Pasta Arrabiata

I made a dish this weekend that is reminiscent of one of my favorite pasta dishes from Macaroni Grill, that is now discontinued. But no fear, because now I can re-create the dish whenever I want at home, and so can you!

I don't have any pictures to show how good the pasta was because it was gone as soon as I made it! just kidding..my camera broke and I lost the pictures. But it was good, you'll just have to take my word for it! Here's the recipe!

Pasta Arrabiata
(serves 4)

coarse salt
2 tbs olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3/4 tsp red-pepper flakes
1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1/2 cup dry wine*
1 box (1 pound) penne pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and red-pepper flakes and cook until garlic is fragrant (~1 minute).
3. Add diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and wine. Simmer over medium heat for ~20 minutes or until you have reached your desired thickness for the sauce.
4. Cook the pasta in the boiling salted water until al dente. Drain the pasta and add to the sauce. Season with salt and serve!

I hope you all enjoy this as much as I did! I know I will be making it again for sure!

*I used Sauvignon Blanc

Easter Chocolates

Let's get crafty! I made chocolates for my little ones (aka the tutor kids)~ Okay, I lied...I didn't MAKE it, I bought the DIY box and heated up the chocolates but it's the thought that counts!

A note to add here is, make sure the chocolate is hot. Not burning hot, because that would hurt your hands, and not warm, because your chocolates will not fill the mold correctly. So make sure it's hot.

Pour the melted chocolates into the mold and have fun!

I like these chocolates because there are not as sweet and they remind me of yan-yan chocolates, which are a favorite Korean snack of mine. =)

Tattoos on the Heart

Happy Easter! How should you start your Easter right? Celebrate your life! How do you start celebrating your life? Read Tattoos on the Heart!

Tattoos is written by a Jesuit priest named Fr. Greg Boyle who has dedicated his life to working with the gangs of Los Angeles. He spearheaded a company called Homeboy Industries to help ex-convicts and ex-gang members achieve a new way of life other than the street life they are used to.

This book, though, is not solely about Homeboy Industries. It is about the life Fr. Boyle shared with his homies. It is touching, inspiring, and so powerful. I had to only read this book at night because there wasn't a single page that didn't bring me to tears. This book had me weeping. out loud. so go read it. period.

I've already purchased eight copies of this book and gave it to friends and family. That's how much I believe in this book. My friends, I tell you, you will become a different and better person after reading this. Here's to our lives!

P.S. If you are in a situation where you can, please donate to Homeboy Industries. It's such a good cause!

Good Ole Kimchee Pancakes~

After tasting kimchee pancake from various sources, I have come up with my own. It's a hodge podge mix of everyone elses' and a little bit of my magic. =) I like to use 튀김가루 instead of 부침가루 because I like my pancakes really crispy. But if you must insist on using 부침가루, meet me halfway and use half of 부침가루 and half of 튀김가루. You won't regret it!

Original Korean Pancake mix that I do not use

Traditionally, Koreans like to eat kimchee pancakes on rainy days. Why? I do not know. It's just something my mama told me and her mama told her and etc. Even though there was no rain today, I made it because there was no food. =/

Add more kimchee if you want, but don't add any less! It is the superstar of the dish afterall.

Kimchee Pancake
1 1/2 cup 튀김가루
1 cup water
1/4 cup kimchee juice
1 cup kimchee chopped
1/2 cup ice

1. Add the first four ingredients and mix well.
2. Add ice. Although the ice may contribute some liquid, it's main function is to keep the mixture cold so that the pancakes will turn out crispier when fried.
3. Add a dash of vegetable oil on a frying pan at low to medium heat.
4. Add a ladle-full of your kimchee pancake mix to the pan. Cook until it's done. About 2-3 minutes each side.

can you say yum?