Friday, December 30, 2011

Lumpia


One of the things I miss the most is my mom's cooking... especially all of the Filipino food that I never learned how to make myself. This Christmas, I decided to attempt my mom's infamous Lumpias... also known as the Filipino egg roll. If you've never had my mom's egg rolls, you're missing out on the most amazing egg rolls that exist... I may be a bit biased but I firmly stand by my statement.

When I asked for the recipe, much like most of the recipe's I've asked for (excluding baked corn), I didn't get a straight answer. So, I'm going to tell you what I was told with a bit more detail... and then be nice enough to add the links to a few actual recipes that I found (but haven't tried).

Lumpia Recipe (from a Filipino-American):

Ingredients: (don't bother asking for specific amounts... it doesn't work)

egg roll wrappers

ground beef

chopped onion

minced carrot

cabbage

garlic

soy sauce

salt

oil

Directions:

lightly fry onions, garlic and carrots in a wok or large skillet

add meat, be careful not to over-cook the meat or it will be really dry

stir in cabbage, add salt and soy sauce to taste

let cool over night in the fridge (don't know why, this is what my mom does but I haven't seen it anywhere else)

carefully roll about 1 1/2 spoonfuls of meat in each wrapper, using water to seal the corner

at this point, you can freeze them or fry them in a large skillet, being careful not to burn yourself like I did

You can enjoy it as is or use a sweet and sour dip or a soy sauce dip!


Happy Eating :)


some other recipes:

http://allrecipes.com/recipe/filipino-lumpia-2/

http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/lumpia-recipe/index.html


Thursday, December 29, 2011

'tis the season


I've always loved the Christmas season, which to me has always been every day after Thanksgiving. I love the lights on the houses and trees. I love the snow men, Santa suits, and reindeer. I love the extra sparkle everywhere you go. I love seeing a child's eyes light up when they see presents underneath the tree. I love when children believe in Santa, and even more when they believe in Jesus. I love the hustle and bustle in the stores, and the search for the perfect gift for the perfect someone. I love the cookies and pies, and drinking hot chocolate while it's snowing. I love the traditions we've grown to love. But most of all, I love the togetherness.

This year, I have learned that traditions change; even when you do everything you can to keep them the same. I managed to 'Americanize' my Christmas decor in my little apartment. Which basically means, lights and other Christmas related decorations EVERYWHERE. I've listened to a radio station which plays Christmas music 24 hours a day and I watched Christmas movies on a regular basis. I tried to keep whatever traditions I could. However, it's just not the same in Germany. I'm not saying it's bad, it's simply not the same.

As Christmas crept closer and closer, I tried to keep an open mind and an open heart to new traditions. Take into consideration German Christmas Markets... they're AMAZING! Who doesn't love Glühwein, hot waffles, and hot chestnuts on a chilly winter night (pics from some Christmas markets are below)? I experienced my first Christmas dinner without ham or apple pies; although, I must admit, our dinner was pretty delicious and tiramisu isn't such a bad substitute! (dinner pictures are also below) I made my first ever batch of egg rolls, which made me miss my mom more than ever. But, I suppose if I couldn't spend Christmas with my own family, at least I got to spend it with other people I love; my boyfriend and his family.

Frohe Weihnachten!!


(Gluhwein)


(Traditional German music)

(Made in GERMANY.. not China!)


(Santa napkin holders!)


(Hot chocolate and Advent candles)