Blood rice cake: mochi-like rice popsicle Sometimes I try not to think too much about what I'm actually eating. Especially when it comes to stuff like pigs' blood. Blood rice cake is sticky rice mixed with pigs' blood. Thankfully, it's covered in peanut powder and garnished with cilantro. It's jello-like in its consistency (which is what I pretended I was really eating). There's a very subtle pork flavor to it. Definitely an interesting eat...as long as you don't think too much about … [Read more...]
Double the Authors, Double the Fun
August 10, 2015 6 Comments
"Your magnetic personality will draw people to you." I recently did a co-author book signing at local mystery bookstore, Book Carnival. This was my first signing event that I shared with someone, and I had a fabulous time! It was great having another author by my side, particularly the magnificent Carole Sojka. And it was a pretty full house, what with bookstore regulars, along with friends and contacts from both of us gathering together. We decided to do a Q&A format, essentially … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Rose Tea
August 7, 2015 5 Comments
Rose tea: green tea flavored with roses I have roses blooming in my yard, but I haven't been a big fan of eating rose-flavored treats. (The blame goes to a rose Turkish Delight I ate. I thought it would be like ambrosia on my tongue, given its prominence in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe... but I was sorely disappointed.) My one exception to this rule is rose tea. It's green tea infused with a hint of the floral. I like the subtlety of the flavor, and the bitterness of the tea … [Read more...]
Seniors Around the World
August 3, 2015 3 Comments
As part of the challenge of "5 Photos, 5 Stories" (by Evelyne's invitation), I'm presenting my five memories of meeting seniors during recent travels: 1) Los Angeles, CA During a volunteer reading at a local senior home, this resident came my way. He has actually been through the traumatic event which inspired my first novel, The 228 Legacy. I was honored to meet him, and the residents' director later told me was really excited to hear me read. 2) Monterey Park, CA During … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday First: Golden Kiwi
July 24, 2015 7 Comments
I tried the delicious... Golden kiwi: sweet, yellow kiwi This is the sweeter version of its green counterpart. The flesh of the fruit is not as tart, and the skin is a more delicate thickness. (The outside is also less hairy!) While green and golden kiwis share similar nutritional profiles, there are some slight differences. Golden kiwis have more vitamin C and folate. Green kiwis have more dietary fiber. Golden kiwi has a shorter storage life, which makes it difficult to find in many … [Read more...]
Chinese Calligraphy
July 6, 2015 7 Comments
"Someone in your life needs a letter from you." The other day my daughter told me she was impressed by cursive writing. She likes the fancy swirls and loops connecting all the letters together. In the same way, I'm in awe of the calligraphy artist. I tried several times during my childhood to imitate the flowing strokes. I had my own brushes and ink well, but I always seemed to fall short. There is so much skill involved in holding the brush at the correct angle and applying the right … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday First: Kalua Pork Pizza
July 3, 2015 1 Comment
I ate my first slice of... Kalua pork pizza: tender smoked pork on pizza Summertime reminds me of lazy days at the beach. I remember going to Kauai for my honeymoon. The water there was amazing--so sparkling and toasty warm. A lot of people spotted sea turtles while snorkeling (but not me!). While there, I went to a luau. They served kalua pork, smoking a whole pig in the sand. It was wrapped in banana leaves and cooked over koa wood. Kalua pork is very tender, but it offers an … [Read more...]
You’re Invited to a Party!
June 29, 2015 6 Comments
What's the fun part about launching a book? A party. Here are some highlights from the launch of my debut novel, The 228 Legacy: Cupcakes Fun raffle Kids' crafts Reader testimonials Yummy snacks What's not to love? I even got to connect with online buddies (thanks, Linda!) and reconnect with old high school friends (thanks, Paul!). So here's your official invite for my next party in honor of Seniors Sleuth. So Cal folks, come join the fun! Book … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday: Fresh Coconut Water
June 26, 2015 6 Comments
Coconut water: the yummy liquid inside a young coconut shell My favorite drink for the summertime? Coconut water. It's actually known for keeping the body cool and regulating temperature. There are benefits to drinking it, like the fact that it's low in sugar. It's also anti-viral and anti-microbial, making it a great elixir to battle against sickness. While growing up, I drank the canned version. There was an Asian grocery store right next to our family restaurant. I loved sneaking over … [Read more...]
Foodie Friday First: Chowder Fries
June 12, 2015 10 Comments
I tried my first taste of... Chowder fries: French fries smothered in hearty clam chowder During my first official job after college, my colleague introduced me to eating French fries--dipped in mayonnaise. (She told me it's a European thing.) Although I still prefer ketchup, I can see why she enjoyed the creamy consistency. It gives a nice contrast to the crispy friedness. Plus, there's the added plus of fatty flavor. How did I feel about eating chowder fries? It's a hearty, filling … [Read more...]
