In fact, this weekend we are actually supposed to have snow!
People who are used to seeing snow are probably rolling their eyes, maybe bundling even more reading this, but I'm from Hawaii where there is rarely snow.
Growing up I've experienced hail but that is about the extent of it.
Apparently on the day before the New Year (12/31/2010), there was a huge snowstorm all over Japan.
Since we missed it, I guess Mother Nature thinks we need to experience it.
I'm giddy while Satoshi is dreading it.
During the past days, I've been keeping warm with tea.
I got this Mango Tea (by Hawaiian Island Tea Company) from a friend and it is delicious. I shared some with my host-mom and she raved about it.
She actually wants me to bring some home with me the next time I go to Hawaii.
It is an instant version but takes a little more "work" than just adding water and waiting the 3 minutes.
First you need to "cook" the noodles, add hot water and wait 1 minute, drain.
Then you make the soup...add hot water to the dried soup, "goodies" (green onions, meat, tempura kasu (bits from frying tempura)) & curry paste.
The taste is spot-on...sweet then spicy. Whenever I eat noodles, I usually don't drink all the soup (because there are supposed to be lots of calories and salt), but did so on this day.
And yes, I ate these with a fork...
I actually wished I had a scoop of rice to eat with the leftover curry soup.
The base of the sauce tasted like Western barbecue with some spicy kochujang (Korean miso) worked into it.
This was really messy to eat but really delicious.
Unlike some areas, our area tends to have sunny, clear days.
Though the temperature doesn't get too warm, having the sun shine is definitely good for the soul.
So, if it is cold and dreary where you are, how are you keeping warm?
So I just made the "slow cooker" with veggie and sweet potatoes that you posted only that I had to sub pumpkin for the potatoes since the vegetable seller didn't have any. It was/is GREAT (having it for dinner tonight). I added a bit more chili spice and a good dash of ground red pepper for kick...thanks for sharing and pointing out the link!
ReplyDeleteThis weekend is sun/partially cloudy and 5°C. I intend to go on a snow hike (wanna hit 3 mountain huts at one go) and then if I beg hard enough, MotH might even take me and the dogs so they can get "blessed". Something to do with a saint as usual but MotH hates it when I wanna go to church things. It's not for me, it's for the dogs!
I looove your tea picture . . . so "artistry in tea".
ReplyDeleteHey Kat - I know how you feel about snow. I think it's really neat.... for a couple of days.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like the chili Rowena, and I hope you can get your "kids" blessed :)
ReplyDeleteAw thanks Jalna :)
Yeah Kirk I think if I were stuck indoors for more than a day or two, it would start to get me down.
Take care everyone.
Kat
That tea sounds nice, there is a real lack of variety of teas around here. It's definitely not cold here in Melbourne, more like 30 Celsius most days. Then the crazy days of flooding rain.
ReplyDeleteStay warm! The tea and the noodles look like especially good ways to do it. ;-)
ReplyDeleteI grew up in Miami and now live in MD now. My eyes light up and I am in pure heaven every time it snows. I even love shoveling the stuff. I never get sick of it. People roll their eyes and tell me I'll eventually get sick of it. It's been 7 years and it's still a magical joy, so don't let people's eye-rolls get you down, just consider yourself lucky that you're not jaded!
ReplyDeletegosh I saw all that flooding Sarah, I hope your Summer is going nicely.
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb in Hawaii :)
Thanks H! I don't think I'll ever get sick of snow or flurries :)
Take care everyone.
Kat
Mmmm...mango tea. I think that's the same brand that I bought when I was back home last month. I bought the pineapple and the strawberry lychee flavors.
ReplyDeleteI'll check those out too Genki :)
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat
I have been craving curry udon all winter! Those instant packs are a good idea. Usually I buy the udon and curry sauce separately, or use leftover curry that I've made earlier in the week, thin it out and add udon or ramen. Winter food for sure ;)
ReplyDeletethat sounds like a great way to make curry udon Kathy :) I think the Japanese thin it out the curry with stock instead of water, stay warm!
ReplyDeleteTake care.
Kat