Gochugaru Girl attended a very interesting lecture on the Ming Dynasty recently.
Uniquely, the lecture was not about vases but about food.
Recipes
88 ways to know you are Chinese
Gochugaru Girl once sent this list, of unknown provenance, to her mother.
Incredulously, she thought I had written it.
Orange, Honey and Ginger Cake
Gochugaru Girl is a bit embarrassed to admit that she made a mistake with her latest cake.
In my desperation to prevent dehydration, I misread the recipe and drank the orange juice instead of putting it in the cake.
Fresh Soya Milk
Gochugaru Girl was advised this week to drink more.
It is a good thing the consultant didn’t say I should eat less.
Japchae (잡채)
Gochugaru Girl has been consulting a treasured book on noodles.
This book* has been sitting on my shelf for 15 years, and re-reading it shows how much London, and I, have changed.
Cranberry and Orange Cake
Gochugaru Girl is not happy with the sudden change in weather.
Much as I like collecting umbrellas, I really prefer not to use them.
Sausage Rolls à la Chinoise
Gochugaru Girl and family are saying goodbye to some loyal companions.
The children have asked for a photo of our beloved sofas before they go to the charity shop.
Flapjacks for Friends and Family
Gochugaru Girl has a headache.
I am trying to deal with the real pain in my head and also a different kind of headache.
Friday Lunch: Salmon and Salad
Gochugaru Girl is feeling slightly bereft now that all 20 episodes of City Hunter are over.
Although CH is not a recent drama (it was aired in 2011, when I had no interest in anything Korean), the themes will resonate with anyone who is willing to think about what motivates us to live.
French Radishes with a Lemon Vinegar Dressing
This dish accompanies the all-meat japchae favoured by City Hunter and Junior Three.
Besides French radishes, you can use any other type of small radishes.
The dressing calls for lemon vinegar, which I found in my local Korean supermarket. It is similar to the apple vinegar used in this salad.
I only made a small bowl of these radishes, as a side dish. It doesn’t last long so just make as much as you think you need.
For the Radish Salad:
A bunch of French radishes.
Black sesame seeds
For the Dressing:
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon soya sauce
1 tablespoon lemon vinegar
1 tablespoon maple syrup
How to Make:
Slice the radish leaves off and wash the radishes.
Cut each radish in half and place in a bowl.
Make the dressing by whisking the oil, soya sauce, vinegar and maple syrup together.
Pour as much of the dressing as you need over the radishes.
Sprinkle over the sesame seeds.
Serve immediately.
