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

'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!)

(dinner preparations)

(German Christmas Cookies)

(Santa napkin holders!)

(Hot chocolate and Advent candles)

What I love about Cologne

Castles

Reflections

Architecture

Sunsets

Ice Cream!!!

oh yes. and boyfriend :)

Bienvenue à Paris

I was excited before we even stepped off the train, like a little kid on Christmas Eve. I was told not to expect greatness.. but how could I not? How do you expect anything but greatness from your first love? The city of lights, love, and life did not fail to embrace its reputation.... or at least the image I always expected it to be. being surrounded by the language itself is thrilling. Even the ordinary seems extraordinary. Smells from the food stands linger, crepes are sweeter, and colors are bolder. It's almost as if your senses are enhanced just from entering the city. C'est Magnifique!!!!!

Our first stop after finding our hotel was Sacre Coeur. It felt like we were walking up the stairway to Heaven... step after step after step... just to reach the top to find more steps. Pure excitement was my motivation and of course my boyfriend mocking my shoe selection of the day kept me from showing any agony! Inside, I was rethinking the heels, but today was the day for things I loved... and my heels were one of them. The view from Sacre Coeur was breathtaking. It was also our first true sighting of the Eiffel Tower. There was no doubt, I was in love.

We manage our way through the city. We were the typical tourists taking pictures around every corner. I can't blame him, it was mostly me... ok... it was all me. I didn't want to forget a moment from this trip. We made it to the Tower, Louvre, Arch De Triumph, and Champs d'elysees. We ate crepes from the street vendors, sat in the Jardin des tuileries, drank cappuccino on the sidewalk, and watched the world pass us by.

I knew I would be in Paris one day, but I didn't expect it to be with someone I loved more than the city itself.

Lucky

I’ve been lucky enough to have a large, wonderful family. They’re not perfect and we have our differences… but no matter what I know I can always depend on them. They supported me, with reservations, when I decided not to go straight to college. They were financially there for me when I wanted to start my own business and when I got myself into a huge credit card debt. They were there the day I left for boot camp…. and there the second I came home. They stood by my side, with their heads held high, when a certain someone slandered our name. And they still support me, enthusiastically, as I make a major u-turn in life. Yes, I am very lucky to have such a family.

Throughout the years I’ve met numerous people that would fit into my family’s description. I have learned how important it is to embrace their friendships, value their opinion, and cherish the memories we have together. I am fortunate to have so many people be a part of my life. So I wanted to say thank you. Some of you I have known for years, others only a few months. It means so much to know that you’re there for me… emotionally, spiritually, and some even financially. You may not be my blood relative, but I would still consider you family.

Yes, I am lucky.