Weekends and Comfort Food.

On Blast - Shawn Colvin - "Sunny Came Home."

I love cooking on the weekend, mainly because I actually can take my time with no obligations. I wanted to try out some new recipes... Asian contemporary comfort food with a healthy twist. I didn't concentrate much on presentation:

Fried Rice Style Risotto with Nori Crab Fritters With:

-Stir Fried Vegetables.

-Sweet Chili Lemon Sauce.

Jasmine Tea Shortbread

Anyway, I have a party to go to after I eat all this. Nom nomm.

ALSO, new pics of the bike. I got some cheap drop bars :). I plan on painting the body next week.

-KJ

If You Build It, They Will Come.

On Blast - Toni Braxton - "I Get So High."

So my search for a road bike is finally making progress. I scored a Univega Supra Sport frame and fork set for $20 and I plan on getting some drop downs for around $5.

I needed a project to work on to keep myself busy and I think this is appropriate.

I might repaint it... Thinking white with maybe purple and blue somewhere there, probably making the fork purple and the drop bar wraps blue. The school is sending me to Santa Cruz for some food show next week so I want to visit the Bike Church up there... I'm hoping it's open when I'm in town because I hear that shit is pretty legit and I wouldn't mind getting things for close to nothing.

I miss San Francisco. My weekend visit was wonderful but I'm in slight withdrawal again.

Also - "Fat girls and mopeds, fun to ride until your friends see you" : Sarah Colonna.

-KJ

Cooking (for) Mama.

Crab Cakes with:

-Spinach and Mushrooms with Balsamic Vinegar.

-Pesto Israeli Couscous.

-Pan Fried Herb Polenta Cake with Oven Dried Tomato and Basil.

-Tomato and Pepper Leaf Sauce.

-Sweet Chili and Lemon Aioli.

For my mama. Nom nom nommmm.

-KJ.

Weekend.

Let's catch shit up to speed.

So midterms worked out pretty well and I'm stoked because now I have a few more months until I graduate. I like being a senior in culinary school now, things are lax and I'm actually starting to learn again. However, once school is done, I'm not quite sure what I should do. There are so many options and a lot of things I wouldn't mind doing, but the trick is getting a job in this crack ass economic climate. I have to stay optimistic though.

Also, I've been trying to go out more often. I know bar hopping isn't the best approach to getting back in the niche of things, but it really is helping me open up and just get rid of so many insecurities I had. It's weird... Maybe it's the meeting people and never seeing them again thing... or just watching drunk girls dance and boys continue to buy them drinks. Good times.

This weekend is going to be a lazy weekend and I frankly think I need it. I plan to play WoW, sleep, and cook for my mom this weekend. Cooking for my mom is a little less stressful and I think it's pretty fun just because I never get to cook for her in the week because I'm in school.

Boring blog. Blah blah.

-KJ.

Help I'm Alive.

On Blast - METRIC - "Help I'm Alive."

I've been in a pretty bad funk lately... I'm not sure what to do about it. I'm lacking inspiration and motivation--I'm hoping it passes soon because it's a real buzzkill.

-KJ.

Midterm Stress Pt. 2.

On Blast - Lemuria - "Pants."

I got the chance to practice my midterm today... I took some pictures, woot.

Just a refresher, it's a three-course meal prepared for four judges that must be completed in four hours. Here's my menu:

Appetizer: Sake Bomb Potstickers with Teriyaki Vinaigrette.

Main Course: Chicken Adobo Pot Pie

Dessert: Chocolate and Fig Napoleon with Raspberry Coulis.

Potstickers (using top right presentation and drizzled with teriyaki):

Chicken Adobo Pot Pie (only with puff pastry squares on top):

Chocolate Napoleon (needs raspberry coulis):

I'll take some better pictures next time around. Holler.

-KJ

A Bad Idea.

On Blast: Tegan and Sara - "The Con (Live)."

So I decided to gauge my ears from 2g to 0g.

I've been considering for a little bit, I even consulted some of my friends (who I found are not pleased by this decision, but what the hell?) So I went and bought some tapers and just went for it. I was okay with it for a little bit but I've been a 2g since my senior year (almost four years ago) so my ears were not pleased. I also chickened out because I don't want to get in anymore trouble in culinary school with my apparent crazy liberalistic appearance.

Anyway, let's close with a good idea.

Canele with Cardamom Creme Anglaise.

Caneles have been on my mind ever since I tried my first at Clementine's. It's a win-win texture/taste situation and I've also discovered how amazing cardamom is in sweet dishes. I stumbled upon this recipe and I HAVE TO TRY IT. The only setback is that canele molds are either expensive or online... at least the ones I've found.

Random Fact: My night elf hunter's pet's name is Clementine.

Random Fact Deux: I play World of Warcraft.

Random Fact Trois: Clementine is a crab.

(Crab sounds... click click crack.)

-KJ.