It is a happy time, indeed. We are so thankful for the bountiful good fortune in our lives - beautiful family, good health, meaningful work, vibrant community, wonderful friendships. All that we need and more and more and more. We are so very fortunate and deeply grateful.
One of these wonderful friendships is with the lovely Tzang family. Si-fou is not only a fantastic, calm, nurturing piano teacher for Miranda, but also an amazing chef. This woman can cook! Their family welcomed us into their home for dinner on CNY eve where we were treated to a traditional feast. She beautifully created ten (10!) dishes, half of which were vegetarian! I was in veggie girl heaven and savored everything. Seconds and thirds and happily accepted goodies to-go, too. I think John was slightly embarrassed with my dining enthusiasm, but I couldn't help myself. :) It's one of the great pleasures in my life to eat lovingly created vegetarian food.
It is also a great pleasure to go exploring for new ideas in veggie cooking. Si-fou has graciously taken me in the past to the fabulous Oriental Supermarket for a much-needed education. I had been in Asian markets before, but was completely baffled as to where to start. Unless you speak/read the language, it's great to have guide. I came out of there with a ton of ideas and the ingredients needed to get started.
To complete our CNY celebration, on Sunday we checked out the new 888 International Market in Overland Park. Ohhh, it's fun. Where else can you find this beauty?
We browsed around, giggled at the ugly vegetables, plotted ways to release the live fish to freedom, marveled at the 1000+ dried noodle options, stuck our fingers in the vats of mung beans and rice, and of course, bought some good stuff. But I drew the line on this one:
I've got some fun ideas percolating for meals ahead. I will share as I create. Until then, let me wish you many new year's blessings. May the Year of the Tiger be full of good fortune for your family!
Sorry I haven't been commenting - my bloglines feed hasn't been updating me on your blog for some reason. I saw on FB that you posted, and to my surprise I found a whole bunch of new entries! The pasta soup thing I think I could actually handle, but I don't know if my family likes garbanzo beans or not. We make something similar with hamburger. :)
ReplyDeleteTiffy - Just once, ditch the burger and give garbanzos a whirl. Do you like hummus? Chick peas (aka garbanzo beans) are the main ingredient. They have a very mellow flavor. Yum!
ReplyDeleteThat is one interesting veggie you found Meg.
ReplyDeleteI cannot post what it looks like to me.
Finally have time to go look at your recipes, yea.
Happy New Year to you too. You are so fortunate to have found such a lovely friend. That dinner must have been fabulous, wish I could have been a well fed mouse in your pocket.