The national celebration of love has passed; however, maybe the chocolate shouldn't. If you are a chocolate lover, this must be music to your ears! A piece of dark chocolate a day, keeps the doctor away?! Well, not sure I would go so far as saying that, but there has been talk about the health benefits of eating dark chocolate and recent studies that support some of the dark chocolate cravings.
Now, we are talking about dark chocolate here, not milk chocolate. Milk chocolate has a TON of sugar, and anything with a lot of added refined sugar will make you tired, slow and fat. Usually the sugar is what chocolate eaters love, but with some knowledge and a more conscious palate, I believe there is hope for renewed and re-purposed taste buds. That is, taste buds that will desire food that gives energy rather than sap energy away and not leaving you tired or ready for nap time.
Cocoa and chocolate contain flavanols, a type of flavonoid. These flavonoids act as a shield to protect plants from environmental toxins and help repair damage. Our consumption of foods rich in flavonoids cause us to benefit from their “antioxidant” powers. Antioxidants help our body resist damage caused by free radicals that are formed by normal bodily processes such as breathing and from environmental contaminants like cigarette smoke. When the body lacks enough antioxidants, the damage from free radicals occurs, leading us to higher LDL (“bad)-cholesterol oxidation (oxidized LDL-cholesterol hurts the arteries) and plaque formation on the walls of the arteries (Source: Cleveland Clinic). That's the scientific speak. Sounds good to me.
Unfortunately, not all chocolate contains these flavanols because of the process chocolate goes through to become products sold on the market. Cocoa has a bitter and pungent taste. When cocoa is processed, makers remove the taste, thereby removing the flavanols. The more chocolate is processed/refined (such as processes including fermentation, alkalizing, roasting, etc.), the more flavanols are lost. Therefore, any dark chocolate is not sufficient, but overall, dark chocolate is better than milk chocolate. Cocoa powder that has not undergone Dutch processing is also a better choice. Dutch processed cocoa has been treated with an alkali to neutralize its natural acidity and is the familiar modern form of chocolate used in ice cream, hot cocoa and baking.
Finding least processed dark chocolate can be difficult. Since practicality is always an issue, I still view dark chocolate sold in stores with some caution. Perhaps it's time to get to the source--by taking a trip to West Africa! Côte d’Ivoire is the top contributor of cocoa beans to the world, at over 35% of world's supply, and Ghana is second up, at about 20% (2006/7 season). I'm just saying.
Sources: http://my.clevelandclinic.org/heart/prevention/nutrition/chocolate.aspx
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_process_chocolate
http://www.suite101.com/content/top-cocoa-chocolate-exporters-a25974
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Monday, February 14, 2011
Finding Love, the who
Part IV, the Final. For Part I: Finding Love, the start
V-Day is here. Happy Valentine’s Day! If you have been following the other postings to my finding love series, you have been thinking about the love question for a few days now. If you find yourself celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone--or not, it’s good to be prepared--here’s a question: How do you know that you have found that right person? If you are married, the question doesn’t really apply because you already made your commitment (and I feel so sorry for those who are in tough marriages...I could not imagine. Nevertheless, we must own up to what we chose; otherwise, the lesson will repeat).
We all want more happiness and less misery. So, for that special someone, how do you know? Side: I still want to see that movie...
Since the answer to the “how do you know” question would lead a person to make probably the biggest commitment of his/her life, we better put some real thought into our answer. For the guy who is even remotely thinking of popping the question, and for the girl who sees this as a serious relationship.
I think we can all agree that this question is tough to answer because so many factors are at play. However, here are a few thoughts, perhaps obvious or perhaps something to consider.
Every couple resides in society. Meaning that they can’t cut themselves off from the world. Close and trusting relationships with family and certain friends, as much as able, are indication if the match seems to fit. If we think about it, the wedding is about gathering family and friends, when people have children it’s about family, holidays are about family (or at least a call), even the “–in law” suffix is permanent for immediate family members, and to really enjoy the blessings of peace and harmony within your new family is directly tied to what you bring in, that is, what you experienced in your original families and how you relate to them.
Chemistry, laughter, contentment. The chemistry varies for every person or couple, but there still needs to be some version of fireworks. Otherwise what’s the difference from a really good friend? When speaking of contentment, not talking about you now having someone for yourself, but about an inner contentment with yourself, with how you view yourself, and with what you have. What about laughter? Well, if you can’t be happy before marriage, how in the world will you get through the inevitable hard times in marriage?
Money is attributed as the number one reason for divorce. You both have to share the same views on money – not just in words, but in action. For this, I think you need to see it, to believe it.
Lastly, how do you know she is right for you? Test her. Test him on things important to him and see his reaction. Unannounced, unplanned, surprise situations can reveal a great deal about a person. Don’t put aside the possibility of finding something that could be potentially lifesaving.
V-Day will come and go, as it does every year. And, for people in dating relationships, it hopefully will be a time to think about their relationship. Interestingly, many people around this time do reassess, because after Valentine’s Day up till Spring Break time, the number of break-ups will hit an annual peak (the other is right before the winter holiday). Real numbers actually show this phenomenon. They come from Facebook status updates (surprise!). If you haven’t read, check out my previous blog post, Black Monday, for more detail.
Be happy, we all have something going for us.
Source of picture: 420 heart of fruits. www.aarp.org
V-Day is here. Happy Valentine’s Day! If you have been following the other postings to my finding love series, you have been thinking about the love question for a few days now. If you find yourself celebrating Valentine’s Day with a special someone--or not, it’s good to be prepared--here’s a question: How do you know that you have found that right person? If you are married, the question doesn’t really apply because you already made your commitment (and I feel so sorry for those who are in tough marriages...I could not imagine. Nevertheless, we must own up to what we chose; otherwise, the lesson will repeat).
We all want more happiness and less misery. So, for that special someone, how do you know? Side: I still want to see that movie...
Since the answer to the “how do you know” question would lead a person to make probably the biggest commitment of his/her life, we better put some real thought into our answer. For the guy who is even remotely thinking of popping the question, and for the girl who sees this as a serious relationship.
I think we can all agree that this question is tough to answer because so many factors are at play. However, here are a few thoughts, perhaps obvious or perhaps something to consider.
Every couple resides in society. Meaning that they can’t cut themselves off from the world. Close and trusting relationships with family and certain friends, as much as able, are indication if the match seems to fit. If we think about it, the wedding is about gathering family and friends, when people have children it’s about family, holidays are about family (or at least a call), even the “–in law” suffix is permanent for immediate family members, and to really enjoy the blessings of peace and harmony within your new family is directly tied to what you bring in, that is, what you experienced in your original families and how you relate to them.
Chemistry, laughter, contentment. The chemistry varies for every person or couple, but there still needs to be some version of fireworks. Otherwise what’s the difference from a really good friend? When speaking of contentment, not talking about you now having someone for yourself, but about an inner contentment with yourself, with how you view yourself, and with what you have. What about laughter? Well, if you can’t be happy before marriage, how in the world will you get through the inevitable hard times in marriage?
Money is attributed as the number one reason for divorce. You both have to share the same views on money – not just in words, but in action. For this, I think you need to see it, to believe it.
Lastly, how do you know she is right for you? Test her. Test him on things important to him and see his reaction. Unannounced, unplanned, surprise situations can reveal a great deal about a person. Don’t put aside the possibility of finding something that could be potentially lifesaving.
V-Day will come and go, as it does every year. And, for people in dating relationships, it hopefully will be a time to think about their relationship. Interestingly, many people around this time do reassess, because after Valentine’s Day up till Spring Break time, the number of break-ups will hit an annual peak (the other is right before the winter holiday). Real numbers actually show this phenomenon. They come from Facebook status updates (surprise!). If you haven’t read, check out my previous blog post, Black Monday, for more detail.
Be happy, we all have something going for us.
Source of picture: 420 heart of fruits. www.aarp.org
Friday, February 11, 2011
Finding Love, the where
Part III. For Part I: Finding Love, the start
Where do we go to find love? Oh man, the question that people who have yet to fall in love probably obsess over. Just where do I go to find this person? Wouldn’t it be great if there were some Foursquare, Facebook Places or SCVNGR game that we could play to find our love?? Games + relationships. Badges to unlock. Challenges to do or give. Location based meetups. This could be a really cool startup idea! Haha, if you find this interesting, send me an email at findfoodlove@gmail.com. We can talk startups!
One would think that there are so many opportunities to meet people. Your childhood, school, interest groups, church, friends of friends, family friends, study abroad, vacationing, people you work with, people you meet…but yet with all these different possibilities, for some reason, it seems difficult to meet someone who you can connect with on all fronts (or even good friends for that matter).
School seems like a good place to meet someone. People are around the same age, lots of social events, and people have a little more flexibility with their time especially during breaks (though barring med school). Going into business school, I thought the prospects of meeting someone would be very high. The person would be somewhat filtered, probably possess similar priorities in life, and the female percentage is like 30% (what better stats than that?!). Granted, there are people who do meet their special someone in b-school (yea!), but anecdotally, it seems that many singles, especially women, do not come out marrying someone from business school.
A friend recently sent over an interesting article asking why are there so many single ladies in b-school? (for full disclosure, this friend is a guy who did not go to b-school, as far as I know, and says he has other buddies who have similar observations). The article is attached below, and one major reason it suggests--and that most guess--is that these women are too focused on career (and you probably can apply this context to any woman pursuing graduate studies).
Well, I mean, if you go to business school, you probably do want to do something in and with your career, right? It only makes sense. But, the discussion does bring up a valid point that women SEEM aggressive, not willing to follow men, and would choose career rather than settle down with a family. All valid points to a degree, of course depends on the person, but I think as women, we should really consider the perception we give.
But, on the other hand, I think men need to consider this point. If she isn’t married, then she can’t have kids (or at least, that’s not plan A), and what if no one comes around? She will be on her own and she has to sustain herself financially and socially. In many ways, even for those who do marry, there still will be times of loneliness, of not being understood or not provided for.
Back to the where question—I guess there really is no one place to meet someone even when it seems to make a lot of sense. But no matter what our status, I think good things will come if we stay social, care for others, show care to our family, friends, strangers, and believe that we are looking for a good fit, not just any fit.
With that said, here is a brainstorm of possible ways we could meet that right person, or even platonic friends. Not comprehensive at all, as online dating is always an option.
1) Join groups where people know each other. They would then be more likely to introduce you to people whom you can get to know. Associations, professional groups, church groups, religious gatherings, volunteer organizations that interact with other people. Or, maybe it's time to mix up our groups and go where we don’t know people. Maybe I should take my own advice…
2) Talk to people. People do help other people, and they might have ideas for you. Ask, and ye shall find. Don’t ask and don’t find.
3) Meetups. By interests, by activities. Grubwithus.com might be an idea. You have dinner with a group of strangers. The startup recently became a Y Combinator startup. Outdoor activities that rotate players could be interesting. Exercise classes, going to matches or competitions with friends - the person competing could have different circles of friends. If you go to a party, I find it's not just about "being" at the parties or going to places. It's more about interacting with people and meeting through a conversation. I have been to parties where all the people who know each other just keep talking to each other. It’s easier, and sometimes it’s good to do it, but maybe it’s time to put in that extra bit of effort.
4) Old friends. So, here's one that could be really interesting. People you grew up with or have known for a long time, but never dated because it never came up due to timing or something. Time does tell.
Article “All the Single Ladies?”:
http://www.whartonjournal.com/
Where do we go to find love? Oh man, the question that people who have yet to fall in love probably obsess over. Just where do I go to find this person? Wouldn’t it be great if there were some Foursquare, Facebook Places or SCVNGR game that we could play to find our love?? Games + relationships. Badges to unlock. Challenges to do or give. Location based meetups. This could be a really cool startup idea! Haha, if you find this interesting, send me an email at findfoodlove@gmail.com. We can talk startups!
One would think that there are so many opportunities to meet people. Your childhood, school, interest groups, church, friends of friends, family friends, study abroad, vacationing, people you work with, people you meet…but yet with all these different possibilities, for some reason, it seems difficult to meet someone who you can connect with on all fronts (or even good friends for that matter).
School seems like a good place to meet someone. People are around the same age, lots of social events, and people have a little more flexibility with their time especially during breaks (though barring med school). Going into business school, I thought the prospects of meeting someone would be very high. The person would be somewhat filtered, probably possess similar priorities in life, and the female percentage is like 30% (what better stats than that?!). Granted, there are people who do meet their special someone in b-school (yea!), but anecdotally, it seems that many singles, especially women, do not come out marrying someone from business school.
A friend recently sent over an interesting article asking why are there so many single ladies in b-school? (for full disclosure, this friend is a guy who did not go to b-school, as far as I know, and says he has other buddies who have similar observations). The article is attached below, and one major reason it suggests--and that most guess--is that these women are too focused on career (and you probably can apply this context to any woman pursuing graduate studies).
Well, I mean, if you go to business school, you probably do want to do something in and with your career, right? It only makes sense. But, the discussion does bring up a valid point that women SEEM aggressive, not willing to follow men, and would choose career rather than settle down with a family. All valid points to a degree, of course depends on the person, but I think as women, we should really consider the perception we give.
But, on the other hand, I think men need to consider this point. If she isn’t married, then she can’t have kids (or at least, that’s not plan A), and what if no one comes around? She will be on her own and she has to sustain herself financially and socially. In many ways, even for those who do marry, there still will be times of loneliness, of not being understood or not provided for.
Back to the where question—I guess there really is no one place to meet someone even when it seems to make a lot of sense. But no matter what our status, I think good things will come if we stay social, care for others, show care to our family, friends, strangers, and believe that we are looking for a good fit, not just any fit.
With that said, here is a brainstorm of possible ways we could meet that right person, or even platonic friends. Not comprehensive at all, as online dating is always an option.
1) Join groups where people know each other. They would then be more likely to introduce you to people whom you can get to know. Associations, professional groups, church groups, religious gatherings, volunteer organizations that interact with other people. Or, maybe it's time to mix up our groups and go where we don’t know people. Maybe I should take my own advice…
2) Talk to people. People do help other people, and they might have ideas for you. Ask, and ye shall find. Don’t ask and don’t find.
3) Meetups. By interests, by activities. Grubwithus.com might be an idea. You have dinner with a group of strangers. The startup recently became a Y Combinator startup. Outdoor activities that rotate players could be interesting. Exercise classes, going to matches or competitions with friends - the person competing could have different circles of friends. If you go to a party, I find it's not just about "being" at the parties or going to places. It's more about interacting with people and meeting through a conversation. I have been to parties where all the people who know each other just keep talking to each other. It’s easier, and sometimes it’s good to do it, but maybe it’s time to put in that extra bit of effort.
4) Old friends. So, here's one that could be really interesting. People you grew up with or have known for a long time, but never dated because it never came up due to timing or something. Time does tell.
Article “All the Single Ladies?”:
http://www.whartonjournal.com/
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Finding Love, the next
Part II. For Part I go here: Finding Love, the start
Love, what exactly are we looking for? Before tackling the how, the steps, the what to do (the parts Type A people excruciate over), it might be good to know what to look for. At the end of the day, if the person who could be a good fit for us is sitting before our eyes, maybe hanging out with our friends, or even walking by us on occasion, why in the world did we not identify this person before?! Maybe because we didn’t know what we were looking for.
For illustration on why I think this is important, take this example, in fact, one of my favorite analogies. Right now, there is a load of snow in the Midwest. I went for a walk in this knee high snow just because I could (and loved it; best exercise ever). I start to walk in the snow with my head down, watching my every step but just walking, with no goal of going to a certain spot. After a few minutes, if I turn around and look back at my footsteps, I will see footprints that zigzag in a kind of meandering pattern. I then pinpoint something in the distance, continue to walk with the focus and intention of going to that spot. After a few minutes, I turn around and look back. I see a straight path, no zigzagging around.
Such is life. Without knowledge, conscious decision of where I am going, or in this case, the kind of person I am looking for, I will likely kiss a lot of frogs, meander all over the board, and maybe even end up with a wrong fit.
I am not supporting check lists. Or strict standards. Sometimes we think we know what we are looking for, but in fact, the best thing is not on the list. Thereby, I suggest the start of knowing what to look for is yourself.
Every person is different. It may take months, if not years, and probably hardship to really know oneself. Sometimes the biggest blessings are those really rough and tumble times when we are at a total loss, feel like a failure, and have little hope. This is when we are challenged to face who we are and who we are not, and to think about how we truly see ourselves and our future. So if you find yourself in that right now, consider yourself blessed! You are going to get to know yourself.
For those who don’t face those times, just wait, yours will come. Meanwhile, take time for introspection and heart examination. I bet you will find more about yourself then you ever did if you didn’t stop to think about who you really are -- how you grew up, what excites you, what sets you off, what grudges do you hold, the meaning of life for you. Those who know themselves are more able to relate to others, and that other person can actually understand you. What they know is what you say and do. If you don’t have a good hold on yourself, how will you know that person is a good match?
Other traits worthy to look for? Someone who opens up. A person who will really talk with you, sharing themselves with you and with others, a reality you can witness. And a person who is self aware, who can humbly take criticism and apply it.
Someone who keeps his word. When people say their marriage vows, you want someone who will mean it. And, in return, you are just as committed. This also includes follow through in the everyday.
Look at the fruit of your interaction. Just because you guys can make a dinner decision together doesn’t mean you guys communicate well or that talking through a fight is indication. If you keep fighting about basically the same thing (just slight variations), most likely, something is not getting through. Words are cheap. Actions speak louder. Consistent actions are the real thing.
These are just a few things to think about.
Love, what exactly are we looking for? Before tackling the how, the steps, the what to do (the parts Type A people excruciate over), it might be good to know what to look for. At the end of the day, if the person who could be a good fit for us is sitting before our eyes, maybe hanging out with our friends, or even walking by us on occasion, why in the world did we not identify this person before?! Maybe because we didn’t know what we were looking for.
For illustration on why I think this is important, take this example, in fact, one of my favorite analogies. Right now, there is a load of snow in the Midwest. I went for a walk in this knee high snow just because I could (and loved it; best exercise ever). I start to walk in the snow with my head down, watching my every step but just walking, with no goal of going to a certain spot. After a few minutes, if I turn around and look back at my footsteps, I will see footprints that zigzag in a kind of meandering pattern. I then pinpoint something in the distance, continue to walk with the focus and intention of going to that spot. After a few minutes, I turn around and look back. I see a straight path, no zigzagging around.
Such is life. Without knowledge, conscious decision of where I am going, or in this case, the kind of person I am looking for, I will likely kiss a lot of frogs, meander all over the board, and maybe even end up with a wrong fit.
I am not supporting check lists. Or strict standards. Sometimes we think we know what we are looking for, but in fact, the best thing is not on the list. Thereby, I suggest the start of knowing what to look for is yourself.
Every person is different. It may take months, if not years, and probably hardship to really know oneself. Sometimes the biggest blessings are those really rough and tumble times when we are at a total loss, feel like a failure, and have little hope. This is when we are challenged to face who we are and who we are not, and to think about how we truly see ourselves and our future. So if you find yourself in that right now, consider yourself blessed! You are going to get to know yourself.
For those who don’t face those times, just wait, yours will come. Meanwhile, take time for introspection and heart examination. I bet you will find more about yourself then you ever did if you didn’t stop to think about who you really are -- how you grew up, what excites you, what sets you off, what grudges do you hold, the meaning of life for you. Those who know themselves are more able to relate to others, and that other person can actually understand you. What they know is what you say and do. If you don’t have a good hold on yourself, how will you know that person is a good match?
Other traits worthy to look for? Someone who opens up. A person who will really talk with you, sharing themselves with you and with others, a reality you can witness. And a person who is self aware, who can humbly take criticism and apply it.
Someone who keeps his word. When people say their marriage vows, you want someone who will mean it. And, in return, you are just as committed. This also includes follow through in the everyday.
Look at the fruit of your interaction. Just because you guys can make a dinner decision together doesn’t mean you guys communicate well or that talking through a fight is indication. If you keep fighting about basically the same thing (just slight variations), most likely, something is not getting through. Words are cheap. Actions speak louder. Consistent actions are the real thing.
These are just a few things to think about.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Finding Love, the start
A request has been made for a piece on finding love (and understandably so since my blog is called FINDING food or love). We are all aware of that special or dreaded day that is coming upon us: V-Day. A day of misery for a many lonely souls and a hole in the pocket for those in love (have retailers/restaurants duped everyone on this one?)
For those who are still in search for love, so many questions remain. How do we find him/her? Where do we go to find love? And, how do we know that we have found that right person (and keep that person around, which may be the tougher challenge)? A whole movie even has been devoted to the last question (did you see How Do You Know with Reese Whiterspoon?). Many people said the movie was bad, so I have yet to see it, but I still kind of want to (I have a soft spot for chick-flicks).
So what to do? Well, for one, I think women in the last couple of generations face a new frontier of life. Meaning new ways to spend our time, education, shot at a career, sport races to participate in, more disposable income for enjoying what we like, traveling on our own, and I think all these things are great. I am a direct beneficiary of these marvelous liberties, which give me more perspective, a way to create my own interests and happiness. However, on the other hand, I think that these things feed a woman's independence and demand, that perhaps don't allow us to fully appreciate and see a man's potential, what it means for a man to lead, for a man to face the pressure of making hard decisions (and, that is what hones them!), and for a man to figure out his needs. From what I observe, if a man doesn't face pressure, well, he doesn't need to make a decision, take a step, think about something he doesn't want to think about. I would say they, more than women (on a relative scale), have this tendency.
I see this whole finding love endeavor as a delicate balance. For a woman, she is to be open, content, ready to give, yet perceptive enough on what kind of guy he really is (after he flexes his muscles or his suaveness) and to not do everything just to keep him around. For a man, taking the reins on what is best for both parties, making things happen, not being afraid to fail, learning how to be there for her but not over do it, and yet also being perceptive on what kind of person she really is and figure out whether she is the type who is demanding of all his time and life (if so, get out now, you are already in hell).
These traits are important to develop whether you are in a relationship or not (and may be less painful if you are not). So, whatever your V-Day status is, let's focus on ourselves and be that better person.
For those who are still in search for love, so many questions remain. How do we find him/her? Where do we go to find love? And, how do we know that we have found that right person (and keep that person around, which may be the tougher challenge)? A whole movie even has been devoted to the last question (did you see How Do You Know with Reese Whiterspoon?). Many people said the movie was bad, so I have yet to see it, but I still kind of want to (I have a soft spot for chick-flicks).
So what to do? Well, for one, I think women in the last couple of generations face a new frontier of life. Meaning new ways to spend our time, education, shot at a career, sport races to participate in, more disposable income for enjoying what we like, traveling on our own, and I think all these things are great. I am a direct beneficiary of these marvelous liberties, which give me more perspective, a way to create my own interests and happiness. However, on the other hand, I think that these things feed a woman's independence and demand, that perhaps don't allow us to fully appreciate and see a man's potential, what it means for a man to lead, for a man to face the pressure of making hard decisions (and, that is what hones them!), and for a man to figure out his needs. From what I observe, if a man doesn't face pressure, well, he doesn't need to make a decision, take a step, think about something he doesn't want to think about. I would say they, more than women (on a relative scale), have this tendency.
I see this whole finding love endeavor as a delicate balance. For a woman, she is to be open, content, ready to give, yet perceptive enough on what kind of guy he really is (after he flexes his muscles or his suaveness) and to not do everything just to keep him around. For a man, taking the reins on what is best for both parties, making things happen, not being afraid to fail, learning how to be there for her but not over do it, and yet also being perceptive on what kind of person she really is and figure out whether she is the type who is demanding of all his time and life (if so, get out now, you are already in hell).
These traits are important to develop whether you are in a relationship or not (and may be less painful if you are not). So, whatever your V-Day status is, let's focus on ourselves and be that better person.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year
Happy Chinese New Year to you! This is a time when the Chinese, especially for all of China, takes a long break and spends the holiday with family and friends. It's usually a two week holiday, which goes to show you that this is no small celebration. The Chinese love to eat, and this is the holiday in which you bring out all the stops. You serve chicken, duck, fish and pork among the other delicacies including noodles! These foods all symbolize something, or at least someone way back when made it more meaningful (and easy to remember) by putting together the associations. That was kind of smart...
If you can remember them.
The ones that I know of (and the American sites I looked at all have different explanations; I should have asked a Chinese friend from China, but alas, he/she is not sitting here) are that the fish symbolizes prosperity, because the old Chinese saying directly reflects it (Mandarin: nian nian yoh yuhr). And, you serve the fish whole. Usually the most senior person gets to eat the head. So, if you find yourself dining with a Chinese family, don't snag the head until the most senior person (and all those more senior than you) has indicated he/she would be better without it.
The other is noodles. Long noodles symbolize longevity. We typically make super long noodles and eat in a delicious broth. Our noodles are homemade, and I know that I have done a good job when they are super gummy. Yum!
Whether you are celebrating or not, it's a fun time to go to your Chinatown and check out any festivities that might be going on. People are typically very *happy* around this time!
If you can remember them.
The ones that I know of (and the American sites I looked at all have different explanations; I should have asked a Chinese friend from China, but alas, he/she is not sitting here) are that the fish symbolizes prosperity, because the old Chinese saying directly reflects it (Mandarin: nian nian yoh yuhr). And, you serve the fish whole. Usually the most senior person gets to eat the head. So, if you find yourself dining with a Chinese family, don't snag the head until the most senior person (and all those more senior than you) has indicated he/she would be better without it.
The other is noodles. Long noodles symbolize longevity. We typically make super long noodles and eat in a delicious broth. Our noodles are homemade, and I know that I have done a good job when they are super gummy. Yum!
Whether you are celebrating or not, it's a fun time to go to your Chinatown and check out any festivities that might be going on. People are typically very *happy* around this time!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Cabbage in the Snow
Record breaking snow happened in this area starting yesterday. Shoveling is tiring! This is a day that I realize the awesomeness of having a pickup with a shovel attached to the front of it. I am sure many people hand shoveling today were having snow plow envy, haha.
In the dead of wintertime, there aren't many vegetables in season. And if you try to buy some way out of season vegetable, it looks limp and dead (probably because it traveled like almost 10,000 miles to get to you). Cabbage is a late fall through winter vegetable. And, the colder it gets, usually the sweeter the cabbage tastes. Cabbage has been a staple for at least two millennia and can be eaten raw (think: coleslaw) or cooked (I hope you are not thinking of boiling it... :)). It holds many nutritional benefits and has cancer-fighting ability.
Researchers have observed that women from Eastern European countries surrounding Poland and Russia were much less likely to develop breast cancer than American women. An analysis was done and it showed that the Eastern European women's intake of cabbage was much higher. Years of research were devoted to indoles, a phytochemical, and found that indoles alter estrogen metabolism in a favorable way, reducing risk of cancer. For an inexpensive vegetable, it has some really great nutritional value for a low price!
Red or purple cabbage also contain the same pigment molecules found in blueberries. They belong to a group of flavonoids and act as powerful antioxidants.
I eat cabbage sauteed (as I do with most vegetables), just add oil, salt and some pepper.
For more info and on how to buy cabbage: http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/02/in-season-cabbage-choosing-storing-recipes-20100206.html
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden
In the dead of wintertime, there aren't many vegetables in season. And if you try to buy some way out of season vegetable, it looks limp and dead (probably because it traveled like almost 10,000 miles to get to you). Cabbage is a late fall through winter vegetable. And, the colder it gets, usually the sweeter the cabbage tastes. Cabbage has been a staple for at least two millennia and can be eaten raw (think: coleslaw) or cooked (I hope you are not thinking of boiling it... :)). It holds many nutritional benefits and has cancer-fighting ability.
Researchers have observed that women from Eastern European countries surrounding Poland and Russia were much less likely to develop breast cancer than American women. An analysis was done and it showed that the Eastern European women's intake of cabbage was much higher. Years of research were devoted to indoles, a phytochemical, and found that indoles alter estrogen metabolism in a favorable way, reducing risk of cancer. For an inexpensive vegetable, it has some really great nutritional value for a low price!
Red or purple cabbage also contain the same pigment molecules found in blueberries. They belong to a group of flavonoids and act as powerful antioxidants.
I eat cabbage sauteed (as I do with most vegetables), just add oil, salt and some pepper.
For more info and on how to buy cabbage: http://www.seriouseats.com/2010/02/in-season-cabbage-choosing-storing-recipes-20100206.html
Source: 150 Healthiest Foods on Earth, by Jonny Bowden
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