AhnYoung, Chingoo (hello, Friend)!

Right before I left for college. My Korean mother ushered me into the kitchen to learn first hand how to make kimchi. Looking back, i'm always so touched by mother's gesture. Don't get me wrong, kimchi is by far one of my favorite side dishes. But being this was my first time away from home, it wasn't the first thing on my mind. But, at the time my Mom wanted to prepare me with a traditional dish that she knew would instantly comfort me. You see, I wasn't going to college a few hours away, or even half way across the country! I was going across the globe back to America where I had never really lived at past the age of 3! 

Greyhounds have become an obsession for me as of lately. If you ask me what my favorite drink is, I will most likely answer by asking what the occasion is. That's because I really pick my drinks based on the occasion or mindset i'm in. So what occasion does a Greyhound fit in? For me, it's the weekend anytime after 2pm but before 8pm and usually coupled with an outdoor scene like a rooftop or patio. Yes, that's where my obsession with Greyhounds live.

Consider this to be your warning! I can be a bit heavy handed when it comes to spicy foods! I was groomed for the heat that comes with spice so if you find my recipes to be a bit firey, please absolutely adjust! With that said, I introduce you to my spicy garlic shrimp recipe. Random fact, I have this weird allergy that was inherited from my grandmother where if I touch shellfish my hands will get itchy and puffy. I have no idea why but it doesn't bother me to eat it.

Recently, my Mom came to visit me in Oakland and prior to her arrival, I wanted to bake something in the house to make her feel welcomed. My mom is obviously a big influencer in my blog because well, she was the person who gave me very first cooking lesson. Baking to be exact. I was a highly active kid growing up, always involved in a sports team, club or activity so fundraising was always a big deal. Signature fundraisers back then usually included bake sales so my mom quickly brought me up to speed so that I could help her with the load.

his cocktail reminds me of a special time in Seoul. Special for me at least :). It's right around late March/early April,  when the mornings are still brisk when you first wake up and the sun is out and ready to great you with a warm hug.  Yes, it's the tail end of winter and the very first moments of spring. The scent of the first blooming cherry blossoms lingers in the soft distance and it's so euphoric.

Growing up, Milkis was a treat that I would indulge in whenever I was out shopping with my mom. Especially during the summer months. We would be navigating in and and out of the terminals and street markets and eventually pause for a refreshment break. I would grab the milkis and chug it down for instant refreshment and gratification.

Last year, I tried out the Whole 30 craze and absolutely loved it. When I finished it, I didn't wan't to immediately jump into my old routine so I played around with recipes. I came across a recipe on Pinterest that was basically cashew cookies with coconut milk and it was heavenly

Not your average Tostones! If you love plantains like I do, you may enjoy this twist. This dish pays homage to my Latin and Caribbean friendships. Thank you for introducing me to the many ways to consume plantains!

My Dad didn't always eat Korean food and my Mom vice versa with American food so making two meals and giving us kids an option was their way of meeting in the middle. I know, looking back it's kind of crazy but really it's the breeding ground and foundation for my appreciation for cooking. My favorite memory about this dish is that it was on a weekly rotation. I knew that at some point during the weeknight, after I finished up practice and made my way home that I would be greeted with the comforting sizzling sound of pork chops on the stove.

I love spicy drinks! I know, I'm a rare bird but let me go ahead and say that if you don't like spice, you can just eliminate the spicy ingredients and be left with a refreshing tequila cooler.  I mean, at that point the name of the cocktail won't make sense so you might as well just pivot over to a margarita :) Just Kidding.