Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 40

Foodie Friday: Mango Sticky Rice

Mango sticky rice: sweet dessert made with fresh fruit and coconut-flavored rice

This is generally a seasonal dish, when mangoes are freely available. It’s definitely a dessert, since it’s got sweetened rice and ripe mangoes. It’s a nice combo because you’ve got the soft chewiness of the sticky rice paired with juicy fruit. I also like the coconut flavoring of the milk, which gives it a tropical taste. Here’s a recipe to make mango sticky rice at home.

Fun fact: In Malaysia, they have a similar dish–but with durian!

Vibrating Feet

“Avert misunderstanding by calm, poise, and balance.”

Sometimes I like to take a peek at aging research. Recently, I stumbled onto an article about posture–and feet. It turns out that vibrations on the soles of the feet can help in postural control and mobility. Who knew? Remember those Asian reflexology sandals with bumps to push your pressure points? Maybe they can vibrate and do double duty!

Foodie Friday: Milk Snow

Milk snow: finely shaved ice with condensed milk

Summer means cool treats, like shaved ice. Shaved snow is even finer, without any ice chunks. Adding condensed milk makes for a sweeter taste, but not overpoweringly so. This is a simple version that’s topped with red bean goodness.

Hope you’re staying cool!

I’m a Travel Writer

“An enjoyable vacation is awaiting you.”

Okay, I’m not really a travel writer. However, I do have a post up on We Said Go Travel. If you haven’t read my past essay about an amazing tree house in Taiwan, go ahead and peruse it. On their website, there’s also a Travel Writing Award contest going on until July 28th, so enter if you’ve gone somewhere fabulous.

Fun fact: Other international places I’ve been to are Canada, China, Italy, Mexico, and Spain.

Foodie Friday First: Duck Burrito

I ate my very first

Duck burrito: a huge burrito stuffed with duck meat

My family took a recent trip to Mammoth Lakes for summer vacation. (It was amazing–and there’s still snow at the top!) Anyway, we also went to Roberto’s, a local Mexican restaurant.

On their menu, they featured a duck burrito. As you may well know, I’m a huge fan of duck (roast, Peking, etc.), so I had to try it. It’s actually a pretty tasty experience; the meat complemented really well with the spices and brought them out better since duck isn’t too overpowering of a flavor. Another added benefit? Although a huge burrito, I didn’t feel as stuffed (although I still didn’t finish it in one sitting) because poultry’s a lighter meat.

Try anything new recently?

Fourth of July Sale!

“You will soon bring joy to someone.”

Happy 4th of July, everyone! In celebration of this great holiday, I’m offering 50% off my cozy mystery, SENIORS SLEUTH. Find it on Smashwords:

Make sure to use the coupon code SSW50 when you check out!

Foodie Friday: Shrimp Spring Roll

Shrimp spring roll: veggies and shrimp tucked into a rice wrapper

What’s not to love about the spring roll? I prefer this non-fried Vietnamese version when summer comes around. It’s refreshing to bite into the fresh lettuce and veggies. Also, it comes with my favorite: a peanut-based dipping sauce. I prefer the ones with a little less spice (sorry, Lee’s), but it’s still a tried-and-true combo on hot days. Want to make your own? Check out this .

What’s a favorite way for you to cool down?

Calls for Diversity in Literature

“You will attract cultured and artistic people to your home.”

This is a quick post about exciting opportunities I’ve seen cropping up recently. I’m really happy to see more calls for diversity out in the lit world. Here a few that I’ve heard of:

Writing from Color & Native Voices (WCNV) Contest. A competition to make sure all voices are represented. See the finalists on their web page, including my friend Mona AlvaradoFrazier‘s BEYOND THE BARS!
Just. One. Book. Author Margaret Elysia Garcia asked folks to pitch in one book (including those with diversity) to re-stock and revive her local school’s library.
YA Short Story Contest. We Need Diverse Books is asking for entries for a new anthology (please submit by July 18th).

Feel free to add anything else you’re aware of!

Foodie Friday: Pudding in Tea

Pudding: topping option for tea

I think you’re all familiar with bubble tea, which typically consists of milk tea with boba (even giant boba sometimes!). Anyway, it’s definitely a nice drink to have for cooling down. Usually I’m good with a plain iced jasmine tea, or I might splurge on tapioca pearls or lychee jellies.

Most recently, though, I ventured adding pudding to my drink. It’s been a long time since I went down that road, and it was a pleasant surprise. I guess I was expecting an instant mix feel, but the pudding has a more solid consistency. I read somewhere that it’s akin to flan in its texture–and it’s definitely less of a flavor than a texture experience. The smooth feel of the pudding complements well with the liquid tea.

So go ahead and try something new this summer–you might really enjoy it!

Mind Clutter

“I hear and I forget. I see and I remember.”

Summer’s here! (Today’s the official first day.) That means I don’t have to indulge in spring cleaning anymore. We all realize that it’s important to clear out our home once in a while, but what about our brains?

A recent study from the Georgia Institute of Technology funded by the NSF indicates that people may be less sure of their memories when extra information floats around their heads. Participants aged 60 and older were often unsure of their recollections because their brains took in too much, while younger people focused only on specific details. Both age groups actually had the capability to hone in on the task, but older adults felt less confident about their answers.