Vegan Japchae!

Japchae (잡채) is one of my favorite Korean dishes.  It's main ingredient is Dangmyoen (당면) a clear, glass noodle usually made from sweet potato starch.  Japchae is often accompanies other dishes, like Korean BBQ, however Chris and I make it our main meal sometimes.  Japchae has noodles, vegetables, and often beef, but as a vegetarian we put a Vegan twist on this receipe and use tofu. (I wanted to try Tempeh, since it's much better for you than tofu, but unfortunately the grocery store I had to stop by last minute didn't have it so we used tofu.)  Now feel free to do your own research and search Japchae recipes, ours is a pretty simple one.  Also, since we live on a budget, we don't use fancy mushrooms and such, but if you can afford it I'd imagine it'd add some great flavor.

Ingredients:

• 1 carrot 
• 1 bunch of spinach 
• 6 mushrooms 
• 4 cloves of garlic
• 1 package of firm tofu
• 2 teaspoon of Seasame Oil

Sauce for the Japchae:

1/4 cup of Soy Sauce (I recommend a Korean brand)

1 Tablespoon of Brown Sugar (firmly packed, and we used Coconut Brown Sugar and it worked out great)

Here are the directions for the recipe.  We got this Japchae recipe from Chow.com.  I've tweaked the recipe a bit to include our specific ingredients.  

1. Bring a large saucepan of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles, stir to separate them, and boil until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Using scissors, cut the noodles into 6- to 8-inch lengths. With the noodles still in the colander, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil and toss to coat; set aside.
2. Mix the soy sauce and sugar together in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved; set aside.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the carrots and cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrots have softened, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes.
4. Increase the heat to medium high. Add the spinach and, using tongs, toss to combine. Let cook until slightly wilted, about 1 minute. Add the reserved noodles and soy sauce mixture and toss until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the remaining 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Now tasty, wonderful, VEGAN Japchae is all yours to devour!

Veggie Tacos

Chris has made these delicious tacos for countless meals because we never get tired of them.  Before we were Vegetarians we would often have this same recipe, but with chicken or carne asada.  We actually discovered after switching to the veggie lifestyle that the tacos were better without meat.  I sound like a bit of a food snob, but Chris and I would say that without the meat in the tacos there are more complex flavors--the cilantro, avocados, tomatoes, beans, onions.  Each flavor pops, where with meat these flavors are often overtaken.

So the way Chris makes these tacos are: homemade guacamole, sautéed onions, pinto beans, rice with cilantro, and Cotija cheese.  If you're a vegan or want to go vegan for this meal just leave the cheese off and you've got a completely guilt free meal.

A Sunny Fall Weekend

It's been several weeks since I've had the time and energy to blog.  So without further ado, I wanted to chronicle two mini-adventures Chris and I had two weekends ago.

On Saturday we headed out to the Japanese Gardens with my parents.  It's been an incredible fall in Portland and the sun certainly highlighted the garden's colors.  If you're ever in the Portland area, the Japanese Garden is a must.  It's especially lovely if you can go on an "off time" where you'll have less people and more calm.  There are a variety of gardens that each has its own style, but all of them are natural and tranquil.

Here are a few photos Chris took for your enjoyment:

On Sunday Chris and I went to one of our favorite towns--Hood River.  It was a gorgeous day and we spent a lovely afternoon driving around the Fruit Loop and visiting the Alpacas.  For those of you who don't know about the Fruit Loop, it is a wonderful place.  It's pretty much a 35 mile "loop" of farms in Hood River.  Tons of produce, lavender, wool, wine, etc.  It's just a beautiful slice of heaven.

Downtown Hood River has great restaurants, shops, and cafes.  Chris and I went to Full Sail Brewery for lunch and I had the best burger ever.  It was a veggie burger, and comparing it to either a veggie or meat burger doesn't matter because this burger was better than them all.  I had the Tempeh Veggie Burger (make sure you get it "Full Sail Style."  So if you're ever in the area, try it out!  Even if you don't usually have veggie burgers, trust me on this one, you're going to love it.

...drumroll....
Alpaca Photos!!!

Vegetarian Memoirs

This post is simply a reflection on why I made the switch from meat lover to Vegetarian.  I don't want to preach, it's just my personal decision.  I have some tips on how to put a little "veggie" into your life even if you can't live without meat.



Why did I become a vegetarian (confession: sometimes pescetarian)?  Last winter Chris and I watched this documentary called "Vegucated."   

In the words of Wiki it's a 
"...2011 American documentary film that explores the challenges of converting to a vegan diet. It follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks." 

This documentary had a big impact on both of our lives.  It takes two approaches to it.  One one side, if you're like me, you don't care as much about whether it's a healthy lifestyle you just really love animals and there's a point where you can't pretend that you don't know what goes on in Factory Farming anymore.

The other side is the health side.  The veggie diet has huge effects on health if you balance your diet correctly.  Certain vegetables and grains are packed with protein, even more than a lot of meat.  After Chris was on the Vegetarian diet (we haven't been able to go vegan) his blood pressure dropped and he just felt better.

I also have seen the good side effects of eating vegetables.  I eat a lot more than I use to, but feel much healthier when I do eat.  Also for both of us, it's all about peace of mind.

I feel strongly about animal rights and I believe that God expects us to take care of His creation.  Now does that mean never killing an animal for food?  Probably not.  That may have been in the beginning where it sounds like we were meant to be veggies, but out of the garden things changed.  However, I know God cares for the littlest sparrows (Matt 10:29) and it must pain Him to know that many of his created animals die in the way they do at Factory Farms in the US.  I'm talking about large corporate farms where animals are separated from their babies, where they're beaten, they live in small areas that would drive anyone mad, and eventually are killed in often cruel ways.  These animals don't have the lives that farm animals do, even the ones that are killed for food.  Frankly, they don't get to be living, breathing, happy creatures that God created them to be.

For awhile I tried to pretend that this didn't happen.  It's pretty easy to do since everything comes neatly packaged in Saran Wrap.  You forget that it's even from an animal.  Finally I decided to throw in the towel and not feel guilty anymore, but little did I know there were so many health benefits!

Here's an article that I think is really interesting on connections between religion and meat.  Take it how you want.  Chris and I really like some of the points she has in it.  Also I will be bringing up in future posts about the Monastic diet (since I'm purchasing a Monastery Cookbook--that's mostly Vegetarian.)


I do have to say that I occasionally do eat meat still.  I work with a diverse population of people through my work, many which have cultures that would think I'm crazy for not eating meat.  When I'm offered meat by others, I don't turn it down because it is usually seen as a great insult.  I haven't gone vegan yet,    I've cut out dairy milk, but I still have products like yogurt, eggs, and Keifer (especially now with my new Naturopath diet).  I do my best to find local products that are American Humane Certified.  I also do my best to make sure I have food that's packed with protein--that's for a later blog though.

Even if you don't want to give up meat completely there are things you can do for the animals.  Try to find meat that is "Humane Certified."  Do some research to find a farm in your area that provides its animals with a life they're intended for.  You can go meatless somedays, like the new phrase "Meatless Mondays."  When you're at a restaurant get a Veggie Burger (I actually like them better than meat burgers now) or something sans meat.  Also, I'll be posting Vegetarian recipes that I hope you'll want to try in your own kitchen.

These are little things that can make a big difference for our animal friends and it's good for your health too!

Borscht! Veggie Style!

I'm not the cook of the family, that's Chris.  However, one of the few things I actually enjoy to cook is Borscht.  The lovely Slavic soup is perfect for those cold nights.  It's pure comfort food and after a day at the pumpkin patch we thought it'd be a perfect evening for Borscht.  As a vegetarian, I wanted a tasty Borscht recipe without the beef.  I wanted to have an easy and vegetarian option and thanks to Pinterest that was fairly easy.  The website Hilah's Cooking has a great Borscht recipe.  The result?  Delicious Borscht in about 40 minutes!

Check it out.

 A majority of the delicious ingredients.

 The soup before bringing it to a simmer.

Voilà!  You have a delicious, steaming bowl of Borscht.

Still Life with Rice

Well, it's been a long time since I finished this book.  I just haven't blogged about it.  Definitely two thumbs up from me.  Helie Lee does an incredible job of taking the reader along side her grandmother during, pre, and post-Korean war.  This book gave me a whole new perspective on Korea and especially the older Korean generation.  Lee's writing is expressive and interesting and she kept my interest.  I won't say too much more because I don't want to give anything away, but I'd highly recommend you read this book.  Even if you don't have a connection with Korea it's such an authentic story that it's easy to become invested in the main characters, especially the matriarch.

So go to your library or buy it.  It's an exquisite book that balances war, tradition, religion, and human relationships.   

Grandpa's Wisdom

Earlier this week I lost my Grandpa.  I want to share a bit about him because his attitude and outlook on life has inspired me and so many others.  I think it's important to share.

My Grandpa was known for his optimism.  It wasn't fake, it was very much authentic.  He would allow himself to cry and he would express to me the things and people he missed, but he also expressed the positive things that he found.  My Grandpa treasured each day.  He looked at everyday as a day that God decided to make and he was thankful for it.

Life lessons, a positive outlook, and puns were my Grandpa's famous attributes.  He had a saying that he shared with me often.  "What ever is, is best because that's all you've got."  I've held on to this saying because it's so true.  Things happen, life happens and we go through trials and loss, but also so much happiness.  His whole outlook on life was to look at the small and big blessings in life and to remember that trials are temporary.

A life lesson of his, which is a constant struggle for me to embrace, is his thankfulness and happiness in any situation and phase in life.  I'm always looking to the future.  "I want this to happen," "I need to work towards this," "I want this adventure."  These phrases are constantly swirling in my mind.  It's so hard for me to be happy in the present.  It's great to have goals and to look forward to things.  I'm thankful for my drive, but I've lost a lot of precious moments along the way.  Grandpa had numerous health issues, he had lost his sight, and after my Grandma suddenly passed away he had to move to assisted living.  Yet through all of this he was content with where he was.

Grandpa focused on the positive things; the kind nurses, the food, going to church, and every visitor that walked into his room.   He expressed to me how much he missed Grandma, and how he wished he could see again, but he knew he was not made for this world.  He was made for another world--Heaven.  Grandpa held on to that tightly and it shaped his priorities and his outlook.  I get so caught up in this world, to be honest I rarely think about what's beyond my life, that there's a whole other place that I'm made for.  He has reminded me of that.  Grandpa decided that since he was made for another place, a far better place he often said, that he would enjoy everyday and appreciate every conversation, every meal, every visitor.  Through this he was also give the peace beyond understanding that the Bible talks about, that Jesus promises.  I pray for that peace and Grandpa taught me it's right at my fingertips.  I need to just let go and grab it.

Oh, what I've learned from him.  Now I need to try my best to put it into practice.  I'm not a downer, but I focus too much on this world.  Knowing that I'm made for another place doesn't make me neglect this world, but instead treasure the small things that represent Heaven--love, kind deeds, happiness, relationships and to remember that tough times are temporary and soon we'll forget they even happened.

I'm reminded of one of my favorite C.S. Lewis quotes, another man who faced many trials, but had a happiness and peace that many of us can only imagine.

“If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.”

My Grandpa knew that nothing could ever completely bring him happiness with no strings attached, but he knew there would be a day where everything would be pure and satisfying happiness.

Thank you Grandpa for what you taught me.  I'm glad you made it to that other world and I can't wait to meet you in that "far better place."


These photos were taken at The Grotto in Portland.  I love this place and it's a peaceful sanctuary for many.  If you live in the Portland area or visit, I'd recommend stopping here.  It's a beautiful sanctuary in the city.  Here's a few pictures I took while I walked and contemplated the loss of my Grandpa.  Although I have to say they don't do justice for this place.  I don't have photos of the main Grotto (which is spectacular) and of the beautiful church.  They also have upper gardens that I didn't visit.

Glen Check

Don't get me wrong.  I love my K-pop.  Big Bang, SNSD, Super Junior, TARA...I could go on and on, but let's be honest, it's not always the most musically "advanced" music.  That's why I love to promote some good Korean indie to add some street cred to the Korean music scene.

I discovered this song on Eat Your Kimchi.   One of my favorite websites/youtube channels ever.  Check them out!  Every week they review Korean indie music and they introduced this Glen Check's song "Racket" awhile back.  

I'm so glad that this song came into my life.  I listen to it on constant rotation and it has one of my favorite choruses.  Such a great song for this time of the year--a perfect rainy day, coffee shop song.  

Enjoy!  Ee-ah-eh-ah!

Hiking with Llamas

Llamas, yes you read it right--Llamas!!! Chris and I spent a long weekend camping and a majority of our Saturday frolicking through the wilderness whilst leading llamas. It was as wonderful as it sounds.

This adventure was made possible through the company Halligan Ranch Llama Adventures. Sherry was our guide and she was awesome. She was easy to talk to and also gave excellent advice for leading our llamas (Bug and Pete) around.

Our hike was 7 miles round trip through the Three Sisters wilderness.  The rain couldn't dampen our spirits because we were surrounded by beautiful terrain.  At one point we found ourselves overlooking a beautiful meadow, which was something out of a Disney movie.  When we reached our destination we were up on a hill overlooking the wilderness.  We could have seen Broken Top and the Sisters, but we were socked in with clouds.  Oregon still has a way of being gorgeous even with the clouds though.

We had a delicious lunch (catered to our preferences may I add) that was carried up by the three studly steads.  It was well prepared and very fresh including fresh Oregon berries.  After lunch we headed back down where the rain really started to pour.  It didn't dampen our spirits however because we had llamas!

Check out the Halligan Ranch Llama Adventures link above.  Start booking come late winter/early spring because they get booked up fast during the summer months.