Foreign Language Movie Friday: "Après Vous"

Because we are somewhat boring people, Matt and I have recently instituted a little ritual here in our home. It's called Foreign Language Movie Friday, and it's exactly like it sounds: every Friday night (or most every Friday night), after we've gotten our groceries (which is obviously what twenty-somethings do on a Friday night), we'll pick up a foreign language film at the local Family Video--which, for those who don't know, is the most glorious relic of the video rental age. We don't have these stores back in Nebraska, but they're all over Springfield. The movies there are usually a buck each, and there's usually a half-off coupon offered at the check-out counter. So we get all the awesomeness of cinema for 50 cents. I love Family Video.

Because we enjoy (most) of the foreign movies we watch, I thought I'd save you all the trouble and review them for you so that you can enjoy your very own Foreign Language Film Friday.

First up:

Après Vous (2003)

Language: French with English subtitles

Genre: Romantic Comedy

Our Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

I love this movie. I first encountered it at a Blockbuster (you'll have to explain what this is to the young ones in your home) back in high school. I had elected to take my French course as independent study, and I was afraid that being out of the classroom would hinder my spoken French on account of not hearing it spoken every day. So, naturally, I started looking for French movies.

If you're looking for a light-hearted romantic comedy to pass the time with, "Après Vous" is for you. It stars Daniel Auteuil (who's sort of like the French George Clooney...except much less attractive), who plays Antoine, a successful headwaiter at a classy restaurant. On the way home one night from his shift, Antoine encounters and saves Louis, a heartbroken and somewhat neurotic man who was in the process of committing suicide (just go with it). Louis is inconsolable after his breakup with Blanche, a florist, and good guy Antoine wants to help out.

After Antoine himself falls in love with Blanche, it's a hilarious plot full of awkward situations, poorly constructed lies, and the ridiculous things we do for friendship.

Daniel Auteuil (left) and Jose Garcia as Antoine and Louis in "Après Vous."

The only reason I didn't give this movie 5 out of 5 stars is because it does drag on just a little at the end. The movie is 110 minutes, and I found myself wanting everything to wrap up so I could be on my merry francophone way. But it's also a movie I find myself watching over and over again. And Matt likes it too, which is proof that it's a great foreign movie because he doesn't speak French and still enjoyed it.

You can read more about "Après Vous" on its IMDB page, here.

Got a suggestion for what we should watch on our next Foreign Language Movie Friday? Let me know in the comments!

Cheers!
-Betsey

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Chocolate Hugs: Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

So. It's been a while, hasn't it?

A lot has happened in the last month. I'm still settling into my new job and trying to find out where I fit in my new hometown. I can tell you that all these changes have necessitated a lot of things: a lot of self-pep talks, a lot of phone calls to Mom, and a lot of cuddles with my dogs. But perhaps the thing I have relied on most--and this is somewhat sad--is my favorite brownie recipe.

Need comfort? Brownies are second only to puppy cuddles.

Yes, that's right, I said it. Brownies. Sweet, gooey, delectable chocolatey goodness. Grabbing a fresh brownie and a glass of cold milk is like getting a reassuring hug from an old friend or slipping into warm just-from-the-dryer sweatpants.


...Although old friends and warm sweatpants don't do so much damage to my thighs. But honestly, sometimes you just need a damn brownie. And you should have one, and you should eat it with no regrets.


I know, I know, this isn't a dish from some exotic place like I usually post on this blog, but I haven't really explored all of the delicious eats we have to offer right here in the US of A. And if I had to vote on the most American food, the brownie would definitely be in the running. I mean, it screams America: it's always a star at bake sales, it's understated and unassuming, and it is best when paired with the Miss America of desserts: vanilla ice cream.


So, for those days where you just need a little extra reassurance and comfort, I want to share with you my very best and favorite brownie recipe. It goes together just as easily and as fast as opening a box of brownie mix, but it tastes so much more rewarding.

Betsey's Best Brownie Recipe

From Table to Tummy: 45 min.

Ingredients:

• 6 hefty T. unsweetened powdered cocoa (I used Hershey's)
• 1 c. granulated sugar
• 1/2 c. melted butter
• 2 eggs, beaten slightly
• 1 T. vanilla extract
• 1/2 c. self-rising flour

Steps:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. 
2. Mix together the cocoa and sugar.
3. To the sugar/cocoa mixture, add the butter, eggs, vanilla, and flour.
4. Spread batter into a 9 x 9 baking dish that's been sprayed with cooking spray.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean
6. Let cool for a few minutes before diving in. 

Bonus:
If you want to get really funky with your brownies, you can take the recipe to the next level by frosting it with homemade Hershey's "perfectly chocolate" chocolate frosting that is conveniently found on the back of your Hershey's natural unsweetened cocoa powder container. This recipe will make about 2 cups of frosting, just enough to frost these brownies and fill the cracks in your heart. 

Ingredients:

•  1/2 c. (1 stick) butter or margarine
• 2/3 c. Hershey's cocoa
• 3 c. powdered sugar
• 1/3 c. milk
• 1 tsp. vanilla frosting

Steps:

1. Melt butter and stir in cocoa.
2. Alternately add powdered sugar and milk, beating on medium speed to spreading consistency. Add more milk if needed. (I do this step by hand with a whisk.)
3. Stir in vanilla. 

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Does Instagramming Food Make it Less Appealing?

You finally have a reason to tell your incessantly-Instagramming friend, family member, or colleague to put their smart phone down and step way from their trendy dish.

Finally, the proof we've all been waiting for. Cue the rejoicing.

The Rise of Sensory Boredom

A recent study published by Brigham Young University researchers involved having 232 people look at and rate pictures of various types of sweet and salty foods (from chocolate cakes and pastries to chips and pretzels). Half of the participants looked at pictures of sweet foods while the other viewed the salty foods. After having looked at the photos, participants were given salty foods and were asked to rate how good they tasted. Interestingly, the participants who looked at pictures of salty food enjoyed their snack less.

A young woman no doubt Instagramming about her lunch.

The researchers attribute this loss of appetite to "sensory boredom," the idea that simply seeing photos of food can satiate your appetite to the point of losing interest in the item.

Upon first glance, it makes sense; seeing a bunch of pictures of food might turn you off. Maybe after the first few photos you start thinking about how unhealthy that particular pastry must be, or how nauseatingly rich that devil's food cake looked, or how many miles you'd have to run to burn off those potato chips.

But I am a doubter.

After all, if pictures of food didn't entice people to eat, why is food advertising such a popular and lucrative industry? And why do we have entire channels on television dedicated to show us every nook and cranny of every food item known to man? To date, looking at pictures of chocolate or pretzels in any form has never caused me to lose interesting them. And there is never a time when, while watching some short order cook slap more melted cheese on some friend monstrosity on "Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives" that my husband doesn't drool on himself. But perhaps there is something inherent about Instagramming food--as opposed to filming it being served up or seeing it advertised on TV--that automatically kills our appetite.

My theory lies in the fact that Instagram is a social network.

(I can hear the collective "duh." Just stay with me here.)

The Historical Sacredness of a Meal

Food, from the beginning of time, has also been very social. Think about it: primitive man would hunt together and dine together. It was a method of social cohesion, a way of communing with each other, of sharing something incredibly important. It is in this way that food--and the act of sharing it--is also incredibly intimate. In what way can you get to know someone more candidly than sharing a meal with them? Cooking and sharing a meal has gone from something that was done solely for sustenance and survival to an activity that is done for the purpose of unity and relation bonding.

Fast forward through the ages, and this idea of a June Cleaver-esque household where everyone sits down every night for a homemade meal seemingly doesn't hold much weight. In a world where dinner for many people is eaten on the go and comes in a microwaveable package or off the Dollar Menu, there doesn't seem to be much of an argument of the sacredness of a family meal.

Mrs. Cleaver's perfect, "I beg your pardon?" face.

But this Instagram study makes me think the argument remains.

Perhaps it is the simple act of pulling out one's smart phone and hovering inches above a dish that makes people lose interest in the act of actually eating. Because Instagram is a social network that is confined to mobile devices, it violates two basic principles of food: eating is something that is best enjoyed in the company of others and eating is something that is very intimate for those included in the dining party.

Imagine that you are meeting an old friend for a meal at a trendy restaurant. It's been years since you've seen them in person, and you've made reservations at the coolest spot in town. You've been looking forward to this dinner date for quite some time. But during the course of the evening, your friend cuts into the conversation with "I have to shap a shot of this," and proceeds to pull out her phone, take a picture, and tag it with inane text like, "OMG best dinner date cocktails ever! #oldfriends #lovemoscato." The fact that your friend placed a physical barrier (her phone) between both you and her dinner seals her off from the experience. It also gives the impression that she would rather share this moment with her "friends" on some intangible social network than with you, a real, tangible person.

This idea that Instagramming one's dishes cuts one off from the intimacy of sharing a dish in the true (not digital) company of others is what I believe to be behind the results of the Brigham Young University study.

But I'm just me. What do you think?

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Povitica: Croatian Sweet Bread

When I say "Croatian food," what do you think of?

Come on, give it your best shot.

Seriously, just think of something.

Still nothing?

No?

Same here, until I stumbled upon this lovely little recipe from The Daring Kitchen. Povitica (pronounced "po-va-teet-sa") is a delicious Croatian/Eastern European sweet bread that, after being baked and sliced, has a beautiful swirly pattern. The ladies over at The Daring Kitchen say that povitica is traditionally served around the holiday season. But in my opinion, this stuff should be served all day, every day.

Because this is America, and that's what we do.

The "swirls" are very thin layers of walnuts pieces, cinnamon, cocoa, and vanilla. Did I hear you say "OMG YUM?" I thought so.

I used the very sized down version of the recipe because, well, I couldn't find a reason we needed eight loaves of povitica.

Povitica (Croation Sweet Bread)

Ingredients:
For activating the yeast:

• ½ tsp sugar
• ¼ tsp all-purpose flour
• 2 T warm water
• 1½ tsp dry yeast

For the dough:

• ½ c milk (I used skim)
• 3 T sugar
• ¾ tsp salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 T unsalted butter, melted
• 2 c. all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• 2 T strong coffee, cooled
• 1½ tsp sugar
• Melted butter

For the filling:

• 1¾ c. finely chopped walnuts
• ¼ c. milk
• ¼ c. unsalted butter
• 1 egg yolk, beaten
• ¼ tsp vanilla extract
• ½ c. sugar
• ¼ tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• ¼ tsp cinnamon

 
Steps:

For the yeast:
1. In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, flour, and yeast into the warm water and let those ingredients hang out for about five minutes. It'll get all nice and bubbly.

For the dough:
1. In a pot, heat the milk just until it begins to boil, stirring constantly. Pull off the heat and let stand for a minute to cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the scalded milk, the sugar, and the salt.
3. Add the beaten egg, yeast mixture, melted butter, and 1 cup flour. Mix well.
4. Add the rest of the flour, mixing until it forms a soft, sticky dough.
5. Turn the dough out onto floured surface and knead, adding flour as you go, until the dough forms a nice, smooth, not sticky ball.
6. Place dough into greased bowl, cover with plastic wrap and a kitchen towel and let rise in a warm area protected from breezes until doubled in size, about an hour and a half.

To Make the Filling
1. Mix together the walnuts, sugar, cinnamon, and cocoa in a bowl
2. In a sauce pot, heat the milk and butter to boiling.
3. Pour the milk and butter mixture over the nut and sugar mixture.
4. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and mix well.
5. Let the mixture cool down to room temperature.

For the dough:
1. Spread wax paper or a silicone baking sheet on your counter and sprinkled with a little flour so that your dough won't stick.
2. Roll out the dough with a floured rolling pin, starting in the middle and working your way out, until it is about 10 inches in diameter. You want your dough to be so thin you can see your counter through it.
3. Brush a little melted butter over the dough.

4. Spread the filling evenly over dough until covered.
5. Lift the edge of the wax paper or silicone baking sheet and gently roll the dough like a jelly roll.
6. Once you roll the dough up so it forms a thick rope, carefully put it into a greased loaf pan in the shape of a “U." Then coil the dough around itself, as this will give the dough its "swirly" look when sliced.
7. Brush the top of the loaf with the coffee and sugar mixture.
8. Cover the pan with plastic wrap and let the loaf rest for 10-15 minutes, you know, to gather its thoughts.
9. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
10. Take off the plastic wrap and bake the loaf for 15 minutes.
11. Then turn down the oven temperature to 300 degrees and bake for 45 minutes.
12. Remove bread from oven and brush with melted butter.
13. Remove pan from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for 20-30 minutes. Don't take the bread out of the loaf pan until it's cooled!


Enjoy the swirly deliciousness!

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Tuesday Soul Searching: What's on Your Bucket List?

My mind wandered a bit this past Sunday, as I sat there in church, to all of the things I needed to do. I need to write a letter back to Grandma Anthony, I thought, jotting it down on my mental list. And the kitchen is dirty, and I need to catch up on my reading...

And then, as so often happens in the solitude of a church, my thoughts went to my Grandma Stehlik, who passed away just a little more than a year ago. As Mass went on, I thought about what a long life she had, and about all the things she must have seen and experienced in her years. It hurts to lose someone you love very much, but it makes me smile when I think about all of the wonderful years she had, and of the ones we had together.

My family, including my Grandma Stehlik, who passed away last year.

And I got to thinking: What do I want to see in my lifetime? What, when I'm 90 years old, do I want to tell my grandchildren and great-grandchildren about?

Up to this point, my life has been somewhat bland and unadventurous, with a few spurts of interesting international travel interrupting the monotony. Now, don't get me wrong, I like my life. I think it's just dandy. But I wander what I might add to my bucket list, to my list of life dreams and goals, that would give me something to strive for and might someday make a really great story. Because it pains me to think that one day, my grandchildren will be sitting on my lap, shining faces eager to be entertained, and ask, "Grandma, what adventures have you gone on? You must have seen so many exciting things," and I'll only be able to say, "Well...I clogged a Russian toilet once."*

*Note: that is actually a pretty good story.

So there, in the middle of all the blue-haired church ladies and fussy infants in the pews, I wrote my bucket list.

[All of this was during the homily, by the way. Please don't tell on me.]

My Bucket List

1. Become a mother. I know, I know, this isn't some bombastic, dangerous bucket list item. But to me, it's got to be one of the biggest adventures on Earth.
2. Go to the town where my grandpa was a POW during WWII. My Grandpa Stehlik was a bomber co-pilot during WWII and was shot down over Germany. Shortly before she passed, my grandma showed me his German POW papers, including photos of when he was taken prisoner and ones after he had been held for some time. It struck me how much difference just a few months could make on such a young man. Someday I'll go there, just to understand my family's history a little bit better.
3. Use old documents to find the area of France where my other grandpa was wounded during D-Day. This one, too, would be quite an adventure. My Grandpa Anthony was a sergeant in the Army and was wounded while invading the beaches of Normandy during D-Day. He's gone now, but I can still hear him, in my memories, talking about the ordeal he had to go through just to get back home after being so badly wounded. Needless to say, Grandpa wasn't very fond of France; his time there wasn't as enjoyable as mine. But then, I was there stuffing my face with bonbons and croissants and no one was shooting at me.
4. Party in a South Korean dance club. Because why wouldn't anyone want to do this?! I've seen enough K-Pop to know that these people would be so much fun to party with.
5. Stay a night in a castle. I'd want my husband there, and maybe a few friends, to enjoy the awesomeness that has to come with realizing that you're staying in a castle. I haven't decided which castle yet, but probably one in Germany or Austria because...just because.
6. Stay a night in a legitimately haunted castle. I'd want my husband, maybe a few friends, a Bible, and some Holy Water. I would probably have at least one heart attack (because I am the biggest scaredy-cat that ever lived), but it would be an awesome adventure.
7. Visit the hometowns of all of my ancestors. I'm a mixed breed: German, Czech, Irish...they're all very interesting and probably explain why I like beer so much. It would be neat to do some genealogy and get to know where I really come from by visiting my ancestors' hometowns.
8. Take a cross-country road trip, starting in Maine and going to San Diego. I know I'd hate everyone in the car by the time we got to Kentucky, but it's fun to dream about an imaginary trip that has no time or budget constraints and is filled with cheap roadside attractions, funny pictures, impromptu karaoke, and endless laughs.
9. Camp at Yellowstone. A former coworker of mine moonlights as a wildlife photographer, and just before I left to come to Illinois he was telling me about his most recent camping/photographing trip to Yellowstone. It sounds like the most majestic place on Earth, and someday I'd like to spend some time there just soaking it all in.
10. Hike the Appalachian Trail from start to finish. This sounds crazy, and it is; I think there's been, like, two people ever that have hiked the trail nonstop from start to finish. So I'll give you that one; I'll hike it in sections. This one got added to my bucket list after reading Bill Bryson's A Walk in the Wild. It is a hilarious book, and I highly recommend it!

My list came to ten items. It's not a required number, really, just more that my daydreaming was cut short when the sermon was done and everyone startled me by standing up and singing. So daydream and brainstorm as much as you please. I think it's good for the soul to do this silly little exercise every so often. It gives us time to step out of our day-to-day lives and really get down and examine what we really want to do deep down in the core of our being. Apparently for me, that's camping in haunted places and dancing in Korean dance clubs.

To each his own.

What's on your list? Share your bucket list below!

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Foodie: The New Four-Letter Word

I was reminded upon reading this article the other day on Buzzfeed, of an incident that occurred this past May as I was sitting in one of the very last classes of my graduate career.

The professor was discussing the importance of having a blog for promoting oneself after graduation, and asked if there were any bloggers in the class. I raised my hand, and after giving a brief explanation of "Wanderlust and Second Helpings," my professor smiled knowingly and asked, "Would you consider yourself a foodie?"

I sat for a time in stunned silence. I had never before considered myself a foodie, but then, I'd never been asked. I have always loathed foodies, or at least the idea that I had of them. To me, "foodie" is just another word for the "unfun-don't-invite-them-to-the-party-because-they're-food-snobs" guy. Foodies are the people Instagram-ing every dish (along with a shot of their feet while lounging at the beach, a photo of a summer sunset--#nofilter--and of course, the obligatory selfie). They're the ones who sneer at bargain brands and who won't settle for anything less than a tall soy chai latte for their morning pick-me-up.

Right? Right?!

Well, according to Buzzfeed, foodies are people who don't like eating at chain restaurants, the ones who only refer you to the hole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants, and the ones who cut into your conversation about how they had authentic [insert dish here] in [insert country here].

Aw crap. Am I a foodie?

I talked myself down from this crisis identity ledge just as I answered my professor this past May: No, I do not necessarily consider myself to be a foodie. Why not? I believe that to truly consider oneself a foodie, one must display certain personality traits when talking with others about food. You know, a certain air of superiority, of knowing better. In other words, you have to be kind of a jerk.

I don't consider myself a foodie because I don't think there really is any more room in the world for people who act like they know so much better than others. Sure, I don't particularly like eating at chain restaurants, I tend to love the hole-in-the-wall ethnic restaurants, and thanks to this blog I do sometimes add in a story or two about trying a certain food in a certain foreign place. But I try not to be a jerk about it. Or at least, I hope I don't seem like one.

Food is an adventure, and instead of pretending that we know so much more than everybody else about what makes good food, we "foodies"--whether we reject the designation or not!--should be trying to encourage people to experience it for themselves, to break free of the mold of chain restaurants, the "safe" menu item to order, and God forsaken queso.

Because food is an adventure, I'm always encouraging trying the local ingredients, the local restaurants, and the dish that's going to give every one of you dear readers the chance to tell the story about that one time you were in [place] and ate [bizarre/creepy/delicious thing].

But please, for the love of God, don't Instagram all of it.

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Say "Ahhhhhhh": Vietnamese Iced Coffee

I don't care what time of day it is, I will want coffee.

Yep. I'm one of those.

So, it seemed that, at the end of a long, warm, summer day, the only thing that could calm my mind and set my soul at ease was a soothing cup of iced coffee. And thanks to this recipe idea from fellow blogger Kitchen Confidante, I had a new iced coffee recipe to slurp in serendipity.

Vietnamese iced coffee (cà phê đá), is a traditional Vietnamese coffee recipe, a relic of French colonialism, that is made by brewing strong, dark coffee and mixing it with about a quarter as much sweetened condensed milk, then adding ice to cool.

Many recipes use coffee with chicory in this recipe--like Cafe du Monde--but I don't know a whole lot of Americans outside of New Orleans who prefer chicory to a good, hearty dark French roast. An old work friend of mine--born in New Orleans--loved Cafe du Monde coffee with chicory. She used to make it in her office quite often. Just the smell of it used to make my eyes water, but I will never cease to think of Ann whenever I see Cafe du Monde. I loved her stories about growing up in the Big Easy; tales of hot, sticky summers without air conditioning, ghost stories from her colonial house, beignets...

Where were we? Oh, yes, Vietnamese coffee.

Admittedly, I did take a few shortcuts that traditional Vietnamese iced coffee recipes do not; I used my trusty Mr. Coffee to brew the deepest, darkest French roast it can muster (hey, it's been a long day and I just want my damn coffee!), and I also used nonfat sweetened condensed milk because after reading the label on the regular stuff, my conscience just couldn't handle it.

So if you're needing a good end to the day or simply want a few minutes to sit back and relax with a wonderfully creamy cup of coffee, make Vietnamese iced coffee. You won't be disappointed.

Vietnamese Iced Coffee

Time from table to tummy: 5 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

• 2 c. freshly roasted strong, dark French or espresso roast
• 2-4 T. sweetened condensed milk
• Ice cubes made from frozen coffee (this will prevent the coffee from becoming diluted)

Steps:

1. Pour a cup of the coffee into two coffee mugs or glasses.
2. In each mug, stir in 1-2 T. of the condensed milk (depending on how sweet you want it).
3. Plop in the coffee ice cubes and let cool.

 

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How to Pack Like a Pro

 

So. It's time to pack for your big vaycay. Congrats! You've booked your flights, your room, your excursions...you are ready to go! You now face the toughest decision any girl ever has to make when traveling: WHAT DO I WEAR?!

Fear not, ladies (all right, and fashionable gents). I have compiled a few tips and tricks for you to help you pack like a pro.

I can't tell you how many times I've been in an airport and have seen women dressed to the nines, lugging around gigantic designer suitcases (with matching duffel bag and carry-on). They always look exasperated, frustrated, and generally even more unhappy than anyone else undoubtedly is in an airport. But it seems to me that, even more than that, they are so obviously unprepared for the rat race that is traveling.

So ladies (and gents), here are a few very basic pointers so that you won't be that lady huffing and puffing as she pulls her overstuffed, 70-pound customized Louis Vuitton luggage through the airport on a wheel and a prayer.

1. 

   Don't forget your maps!

   Pack your lifelines first. Before you think of anything else, pack your passport, tickets, emergency phone numbers, IDs, maps, and itineraries in your carry-on! These are your safety net; don't forget them!
2. Then pack your unmentionables. Trust me, I have arrived on more than one occasion at my destination, flopped my suitcase on my hotel bed, unzipped it, and discovered that I had forgotten to pack underwear. One one very unfortunate instance--the last time--because it was the only choice, I had to wear a pair of my big sister's underwear. It was clean, but it still horrified me enough never to forget to pack them again. So my advice? Pack the undies, socks, bras, sports bras, hosiery, etc. right away. Because buying fashionable outfits while traveling is a lot more fun than trying to find undies. 
3. Be reasonable. Are you going to Milan for Fashion Week? Are you filming a movie in Paris? No? Well if you're just traveling for the simple joy of seeing the world, don't worry yourself with fancy outfits, uncomfortable shoes, and delicate fabrics. But I'm not saying stuff that suitcase full of elastic waistbands and kitten sweatshirts, either. Pack comfortable, moderately fashionable, easily washable clothes that won't break your heart if they're lost, stolen, damaged, or forgotten in that dance club in Barcelona.
4. Check the weather. Don't pack for a tropical vacation if you're going to Holland. Pack according to your destination's climate!
5. Stick to the basics. No matter where I'm going, I always follow the 1-2-3-4-5 rule. If you follow it, you'll be able to mix-and-match when you get to your travel destination and you won't have to lug around a heavy suitcase. Note: If you're going on a longer stay trip, like study abroad, your list will have to be modified a bit. The house I stayed at in France had a teeny tiny washer that fit about two pairs of jeans, and no dryer, so doing laundry was a pain. After a while, I got used to wearing things until they were truly dirty. You will too. :)
1. One suitcase (purse or briefcase doesn't count; those are free).
2. Two pairs of shoes (one comfy-yet-somewhat-fashionable pair of sneakers and one pair of sandals or comfy heels, like wedges).
3. Three dresses (two casual, one nice) or pairs of pants/shorts (or combination of these).
4. Four shirts/blouses.
5. Five accent pieces (cardigans/sweaters, necklaces, scarves, etc.). 
6.  Roll, baby, roll! If you roll your clothes, you'll be able to fit more into your suitcase. Also, they're less likely to get smushed around and wrinkled.
7. Stuff your bras...into your shoes. Stuff undies, socks, and sports bras into your shoes. It takes less space and helps your shoes keep their shape while in the suitcase.
8. Heaviest at the bottom. Always put jeans, pants, shoes, and other sturdy items toward the side of the suitcase that has the wheels. Once you zip your suitcase and flip it upright, the heavier items will be on the bottom, sparing the more delicate items for the top.
9. Wear glasses on the plane. Up in the air--especially if you're going to be on an overseas flight--the air gets really dry and icky. It does awful things to your skin and your eyes. So save your eyes and wear your glasses on the plane. Pop in the contacts when you've landed. BONUS: Without contacts, you'll be able to get some shut-eye without having to mess around with taking your contacts out.
10. Wear heavier items on travel day. It's often cold up there in the air, so stay warm while saving space in your suitcase and wear sweatshirts, sweaters, jeans, and bulky shoes on the plane. BONUS: If you get hot, you can take off the sweater. Instant pillow!
11. Don't buy the fancy luggage. Look for suitcases that are sturdy and have reinforced corners. No one working for TSA cares about your designer luggage; they're going to chuck them all the same. So go for reliability over fashion.
12. Go easy on the toiletries. I am a hotel shampoo hoarder. That way, when I'm traveling, I can just throw the little samples in a Ziploc bag in my suitcase and go, no giant exploding shampoo bottles necessary. The same goes for perfume, deodorant, toothpaste, contact solution, etc. The travel-sized toiletry section at Target is your best friend here. Oh, and while you're there, pick up some of the Charmin To Go toilet paper packs. Seriously, those things saved my life in rural Italy. Buy them in bulk, along with some wet naps; travel is sometimes a nasty business.

 

For more great tips, check out 13 Travel Tips That Will Make You Feel Smart from Buzzfeed.

What are some tips and tricks you've learned from your travels? Please share them in the comments!

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Pad Thai Party

I hosted a party in my kitchen tonight. It was a total rager, and everyone was invited. There was no cake, unfortunately. I have been put on a mandatory diet and exercise regimen following a gluttony-fueled week-long birthday celebration that culminated in a very sad incident with a bridesmaid dress. Long story short, a dress that fit four and a half months ago no longer fit. Mouths were left agape, zippers were tugged, guts were sucked, obscenities were uttered, tears were cried.

It was not pretty.

But, like a phoenix born from the ashes of gluttony and shame, I bucked up, started reclaiming my long-lost identity as a gym rat, and began cleaning up my eating, too. And it hasn't been too bad, really. It's amazing what you can discover about eating healthily if you just get over that fact that it won't be deep fried and smothered in chocolate or cheese.

Sigh.

Tonight, Matt and I were feeling very Asian-inspired. I wanted to make a dish that would satisfy both a man's stomach and my newly rediscovered zeal for healthier eating. Asian cuisines--unless you are eating out, generally--really are some of the healthiest choices out there. They are generally loaded with veggies, but BEWARE! There might be frying involved, and oftentimes we Americans like to slather our cashew chicken and broccoli and beef with fat- and sodium-laden sauces. So for many reasons, making it yourself is usually better. For tonight, I created what might be described as "Damn-neat-everything-but-the-kitchen-sink pad thai," but what I have come to call "Rainbow Pad Thai" because it is so colorful with its wide array of veggies.

Once I nailed down the idea that I was going to have a pad thai party, I began thinking over the guest list. I have my favorites: red bell pepper, onion, broccoli (my best bud), and carrots. Matt loves carrots (you can't be a Bakersfield, CA boy without growing up loving carrots) and red bell pepper, so there was no fight there. But he HATES onions and will only touch broccoli if it's smothered in sauce. But then, he had down a few guests that are nearly always uninvited in my book: mushrooms (you'd think people would look down at the forest ground, see fungus, and leave well enough alone) and dried Thai chiles (the taste of which is what I would imagine a fiery death to be like).

A fresh Thai chile (left) and its cousin, Satan (right).

After a few minutes of negotiation, everyone got invited to the pad thai party. (Also among the guests were green onions and cashews.)

So whether you're looking for a healthy alternative to talk yourself down from the Chinese takeout ledge, want to get you and your loved ones to eat more veggies, or simply want a fast, healthy solution for dinner, I hope you give this one a try. Don't be frightened by the long list of ingredients; they are all pantry staples. Plus, you can switch out the veggies I've listed for your favorites (baby corn and water chestnut would be nice!) to make it your own.

Rainbow Pad Thai

Prep time: 10 min.

Cook time: 15 min.

Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 pkg. whole wheat linguine
• 2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized chunks (optional) 
• 1 tsp. canola oil
• 1 small head broccoli, chopped into florets
• 1 red bell pepper, julienned
• 1/2 white onion, thinly sliced
• 3 carrots, thinly sliced into coins
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 small package button or baby portabella mushrooms
• 1/2 c. dried Thai chiles (optional)
• 1/4 c. cashew pieces
• 1/3 c. chunky peanut butter
• 1/4 tsp. powdered ginger
• 1 tsp. sesame oil
• 3 T. low sodium soy sauce
• 2 T. rice wine vinegar
• 2 T. low sodium chicken broth 
• 1 T. Sriracha sauce
• 1 T. Sesame seeds, optional

 

Directions:

1. Prepare the pasta as per the package's directions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat the canola oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken, if using, and cook through, about 4 minutes.
3. Add in all vegetables, cashews and Thai chiles and cook until crisp-tender, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, prepare the sauce: whisk together ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, chicken broth, Sriracha sauce and peanut butter. Set aside.
5. When veggies are crisp-tender and chicken is cooked through, add the sauce to the pan and heat through, about 2 minutes.
6. When sauce is incorporated, add pasta and toss or stir so that the sauce and veggies are mixed in with the pasta.
7. Top with sesame seeds, if desired. Serve and enjoy!

Here's to healthy dishes!

- Betsey

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Family Ties

Family is awesome, don't you think? Well, sometimes. After typing that phrase I was reminded of sharing a room with my older sister, being called "Buttsey" by my older brother, and years of sitting in the back middle car seat on long family road trips.

But let's just say that this past weekend family more than made up for all those horrendous car rides across eastern Colorado. My parents dared the nearly 9 hour drive from Grand Island, Nebraska to Springfield, Illinois, and once they got here, we didn't give them much time to put their feet up. President Lincoln sites were visited, food was eaten, drinks were enjoyed, and puppies were given toys. (Fun fact: it took Mojo only 10 minutes to completely eviscerate one of the new toys, an unfortunate plush hedgehog.)

It was great having family here. I can only watch Matt play Call of Duty, and he can only pretend to be interested in hearing about what I found today on Pinterest, for so long.

I got a fun package from my in-laws as well; Matt's mom took my request of "If you find any ethnic ingredients for cheap and send them I promise I won't be mad," as an opportunity to stuff a large box full of discoveries from China Town in San Francisco. We had so much fun opening the box and pulling out the interesting contents within.

An assortment of fun finds from China Town...plus some chipotle in adobo.

I have no idea what these are...but they look interesting.

 

Macaroni?!

Candied sweet potatoes...still too afraid to try.

She also sent a fun French-language Magnificat, which was a randomly awesome find.

My French-language Magnificat, and some people who look suspiciously super excited to be going to church.

Sometimes, it's so nice to get a reminder that family ties are stronger than the distance that separates you, and that home is only a phone call, a postage stamp...or a 9-hour drive away.

I think that I'm going to do some research on these goodies from China Town. Anybody have any idea what they are?!

Until next time!

-Betsey

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The Rise of Margarita Night

I was reminded, as Matt and I perused the streets of downtown Springfield this past Friday evening during the Taste of Downtown event, how much I love margaritas.

Like anyone ever really needs a reminder.

Taste of Downtown is an annual event where Springfield celebrates the best eats in downtown, and believe me, we sampled them all.

And yes, we were the first people in line. No judgies.

Others showed up soon after. Don't worry, we left them some food. SOME.

Behold, the Olympic torch of gluttony: Jalapeno Bacon Cheese Fries.

But, as I'm sure you might expect from the midwest in July, it was hot, and after a few rounds of jalapeno bacon cheese fries and other shameful salty treats, Matt and I found that we were parched. It was that special kind of thirst that you know only an ice-cold adult beverage can quench, and a few minutes and dollars later, we both had a frosty savior in our hands. Matt went with the "adult lemonade" (which sounds a lot dirtier than it ought to), and I snagged a mango margarita from Cafe Brio (check it out...it's one of the funkiest places in town, plus it has AWESOME food).

The mango margarita (left) and adult lemonade. Notice which one of us was thirstier.

As we strolled the streets of downtown Springfield with our drinks, I kept having to pause, mid-street, in wonder of how arrestingly good my margarita was. It tasted just like a mango margarita I had tried in Mexico, right after we'd finished zip lining up in the mountains.

Matt, me, and my adventurous father-in-law ziplining in Mexico.

We'd just finished whooshing over gulleys and rivers, racing between trees like George of Jungle, and we were thirsty. There was a little cafe at the base of the mountain, and as Matt and I waited around for the family patriarch to return from the bathroom, we were approached by a kind little old Mexican man, a waiter at the restaurant. He took two little cups filled with a pastel orange froth from his sample tray, extended them to us, smiled, and stated simply, "Mango margarita." Seemed legit enough for us.

Matt's dad, a doctor, returned just as we were finishing slurping up our sample drinks. I don't think I'll ever forget how big his eyes got, or the deep feeling of dread that filled my gut, as he went on and on--in great medical detail--about the horrible bacterial punishments that were about to ravage our bodies because of consuming the sample beverage. He and my mother-in-law had gone to Mexico on their honeymoon and had had a few drinks that included some sort of water--an inconspicuous glass of water, a Coke with ice, and an unassuming blended margarita.

Apparently Montezuma's Revenge paid them a rather lengthy visit afterward.

So, it goes without saying, that I stood there, frozen in terror, listening to Dr. Heidrick explain how bacteria was about to ruin my trip ("You have 24...48 hours, TOPS"), as my mind played over and over how awful it would be to have traveler's diarrhea in the cramped confines of the cruise ship's bathrooms, and how I didn't want to die of diarrhea on account of a sample margarita.

But apparently my horror was enough for Montezuma, and he spared me and my bowels from any such revenge.

After reflecting on this happy memory for some time at the Taste of Downtown event, I reasoned that it was only polite to thank Montezuma for his graciousness by learning how to make a legitimate margarita. So we did! You won't find any margarita mix here, thank you very much! And once you learn this recipe, you'll never reach for that icky, syrupy stuff, either! Classic margarita recipes will often include simple syrup (a water-sugar mixture), but I omitted it from this recipe because I found that the triple sec was sweet enough to balance out the bite of the tequila.

The Holy Grail of a classic margarita.

The Classic Margarita

Time from bar to mouth: 5 minutes

Serves 1 (repeat as necessary, depending on how bad your day was) 

 

Ingredients

• 1 oz. fresh squeezed lime juice (about 1-2 limes)
• 2 oz. tequila
• 1 oz. Triple Sec or other orange liquor
• Ice
• Rock salt for the rim and lime wedge for a garnish if you want to get fancy

Steps

1. In a shaker, combine the lime juice, tequila, triple sec, and ice. Shake until well blended and chilled.
2. Serve (with a salt-rimmed glass and garnish, if you'd like). Enjoy!

Mojo wants YOU to enjoy your margarita!

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15 Tips for Exploring a New City

Well, I have been neglectful, haven't I? Sorry about the delay in posting; I have been absolutely obsessed with the TV series Mad Men, a show that I hadn't even considered watching until about a week and a half ago. I feel like being a Mad Men junkie is sort of a requirement when you come from an advertising program. I didn't really have enough time during school to watch it (besides, I was too busy watching The Walking Dead then!), so now that I've graduated, I've decided to catch up. I've also been thinking about updating the look of my blog. So if you come back soon and Wanderlust looks way different, no worries; it just means I've been playing around.

I got to thinking the other day that I haven't explored my new hometown of Springfield, IL, as much as I really should have. Tonight, in celebration of my birthday tomorrow, we're going to Taste of Downtown, an event held in downtown Springfield that showcases all of the culinary delights the city has to offer. Rest assured, dear readers, Matt and I will be the first in line.

But other than simply gorging oneself on local delights, how is one supposed to get to know a new city? After some reflection of my own travels--albeit drawing mostly from the ones overseas--I have put together a list of 15 things every person should do in order to truly explore a new city.

Enjoy!

So. You've waited for an eternity for this trip, and it's finally here; you've landed in [insert exotic, exciting location here]. You check into your hotel, have a giddy fit about being here, and after several minutes of opening all the dresser drawers, looking out the window, and jumping on the hotel bed with delight, you realize you are now left with a big question: What now?

Well, fellow adventurers, fear not; I have a list!

15 Tips for Exploring a New City

1. Wear comfy--but stylish--shoes. It's important to be comfortable, because you'll undoubtedly be walking a lot in this new city, but you don't really want to be the one walking around in blindingly white Reeboks, do you? Choose--or buy, yay!--a pair of shoes that is breathable, somewhat stylish (so that you can feel comfortable and confident as you explore) shoes that could go with several outfits and that have plenty of support. While exploring Florence, pictured above, I relied on a pair of understated sandals from Payless Shoes. Not at all fancy, but they did the trick, and I knew that if they got torn up I could just toss them and not feel too guilty. Before you get on the plane to your destination, be sure to break in your shoes. Blisters are not conducive to happy travels.
2. Dress for success. In the same vein as #1, wear clothes that are comfortable, but please don't walk around Paris in your sweats. In Europe, for example, you'll notice that the average street wear is much nicer than that which you'll see on the average Main Street in the good old U.S. of A. No, they're not all walking around in Gucci and Chanel, but they do tend to wear nice jeans and a good shirt. I stumbled upon a great blog on Pinterest about packing for travel, and now I can't find it. I'll post it here when I can find it! To cut down on suitcases and to be as efficient a traveler as possible, I try to pack basics and then a few accents to change up outfits. You can't go wrong with a good pair of nice jeans, a few comfy knit shirts, a maxi dress, and some scarves. 
3. Learn a few phrases before you go. Trust me, the first tourist to whip out the phrase book is usually the first to get pick-pocketed. In addition, it really frustrates folks when you ask for their help but spend minutes fumbling through the book to find out how to ask a question. Learn the basics before you go. For example: "Excuse me," "My name is...", "Where is the restroom?", "I need help," "I would like." While this isn't necessarily true everywhere, most people will really appreciate the effort to learn a few bits of their language, sans the phrase book. So learn before you go. Try a podcast and learn some phrases while you work out.
4. Watch and learn. My very favorite activity while traveling is people watching. There's nothing better than watching how the locals interact with each other, and observing the ebb and flow of life in whatever place you're in. I even like to give awards to people while I people watch (only in my head, of course), like "Cutest Couple," "Most Fashionable Person," and "Most Obvious Tourist."
5. Eat the local cuisine. Go on, live a little! In Sweden, I tried reindeer. Sorry, Santa. 
6. For the love of God, don't wear a fanny pack. This one should be pretty self-explanatory, but I still see them all over the place. If you're worried about having a safe place to keep your money and other valuables, invest in a good purse that you can clamp right under your armpit. My old reliable is a canvas purse with short, thick straps that I can keep right under my armpit with the zipper facing the front. That way, I know my belongings are safe, and that no one can unzip my purse from behind me. 
7. Be patient. You'll probably run into some snags. It happens to all of us. Be patient with yourself. One of my most cringe-worthy experiences was in Lyon, France, when the rest of my group wanted to stop for lunch. I wasn't hungry, but went anyway, and when the waitress--who was also the restaurant's proprietor--took my order and learned that I only wanted an espresso because I wasn't hungry, I got a tongue lashing that has haunted me ever since. I didn't know back then that it is rude in France to go into a restaurant and not order food, but I sure do now. You'll make mistakes and maybe even step on a few toes; be patient with yourself.
8. Stay hydrated. I can't stress this enough. Stick to bottled water, since in many places tap water is not safe to drink. At every opportunity--restaurant, gas station, whatever--pick up some water. Resist the urge to reach for the Coca-Cola; it won't help you in the long run since it'll worsen dehydration.
9. Get lost. Let yourself explore this new city. Getting lost in a new place is what travel is all about. If you see an interesting avenue or street, let yourself check it out without feeling scared. If you get lost, ask for directions. If you're too scared to ask for directions, consult your map.
10. Have a map. I know, I know, this one seems to conflict with #9, but hear me out. Make sure to check out your map before you board your plane, and then again before you leave your hotel room for the day. Put it in a safe place on your person, just in case you get lost.
11. Have a plan. Before you leave your hotel for the day, come up with a plan or itinerary. It doesn't have to be super detailed, but it's good to have an idea of what you want to see, where you want to explore, and when you need to be back at a rendezvous point.
12. Have a buddy. I know everybody dreams of having an Under the Tuscan Sun sort of experience, but it's always better to travel with at least one other person. They'll watch out for you, and they'll be your lifeline in case you get lost, scared, sick, or otherwise. 
13. Take pictures, but don't be that guy. Nobody on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or otherwise really needs up-to-the-minute updates on your travels. Travel should be a time for you, so whatever photos you take, take them for yourself, not for social media. You can show the folks who are really interested in your trip the photos when you return home. 
14. Make friends. Some of my most cherished memories of traveling come not from the places I went, but from the people I met there. There was the elderly French woman who leaned out of her second story window in Orange to ask where I was from and if I was enjoying my trip, to the French man who listened to me talk for a good half-hour about Nebraska, to the Mexican cab driver who took us on his "super secret" shortcut to ensure we got back to the ship on time. So make some friends; it's really easier than you'd think! Be nice, mind your p's and q's, and you'll never know a stranger anywhere.
15. Relax. If there's one major regret I've had from my travels, it's that I didn't relax and let myself have fun. I was often worried about this or that, and those silly worries held me back from enjoying my trips to the fullest potential. So have fun, relax, be safe, and make some memories!

I hope these tips were helpful for you! If you have other tips, please leave them in the comments!

-Betsey

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What Are Your Weird Food Quirks?

Happy Fourth of July, everyone! I hope that you're all with family at the lake or pool, hot dog and sparkler in hand.

Matt and I might venture to the pool later, but I think for now it's a walk with the dogs before the firecrackers start cracking and perhaps a run to the mall to hit some sales (that one might be a solo effort). We'll be scoping out Springfield for some fun Independence Day activities, too. My guess it that they have a TON of fun things around town; it is, after all, the Land of Lincoln! Until we find an entertaining distraction, though, I'm writing this blog post celebrating Independence Day in the best way I can think of at the moment: drinking coffee in my PJ's with a homemade cherry kolache topped with whipped cream. Ahhhhhh-merica.

Homemade cherry and grape kolaches. Recipe coming soon!

I stumbled upon an interesting article the other day titled "What Are Your Weird Travel Quirks?" from the good folks over at Hello Giggles. In the article, the author talked about her strange, somewhat obsessive travel behaviors, like refusing to walk barefoot on hotel floors and abhorring the idea of touching her head to her airplane seat's head rest. It got me thinking, and try as I might I couldn't really come up with any weird travel quirks. I mean, I'm pretty adventurous when it comes to travel. I don't really have any strange quirks or habits, unless you count my strict adherence to departure times or my amazing ability to fall asleep on command in any location, land, sea, or air.

I do, however, have some pretty weird food quirks. I think we all do. For instance, Matt hates bananas. He won't even touch them. One time, when we had just started dating, he came over and was very hungry. It was mid-morning, so I thought it would be nice to fix him toast topped with peanut butter, a banana, and honey. I noticed after several minutes that it was taking him a while to eat his toast, and after he was about 85% done with it, I asked, "Are you not hungry anymore?" With the saddest, most sincerely sorry eyes, he looked at me and said very quietly, "I really hate bananas." It was the cutest thing I think I've ever seen.

So, to share the weirdness, here are some of my weird food quirks:

1. At Thanksgiving, I am that gross person that mixes all the contents of their plate up into one, nasty slop of American goodness. Yep. That's me. Matt thinks it's disgusting (as does a large chunk of my family), but my rationale is that it'll get mixed up eventually anyway. Besides, it's a flavor/texture adventure!

2. I am a snob when it comes to Mexican food. I am a stickler for Mexican food. Mexico has such a rich food tradition and culture, and I oftentimes feel like it is somewhat muted for American palates. I'm not saying that Americans have bad taste, but we have a way of taking the spice out of ethnic foods. Ladies and gentlemen, case in point, I give you: queso. No, not queso fresco, a soft Mexican cheese, but straight-up queso, which in the American vernacular is "melted nacho cheese." Not Mexican, not authentic, and frankly, not even food. I bet that "queso" is, 99% of the time, a petroleum bi-product pumped out of stadium-grade dispensers in the back of the kitchen. Can you hear me seething over here? Well now you know: I hate queso. Snobby rant over.

3. I have a deep hate for mushrooms. My superpower is that I am able to detect upon just a sniff if mushrooms are in a dish. I hate, hate, hate mushrooms: the taste, the texture, the smell. Blegh. My apologies if you love mushrooms (Matt does, too).

4. Fried food makes me sick. Literally. It's sad, too, because fried food is pretty good sometimes (who can turn down a good french fry?!), but whenever I eat fried food I get really sick a few hours later. I went through a period of time (about four years) when I didn't eat one bite of fried food, and so I think my body lost the ability to process it or something. Or it just knows that I shouldn't be eating it. Either way, a tragedy.

5. Every time I go to a restaurant, I challenge myself to go home and make whatever it is we ordered. I always like to try to recreate good dishes for less right at home. Matt and I have this fun game where, when we sit down at our dinner table, we'll calculate how much each serving of the dish cost and how it would compare with the tab for the same dish at a restaurant. If you want to feel good about staying in, always play that game. It'll pep you up really quick when you know how much you're saving!


What about you guys? Do you have any weird food quirks? Let me know in the comments!

-Betsey

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I survived the Springfield, IL horse shoe

This shirt should exist.

We did it today, folks. Matt and I officially became Springfieldians. You might be wondering how we accomplished this life milestone. Did we take a citizenship test? No. Did we argue our case before the mayor? Nope. Did we get a library card? No. Well, at least not yet. Did we watch a marathon of The Simpsons? We're working on it.

No, friends, we did none of those things. We did something even greater.

We ate a horse shoe. (And not the equine version, by the way. This one is edible. And tasty.)

A reasonable person may well be wondering right now what a horse shoe is. A person who knows what a horse shoe is knows that it is not at all reasonable. It is, as our bubbly waitress put it, "a heart attack on a plate." Matt referred to it as "America on a plate" (or 'Murica, if you say it with enough gusto.)

After hearing for some time from folks around town that I must be initiated into the community by way of consuming this magical dish called a "horse shoe," I resolved that I would do it and share my story with all of you. You see, the horse shoe is a uniquely Springfield dish. It's the pride of Springfield, the glue (and grease) that holds the town together.

So here it is, folks, the horse shoe: Your choice of meat perched atop Texas toast (disregard the Texas...I'm going to call it Illinois toast), then topped with fries and a hearty dose of homemade cheese sauce. Sound good? Oh, it is. It's a native Springfield thing, and since I am now a resident of Springfield I felt that it was my duty to try one. And try I did.

We set out on foot to a neighborhood restaurant, Lake Pointe Grill, when our stomachs growled and our curiosity for horse shoes could be contained no longer. It turns out that walking was the best choice we made today, since after eating a horse shoe a good post-meal waddle does the body some good.

After chatting with our waitress about the crucible we were about to embark upon, we placed our orders: Matt tried the buffalo chicken horse shoe and I went with a good old hamburger one.

When the dish arrived, I was floored: it indeed looked like a heart attack on a plate, but it looked AMAZING. And as I sat there taking it all in, a flurry of catch phrases went through my head: Carpe diem! Just do it! YOLO! #iregretnothing.

My amazingly delicious hamburger horse shoe.

My hamburger horse shoe only 5 minutes after beginning to eat. I was STUFFED.

Every bite was as delicious as it looked: gooey cheese meeting the hot, crunchy fries, rounded out by savory hamburger and toast. Matt's buffalo chicken horse shoe was the big star; it was spicy enough to be very interesting and tasty, but not obnoxiously so. He loved it, and he did much better on his horse shoe than I did on mine. After about five minutes of gorging, I was stuffed, and I couldn't persuade myself to shovel another delicious bite into my mouth. Thank God for take-home boxes. Fourth meal is going to be AWESOME tonight.

Matt enjoying his buffalo chicken horse shoe.

I have to hand it to you, Springfield; the horse shoe is delicious. Eating it is a feat of strength, a victory of the will, as finishing one would truly be a mind of matter sort of effort. Side effects of eating a horse shoe may include feelings of shame, labored breathing, and cold sweats. I don't know who came up with the idea for the horse shoe, but whoever it was, they were a true patriot. I mean, it's essentially a deconstructed, amped up cheeseburger. It's gluttony at its best. Assuming it's not a stroke, that funny feeling you'll get when you dig into a horse shoe is the light, bubbly, warm feeling of being intensely American. There's nothing more American than a horse shoe.

Except for naps, which I did after I got home from Lake Pointe Grill.

Nap time.

I hope that you'll all, at some point in your life, get to try a horse shoe. It's a taste of Americana, a taste of Illinois, and a taste of Springfield, my new hometown.

Besides, the diet can start tomorrow.

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The Agony of [Pierogi] Defeat and the Ecstasy of [Bibimbap] Victory

We certainly have run the culinary gamut this week.

On Sunday, I decided to try my hand at Polish cooking by trying out this Potato and Cheese Pierogi recipe from My Gourmet Connection. The result of this adventure, unfortunately, was neither very gourmet nor very connected to what a pierogi is actually supposed to look like. After about an hour and a half of chopping, mixing, rolling, filling, and standing over a pot of boiling water (what I've since dubbed "the Polish facial"), I produced the most monstrously large, greasy pierogis I have ever seen. They were about the size of tacos or burritos and doughier than me in third grade.

I was disappointed; for something that I'd worked so hard and sweat so profusely to create, they didn't taste like the victory I was hoping for.

Luckily, though, that victory came the next night in the form of Spicy Korean Pork and bibimbap, a dish I've been curious to try ever since my sister- and mother-in-law came back from a trip to South Korea and regaled us with tales of dishes with curiously adventurous names like "kimchi" and "bulgogi." I began cooking the recipe convinced that it, like the pierogis, was doomed to certain failure.

The second I put the shreds of pork in the chili marinade, though, I knew it was going to be a good dish. The marinade is a combination of chili paste, chili seeds, sugar, soy sauce, ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds. And as soon as that marinated pork hit the hot pan, I was in love.

This dish is really played out in two parts: the first part is the bibimbap, Korea's answer to China's fried rice. Bibimbap is a crispy "fried" rice created by coating a pan with sesame oil, patting already cooked and cooled rice down, and letting it do its thing until it's nice and brown and crispy.

The second part of the dish is the spicy pork I was talking about earlier. Simply create the marinade/sauce, coat the pork in it, and cook over medium-high heat until your growling stomach and taste buds and take it no longer. I love dishes that use pork because it's such an affordable meat, much more so than chicken or beef, and that's always a good thing for folks (like us) who are on a budget.

The finished spread.

Spicy Korean Pork (adapted from Beyond Kimchee's Recipe) and Bibimbap
Prep time: 5 min.
Cook time: 20 min.
Serves: 2

For the Spicy Korean Pork:
Ingredients:

• 1/2-1 lb. pork (We used a roast and then just shaved off very thin slices off of it for this dish and then used the rest for a pulled pork recipe. I love ingredients that do double duty.)
• 3 T chili paste (Sambal Oelek. You can find it pretty much anywhere; we get ours at Target!)
• 1 T dried red pepper flakes
• 1 1/2 T reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 T brown sugar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp ginger powder
• 1 T sesame oil
• 1 1/2 T toasted sesame seeds
• 1 T canola or vegetable oil

Steps:

1. Mix together the chili paste, red pepper flakes, soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds in a bowl.
2. Put the pork into the bowl of sauce and turn pork until it is well coated with sauce.
3. Heat the canola or vegetable oil over medium high heat and cook pork, about 6 minutes.

Close-up of the Spicy Korean Pork.

 

For the bibimbap:
Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked plain white rice, cooled (use leftovers; they work best)
• 1 T sesame oil

Steps:

1. In a medium sized skillet or pan, heat sesame oil over medium heat.
2. Put cooked rice into skillet so that the rice is in a uniform layer; pat down firmly.
3. Cook rice 10-15 minutes, rotating pan every so often, until the bottom of the rice (the side that's making contact with the pan) is golden brown and crunchy.

See how the bibimbap is all golden brown and crispy? That's perfection!

Bibimbap Add-ins:

• Shredded carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Fried egg
• Others...be creative!

 This is such a great dish. Not only does it taste amazing, but you also get the added benefit of the fun of each person picking out the add-ins he or she wants on their dish. It's a lot of fun for a family meal, and it's very affordable, easy, and tasty to boot! Enjoy!

As a side note, every time I read or say the word "bibimbap," I always think of the little boy, Russel, from Disney's "Up" where he's talking about the GPS his dad gave him:

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