29Aug / 2022

Recipe: Mixed Berry Muffins

Sorry, I don’t have high end pictures for you folks like ever. And this picture is actually of the first batch I made that weren’t as good as the second batch. Okay, actually I personally liked the first batch because it was super dense and moist to me. But muffins are not supposed to be like that. I took a look at my baking powder and realized it was 2 YEARS after the best by date. Oops. So I went out and bought new AP flour and baking powder and boom, the muffins were a hit at work!

And yes, I did get this recipe from TikTok. It was from a very sweet older man who exclaimed his wife eats 1-2 of these muffins a day. His recipe was all raspberries while mine has strawberries, blackberries, blueberries and raspberries (not trying to sound fancy, that’s just what comes in the frozen bags for smoothies!). This is a great recipe and the lemon zest really adds the perfect zing. The recipe below includes my little tweaks.

Mixed Berries Muffins

Dry Mix
3 C all purpose flour (no need to sift)
1 1/4 C sugar (I probably just used 1C and 2T)
4 t baking powder

Wet Mix
⅔ C oil (corn, canola, vegetable)
2 large eggs
1 T pure vanilla extract
1 C buttermilk
Zest of 1 lemon
1 C frozen strawberries, chopped small
1 C frozen mixed berries, chopped small

Chop up strawberries and place back into freezer. Chop up frozen mixed berries and place back into freezer, keep the 2 cups of berries separate.

Mix dry ingredients in a bowl, set aside.

Mix wet ingredients together in a bowl and pour into dry ingredients. Mix until batter is formed (no flour left).

Add frozen berries one cup at a time, folding berries into the mixture (do not mix or overmix). Spoon into lined muffin tins.

Bake at 400 degrees for 23 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Note: Batter produced enough for about 18 muffins.

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27Aug / 2022

Clubs to Join!

As I promised, here are the Parks and Recreation clubs that may be of interest to you! All online through zoom and no cost!! Please join us!

Book Club

If you like reading and discussing books, here’s an online class for you! Participants, along with a moderator, will select a book and meet weekly to discuss it. Through discussion, we hope to gain a better understanding and appreciation of the books.

Registration Link

Movie Club

If you like watching and talking about movies, here is an online class for you! Discussions will occur virtually and will be moderated. We hope this discussion group will lead to a greater understanding and appreciating of the films we watch. Previous discussions have centered on Asian-American and foreign-language films. Please join us!

Registration Link

Atlantic Magazine Discussion Group

The group will select and read an Atlantic magazine article per week and meet weekly to discuss them.

Registration Link

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26Aug / 2022

Mixed Plate Friday

I went to Las Vegas in April, I’ll share some pictures soon although it felt like eons ago. Also, I came back from Vegas with Covid. I guess not everything that happens in vegas stays in vegas. Well, no one wore their mask in Vegas and every time a door opened, I got such a strong smell of pakalolo that I think perhaps I would have tested positive for it had a drug test been administered.

Anyway, obviously Trader Joe’s was an absolute must. This Cacio E Pepe sauce was kind of all the rage back in April so I got it. It’s not worth it. Don’t waste your time, luggage space and like chance of it exploding in your luggage. It’s super bland – it’s basically an alfredo sauce. Just go eat alfredo at a restaurant, it’ll probably be way better.

That’s me trying to make it look better with some steak. Also, these are not udon noodles – they are the special pasta that is like a thicker spaghetti and it’s hollow. Bucatini! That’s what they are called. Anyway, thumbs down.

Speaking of covid, during the last government free giveaway of covid tests – I placed my order and got this. I never got this brand before AND they only sent me two of these and these boxes only contain one test each. I was supposed to get 8 total tests! Well I submitted an inquiry with USPS and they took a while but came through and sent me my brand new 8 tests.

I wanted to post this because this test is AWFUL. If you ever have to buy a test, don’t buy this one. First of all, you can only use this test if you download an app on your phone and the app requires you to give your personal information. I hate that. Then, you see the testing stick on the box? It works as a bluetooth to your phone so basically you can’t touch your phone for 15 minutes because it is being used for the test result. It is all so stupid. And guess what? In the end, it tells me they couldn’t figure out a result with my test. WHAT A WASTE OF MY TIME. Anyway, I already have the app and have one more of these dumb tests left. Don’t use these.

Goteborg Musubi

My friend kindly shared some slices of goteborg sausage with me. If you didn’t know, the best place to buy it is at Times. They will slice it to the size you specify. Also, they tend to put these sausages on sale during big holidays so keep a look-out. I never cooked these before but it is really so simple and you definitely don’t need oil to heat it up. So fast and easy. The boys loved it cause it’s like eating crispy pepperoni – just add some hot rice and furikake on top and you’re good to go.

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24Aug / 2022

Jalgachi – Honolulu, HI

I am too lazy to look now but I am pretty sure I have posted Jalgachi before. They are still the top makers of bossam in my opinion, if there is a better restaurant out there, please let me know! I came in for lunch about 2 months ago, food was still delicious. Prices have gone up, but where haven’t prices gone up? Their Yelp business hours have not been updated but they are closed on Wednesdays – FYI! We learned the hard way.

Bossam (Steamed Pork with Oyster) | $37.99

Yes, it’s pricey but it’s so worth. I really love that they season the pork so well. The oysters and the mixture beneath? *chef’s kiss* It’s just the perfect dish. Honestly, I could eat this as my entire meal. Not that I should. (Let me live!)

Complimentary Banchan

They used to give you six dishes of banchan – I guess covid has changed things a bit. And it seems like these are the mainstays – they used to vary up the banchans.

Bibimbap (Brunch Special) | $13.99

Actually, my friend and I shared the bossam and bibimbap. It worked out perfectly, we pigged out but didn’t overstuff ourselves. We had two Korean men dining next to us and both of them constantly left their table to go outside to smoke. They really slowly ate and drank…super slowly. Good thing it wasn’t that busy.

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22Aug / 2022

Honey Glazed Hams of Hawaii – Honolulu, HI

Honey Glazed Hams of Hawaii is located so close to my work place but I only tried their deli sandwiches for the first time maybe two months ago? Wild right? And guess what? I loved it. Simple deli menu but it really shows you how good quality deli meats can really elevate a sandwich. I’ve always just bought the packaged deli meats in stores, is it worth it to go to their deli counters to get the meats there??

Anyway, this store is also so cute because it’s like a little craft fair in the store! So many cute little products. I hate their parking lot lol so that’s the only caveat. If you come on a weekday during off-peak hours, it’s not too bad!

Turkey Pesto Melt | $9.95
smoked turkey breast, pesto mayo, melted provolone cheese with tomatoes on white bread

I know this sandwich may not look like much but it was packed full of flavor. Oh so good, highly recommend!

Portuguese Bean Soup

I got this with the sandwich as a combo. Would not recommend. I love myself some portuguese bean soup but ho….this was salty! Maybe it was that day? I don’t know. I’m willing to give it one more try but yes, salty. Also I have a coworker who makes the best ever portuguese bean soup so it’s hard for me to like others as much but well…I can tell if something is too salty…

I am posting the menu that was up in the store when I visited but it looks like their prices have gone up so please refer to their website for the most updated prices. I didn’t see the different combos on the website listing so I wanted to post this anyway.

I also tried their Honey Glazed Ham sandwich, sorry I didn’t get a pic of it but that was so good too. Nice thick slices of tender ham. Man, I wanna go back again soon!

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19Aug / 2022

Hello there

I would hate to sit here and tell you I’m back to normal posting. I want to be but that might be a bit hard to promise. I did want to post an update and slowly slip back into somewhat of a normal posting schedule.

First off, thank you for all the warm wishes. We have been living with the new normal and there have been some really rough moments in my life these past few months. I don’t want to go into too much detail here but am posting because I am in a better place now.

I hooked up my phone to my computer for the first time this morning and my god, I have too many pictures to sort through. A lot of my dine out pictures are old and I hardly go out now. I have still been cooking so I’ll post both anyway.

One thing I have really enjoyed for a few months now have been a few clubs I joined through the City and County Parks and Recreation – they are all free and completely online through Zoom. They have been run by a great facilititator and the people in the groups have been small in numbers but awesome awesome folks. If you ever have an interest in joining a book club or movie club, I do hope you’ll join us when the new enrollment period starts! Then you’ll be able to “meet” me as well! I’ll post the enrollment information when it opens up! If you have any questions about the clubs, please don’t hesitate in asking me!

A bit blurry photo but look at the beautiful flowers I received for my birthday! I wanted to share this blurry picture because I wanted to show off my Baymax and Mochi dolls in the back lol.

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11Jan / 2022

Happy New Year

Hi everyone. I hope you folks had a nice new year and holiday season, if you live in Hawaii…I know you went through torrential rains and loud bombs. I no get why people get enjoyment out of those big bomb sounding fireworks. I get the enjoyment of fireworks in the sky but the bombs…why?

Anyway, without going into too much detail…I had an awful December. A family member had a stroke and we have been adjusting together as a family. The first few days were scary and very touch and go but now we are doing nothing but progressing so I am grateful and relieved. I’ll try my best to post here and there but it’s a bit hard to focus on extra curricular activities at this time.

I’ll end the post with a funny picture I took at work not too long ago. Someone like be funny yah? 🙂

Please take care of yourselves and take care of your health! Mind the ones you hold near and dear as well. Take care.

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17Dec / 2021

Mixed Plate Friday

Oahu Noodle Factory | Wide Egg Noodles

Wanted to make a noodle dish at home and wanted fresh noodles so we went to Oahu Noodle Factory in Kalihi. It’s a great deal and while parking is non-existant (unless you know, let me know) – there is an spot to illegally stop your car in front of their shop and run in and out for. Well I did it…but I would always bring a buddy so I can drive around in a circle if needed. I was in luck today! This bag was about 2 lbs, they were charging $2.50 a pound when I was here.

I saw this online a few months ago and was super curious about it. Someone said Costco would start carrying it but it never came to our Costco so I got it when I saw it at Target. Kind of pricey but curiousity killed the cat. It’s pretty good, definitely can taste the coconut oil but just a hint of it. It tastes pretty okay! I’ve only had it on top of toast.

This Mazemen was on sale at Don Quijote for $3.99 so I gave it a shot. It comes with sauce packets, you cook and drain your noodles and mix it with the sauce packets! You have to add your own toppings. It was pretty good! I would get it again should the craving occur.

Acai Bowl | $12.25

One Saturday morning, I decided to head out to Hawaii Kai after my walk to go to Costco and Ross. Well I was a bit too early for Costco so we decided to head to a little cafe for a smoothie and acai bowl. Goes to show you how much I know, Island Brew Coffeehouse in Hawaii Kai is a totally swinging brunch place during the weekends and it was PACKED. It was raining this day so I just wanted for grab and GET OUT. They are also very pricey. Kind of pricey for this huh? I guess I should get used to it…inflation isn’t leaving anytime soon. Was it good? Sure. It’s an acai bowl. Anyway, I would probably avoid this place next time due to popularity and price.

Can I also just add, Ross Hawaii Kai and Costco Hawaii is the most chill and laid back. And HK Ross has all the cool stuff. Okay, have a good weekend folks!

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15Dec / 2021

Piggy Smalls – Honolulu, HI

I got the chance to return to Piggy Smalls for brunch and oh boy did I jump at the chance! Parking was crazy. Ward has been super busy lately, they’ve been using their space to hold different fairs (like themed craft fairs) so I’ve had to park pretty far up. I guess it’s a good thing for retailers right??

Seasonal Slushy | $5.00

Man oh man, what was this flavor? Okay, I am going to go with POG. Was so nice and refreshing. They change it every month!

Classic Pho French Dip Banh Mi | $17.00
12 hour slow roasted beef brisket, spicy hoisin, thai basil chimichurri, sautéed bean sprouts & onion, toasted la tour baguette, side of our classic beef pho broth for dipping

I absolulely would get this anytime and at any place. In fact, if we didn’t order our second entree – I would have added noodles for $4.00 to the broth. We shared this sandwich and it was good to the last bite. Okay the side salad, why they served us a salad “undressed” is beyond me. How embarassing for the salad (sorry, bad joke) but the salad was wasted because I am not an animal and will not eat plain leaves for pleasure.

Banchan’s Army Stew (Budae Jjigae) | $39.00
vienna sausage, spam, aged kimchi, ramen noodles, american cheese, tofu, microgreens

This was the next dish we shared together. Oh boy, talk about salt bomb yeah? I mean it’s all the meats and they were pretty generous with the meat! I was kind of surprised. Wasn’t a huge fan of the microgreens as the topping but went with it. We were both pretty stuffed from the sandwich already so we could barely finish this. It was good…but for a hipster place you know? I gotta get this dish from a Korean place next time.

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13Dec / 2021

‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon – Kalihi, HI

Honolulu Aunty told me about ‘Ōlena by Chef Ron Simon a few months ago when I posted about banh mi. Well, I finally got a chance to order from them this past week along with some office folks! Sad to share that they are closing down on December 24th but are looking for a new location so I am sending good vibes their way. I am not sure the name of the lady in the front but boy is she friendly and vivacious. That’s the best way to describe her, what a difference awesome customer service makes. Well if you can order before they close, do it! They have an online ordering system that makes it super easy to order, pay and pick-up! Also, they are super busy so that’s probably the best way to get your food.

BBQ Pork Ribs | $16.99
slow-braised tender, pork ribs with lilikoi BBQ sauce. served with choice of white or brown rice and fresh pineapple coleslaw.

Two office mates ordered this dish and both enjoyed it! I like that you can really customize the sides. Not sure what Olena rice is but that’s $2.00 extra. No one ordered Olena rice so I couldn’t tell you!

Red Wine Beef Stew | $14.99
gluten-free braised beef stew with choice of white rice or brown rice or local greens

Feedback on this dish? They felt like the stew could have been braised longer and the sauce/stew could have been reduced more. I can see what they mean…doesn’t look as thick and it could be huh?

Blackened Ahi Sandwich | $16.99
Regular Fries Add | $4.50
served with sweet aioli

Feedback on this was…the ahi is cooked perfectly. Nice and pink inside. Do I think it’s worth $4.50 to add fries? Personally no, but if you are able to eat it fresh…it’s nice and crispy! Not so good cold.

Chicken Lemongrass Banh Mi (Sandwich) | $13.99
Add Fries | $4.75

Whoa whoa whoa, how come the fries cost more to add to a banh mi plate? Hmm…

Chicken Lemongrass Banh Mi (Sandwich) | $13.99
Extra Cilantro | $0.25

Okay, this was mine! I got my sandwich without the fries and added more cilantro because I freaking love cilantro. So how was it? Good! I think it’s a great lemongrass chicken banh mi and I like that the lemongrass isn’t overpowering!

Spicy Ahi Roll | $16.99

A co-worker was nice enough to order this to share with us! I got to try a piece. How was it? Eh, it was good. I guess I prefer my spicy ahi rolls fresh and not fried.

Organic Beets with Caramelized Onions | $3.00

Another dish I got to try. How was it? Ehh, okay. I didn’t taste that much of a caramelized onion taste. Tomatoes are a nice addition, I can just eat my Costco beets though.

Soba Noodle Salad | $10.99

I got this dish to eat for dinner. Okay, I don’t know why I always fall for this. Me being a carb queen assume it’s like a full soba noodle bowl but it’s actually a layer of soba noodles and the rest is spring salad mix. That’s okay and that’s better for me. I love the toppings on this. There was gari (red ginger), ocean salad, egg omelet, kamaboko, julienned carrots and of course green onion. I like their dressing too! I would get it again.

Seared Ahi | $8.99

I got this seared ahi to share and to supplement my sandwich. It was good, the ahi was seared perfectly. Wish the outer layer had flavor, also wish the sauce wasn’t just wasabi with soy. I guess I am too spoiled by Ethel’s and their amazing ahi tataki sauce.

All in all, it was a good visit! I would absolutely return back to try their food again! Hoping they find a new spot so that we all can try. They update their instagram regularly so check them out. Support local!

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