Sharing my journey...

I can't believe it is been four weeks since I moved out of Utah and move in Kentucky. I never thought of this and it is so surreal to me. But I ended up love it and made the right decision. I do not regret this for anything in the world. I have decided to share my story with you upon my adventure from Utah to Kentucky.

March 27th -
    After work, I went to pick up the rental truck with dolly. First, I rented the dolly with two wheels because it was cheaper than the four wheels dolly. But when I arrived to pick up the truck. They don't have the two wheels dolly and only have four wheels dolly with same price that I reserved. I was so happy about that because it is more safe for my car. Then I ended up first time drive the truck with dolly. I was so scared but I did it alright. Then after dinner, I moved almost all of the boxes into the truck from 8:45 pm to 9:45 pm in the dark. I was totally worn out and I had to go to work on the next day with my arms so sore.

March 28th -
   Again after work, I went back to the house for one last time to see it and finish up moving all of the stuffs. Then my car was put on the dolly. I ended up rent a car for my safety reason. So I left my car on the dolly for almost a week. Then I moved up to Heber City which is literally in the mountain. I was helping my sister and she helped me too. My sister was moving in her new house so I am staying with her for few days until I am finish with my work.

Last time to see Mountain in Utah

March 31st -
   My last day of work was bitter sweet. I do enjoyed working there and I have learned a lot. Then I went to meet my dad at the airport which it was only 10 minutes of walking. So much easy. Then my sister picked us up and went home.

That's what we did drive with this truck

April 1st -
   I packed up few more into the car and the truck. I had to take out some of things from my car because of the heat. Then we were ready to leave. I took Marshall with me to start the journey to Kentucky. We left around 7 am and start on the journey. Marshall did not like the ride at all so it took few hours for him to get use to it. We started to drive on I-80 to go to Wyoming. It was not bad at the beginning but once we passed Green River, WY. It did got little worse because of the winds. The winds were blowing at 35 mph. It took forever to get out of Wyoming. It took us 8 hours. We finally entered Nebraska and it was still windy. We were supposed to continue to drive to Lincoln, NB but it is not going to happen because of this huge storm is coming. We decided to stopped in Kearney, NB. We tried to find a hotel that would accept the cat and it was not that easy. Most of the hotel only accept dogs. Finally, my dad did beg one of the hotel as just for one night. So we got the room and spend the night.

Marshall didn't not like the ride

Marshall started to like the ride

April 2nd -
   We got up so early because we were planned to leave around 7 am to get on the road again. The weather was much better than yesterday. We continued to drive. Marshall had quite become more comfortable than yesterday. He mostly spend his time sleeping in his bed. We continued to drive and then finally arrived in Kentucky around 10 pm. It was the longest drive. We had to make a lot of stops because the truck doesn't have cruise control so it is a lot harder to drive without one. You can try it.

The Fort in Kearney, NB

April 3rd -
   I finally moved in with my Brother in his new house.

That's all of my journey from Utah to Kentucky. It was the biggest move I never done with all of my things. I know that I did move from Colorado to New York for college but it wasn't everything. It was just my personal things. But this one, is everything from bed to etc.

I do not regret to move to Kentucky. It is always the best things to start new life and going for a change.

I will have my next blog to go back to foodie. I do miss it. Just keep eye on it.

Starting New Chapter is Always Best Thing

I know it had been long time since I have post on this blog. I know that you might want to know of any new recipes or the recipes that I test out and want to share with everyone. But things had changed when the new year began.

In December 2014, when my mom told me that she is going to move to Texas in January 2015. That moment, I knew that I will have to move to somewhere else and chose not to move to Texas with her. I thought of Colorado as how much I want to move back because of my friends live there. So I started to apply for jobs there which is the hardest part. Then I already bought the plane ticket, rent a car, stay at my friend's house for two days, and then reserve the hotel room. I had everything set in plan.

First week of January 2015, I flew to Denver to do the job interview. The only thing is that I had two job interviews there and I did call and apply few places but I had no luck. Also I did meet some roommate that I was plan to live. However, when I drove in Denver to get the feeling. You  know the feeling that where you should be. I did not get any feeling when I drove around in Denver as to get to know. I had second thought that I should not be in Colorado for a while. I came back to Utah with little disappointment but didn't give up yet. I had to go back and regroup to figure out the plans.

But a week later, my brother had offer me a place to stay. ONE thing, my brother live in Kentucky which is pretty far away. I had to come to make the tough decision. I do really want to move to Colorado so badly but when I visited there. I didn't have any good support system there. I felt that I was pretty much lonely there. But at the same time, I am starting new life in Kentucky and meeting new people which I am not that type of person to meet new people. Since I am very introvert. I wrote down the pro and con to make the decision. I made the decision to move to Kentucky as not moving to Colorado. I felt the timing was not right.

I started to apply the jobs in Kentucky. I did get more calls than I excepted. I did apply jobs in Colorado and I didn't get a lot of call from them that much as I get from Kentucky. Then I had tough decision was to quit my job and go ahead to move to Kentucky with no jobs. But I ended up ask my dad to see if he can buy me a flight ticket for me to get interview and hope to get a job. My dad did ended up bought the ticket for me. I did flew to Kentucky for fours days. I had two interviews per day which is six interviews, which it was good. I did drive around in Louisville and some in Lexington, Kentucky. That point it hit me that I knew this is the place where I should be. I felt more comfortable to live in Kentucky. I do remember that I always want to live in Kentucky but never in right time. Now it is the right time to live and be much closer to my Dad and my brother.

I know myself that I will be moving to Kentucky with no jobs, but I do have faith in myself that I will get job soon once I live in Kentucky which it could be much easier. Wish me luck for this journey. Keep eye for more blogs when I am settle down.

My favorite view in Kentucky while I was driving...

Surprise News! It had change me!

I cannot believe that it is almost 2015. We always look back of what happen in 2014. There was a lot of wild, tragedy, and good memories. For me, 2014 was the good year for me and some of them are bad. Here is my short summary of what happen to me through the year of 2014.

In January, I continued to work at the HMS Host as Baker and I continued enjoy the job and learning a lot more things.
In March, the tragedy had hit me the hardest. My stepmother Debbie had passed away from brain cancer. My stepmother had fought hard and long for almost two years. I am still missing her a lot. She had influenced me a lot. She is the one who influence me to do the scrapbooking so I am continuing doing my hobby as scrapbooking.
In April, I started slowing move up the position as become second cook and baker at the same time. That when I am starting to learn how to make sauce, soup, and dressing and also including prep the vegetables, fruits, and proteins.
In June, My nephew Samuel had graduated from kindergarten and I was really proud of him. I cannot believe that he is growing up so fast. I picked Samuel up on his last day of school. I had decided to spoil him for the day by take him out for lunch and also I took him to the Aquarium to look at the fishes and etc.
In July, I decided to go up to visit my best friend Becki in Idaho for third time. We have been best friend for 13 years and it is still going on. I still enjoyed it every moment as I could. After that, I went to Days of '47 Rodeo with my sister and we did have a lot of good time there.
In August, I decided to do something good about myself. I decided to do my volunteer time at the Humane Society of Utah. I do miss playing with the dogs. So I decided to start my volunteer at the Humane Society of Utah to spend more time with the dogs by my love that I always want to give. I enjoyed it every moments.
In October, I made the decision to go hiking in the most beautiful nature. I haven't visit this special place for long time. I do remember from my childhood that my family and I were going on hiking with easy trail to this secret lake and it was called Cecrent Lake. I did went up there and surprised myself how I still remember where to go. I went there in right time with most beautiful weather and the colors on the tree. I enjoy it every moment. Halloween night, I spend time with my nephew by going trick and treat.
In November, the Thanksgiving came and I cooked for the last time with my family. They all loved it and include the dessert.
Then the December, things had started to change. I found out that my mom and John are going to move to Texas. I ended up make the decision that I am going to move to Colorado which it is the best for me.

Now, in addition, I want to tell you something. I know that I didn't do any of 2014 resolutions because every time, I made one and I never follow it. That why I didn't do the 2014 resolutions and I just let it happen. I never told anyone and I only kept to myself.

I have started my weight loss program myself with just simple diet by count calories and also exercise 2 to 5 time a week. I have lost 40 lbs since last year. Here is the picture of 2013 and 2014 in same chef jacket that I graduated.

And another one which little more more...

So 2014 was a good year to me. Also I am keep going to reach my goal toward to 2015. Let see what the 2015 will bring.

Happy New Years!

Simple and Easy but Delicious Cinnamon Rolls

Hello Everyone,

I know it had been long time since I have done this blog. Several months, I got so busy and got up at my work. I didn't have the chance to share with everyone with this new recipe that I did. Every Christmas morning, I always want to have Christmas breakfast with family. I never got that chance with my mother. At my father's house, we always have Christmas breakfast and it was the best of all. At my mother's house, I made the decision that I want to make Christmas breakfast. What kind of breakfast that I want to make that is so simple and easy at the same time? I started to realized that I was really in mood for cinnamon rolls. I haven't make it for long time. I clearly remember that I did make cinnamon rolls last year in summer while I was in school. I remember that I make the cinnamon rolls that I add the nutmeg in it and bite it that is just taste like Christmas. I decided to make one. This cinnamon rolls will taste like Christmas morning. Here is the recipe that I want to share with you.

Nutmeg-Cinnamon Rolls
Yield: 12 rolls

Rolls
- 4 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup Granulated sugar
- 2 packets Rapid Rise Yeast (not Instant Active Yeast)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 cup Water
- 6 TBSP unsalted butter, softened
- 1 egg

Filling
- 2/3 cup granulated sugar
- 4 tsp cinnamon
- 4 tsp nutmeg
- 6 TBSP butter, melted (any will be fine)

Frosting
- 2 1/2 cup powdered sugar
- 2 TBSP butter, melted
- 3 TBSP milk
- 1 tsp Vanilla extract

Direction
1. Combine 2 cups AP flour, sugar, dry yeast and salt in large mixer bowl with dough hook and stir until blended. (You can hand-mix but it can be little tough in progress) Place water and bowl in microwave safe bowl. Microwave for 15 sec or until warm (not hot). Add to AP flour mixture with egg. Beat for 2 min at medium speed. Add 1 cup AP flour, beat for 2 min at high speed. Stir in enough flour as it turn into ball.
2. Lightly flour the surface and knead the dough for about 6 to 8 minutes or until it is smooth and elastic. Cover in towel and rest for 10 min. Meanwhile, Making the filling by combine all together. (if you felt it is not enough filling, you can always make it more by double again).
3. Roll the dough to 15x10 rectangle. Then spread the filling all over to the edge. Roll the edge to all the way to the edge and then seal it. Using clean knife and gently cut into 12 rolls. Put in well-greased 13x9 inch casserole. Cover in towel and double in size for 1 hour. (Tip: if you want to make the day before, Just cut the cinnamon roll and put in greased baking dish and wrap tightly with plastic wrap. Then you put in the fridge overnight. They will rise slowly which is okay. When you are ready to bake, take it out and let it rest for 30 minutes before baking).
4. Preheat oven to 350 F degree. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. When it is finished, let it cool for 20 minutes. While it is cooling, make the frosting by combine all together and add milk if need as if it is too thick. Then pour over the cinnamon rolls. Enjoy!

The Magic of the Bread!

Two days ago, I was thinking about making bread; it is because it was almost fall season. Also I know that I had pumpkin puree in the freezer that I want to use it. The first thing that came in my mind is to make Banana-Pumpkin Bread with chocolate chip in it. I never thought of this but I decided as why not try it out to see how it work.

I did make one big change on this recipe. You know that you tend to use vegetable oil to add in the bread. This time, I decided to change to make it little more healthier version but not always. I decided to change from vegetable oil to applesauce. I am sure that you are shocked to see that but it does work well and it is delicious at the end of results. So I have decided to share my recipe with you. You have to try this. It is the best thing in the world. Even my family love it and include my nephew who don't often eat bread but love this bread.

Banana-Pumpkin-Chocolate Chip Bread

- 2 banana, mashed
- 2 eggs
- 4 oz applesauce (I used one of the cup that you eat it out)
- 1 1/3 cup pumpkin, pureed
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 2 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp baking soda
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 tsp pumpkin spice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chip

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F degree. Grease your loaf pan very well by using cooking spray.
2. In a large bowl, combine banana, eggs, applesauce, pumpkin, honey, and sugar until well blended. In other bowl, combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, pumpkin spice, and cinnamon until well blended. Then add the dry ingredient to banana mixture and combine well. You will get thick batter which is normal. Add the chocolate chip and fold into it. Pour the batter into the loaf pan.
3. Bake at 350 F degree for 45 minutes or check in the middle to be sure it is done. Then take out and let it cool for 10 to 20 minutes and then take it out.

Enjoy!

Keeping up with my Culinary Skill

Do you want something low-calories meal for dinner? This one is perfect for you. It is only almost 390 calories but it is still under 500 calories as depend what food that you buy from the store. This recipe is called Sesame Steak Stir-fry. This recipe is so simple and easy. You can find this from Food Network or click the link here: Sesame Steak Stir-Fry.

I did the change on this recipe. Because of some of the food, that I don't like it and also not able to find in the store. I got rid of scallions and replace with yellow onion. Also I got rid of napa cabbage, ginger, and red jalapeno peppers. I was thinking of what my family will like it. That's why I change to make it my own recipe but still it is delicious.

Here is the recipe of my own with change of things.

Sesame Steak Stir-Fry

Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Serving: 4 

Ingredients
2 TBSP light-brown sugar
2 TBSP soy sauce (light soy sauce will be fine)
2 tsp corn starch
2 TBSP vegetable oil (since this ask for sesame oil, that is part where I cannot find in store)
8 oz Top round steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 half yellow onion, thinly sliced
1 whole English cucumber, quartered and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
3 whole carrots, shredded
3 cups cooked white rice, for serving

Directions:
1. Whisk the brown sugar, soy sauce, cornstarch, 2 TBSP water, and 2 tsp vegetable oil in a bowl. Add the steak and toss. Let it aside.
2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat; add 2 tsp of vegetable oil, then add onions and cucumbers. Cook until it is become tender and the onion became little brown; about 2 minutes. Add the carrots and 2 TBSP water; cook; stirring, until the water is evaporates and the vegetables are tender, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to the bowl and wipe out the skillet.
3. Add 2 tsp vegetable oil in the skillet over high heat. Add the steak to the skillet with slotted spoon, stir-fry until browned; 4 to 5 minutes. Whisk in 1/2 cup of water into the steak marinade; then add to the skillet and cook on high heat. Stirring, until quite thick, about 2 minutes. Return the vegetables to the skillet and continue to cook for 2 more minutes. Turn off the heat and let it set for few minutes. Serve over the rice.

Hope you enjoy it! Unless if you are really in mood for Asian food.

Craving for Avocado!

Lately, I have begin to craving for avocado. I was never like this before until last week, that when I start to crave for more avocado, just plain. So I looked through my recipes and cookbook to see anything related with avocado. I was looking for something with savory, not sweet. I started to remember one recipe that I really like the most that I found in Rachael Ray's magazine. It is called Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash. This recipe is really good and it is so simple and easy to do. This recipe had the most amazing flavor and I did change a little. Here is the recipe that you can look at Rachael Ray's... Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash

The only thing that I change is the rice, because when I read the recipe. It is just plain white rice so I decided to tried something new but it is well known rice that you can make it yourself as called Lime-Cilantro Rice. But I was testing by add lime juice in boiling water before you add the rice to cook it; to help infuse the lime juice into the rice so that you can taste it. So I decided to write the recipe on this to help you out with it. 


Pork Tenderloin with Bell Peppers and Avocado Mash (combine with Lime-Cilantro Rice)

Yield: 4 serving; Prep: 15 min; Cook: 30 min

Ingredients
- 3 TBSP Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 pound pork tenderloin (in 1 or 2 pieces)
- Salt and Pepper
- 3/4 cup long-grain white rice (instant rice will be fine)
- 1 lime, juiced
- 1 TBSP fresh cilantro, minced (dried cilantro will be fine, just add 1 tsp but it does have less flavor in it)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 Bell peppers (mixed colors as red, orange, and yellow), thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 2 avocado, halved and pitted, mashed
- 2 TBSP chopped flat-leaf parsley (dried parsley will be fine, but only add 1 tsp)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees . In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium-high heat. Season the pork with salt and pepper, add to the pan and cook, turning, until browned all over, 5 minutes. Transfer the casserole pan covered in foil (to help less cleaning) to the oven and roast until cooked through but still juicy, 10 to 13 minutes for 2 pieces, or 15 to 18 minutes for 1 whole tenderloin. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing. (Be sure the temperature is reach to 170 F degree; It might take longer as 30 to 45 minutes)

2. While the pork is roasting, Prepare the rice. If you are using instant rice, just follow the direction; when you add the water in pot and let it start to boil and add one whole lime juice into the water, then add the rice in it. If you are using long-grain rice; boil the water first, then add the lime juice, then add the rice in it and turn it to low simmer and cover for 20 to 25 minutes without touch it. When the rice is finished, add minced cilantro in it and stir to blend it. 

3. In a medium skillet, heat 1 tbsp. EVOO over medium heat. Add half of the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the bell peppers and onion and cook until the vegetables are crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in halved juice and season with salt and pepper.

4. Scoop the avocado flesh into a small bowl. Mash in the parsley, another halved lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste.

5. Serve the pork with the rice, peppers and avocado mixture.

Hope you enjoy it!