Jennifer J. Chow's Blog, page 48
October 30, 2015
Foodie Friday: Persimmon
Persimmon: a light orange, sweet fruit
Fall has beautiful bursts of color. I love the tangerine look of Fuyu persimmons. They remind me of tiny little pumpkins, and I’m always glad when this fruit is in season. I also have great memories of eating them with my dad.
If you haven’t tried them, this type of persimmon offers a crisp flesh. (The softer variety is better for baking cookies, though!) It’s pear-like in its texture, but with a stronger sweet flavor. The sugar factor is less than a Fuji apple, but it’s definitely a dessert type of fruit.
Fun fact: Persimmons come from a species of tree in the genus Diospyros, which can be loosely translated as “divine fruit.”
October 26, 2015
My Hands Look Old
“Rarely do great beauty and virtue dwell together as they do in you.”
Um, not really.
So Nora Ephron wrote this book called I FEEL BAD ABOUT MY NECK. But I think hands emphasize aging bodies. In college, I had a friend tell me that I had “old man” hands. Of course, I wasn’t too thrilled with that opinion.
I heard that there’s this option to plump up your hands nowadays. It’s called Radiesse, and it’s a filler that also increases collagen production. Watch this Good Morning America video on it for more info.
My general philosophy is that I’m opposed to anything extreme (i.e. needs to be done in a doctor’s office) that impedes natural aging. So it’s sunscreen and moisturizers for me, but I admit I was a little tempted to try it out.
Hint from the video: Watch out for those UV rays, even the ones that come from gel manicures.
October 23, 2015
Foodie Friday First: Jerk Chicken
Jerk chicken: spiced up chicken from Jamaica
My first thought is: What a harsh name! Actually, the jerk comes from the same roots as jerky. Also, some folks say that jerking means poking holes in the meat to absorb the flavor.
I was inspired to eat this dish after reading about it in Jennifer Weiner’s IN HER SHOES. Some books really do make me hungry. Anyway, jerk chicken is extremely flavorful. I love how the spicy and sweet work together to give this meat a kick. Plus, I ate this at a charity event, so a double-thumbs up from me!
Have you ever decided to eat something after reading about it in a book?
October 19, 2015
Candy Cravings
“Now is the time to try something new.”
Tried these fancy Japanese gummies, but I think I’ll stick with the tried and true ones!
I’ve been going around to different stores and seeing their Halloween displays (although some places have Christmas decorations up already!).
The end of October always reminds me of candy, and I remember swapping treats as kids for our preferred kinds every October 31. Speaking of candy cravings, here are my top three Asian picks:
1. Gummies/mochis: These are prepackaged round gummies in exotic flavors, like mango. Also, there are individually wrapped mochis (brown sugar, fruit, etc.).
2. Jelly things: These are little tubs of jello (sometimes with fruit inside). I used to love the lychee ones! Warning: they are choking hazards for young kids.
3. White rabbit candy: This milk candy is sweet and chewy. The best part is the rice paper that goes around it. Edible wrapping always amazes me. (Unfortunately, a few years ago there was this whole melamine scare with them. Uh oh.)
What’s your favorite candy?
October 16, 2015
Foodie Friday: Pork Stew
Pork stew: braised pork belly over rice
This is not your typical American stew. Its sweet and salty broth involves two different kinds of soy sauce. The meat that’s used is also a lot more tender (think: bacon, but juicier). It really hits the spot in these cooler days of fall.
I love the piping hot dish, often accompanied by some yummy hard-boiled eggs. There’s also a hint of something a little pungent in the recipe (perhaps star anise or five spice powder?). Give it a try if you want some traditional Taiwanese comfort food.
Fun fact: It’s known as lu rou fan, or “braised pork.”
October 12, 2015
Official Release Date
“Loving is sharing rainbows of happiness.”
I’m very happy to announce that my upcoming YA novel, DRAGONFLY DREAMS, will be officially released on November 24, 2015.
It’s been an exciting journey with my publisher, Booktrope. All along the way, I’ve had direct access to the major players on my team (whom I selected through a vast network of freelancers): book manager, editor, proofreader, and cover artist. The excellent Booktrope staff has also been really supportive and helpful.
Extra fun news: If you’re in Fresno or the Central Valley, I’ll be signing at Petunia’s Place on Saturday, November 28th from 11am-1pm!
October 9, 2015
Foodie Friday: French Beef
French beef: peppery steak
What’s so Asian about French beef? Well, I’ve always eaten this dish growing up. It’s supposed to be the Chinese equivalent of Steak au Poivre. I don’t know if it’s authentic to that taste, but I do like its kick of spice on my taste buds.
French beef is something I’ll eat once in a while. Most Cantonese dishes are sweet and salty, so turning up the heat works for me for a change of pace. If you’re inclined, you can make your own version by following this recipe.
Any French-inspired food you enjoy?
October 5, 2015
Caring through Chocolate
“In being kind to others, you will receive kindness back.”
Sometimes you’ve gotta find innovative ways to help people. I’ve been through my fair share of fundraisers, showcasing expensive kitchen gadgets, fancy wrapping paper, and decadent foodstuffs (although my hubby said he grew up peddling oranges to raise money).
How did organizers in Licking County (great name, by the way) assist seniors? By creating a chocolate festival. Proceeds helped residents aged 60 and over to pay off delinquent utility bills. The event sounded like a big hit, as all ages of people attended and participated.
Name a favorite food festival you’ve attended.
October 2, 2015
Foodie Friday First: Green Tea Dumplings
Green tea dumplings: dumplings with tea flavor
If you’re a regular reader of my blog, you know that I love green tea in all its forms (cake, mousse, etc.). So when I saw green tea dumplings on the menu at a local restaurant, I had to try them. The chefs were supposed to infuse green tea into the wrappers.
Sadly, all the taste must have boiled off because I could only find the usual dough flavor. My verdict? Give this dish a pass.
Any tea-flavored treats you enjoy?
September 28, 2015
Moon Viewing
“You will soon witness a miracle.”
See that small white circle?
Okay, so it’s not quite a miracle, but it hasn’t happened in 33 years. I was already primed to watch the night sky because of the Mid-Autumn Festival, when the moon is supposed to be big and bright. (It’s also a fun time to eat moon cakes.) The blood moon was just one more reason to take a peek last night.
As an aside, friends tell me they can see the lady in the moon when they look up. There’s a Chinese myth that says the lovely Chang’e saved others by keeping a potion of immortality away from an evil man. To do so, she ended up drinking the elixir and floated up to the moon, where she now lives forever.
Anyway, my view yesterday was less than spectacular. No lady. And only a hint of rust red on the edges of the moon.
Did you go out and take a look at the moon?
