California Shabu Shabu

This past week, I tried for the very first time, shabu shabu. Shabu shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish cooked with beef. I went to California Shabu Sabu in Fountain Valley to experiment with this dish.

I was new to the entire experience, so I went with a seasoned shabu shabu expert. The restaurant was small and it featured a round counter seating with the waitresses serving you in the middle. I wouldn't suggest it for large parties because you cannot face each other while eating. 

Once seated, there is a pot of boiling water in front of you. You can season the water however  you want with chili powder, soy sauce, and chili sauce. Each person also receives a plate of vegetables to cook in the broth, a bowl of rice, and two bowls of dipping sauces. One is a peanut sauce, and the other is a soy sauce. You can also season the sauces with powder and radish. 

Next, you order your plate of beef to cook in the broth and eat with the rice and veggies. You can select from four to twelve pieces of varying qualities of beef. The beef comes in choice, prime, and kobe, which are all thinly sliced. Upon receiving your plate of beef, you cook the pieces one by one until their are fully cooked. Then you can dip the beef in the sauces and eat it with some vegetables and rice.

I was skeptical at first because I had heard it was mostly vegetables and sounded too healthy for me. But I was pleasantly surprised. The sauces flavored the broth very well and the beef was tender and worked well with the soy dipping sauce. I would not recommend this dish for everyone however. It is quite healthy with low fat and sodium. Also, it is quite pricey. You're expected to pay at least $10 for a couple of slices of beef with mostly vegetables and broth for lunch. However, it was a new experience and I would be delighted to eat shabu shabu again!

A Good Old Fashioned Cup

There really is nothing better than your favorite mug filled with steamy hot cocoa and miniature marshmallows during the winter season. 

There's something about the rich chocolately smell that just sends you right back to every wonderful winter memory you've ever had. The little ones enjoy smushing the marshmallows with their tongue and even the dieters can find it in themselves to enjoy hot cocoa's irresistible pull. 

Recently I've had the pleasure of participating in a hot chocolate fundraiser. We passed out the comforting beverage to passer-bys in a neighborhood known for its Christmas decorations. I got to experience first hand what this hot drink could do. Children screamed out in glee when we asked if they wanted marshmallows and wives dragged their husbands in to enjoy a cup. This is one drink that has the power to bring people together, and it doesn't even have to be cold out. 

Starbucks Hot Cocoa Kit

Hints of sweetness shine through the cocoa flavor as the warmth creeps along your tongue. This is one drink you just can't pass up this holiday season. The perfect gift for the holidays is a hot chocolate kit, complete with hot cocoa powder, marshmallows, and, two mugs (for sharing of course). Make a kit yourself or buy a pre-made one! Hot cocoa powder ranges from all price ranges but even the classic, affordable Swiss Miss packets bring joy and cozyness. But Ghirardelli and Starbucks offer hot chocolate powders as well for a more refined cocoa flavor. Whatever the price range, whatever the occasion, you just can't go wrong with a good old fashioned cup of hot chocolate. 

Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause.

 
It's the holiday season again, really the most wonderful time of the year. KOST 103.5 is playing their month long of Christmas songs again and there's a slight chill in the air. Everywhere you go you are bound to run into a beautiful Christmas tree draped with all sorts of twinkling tinsel and ornaments. 

This time of  year brings the urge to be with family, stuff your face with goodies, and cuddle with that special someone. This time of year is also the time for giving. Every year, Macy's sponsors the "Yes, Virginia" Believe Campaign, explained here in this article.

Macy's sets up red mailboxes and letter stations in their stores for about a month. Customers can sit down at the station and write a letter to Santa Clause. For every stamped letter that is dropped into their red mailboxes, Macy's will donate a dollar to the Make-a-Wish organiztion.

Make-a-Wish is an organization that grants the wishes of children diagnosed with terminal illnesses. They have sent children all over the world and had them meet their favorite celebrities. 

Virginia's Original Letter to The Sun

The "Believe" campaign is unique because it is based on a popular story of a little girl named Virginia who wrote to The Sun asking whether or not Santa Clause was real. The response that appeared in an editorial was "Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Clause". Since then, her letter has left a legacy and has inspired many holiday stories and short films.

So this year, head on down to Macy's and write your Christmas wish list to Santa Clause. You can help grant a child's wish this holiday season. I personally asked for a Christmas miracle this year. Because yes, there is a Santa Clause.