Back From Vietnam

There has been too much going since I have been back so no cooking and blogging. Boo. There might not be a lot of cooking in the near future since I am studying for the bar and have also recently acquired "full-time help". Aside from the humidity and heat, I could really see myself moving to Vietnam especially when I saw so many satisfied friends who made their move from the states to there. Who knows... let's see what happens after my 2 year fellowship. I could see myself living out the rest of my days running some quirky bistro.

First day in VN eating Banh Cuon Cha Lua in Saigon



At Tien's favorite sugar cane juice place since he was 7 in Hanoi. Yes, I'm wearing a scooter helmut.




And I drank plenty of Vietnamese Iced Coffee on my trip. Oh my what I would do for one now.




*Will be retiring this blog and creating a new one shortly!

Marinara Sauce Part Deux

Okay, I was determined to achieve the same look, taste, and texture of marinara sauce you get at the restaurants. At first, I was convinced that they must use tomato paste, however, after making the switch to super ripe tomatoes I did achieve that very deep orangey-red hue.

Blanched very ripe plum tomatoes. See how red they are?!



Once done, take them out and peel off the skin. It should come off very easily at this point, if not, put them back in the pot and cook for a lil' longer.



Now throw it back in the pot w/ about 1 cup of water (I would suggest using less water than more) and cook until they're soft and mushed (yes, very technical) up.



You will need some basil and garlic. This was my attempt of reviving my basil. FAIL.



Looking good! I'd recommend chopping up the basil a bit for finely when you add it to the sauce and or use it as a garnish when you serve it over pasta.

Like last time, season to your liking. Add garlic at the end for that intense garlicky flavor. Also add some olive oil.



I used fresh pappardelle pasta. Yummy!!!



I could eat this everyday, seriously.

Study Foods

I really don't have much to complain about my last set of finals but there were two things that really helped me through this time.

One, an amazing pot of very strong french press coffee and a HUGE mug.



Two, a lot of pocky's!!! This was the chocolate and fromage kind. Super, super yummy.



And last, an amazing dinner to make up for the lack of real foods!!!

One night, we decided to drop by Savenor's in Beacon Hill, Julia Child's favorite butcher shop, to pick up some good steaks. Here, is a Delmonico Ribeye Steak (not sure why i capitalized it but i guess it was just that good that it deserves this much recognition).

All I did was season it with some sea salt and fresh ground pepper. Nice and simple. Medium rare is the way to go.



White asparagus! How exciting?! In any case, after I was done with the steak I just threw the asparagus in the same pan to soak up all that fatty deliciousness.



Fresh guac. This really hit the spot - it just tasted so fresh (because it is) and flavorful. I actually added some garlic at the end and that really turned this great dish into something quite amazing.




Summer Bulgur Wheat Salad. I had roasted broccoli, bliss potatoes, naval oranges, and diced tomatoes tossed in an olive oil and balsamic vinaigrette blend.

Still Studying...

and will be free tomorrow after 12:30 PM. Holla!!! or CHALLAH!!!

Who dat?!



Cooking photos to come later this week or better yet, you'll see my posts from VIETNAM!

Lucky Charm

I have my first final tonight from 6-9 PM. Constitutional Criminal Law, yippee!! So I have two lucky charms for tonight...


yes, that is my outline,



and

this cool t-shirt to wear so folks will know how I represent.

Finals (It's the LAST time I'm ever gonna' say this word)

Anyway, it's ruining me. Forget getting into the best shape of my life, this last week of finals is gonna' ruin everything. Yes, I'm such a Debbie Downer but I can't help it. I don't have anything to eat so I'm munching on everything I've been hiding in the back on my pantry. I can't drink water... I've boiled water but I can't seem to boil enough. I am consuming at least 2000 calories worth of trail mix and another 1500 calories from pocky's. Can someone bring me an apple?!?! Please. :)

I was so afraid of not being able to get coffee that I overloaded this morning with a lot of espresso. Now I'm all wired and dehydrated - yet I have no water!

Juvenile Defenders Clinic End of The Year Shindig

I can't believe it's all over now. No more law school. No more school, period. No more classes, no more exams (except the bar exam)... ever, again. Yes, I know. I'm repetitive and redundant. Like I said, who says I'm not a lawyer?! Margo, our clinic fellow, was so kind and sweet. She threw us a nice get together at her new house in Cambridge. Her house was absolutely gorgeous and adorable with 4 levels, all open space. She made some other stuff but I didn't get to a picture of it [insert sad face]- her quinoa salad was phenomenal and everyone loved it!








Her sweet dog, Lucy!



Professors reading our cards and opening their gifts.