Last night, I found a raccoon sitting on a dumpster at my apartment. Even though I see some wild animals around my apartment such as rabbits and some birds every day, I had never seen wild raccoons here. That's why I was pretty surprised at what I saw last night. I took its pictures with my iPhone.
My entries related to wild animals can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/wild%20animals
I write something on my blog to improve my English skill. "Affiliate Disclosure: This page contains affiliate links. As Amazon Associate and eBay Partner Network affiliate, I earn from qualifying purchases."
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
How I Keep Bananas Fresh Longer
Today, I noticed that my most popular YouTube video, How I Keep Bananas Fresh Longer, has been played over 500,000 times so far! Also, I have gotten over 1,000 liked. :) Yay!
I received some comments that it works great! :)
This is my previous entries related to the way to store bananas.
The Best Way to Keep Bananas Fresh Longer
Keeping Bananas in Refrigerator - The results of the Day 1 to 7
This is my previous entries related to the way to store bananas.
The Best Way to Keep Bananas Fresh Longer
Keeping Bananas in Refrigerator - The results of the Day 1 to 7
This is my YouTube channel.
https://www.youtube.com/user/AMERICAnoRINGOchan
https://www.youtube.com/user/AMERICAnoRINGOchan
Sunday, June 28, 2015
How to Make Sticky Ice Cream with Natto
Today, I made sticky ice cream with vanilla ice cream and natto. The ice cream turned out to be very sticky like natto but didn't taste natto at all. :) It was very fun to make sticky ice cream. I'm going to share how to make it with you.
Ingredients
two packs of natto
any kind of ice cream
1. Remove small packets of soy sauce and karashi mustard from container of natto.
2. Remove plastic film.
3. Move natto to a large bowl.
4. Stir natto vigorously with chopsticks.
5. Take out the natto from the bowl. (You can eat the natto with rice later. )
6. Add your choice of ice cream into the bowl.
7. Stir ice cream vigorously with chopsticks. As soon as you start stirring ice cream, it is getting slimy and sticky.
8. Enjoy!
Here is my video, How to Make Delicious Sticky Ice Cream with Natto.
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
Ingredients
two packs of natto
any kind of ice cream
1. Remove small packets of soy sauce and karashi mustard from container of natto.
2. Remove plastic film.
3. Move natto to a large bowl.
4. Stir natto vigorously with chopsticks.
5. Take out the natto from the bowl. (You can eat the natto with rice later. )
6. Add your choice of ice cream into the bowl.
7. Stir ice cream vigorously with chopsticks. As soon as you start stirring ice cream, it is getting slimy and sticky.
8. Enjoy!
Here is my video, How to Make Delicious Sticky Ice Cream with Natto.
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
Saturday, June 27, 2015
The Coffee Beans Have Been Just Roasted Today! Whole Foods Allegro Coffee
Today, my husband and I went to Whole Foods to purchase Allegro coffee. We were lucky because most kinds of coffee beans there have been just roasted today! We decided to purchase these two kinds of coffee beans, Organic Espresso Bel Canto and Mocha Java.
According to the label of Organic Espresso Bel Canto, Heavy, nutty beans from the Americas are blended with the fruit-kissed coffees of Ethiopia to create the complex layers of flavor and aroma in this northern Italian style espresso. It also makes an elegant drip-brewed coffee.
According to the label of Mocha Java, Growing in the great ancestral coffee countries, our interpretation of this exotic blend features the fruit-tinged beans of East Africa, mixed with the syrupy/spicy beans of Indonesia. It has a lush body and flavors of black cheery, chocolate, and sweet spice.
We are going to taste the coffee tomorrow. I can't wait until tomorrow morning! If you are looking for freshly roasted coffee beans, you should go to Whole Foods. :)
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
Organic Espresso Bel Canto |
According to the label of Organic Espresso Bel Canto, Heavy, nutty beans from the Americas are blended with the fruit-kissed coffees of Ethiopia to create the complex layers of flavor and aroma in this northern Italian style espresso. It also makes an elegant drip-brewed coffee.
Mocha Java |
According to the label of Mocha Java, Growing in the great ancestral coffee countries, our interpretation of this exotic blend features the fruit-tinged beans of East Africa, mixed with the syrupy/spicy beans of Indonesia. It has a lush body and flavors of black cheery, chocolate, and sweet spice.
We are going to taste the coffee tomorrow. I can't wait until tomorrow morning! If you are looking for freshly roasted coffee beans, you should go to Whole Foods. :)
Allegro Coffee |
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
Friday, June 26, 2015
When Is A Pineapple Ready to Eat?
Yesterday, I uploaded my video, How I Know When A Pineapple Is Ripe & How to Cut It, on my YouTube channel.
Enjoy!
By the way, this is the most popular video in my YouTube Channel.
These are my YouTube Channels.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
Enjoy!
By the way, this is the most popular video in my YouTube Channel.
These are my YouTube Channels.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
Thursday, June 25, 2015
How to Make Starbucks S'more Frappuccino
Yesterday, I finally uploaded the new video, How to Make Starbucks S'more Frappuccino, on my YouTube channel.
Enjoy!
By the way, If you are going to make Frappuccino, you should check out my entry, How to Make Frappuccino Less Watery, to make the best Frappuccino. :)
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
These are my entries you might like.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
■How to Make Caramel Macchiato
■How to Make a Frappuccino Less Watery
■How To Make Espresso Ice Cube Latte
■How to Make Thai Iced Coffee - Oliang, Cafe Yen
■Trader Joe's Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Review
■Two Ways to Make Coffee Granita
■How to Make Café de Olla - Mexican Coffee
■How to Brew Coffee with Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Latte
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte
■How To Make Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
■How to Make Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
■How to Make Affogato, Italian Espresso-based Dessert
■How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
■How to Turn Mason Jars into A Coffee Grinder and Compact Blender
■How to Make Nutella Frappuccino
■How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
Enjoy!
By the way, If you are going to make Frappuccino, you should check out my entry, How to Make Frappuccino Less Watery, to make the best Frappuccino. :)
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
These are my entries you might like.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
■How to Make Caramel Macchiato
■How to Make a Frappuccino Less Watery
■How To Make Espresso Ice Cube Latte
■How to Make Thai Iced Coffee - Oliang, Cafe Yen
■Trader Joe's Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Review
■Two Ways to Make Coffee Granita
■How to Make Café de Olla - Mexican Coffee
■How to Brew Coffee with Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Latte
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte
■How To Make Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
■How to Make Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
■How to Make Affogato, Italian Espresso-based Dessert
■How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
■How to Turn Mason Jars into A Coffee Grinder and Compact Blender
■How to Make Nutella Frappuccino
■How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Josh Woodward - Midnight Sun
I have used one of Josh Woodward's songs, Midnight Sun, as background music on my YouTube channel. His song is always perfect!
Music - "Midnight Sun" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/MidnightSun
lyrics
In the midnight sun, it's all clear
There is no need to disappear
There's no one here to see you if you do
In the midnight sun, it's so cold
But no one here is bought or sold
It's the land of the free just as long as your free yourself
And as you pass the miles of snow
It's all the same wherever you go
As above, the same it is below
And even when the darkness comes
There is no place where you can run
It's all the same in the land of the midnight sun
In the midnight sun, it's ok
You just go on with another day
There's nothing here that changes anyway
In the midnight sun, the world is mute
Except the distant call of a malamute
And the wind that's always tugging at your ear
And as you pass the miles of snow
It's all the same wherever you go
As above, the same it is below
And even when the darkness comes
There is no place where you can run
It's all the same in the land of the midnight sun
In the midnight sun, it's ok
You just go on with another day
http://www.joshwoodward.com/#/
This is my entries related to my favorite songs.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/songs
These are my YouTube channels.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
AERICAnoRINGOchan
Music - "Midnight Sun" by Josh Woodward. Free download: http://joshwoodward.com/song/MidnightSun
Josh Woodward - Midnight Sun
lyrics
In the midnight sun, it's all clear
There is no need to disappear
There's no one here to see you if you do
In the midnight sun, it's so cold
But no one here is bought or sold
It's the land of the free just as long as your free yourself
And as you pass the miles of snow
It's all the same wherever you go
As above, the same it is below
And even when the darkness comes
There is no place where you can run
It's all the same in the land of the midnight sun
In the midnight sun, it's ok
You just go on with another day
There's nothing here that changes anyway
In the midnight sun, the world is mute
Except the distant call of a malamute
And the wind that's always tugging at your ear
And as you pass the miles of snow
It's all the same wherever you go
As above, the same it is below
And even when the darkness comes
There is no place where you can run
It's all the same in the land of the midnight sun
In the midnight sun, it's ok
You just go on with another day
http://www.joshwoodward.com/#/
This is my entries related to my favorite songs.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/songs
These are my YouTube channels.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
AERICAnoRINGOchan
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)
Because I grew up and lived in Japan for most of my life, I have tried so many Japanese products so far. I live in the U.S. now, and occasionally some people have asked me which Japanese products I recommend for them. I thought that it's good idea to share excellent Japanese products for people who have never lived in Japan through my blog. If you are not familiar with Japanese foods but are interested in Japan, this entry is perfect for you. :) I'm going to share top 10 products you should buy at Japanese supermarkets. All products I recommend in this entry are very popular in Japan and easy to enjoy.
No.1 : Instant Miso Soup
If you have been to Japanese restaurants, I guess you have tried miso soup there. As you might know, miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup. Indeed, when I was little, I used to eat it every morning and sometimes with dinner. If you don't have time to make miso soup, you should try instant miso soup. It's incredibly easy to make. Just add hot water! It's optional, but I always add freshly chopped green onion in it.
No.2 : Japanese Curry Retort Pouch
I have never seen people who don't like Japanese curry. :) However, most people who have never lived in Japan don't know how to make it. If you are too busy to make it, you can try retort pouch! Just place the pouch into boiling water, and boil for 3-5 minutes. It's so easy and delicious. :)
This is my entry related to Japanese instant curry.
■The Best Japanese Instant Curry! (S&B Golden Curry & House Foods Curry Sauce)
No.3 : Daisho Aji Shio Kosho (Seasoning Salt and Pepper)
It's a combination of salt, black pepper, extract and so on. It is very convenient to season foods. I believe that most Japanese people have ones at their kitchens. You can season anything you like with Daisho Aji Shio Kosho. :)
No.4 : Angelo Pietro Original Dressing
Pietro dressing has been my most favorite Japanese salad dressing since I was little. Actually, my American friend is also really into this dressing.
No.5 : Itoen Roasted Barley Tea
Roasted barley tea is a caffeine-free, roasted-grain-based infusion made from barley. Japanese people drink cold barley tea during summer. The tea bag contains ground barley. You can put 1 tea bag into 1000ml of cold water. Brew in a refrigerator for two hours or so. Take off the tea bag, and you can savor the taste. :)
No.6 : Japanese Drip Coffee Bags
I mentioned these products in my previous entry. These were cleverly made to make perfect brewed coffee very easily. Each bag has fresh ground coffee and a holder. You can brew perfect coffee wherever if you have hot water and a cup.
This is my entry related to Japanese Drip Coffee Bags.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
No.7 : Kewpie Mayonnaise
Japanese mayonnaise tastes better to me, and Kewpie Mayonnaise is the best of the best. They are rich and creamy. Did you know that typical Japanese mayonnaise comes in a squeezable tube?
This is my entry related to Japanese Mayonnaise.
■Japanese Mayonnaise Is the Best!
No.8 : Kewpie Pasta Sauce
Have you ever tried Mentaiko Pasta? Mentaiko is the marinated roe of pollock and cod is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Kewpie mentaiko pasta sauce has rich and creamy tastes. Just add it on cooked pasta. You might be surprised at how delicious Japanese pasta is!
No.9 : House Foods Fruitche
Fruitch is a dessert created by House foods. When I was little, I sometimes make Fruitche. Just add milk, and stir them until it has thickened.
No.10 : Instant Yakisoba Noodle
As I mentioned in my previous entry, when I visit Japan, I always buy some Japanese instant noodle. There are so many kinds of Japanese instant noodle at Japanese supermarkets. You might think instant noodle at Japanese supermarket is much more expensive than ones at American supermarkets. However, Japanese ones are taste much better to me.
These are also my entries you might like.
■Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso
■Top 3 My Favorite Ramen From Marutai Kyushu Ramen Series
■10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan
■Don Quijote (Donki) Haul - What He Got in Japan
■8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!
■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks
■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets
■Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods
■My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods
■Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products
■The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan
■The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner
■Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products
■Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands
My entries related to my favorite recipes can be seen here.
My entries related to Japan Haul can be seen here.
My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
No.1 : Instant Miso Soup
If you have been to Japanese restaurants, I guess you have tried miso soup there. As you might know, miso soup is a traditional Japanese soup. Indeed, when I was little, I used to eat it every morning and sometimes with dinner. If you don't have time to make miso soup, you should try instant miso soup. It's incredibly easy to make. Just add hot water! It's optional, but I always add freshly chopped green onion in it.
Instant Miso Soup |
No.2 : Japanese Curry Retort Pouch
I have never seen people who don't like Japanese curry. :) However, most people who have never lived in Japan don't know how to make it. If you are too busy to make it, you can try retort pouch! Just place the pouch into boiling water, and boil for 3-5 minutes. It's so easy and delicious. :)
Japanese Curry Retort Pouch |
This is my entry related to Japanese instant curry.
■The Best Japanese Instant Curry! (S&B Golden Curry & House Foods Curry Sauce)
No.3 : Daisho Aji Shio Kosho (Seasoning Salt and Pepper)
It's a combination of salt, black pepper, extract and so on. It is very convenient to season foods. I believe that most Japanese people have ones at their kitchens. You can season anything you like with Daisho Aji Shio Kosho. :)
Daisho Aji Shio Kosho |
No.4 : Angelo Pietro Original Dressing
Pietro dressing has been my most favorite Japanese salad dressing since I was little. Actually, my American friend is also really into this dressing.
Angelo Pietro Original Dressing |
No.5 : Itoen Roasted Barley Tea
Roasted barley tea is a caffeine-free, roasted-grain-based infusion made from barley. Japanese people drink cold barley tea during summer. The tea bag contains ground barley. You can put 1 tea bag into 1000ml of cold water. Brew in a refrigerator for two hours or so. Take off the tea bag, and you can savor the taste. :)
Itoen Roasted Barley Tea |
No.6 : Japanese Drip Coffee Bags
I mentioned these products in my previous entry. These were cleverly made to make perfect brewed coffee very easily. Each bag has fresh ground coffee and a holder. You can brew perfect coffee wherever if you have hot water and a cup.
Japanese Drip Coffee Bags |
This is my entry related to Japanese Drip Coffee Bags.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
No.7 : Kewpie Mayonnaise
Japanese mayonnaise tastes better to me, and Kewpie Mayonnaise is the best of the best. They are rich and creamy. Did you know that typical Japanese mayonnaise comes in a squeezable tube?
Kewpie Mayonnaise |
This is my entry related to Japanese Mayonnaise.
■Japanese Mayonnaise Is the Best!
No.8 : Kewpie Pasta Sauce
Have you ever tried Mentaiko Pasta? Mentaiko is the marinated roe of pollock and cod is a common ingredient in Japanese cuisine. Kewpie mentaiko pasta sauce has rich and creamy tastes. Just add it on cooked pasta. You might be surprised at how delicious Japanese pasta is!
Kewpie Pasta Sauce |
No.9 : House Foods Fruitche
Fruitch is a dessert created by House foods. When I was little, I sometimes make Fruitche. Just add milk, and stir them until it has thickened.
House Foods Fruitche |
No.10 : Instant Yakisoba Noodle
As I mentioned in my previous entry, when I visit Japan, I always buy some Japanese instant noodle. There are so many kinds of Japanese instant noodle at Japanese supermarkets. You might think instant noodle at Japanese supermarket is much more expensive than ones at American supermarkets. However, Japanese ones are taste much better to me.
Instant Yakisoba Noodle |
These are also my entries you might like.
■Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso
■Top 3 My Favorite Ramen From Marutai Kyushu Ramen Series
■10 Best Japanese Beauty Products on Amazon Japan, You Can Also Purchase Them at Drugstores in Japan
■Don Quijote (Donki) Haul - What He Got in Japan
■8 Interesting Japanese Kitchen Gadgets!
■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks
■My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets
■Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods
■My Top 15 Must Eat Foods in Japan - My Favorite Japanese Foods
■Top 5 Japanese Sunscreen Products
■The Most Popular Facial Sheet Masks in Japan
■The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner
■Top 5 Life-Changing Japanese Beauty Products
■Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands
My entries related to cooking can be seen here.
My entries related to my favorite recipes can be seen here.
My entries related to Japanese noodles can be seen here.
My entries related to Best Japanese Beauty Products can be seen here.
My entries related to Japan can be seen here.
Monday, June 22, 2015
Shopping Freshly Roasted Coffee Beans
Yesterday, my husband and I went to Whole Foods to purchase freshly roasted Allegro coffee beans.
We chose Organic Cafe La Duena this time. According to the label, it was named for the women farm owners they work with in Latin America. This morning, I brewed the coffee with my favorite Bodum French Press. It was fresh and so good like always. As I mentioned in my previous entry, we love Whole Foods Allegro coffee beans! Freshly roasted coffee beans provide the best of the best coffee tastes. We just buy a few days' worth of coffee beans there weekends. :)
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
Allegro Coffee at Whole Foods |
Allegro Coffee at Whole Foods |
We chose Organic Cafe La Duena this time. According to the label, it was named for the women farm owners they work with in Latin America. This morning, I brewed the coffee with my favorite Bodum French Press. It was fresh and so good like always. As I mentioned in my previous entry, we love Whole Foods Allegro coffee beans! Freshly roasted coffee beans provide the best of the best coffee tastes. We just buy a few days' worth of coffee beans there weekends. :)
Organic Cafe La Duena |
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Making S'more Frappuccino
These days, I have been trying to make the best S'more Frappuccino. My husband and I finally filmed videos for it today. I'm going to edit and upload the video, How to Make Starbucks S'more Frappuccino, on my YouTube channel this week.
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
S'more Frappuccino |
S'more Frappuccino |
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
Saturday, June 20, 2015
How I Know When a Pineapple Is Ripe and Ready to Eat
Today, I ate a fresh pineapple because it was ripe perfectly and ready to eat! In order to know if it's ripe, I do a leaf test! I'm going to share it with you.
When a leaf can be plucked from the top of the pineapple without too much resistance, it's ripe perfectly. However, if a leaf comes out too easily, the pineapple might be rotten.
In order to serve the pineapple, I twist it and take the crown off.
It was so fresh and good! :)
Here is my YouTube video.
These are my YouTube Channel.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
When a leaf can be plucked from the top of the pineapple without too much resistance, it's ripe perfectly. However, if a leaf comes out too easily, the pineapple might be rotten.
In order to serve the pineapple, I twist it and take the crown off.
It was so fresh and good! :)
Here is my YouTube video.
These are my YouTube Channel.
RINGO's Coffee Channel
Friday, June 19, 2015
How to Make Asian Spinach Salad
Last night, I made this Asian salad, which contained spinach, tomatoes and tuna. Because the dressing was made of soy sauce, it turned out savory Asian salad. It was so delicious! I'm going to share how to make it with you.
Ingredients
2 bunches of spinach (about 1 lb)
2 tomato (cut into bite-size chunks)
a can of tuna
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of grated garlic
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of sugar
a nip of salt and black pepper
1. Cook spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Right after taking it out from boiled water, put it into iced water. Immerse it in iced water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Then, squeeze spinach to drain off the water. Cut it into little pieces.
2. Whisk with tuna, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Toss spinach into a bowl. Then, add tomatoes.
4. Enjoy!
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
Asian Spinach Salad |
Ingredients
2 bunches of spinach (about 1 lb)
2 tomato (cut into bite-size chunks)
a can of tuna
3 tablespoons of olive oil
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of grated garlic
2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 teaspoon of sugar
a nip of salt and black pepper
1. Cook spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Right after taking it out from boiled water, put it into iced water. Immerse it in iced water for several minutes until cold to stop the cooking process. Then, squeeze spinach to drain off the water. Cut it into little pieces.
2. Whisk with tuna, olive oil, soy sauce, garlic, lemon juice, sugar, salt and pepper in a large bowl.
3. Toss spinach into a bowl. Then, add tomatoes.
4. Enjoy!
This is my entries related to my favorite recipe.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
This is my entries related to cooking.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/cooking
Thursday, June 18, 2015
Israel Kamakawiwoʻole - Somewhere over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World
It's been six months since my husband and I traveled the Big Island, Hawaii. I can't believe how fast time goes by! This song, Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World by Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, reminds me of our traveling Hawaii. :)
Lyrics
This is my entries related to my favorite songs.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/songs
Today's Vocabularies
lullaby ( lʌ́ləbài ) : noun : 子守歌、眠たくなるような歌、気持ちを和らげる歌
chimney ( tʃímni ) : noun : 煙突
Chimney Tops : a mountain in the central Great Smoky Mountains, located in the Southeastern United States
Lyrics
Somewhere over the rainbow
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby
Way up high
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Once in a lullaby
Somewhere over the rainbow
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh oh
Blue birds fly
And the dreams that you dreamed of
Dreams really do come true ooh oh
Someday I'll wish upon a star
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney tops
That's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow bluebirds fly
And the dream that you dare to,
Oh why, oh why can't I?
And the dream that you dare to,
Oh why, oh why can't I?
Well I see trees of green and red roses too,
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
I'll watch them bloom for me and you
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
Well I see skies of blue
And I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
And I see clouds of white
And the brightness of day
I like the dark
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world
The colors of the rainbow so pretty in the sky
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you
Are also on the faces of people passing by
I see friends shaking hands
Saying, "How do you do?"
They're really saying, I...I love you
I hear babies cry and I watch them grow,
They'll learn much more than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world world
They'll learn much more than we'll know
And I think to myself
What a wonderful world world
Someday I'll wish upon a star,
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Wake up where the clouds are far behind me
Where trouble melts like lemon drops
High above the chimney top
That's where you'll find me
Oh, somewhere over the rainbow way up high
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I?
And the dream that you dare to, why, oh why can't I? I?
This is my entries related to my favorite songs.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/songs
Today's Vocabularies
lullaby ( lʌ́ləbài ) : noun : 子守歌、眠たくなるような歌、気持ちを和らげる歌
chimney ( tʃímni ) : noun : 煙突
Chimney Tops : a mountain in the central Great Smoky Mountains, located in the Southeastern United States
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
My Current Favorite Food - Peanut Butter
I am really into peanut butter now. As you might know, peanut butter is known as one of the superfoods. According to Wikipedia, Peanut butter is an excellent source (> 19% of the Daily Value, DV) of protein, dietary fiber, vitamin E, pantothenic acid, niacin and vitamin B6 (table, USDA National Nutrient Database). Also high in content are the dietary minerals manganese, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc and copper (table). Peanut butter is a good source (10–19% DV) of thiamin, iron and potassium (table). I used to purchase Skippy, whose ingredients are roasted peanuts, sugar, hydrogenated vegetable oil, etc. When I went to Trader Joe's, I found that their peanut butters were made of peanuts and salt only. I was surprised and wondered how they can make peanut butter with two simple ingredients! These days, I have gone to Whole Foods to purchase freshly roasted coffee beans weekly, and I purchased these two peanut butters last month. These were also made of peanuts and salt just like Trader Joe's one.
Last week, I found that you can purchase peanut butter in the bulk section at Whole Foods! You can grind your own peanut butter there.
I was surprised that roasted peanuts actually turned out peanut butter! This freshly ground peanut butter was only $4.99 per pound.
Then, my husband and I went to Sprouts to purchase almond butter because it was on sale for $5.99 per 14 oz cup. It is usually over $10. After looking around the store, we finally found ones. We have never tried almond butter before, so we didn't know how it tastes.
We tasted both butters. My husband prefers almond butter to peanut butter. It has rich roasted almond flavor. I prefer peanut butter. :) This Whole Foods Honey Roasted Peanut Butter has slightly sweet taste.
Now, I have two excuses to go to Whole Foods. :) I want to get really freshly roasted coffee beans and grind my own peanut butter there.
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
Whole Foods 365 Peanut Butter |
Last week, I found that you can purchase peanut butter in the bulk section at Whole Foods! You can grind your own peanut butter there.
Nut Grinders at Whole Foods |
Peanut Grinder at Whole Foods |
I was surprised that roasted peanuts actually turned out peanut butter! This freshly ground peanut butter was only $4.99 per pound.
Then, my husband and I went to Sprouts to purchase almond butter because it was on sale for $5.99 per 14 oz cup. It is usually over $10. After looking around the store, we finally found ones. We have never tried almond butter before, so we didn't know how it tastes.
Sprout Almond Butter |
Sprout Roasted Salted Creamy Almond Butter & Whole Foods Fresh Grind Honey Roasted Peanut Butter |
Now, I have two excuses to go to Whole Foods. :) I want to get really freshly roasted coffee beans and grind my own peanut butter there.
My entries related to Whole Foods can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Whole%20Foods
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Two Ways to Make Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino
Yesterday, I finally uploaded my new video, How to Make Starbucks Caramel Frappuccino, on my YouTube channel.
Enjoy!
By the way, If you are going to make Frappuccino, you should check out my entry, How to Make Frappuccino Less Watery, to make the best Frappuccino. :)
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
These are my entries you might like.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
■How to Make Caramel Macchiato
■How to Make a Frappuccino Less Watery
■How To Make Espresso Ice Cube Latte
■How to Make Thai Iced Coffee - Oliang, Cafe Yen
■Trader Joe's Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Review
■Two Ways to Make Coffee Granita
■How to Make Café de Olla - Mexican Coffee
■How to Brew Coffee with Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Latte
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte
■How To Make Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
■How to Make Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
■How to Make Affogato, Italian Espresso-based Dessert
■How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
■How to Turn Mason Jars into A Coffee Grinder and Compact Blender
■How to Make Nutella Frappuccino
■How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
Enjoy!
By the way, If you are going to make Frappuccino, you should check out my entry, How to Make Frappuccino Less Watery, to make the best Frappuccino. :)
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
This is my entries related to my favorite recipes.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/recipes
These are my entries you might like.
■Japanese Drip Coffee Bags - UCC & KEY COFFEE
■How to Make Caramel Macchiato
■How to Make a Frappuccino Less Watery
■How To Make Espresso Ice Cube Latte
■How to Make Thai Iced Coffee - Oliang, Cafe Yen
■Trader Joe's Pour-Over Coffee Brewer Review
■Two Ways to Make Coffee Granita
■How to Make Café de Olla - Mexican Coffee
■How to Brew Coffee with Bodum Pour Over Coffee Maker
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha Latte
■How to Make Starbucks Peppermint Mocha Latte
■How To Make Salted Caramel Mocha Latte
■How to Make Salted Caramel Mocha Frappuccino
■How to Make Affogato, Italian Espresso-based Dessert
■How to Make Pumpkin Spice Latte
■How to Turn Mason Jars into A Coffee Grinder and Compact Blender
■How to Make Nutella Frappuccino
■How to Make Iced Caramel Macchiato
Monday, June 15, 2015
Looking for Starbucks Reserve 100% Kona Coffee
When my husband has a Starbucks free reward, we try new Reserve coffee. Recently, Starbucks has released Starbucks Reserve 100% Kona Parry Estate. As I mentioned in my previous entry, 100% Kona coffee is one of the most expensive coffee in the U.S. This Reserve coffee is $34.50 for 8 oz whole coffee beans. Needless to say that Starbucks Reserve coffee is usually pretty expensive, yet 100% Kona Reserve coffee is over two times more expensive than ordinary Reserve coffee. Kona coffee reminds me of our traveling Kona on the Big Island. :) Indeed, we tried 100% Kona coffee during our traveling Hawaii and at home, but we really want to have it brewed with Starbucks Clover machine, which is the best brewing method I believe. It must be good! :) That's why we would like to use his free reward to try 100% Kona coffee, but unfortunately, it has been sold out already! Popular coffee runs out so quickly!
Instead, we tried Starbucks Reserve Brazil Sertãozinho early this month.
Then, we tried Starbucks Reserve Sulawesi Pango Pango last Saturday.
Both Reserve coffee brewed with Clover machine tasted so good like always. :) I think I can't find Starbucks 100% Kona coffee at any Starbucks. If by any chance I could find one, I will definitely try it.
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
My Starbucks entries can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Starbucks
This is my entries related to our Starbucks collections.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Starbucks%20mugs
Instead, we tried Starbucks Reserve Brazil Sertãozinho early this month.
Starbucks Reserve Brazil Sertãozinho |
Starbucks Reserve® Brazil Sertãozinho
Few farms have an agronomist living onsite. José Renato Gonçalves Dias is part owner of Fazenda Sertãozinho, and he takes the time to do things by hand. Trees are nurtured with organic fertilizers produced on the farm, preserving the microbiological life in the soil. Coffee cherries are handpicked, ensuring only the ripest fruit is selected. And while the pulped natural coffee sun-dries on patios, the parchment beans are turned throughout the day.
This meticulous care is why the farm consistently performs well in the prestigious Cup of Excellence coffee competition.
Fazenda Sertãozinho is an awarding winning farm located near Botelhos City in a mountainous region, South of Minas Gerais. Its name refers to “a little place away from the city.” Fazenda means farm, Sertão means away from, and Zinho is the suffix to define small. This little place away from the city provides an amazing cup profile with flavors of citrus, milk chocolate, and toasted hazelnuts – we are delighted to share this coffee.
Then, we tried Starbucks Reserve Sulawesi Pango Pango last Saturday.
Starbucks Reserve Sulawesi Pango Pango |
Starbucks Reserve® Sulawesi Pango Pango
In the village of Pango Pango, about 100 families contributed coffee for this offering. The children of many of these families attend schools we’ve worked with local communities to build—like the Sapan Kindergarten in nearby Tana Toraja. Since 1996, our collaborations with the coffee growers of Sulawesi have led to deep relationships and extraordinary coffees like this one: picked at high elevation, semi-washed and dried in a multistep process that results in flavor bursting with spicy herbal notes.
Both Reserve coffee brewed with Clover machine tasted so good like always. :) I think I can't find Starbucks 100% Kona coffee at any Starbucks. If by any chance I could find one, I will definitely try it.
My entries related to coffee can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/coffee
My Starbucks entries can be seen here.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Starbucks
This is my entries related to our Starbucks collections.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/Starbucks%20mugs
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Muji Curry - Handmade Naan, Keema Curry and Green Curry
As I mentioned in my previous entry, my husband bought some Muji curry, which has so many positive reviews on Muji Official Website. Muji Handmade Naan was powder for making naan at home. I had never cooked naan before, so I was really excited trying it. :) The retort pouches of curry were Muji Keema Curry and Green Curry. Anyway, I'm going to share how to make these with you.
Muji Curry |
Muji Handmade Naan 200 yen |
Muji Handmade Naan 200 yen |
Making Muji Naan |
2. Mix them with a spatula until lumped up. Then, knead dough with your hands for 5 minutes.
Making Muji Naan |
3. Divide in four.
Making Muji Naan |
4. Cover it with plastic wrap, and let it sit in room temperature for 10 minutes.
Making Muji Naan |
5. Roll out each dough to form a 25-28 cm (10 inches) shape.
Making Muji Naan |
Making Muji Naan |
Making Muji Naan |
6. Heat a pan over medium heat. Place the dough into the pan, and cover the lid. After 1-2 minutes, flip it over. Reduce the heat to low, and fry it for 1 minute.
Making Muji Naan |
7. Enjoy!
Muji Curry |
The retort pouches of curry were very easy to cook. Boil the pouch for 5-7 minutes. Then, open the package, and serve on a plate.
Muji Keema Curry |
The Keema curry, which was 300 yen, was perfect with the naan! It wasn't very spicy and was so good. :)
Muji Keema Curry |
The Green Curry, which was 300 yen, was perfect with steamed rice. It was incredibly super spicy. I couldn't eat without drinking cold water.
Muji Green Curry |
It contained chicken and bamboo shoot.
Muji Green Curry |
All Muji curry I have tried so far was good! If I have a chance to visit Japan, I will definitely purchase Muji curry again. Muji Japan sells so many kinds of curry, so I would like to try other kinds of curry too. :)
Muji Curry |
By the way, this is YouTube video created by Muji. According to Muji, the most popular selling item in 7000 kinds of Muji products is Muji Butter Chicken Curry. The second biggest-selling item is Muji Green Curry. About 20,000 serving Muji curry has been sold in Japan every day!
This is my entries related to Muji.
http://itisapieceofcake2011.blogspot.com/search/label/MUJI
These are my entries you might like.
Must Go to Place in Japan - Muji Part 1
Must Go to Place in Japan - Muji Part 2
Must Go to Place in Japan - Muji Part 3
Muji Japanese Online Store
http://www.muji.net/store/
Muji USA Online Store
http://www.muji.us/store/
These are my entries you might like.
Top 10 Most Popular Japanese Foods
Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Japanese Supermarkets (for Beginners!)
Top 10 Products You Should Buy at Daiso
Top 3 Daiso Beauty Products
My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Snacks
My Top 10 Favorite Japanese Sweets
The Best Japanese Sunscreen Products
The Best Japanese Shampoo & Conditioner
Top 5 Most Popular Japanese Bath Salt Brands
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