Kimchi
I could unravel a glittering scene of heavy platters of amuse-bouche and Hugh Jackman to sweep me off my feet with a midnight kiss but no such things happened. Rather, I received an unsolicited love confession, a spilled gin and tonic on my shoe, and another “keen observer of the human spirit” trying to read my palm. I think that just being surrounded by noise and liquid courage does not a splendid night make. Despite the earnest coaxing of my fellow comrades to laugh-jump-play, I couldn’t help but notice the suffocating loneliness tucked here and there ever so conspicuously (or at least to me). As we counted down, which in itself took me by surprise, (hey, where did my fried pickles go?) I watched from my peripheral, a silent man, seated at a table alone, cradling his glass, sucking away any support it might lend him. Not even a brow arched as the ball dropped and sticky bodies clumped with rainbow glitter shot out and clung to each other. As I was pulled in for a round of hugs, he must have quietly padded off and poof! he was gone like 2012.
This is how I spent my first days of 2013. Cookies. Cookies take priority.
Pfeffernüsse, one of my favorite Holiday cookies, left over from Christmas, and classic chocolate chip (I told baby brother I’d bake him anything he wanted, and that’s what he wanted).
Re-reading one of my favorites + fire. Could there be anything nicer?
Well, maybe spending time with Mama.
She and I made an Olympic pool sized vat of Kimchi (ok, so I exaggerate) but if you’ve ever had the privilege of witnessing this process, you know that it’s a rather long time that you’re bonding with the almost comically large tubs of Napa cabbage, cajoling it into what will become the soul of Korean food. Mama asking me to roll up her sleeves that no matter what, slip back down, ruby stained hands, the thick pungent smell of brine shrimp and fish sauce hanging in the air, dots and slashes of water sprinkled everywhere (and the beautiful over all mess that Kimchi produces)…and finally, the part where Mama reaches in to gather a pocket of leaves folded over to allow me to taste our creation…these are all such fond memories that lay firm in my head. Food always has the magical ability to snap you back to a warm and delicious memory whether it be a decade ago or, yesterday
Step 4 is important in order to maintain your strength, haha.
…and no worries, here is the classic Kimchi recipe as well as recipes for quick Kimchi (the classic Kimchi tastes better but the quick one does in a pinch), and recipes to make things with your homemade Kimchi: Kimchi braised Chicken, Kimchi Fried Rice, Kimchi Pancakes, Kimchi/Sausage Potstickers, and Kimchi Soba Noodles. If you’re interested in another kind of Kimchi, try my Radish Kimchi, too!
Mama always says a Korean person can’t live without their Kimchi (maybe that’s what lonely guy is missing in his life)!
….Maybe Kimchi is love.
I digress.
Happy New Year!
Maybe 2013 be as rich and spicy as your Kimchi!!
Love,
Your Squishy Monster ^.~
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Lucky baby brother for eating your sweet goodies. Making kimchi is fun, but watchin’ kids saying “we are going to grandma’” leaving me alone with pile of napa cabbage was fun too, I had more bonding time as you said hehe…
I wish you Fun and Delicious 2013!!!
I LOVEEEE KIMCHI! I always make a big batch because I find it only gets better with age (love really mature strong ones), and are so delicious with stews and stirfries! yumm! happy new year!
Happy New Years Squishy! <3 Hope you have an awesome year :]
Thank you so much, Tiana…Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Shuhan! I’ glad to hear you’re a Kimchi-lover!
lol…wishing you a fabulous 2013, Sandra!
I’ve been wanting to make kimchi for a while now, I definitely will be trying your classic recipe. Happy New Year Angela!
Happy New Year to you too SM. Pfeffernüsse is my favourite cookie too. And the kimchi looks delicious too.
Hi,
I have never tried Kimchi sounds like a very interesting dish.
Happy New Year.
The little things in life like a man alone are the important things we all should notice I feel. Confession of LOVE. mad 2 9 I really meant it ) In my time . One Lady still a friend, One I have not seen, she looked so sad confused, etc. A long story.One Lady had trouble loving herself. I hope your confession of love you received Angie was romanticKissed your hand etc..Glad you and your Momma got to spend time together.
Happy New year Angie!!
Love.
Les.
My favorite holiday cookies also. Your lovely thumb and love that color polish on your nails!
Happy New Year! I always have Kimchi in my fridge but I never make my own – I should really start – I bet I would save a lot of $!
Happy New Yeeeeeat
I love kimchi. I am gonna try to make one sometime in the future
I’m glad to hear it, Anu
Happy New Year with lots of cookies =)
oooh, I’m so happy to hear that Kimchi is a staple in your household!
ohhh no. as mentioned, it was completely unsolicited :/
I may be a bit biased but it’s fantastic…Happy New Year!
Happy New Year, Eva!
Please let me know how it goes, Happy New Year, Kari!!!
Happy New Year! I wish you much success, joy, happiness, and good health!
It must sound crazy but I have never tried kimchi before!! However, I have read ‘The Road’ and it’s such an amazing read, way better than the movie
Hi Angela! Happy New Year to you! Awww! Your moma is so cute!!! Yes. Koreans and their Kimchi! Should change your name to Kimchi Monster!! hahaha.. <3 oooh and I've been like you, indulging myself in cookies cookies and more cookies! I hope you have a great year ahead dear! Remember now, a balanced diet means having a cookie in both hands
If I ever take the plunge to make my own kimchi, I am definitely following Step #4. Although, come to think of it, I follow that step most weeks, regardless. LOL
I soooo need to make my own kimchi. I just seen it again on Food Network and now you are posting it. I am drooling…lol!! And did you mention Hugh Jackman…omg!! Delish hee hee!
Happy New Year… I love kimchi! Lovely presentation and mouth watering…..
Am I picking up on some interest in the lonely guy, perhaps some regret that there was no interaction between you before he disappeared? Either way, I’m glad you got some mama time making kimchi, it does sound sol ovely and girl, you’re always giving me a kimchi craving!
He looked like he was at least 60, lol. I guess if that’s your thing… Hope you had a fab night. Kimchi is always good–hope the goodies arrived and you enjoyed them
Happy New Year love!!!
Ohhh, sorry Angie.Well some times feelings of love are like a street my family used to live on in Chicago ONE WAY.
Happy New Year!!
Happy New Year, Deepti!!
I kind of wish I had the Food Network, I bet I’m missing out on a lot….ohhhh Hugh Jackman….please take me away!!! =)
Donuts FTW! =)
That’s actually not a bad idea…lol. I won’t forget that (makes so much sense)! ^.^
Happy New Year! We’ll be swimming in the goodies =)
Both are must-haves =)
happy new yearrr!
X Jenny
Rocknrollerr.com
Win a pair of velvet leggings on my blog!
http://www.rocknrollerr.com/2013/01/give-away-black-velvet-leggings.html
It sounds like you had an amazing ending of of 2012. Your post is very optimistic. I’m not Korean, but I need to make kimchi!
Oh, cookies will always take priority! Happy New Year!
Cookies are your friend!
Kimchi is good for the soul =)
Happy New Year, Jenny.
LOL, I’m always picking up things you aren’t throwing down. I was totally picturing a hot dude! haha! Yes I did get them and I let the company know but didn’t think to tell you. Thank you so much, they are almost gone! I shared a lot with my family. We are little piggies!
My Korean friend once made White Kimchi for me as I can’t eat spicy food. Is it hard to make? I should totally check it out since I really loved it… Happy New Year!
It’s actually much easier. I’ll be sure to post about it =) Happy New Year, Nami!
Happy New Year! And those cookies sounds delish! I plan on making Kimchi from scratch one day. I made it once with pre flavored powder. I like it but not burning hot.
Happy New Year! Nice cookies And I have to make Kimchi from scratch one day. on my kitchen bucket list.
Happy New Year, Evelyne!