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Gluten-Free Apple Muffins with Candied Walnuts and Pecans

I came across the below makeshift memorial in front of an Apple store in my neighborhood. Steve Jobs had such an influence on so many people’s lives: the way people look at technology, listen to music, communicate with others, watch movies, etc. I guess that’s why so many feel like they knew him personally. It’s ironic, given that he was such an elusive man. I don’t know of any other CEO or industry leader who’s death rocked the world the way Jobs did. I wonder if Henry Ford had the same impact on his generation. But he had an eponymous brand that reminded people of who he was. Jobs didn’t have the benefit of a namesake brand; and yet, you can’t picture Apple without Jobs.

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Candied Nuts


I used to buy candied walnuts from Trader Joe’s until I started making them at home. This version is easy to make, has less sugar per serving, and has a fresher taste than the store-bought version. They are great as a healthy snack and as an ingredient in baked goods.

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Pan-Seared Tofu with Soy Dipping Sauce

Amanda Knox is out of an Italian prison. Do you wonder what really happened? So many things seem sketchy about this whole case: the prosecutor, the evidence (or the lack thereof), the accused themselves, etc. The story reads like a lurid tabloid fodder. I feel sad for everyone involved though – the families, of course, the victim, and even the accused. The stink of being accused of murder is impossible to get off, even if you had nothing to do with, especially in the age of fast and loose internet access. Everyone has an opinion about everything. I mean, look at me! I’m writing about it!

To inject a little levity to this serious situation, I would like to share a little tidbit about a Korean custom. In Korea, tofu is given to people right out of prison. This is thought to keep them out of prison in the future. No; the tofu isn’t thought to ward off evil spirits or bad luck that may land them back in prison and help them in their life of crime. Instead, the tofu symbolizes a future of a crime-free life. More specifically, white color of the tofu symbolizes purity, innocence, and starting anew. So I decided to make some pan-seared tofu in the spirit of this symbolism. It’s a positive thing. We all need a reminder to be good at times, albeit for the smaller things in life.

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Vegetable Japchae

Is it wrong to treat your husband like a 5-year-old?

My husband doesn’t like to try new things. He says he doesn’t like something if he has never tried it or heard of it. Does it sound familiar moms and dads? It’s kind of like watching a toddler look at new food, smell it, put it in his mouth, take it out again, and frown.

I love japchae. I grew up with it. It was always made for birthdays because it symbolizes long life and prosperity. And it is absolutely delicious. My husband hates it. He didn’t grow up with it. His mother never made it. Now, he thinks it looks slimy and slippery. And he thinks it will make him queasy. Really?! How old are you?!

I hear that a toddler must try a new food about 8-15 times before the toddler knows if he likes it or not. I think I’m going to test that theory on my husband. Today, I made japchae for the first time since we got married. I am determined he will try it. And I will keep making it. After about 8 times – if he still hates it – I will let him be…   (Update: My husband LOVED it.)

Japchae is usually made with sweet potato noodles. And if you’ve had it in a restaurant, it comes stir-fried on top of rice. But there is a bit of irony to the name “japchae” as it literally means mixture (“jap”) of vegetables (“chae”); and in its original form, japchae didn’t include noodles at all. I’ve had some varieties without noodles. But in my opinion, they don’t come close in taste to the noodle variety.

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Baby Bok Choy Kimchi with Cucumbers

I had the benefit of growing up with a wonderful grandmother who showered me with love and lots of homemade food. We always had at least two or three types of kimchi in the fridge. My grandmother was always in the kitchen whipping up different types of kimchi as well as other delectable dishes. She introduced me to many of the dishes I still enjoy as an adult. And whatever I wanted to eat, she was more than happy to cook. Some of our family members believed she was too indulging. Maybe she was, but her love wasn’t lost on me; I loved her back with all of my heart. She is no longer around. And I miss her.

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