Drizzle of Sunshine: dishes

Did anyone else watch that show, Supermarket Sweep? (Not Asian Supermarket Sweep) Seriously, the best show ever! Don't act like you don't remember those gold wrapped hams.

A few weeks ago, my parents went on vacation to the Philippines, Vietnam, and Korea. I was very jealous. They went to the Philippines because that's their homeland, Vietnam because my Uncle works there, and Korea because that's where my brother was born and they haven't been back since. Ahh, the life of an Army family. Even though I couldn't go, my mom and dad promised to bring me lots of goodies! They DID NOT disappoint!

First up in my bag o' goodies were some real deal chopsticks from Vietnam, these adorable chocolate lollipops, and the coolest toolsknown to man! I will be showing this off in a future post. You won't want to miss it! It makes something that is awesome!

And of course, my parents couldn't forget all the cooking presents!

My mom couldn't find a Korean cookbook that was in English, so she brought me these recipe cards she found at the market. Now all I need is a Korean friend who will traslate. Anyone?

She did find a Filipino and Vietnamese cookbook. I will be making and eating lots of Vietnamese spring rolls this year.

And last but not least, they bought me this BEAUTIFUL apron from Korea to add to my apron collection. It is made to look like a Traditional Korean Wedding Dress. Isn't it gorgeous? I don't even want to cook in it.

..via..

My parents also took a massive amount of food pictures for me! I will be posting those soon, so we can all take an imaginary trip to Asia.

In the meantime, you can take your own trip to Asia by visiting your local Asian market. Now, don't be shy or bashful. I know it can be quite intimidating to roam around a market that is literally quite foreign to some you, but be brave and see what's in there!

There are aisles and aisles of new and exciting things to try...

Dumplings and tofu? CHECK.

Delicious sweets? CHECK.

Tea choices galore? CHECK.

Instant Curry for when you're in a hurry? Yuppers!

Loads of cute snacks? HELLOOOOO Kitty!

But take heed because there are some unusual items that you might not see at your local Trader Joe's.

But, other than the hanging ducks and rather unique butcher and seafood section, you're good to go! And if all else fails, ask one of your asian friends to take you! I will gladly go with anyone who asks, but only if you buy me some Hello Kitty Crackers.

On my last trip, I loaded up with all these goodies for under $40. That's a steal if you ask me!

Delicious Filipino bakery items.

Some sauces, seaweed snack, ramen, falafel mix, and a $5 steamer!

Dried mango, green tea, and macadamia nuts.

If you ever go to an Asian market, you wont regret it. You will find lots of yummy treats and interesting knicknacks. And for all your girly girls out there, their makeup is top notch! Take a chance and go to one. Trust me, I'm Asian.

Some of my Asian recipes

Pad Thai and Pineapple Fried Rice

In a hurry Chicken Curry

Lemon Herbed Chicken Curry

Soy Glazed Salmon

Dim Sum Dumplings

Filipino Lumpia (Eggrolls) and Pancit (chow mein)

Let's get down to business...and defeat the Huns! (That was for all you Mulan fans out there!) Kudos to the person that IDs that part... hehe

Project Wifey Wife #3 Dessert:

Carrot and Spinach Chocolate Brownies

There is a lil' carrot guy who somehow dodged the puree-ing blades in my Magic Bullet.... sneaky soma-biatch.

I tried this recipe out from the Deceptively Delicious Cookbook. Here's the low down.

I pureed some spinach and some carrots... and even threw a few to the pupsters.

Such a patient fellah'

Then, I melted this Mam-ah Jam-ah.... and threw few to me-sters

Must....not....drizzle.... in....my....mouth

::wipes drool:: Then, I whisked...

Oh YEAAAAAAAA...Chocolate porn... excuse my language.

I find that the best way to keep my kitchen spill and splatter free, is to lay down a towel... a cute festive one preferably.

After I baked it, I served it with some DELICIOUS Vanilla Haagen Dazs... dUUUde! Sooo good.

Hubsters said that it was more "chocolate bread" than it was brownie. It is a work in progress and next time (and there will be a next time) I will add more chocolate (to the bowl and my belly) and maybe not use Whole wheat flour. It was a bit grainy.

Here's the recipe if you're interested:

http://family.go.com/food/recipe-281285-deceptively-delicious-brownies-t/

For dinner, and yes we ate dinner first, I made Filipino Chicken Adobo and Eggplant Adobo. Turned out good. But as easy as this sounds, Adobo is truly an art form. If you put too much of one thing... you'll ruin it. THIS dish is a filipino staple. I will perfect this before my kids are born.

Here's the recipe in a nutshell...

Boil 1 cup vinegar, 1 cup water, 2 Tbs of chopped garlic, 2 bay leaves, salt and pepper (about 5 shakes and 3 twists if you know what I'm sayin')

Add chicken and cook for 30 minutes. You can use party wings like I did, because they're fun, or whole chicken pieces. Then, add about 1/4-1/2 cup of soy sauce... depending on how salty you want it.