Yes it's been two weeks since my last post. I wish I have an alibi to tell you why I couldn't be here. Sadly, I don't. I just needed a break.
It was like facing a labyrinth, I needed time to find my way through. I struggle with so many aspects of my blog; there is so much focus on SEO, proper photography techniques, and to constantly engage followers and friends on Twitter and Facebook, respectively. For the past two weeks I struggle for the reasons why I blog. On why I sit in one corner of my room writing, even as there are chores to do, nooks to decorate, new sights to behold. That's when I thought I needed to stay away from my blog.
Last weekend my husband and I went to Barnes and Noble, where I usually gravitate towards the cookbook section (where else haha) while he goes to the stereophile aisle. That morning, I went straight to the decorating magazines instead, grabbing the first 4 magazines I see and start leafing through them for inspiration. Suddenly, my husband sneaks up out of nowhere and hands me a new cookbook- The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook. Smitten Kitchen is a popular blog (remember Babble's Top 100 Mom blog list where I ranked 48? Well she's ranked #1). But as soon as I saw it, I felt my face warm. I didn't know how the magazines dropped out my hands or how they magically went back to the shelf. All I know is that I am totally "smitten" by this new cookbook.
There's something in the cookbook that got me back here. There's no stopping me now. I'm here to write about food, family and friends. This is my space to be me. No platforms nor templates to follow. Just me and you reading it. Even if I know you are silent, I know you are there... and that's all I need to know... and that's all that I have to be thankful for.
Hot and Sour Soup
When I served this last night, my husband told me that I should post it here. It is even better than what he usually gets from his favorite Chinese take-out place. Way better! The bowl was a "pick-me up" bowl for a chilly evening. It will literally get you fired up!
Ingredients:
5 cups broth (you may use chicken or beef broth)
5 black fungus (soaked or parboiled)
1/3 small can bamboo shoots
1 egg (slightly beaten)
5 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chili sauce (I used Mae Ploy)
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 block tofu sliced
1 stalk green onions sliced
1/3 tsp chili oil (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil
The procedrure is easy. Pour all ingredients in a stockpot (except for the egg) Let it boil. When boiling stir in the beaten egg. Add sesame oil. Garnish with green onions... enjoy
There's something in the cookbook that got me back here. There's no stopping me now. I'm here to write about food, family and friends. This is my space to be me. No platforms nor templates to follow. Just me and you reading it. Even if I know you are silent, I know you are there... and that's all I need to know... and that's all that I have to be thankful for.
Hot and Sour Soup
When I served this last night, my husband told me that I should post it here. It is even better than what he usually gets from his favorite Chinese take-out place. Way better! The bowl was a "pick-me up" bowl for a chilly evening. It will literally get you fired up!
Ingredients:
5 cups broth (you may use chicken or beef broth)
5 black fungus (soaked or parboiled)
1/3 small can bamboo shoots
1 egg (slightly beaten)
5 tbsp white vinegar
2 tbsp oyster sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp chili sauce (I used Mae Ploy)
1/2 tbsp sugar
1/2 block tofu sliced
1 stalk green onions sliced
1/3 tsp chili oil (optional)
1 tsp sesame oil
The procedrure is easy. Pour all ingredients in a stockpot (except for the egg) Let it boil. When boiling stir in the beaten egg. Add sesame oil. Garnish with green onions... enjoy
Wow. It's like you were reading my mind. I do believe we all struggle with the same thing, and that is to succeed. I love your Hot and sour soup. It's my daughter's favorite. I will have to try to make your recipe.
ReplyDeletethank for the kind marlene. I'm glad to know that I am not alone.
DeleteI hope you will love it as much as we did. Happy weekend!
Malou
Hi Malou, so that explains why you've been so silent for the past days!!! Just missed your posts!
ReplyDeleteAww that's sweet. I thought no one missed me haha dramarama
DeleteThat's great Malou that you now have great inspiration and reason for keeping on going. Sometimes that's what having a break will do to us xx
ReplyDeleteNo problemo, we all needs breaks once in a while, we'll keep checking your blog out dear. MMMMmmm, this one is my hubbys fave, so really have to try this out! Thanks dear!
ReplyDeleteHey we all need a break sometimes :) I admire your restraint for trying to get away from it but blogging just sucks you back in! Bookmarking the soup - it sounds like a great pick me up for when I'm freezing and need something warm stat!
ReplyDelete