_2777.jpg" /></figure><p>... fruit! I think fruit in general is pretty expensive in Korea, but getting it at these outdoor markets (or from a fruit truck) is where you'll find the best deals. Some stores even have slightly misshapen or bruised fruit for a discounted price, which is what I usually get. I don't really need my fruit to be sparkling clean and perfectly-shaped since they're usually just blended into smoothies anyway.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6068811825_1d99b9cd33.jpg" alt="IMG_2778.jpg" /></figure><p>Herbal bark and roots, etc... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6079/6068812829_566684476b.jpg" alt="IMG_2780.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though it's not all vegan, I absolutely love banchan stores and ogling all the different spicy, salty side dishes!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6183/6069359626_bd959956b4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2779.jpg" /></figure><p>japchae noodles~~ yum</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6068814035_5d04ac12ac.jpg" alt="IMG_2782.jpg" /></figure><p>This photo makes me want to eat bibimbab, with all these banchans mixed in.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6069366258_2f281a97fa.jpg" alt="IMG_2794.jpg" /></figure><p>Korean bakery muffins... . so purty, but not vegan.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6069367382_23bcba316c.jpg" alt="IMG_2798.jpg" /></figure><p>Dried red peppers</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6069368426_00cc815235.jpg" alt="IMG_2804.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's my loot. 4 red and 2 green bell peppers (2,000 won), 1 large kabocha squash (3,000 won), 3 peaches (1,000 won), 1 bunch of perilla leaves (2,000 won). Total 8,000 won (less than $8).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6068810021_62f87127b8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2771.jpg" /></figure><p>To get to Norunsan Market, please refer to this Naver map. It's about a 15-minute walk from Kundae University station.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-47009941201003088322011-08-22T00:26:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.279-07:00Breakfast in a bar<a name='more'></a><p>With all the rain for the past two months, I'll admit that I haven't been so good with the exercising... The constant rain and mugginess kind of zapped any motivation to be outside, and then once I skipped a couple runs, it became that much easier to just keep skipping them... .</p><p>However, now that the rainy season has finally passed, I'm trying to get back on the wagon and get moving again. So I went on a run this morning! It wasn't even that long, but I noticed I'm a lot slower than I used to be, which is a bit of a bummer, but I'm not getting too bent out of shape about it. As long as I can still move my legs, I'm grateful. In fact, on one of my running loops, I pass by a hospital, and there's always a handful of patients outside sitting in wheelchairs, and as I run past them, I can't help but feel gratitude for my health, strength, and mobility.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6081/6068312164_61b7bb217c.jpg" alt="IMG_2655.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyhoos, to fuel my run this morning, I made some breakfast bars with nothing but healthy stuff, like old fashioned rolled oats, toasted almonds, dried cranberries, ground flax seeds, and a special ingredient: cacao nibs! I found cacao nibs on this Korean online baking store, where I order a lot of other baking ingredients. Ofcourse, for those in Korea, you can also get cacao nibs from iHerb. I really like the crunchiness of them, and even the slightly bitter chocolate flavor. They're ideal for making healthy energy bars and adding to oatmeal because they stay crunchy when mixed with hot ingredients like the hot rice syrup and toasted almonds, and ofcourse, they satisfy that chocolate craving without the added fat or sugar.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6068314836_5af371f055.jpg" alt="IMG_2677.jpg" /></figure><p>Oatmeal Breakfast bars<br />makes 4 large bars</p><p>1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats<br />1/4 cup dried cranberries<br />1/4 cup almonds, roughly chopped<br />2 Tbs cacao nibs<br />2 Tbs ground flax seeds<br />1/4 cup brown rice syrup<br />1 Tbs black strap molasses<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/2 tsp ground cinnamon<br />1/4 tsp salt</p><p>In a non-stick pan over medium heat, lightly toast the almonds and rolled oats, separately. Transfer to a bowl and mix with the cranberries, cacao nibs, and ground flax seeds. Reduce the heat to medium-low, and in the same non-stick pan, pour the brown rice syrup, molasses, vanilla extract, and salt. Mix with a spatula until the syrup becomes thin and bubbly. Pour the dry ingredients into the pan and mix until everything is well-incorporated. Dump everything into a baking pan (I use a bread pan) and spread evenly, flattening the top with a spatula. Let cool for about 30 minutes before turning out onto a cutting board and chopping into bars.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6082/6068316168_0956058168.jpg" alt="IMG_2708.jpg" /></figure><p>And perhaps the best thing is that you could easily turn one of these crunchy bars into a delicious, creamy, hot breakfast by just throwing the bar into a pot of some water or soy milk (about 1 1/4 cup total), and then bringing it to a boil for about 5 minutes.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6072/6068316638_a863ea1506.jpg" alt="IMG_2713.jpg" /></figure><p>Since the rolled oats I use are slightly broken, they cook up fast and become extra creamy and voluminous, and the ground flax meal helps to make it all a little thicker too. These bars are like those mini compressed hand towel tablets that expand when added to water. Magic. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6062/6067772927_c421c22af9.jpg" alt="IMG_2739.jpg" /></figure><p>Tada~~ A warm bowl of good-for-you oatmeal. The bars themselves are actually not that sweet, so I added a little extra sweetener when turning it into oatmeal, but in general, the brown rice syrup and molasses provide a mild sweetness, which is then complemented by the tangy dried cranberries. Ofcourse, you could throw in any fresh fruits you have, such as banana slices or apple chunks for a little extra sweetness. :) I also love the crunch of the cacao nibs and toasted almonds. It's got a little bit of everything!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6182/6068333012_24b6c7624c.jpg" alt="IMG_2763.jpg" /></figure><p>Here they are, individually packaged for portion control... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6207/6067787435_05e9f7b023_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2744.jpg" /></figure><p>Available on the Alien's Day Out Bake Shop!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-74522049494328323722011-08-16T00:41:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.301-07:00Trying to keep myself busy...<a name='more'></a><p>It's another rainy day here in Seoul... . what's new. I really can't wait for all this rain and sticky humidity to be over, and for it to be fall~ my favorite season!</p><p>Anyway~ so now that I've found my future apartment, I just have to gradually start packing up all the junk that I've accumulated over the past 4 years, and then move out on Sept 3rd! Well, that's still a few weeks away, so there's no rush.</p><p>Apart from planning for my eventual moving-out date, lately, I've been spending my time baking for orders, running whenever it's not pouring rain, blogging, and doing a bit of design stuff. I've also been trying to get out of the house whenever I can to meet up with friends. I really love baking alone in my kitchen while old episodes of 'Parks and Recreation' play in the background, but I also need to interact with other humans so that I don't turn into a lonely hermit!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6048569498_118857bb1b.jpg" alt="IMG_2506.jpg" /></figure><p>Yesterday, I got some coffee with my favorite coworker unnie, Yanna. She ordered cookies from me a while back and shared some with her tutor kid who liked them, so she ordered more! :) Hehe, it's such a great compliment when a kid says they like my food~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6070/6048018613_67e5fce75f.jpg" alt="IMG_2501.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some thin mints for Yanna~ The thin mint cookies now come in square-form! This translates to a slightly more wafer cookie surface area to be covered in minty chocolate. hehe.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6067/6048569142_022ffaf6a4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2511.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and what do you think of my new sticker design for my bake shop packaging? They arrived today and I can't wait to stick them on everything... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5968468455_3f42e5ff9d.jpg" alt="IMG_1764.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's some tropical biscotti I baked, using fine coconut shreds and a mix of dried papaya and pineapple bits. The recipe is a work in progress... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5965608957_278edc3bcb_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1667.jpg" /></figure><p>Last but not least, the other day I found this soy yogurt drink at Lotte Department Store, and as far as I can tell, there is no dairy or D3 lurking in the ingredients list. Anyone care to double-check it for me?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5966164382_3e61875ca0_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1655.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm not 100% sure that it's vegan, but I'm really hoping it is! Vegemil used to have a similar soy yogurt drink, but it had vitamin-D3 in it, so I stopped buying it.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_1664.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/5965608653_d256a2138f.jpg" /></figure><p>This was quite a delicious, refreshing drink, and it had the familiar sour yogurty flavor that I miss so much. I really love yogurt, whether it is the drinkable or spoonable type, and I think it's important to get those healthy live probiotic cultures in your system, you know, to promote digestive health and um, stay regular~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5965608399_e9e65932e0.jpg" alt="IMG_1660.jpg" /></figure><p>Nutritional stats: 110cal, 23g carbs, 2g protein, 1 g fat, and includes three different probiotic bacteria.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-21163646259235460562011-08-13T23:53:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.323-07:00Apartment-hunting!<a name='more'></a><p>The majority of Saturday morning and afternoon was spent apartment-hunting with my mom, who came to Seoul to help with the search, negotiate rent, and to speak legalese with the realtors etc. After a tiring search and a lot of indecision, I'm happy to announce that I found an apartment!!! But before I tell you more about my future abode, here's what we ate before heading out on our search. We knew we had to get a good breakfast in since we would be walking around a lot, and what better than pancakes for a filling Saturday breakfast?!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6186/6037992568_b4c9092339.jpg" alt="IMG_2389.jpg" /></figure><p>For these pancakes, I used my favorite go-to pancake recipe from vegweb.com. I love this recipe, because as the title says, it is indeed very easy, does not require any odd ingredients, and it can be modified in numerous ways with whatever I have on hand.</p><p>This time, I decided to sub half of the all purpose flour with spelt flour! Now, you might be wondering, where the heck I got spelt flour in Korea... . well, unfortunately, I didn't get it here. I actually bought a bag of the stuff (Bob's Red Mill brand) from a health food store in the Philippines, when I vacationed there over a year ago!! I'm (obviously) not gluten-intolerant, but thought it would be fun to try some gf-baking, but then I sort of forgot all about it all... . Anyway, now that I have to start thinking of moving, I figured it would be good to consume this long-forgotten item stashed away in my freezer.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6037992392_1b1ec0c210_b.jpg" alt="IMG_2384.jpg" /></figure><p>Spelt Pancakes (modified from this recipe on VegWeb)<br />serves 2</p><p>1/2 cup spelt flour<br />1/2 cup all purpose flour<br />1 tablespoon sugar<br />1 tablespoon baking powder<br />1/2 tablespoon vegetable oil (I used grapeseed oil)<br />1/2 teaspoon salt<br />1 cup soy milk (I used sugar-free soy milk)<br />1/4 cup water<br />dash cinnamon, optional (I omitted this part)</p><p>1. Lightly mix all ingredients in a fairly large bowl; leave 5-10 minutes to rise. It's important only to mix the batter enough to moisten, as overmixing will make the pancakes tough.</p><p>2. Heat a lightly-oiled pan on medium heat. When you sprinkle a few drops of water in the pan, it should skip and sizzle, but not explode everywhere.</p><p>3. Pour some batter in the pan and cook on one side, about 2 minutes, or until you can see the edges are half-cooked. Flip and cook the other side for another 2 minutes, or until it is golden brown. Serve immediately.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6083/6037991920_6522dab87c.jpg" alt="IMG_2381.jpg" /></figure><p>We topped our pancakes with walnuts, dried blueberries, and agave syrup. YUMMMM. I'm not sure if it was the addition of spelt flour, or the use of sugar-free soymilk, but these pancakes were much fluffier than usual and they tasted really great! And I really loved the nuttiness of the whole spelt flour.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6037443543_8518deb196.jpg" alt="IMG_2397.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh sweet, fluffy-goodness.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6193/6035536484_9353c3d975.jpg" alt="IMG_2350.jpg" /></figure><p>speaking of fluffy-goodness... Bunny 'tocks!!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6063/6035536160_e5a5a4598a.jpg" alt="IMG_2347.jpg" /></figure><p>*tickley-tickle~!*</p><p>So anyway, back to my apartment search. I'm happy to report that I finally found a place that hits almost all of my big criteria. It's a regular studio apartment in Yeungdeungpo-gu, all the way on the opposite side of Seoul from Gunja station, which will give me a chance to explore a whole new part of the city! And while the room itself is rather small, it has a nice little outdoor rooftop patio that I get all to myself! When the realtor was showing me the space, I started picturing all these fancy outdoor dinner parties that I could throw (you know, like in the movies), Bunny frolicking freely in the open air, me painting or reading a book in the summer sunshine, and growing my own organic roof-top veggies, that I immediately fell in love with the place. It's even in my price-range!! One problem though (ofcourse). It doesn't free-up until mid-October, which is more than a month after I have to move out of my current place. AHhhhhh! I was so disappointed at the possibility of not scoring this spot, and then all the subsequent apartments I checked out just didn't tug at my heart strings in the same way, so in the end, I decided to sign the contract for my little rooftop shack anyway! So, it looks like I'll be "homeless" for a month and a half. Well, not really homeless because I'll probably just crash at Cheonan for the 1 1/2 months inbetween... . (oh dear gawd, i'll be living with the folks again... .)... . unless anyone in Seoul wants to put me up? haha. I can pay rent in the form of vegan cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6192/6037443743_ca2706304a.jpg" alt="IMG_2400.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Link" /></figure><p>Anyway, to celebrate our successful apartment-hunting, my mom and I rewarded ourselves with a late lunch feast at Garobee buffet in Gangnam. The food was much more plentiful than my first visit, and I definitely loaded up on veggies and banchans. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6197/6037444207_6b69f4aa1c.jpg" alt="IMG_2403.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6209/6037993992_1cc9856b1b.jpg" alt="IMG_2401.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6206/6037444461_3e992e4112.jpg" alt="IMG_2410.jpg" /></figure><p>mini bowl of bibimbab</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6090/6037444659_3a1fec103c.jpg" alt="IMG_2412.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/6037444929_f01ed5a347.jpg" alt="IMG_2415.jpg" /></figure><p>dessert was fruit, ddeok, nuts and seeds.</p><p>So that sums up my day of successful apartment hunting and vegan eating. Even though I won't be moving into my new place until mid-October (ugh, it seems like forever away), I'm excited for the change of scenery, and for now, I'll enjoy my last few weeks at my current Gunja place, which I have called 'home' for the past 4 years. *Sigh* I'm definitely gonna miss my 'hood, Gunja. Anyway, I'll save the sentimentality for a later time~</p><p>And now, I shall leave you with an image of today's breakfast:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6141/6035537854_c20ee4cd04.jpg" alt="IMG_2362.jpg" /></figure><p>Oatmeal, flax, and chia seeds cooked with soy milk, and topped with toasty-brown coconut shreds, raisins, and dried tropical fruit-mix. Happy to have oatmeal back in my life.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-67899835143423282322011-08-11T02:00:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.334-07:00Saucy Spicy-Sweet Tofu<a name='more'></a><p>What a long day! I've been wanting to move out to a new apartment for the longest time, and a few months back, I mentioned on this blog that I was going to move to Jamsil with some other people, but then it was taking forever to find someone to take over my current apartment contract and so those plans fell through. Well, someone has finally signed on to take over my place which is awesome, but now I have to find a new place and move out by the first week of September! So today, I spent the whole afternoon checking out apartments, in three different parts of Seoul. My feet are achy from walking around everywhere... But I'm super excited for a change of scenery. I've been at Gunja station for so long! I have yet to find a spot that fits my budget level, can accommodate Bunny, and has a decent kitchen, but I did see a few potentials, so I'm hopeful. Anyway, apartment searching is tough and tiring... .</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3424/5793179207_6b3b9f3460.jpg" alt="IMG_1565.jpg" /></figure><p>... and it definitely works up an appetite for some delicious Korean food! (Like my segue from apartment-talk to food-talk? hehe) I've been making this spicy, saucy tofu side dish pretty often lately because it's so easy and I always have the ingredients in my pantry. I usually just eat this with a bowl of rice and some fresh lettuce leaves for wrapping. :)</p><p>Saucy Dubu Jorim (saucy, simmered tofu)<br />serves 2</p><p>1/2 - 2/3 block of firm tofu, cubed<br />1 Tbs ketchup<br />1 Tbs gochujang<br />1 Tbs rice syrup<br />1 tsp minced garlic<br />1 Tbs chopped chives (divided)<br />1 tsp sesame seeds (divided)<br />some veg oil for frying tofu, about 1/2 Tbs</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2398/5793182495_a048e67a3b.jpg" alt="IMG_1535.jpg" /></figure><p>Cut the tofu into 1-inch cubes and pat dry with a paper towel to absorb some of the water. In a non-stick pan, heat some veg oil (about 1/2 Tbs) over medium heat, and then fry the tofu until they are browned and slightly crispy on sides.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2586/5793741568_d3f32830d9.jpg" alt="IMG_1537.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5793180825_b6581d342e.jpg" alt="IMG_1543.jpg" /></figure><p>While the tofu is frying up, in a separate small bowl, mix the ketchup, gochujang, rice syrup, minced garlic, and half of the chopped chives and sesame seeds.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2685/5793740016_83474417ff.jpg" alt="IMG_1547.jpg" /></figure><p>Add the sauce to the fried tofu in the pan, over low-medium heat.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/5793739384_356e6b86cc.jpg" alt="IMG_1552.jpg" /></figure><p>Stir until everything is coated and the sauce simmers and slightly reduces.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5793178659_3d0894cbc1.jpg" alt="IMG_1567.jpg" /></figure><p>Plate up and sprinkle the remaining chives and sesame seeds on top for garnishing.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3351/5793736566_d8df562c7f.jpg" alt="IMG_1582.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3371/5793735962_650c788f9f.jpg" alt="IMG_1591.jpg" /></figure><p>Simple, salty, spicy, sweet, scrumptious... .</p><p>Wish me luck with my apartment-search! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-35015468202746509292011-08-07T22:08:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.343-07:00The Seoul Subway Song<a name='more'></a><p>I just have to share this awesome video!! It put a big fat smile on my face.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-48437366862882899482011-08-07T19:25:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.352-07:00Sugar-Free Soy Milk!<a name='more'></a><p>Here are two soy milks that I've been buying a lot lately. Both are vegan and totally free of sugar, weird ingredients and additives!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_1646.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5965607111_364ef089bb.jpg" /></figure><p>The first one is this Woongjin brand of "Incredibly Pure Soybeans" soy milk that I buy at Emart. I actually remember trying this soy milk several years ago and thinking it was disgusting because it's quite thick and there was absolutely no sweetness to it at all, but I recently tried it again and my taste buds must've changed because now I think it's quite good! It's basically just soy beans blended up reaaal well. It's only very sliiightly grainy at the bottom, but it's barely noticeable, and it mixes really well in coffee or tea. I actually like the blandness and ofcourse I can always add my own sugar or agave syrup if I want.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_1648.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5966163836_bb9837c20b.jpg" /></figure><p>One thing to note is that there are two versions of the plain soy milk- either in bottles or and tetra paks. Only the bottled version has no sugar, while the soy milk in the tetra paks (pictured above) has a little sugar. Probably for longer preservation? Woongjin also has a vegan black bean milk, which I wanna try soon too~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/6016680344_385b25ee23.jpg" alt="IMG_2338.jpg" /></figure><p>Another new favorite soy milk is this new sugar-free organic soy milk from Yonsei. It's different from their regular organic soy milk in the blue cartons that you can find at Loving Huts and department stores. I haven't seen this one at any stores (yet), but I got two crates from GMarket. Each crate has 16 cartons and all together the total was 17,400won, which comes out to about 545 won per 200ml carton!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/6016681110_83241fe70b.jpg" alt="IMG_2341.jpg" /></figure><p>There are only two ingredients: soy beans and salt. Amazing. I reckon this is perfect for health-conscious types, and diabetics too! I've been using this organic sugar-free soy milk in all my baking lately and it's pretty great. Since it is sugar-free it does make the goodies a little less sweet, and the thickness of the soy milk slightly changes the texture of things like cookies, but it's not a big problem at all.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/6016680740_c1c63bd9a6.jpg" alt="IMG_2340.jpg" /></figure><p>Nutritional stats per 200ml carton: 75cal, 4g carbs, 7g protein, 3.5g fat.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-18163211743377664662011-08-06T19:12:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.362-07:00Happy reunions<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/6004773835_8b607a7c25.jpg" alt="IMG_2251.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/6004772945_fa584e5f49.jpg" alt="IMG_2248.jpg" /></figure><p>There are a bunch of people visiting Korea on their summer holidays and I've been trying to meet up with them when I can. This week, I got to hang out with Jenna my college friend (on the far left), and her two sisters- they're triplets! We just went to Gangnam and got coffee at the Tous Les Jours bakery cafe there. It was such a happy reunion!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/6016399714_d704db75df.jpg" alt="IMG_2309.jpg" /></figure><p>And then yesterday, I had a wonderful Saturday brunch with two dear friends, Yunseo & Hyun at Garosugil. We didn't have any set restaurant in mind but after walking around a bit and checking out different restaurants and their menus, we ended up at Cork for Turtle, the pasta restaurant/wine bar above it's partner coffee shop Mug for Rabbit. All of their pasta dishes had meat, but they had a light tofu salad that was totally vegan.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/6015848389_7d08a128dc.jpg" alt="IMG_2318.jpg" /></figure><p>This platter was humongous and loaded with piles of microgreens, silken tofu, and sliced crunchy almonds.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/6015849773_faee3db2cd.jpg" alt="IMG_2327.jpg" /></figure><p>The salad was dressed with a little bit of soy sauce and lots of black sesame seed dressing which was deliciously nutty~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/6016402534_8cf30a7f53.jpg" alt="IMG_2331.jpg" /></figure><p>Yunseo ordered some biscotti from me, and she snapped a photo of her packages (and her blackberry, hehe).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/6016398628_0f39e7b5fa.jpg" alt="IMG_2293.jpg" /></figure><p>I also had another mini reunion with a childhood friend from my Ivory Coast boarding school, who has now moved to Korea with her hubby! It was sooo awesome to see her again, and since it was her birthday this past week, I gave her some chocolate-orange biscotti and a mini carrot cake. :) I love feeding omnis vegan baked goods and showing them that cruelty-free goodies aren't tasteless.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5988577905_bac42a2e2d.jpg" alt="IMG_1999.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and here's some carrot bread I made earlier this week for breakfast. I love carrot cake, but sometimes it's too rich for me with all that dark brown sugar and cream cheese frosting, so I made this slightly healthier version that isn't overly sweet. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5988579337_cc5b07f67e.jpg" alt="IMG_2019.jpg" /></figure><p>In my opinion, lots of raisins and walnuts are mandatory in carrot bread.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5989141052_6fc6976be8.jpg" alt="IMG_2032.jpg" /></figure><p>I imagine that if Bunny wasn't a raw foodie, she'd dig this one.</p><p>Well, that's about it for today. The carrot bread and chocolate-orange biscotti are both available on the bake shop, and the thin mints and coconut macaroons are back on too! :)</p><p>Have a great Sunday!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-52809882110966973102011-08-02T19:33:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.382-07:00Korean food rules<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6003/6003021873_447c3c57eb.jpg" alt="IMG_2109.jpg" /></figure><p>Took a mini trip down to Cheonan on Monday and got to see my uncle and aunt from Brazil. My mom's side of the family immigrated to Brazil waaay back in the 70's, but my eldest uncle recently returned to Korea for good and is now living suuuper close to my parents' place in Cheonan! :) So I went over to say hello and my aunt ended up cooking an awesome vegan dinner for us! She was so sweet in doing her best to accommodate me and kept telling my Brazilian-meat-loving uncle not to tease me about being vegan, lest I never visit them again. haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/6003567422_31d1010973.jpg" alt="IMG_2111.jpg" /></figure><p>Jeon pancakes. Chewy and slightly crispy around the edges... soooo good.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/6003567834_4462a0be3b.jpg" alt="IMG_2112.jpg" /></figure><p>Oyster mushrooms, perilla leaves, onions, garlic, and salt. Simple but delicious.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/6003023107_6d33ae9cde.jpg" alt="IMG_2113.jpg" /></figure><p>Bean sprout banchan</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/6003023513_88e5b3eee8.jpg" alt="IMG_2114.jpg" /></figure><p>Chives banchan</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/6003569934_32edc6470e.jpg" alt="IMG_2119.jpg" /></figure><p>Dotori mook with soy sauce dressing</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6027/6003025187_11ced0868b.jpg" alt="IMG_2123.jpg" /></figure><p>Necatarines, watermelon, and yellow melon for dessert</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/6003025813_d828e7d4c1.jpg" alt="IMG_2124.jpg" /></figure><p>Breakfast at my parents' place yesterday morning was some Korean starchy corn, tomato-carrot soup, and fruit.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/6003021065_bb9cfca6a5.jpg" alt="IMG_2103.jpg" /></figure><p>Lunch was an assortment of banchans with japchae and rice.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/6003566646_0ee620374a.jpg" alt="IMG_2107.jpg" /></figure><p>Korean food is simply the best.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/6003583054_814953f4ea_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2192.jpg" /></figure><p>I also tried my hand at baking two different types of homemade crackers: dwenjang (Korean fermented soybean paste) and black sesame seed crackers.</p><p>Here's the basic, plain recipe:</p><p>3/4 cup all purpose flour<br />1/4 cup whole wheat flour<br />1 1/2 Tbs sugar<br />pinch of salt (omit if adding dwenjang)<br />2 Tbs grape seed oil<br />2 Tbs soy milk</p><p>flavor options:<br />1 Tbs black sesame seeds or 1 Tbs dwenjang paste</p><p>Preheat oven to 170C. Sift and mix all dry ingredients together. Add the oil and rub it into the flour with your hands until you get a coarse sandy texture. Add the soy milk and mix until it comes together in a ball. If it is too sticky, add a bit more flour by the teaspoon, and if it is too dry add a little more soy milk. On a cookie sheet, roll out the dough to about 4mm thick. Next, use a knife to score lines through the dough. Poke holes with a fork (i forgot this step... ), and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until it is nicely browned and crunchy. Break the pieces apart and let cool before enjoying.</p><p>For the black sesame seed crackers, just add the seeds along with all the dry ingredients before adding the oil. For the dwenjang crackers, dissolve the dwenjang paste in the soy milk before adding the mixture to the dry ingredients.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/6003036309_be62ba9703.jpg" alt="IMG_2183.jpg" /></figure><p>My favorite was the sesame seed crackers, just because I love the taste of sesame seeds, but I also really liked the mild saltiness of the dwenjang crackers.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/6003582220_bc9c560f71.jpg" alt="IMG_2186.jpg" /></figure><p>The dwenjang flavor is very subtle but it gives them a nice savory edge.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/6003039013_b2aae9f0a8.jpg" alt="IMG_2196.jpg" /></figure><p>These make great mid-afternoon snacks, and I love that you can cut them in any shape you like! Square? Sticks? Triangles?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/6003601228_3e3f6de586.jpg" alt="IMG_2236.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and we went to Ddeul Ahn Chae vegan buffet again. I go there almost every time I visit Cheonan, and each time, the restaurant is busier than the last! This place is blowin' uuup! The past few times we went for lunch, people had to actually wait for tables to free up. I think Cheonan needs another veg buffet to absorb the overflow... :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6003056467_194ed55e09.jpg" alt="IMG_2237.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/6003056975_3a4fa766c2.jpg" alt="IMG_2238.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/6003058783_db7d01920d.jpg" alt="IMG_2244.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6023/6003603690_989e0a641e.jpg" alt="IMG_2243.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/6003604506_15a3a9b370.jpg" alt="IMG_2247.jpg" /></figure><p>Their pumpkin & sweet red bean mash is the bomb.</p><p>Ddeul Ahn Chae Vegetarian Buffet<strong><strong> / 뜰안채채식뷔페</strong></strong></p><p>Address: 충남 천안시 동남구 안서동 141<br />Tel: 041-567-5879<br />Lunch service: 12-3pm<br />Dinner service: 6-9pm<br />Closed every 3rd Sunday of the month</p><p>Since this is Cheonan we're talking about, I would suggest taking a cab and showing the driver the address. But if you're bus-savvy, catch Bus #24 (you can catch it accross the street from the new Shinsaegae Department Store (the old Yawoori building), and get off at the 안서대림2차A (An Suh Dae Rim 2-A) stop, after the 'Hoseo University' stop. The restaurant will be directly across the street from the bus stop.</p><figure><img src="//prt.map.naver.com/render/render.srf?id=p201103171f472b34e62cf4f4f89ee1afe38ecf9a8" alt="지도 크게 보기" /></figure><p>2011.3.17 | 지도 크게 보기<br />© NHN Corp.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-89420301983260767642011-08-01T00:22:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.394-07:00Life lately~<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5995900879_53926c0628_z.jpg" alt="IMG_2041.jpg" /></figure><p>Phew! What a week~ After I launched the Alien's Bake Shop website last Monday, I've been non-stop baking~! It's been crazy awesome. A huge thank you to everyone who has ordered so far- you guys make me so happy. In fact, you guys ordered so many thin mints that I've run out of chocolate and am currently waiting for my bulk order of chocolate to arrive before I can make more. :) I suddenly feel like I have a full time job with an actual schedule, like waking up at the crack of dawn to bake, making early morning trips to the post office, returning emails... . It's tiring but I love it! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5996464448_99cbd75f78.jpg" alt="IMG_2089.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5995910417_aac08488ee.jpg" alt="IMG_2095.jpg" /></figure><p>The packaging station. hehe</p><figure><img alt="IMG_1791.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5971898639_c36337e0d6.jpg" /></figure><p>Even though I've been spending most of my time in the kitchen, I haven't really been doing much actual cooking lately... definitely nothing creative when it comes to actual meals. My cooking "routine" these days is just throwing some rice noodles and veggies in a pot and boiling everything to the point of no return, and then slurping it all down while wiping the beads of sweat from my forehead. I know, it doesn't really make sense to eat such steaming hot food in this humidity and heat, but as Koreans say, you have to sweat the heat away!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2620/5832106592_a5f6d4833f.jpg" alt="사진 078" /></figure><p>Bibimbab from a random Korean restaurant... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5996457694_3ae898ef5f.jpg" alt="IMG_2053.jpg" /></figure><p>I messed up on a batch of lemon poppyseed softies so I couldn't mail them out for an order, so then I ate them myself with some sweet tofu cream filling. What a shame.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_1965.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5988575941_37fc5013df.jpg" /></figure><p>My mom also randomly ordered this huge box of tomatoes for me from GMarket! This is why the Internet and delivery-system in Korea is so brilliant. You can order bulk fresh veggies right to your doorstep. These tomatoes are so delicious, plump, juicy, and sweet, I've been making daily tomato-lemon smoothies, and throwing them into my stir fries.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6129/5995907971_bb75c67cf5.jpg" alt="IMG_2077.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and I went to Hongdae on Saturday for a friend's birthday bash.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5995903459_a4929d403e.jpg" alt="IMG_2057.jpg" /></figure><p>My friend picked 'Cusco' for his dinner party, which is a Peruvian restaurant by Hapjeong station. I looked on their online menu before going and saw that they had a mushroom-tofu ceviche, so I thought I'd at least have one veg-friendly item... .. Nope. Their actual menu was different from the one on their website and there was nothing vegetarian (let alone vegan), except for side orders of plain rice or fries. Uh... .. So then after talking to the waitress, she said that they would put together a vegan salad for me for 15,000won. Well,... . I don't want to sound too negative and whiny, but this was perhaps one of the most uninspired restaurant salads I've had. Ever. It was basically just some cabbage, lettuce, a few bell pepper and carrot slices, and four tomato wedges, dressed in balsamic vinegar. That's it. No salt, no olive oil, no pepper, no sweetness, zero flavor. And the bitterness of the cabbage just overwhelmed the whole thing and I couldn't finish it- I don't think that's ever happened to me before! Even if something isn't that great, I'll usually eat it, but this one was just unappetizing on all counts. They could've at least put some mushrooms, beans or nuts on there. And to charge 15,000?! Needless to say, I left disappointed... and hungry. haha. I feel a bit bad about being so critical, but really, a chef should know how to put together a decent vegan salad, no? Anyway... moving on! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5996462044_da30fdf587.jpg" alt="IMG_2071.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some scenes from the streets of Hongdae.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5995904287_dbbef05db0.jpg" alt="IMG_2060.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_2075.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5995907293_a5f64068ee.jpg" /></figure><p>I stopped and bought a pineapple wedge on a stick which was cool and refreshing. I also saw the most awesome backpack ever... Yoda!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5996468230_1909b99a18.jpg" alt="IMG_2100.jpg" /></figure><p>Yesterday, I had to say goodbye to Sylvia who is returning to Canadia after 6 years in Korea so we met up and she handed me a huge bag of kitchen and food items! A hand mixer (woah!), colorful paper napkins and plates, muffin cups, cocoa powder, taco spice mix, spaghetti, a silicone muffin tin, a martini glass... . and a bunch of other things too. It was like Christmas in July. So awesome~~~ Even though I'm gonna miss her so much, I know we're gonna see each other again so it's not the end of the world. :) Thanks Sylvie!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-74322625787537656452011-07-30T19:42:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.405-07:00An ode to my Paris vacay~<a name='more'></a><p>Can't believe it's been a month since my Paris trip! It's all rainy and gloomy today (eesh, what's new... ) and I've been looking through my hundreds of Paris photos to cheer me up. So in remembrance of my vacation, here are a few photos that didn't make it on my previous blog posts:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5891177114_30d54801b9.jpg" alt="IMG_0946.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/5890612037_8db241d498.jpg" alt="IMG_0623.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5280/5891180308_21ca7b0858.jpg" alt="IMG_0387.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5890614361_d140ab2e7a.jpg" alt="IMG_0220.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5032/5890604233_2ffcd7292c.jpg" alt="IMG_1668.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5890652131_0efb12d04d.jpg" alt="IMG_0060.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5317/5890606089_caf1ccc550.jpg" alt="IMG_1236.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5891171930_66cc2531d3.jpg" alt="IMG_1237.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/5890651559_9006b7f5e6.jpg" alt="IMG_0183.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6043/5891173904_6e37bee301.jpg" alt="IMG_1184.jpg" /></figure><p>Le sigh~~</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-10431238345251197902011-07-28T23:03:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.417-07:00Bao @ Noksapyeong<a name='more'></a><p>Earlier this week, I met up with Fiona (super Seoul Veggie Club member, and vegan bake sale friend) to catch up over lunch. Since Fiona is a well-seasoned vegan in Korea, she knows a lot of great veggie spots and suggested we go to 'Bao,' an Asian cuisine restaurant at Noksapyeong. It's apparently a pretty popular place, but this was my first time hearing of it! I'm so glad she took me there because now I can add yet another vegan-friendly restaurant to my ever-growing list.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5976393024_b37e26f0f3.jpg" alt="IMG_1809.jpg" /></figure><p>Small but cool, sophisticated interior.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5975829353_94076d10a6.jpg" alt="IMG_1800.jpg" /></figure><p>So the way the menu works is that you can pretty much "create" your own dish. Think of it like Subway sandwiches or Chipotle. First, you pick your starch, which includes different types of stir-fried noodles or rice, and then you choose a sauce (Chinese, Thai, Singapore, Malay, or Korean). The Thai sauce has fish sauce in it, but they can omit that upon request. All dishes automatically come with various veggies which you can select or omit, based on your preference, and for a little extra cash, you can throw in some protein too (tofu, cashews, meat, etc... )! One thing to note is that the basic entree also includes egg, but you can just ask them to leave it out, no problem. The great thing was that the waitress even asked us if we were vegetarian/vegans to make sure they did not accidentally include any animal products. :) I like.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5976394070_388e92450a.jpg" alt="IMG_1815.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's what I got: Thin rice noodles with Singapore sauce and tofu for protein (+1,000 won). No eggs, and all veggies included. Regular size. (8,000 won total) It was surprisingly spicy and had heaps of tasty curry flavor. It could've maybe used a bit more salt, but overall, I thought this dish was pretty awesome! The regular size was also perfect for me- just enough to satisfy, but not overstuff.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5975831395_8929077f46.jpg" alt="IMG_1811.jpg" /></figure><p>Fiona got the flat rice noodles with Malay sauce, no eggs, all veggies, and cashews for the protein. As much as I enjoyed my dish, I thought Fiona's was better. haha. She's obvious a pro at ordering here cuz she knows what's good! The Malay sauce, which is a delicious blend of peanuts and coconut milk, was definitely what 'made' the dish. I know what I'm ordering next time.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5976394580_e06dd66cb6_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1816.jpg" /></figure><p>Directions to Bao:<br />Noksapyeong Station (Line 6), exit 2. Walk straight down the hill to the underpass. Cross under and exit left from the underpass. Walk straight to the traffic light (passing Wing Bakery and Le Saigon). Bao is across the street in between Noxa Lounge and Kolon Motors BMW.<br />658 Itaewon-2-dong, 140-861 Seoul, South Korea<br />02-797-4769</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5976392014_7183d0208c.jpg" alt="IMG_1803.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and we did a vegan cookbook swap! I lent her my copy of 'Vegan Brunch' and 'The Joy of Vegan Baking,' while she lent me 'Vegan Vittles,' 'Vegan a Go-Go," and a bunch of VegNews and Vegan Voice magazines! I haven't had a chance to try anything from them yet, but I've tabbed a few things I'd love to attempt soon... :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-28234407361231663982011-07-24T18:03:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.452-07:00Setting up shop<a name='more'></a><p>Hello dear readers! My new bake shop site is up and running at www.aliensbakeshop.com</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5972410032_855865f1ed.jpg" alt="bakeshop screenshot" /></figure><p>It's a simple design and doesn't have many fancy shopping features, but I think it's a start, no? Browse around and let me know what you think!</p><p>Also, I've made a few changes to the ordering process. You can now use Paypal (you don't need a paypal account, just a credit card), but you can also still do Korean bank wire transfer- whichever is easiest for you. The price for shipping and handling has also changed to a flat rate of 4,000 won, regardless of order size. Additionally, I've included the option of same-day delivery, so you can enjoy baked goods that are as fresh as possible. :)</p><p>Oh, and guess what! The Thin Mints are baaaack~!!! After numerous requests, I've decided to temporarily put them back on the menu, even though there's the risk of the chocolate getting a bit melty in the summer heat during transportation. I've mailed some out already and they seem to do okay. Just pop them in the fridge or freezer once you get them because these babies are definitely best enjoyed cold for the ultimate cool-mint sensation!</p><p>And here's something super cool. This blog and my mini bake shop got featured in an About.com article entitled "Vegan Resources in Seoul, South Korea"! Waaaah, awesomesauce! What happened was that just before I went off to Paris last month, I got a cookie order from Doris who mentioned she was visiting Korea and would like some cookies mailed to her hotel. I had no idea she was a writer for About.com- I was just happy to provide a visitor with some vegan treats during their travels. And then last week, Doris surprised me by sending me this article she wrote, with such kind words about my blog. Let's just say, it totally made my day~</p><p>So now moving onto some random recent eats:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5939695648_566d5ac4dd.jpg" alt="IMG_1133.jpg" /></figure><p>Bibimbab</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5189/5738747894_c0f2d63996.jpg" alt="IMG_0853" /></figure><p>Bibimbab again. Gosh, I love Korean food. I'll never get sick of bibimbab!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5969024020_ae3a9db1fb.jpg" alt="IMG_1740.jpg" /></figure><p>On Saturday, I had the pleasure of hanging out with ex-coworker Rebecca. We went to De Chocolate cafe and she bought me my first patbingsu of the year! :) The 'Original' patbingsu has dairy milk in it, but we asked them to leave that out, and I just happened to have some soy milk on me, so we poured that in instead for a bit of milky goodness. Worked like a charm.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5969024364_b24cdda0a9.jpg" alt="IMG_1741.jpg" /></figure><p>Icy cold slush, syrupy sweet beans, thick chewy ddeok, and crunchy almond slices. For reals, is there anything better than a bigass bowl of patbingsu on a hot summers day? I think not!</p><p>Speaking of icy cold treats, lately, I've been eating tons of frozen fruit scoops!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5962740751_16f5063024.jpg" alt="IMG_1612.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm hesitant to call it ice cream because I don't make it creamy enough, but it's not sorbet either because it's not pure fruit. They take a little advanced preparation and patience, but the process itself is so easy, I'm sad that I haven't been doing this all my life. My freezer is now filled with various fruits to create all kinds of frozen concoctions. My latest flavor was yellow melon and banana. I usually end up eating this stuff straight out of the container. In the middle of the night. When no one (Bunny) is looking. However, this time, I decided to actually use my ice cream scoop to plate it up, and also sprinkled on a handful of chopped walnuts.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5963298490_1a89ec42a9.jpg" alt="IMG_1617.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5963299398_a3c2217289.jpg" alt="IMG_1630.jpg" /></figure><p>Only three ingredients went into the making of this deliciousness. You can add sweetener if you like, but I found that the melons and ripe bananas gave all the sweetness needed.</p><p>3 smallish yellow melons<br />2 medium bananas<br />1/2 cup soy milk</p><p>1. Peel and chop your fruit up roughly and place in a container. For the melons, I scraped out some of the inner seeds and pulp but left about half of it in there for added texture and natural sweetness. You can leave or remove it all if you want, depending on how much sweetness you want.<br />2. Freeze the fruit for several hours or overnight.<br />3. Blend the frozen fruit with the soy milk (I used an immersion wand). You may have to wait for the fruit to defrost slightly if it's too hard to blend.<br />4. Transfer the blended fruit into a container and freeze again, about 2-3 hours, or until it is firmly set but not rock solid. If it's too frozen to scoop out, just leave it out on the counter for about 10 minutes and it will soften up. Plate up and enjoy with whatever toppings you desire.</p><p>Ok, that's all for today. Hope everyone has a great start of the week!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-77834930688380404712011-07-23T18:01:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.463-07:00Muffinio Cafe @ Seoul National University<a name='more'></a><p>Update 11/20/2011: Muffino Cafe has closed! :(</p><p>One would think that someone who is newly unemployed would cut back on frivolous spending such as getting coffee and eating out, but for me, it's been the total opposite! Since I don't like staying at home during the day, I've been going to more cafes than before... it's a bad, expensive habit. I justify it by telling myself "But, but, ... I have a responsibility and an obligation to go and review these places for all my readers in Korea! This is my act of service to the public!" Well, at least that's the excuse I tell my wallet.</p><p>So anyway, there's a relatively new vegan cafe in Seoul called Muffinio, located at Seoul National University station. I actually first heard about this cafe from a reader who commented on this blog a few months ago. It took a while but I finally got around to gathering the troops for a mid-week hangout.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5962736191_fb826d155e.jpg" alt="IMG_1563.jpg" /></figure><p>The interior itself is the Korean, cutesy style with wooden tables and chairs and accents of pink.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5962737253_6d77c3e9e5.jpg" alt="IMG_1574.jpg" /></figure><p>The baked goods corner.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5963291976_e7babe7fb6.jpg" alt="IMG_1558.jpg" /></figure><p>Those vegan carrot muffins looked geuuud! Everything in the bakery section was vegan, except for the cookies in the top left corner. Even though the cafe is self-entitled as a "handmade vegan cafe," this is a bit misleading because it's not 100% vegan, as they still serve dairy milk and a few non-vegan items.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5963292334_e25e3a6752.jpg" alt="IMG_1559.jpg" /></figure><p>Cute packaging! Their brownies (far right) are especially adorable... and also very small. One bite-sized square is 1,500 won.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5962734497_b85da616da.jpg" alt="IMG_1555.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6140/5963291644_b38e5712fb.jpg" alt="IMG_1557.jpg" /></figure><p>Their signature items are these mini baked cakes made with rice flour. They're labeled as "muffins," but they're really more like ddeok with various sweet fillings. 1,500won each.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5962739147_1d16a4da0b.jpg" alt="IMG_1592.jpg" /></figure><p>Kia got the chocolate one which was dense and fudgy.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5962736997_cb08fce1db.jpg" alt="IMG_1573.jpg" /></figure><p>Sean's soy latte, which came with a yummy crunchy almond cookie on the side. We bombarded the nice lady behind the counter with a bunch of orders, but if we overwhelmed her at all, she didn't show it. Cool, calm, and collected~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5963294536_fe30290fc3.jpg" alt="IMG_1578.jpg" /></figure><p>Mmmm, delicious vegan patbingsu! This was Kia's second patbingsu ever, her first one being the day before. If you haven't had patbingsu yet, don't wait! They are a quintessential Korean summer treat, and there are many cafes and bakeries that have patbingsu without dairy- just shaved ice, sweet beans, and ddeok chunks.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5963295148_62cde39e01.jpg" alt="IMG_1582.jpg" /></figure><p>I also met two new friends, Angela and Amy. They both got blueberry-cranberry smoothies which looked pretty amazing. Angela is actually one of my blog readers and she even ordered some goodies from me, so I was so happy to finally meet her in person. I always get a bit nervous when I meet blog readers but we have so many things in common and we all got along swimmingly with no awkward moments! tehehee.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5963295836_18e880c1dd.jpg" alt="IMG_1588.jpg" /></figure><p>Sae Hee's americano. I'm so glad to hangout with Sae Hee before she took off for her Vietnam trip, lucky butt.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6132/5963296708_851636e72c.jpg" alt="IMG_1597.jpg" /></figure><p>I got the Persimmon smoothie (ofcourse~) and also one of their apple-cinnamon "muffins."</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5963297056_58eae456b8.jpg" alt="IMG_1599.jpg" /></figure><p>Chewy, dense ddeok texture with sticky apple cinnamon puree in the center. It tasted good but since most ddeok is vegan anyway, this just didn't seem that special or unique... Is it wrong of me to say that their namesake muffins weren't the best thing about Muffinio? I just wish they were actual muffins with overflowing muffin tops that I can pull off... . ahhh~~ makes me miss the ginormous banana-walnut muffins I always got in college and that were partly, if not solely, responsible for my freshman 15.</p><p>On the other hand, I did love their extensive drinks menu which is verrrry vegan-friendly and their patbingsu was also pretty fantastic. Muffinio is one super cute cafe and I love that they use the word "vegan" on their signage and packaging. Way to spread the word!</p><p>Directions to Muffinio:<br />Seoul National University Station, Line 2, Exit 2. Walk straight about 2 minutes and Muffinio will be on your left, on the 2nd floor. It is directly above a ColdStone Creamery and a Subway sandwich place.<br />map.</p><p>Open 10AM-11PM<br />Closed every 1st & 3rd Monday of the month.</p><p>02-878-0208<br />관악구 봉천동 856-5 대우디오슈페리움 1단지 208호<br />wifi available</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-12249644043750087682011-07-22T00:35:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.473-07:00Cook and Book Cafe @ Hongdae<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5939150633_ca740f8ca5.jpg" alt="IMG_1044.jpg" /></figure><p>One cafe that has long been on my list of places to check out is Cook and Book which is tucked away in one of the residential streets of Hongdae. It's actually run by the lady I took a few baking classes from several years ago. When I took her classes, she was super kind and accommodating to my vegan needs, and I've been wanting to visit her and support her cafe. I also bought her baking book and plan on buying her new cookbook that just came out the other week. She is not vegan herself and her cafe does not claim to be specifically vegan, but it has plenty of vegan choices on the menu (or almost vegan, as I later learned... ).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6021/5939148921_da0b661a6a.jpg" alt="IMG_1059.jpg" /></figure><p>The interior is open, spacious and inviting, and everything is sophisticated with a bit of cuteness mixed in.</p><p>The first time I went, I ordered the soy maple yogurt after the server confirmed that it was "vegan" (sorry, no photo). It was impressively delicious and tasted exactly like regular yogurt with that tangy, slightly sour taste. However, I later learned that it's made using Yogourmet kefir starter which contains dairy milk powder. :(</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5939149417_69d8d32210.jpg" alt="IMG_1055.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5939702400_5c9795a7d1.jpg" alt="IMG_1058.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5939703276_80195301b5_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1050.jpg" /></figure><p>Brownies, muffins, and cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5939150245_fc076a41d2.jpg" alt="IMG_1048.jpg" /></figure><p>Biscotti.</p><p>Also, while she does not use dairy milk, eggs, or butter in her baked goods, drinks, and puddings, vegans should know that she uses Samyook soy milk, which is a brand that contains vitamin D3. So technically, it's not vegan... . If you let her know that you are strict vegan, she will use Yonsei organic soy milk in your drink, but everything else is currently made with Samyook soy milk.</p><p>I don't want to sound like the Vegan Police because I really hate legalism and I don't want to criticize omnis who have good intentions and try to accommodate us vegans, but I'm just letting you guys know, so you can make your own informed decision... . I still love the cafe. The fact that she uses whole, natural ingredients with very minimal amounts of animal products in her baking and food is pretty rad. Infact, there's a good chance that she will switch to a vegan brand of soy milk for everything in the future, in which case, Cook and Book will probably become my new fave cafe in Seoul. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5939701590_52c72557d7.jpg" alt="IMG_1070.jpg" /></figure><p>Coffee~~ My hot americano was 3,000 won.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6022/5939145639_08318f76a6.jpg" alt="IMG_1104.jpg" /></figure><p>On one of my visits, I got the berry jelly which is made with agar. Since there's no gelatine in it, the texture is different from traditional jello in that it doesn't exactly 'jiggle,' but rather melts in the mouth.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5939698664_454c821c80.jpg" alt="IMG_1111.jpg" /></figure><p>It was a nice refreshing treat. Not too sweet and I liked the variety of berries suspended in the jelly. I only wished it were bigger! :)</p><p>In addition to loads of soy smoothies and delicious-sounding milkshakes (just ask for vegan soy milk), there are also two veggie sandwich options for those who are hungry for a meal (around 8,000 won). I'm definitely gonna try them on my next trip to Hongdae.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5939148753_5bb46bd4ba_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1060.jpg" /></figure><p>Another thing that will keep me coming back to this cafe is the big bookcase filled with English cooking and baking books and food magazines. Loads of foodie inspiration!</p><p>Directions to Cook and Book Cafe:<br />Hongdae Station, Line 2, Exit 8. About a 7 minute-walk from the station.<br />It's a bit complicated to give proper directions, so please refer to this Naver map.<br />There is also a map on this bottom of this blog post.</p><p>English spoken, free wifi available (with password).</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-65697770733410508682011-07-21T01:08:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.484-07:00A makeover<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6125/5959945625_9f6e17cc65.jpg" alt="blog screenshot" /></figure><p>Check out what I've been doing all day. :) Re-vamping my blog! This site has just been begging for a makeover... I mean, I've had that old bannerhead ever since the birth of Alien's Day Out three years ago, and it was time to retire it. So, what do you think of the new bannerhead? You likey? You better. ^^ If there are any weird glitches, please let me know!</p><p>Phew! Even though I'm not working, I'm so glad that I'm still keeping myself busy with a bunch of side projects. I'm in the process of redesigning my art website, as well as creating a new bake shop site which is almost ready to be revealed... The fact that I had to get a new hard drive for my iMac last week didn't help, but I'm happy that it's all in order now and things are humming along smoothly. Wanna know what else I've been up to lately?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5949911984_3581c701c2_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1454.jpg" /></figure><p>Making and consuming buckets of icy smoothies! I made this plum-watermelon one after a crazy-hot workout the other day and it gave me the best brainfreeze ever. Here's a super speedy recipe:<br /><ul><li>2 plums, de-seeded and frozen</li><li>1 cup watermelon, chopped and frozen </li><li>1/4 cup soy milk</li><li>1 squeeze agave syrup<br /></li><li>a few ice cubes</li><li>1/2 cup cold water</li></ul>Throw everything into a blender and whizz til everything is smooth. Add cold water if it's too thick.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5955983347_aa826958dd.jpg" alt="IMG_1456.jpg" /></figure><p>I've also been baking goodies.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5959036521_a1f15892a6.jpg" alt="IMG_1550.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5956545338_c457c1003d.jpg" alt="IMG_1500.jpg" /></figure><p>Teehee~ I love it when everything fits into the box perfectly. :)</p><p>And what has Bunny been up to? Well, she's just been relaxing, trying to stay cool in the summer heat by hiding out in her shady box or under my bed all day. She only comes out when I lure her with treats. That cheeky thing.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6148/5955986687_f44dbdec2c.jpg" alt="IMG_1517.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5955984823_749f2fb7a9.jpg" alt="IMG_1504.jpg" /></figure><p>So that's a quick update on me and Bunny's lives. And now I'm off to play with some chingus. It's a glorious Thursday with amazingly sunny weather... Can't waste the day being cooped up inside!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-23800579551488114522011-07-19T22:19:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.493-07:00Garobee Buffet @ Gangnam<a name='more'></a><p>Is it just me, or does it seem like vegetarian and veg-friendly eateries are popping up left and right in Korea? Ever since foot-in-mouth disease and avian influenza broke out, super pop star Lee Hyori came out as a vegetarian (or more accurately, pescatarian), and a group of "Vege Doctors" joined forces to declare the benefits of a plant-based diet, Koreans have begun to increasingly seek out veggie restaurants and cafes. Granted, most are probably only interested in vegetarianism for health reasons ("well-being" etc) rather than for the sake of animals, but I think this is positive change and things are going in the right direction.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5949907328_2b9cb282a9.jpg" alt="IMG_1419.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, one of the newest veggie joints in town is Garobee, a 100% vegan buffet in the heart of Gangnam station. It's in a great central location and is only a hop, skip, and a jump away from Bakersfield (vegan-friendly bakery and cafe). In my humble opinion, the Achasan Loving Hut buffet sets the standard for totally vegan all-you-can-eat restaurants in Seoul, but Garobee is definitely a welcomed addition to the veg buffet-scene. I just love any place where I can fill up on fresh veggies and try interesting takes on veg meat, ya know? :) The spread is not as diverse or plentiful as the Achasan buffet, but the food is tasty, fresh, and well-presented. Also, the interior is clean, modern, and comfortable, and the lady at the counter is incredibly kind and cheerful.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6131/5949908044_96d06fa048.jpg" alt="IMG_1422.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5949351465_d9941265ea.jpg" alt="IMG_1425.jpg" /></figure><p>Salad bar with fresh veggies, fruit, nuts and seeds. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5949908632_ac4ac3869d.jpg" alt="IMG_1426.jpg" /></figure><p>Unfortunately, my friend and I got there around 2pm, so they were almost done with their lunch service and the food selection wasn't as abundant as it probably should've been. However, we were still able to enjoy a variety of dishes, all of which were quite delicious. There's also a dessert section of rice cakes etc. Check this site for more pictures.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6124/5949908900_319710bd43.jpg" alt="IMG_1431.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5949909252_a08fed4f85.jpg" alt="IMG_1434.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of my favorite, standout items were the burger patty on mashed potatoes, green cold noodles with cucumbers and gochujang sauce (in the glass dish), and a creamy broccoli cauliflower dish with bits of ham.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6007/5949353165_9a07755b1a.jpg" alt="IMG_1440.jpg" /></figure><p>mini sausages.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6128/5949352693_55a4b8dd5d.jpg" alt="IMG_1436.jpg" /></figure><p>Soup with odeng (Korean fish cakes). The fish cakes were aiight... I could only eat a few of them though cuz they were so big. But the soup broth was really nice and a bit spicy too. Mm~</p><p>All-in-all, I really enjoyed Garobee and am stoked that they are by Gangnam station because this part of Seoul has definitely been in sore need of some decent veg spots!</p><p>Directions to Garobee Buffet:<br />Gangnam Station, Line 2. Exit 11 (used to be exit 7). Walk straight and when you get to the CGV building, turn right and go up the hill one block. Then turn left, and you will see Garobee on your right, on the second floor. It is basically behind the CGV building.</p><p>or</p><p>Sinonhyun Station, Line 9. Exit 5. Walk straight til you get to the CGV building. Garobee is behind the CGV building. You can go through the Daiso store to get to the other side.</p><p>Lunch hours: 12-2:30 pm<br />Dinner hours: 6-9 pm<br />Price: 15,000 won<br />12,000 weekday lunches only<br />TEL: 02-566-7545</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-83916790090685112042011-07-17T21:41:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.513-07:00Olssu Soy Milk Powder<a name='more'></a><p>Earlier this year, friend and fellow vegan blogger Eunpah tipped me off to this new Korean soy milk powder product by Olssu. I've been meaning to blog about this for a while and can't believe I'm only just getting to it... . but anyway, better late than never, eh?</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2718/5832101192_50c370ce41.jpg" alt="사진 004" /></figure><p>Anyway, I believe it's Korea's first and only soy milk powder (different from soy bean flour), and you can find this at certain Olive Young stores (usually just the bigger ones), and also on GMarket. Actually there are two different types: regular soy milk powder, and black bean milk powder. I haven't tried the black bean flavor yet, but I've gone through a few boxes of the plain soy milk one.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6143/5942499206_ef1c49990c_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1318.jpg" /></figure><p>Nutritional stats per package: 60 cals, 8g carbs, 3g protein, 1.6g fat... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6026/5942499424_597344fedb_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1319.jpg" /></figure><p>Ingredients: Soy beans, toasted brown rice, dry fructose, salt.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6127/5941939789_ac1d038cbb.jpg" alt="IMG_1321.jpg" /></figure><p>5 packets in one box.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5941940071_2bcbfe871f.jpg" alt="IMG_1324.jpg" /></figure><p>According to the instructions, you add 80-100ml of water to one packet of powder. It takes a little mixing to get all the lumps out, but it dissolves fairy well, and in the end you get this:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6145/5941940433_e74db44e5b.jpg" alt="IMG_1328.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5942500490_96c54f7d30.jpg" alt="IMG_1337.jpg" /></figure><p>I actually quite like the taste which is slightly sweet and nutty. However, as you can see from the particles on the side of the glass, the texture could be smoother. It's a teeny bit grainy and you get a little tickle in the back of your throat from the fine bits. It's not too bad though~~</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6134/5941941205_8ab7458dff.jpg" alt="IMG_1355.jpg" /></figure><p>Here it is added to some coffee. I found that the powder tends to settle at the bottom after a while, so you have to keep stirring it.</p><p>Even though it's definitely inferior to normal soy milk, I personally like having this stuff on hand. They're especially good for smoothies when you want something a little milky, but without the extra liquid, or when you don't want to carry around bottles of soy milk that need refrigeration. I actually took a box of this stuff with me on my Europe trip, and it came in handy on the plane (you can put it in your carry-on since it's not a liquid). It's also tastes good when eaten dry, by the spoonful. :)</p><p>Up next: soy milk powder used to make vegan white chocolate! Das rite. Stay tuned.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-8329190574879958432011-07-16T18:10:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.535-07:00Handmade Korea Fair 2011<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//www.handmadekorea.co.kr/get_pic.php?path=/images/brochure/1_730.jpg" /></figure><p>If you have nothing to do today, check this out! On Friday, I dragged a friend with me to go see the Handmade Korea Fair at COEX (last day is today!). It was the perfect indoor event for these rainy days, and was like a Korean version of the Renegade Craft Fair in the US (which I looooove), except not quite as hipster.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6018/5939134369_73c0f1dbb7.jpg" alt="IMG_1250.jpg" /></figure><p>There was quite a variety of vendors, ranging from cool young crafters to older traditional Korean artisan-types, and from furniture designers to painters and illustrators.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5939130627_e0cf4201b3.jpg" alt="IMG_1287.jpg" /></figure><p>A wheel throwing demonstration</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6138/5939132067_ba7810f364.jpg" alt="IMG_1272.jpg" /></figure><p>Sew, good woman, sew!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6149/5939133705_3bf6134cf2_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1257.jpg" /></figure><p>Here are some of my favorites:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6012/5939691182_d75603cfd8.jpg" alt="IMG_1222.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6139/5939691872_53a92eb635.jpg" alt="IMG_1214.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6146/5939685988_b27ef55c1a_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1265.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6028/5939683088_9bcb44e875_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1302.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6137/5939135121_8eddedcb6b.jpg" alt="IMG_1246.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6004/5939687976_300df772db.jpg" alt="IMG_1247.jpg" /></figure><p>There were also a few food booths inside the event hall, such as this ddeok stall. All their ddeoks looked so pretty and yummy, I had to get one.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6015/5939129177_4008e5211e.jpg" alt="IMG_1316.jpg" /></figure><p>Yum. Especially liked the black beans.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6014/5939689272_efd59b2da5.jpg" alt="IMG_1240.jpg" /></figure><p>Overall, it was an awesome event and I was inspired by all the creative minds making things and following their passions. I kept wishing I could be there too, selling my own stationery line, prints, paintings... I wanna try to get my own booth at next year's event! :P</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6135/5939682474_4f49d1daa0_z.jpg" alt="IMG_1311.jpg" /></figure><p>This is me.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-6796404683193464252011-07-14T06:16:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.545-07:00Chocolate-Bottom Coconut Macaroons<a name='more'></a><p>It's been a while since I posted anything baking-related. Well, when the weather forecast predicts nothing but grey clouds and rain, there's nothing else I'd rather do than lose myself in a cloud of flour and sugar. And what could be better than baking some Chocolate-Bottom Coconut Macaroons to make you forget that it's gloomy monsoon season?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6029/5931656765_2aa97ab30f.jpg" alt="IMG_0982.jpg" /></figure><p>These guys have so many things going for them. Not only are they packed with chewy coconut shreds that will make you think you're somewhere sunny and tropical, but they're also dipped in a healthy dose of chocolate. Oh, and you gotta love their bite-sized cuteness!</p><p>Chocolate-Bottom Coconut Macaroons<br />(makes about 20 macaroons)</p><p>100g sugar<br />60g soy milk<br />1 tsp vanilla extract<br />1/2 tsp salt</p><p>120g dessicated coconut (unsweetened)<br />90g all purpose flour<br />1/4 tsp baking powder<br />1 tsp cornstarch</p><p>melted dark chocolate, for dipping</p><p>Preheat oven to 320F. Mix the sugar, soy milk, vanilla extract, and salt in one bowl, and sift the other dry ingredients in another. Combine the wet with the dry til everything is well-incorporated. The mixture will be quite thick and dense. Use a spoon or your fingers to roughly shape dough into even-sized mounds, placing them on a cookie sheet. Bake for 10 minutes, rotating the pan half-way through. Keep an eye on them to make sure the coconut does not burn- the tops and bottom edges should be lightly browned. Cool on a cookie rack. Once they are cooled, dip in some melted dark chocolate and place on parchment paper for the chocolate to harden. You can place the tray in the fridge to speed up this process, so that you can enjoy them sooner! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6001/5932211108_0e30859ede.jpg" alt="IMG_0992.jpg" /></figure><p>And for those of you who don't have an oven to make these yourself, you can order them from my Bake Shop! :) How could you resist?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6009/5931654273_ec0b28aa12.jpg" alt="IMG_1002.jpg" /></figure><p>nummy~~</p><p>Ever since I got back from vacation, I've been thinking of lots of ideas for this vegan Bake Shop thing that I have going on on the side, and its future potential... Right now it's just a hobby and a way to share my experiments in vegan baking with you guys, but I would love for it to become something more. So I'm actually in the process of putting together a proper website for my future baking sales! I've also been thinking of all the other items I'd like to add to the menu: cookie bars, biscotti, mint chocolate chip cookies, and pumpkin bread... the list is never-ending. I'm excited for all the baking experiments that will go down, and also for the new website to get set up~</p><p>In the meantime though, I do have a question for you peeps in Korea. What do you prefer: Paypal or wire transfers? Ofcourse, I will give people the option to use either method, but I'm just wondering what expats are most comfortable with... . I would greatly appreciate your feedback! :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-43759771098435390952011-07-13T00:27:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.555-07:00Vegeland order<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5932213718_d0856c7bb7.jpg" alt="IMG_0947.jpg" /></figure><p>I was recently ordering some organic vegan sugar from Vegeland, and decided to throw a bunch of other stuff into my cart as well, just to try 'em out. Lots of potato ramen and jjajang myun! Mmm, instant noodles... . Hehe... .</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6005/5932212894_b00d2c66f5.jpg" alt="IMG_0951.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5931657931_ecaa88a9bb.jpg" alt="IMG_0950.jpg" /></figure><p>I also got some veg meats, such as this package of dried 'chicken'-style seitan. No idea what I'm gonna do with this... . chickin' salad? Chickin' pot pie? Should be an interesting experiment.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6122/5931659033_fe603ca576.jpg" alt="IMG_0948.jpg" /></figure><p>And then I got two different types of canned, ready-to-eat seitan. 'Vegemeat' and 'Vegeburger.'</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5933017584_a4dd4bc861.jpg" alt="IMG_1019.jpg" /></figure><p>I opened the vegemeat one to make lunch today... it was a rather scary sight and I felt like I was opening a can of tuna or snail meat. The seitan chunks were tightly packed in there and were in some kind of broth. While you could technically eat this straight out of the can, it didn't look too appetizing on its own, so I decided to add them to a sauteed veggie dish.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5932458809_796203353b.jpg" alt="IMG_1030.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm not sure if this was the best way to cook this canned seitan, and it certainly wasn't very creative, but oh well. It tasted pretty good and the seitan chunks added some chewy texture. If you're curious, here's what I did:</p><p>1/2 Tbs sesame seed oil<br />1/2 onion (I used red onion)<br />1 170g can of 'Vegemeat' seitan chunks.<br />2 cloves garlic, minced<br />1 cup shredded cabbage<br />1 red bell pepper, chopped<br />1 bunch of collard leaves, chopped<br />1 Tbs soy sauce<br />1 tsp red pepper flakes<br />black pepper to taste<br />1 cup water<br />1 Tbs cornstarch<br />salt to taste</p><p>In a pan over medium heat, fry the onions, garlic, and seitan chunks in sesame oil for a few minutes until onions are translucent. Add the cabbage, red bell peppers, soy sauce, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, and cook until cabbage is soft. Then add the chopped collard leaves. Finally, to make it a bit saucy, mix cornstarch in some water and pour into the pan. Stir well as the liquid thickens up. Add more water, salt or pepper if desired. Done!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6150/5932458519_558b7d9ebc.jpg" alt="IMG_1041.jpg" /></figure><p>I ate this with some yummy brown rice which I seasoned with some vegan butter, soy sauce, and black pepper- something I used to do all the time in boarding school! :)</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5931658625_b07b601372.jpg" alt="IMG_0925.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and this is unrelated, but here's a smoothie I had the other day: 1 banana, 1/2 Tbs flax seeds, 1 Tbs chia seeds, 1/4 cup soy milk, 1 Tbs vegan protein powder, a squeeze of agave syrup, and some ice cubes... I think that's it? Talk about an energy bomb! :D</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-58439122435318789002011-07-11T22:20:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.567-07:00Jujube chips<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6130/5924423101_fa1932a460_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0832.jpg" /></figure><p>One of my current favorite snack foods these days is dried jujube chips! I get these packs from e-mart, and they're mega crunchy-good. I'm all about crunch when it comes to snacks (probably why I love chunky peanutbutter, sunflower seeds, carrot sticks, the seeds in figs... ).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5924424907_2ed7158356.jpg" alt="IMG_0837.jpg" /></figure><p>If you like jujubes, you have to try this. I can easily eat one entire package in one sitting, they're so addicting.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-40382445585086536662011-07-11T05:11:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.579-07:00Bakersfield bakery & cafe @ Gangnam<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6025/5924993670_47a8e6f3db.jpg" alt="IMG_0853.jpg" /></figure><p>Bakersfield is a relatively new bakery in Gangnam that is growing in popularity, particularly among vegans for its selection of healthy cruelty-free breads. I tend to avoid hanging out in Gangnam because of all the crowds, but this bakery-cafe is slightly hidden from all the noisiness, and it's a nice peaceful haven in central Gangnam.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6008/5924438209_864ab3a3c8.jpg" alt="IMG_0863.jpg" /></figure><p>The cafe interior also has a welcoming, pleasant, and calming vibe.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6013/5925013830_10c3f4896e.jpg" alt="IMG_0899.jpg" /></figure><p>What's awesome is that if you go during the day, you get to see the bakers at work behind the counter.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6136/5925016784_6071ffff0d.jpg" alt="IMG_0901.jpg" /></figure><p>Here they are making pain au chocolat! So fun to watch.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6020/5924433471_5b01cc0b32.jpg" alt="IMG_0859.jpg" /></figure><p>The lady at the counter understood the word 'vegan' (always a good sign) and was able to point out which breads were suitable. None of their sweet pastries are vegan, but almost all of the loaves in the separate bread cabinet are (except the "Organic Toast" bread in the top left corner). I originally wanted to get one of their sandwich-salad platters, but they all include either meat or cheese. I'm sure you could get their basic sandwich and ask them to omit the cheese, if you don't mind paying the same price for less. They really ought to come up with a tasty vegan sandwich choice... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5924442145_1d9c7d68a9.jpg" alt="IMG_0871.jpg" /></figure><p>I got a Wine Cranberry Ciabatta bread (2,800 won).</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5925005468_42317451a9.jpg" alt="IMG_0873.jpg" /></figure><p>Soft, chewy, light and airy, with sweet cranberry slices and some walnut pieces for a little bite.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6017/5925008322_af7980acb9.jpg" alt="IMG_0877.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and what makes Bakersfield particularly vegan-friendly is their soy milk option for drinks. It's not written on their menu, but for an extra 500 won, you can get any latte, dairy-free! Shweeet~~~I got their chai tea latte which was some seriously good chai and it had a nice thick layer of foam on top. Ahhh, it's been a while since I had a frothy latte. It was sweet, but not sickly sweet like Starbucks' chai latte. However, with the additional soy milk charge, my drink came out to a whopping 5,700 won! Yikes. This definitely won't be a regular indulgence.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5925012236_ed1e5b640e.jpg" alt="IMG_0885.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6142/5925018144_346e0dfa11.jpg" alt="IMG_0902.jpg" /></figure><p>I also tried two different breads that were sliced up on the counter for sampling: some crispy-crusted baguette and some fig bread. Both really great.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6133/5924990990_49a78e716d.jpg" alt="IMG_0850.jpg" /></figure><p>There's also an outdoor patio, a computer for open use, magazines, clean bathrooms... . :)</p><p>Directions to Bakersfield:<br />Gangnam Station, Line 2, Exit 11 (old exit: 7). Walk straight out the exit and turn right into the alley between Paris Baguette and Tour Les Jours. Walk up the hill, about 2 blocks, and Bakersfield will be on your left. (3-5 minutes walk)</p><p>서울시 강남구 역삼동 817-18<br />☎ 02-564-3310<br />For more photos & menu: http://wemakeprice.com/deal/adeal/1373</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-33955333017688607522011-07-09T01:21:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.590-07:00Featured in CNN Go!<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//www.cnngo.com/sites/default/files/cnngoV2_logo.jpg" /></figure><p>I meant to post this earlier, but Alien's Day Out got mentioned in a CNN Go article featuring the Best 7 Restaurants for the Seoul Herbivore! The journalist, Hannah Bae, came to the Vegan Bake sale Fundraiser back in May to do a mini interview, so I have a little quote in there too. Quite cool, no?</p><p>One thing is that the article states my favorite vegan burger destination to be 'Honest Loving Hut,' and while that was true back in 2010, my current fave is 'Cafe Macro' with their insanely delicious 'Premium Burger'. Just wanna make that clear. ^^ Although, I guess Cafe Macro isn't technically within Seoul... . Man, I'm suddenly craving a juicy burger! darnnit.</p><p>Anyway, just wanted to share this awesome article!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-11632963722981176332011-07-08T00:45:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.600-07:00Random Eats<a name='more'></a><p>Went to Cheonan earlier this week to pick up Bunny from her own vacay in paradise. When I left for Paris, she was shedding like mad, but now she's done molting and is fluffier than ever! Was quite the happy reunion. Well, at least I like to think she was happy to see me... she doesn't show her emotions too well. haha. I'll have to post a picture of her soon- she's extra cute these days.</p><p>Anyway, I had loads of yummy food in Cheonan, but i accidentally deleted most of the photos! Blargh. At least I do have a few to share... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5914032976_3d849ddb5a.jpg" alt="5907531004_2e689f3fa3_o.jpg" /></figure><p>Breakfast was some corn (my first summer corn on the cob this year!), tomatoes pureed into a smoothie as well as sliced, some kiwi and apples.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/5831556895_8c5a5ae3ba.jpg" alt="사진 006" /></figure><p>Another Cheonan breakfast... </p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/5913468823_953482dc86.jpg" alt="5906976731_8a893727ae_o.jpg" /></figure><p>My mom and I baked these bite-sized cookies, using a star tip to squeeze out the batter into log shapes. You would think they're peanut cookies because they look just like peanut shells, but they're actually just very simple oatmeal cookies.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5275/5913470337_2ffb3fc855.jpg" alt="5906976149_8fb511c711_o.jpg" /></figure><p>We used the recipe from Cook and Book, a Korean baking book written by this awesome lady who I took a few baking classes from several years ago. She actually has a very vegan-friendly cafe in Hongdae now, which I recently visited and will soon blog about, so stay tuned for that. She also recently came out with another recipe book which I can't wait to buy at Kyobo!</p><p>I'm back in Seoul now, and I've been wanting to start all these mini design projects, but my iMac desktop recently decided to crap out on me! I've just been using my little net-book in the meantime, which is useful for blogging and internet-surfing, but not much else. So today, I took my iMac to an apple service center by Sinsa station, and they said that they have to reformat the entire hard drive... again! This is the second time I've had to do this. Thankfully, I did have some of my most important files backed-up this time, but there were still a lot of things on there that have now disappeared into nothingness. I really need to learn my lesson and start regularly backing up my files... .</p><p>Well anyway, to make myself feel a little better, and since I was already in the Sinsa area, I walked down to Garosugil and stopped by my fave little bakery, 'Pain de Papa.'</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6047/5914248041_5a9bbdbb82.jpg" alt="IMG_0812.jpg" /></figure><p>I got two of their focaccia breads, one with savory, seasoned cherry tomatoes, and another with black and green olive slices (the baker behind the counter confirmed that they were vegan). The nice thing was that the slices were all slightly different sizes, and were priced by weight, so customers could pick their pieces based on hunger level or budget. The slices I chose came to 3,800 won total.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5914809498_4499a1e746.jpg" alt="IMG_0819.jpg" /></figure><p>Delicious, chewy focaccia bread with specks of herbs throughout. The tomatoes were fantastic and juicy, and the olives had an awesome salty punch. When eaten together, it was like having pizza! I just love Pain de Papa. Whenever I'm in the Sinsa area, I never fail to stop by this tiny bakery. Such friendly service, delicious rustic organic breads, lots of vegan options, free wifi, and plenty of magazines and bread books to browse through. I could spend hours there, just breathing in the aroma of fresh-baked bread.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5914807760_d2bbc05074.jpg" alt="IMG_0820.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and I also went to Fika (my fave coffee shop at Garosugil) for some coffee, where I enjoyed a red bean bun that I had stashed in my bag from a recent trip to Veggie Holic in Hongdae. Even though I had to deal with cruddy computer problems, all of these vegan eats cheered me right up! :)</p><p>Here are some other random eats, prepared at home:</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2644/5832510426_2f24315a25.jpg" alt="사진 083" /></figure><p>Open-faced sandwich: Rye bread (from Pain de Papa), topped with a very simple banh mi-style slaw (shredded daikon raddish, carrot, green bell peppers, and cilantro, seasoned with vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/5832107324_4abc15ac37.jpg" alt="사진 089" /></figure><p>super good.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2286/5816963206_789806a45f.jpg" alt="IMG_2027.jpg" /></figure><p>Roasted veggies: kabocha squash, cherry tomatoes, green bell peppers, black olives, onions, mixed with olive oil, dried basil and oregano, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper.</p><p>Happy Friday and have a great weekend~!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-52569454699939837682011-07-06T01:08:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.611-07:00Sandwiches & Cake<a name='more'></a><p>It has been a strange past few days of being back in Korea. After an amazing vacation in Paris, I'm now trying to transition into this new life of unemployment (or what I hope will eventually be <strong><em>self</em></strong>-employment). :) In some ways, I'm totally loving the freedom of not having to wake up and grade essays and deal with company politics etc, but then on the other hand, I also feel uneasy about my future and whether I know what the heck I'm doing. I want to enjoy the extra free time and do the things I haven't been able to do before, but I also don't want to turn into a lazy bum. I can see how easy it would be to just let these summer days pass me by without doing anything productive whatsoever. I know I have to feed off of every source of inspiration around me and turn it into action... .</p><p>Anyway, one source of inspiration for me here is my Korean-Canadian friend Sylvia, who has been such a big supporter of everything I do, whether it be this blog, my vegan baking, or my art stuff. She is always so encouraging and every time I hang out with her, she gives me new ideas to expand and grow. Not only is she a great motivator, but she also knows a thing or two around the kitchen! She is one awesome cook and I will never forget the amazing Mexican dinner party she hosted at her apartment a while back... her guac and vegan burritos have forever-etched themselves into my memory! Ever since then, I've been (not so slyly) hinting that she should have another dinner party, just so I can eat her food. So when she invited me over for lunch at her place yesterday, I was there in a heartbeat.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0634" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5908060770_d3d0c3ee9e.jpg" /></figure><p>Knowing how much I love hummus, she whipped up these giant, super healthy hummus sandwiches with toasted slices of rustic whole wheat bread, sprouts, cucumbers, and dijon mustard spread.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0641" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6046/5907528902_89551e0f14.jpg" /></figure><p>The hummus was super smooth, and even had bits of fresh cilantro in it for added flavor. All the ingredients came together to create major delicousness. The hummus was also great for dipping celery sticks in, which she prepared on the side. :)</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0657" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/5907529184_dbb88b4258.jpg" /></figure><p>Feeling guilty about going to her place empty-handed, I brought over a mini chocolate cake with dried blueberries. For the cake, I used the chocolate cake recipe from The Joy of Vegan Baking, and just mixed a handful of dried blueberries into the batter, as well as sprinkled a few over the top. The whole thing was super easy to put together, and yet turned out really yummy!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0662" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5159/5906974363_82dc57accd.jpg" /></figure><p>We both <em>loved</em> the cake. It had just the right amount of sweetness, and the texture was also perfect. Sylvia was such a cute hostess in that she busted out her new teapot and cups, so that we could have a chic little afternoon tea party.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0680" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5156/5906975103_434958c5b1.jpg" /></figure><p>And being a huge fan of Paris herself, she brewed up some Mariage Freres tea, which is apparently a famous French tea brand, and it paired excellently with the chocolate cake. :) What a great lunch date. Thanks Sylvie!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-24326633996719609572011-07-04T00:03:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.622-07:00Flying vegan with Air France!<a name='more'></a><p>I didn't realize that I'd have such bad jet-lag when I got back, but I've been feeling really exhausted! I think the Korean summer humidity is also getting to me... Anyway, before I forget, I must blog about the vegan airplane food I got on my flights from Paris to Seoul! My first flight from Charles de Gaulle airport was with Air France, but it was delayed about three hours, so by the time I boarded and was up in the air, I was quite hungry.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5275/5890651037_53738c641f.jpg" alt="IMG_0552.jpg" /></figure><p>Luckily, they were quick to serve snacks, which was a package of mini cracker biscuits with bits of olives. For my drink, I got some tomato juice.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5891216360_7508cb8b68.jpg" alt="IMG_0570.jpg" /></figure><p>Not long after that, the flight attendants came around with our first meal. As usual, I got my VGML tray before anyone else and it was quite an impressive, diverse spread: rice, salad with tofu, french baguette with vegan butter, applesauce, chocolate cake, and a piece of dark chocolate!</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6056/5890649139_751cf618b1.jpg" alt="IMG_0577.jpg" /></figure><p>The main dish was a kind of Spanish-Mexican style rice dish with bell peppers, button mushrooms, and pine nuts. Truthfully, it was kinda bad... . bloated rice, dry, and overall quite bland. However, there was plenty of other yummy things on the tray to make up for the sad rice.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5891215848_52388cdb80.jpg" alt="IMG_0576.jpg" /></figure><p>For instance, this side salad of some kind of root vegetable (jicama? radish?) with cubes of black olive-tofu was really nice. The special 'gourmet' tofu was a surprising touch.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5070/5890648657_51d949dae2.jpg" alt="IMG_0578.jpg" /></figure><p>I was also impressed with the dessert, which was a chocolate cake/brownie! Usually, most airlines just give vegans a bowl of fruit which is healthy and all, but let's be honest, it kind of sucks when everyone else gets to finish their inflight meal with special desserts like tarts or puddings, while you are stuck with fruit- something that you eat every day at home. So anyway, Air-France gets extra props in the vegan dessert department with their delicious, dense, moist chocolate cake.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5061/5891214434_70d7e9cb7c.jpg" alt="IMG_0591.jpg" /></figure><p>And for double-chocolate delight, there was also a small dark chocolate treat! Air France may not have their vegan main dish figured out, but they sure know how to win you over with chocolate.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5891213508_e76c1b028d.jpg" alt="IMG_0612.jpg" /></figure><p>Then a restless 10 hours later, we were served breakfast before landing. To my amazement, they served a vegan croissant. I was feeling a bit guilty about not getting a vegan croissant at the Raspail organic market since it was one of the foods on my bucket list, but then I got one on the plane anyway! Amazing.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5022/5891214024_4a17da0c27.jpg" alt="IMG_0610.jpg" /></figure><p>It was a bit over-browned on the outside, but it had that characteristic flakiness and buttery taste.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5065/5890646903_fa4abf5e36.jpg" alt="IMG_0613.jpg" /></figure><p>I think my seat neighbors were wondering why I was snapping so many photos of my food. I wanted to explain, "it's a vegan French croissant! On an airplane!" Some other items on the tray included syrupy preserved fruit, orange juice, coffee, strawberry jam, and butter. There was also an Alpro soya caramel pudding cup, which was so creamy and delicious, I think it even upstaged the croissant.</p><p>So that was the vegan food scene on my Air France flight. I have to say, I was impressed! Save for the dry, bland rice dish, everything else was surprisingly tasty and specialized.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5073/5890646419_b9ebe64d4b.jpg" alt="IMG_0623.jpg" /></figure><p>Then I got to Narita airport and had about 6 hours til my next flight, which was spent internet surfing, reading, walking around aimlessly, and browsing the souvenir shops. I didn't have any food on me so I headed to one of the snack shops and bought some edamame beans and wasabi peas! Is anyone else into wasabi peas? They have such great crunchiness and I love it when you get an especially strong one that sends the wasabi particles shooting right up into your sinuses and gives you a great burning pain in your nostril. It's kind of like drinking coke til it hurts. Love it.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6049/5890645431_503840e6b3.jpg" alt="IMG_0627.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, then I finally boarded the Japan Airlines flight to Korea, where I was served a sad snackbox of fruit and two small pita pockets. It was perhaps the most pathetic of all the meals and snacks I had with JAL.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5104/5890645831_dabb234d89.jpg" alt="IMG_0626.jpg" /></figure><p>One (quarter) pocket was stuffed with kiwi slices and red bell peppers (what a bizarre combination), and the other was filled with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumber slices.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5276/5890644965_02e5b72085.jpg" alt="IMG_0630.jpg" /></figure><p>I was... not so... impressed... ... Especially because everyone else got cute wooden bento boxes with various tasty-looking components. C'mon JAL, I don't ask for too much. Just something simple like this should suffice:</p><figure><img src="//4.bp.blogspot.com/_oowF_xSecE0/TTULWvnjpbI/AAAAAAAABgo/rLGTVP_SfOo/s1600" /></figure><p>source</p><p>Well, overall, I was rather well-fed on my trip back to Korea, and I shan't complain, especially after eating so well in Paris & the Netherlands. Sigh, I miss my vacation... but it's high time I snap out of vacation-mode and hit the ground running here in Korea! There are many art projects that need attention, people to catch up with, and even some baking orders to turn out. Ready, set, go go go!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-68803811204058284572011-07-01T06:33:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.634-07:00Vegan Breakfast Diaries in Paris<a name='more'></a><p>I'm back in Korea! I arrived late last night, after a total of 11 hours delay and a total travel time of over 24 hours. It was a loooong trip with very little sleep. In fact, today, I basically slept all night and day, waking up at around 5pm. Woah. I can't believe I slept that long, but I guess my body is sleep-deprived, in addition to being jet-lagged. I really need to clean my room, do laundry, and go grocery shopping because my fridge is empty, but I'm still in vacation-mode and don't want to return to reality and the daily routine... . I'll get to all that eventually... .. :)</p><p>In the meantime, here is an ode to my breakfasts in Paris. I had a lot of delicious foods while out and about on the streets of Paris, such as vegan veggie pies at the organic farmers market, and savory crepes at Loving Hut. However, I think the best, most memorable meals were the breakfasts that I enjoyed in the comforts of my friend's apartment and kitchen. In order to sustain my energy while touring the city, I always made sure to fill up before heading out the door, and my plate always included something exciting and different:</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3088/5864030259_dfc60d0c90_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0830.jpg" /></figure><p>Vegan pain au chocolat from Loving Hut, banana slices, and tea with soy milk.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5305/5870321724_4536bed5e7_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1297.jpg" /></figure><p>Plain soy yogurt with dried cranberries, walnut bread with vegan cheesy spread by Le Sojami, and raw pumpkin and onion flax crackers.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5878317377_61a6a70f2b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0201.jpg" /></figure><p>Dense bread loaded with dried figs and raisins, almonds, and hazelnuts (from Raspail organic market), an apricot, and raspberries.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5878316247_b00a9ca705.jpg" alt="IMG_0217.jpg" /></figure><p>There are no words to describe how awesome this bread was.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5221/5858566458_3da0e58cbe_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0585.jpg" /></figure><p>Soy yogurt with bananas, pears, and dried cranberries.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5874759868_9f86a51dbd_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0007.jpg" /></figure><p>More soy yogurt, raspberries, figs, banana, and hazelnut milk.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3126/5870600129_98fd1290fb.jpg" alt="IMG_1703.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/5874758714_1c94f7caf0.jpg" alt="IMG_0017.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5069/5869147419_087144e883.jpg" alt="IMG_1458.jpg" /></figure><p>I went through so much yogurt (various brands), that all those healthy probiotics definitely kept me 'regular' throughout my entire trip. :) I was so amazed at how every major supermarket has several brands and flavors of soy yogurt, as if it were nothing special at all. And they all tasted juuuust like the yogurt I remember, even the plain flavor without all the added sugar. I really wish a Korean company would come out with a vegan yogurt brand. I would definitely be their # 1 customer.</p><p>I miss my Paris breakfasts!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-43931258660380051522011-06-29T23:08:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.645-07:00Alien's Day Out in Paris (Pt 6)<a name='more'></a><p>Wow, I can't believe it but my vacation has already come to an end. I'm currently at Narita airport, waiting for my flight back to Seoul, where I must face reality. My plane from Paris was delayed for 3 hours so I missed my connecting flight to Incheon. They’ve put me on a new flight, but it’s waaaay later than scheduled and I have about 6 hours to kill, just hanging around the airport. Sigh.</p><p>Anyway. I'll talk more about the flight later, but first, here's a recap of my last day in Paris!</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0382.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5882727778_6500583e73.jpg" /></figure><p>I jumpstarted my day with a cuppa coffee at Les Deux Magots, an apparently historical cafe by St. Germain, where some famous writers and philosophers used to go. It's directly across the street from yet another famous cafe called 'Cafe Flore.' The coffee there was considerably more expensive than other cafes, but it was a really nice chill-out spot and their coffee was really good. They also put a mini chocolate on the side, but I left it there since it contained milk. One thing I love about Paris cafes is the way everyone sits facing outward, so that they can see people passing by. It's quite amusing.</p><p>Then later, my friend and I got together for lunch during her midday break. Even though I was staying at her place, she has been crazy-busy with her job lately and has had to stay at her office til late at night, so we barely got to hang out. I pretty much just saw her very early in the morning and then right before bedtime because she was working overtime. But we wanted to get at least eat one quick meal out before I left, so we met up by her office and went to a salad-sandwich bar called Bleu Canard, which is a good spot for health-conscious, on-the-go workers. </p><figure><img alt="IMG_0445.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5317/5882164419_54e0ae43dc_b.jpg" /></figure><p>Everything was pre-made and ready to go, so people could just pick what they wanted and then could either take it out, or eat it in the upstairs dining area. While there were loads of vegetarian options, unfortunately, almost everything had cheese in it, and since everything was pre-packaged, there wasn't a whole lot I could do.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0448.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5882724046_6d5617342d.jpg" /></figure><p>However, luckily, I found this lentil, green pea salad that was totally vegan, and for dessert, I picked a fresh fruit salad. The lentil salad was really great and surprisingly filling. While walking around Paris, my sister and I actually passed by a lot of these types of salad-sandwich joints and almost all of them had this lentil salad, so it seems to be the standard vegan option.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0452.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5278/5882160289_73d7b0f2a6.jpg" /></figure><p>I love lentils and I probably needed the extra protein and iron since the majority of my food while traveling consisted of carbs, carbs, and more carbs. Healthy, and tasty. :)</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0459.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5270/5882718612_9293c638cf.jpg" /></figure><p>Walked through St. Madeline chapel... .</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0464.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6030/5882717310_20f5ba6ece_b.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_0476.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6002/5882713036_03163c615b.jpg" /></figure><p>Saw some funky graters at a designer gift boutique shop called Pylones.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0485.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5882709908_3daed81395.jpg" /></figure><p>Other random items.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0490.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5882145683_81c705aba0.jpg" /></figure><p>Oh, and I finally got in the Musee D'Orsay, after trying on two other days when they were unexpectedly closed! It had some amazing works, my favorites being those of Henri Rousseau.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0502.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6033/5882140203_aec2ae4f4d_b.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_0503.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5223/5882700018_521ccb2ae3.jpg" /></figure><p>For dinner, I went to Le Grenier de Notre-Dame, which is possibly one of the most well-known vegetarian restaurants in Paris. I knew I wanted to go all out and treat myself for my final meal in Paris, and I reserved this restaurant for such the occasion. :)</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0508.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5882694806_cc250568bd_b.jpg" /></figure><p>I ordered the couscous dish, not really knowing what to expect, but when the server brought over a huuuuuge covered ceramic bowl and then lifted the lid to reveal the dish, I knew I had made the right choice. The whole thing was so amazing, I'm trying not to drool as I think of it. It was like a tomato stew with various veggies such as chickpeas, eggplant, zucchini, and carrots, spread and then baked over a huge serving of couscous underneath.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0507.jpg" src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/5882696060_86be04d6d4.jpg" /></figure><p>On top, there was a skewer of large fried seitan chunks, and a garnish of lemon.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0517.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5882691676_06c349db15.jpg" /></figure><p>The seitain chunks were crunchy-fried on the outside, and dense and chewy on the inside. They didn't have too much flavor on their own, but tasted really great when combined with all the other components in the bowl.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0514.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5882693752_73fe0d60dc.jpg" /></figure><p>My favorite part was definitely the soft veggies cooked in the tomato stew, which made everything so delicious and saucy. The bowl was so large that I think two people easily could've shared this dish... but I ate it all myself and was about to explode by the end. And as if that weren't enough food, I even got a basket of whole wheat bread!</p><p>When I got to the restaurant, the place was totally filled up, but luckily, I was able to snag a table right in-between some other diners. We were all sitting literally right next to each other, basically sharing a long table. Since everyone was in such close proximity, we couldn't not share small talk, such as where we were from, how long we had been in Paris, what parts of the city we enjoyed seeing the most, etc. :) During the first half of my meal, I chatted with a mother and daughter visiting from England who were an absolute delight to talk to, and then later on, I talked to two Australian women who had just arrived in Paris a few hours prior, and had come to the restaurant for their first meal. It was so great sharing thoughts on traveling as a veggie in Paris, and I was even able to make a few food suggestions for them. Funny thing, all the diners that were also sitting outside were English speakers (no native French people)... Their customers are probably mainly tourists since it's located right by the Notre Dame and the Shakespeare & Company bookshop. I love meeting strangers while traveling! But only the nice, sane ones, ofcourse.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0519.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5120/5882129483_282925af2b.jpg" /></figure><figure><img alt="IMG_0547.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5310/5882120919_b2a8091dd4.jpg" /></figure><p>Then after dinner, it was getting dark, so I braced the on-coming thunderstorm and headed to the Eiffel tower to see the light show, which goes on for 5 minutes at the top of every hour after nightfall. It was really windy and wet when I got there, but there were still plenty of other tourists waiting for the same spectacle, and everyone gave a cheer when all the lights started to flash.</p><figure><img alt="IMG_0539.jpg" src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5269/5882122395_097f399235_b.jpg" /></figure><p>It was quite a beautiful sight and the grand finale of my Paris adventure.</p><p>So that's just about it... I said au revoir to the great city the next morning and am now almost back to Korea. I had such an amazing time and I have to say, Paris far exceeded any expecations I had both in terms of sights and vegan eats. I thought I would be eating nothing but baguettes and jam the entire time, but I ended up trying so many diverse foods that I was never bored or hungry. So to all you vegans out there with dreams of visiting Paris- don't let France's notorious meat and dairy-centered cuisine scare you away. There was so much abundant fresh produce at the outdoor markets, numerous health food stores to stock up on vegan products, and many delicious vegetarian restaurants to try out, that I only wish my trip had been longer!</p><p>Ok.. that's all for now. My tummy is growling so I'm going to go see what vegan snacks I can find at this Narita Airport. See you soon, Korea!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-9539529444815677772011-06-27T16:42:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.658-07:00Alien's day out in Paris (Pt 5)<a name='more'></a><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5874756994_4e5e2a67b0.jpg" alt="IMG_0019-2.jpg" /></figure><p>Last Sunday, taking a cue from the Vegan Paris blog, I hit up the Raspail Organic Market that is held every Sunday.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3271/5874729972_19d32b7e07.jpg" alt="IMG_0034.jpg" /></figure><p>The fresh fruits and vegetable stalls were so diverse and vibrant, but also very expensive. I honestly can't image getting all my groceries from this organic market because I would be so broke!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3252/5874683778_cf9374a8c5_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0071.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3285/5874678624_00c855e802.jpg" alt="IMG_0076.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5874703908_397d98252e.jpg" alt="IMG_0053.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3209/5874143647_cfa438df38.jpg" alt="IMG_0056.jpg" /></figure><p>There were so many incredible vegan things that I wanted to buy, that I walked up and down the market several times to carefully decide what I wanted to spend my dwindling amount of cash on. I've always been an indecisive person, and when I have too many vegan options set in front of me, I just don't know what to do with myself .</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5874184833_940f5a2d07.jpg" alt="IMG_0029.jpg" /></figure><p>First, I bought an English breakfast muffin from this one bakery/pastry stall. I asked about their other pastries on display (muffins, cookies, etc), and while some were made with soy milk, they weren't vegan because they also included eggs.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5036/5874134801_41b5e2a883.jpg" alt="IMG_0062.jpg" /></figure><p>But then I found this other bakery vendor with vegan croissants and fruit & nut bread!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5028/5874596790_cedb324e68.jpg" alt="IMG_0145.jpg" /></figure><p>It probably would've been more 'French' of me to get the croissant, but the fruit & nut bun looked so sticky-good that I went with that instead.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/5874706562_7a11721a52.jpg" alt="IMG_0052.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3228/5874193639_e966690ed4.jpg" alt="IMG_0023.jpg" /></figure><p>In addition to food, there were also loads of non-edible products, such as clothing, flowers, and beauty products such as these vegetable soaps.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5874150169_34fd63d517.jpg" alt="IMG_0051.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5874674854_95eb21d5d9.jpg" alt="IMG_0079.jpg" /></figure><p>I also saw some of the same vendors that I saw at the other organic market on Batignolles, including the vegan pie and vegan crepe sellers. I got one of their steaming hot chickpea pancakes with creamy basil sauce on top, to enjoy while walking around the market, which was pretty fantastic.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5874662132_91a6311b30.jpg" alt="IMG_0092.jpg" /></figure><p>I also couldn't resist getting a slice of savory pie because I enjoyed the lentil pie last time so much.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3049/5874590966_5329896724.jpg" alt="IMG_0156.jpg" /></figure><p>This time, I went with their mushroom pie with some kind of melty cheese on top, which the lady said was vegan. However, I'm rather skeptical because it tasted so much like real cheese! Did she understand my French properly? Can vegan cheese really taste that authentic? hehe... .</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3136/5874585312_336096c192.jpg" alt="IMG_0168.jpg" /></figure><p>Anyway, I took my loot to the Luxembourg gardens nearby and had myself a wonderful outdoor lunch.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3183/5874608516_17ae8a0027.jpg" alt="IMG_0132.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5235/5874073271_eef0a195e1.jpg" alt="IMG_0122.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5312/5874023957_a0bc97997e.jpg" alt="IMG_0175.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/5874019059_ae93b201a6.jpg" alt="IMG_0178.jpg" /></figure><p>Since it was Sunday, I also visited the American Church in Paris and sat in on their contemporary service in the afternoon. It felt weirdly familiar, kind of like the church I used to go to in PA.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/5874013091_e70f850a9c.jpg" alt="IMG_0180.jpg" /></figure><p>While heading back to the apartment, this loooong parade of hundreds of rollerbladers came down the street! It wasn't a race or anything, they were just rollerblading... for fun. And I thought rollerblading was dead after the 90's.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5303/5878822750_d21b819a89.jpg" alt="IMG_0297.jpg" /></figure><p>Then on Monday, I visited the Père Lachaise Cemetery! I'm not sure what compelled me to visit a cemetery of all places, but the thought of seeing the resting places of some of the great artists and thinkers was quite intriguing.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5228/5878820528_94d7e0a872.jpg" alt="IMG_0300.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5230/5878806832_63895eb4f1.jpg" alt="IMG_0313.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5878235381_93dfa88055.jpg" alt="IMG_0322.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6011/5878800774_c0f3e68cd0.jpg" alt="IMG_0319.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6036/5878804776_c436d5d0d6.jpg" alt="IMG_0314.jpg" /></figure><p>The cemetery was truly impressive. One might think that it would be a like a scene from a Halloween movie or 'Thriller,' but actually, it was all quite beautiful.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5103/5878840656_75f1555d7f.jpg" alt="IMG_0276.jpg" /></figure><p>Each tombstone and grave was unique in form and size that it was like walking through a literal village of the dead, with miniature houses and villas.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5062/5878849388_0388a7bfef.jpg" alt="IMG_0265.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5116/5878810446_64539a0269.jpg" alt="IMG_0309.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6006/5878803332_1588b39bab.jpg" alt="IMG_0318.jpg" /></figure><p>Some of the famous grave sites that I found to pay my respects to were that of Eugene Delacroix, Theadore Gericault, and Jim Morrison (these three are pictured above), as well as Oscar Wilde, Marcel Proust, and Chopin.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6024/5878860402_f690473cdf_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0251.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/5878775930_0628bbbc75.jpg" alt="IMG_0345.jpg" /></figure><p>Next, I headed to the Place de Vosges where there were lots of young people hanging around, suntanning in bikini tops and picnicking on the grassy lawn. The weather was scorching hot! The temperatures during my trip have been totally spastic, going from 60F all the way to 95F and above today! Such a drastic jump. I was shivering cold last week and now I'm getting roasted.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5878314999_964907fbb0.jpg" alt="IMG_0222.jpg" /></figure><p>There on a shaded bench, I had myself a light lunch that I put together before heading out. I packed a sandwich using the English breakfast muffin from the Raspail Organic market, some 'Tartex' vegan pate, two slices of smoked 'Wheaty' deli meat slices, some greens and tomato slices.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5144/5878210795_7948e0077a.jpg" alt="IMG_0364.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5141/5878206697_dba8f4350d.jpg" alt="IMG_0368.jpg" /></figure><p>The English breakfast muffin was much larger than your average store-bought one, and it was nice and dense with plenty of gritty texture on the outside. The deli slices felt a little rubbery when eaten on their own, but they were perfect when added to the sandwich.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5878220561_e0c52bb2e8.jpg" alt="IMG_0336.jpg" /></figure><p>After hanging out at Place de Vosges and reading, I walked towards Bastille and ran into yet another health food store called "Naturalia." I really need to stop finding these shops because I always end up buying stuff, and I'm sure you guys are getting sick of seeing grocery store photos!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5878233069_82c1ae86c6.jpg" alt="IMG_0327.jpg" /></figure><p>Like all the other places, this one had numerous different nondairy milks (including quinoa, sesame, and spelt milk!), various vegan cheesy spreads, and tofu products. With so many of these health-food and biologique shops, being vegan in Paris is seriously so much easier than I expected.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/5874564546_77cc565d12.jpg" alt="IMG_0002.jpg" /></figure><p>The other day, I also went out for a jog! Just because I'm on vacation, doesn't mean I should neglect my fitness, right? I've gone on two runs now, and I've gotten to know the layout of Paris a lot better, just by going through the smaller streets and residential areas. Even though I don't know all the streets and directions, I've found that all I have to do is spot the pointy Eiffel Tower which is visible from my friend's apartment, and then run in that direction. I took my old digital camera with me to snap these pics of the Eiffel Tower along the way.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5146/5873993337_7ddc1bc473_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0015.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5309/5874549578_88555e5f7c_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0019.jpg" /></figure><p>Paris is actually surprisingly small (I think much smaller than Seoul) and it doesn't take long to get from one point to the other. And even if I do get a bit lost, I always seem to find my way again just by checking the maps by the metro or bus stations. Infact, I think the hardest part about running here isn't navigating the roads, but it's actually side-stepping all the dog turds that decorate the sidewalks. I guess Parisians don't pick up after their dogs. I had wanted to run earlier during my trip, but for a long time, the weather was pretty cold and drizzly, and after almost 2 weeks since my last run in Korea, I was positively itching to get moving. Thankfully, the skies have cleared up and it is summer temperatures now. Another great thing about running here is that since it's summer, the sun doesn't go down until 10pm! So even though I went out around 8:30pm, it will still plenty-bright (and safe) and there were loads of people out and about, especially by the Eiffel Tower.</p><p>In addition to running, I've also done a few P90x workout DVDs that I loaded onto my laptop! They were a good backup workout when the weather was too rainy for running. Even my sister joined me on one of them. It was pretty funny jumping around, kicking, and doing squats with my sister in the hotel room. I hope we didn't cause too much of a racket for the guests below us... .</p><p>Well, so now my blog is all caught up to today, which is my LAST day here before I head back to Seoul! Me so sad... . I hope to fit in as many things as I can in the next 24 hours, so I better skedaddle!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-15053425913449376752011-06-26T06:44:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.672-07:00Alien's day out in Paris (Pt 4)<a name='more'></a><p>Now that my sister has left, it's just me as a solo traveler. I thought I would feel depressed and lonely after my sister took off, but there are really so many exciting things to do and see that I'm well-distracted from thoughts of loneliness. I've done some solo traveling before and haven't always enjoyed it, but for some reason, it's different here in Paris. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3053/5870709769_10918308d8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1466.jpg" /></figure><p>So anyway, on Saturday, I headed to the St. Ouen flea markets (Marche aux Puces St-Ouen) by Clignancourt station. I wasn't exactly sure what to expect, but the Internet seemed to say it was worth a visit. Oh my goodness, I was blown away. The entire market area was really huge and I only got to view a couple sections of it before I got tired and hungry.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5871256662_c263c96e8f.jpg" alt="IMG_1492.jpg" /></figure><p>The first part I walked through was the Vernaison market, which was definitely my favorite of all the market sections I saw. There were so many incredible antiques, knick-knacks, vintage items, and memorabilia from decades ago, long before my parents and even my grandparents were born.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/5870688207_b48aedcf94.jpg" alt="IMG_1511.jpg" /></figure><p>I could spend hours here, just getting lost in the narrow alleyways and exploring. I felt like a kid in a dusty attic, rummaging through my grandparents' chest of treasures.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3184/5871263398_e2d0c4b644.jpg" alt="IMG_1472.jpg" /></figure><p>The lady in this photo reminds me of the Edna Mode character from the Pixar animation 'The Incredibles.' Except that she was much more cheerful than Edna. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3047/5871257772_48a7fba3e8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1487.jpg" /></figure><p>Perhaps my favorite stall at the Vernaison market was this store with vintage doll parts. So many disconnected heads and limbs, buttons and accessories... . completely weird and charming at the same time.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6054/5871223284_97fdf45257.jpg" alt="IMG_1546.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5871242810_14e23f9878.jpg" alt="IMG_1516.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3114/5870683997_a85fbbf8e4.jpg" alt="IMG_1521.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/5871260088_f7462010fc.jpg" alt="IMG_1481.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5870674197_76ce1551e2.jpg" alt="IMG_1537.jpg" /></figure><p>There were a couple items I wanted to buy, but since they were all vintage, collectable items, the prices were rather steep! And since I hate trying to haggle, I ended up not getting anything. It's probably for the best though, because my backpack is already overloaded with stuff to take back!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5116/5871213224_76193ec37b.jpg" alt="IMG_1566.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3277/5870653935_2eab936590.jpg" alt="IMG_1567.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3269/5870648733_932facaa61.jpg" alt="IMG_1574.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3163/5871210410_b5f52b9536.jpg" alt="IMG_1569.jpg" /></figure><p>I briefly checked out the Dauphine covered market, which had lots of vintage poster prints and books.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/5871205374_6da8dddfc6.jpg" alt="IMG_1582.jpg" /></figure><p>And then last but not least, Paul Bert marche had lots of antique furniture. I imagine this is where set designers come to get authentic props for period films and such. So cool.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3112/5871236940_8beefcdfa4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1529.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/5871220860_a514907d7b_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1549.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3202/5871268776_7ab2a50d31.jpg" alt="IMG_1464.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5153/5870691809_09d031c495.jpg" alt="IMG_1505.jpg" /></figure><p>I'm so glad I checked out these flea markets, even though it is way up north, in a more dodgy part of Paris. Some websites made it sound like I was going to have to fight off hordes of aggressive street peddlers by the metro station, and while there were many of them, I actually didn't find it that bad at all. I'm sure there are plenty of pickpockets waiting to target naive tourists with their wallets hanging out of their open bags, but I don't think it's anything that can't be avoided with just a little commonsense.</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6050/5871198224_c2928d8c45.jpg" alt="IMG_1600.jpg" /></figure><p>After the flea markets, I was starving, so I took the metro to Abbesses by Monmartre to check out Au Grain de Folie, a vegetarian restaurant with positive reviews on Happy Cow. My sister and I walked past it last week but it was closed, so I was relieved to see that it was open this time.</p><p>The space was small and cozy with only a few tables, so I was lucky to snag a seat right away. The interior was also very colorful and inviting, and there were delicious aromas coming from the open kitchen. When I went, there was only one older lady doing everything from cooking to serving, so she was quite busy, but still managed to juggle and meet all her customers' demands, and with friendly service too. Eating at Au Grain de Folie was like being at a cottage while your grandma bustles about, preparing a homey, peasant-style meal. You could practically feel the love that went into its preparation.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3133/5870636355_d3e3f003eb.jpg" alt="IMG_1608.jpg" /></figure><p>I can't remember the exact name of the platter that I ordered, but it was one of the 13 euro 'combination' plates that was made up of several different components: a vegan vegetable tart, lentils, the grain of the day (brown rice), bread with vegetable pate, and two salads drizzled with a healthy dose of olive oil.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5304/5871192328_3a304563bb.jpg" alt="IMG_1617.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5148/5870633335_f28a10d6a9.jpg" alt="IMG_1620.jpg" /></figure><p>The star of the plate was this vegetable tart, which was incredibly creamy eggplant purree on some crunchy crust. The lentils and brown rice (stir-fried with onions) was also delicious! With my order, I also got a basket of rustic bread to mop up any leftover deliciousness on the plate. The food wasn't as flavorful was one might expect and some might find it a bit bland, but it was simple, rustic, healthy peasant-ish food.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5160/5871187352_2358209463.jpg" alt="IMG_1628.jpg" /></figure><p>While wandering around Montmartre (for the second time), I stopped at one of the cafes to get coffee and read my book.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3221/5871183550_2fef7ff8df.jpg" alt="IMG_1633.jpg" /></figure><p>Around the same time, this awesome parade came down the street, with drums and festive costumes!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5870618827_7b92136442.jpg" alt="IMG_1660.jpg" /></figure><p>I think this may have been part of the summer Music Festival that has been going on all week, or perhaps this was some other event. Either way, it was cool to see the locals getting just as excited as me, snapping photos and dancing about.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5870619917_ee5e5275b4.jpg" alt="IMG_1651.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5273/5870606129_9fea713967.jpg" alt="IMG_1674.jpg" /></figure><p>At the end of the street, there was also a live music performance going on, which was a lot of fun to witness. I especially loved seeing kids in adorable costumes and boho outfits, singing along to the French songs.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3118/5870617471_a1eb41ed6f.jpg" alt="IMG_1662.jpg" /></figure><p>It was such a great day, checking out the flea markets, supporting a vegetarian restaurant, sippin' on cawfee, and joining in on the weekend festivities. The longer I stay Paris, the more I'm realizing that French people know how to live well and enjoy life. I love the fact that they take plenty of vacations and breaks, take their children to parks and festivals, sit alone at cafes on the side of the street, and also how they engage in passionate public displays of affection. And even though they might not have the most vegan-friendly cuisine, they do seem to recognize and value the quality of foods, which I reckon is always a plus. Oh Paris, je t'aime.</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-89956150613943518292011-06-25T08:27:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.685-07:00Alien's day out in Paris (Pt 3)<a name='more'></a><p>My sister's final day of her vacation has already come and gone. For her last day here, she wanted to see the Musee d'Orsay, but it was unexpectedly closed. We actually tried earlier in the week too and waited in line with tons of other people for the museum to open, only to hear over the loudspeakers that they "may or may not" be open that day. Bah~ Ah well... . perhaps another time... .</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/5869752711_7a06874321.jpg" alt="IMG_1308.jpg" /></figure><p>So instead of art-viewing, we just walked around the center of Paris, saw the Place de L'Opera, and did some window-shopping at Galeries Lafayette.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5026/5869740851_b5656fd7a6.jpg" alt="IMG_1317.jpg" /></figure><p>This shopping plaza is huuuge, and since the summer sales started a few days ago, the place was p-p-packed with shoppers doing some retail-therapy. I don't get much excitement out of clothes-shopping, but grocery-shopping is a different story, and to my delight we found a huge gourmet food market in the plaza! It was stocked with so many amazing things like different chocolates, mustards, jams, nut spreads, fresh produce, and deli food, that I was like a kid in a candy store. Can you blame me? I mean, just check out the insane spice rack:</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6055/5870296668_a14b6eb988.jpg" alt="IMG_1318.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3139/5869732519_57e64cd066.jpg" alt="IMG_1323.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5265/5870286268_15be563e50.jpg" alt="IMG_1327.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5870281446_2c277e52c7.jpg" alt="IMG_1331.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5064/5869720263_59b462ee05.jpg" alt="IMG_1334.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6045/5869714523_4849b69d3a.jpg" alt="IMG_1337.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3146/5869766892_058fc22ccd.jpg" alt="IMG_1408.jpg" /></figure><p>Within the gourmet food market, there was a Chinese food booth which was calling to me, so I bought some marinated fried tofu and a cabbage salad. It was pretty expensive, but I guess it's the same as buying food in any department store in Korea.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5869693091_753cb6c84f.jpg" alt="IMG_1367.jpg" /></figure><p>I couldn't help myself and bought a couple special items, just for novelty's sake... . ^^ Pink dijon mustard (I admit, I just bought it for the unique color), rhubarb-strawberry jam, and a package of banana-acai fruit "leather."</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/5869691971_b4b57f0cef.jpg" alt="IMG_1378.jpg" /></figure><p>I had the banana-acai fruit leather as a snack at a nearby cafe. The banana flavor was pretty strong, but in a good way. Made me feel healthy and energized, although that may have been the coffee talking... .</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/5870263010_0806d4a6b5.jpg" alt="IMG_1351.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5143/5870259214_4cff69df02.jpg" alt="IMG_1354.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5869711459_c3c322193b.jpg" alt="IMG_1341.jpg" /></figure><p>We also met up with one of my sister's French friends for a quick bite on his lunch break. We just popped into a random cafe by the Galeries Lafayette. As is the case with most typical French restaurants here, the veg options were very limited, but luckily they had a totally vegan soup made of blended carrots and potatoes. This was soooo creamy and smooth, it was as if there were dairy in it. The big "soup" bowl was also adorable.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5191/5869220819_8b11c9e04e.jpg" alt="IMG_1394.jpg" /></figure><p>Later in the afternoon, my sister had another appointment to get to, so I just wandered around Centre Pompidou with all its youthful energy, and got to observe some wacky street performers.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5869776620_31e1fc491c.jpg" alt="IMG_1396.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5320/5869789974_4f8e1ddf4c.jpg" alt="IMG_1393.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5067/5869206437_4b5414a0d8.jpg" alt="IMG_1420.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/5869234147_f51de884db.jpg" alt="IMG_1390.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6040/5869197691_2a5fafa5ff.jpg" alt="IMG_1438.jpg" /></figure><p>I just kept walking and ended up south of the Seine, where I came across yet another natural food store called 'La Nature a Paris.'</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3041/5869159957_a0f3f81ed2.jpg" alt="IMG_1452.jpg" /></figure><p>It seems like the French are into eating organic foods because I keep running into these kinds of 'Biologique' health food stores, and they are usually stocked with plenty of vegan products! Looove it. Are you sick of all my grocery food photos yet?</p><figure><img src="//farm7.static.flickr.com/6038/5869736736_e81499a5b5_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1450.jpg" /></figure><p>They had so many different non-dairy milks, from spelt to almond milk, that I had to snap a shot for your viewing pleasure. Korea seriously needs to diversify their non-dairy milk options... .</p><p>Well, that was my last day together with my sister. It was sad to say goodbye again, but I'm totally grateful that we got to hang out, and in Paris of all places! I still have a couple more days though, to explore and absorb as much of this city as I can, and I'm currently crashing at a friend's house here in Paris. One of the benefits of having international friends is getting to mooch off of them while traveling and sleep on their couch! My friend (Swan) has a really cute one-bedroom apartment here, about a 30-minute walk from the Eiffel tower! She's truly living the Parisian life, and I'm pretty jealous. Actually, this weekend, Swan has gone out of town, so I have her apartment all to myself! I feel like I'm actually living here, greeting the neighbors, taking out the trash, grocery shopping in the nearby residential supermarkets and bakery... . you know, pretending to be a local Parisienne... haha... .</p><p>Anyway, Swan has been so great in opening up her home to me, and I'm incredibly grateful for her generosity and hospitality. For my first night here, she didn't know what things I could/wanted to eat as a vegan, so we went grocery shopping together at a nearby Monoprix (a chain supermarket) and got some things to make dinner.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5315/5858015531_4f2a8d7188_z.jpg" alt="IMG_0579.jpg" /></figure><p>We found some "bio" (organic) lentil and smoked tofu salad at the supermarket which was really tasty, considering it was pre-made and packaged. We enjoyed this with a lovely fresh salad of greens and tomatoes dressed in balsamic vinegar, and a side of boiled potatoes.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5076/5864325994_7cacef94dc.jpg" alt="IMG_1269.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's another meal eaten at home. I love having access to a working kitchen while I'm traveling! It makes budget-traveling so much easier. I got this whole wheat bread at a boulangerie next to the apartment, and topped it with some of the cheesy tartiner (spread) I bought at Holy Planet. I also cut up some of the cubed smoked tofu to toss in the salad.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2725/5863771867_9dde61d504.jpg" alt="IMG_1285.jpg" /></figure><p>The cheese spread is so amazing... . creamy, sour, rich in flavor... .</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5318/5864032389_d1aeba5498.jpg" alt="IMG_0819.jpg" /></figure><p>Boom.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/5864029235_2db7ae605a.jpg" alt="IMG_0837.jpg" /></figure><p>For breakfast, Swan and I ate vegan pain au chocolat that I got from the Loving Hut restaurant. I could've eaten them straight out of the package, but I followed the directions on the package and popped it in the oven for 3 minutes, after which they were deliciously warm and slightly more browned. I enjoyed it immensely with some sliced banana and a mug of soy milk tea. It wasn't as buttery or flakey as most other puff pastries, but it was still delicious!</p><p>Well, I have been eating so much great food and finding so many great vegan products that I think I'm getting spoiled on this trip! It's going to be tough returning to Korea knowing that I won't get any more pain au chocolat or vegan cheese tartiner. I guess that just means I'll have to eat as much of it as I can while I'm here, which is cool by me!</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-7124151060083351112011-06-23T15:25:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.698-07:00Alien's day out in Paris (Pt 2)<a name='more'></a><p>Warning: this is gonna be a looooong post with tons of touristy photos that you might find rather boring, but there are also some photos of yummy vegan eats dispersed throughout, so I hope you'll stick around!</p><p>Well, I've been in Paris a few days now, and to put it simply, I am in love with this city. Even though I visited here when I was younger, seeing it this time around as an independent adult is like seeing it for the first time. It is so beautiful and contains so much history and culture, as well as effortless style. There is truly no place like Paris.</p><p>My sister and I tried to do most of the big touristy things in the first two to three days, before being looser with our schedule and exploring more off-the-beaten-track areas of Paris, so we got a 2-day museum pass and hit up as many museums and tourist attractions as we could. Here's a summary of our first few days:</p><p>Day One was a packed day of touring three main spots, each location far-exceeding any expectations. It's weird because I so many photos of these places, and studied them in great detail in several Art History courses, but seeing them in person was truly an incredible experience. First, the Notre Dame:</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2480/5858516416_c1290ccab4.jpg" alt="IMG_0661.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5858480796_76fec19f56.jpg" alt="IMG_0723.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3063/5857933517_5f4b22117a.jpg" alt="IMG_0718.jpg" /></figure><p>Next, the Sainte Chapelle:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5279/5857901983_f9b52649d6.jpg" alt="IMG_0752.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5101/5857912669_6c892e7b3d.jpg" alt="IMG_0744.jpg" /></figure><p>And finally, the Pantheon:</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5268/5858430154_daf1965841.jpg" alt="IMG_0788.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2762/5857877351_7defcc5687_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0790.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2769/5858427208_0859e7681d.jpg" alt="IMG_0792.jpg" /></figure><p>We also just walked around the bustling streets, admiring all the cafes, bakeries, and fruit stalls. I just love all the activity that goes on along the sidewalks of Paris.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2629/5857873517_b0def925b3.jpg" alt="IMG_0794.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5306/5858004739_da706816de.jpg" alt="IMG_0598.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2667/5858002175_7d1206eaae.jpg" alt="IMG_0603.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/5858552510_920af36d3a.jpg" alt="IMG_0607.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2749/5857892189_feda9e12a2.jpg" alt="IMG_0760.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/5858543072_d7c5c5a4f0.jpg" alt="IMG_0615.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3399/5858540766_8e9baa3fe9.jpg" alt="IMG_0617.jpg" /></figure><p>A snack of olive bread from one of the many Paul bakeries.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5316/5857982685_4edb3dd536.jpg" alt="IMG_0628.jpg" /></figure><p>For lunch, we ate at this Maoz falafel joint on Rue Saint-André des Arts.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5307/5857968535_6d44888789.jpg" alt="IMG_0648.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's my falafel sandwich with eggplants. I love that you get to load it with as many salad components as you can stuff in the pita pocket. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3167/5857967635_81d6ba9766.jpg" alt="IMG_0649.jpg" /></figure><p>The tabouleh, tomatoes, and carrots were fresh and flavorful, the bread was soft, and the falafel balls were crispy! However, the eggplant that went in my 'Maoz aubergine' was far too oily... even oilier than the deep fried falafel balls. It was really dripping in grease and sort of ruined the sandwich for me. Next time I will just get the regular sandwich, or even a salad.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5311/5857975691_1007dc013d.jpg" alt="IMG_0634.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2436/5858518834_f02380db0a.jpg" alt="IMG_0656.jpg" /></figure><p>We walked around so much! Good thing I wore my sneakers, for maximum comfort and power-walking ability.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2514/5858433422_44fa5f8344.jpg" alt="IMG_0781.jpg" /></figure><p>We also took a break at the Jardin du Luxembourg, where we snacked on some fresh pears and figs.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3179/5858421402_8a511978aa.jpg" alt="IMG_0804.jpg" /></figure><p>Then for dinner, my sister went off to have dinner with a friend of hers, so I went in search of Paris' one and only Loving Hut! :) When I saw the familiar 'Loving Hut' logo from a distance, I was so happy. haha.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5105/5857867749_6929972164.jpg" alt="IMG_0806.jpg" /></figure><p>I ordered a savory mushroom crepe!! At 13.50 Euros, it was rather pricey, especially compared to LH prices in Korea, but it was a pretty average price compared to other restaurants here. Besides, where else would I find a savory vegan crepe?</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5237/5858418630_4cb566452e.jpg" alt="IMG_0807.jpg" /></figure><p>The filling was soooo deliciously creamy, and it had pieces of 'meat' which I think was meant to be chickin'... or fish? it's been so long since I had meat, I can't even identify them by taste. oops. The crepe itself was also really great, with slightly crispy-fried edges for added texture and flavor. The salad and dressing, as well as the small basket of bread was also a nice accompaniment to the dish. I'm so glad I've gotten to have both sweet and savory vegan crepes on my Paris trip!</p><p>I also got to chat a bit with the vegan servers there who super friendly and were excited to meet a vegan from Korea. Since they were all vegan, I thought I'd ask where I could find vegan pain au chocolat, and to my sheer delight, one of them whipped out a bag of packaged pain au chocolat from a display fridge that was hidden in the corner of the store! Ahhhh!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2797/5858415180_2ee5a619b4_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0813.jpg" /></figure><p>In addition to the pain au chocolat, they had a bunch of vegan products like croissants and several different blocks of cheese for sale. I was tempted to get it all, but exercised some restraint and went with the pain au chocolat, since it's the main thing on my Paris food bucket list. Vegan dessert crepes, savory crepes, and now pain au chocolat! Not bad. Not bad at all~</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3243/5864534128_c7738a7de1.jpg" alt="IMG_0961.jpg" /></figure><p>On Day Two, we visited two art museums, the first one being the Louvre. Yes, we saw the Mona Lisa, but it was surrounded by such a tight crowd of people, that I didn't really get to enjoy the painting or take it in before I got squeezed out. The painting itself was also rather underwhelming... especially compared to some of the other incredible paintings and sculptures there.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3037/5864018259_d6806452d2.jpg" alt="IMG_0880.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5261/5864569266_2562e9aa78.jpg" alt="IMG_0888.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5864027155_7afa59c1e4.jpg" alt="IMG_0847.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5314/5864005441_6825028c04.jpg" alt="IMG_0908.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5224/5864576216_665b3dc38b.jpg" alt="IMG_0862.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5319/5864547956_1a6ebd70d3.jpg" alt="IMG_0929.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/5864529516_c22a5cf2c8.jpg" alt="IMG_0973.jpg" /></figure><p>The Louvre is so huge that touring it definitely worked up an appetite! So for lunch, we grabbed sandwiches from 'Aux Pains Perdus' and enjoyed it on the lawn out front. I got this Mediterranean sandwich with juicy sun-dried tomatoes, eggplants, and roasted bell peppers, etc.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2710/5864521722_1829a3933f.jpg" alt="IMG_1004.jpg" /></figure><p>juicy and flavorful~</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5263/5863958807_623e44f878.jpg" alt="IMG_1025.jpg" /></figure><p>Next, we went to the Musee des Arts Decoratifs because my sister is studying Interior/Architecture and this is her scene. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3239/5864505718_fa295f7e89.jpg" alt="IMG_1046.jpg" /></figure><p>Then we walked all along the Champs Elysees towards the Arc de Triomphe. So grand and impressive. We really wanted to go to the top of it, but were too tired to go any further, and my sister had other plans to get to, so we just called it a day. My feet and back were so sore after walking around allll day long! So that concludes Day 2.</p><p>On Day 3, we finally got up close to this hunk o' steel:</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3270/5864503532_dddd94bb7b.jpg" alt="IMG_1061.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5195/5863947137_dfb03beb58.jpg" alt="IMG_1065.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/5863924569_6ebd4469b0.jpg" alt="IMG_1106.jpg" /></figure><p>This wasn't my first time seeing the Eiffel tower, but it was still exciting none-the-less. Whee!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5063/5863817119_c6d3570af9.jpg" alt="IMG_1147.jpg" /></figure><p>For lunch, my sister and I wanted to have a mini picnic, so we stopped by a boulangerie where I got a pre-made salad of lettuce, corn, tomatoes, asparagus, beets, and olives. It came with a packet of salad dressing, which just happened to be vegan! :) I also brought along a pear and some of vegan pate that I got from the supermarket. We sat on the grassy lawn by les Invalides and had ourselves a great lunch. This was one of the best salads I've had in a while!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5035/5864358486_d526f44aa8_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1191.jpg" /></figure><p>Then we walked around les Invalides.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/5864355846_86c0f613fe.jpg" alt="IMG_1199.jpg" /></figure><p>We also hung out at one of the sidewalk cafes while writing postcards, reading, and savoring some of the raw chocolate 'Om Bar' I got from Amsterdam. Drinking coffee and people-watching in Paris is so much fun!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5864352298_c24dfd7a6d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_1208.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5072/5857870307_e250c4d689.jpg" alt="IMG_0800.jpg" /></figure><p>After that, we took the metro to the Notre Dame area and visited the famous Shakespeare & Company bookstore.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/5864341728_b7f6f631bc.jpg" alt="IMG_1240.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5239/5863794035_ff7e73bfed.jpg" alt="IMG_1234.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5274/5864348328_dcbe72939c.jpg" alt="IMG_1225.jpg" /></figure><p>There are so many adorable and picturesque nooks and crannies, this place makes you want to sit for hours and hours, and lose yourself in a good book.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3280/5863778715_9fe70c59fa.jpg" alt="IMG_1251.jpg" /></figure><p>And last but not least, not too far from the bookstore, we found this organic, all vegetarian and vegan health food store called 'Holy Planet.'</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5149/5863774933_409ac5259b.jpg" alt="IMG_1255.jpg" /></figure><p>It was pretty small, but still had some awesome vegan products like Cheezly cheese, vegan sausages, tofu, spreads, milks, etc. The lady at the counter was also so kind and cheerful! Ah, I love health food shops!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3241/5863774257_b4bbabdb94.jpg" alt="IMG_1258.jpg" /></figure><p>Here's what I bought to enjoy while I'm here. A mini carton of hazelnut milk, vegan deli meat slices, smoked tofu, and vegan basil tartiner (cheesy spread).</p><p>While eating out is fun, I've noticed that most sit-down French restaurants have rather limited veg*an options, if any. Also, they're quite pricey, and since I'm trying to travel on a budget, I haven't been eating at restaurants much... . It doesn't bother me though because I actually prefer browsing through grocery stores, buying random vegan items and assembling my own meals. That said, there are a few noted veg eateries that I would like to hit up before I leave~~ I'm already half-way through my vacation, and there's still so much to do, see, and eat! More updates to come... .</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-64706373670677778812011-06-19T08:51:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.724-07:00Alien's day out in Paris (Pt 1)<a name='more'></a><p>My first few days in Europe have been so awesome, I'm already tempted to pack up and move here! Upon arriving in Paris on Friday, my sister and I checked into our hotel and dumped our bags before heading back out to see Montmartre and the Sacré-Cœur, which were walking distance from our hotel. Even though we had both barely gotten any sleep on the plane, we didn't want to waste any time in checking out the city!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5849748717_6a1578944f.jpg" alt="5842142669_bec85e5a05_o.jpg" /></figure><p>When we headed out, it was still pretty early in the morning, so my sister and I stopped at a cafe to enjoy some nosh at Montmartre. They didn't have many vegan options on their breakfast menu, so I went with the classic vegan stand by: French baguettes and jam! Oh, and a café allongé to prevent jet lag from setting in.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5222/5842684190_a955ddbd5a.jpg" alt="IMG_0133" /></figure><p>Here's my sister enjoying her brekkie. The baguette was thin and crusty, and it was a wonderful, simple way to kick off my Paris vegan food adventure. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3019/5850540810_bbf670505f.jpg" alt="IMG_0003.jpg" /></figure><p>The view from our hotel window.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/5842763850_79cb6270b9.jpg" alt="IMG_0204" /></figure><p>Next, we just walked around the little streets, admiring all the souvenir shops and store fronts. It was bustling with tourists, but it was nice to be around so many different nationalities and languages. :)</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3474/5842193855_909d8f7468.jpg" alt="IMG_0189" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5234/5842203017_3928b32432.jpg" alt="IMG_0193" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5040/5842175321_8a29af0744.jpg" alt="IMG_0170" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3287/5842227225_011ef930e2.jpg" alt="IMG_0216" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5308/5842188887_66f723b071.jpg" alt="IMG_0181" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5110/5847936292_3331b6100d_b.jpg" alt="photo" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2433/5843272744_bd50c6469d.jpg" alt="IMG_5209" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2622/5842731361_811a46b31f.jpg" alt="IMG_5219" /></figure><p>Every view from every angle was so picturesque and 'Parisienne,' I had to pinch myself to see if it was all real. I felt like I was in a French film. The only slight bummer is that the weather has been a lot colder than expected, with random rain showers, hence the hoodie! And ofcourse, I took loads of food pics... </p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5196/5842712866_2f5ef9160d_b.jpg" alt="IMG_0160" /></figure><p>It seems like every turn you take, there's a boulangerie or patisserie, stocked with fresh, crusty baguettes, croissants and tarts. Just walking down the street, you can smell the aroma of fresh-outta-the-oven baguettes and it's just heavenly. I have to admit, I do feel a wee bit left out since most of the pastries aren't vegan, and that I can't just buy a fresh croissant on the spot, but that's okay. I mostly just like admiring the gorgeous artistry of it all and the abundant choices. Parisians definitely love their bread and pastries!</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5192/5842729754_b1c80a1135.jpg" alt="IMG_0177" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2697/5849993439_74d859bbbd.jpg" alt="IMG_0004.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3180/5849987609_5b37b4c3a5.jpg" alt="IMG_0007.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3506/5842699286_3fda706038.jpg" alt="IMG_0146" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3076/5842702736_b0422ce1a1.jpg" alt="IMG_0149" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5075/5842786992_bb8a69b668.jpg" alt="IMG_0227" /></figure><p>After walking around for a couple of hours, we headed back to the hotel so that my sister could take a nap. On the way back, we passed by this vegetarian restaurant, 'Au Grain de Folie,' which I later looked up on Happy Cow and found it has pretty high reviews! Unfortunately, it was closed, but perhaps I can revisit it next week.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5313/5842740865_78fbc3dcb1.jpg" alt="IMG_5234" /></figure><p>While my sister was napping, I still had energy and didn't want to stay inside, so I explored the neighborhood a bit more and found this awesome 'Biocoop' health food store!</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2518/5843280892_5e9b3abd84.jpg" alt="IMG_5229" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3193/5842739495_04e87dd9fc.jpg" alt="IMG_5232" /></figure><p>They had sooo many vegan products and pre-packaged deli items (seitan, deli 'meat' slices, vegan hotdogs, tofu products... ), that I was positively beside myself. I wanted to buy so many things, but since we were heading to Amsterdam the next day, I didn't want to stock up on food and have to lug it around with me.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3423/5842753277_0e7121710e.jpg" alt="IMG_5245" /></figure><p>However, I did get some items for dinner: a beet salad with sunflower seeds and almonds, and amaranth crackers. I also found soy yogurt at another regular supermarket, and also bought some juicy pears. Talk about delicious!! I took my loot back to the hotel with me and enjoyed every single bite.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3105/5849981693_6f4d023256.jpg" alt="IMG_0016.jpg" /></figure><p>The following day, we went out in search of breakfast. We originally planned to just eat at a regular cafe, but then we stumbled across an amazing Saturday open farmer's market! Tons and tons of fresh produce, dried fruits, nuts, and bread... . my kind of heaven.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2742/5849983607_e1702a9629.jpg" alt="IMG_0015.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2468/5849968969_ee93c5e0ef.jpg" alt="IMG_0029.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2562/5849973381_bdfac7f14b.jpg" alt="IMG_0026.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3043/5849974801_7196213932.jpg" alt="IMG_0024.jpg" /></figure><p>I also found this incredible food vendor which was serving all vegan savory pies. I couldn't believe it when the lady across the counter confirmed that all her pies were "végétalien" (vegan). Ahhhhh! After much indecision, I went with a slice of the lentil pie, which the lady warmed up for me to eat on the spot. I also got another pie filled with mixed curry veggies, for the road.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5313/5849955397_375da1f04a.jpg" alt="IMG_0045.jpg" /></figure><p>The lentil pie was faaantastic. The filling was hearty, robust, and even slightly creamy on the inside, while the crust had this rich, nutty, wholewheat flavor to it.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2698/5849965965_9a2ca72fd7.jpg" alt="IMG_0034.jpg" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/5850503750_f226e2386f.jpg" alt="IMG_0047.jpg" /></figure><p>We also found a crepe vendor serving vegan crepes! Amazeballs!! We shared the buckwheat crepe with strawberry preserves, which was absolutely delicious, moist, and steamy hot. Mmmm!!!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/5849949937_c7dae09b99.jpg" alt="IMG_0050.jpg" /></figure><p>The pastry pie was also scrumptious. I enjoyed this on the train to Amsterdam with some cawfee.</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5030/5849948751_e8373611a5.jpg" alt="IMG_0075.jpg" /></figure><p>Ah, I've been eating so well! Me so happy~~ and for the past two days, we've been at a friend's house here in the Netherlands, and she has been feeding us non-stop. Lots more photos to come...</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4878698125193963761.post-13896721164826948102011-06-17T07:01:00.000-07:002017-06-12T18:09:48.736-07:00Japan Airlines' vegan eats<a name='more'></a><p>I'm in Paris! My sister and I arrived at the airport around the same time in the morning today, so once we were happily reunited, we took the train into Paris and dropped our stuff off at our hotel before heading out immediately to wander around this beautiful city. I've only been here less than a day, but I'm already having such a blast! And I already have a bunch of Paris pics to share, but I'm so pooped from the long flight and walking around that I'm about to pass out here on my hotel bed. :) Plus, I'm still on Seoul-time, which means I should be fast asleep right now! Eyes are... slowly... . closing... ..</p><p>But before I conk out, here's some vegan airplane and airport food I ate while en route from Seoul to Paris, with a layover in Tokyo:</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/5842566042_fc1d8f03bc.jpg" alt="IMG_0098" /></figure><p>Both of my flights were with Japan Airlines (JAL). From Seoul to Tokyo, I was served a snackbox of half a pita bread stuffed with sauteed veggies, a slice of bread with baby corn and red bell pepper strips, and a container of syrupy canned fruit and an apple wedge.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3406/5842020113_2d5208e6d3.jpg" alt="IMG_0099" /></figure><p>The soft pita bread with the veggie filling was quite good. I also liked the baby carrots, but the bread slice they were on was rather dry and stale. A decent snackbox, but nothing to write home about.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/5842093055_dece59f507.jpg" alt="IMG_0106" /></figure><p>My layover at Haneda Tokyo International Airport was about 1:30 hours long, so I wandered around for a bit, checking out all the robot toys and hello kitty souvenirs.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/5842101909_702cca1269.jpg" alt="IMG_0105" /></figure><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3003/5842034643_e17894ed60.jpg" alt="IMG_0109" /></figure><p>I also got a bit hungry (that previous snackbox didn't fill me up much), so I headed to the food court and got a rice ball with marinated seaweed strips on top, as well as in the inside.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3619/5842094291_90834f7bf2.jpg" alt="IMG_0110" /></figure><p>The whole thing was about the size of my palm. It was mostly just a hunk of plain white rice, but was surprisingly still tasty from the seaweed.</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3650/5842095599_b562251f1b.jpg" alt="IMG_0112" /></figure><p>Then, about an hour into my flight from Japan to France, snacks were served. While everyone else got Croque Monsieur and some steamed cakes, I got a whole wheat bun with tomato and cucumber slices, and a banana. In my experience, this was one of the few times during a flight where the vegan meal didn't look better than the omni option. While I appreciated the healthiness of this snack, I was a bit disappointed in its lack of creativity and flavor... . The bun didn't have any condiments inside, so it was all rather bland. I reckon JAL could do better... .</p><figure><img src="//farm6.static.flickr.com/5236/5842097159_f06de973bd.jpg" alt="IMG_0118" /></figure><p>Fortunately, JAL redeemed themselves with the hot meal which was served before we descended. The entree was cous cous with a side of okra, broccoli, and button mushrooms, sauteed in tomato sauce. The tray also came with a bread bun, iceberg lettuce salad, a serving of artichoke hearts and steamed cauliflower, and some slices of fruit. Oh, and some margarine and french dressing. Everything was so vibrant, healthful, bright in flavor, vegan and delicious!</p><figure><img src="//farm4.static.flickr.com/3111/5842629288_03c6ee0f7f.jpg" alt="IMG_0123" /></figure><p>It had been forever since I last had okra, so that was a nice surprise. Loved the button mushrooms too.</p><figure><img src="//farm3.static.flickr.com/2736/5842630480_9473455894.jpg" alt="IMG_0125" /></figure><p>After that, they served coffee, which I enjoyed with some homemade tropical biscotti that I brought along with me. Hehe, my own little coffee shop in the sky. :)</p><p>So that sums up the aiplane and airport eats. Overall, I wasn't blown away with JAL's vegan fare, especially on the snack-front, but at least they ended on a high note. We'll see how the food is on my return flights! :)</p><p>Well, there are plenty more travel photos to share, so hopefully I can find time (and wifi) in the next few days to do that. Tomorrow I head to Amsterdam for the weekend to see some old friends, and I'm super excited! But now it's bed time. nite nite~~ :)</p>Vegan RAWhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01723038254703441537noreply@blogger.com