Just for Fun Friday #3

Making Mandu!

This week, hubby and I made homemade Mandu!  This is the recipe we used.... Thank you Maangchi!

This is something new we tried for the very first time -- and we think it'll become one of our family traditions!

What's Mandu?

 Little Pockets of heaven!  They are dumplings made with a seasoned meat and vegetable stuffing that are then steamed, added to soups, or in my case pan fried.  (It's basically a Korean Pierogi with a thinner skin or the Korean version of a Potsticker...SOO GOOD!)

To make them I used two kinds of store bought "skins" -- Big round ones (like below) and plain old Wanton Wrappers.

We mixed up the meat mixture -- I used all Beef instead of some beef, some pork... added seasoning, onion, green onion, garlic, cooked and chopped sweet potato noodles (like the kind you used for JapChae), and crumbled tofu.

You take a thin little wrapper, add some filling and fold up your little balls of deliciousness.  Pictured here you see three Mandu made by hubby (on the left) and two made by me (on the right) -- you can tell because my ends point out and his are crumpled in.

Once we had a nice stockpile build up, I pan fried a few in some vegetable oil -- SOO GOOD and CRISPY!

Random Childhood story

I've always been a fan of any kind of dumpling.  Korean Mandu, Chinese Pork Buns, Polish Pierogis -- if it's a cute little dough packet with a delicious filling, then it qualifies as one of my favorite foods.

Growing up, my grandparents lived very close to a Catholic church that had very Polish roots.  My paternal grandmother was part Polish -- so she loved this!  Every year, the church would coordinate efforts with the heavily Polish local population to put on a full blown "Polish Festival" to raise money for their church and Catholic School.

This this was the Sh**!!  There were Super sketchy Carnival rides, Polish bands to play Polka non-stop for the whole 3-day festival, a grown-ups only Beer Tent and all your typical carnival foods -- including Caramel Apples, Elephant ears, and funnel cakes.

There was a huge tent with nothing but games -- ring toss, balloon dart pop, bingo, etc... even Texas Hold 'em!  All games cost a quarter or $0.50 and would go towards fundraisers for the school or charity.  If you won a game, you'd get a prize -- Once I even won a GORGEOUS doll!

At the very back of the festival's lot, there was a CANDY TENT!  The entire tent was just display after display of candy -- some pieces were 5 for a penny, others were a quarter each, and the full bars or packs were a dollar or more.  I would save up my money (or beg for allowance) and stock up on candy.  The festival was in August and at times I would still be eating my candy horde well into Halloween season...

The Polish festival was something we looked forward to every year.

The best part was the fact that they had any kind of Polish food you'd like -- Kielbasa, cabbage, and of course PIEROGIS!   That's right -- addition to all the other food stands, you could also get the most delicious, fluffy, crunchy, chewy, cheesy, potatoe-y Pierogi ever!  They always had three kinds -- Potato, Cheese, or Potato & cheese.  You could get individuals or combos and they let you have as much sour cream as you needed.  My favorite were the potato & cheese (why choose right?).

I remember ordering some that were so fresh and hot that I couldn't wait to take a bite!  I burned the crap out of my mouth, but it was worth it.

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some MANDU!!  Any local Korean restaurant (worth their weight) will serve these either steamed or pan fried -- try them both and let me know which you prefered!

(2) Make some dumplings!  Any kind of dumplings!  I have found that one common thread through most cultures is their embrace of the dumpling...

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

What's your favorite kind of dumpling?  

Do you have any fun things you like to do with family every year?

Thirsty Thursday #3

The Diet Coke Conundrum...

For today's Thirsty Thursday, I've researched why diet coke (or all diet sodas) are bad for you.

Let me start by saying that I LOVE DIET COKE!  I really do...  There were days, not long ago, where I could have a can for breakfast, lunch, snack, and dinner!  Something about a nice cold can of diet Coke just hits the right spot and perks me up... probably the caffeine and fake sugar...

 

I was recently reminded by a very smart friend of mine, that consuming Diet pop (of any type) is a dangerous thing to do.  We all know that Soda in general is a bad thing to consume regularly (if at all), because of the high sugar content and weird additives and stuff... but what's wrong with Diet... The ingredients that make it "diet" are worse for you than the ingredients in regular soda.

Effects of Ditching the Diet Soda

According to an article I found from Prevention.com, the following 8 benefits come when you stop drinking diet soda:

1. Migraines disappear and focus sharpens
2. Taste buds are more sensitive
3. The Scale goes down!
4. Bones Strengthen
5. Attitude towards food changes
6. Handle booze better
7. Fat storage and diabetes risk decreases
8. Kidney function improves

Research is still being done to fully understand all possible side effects of artificial sweetener consumption.  One study showed links between regularly drinking Diet Coke and vision impairment (and argued that professional pilots for commercial airlines are prohibited or discouraged from drinking diet drinks due to this link).  Scary Stuff!

 

A friend's warning

My friend (who is a nursing professor) explained it to me like this:

When you drink Diet Soda, it tastes sweet -- so the body tells the pancreas to produce insulin so that you don't go into Sugar overdose... but the sugar never comes (since it's flavored with artificial sweeteners) so there's an excess of insulin in body that the kidneys have to clean up!  

Excess insulin in the blood stream causes blood sugar levels to drop -- so after the caffeine wears off, you'll be left feeling tired and probably hungry (which is your body trying to regulate itself).  You end up eating more calories to balance out the lie that was diet soda.

 

Sticky Points

**When a point is poignant, I call it sticky because I remember it -- like a sticky note helps me remember to buy milk...**

• Diet Coke (and really all artificial sweeteners) is a lie you're telling your body.  I want my body and I to be on the same team!  Lying to your body is not the way to get healthy.
• I don't want diabetes, brittle bones, obesity, or migraines!  There are already risk factors based on my family history for all of these issues -- I don't want to make matters worse with bad habits!

What will I do?

I can honestly say it's been nearly 3 weeks since I've had a diet drink.  This Thirsty Thursday #3 marks the 3 week anniversary!

• I've stopped putting Splenda in my morning coffee (I'm cream and coffee only now -- sometimes Almond milk and coffee only),
• I've stopped drinking diet soda (if I'm super craving a Diet Coke, I'll have a sip or two of regular.  Surprisingly, a few sips into the super sugary drinks and I'm no longer interested... weird huh?
• I've been drinking unsweetened iced tea when I'm feeling like a cool, yet flavored refreshment.
• I've started drinking more water!  Hence Thirsty Thursday -- to remind myself why water instead of diet soda.

What's your favorite drink?  

What are you drinking this week?

Do you have any Diet Drink Addictions??? Please tell me I'm not alone :-/

What to Eat Wednesday #3

What to eat this week -- Energy Foods!

I have been SOOO TIRED this last week!!!  Decided it was because of too much junk (too much junk food, junk activity, and junk entertainment -- not enough quality stuff).  Did some research and found this article from Shape that lists foods that can boost your energy levels.  

Here are the 10 energy boosting foods

1. Salmon
2. Citrus
3. Eggs
4. Beans
5. Walnuts
6. Leafy Greens
7. Bran Cereal
8. Dark Chocolate
9. Coffee
10. Water

Food Facts

1. Salmon -- contains Omega-3 fatty acids  = energy
2. Citrus -- Vitamin C boost immune system and helps balance energy and alertness
3. Eggs -- (See What to Eat Wednesday #2 for more info) -- just pure awesomeness
4. Beans -- B vitamins = energy
5. Walnuts -- good for your brain and also has Omega-3's
6. Leafy Greens -- Vitamin C, K, Calcium, beta-carotene, and folate
7. Bran Cereal  -- B-complex vitamins, fiber -- varies by brand/type
8. really dark chocolate -- stress fighting/energy boosting nutrients
9. Coffee -- Caffeine -- duh...
10. Water -- See Thirsty Thursday Post!

Recipes to Try 

I decided on these three recipes that are a combo of energy boosting foods.  I'm going to try them!  Dare you to do the same!

1. Pan Seared Salmon with Kale and Apple salad
2. Mexican Egg Bake with Spinach, black beans, and cheese  (Side of grapefruit please!)
3. Trail mix made with Walnuts, Bran Flakes, with Dark Chocolate nibs!

What do you include in your diet that boosts your energy?  

What do you do when you have energy slumps?  

How do you stay away at your desk all day?

Tuesday Treat Day #3

This week's Treat

Dry Skin Brushing!!!!

Why???

You might be thinking -- how is this a treat??  Taking time out of our busy lives to pamper/care for ourselves shouldn't be reserved just for treat days, but like many of you -- I get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life and forget to take care of myself!

I have to remind myself, with Treat Days, that I'm important!  If I'm not well taken care of, then I can't take care of others well!  This treat also is completely free (once you have the proper brush).

Skin Brushing 

Skin brushing relates to the practice of exfoliating by using a brush (like the one pictured above) on dry skin in circular motions.  It's best to start from the furthest points from your heart and work your way in (to promote circulation).

Here's what I do:

• Starting with the tops of my feet, using a dry brush on dry skin, I lightly brush the skin in circular motions
• I then slowly moving up to the ankles and then legs
• Once I've finished brushing each leg, I start with my fingertips/hands and work my way to my shoulders
• Then I finish with my torso making sure to use light circular motions.

I usually follow skin brushing with either a shower or by moisturizing my skin... but do whatever feels right for you.

Skin Brushing Benefits

1. Exfoliation --  Whenever I skin brush, it's like a snowfall in my bathroom!  So much dry skin!  So many flakes!
2. Increase circulation -- you'll feel your skin come to life as you brush it!! 
3. Stress relief -- play some relaxing spa-like music, light some candles, relax!  Skin brushing can be meditative and can help reduce tension and relieve stress
4. Reduce cellulite -- not sure I believe this one, but in this article they claim the increase in circulation/stimulation can help break up the fatty deposits that cause my cottage cheese thighs!  Hey, why not!
5. It feels good!!  It's like scratching an itch that you didn't know you had -- in a place that you couldn't otherwise reach!  This is especially true of my back -- I have super dry skin and the brush I use has a really long handle so I can reach every inch of my super dry flakey back!  (sorry for the gross overshare...)

What are some other treats that I should indulge in?  

Have you every tried skin brushing?  

If so, do you see any improvement in  your skin or cellulite like the article linked above claims?

Just for Fun Friday #2

Here's a "Just for Fun Friday" fact for you--not all Kim (seaweed dried into sheets) is the same.  

I've tried several types, some Korean and some not and I have to say Korean seaweed is the best!  (Not at all bias...)

Korean Kim just seems flakier and crispier and it's seasoned so it has a burst of flavor and texture in your mouth while you chew it. Other seaweed sheets are tough and flavorless. (I'm looking at you Japanese nori...)

This brand, aptly named A+ Kim, is the bees knees -- and makes these cute individual packs. 

  

Random Childhood story

When I was little, my mom would sometimes make us Kimbap -- Rice rolled up in seaweed sheets with eggs and veggies, and then sliced into little disks of heaven.  Sometime she would make a dipping sauce with soy sauce and hot pepper flakes --  It was the BOMB! 

Sometimes, when I was feeling ravenous and impatient -- my mom wouldn't even go through the added trouble of cutting the Kimbap -- so she'd make a roll up for each one of us kids and we'd walk around outside chewing on our snack.

There used to be a Korean Market right near our house, a long time ago -- when I was maybe 4 or 5.  My mom was friends with the owner/operator so we'd get to go in the back -- where there was a break room/living quarters complete with a fridge, cabinets, and a stove/oven.  On the other side of this massive supply/break room there were huge pallets of bagged rice.  

We'd climb all over them and while we were playing, my mom and her friend would fry up some eggs to make us Kimbap.  Once they fixed this snack, they'd bring us over our plates and we could eat them right there on top of Mt Rice Bag...  It was beyond cool.

Sometimes when I see Kimbap at the market registers, I think of climbing those bags of rice and the crazy fun we'd have imaging we were scaling a tower to take over a castle, or that we'd be the first Point-Five-Koreans to reach the peak of a huge mountain.  Such fun!

For this Just for Fun Friday -- I challenge you to either:

(1) Try some Korean Kim!  You can find it on amazon or go for the A+ KIM from a local Asian Market near you

(2) Recall a favorite game you used to play as a kid -- the more you used your imagination, the better!  Share with a comment/reply.  

What will you do Just for Fun today?  

Do you ever get random flashbacks triggered by something you see, eat, or smell?

Thirsty Thursday #2

Hydrate!  It's Important

For today's Thirsty Thursday, I've researched why proper hydration is so darn important.  Turns out, there are medical reasons, not just sports performance reasons!  SHOCK!  Here's the article that I found and will be referencing throughout.

Your body is made up mostly of water.  On a microscopic level, water is the medium through which cells move, remove waste, process bodily functions, and lubricate joints and themselves.  If you're dehydrated you'll feel it!  Symptoms include little to no urine, dry mouth, headache, confusion, dizziness, and sometimes (like with me) nausea.

If you are already sick with fever or are throwing up, it's extra important to remember to hydrate -- because you're at higher risk for dehydration.  Same for those exercising, pregnant, or trying to lose weight -- so basically everyone ever.

Ok, it's important -- now what?

Drink!!  The article recommends 6 to 8 eight ounce glasses of water a day or what is reasonable for your situation.  If you're a fan of the 21 day fix, you'll remember that the program recommends half your weight in ounces (so 80 ounces for a 160lb person -- that's 10 eight ounce glasses).  

The good news is, you can spice up your water by adding things like fruit, mint, or even a mix of both.  Strawberry slices with mint leaves is banging!

You can also change up what you're drinking entirely and opt for a fruit and vegetable juices, milk, tea, or coffee.  Even some caffeinated drinks can contribute to your overall hydration -- but be aware since these come with a caloric price tag.

Eating soups, veggies, and fruits will keep you moist and is a great "cheat" for those of us that can't fathom drinking constantly throughout the day.

Random Childhood story 

When I was young -- maybe 4 or 5 -- I was really sick.  Throwing up, dizzy, super sleepy, and crazy nauseous.  I couldn't keep anything down and my head was burning up with fever.  Turns out, I was super dehydrated.  My parents had to take me to the ER, in the middle of the night, where they strapped my arms down to a board and put in an IV of fluids.  

Once I was in the ER, I don't really remember much besides waking up and seeing my arms strapped down and calling out for my dad and him not being there.  I panicked and called louder and louder until he came running, red eyes strained with worry and fatigue.  He had literally just stepped out to grab some coffee and use the restroom but had been basically by my side all day.  He felt so bad that I woke when he wasn't there, that even though I fell back asleep he wouldn't leave again.

My mom had to stay home with my sister and little baby brother (who wasn't even walking yet) -- but I could only imagine how scary it was for her.  Before my dad took me to the ER, I remember my mom was super mad.  They were 20 somethings with three kids and to think of an ER bill on top of what I'm sure were stretched resources... *shudder*  poor thing.  

My biggest take away, growing up Point Five Korean, was to drink drink drink after that.  I was terrified that (1) I would get strapped into a bed with a HUGE needle in my arm again and (2) my Korean Mom would be ULTRA PISSED if I was responsible for another ER bill...

Another random fact from this memory -- I got to wear my pink fuzzy slippers to the ER and hold a plastic shopping bag in case of car-vomit.  Even though I'm sure it looked super bad -- I felt basically like a rockstar.  BOOM Pink fuzzy slippers... what you got?  lol!   ^_^

How do you stay hydrated?  

What's your favorite drink?  

Do you have any childhood dehydration/hydration stories??? Please tell me I'm not alone :-/

What to Eat Wednesday #2

What to Eat this week -- EGGS!

This week's "What to Eat" is all about Eggs -- I've been an egg lover as long as I can remember!  My go-to habit lately is to hard boil a bunch at the start of the week and then eat one or two for breakfast (with coffee, toast, and maybe some breakfast meats).  

What I like about eggs:

• "Packaged" as single serving
• Can be prepped ahead of time
• Are super filling and keep me full all morning
• Can be made for breakfast, lunch or dinner
• Act as a great camouflage for veggies
• Packed with Protein
• Add a sort of silky luxury to my Korean dishes (yolk on top of Bibimbap... mmmm...)
• Are relatively cheap and easy to have on hand
• Versatile enough to be transformed into new dishes -- as a way to be creative!

Nutrition Stats

 For such a versatile little bundle of deliciousness -- Eggs will only clock in around 80 calories a piece.  They are a great source of protein and really easy to pop in your mouth once they're hard boiled.

According to this article, eggs have 10 proven health benefits including:

1. They're super nutritious -  They contain Vitamin A, B5, B12, B2, Folate, Phosphorus, and Selenium as well as some Vitamin D, E, K, B6, Calcium, and Zinc.  Not bad for a little nugget of heaven that'll only set you back 70-80 calories for one large egg.
2. They're good for your eyes -- move over carrots!  Apparently they contain Lutein and other nutrients that may help counteract some processes that could adversely affect our eyes.
3. They're high in quality protein-- One egg contains 6 grams of protein
4. They'll keep you full -- Eggs are the original protein ball and protein keeps you full!! 

Recipes to Try

1. Good Old Hard Boiled!!  I stick a few eggs in a pot, cover with cold water, then bring to a boil with the lid on.  One the water is boiling -- I take the pan (still covered) off the heat and let it sit for at least 10 minutes before I rinse with cold water and peel.  Once I peel them I let them cool fully and store in individual zip lock bags in the fridge for grab and go mornings.
2. Frittata -- I add anything I have laying around and make new combinations any time.  Here's a great recipe to start with. 
3. Omelet -- My absolute favorite omelet is one made by my dad with perfectly cubed ham and lots of shredded cheese.  I've also had one with caramelized onions that makes a great dinner with a side salad.  I usually use two large eggs to make my omelets because 3 is just too many, but if you ever have issues with tearing or stuffing leaking out -- use more eggs and split with a friend!
4. Egg salad sandwiches -- for a great low maintenance lunch -- I use hard boiled eggs, that I smash to oblivion and then add veggies and either miracle whip or mayo depending on  my mood.  Great on toast/bread, crackers, or in a salad
5. Coconut Macaroon -- Coconuts have their own amazing health benefits, but add in some whipped egg whites and you bump up the protein -- and make it into a cookie?  What could possibly be wrong with this??

How do you like your eggs?  

What's your go to breakfast for grab and go mornings?  

What are you eating this Wednesday?