Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 45
February 1, 2016
I’m a CLUE finalist!
“You will soon be receiving some good written news.”
I’m finally getting back into the groove after my Taiwan vacation. Sometimes it’s nice to get away to reflect on things and not experience the doubting waiting game known as submissions. I didn’t get any notifications while I was gone, so I was pleasantly surprised to find that Seniors Sleuth is a CLUE finalist. The CLUE awards are run by Chanticleer Book Reviews and recognize the best thriller and suspense novels. I’m on the 2015 list for finalists, so wish me luck as they narrow down the entries for specific mystery categories.
January 29, 2016
Foodie Friday: Ball Cakes
Ball cakes: little round sphere snacks
What was our go-to snack in Taiwan? Ball cakes. These little spheres can be found in all Asian supermarkets. Although they advertise different flavors, they’re all about the same.
They have a little sweetness to them. Although the exterior is hard, they end up melting in your mouth. Lucky for us, we got a buy-one-get-one free deal in Taiwan!
Have you ever tried these?
January 25, 2016
Family Stories
“You are always welcome in a gathering.”
What I love about returning to Taiwan is seeing older relatives and hearing all their stories. Every time I go back, I feel like more family members come out of the woodwork. One day, we even had 23 people crammed in a house talking together.
In honor of my first published book, THE 228 LEGACY, a lot of folks shared memories about The 228 Massacre (1947) and its aftermath. Here are a few interesting tidbits:
An auntie remembered savoring the taste of a simple sugar cube, since after WWII food was rationed
A KMT soldier bought two bags of rice but asked for a receipt for three bags; a few days later, he came back wanting a full refund for the “three bags” he had purchased
Family members hid someone from the belligerent government in a closet (what an Anne Frank-like story!)
p.s. I also got to see a museum with a 228 exhibit, a memorial park, and the National Museum of Taiwan Literature (where I donated a copy of my book)
January 22, 2016
Foodie Friday: Guava
Guava: fragrant and musky tropical fruit
Taiwan has a pretty tropical climate, so it’s no wonder that I got to eat many different kinds of fruits there. (As an aside, it was so warm and humid that I sometimes didn’t wear a coat, and people gave me strange looks during my visit.)
A lot of relatives offered me guava on my trip. Confession: I first ate guava in Hawaii and never got used to the taste. It has a very overpowering flavor when it’s super ripe. The scent fills up your throat. Plus, the softness of the flesh always bothered me.
However, this time I did eat some guava that I enjoyed. I guess I like the fruit more raw. It’s a lot better (in my opinion) when the guava has a crunch to it. It seems more like a pear then, which leads me to my…
Fun fact: Another term for guava is “pear” (in countries surrounding the western Indian Ocean)
January 18, 2016
Back from Taiwan!
“You will travel far and wide, both [for] pleasure and business.”
Taipei 101 is so grand even in the rain!
Hi, guys! I’m back from my trip to Taiwan. Although I didn’t get to see the election process this time around, I had a great vacation visiting relatives and seeing sights.
Here are a few highlights:
1. Climbing the mountains and seeing ancestral burial grounds
The large character at the top is “Chow”
2. Talking to relatives, hearing family stories, and eating yummy food together
3. Exploring one of the most popular bookstores in Taiwan, browsing and buying tomes
January 15, 2016
Foodie Friday First: Taiwanese Puff Dessert
Well, I’m back from my trip to Taiwan, and I got to try this sweet treat!
Taiwanese puff dessert: hollow, sweet ball
Okay, so I’m not exactly sure what the real name of the dessert is, but it’s known for its poofy appearance. There is a hollow cavity, but it has a slight molasses filling that clings to the inside of the pastry. The outside has a subtle flaky texture that crumbles easily. It’s not an overly sweet dessert, but there’s the hint of sugar that makes you crave more.
January 11, 2016
Future Writing Plans
“Life is a series of choices. Today yours are good ones.”
Since it’s the New Year, I’m re-evaluating goals and plans for 2016. Here are my ideas so far:
Continue research for a new Taiwanese YA novel
Finish revising YA manuscript
Get Winston Wong short story published
Review and polish a multicultural novella
Work on the next books in the Winston Wong mystery series
What are your goals and/or writing resolutions?
January 8, 2016
Foodie Friday: Lion’s Head Meatballs
Lion’s head meatballs: Oversized meatballs
This is another giant food dish. The big meatball is supposed to represent a lion’s head, while the surrounding cabbage resemble a lion’s mane. In various regions of China, there are sauces on the side that will complement the meatiness. Beyond the symbolism, it’s pretty much exactly how you think it will taste–pork meatball flavor.
Fun fact: This dish is quite popular in Shanghai cuisine.
January 4, 2016
Taiwan trip
“You will travel to many exotic places.”
I’m heading out to Taiwan for a few weeks! I’m excited to go back again (it’s been four years since my last visit). Things I’ve planned this time around include:
Eating yummy food
Meeting up with friends (even ones from the U.S. that I haven’t had a chance to connect with here!)
Research for a YA novel
Visiting loads of relatives
See you in a little while!
p.s. I’ll be auto-posting blog entries, but I may not be able to respond back to comments in a timely manner.
January 1, 2016
Foodie Friday: Giant Dumplings
Giant dumplings: Huge potstickers
I know I’ve talked about potstickers before. Here’s the post. How do you turn something old into something new? Supersize them! These are the largest dumplings I’ve ever eaten!
Happy New Year!
