The next destination: Bien Hoa, Vietnam!

It's been awhile since I wrote anything meaningful on this blog. Life happens. However, I am going to embark upon another adventure soon. I feel bad that the URL to this blog is wanderingtummies.blogspot.com, but I haven't posted much on my "wandering". I started this blog when I was living in Denver, Colorado. Since then, I've moved to Orange County, California then up to San Jose, California, then back to Orange County, California. I haven't given any of you a clue in what life or food is like here. In 3 months, I will be embarking on a TEFL-ing adventure across the world. How will I document this great adventure if I can even consistently document my adventures in the States? Granted I have been busy since I got back from Colorado, but that's still no excuse.

So, I'm going to make a resolution to regularly post and document my last 3 months in Southern California. I will try to take you guys around my frequent hangouts and the awesome things that goes on in Orange County. To make up for lost time, here are a few things that I have graphically documented recently.

Disneyland - the happiest place on earth!

I bought an annual pass at the beginning of last year. It was Michael's Christmas present for me. Yes, we totally, completely splurged for Christmas last year. Not so much this year. However, these were from December. Christmas is my favorite time to go to Disneyland. However, with my pass expiring in four days. I think this was the last time I'll be able to spend time in Disney.


Christmas Shenanigans!

I have an office now. This is my Christmas Tree. I decided to make my little place more festive. I love holidays.

Newport Beach Harbor  They hold an annual Boat Parade during Christmas. The pictures I took of the Boat Parade didn't turn out too well. 

My feeble attempt at making a gingerbread house.

94 days until I leave for Vietnam. I can't wait. Until next time (hopefully it will be soon), Happy Eating!

A Little of This and A Little of That

I am Asian American. Thus, my taste palette has a little bit of Asian mixed with a little bit of American. Some might find that to be a great thing. "You can cook both American and Asian food," they would say, "That's terrific!"

No, no it's not, and no, I can't. Everything I cook is just that: a little bit of Asian mixed with a little bit of American. When I cook American food, or even Italian or Mexican, whatever dish would have a hint of Asian in it. When I cook Asian food, it would taste a little American. Nothing I cook would ever taste exactly like an American dish or an Asian dish.

It's a little frustrating sometimes. I am learning to accept that part of myself. I am a Traveler. I have no definite home (Read my Traveler Blog).

So, with my Asian-American-ness, I spiced up this favorite Vietnamese shrimp dish.

I call it Spiced Pan Roasted Shrimp.

Spiced Pan Roasted Shrimp




Shrimps
green onion/scallions
butter
old bay seasoning
chili powder
salt
pepper
sugar
fish sauce

1. sprinkle some salt, pepper, old bay seasonings, and chili powder on the shrimps to marinade for about 5-10 mins, longer if you would like.
2. while the shrimps are marinading, sliced up the green onions
3. when the shrimps are done marinading, heat up a pan on high heat and melt the butter
4. add the shrimps, now here, it really depends on your taste, sometimes I like to leave the heat on high and cook the shrimps until it's cooked and there aren't much trace of juices left and then toss in the green onions for about 10-20 seconds.

This time, however, I turned down the heat about half way and let it cook until the shrimp is almost done. Then, I tossed in the green onion and let it cook until the shrimps were all the way cooked.

If anyone really want the original Vietnamese recipe, I can always post it.

I can never cook a traditional Vietnamese dish because I can't. The way I cook is not the same. So, when I crave a traditional Vietnamese dinner, I have to crawl to my aunt's house and eat. They try to teach me, and I try to learn. However, when I cook even when I suppress the creative "what if" urges, it still doesn't taste the same.

It makes me frustrated sometimes. Other times, its not too too bad.

As always, if you're brave enough to try these recipes, tell me how it went. So, Happy Cooking!