Author Archives: Lara

Ghostly Heart sculpture art ball

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Ghostly Heart sculpture art ball

I have been staring at the cursor for quite a while trying to gather my thoughts.  The blinking line on this blank computer page is filled with so much more expectation than if I just had a piece of paper sitting quietly in front of me.  It seems to be prodding me into action, and simultaneously lulling me into a hypnotic state.  This will probably be the most coherent one of these things that I ever write.  Just thought I would warn you now, whoever you are.

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Papaya Dog, New York City

notes from New York City

Papaya Dog, New York City

walked a dozen blocks,

breathing it all in

the old, the new, the beautiful, the crumbling, all linked together by sidewalks and narrow streets like strings tying together.

walked a dozen blocks, lived a dozen different lives

the doorways, the windows, the alleys

worlds like secrets written on a piece of paper,

folded, in my pocket


Lara’s Spring Rolls

a hybrid roll, somewhere between a Chinese and Vietnamese spring roll…

Ingredients

  • 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon finely minced ginger
  • 100g ground or minced pork
  • 100g ground or minced chicken
  • 60g minced shrimp
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 small carrot, finely chopped
  • 4 scallions, finely chopped
  • 90g (about 3 cups) chopped Napa cabbage
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 7 ounces cooked cellophane noodle (about 2 ounces dried)
  • 20 spring roll wrappers, mini or regular sized
  • 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 Tablespoons of water
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying

Procedure

In a small bowl combine cornstarch, oyster sauce, soy sauce and water- set aside.

Place the cellophane noodles in a heatproof bowl. Pour boiling water over the noodles and let stand while you prepare the rest of the spring roll filling.

Heat 1 Tablespoon oil in a wok or large sauce pan over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger, and cook until aromatic, about a minute. Stir in the ground pork, chicken, and shrimp. Cook, stirring until mixture changes color, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer mixture to a bowl.

Using the same pan, heat remaining 1 Tablespoon of oil over medium heat. Add celery, carrot, scallions and cabbage. Increase heat slightly and stir-fry until softened, about 2 minutes.

Add soy sauce mixture to the pan, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium low and cook until sauce thickens, 1-2 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool. Add vegetable mixture to meat mixture, drizzle with the sesame oil, stir to combine. Drain the cellophane noodles that you set aside, and using scissors, cut into 2-3 inch lengths. Gently fold into the spring roll mixture.

Working with one wrapper at a time, place 1-3 Tablespoons of filling (depending on your wrapper size) in the center of the wrapper and roll up. Seal edges with the cornstarch mixture. Repeat with remaining wrappers.

If you have never rolled a spring roll before, watch this great video tutorial first

Heat 1-2 inches of oil in a deep frying pan or small pot. Once the oil is shimmering hot (about 350 °F) cook spring rolls in batches, frying until golden. Use tongs to remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

Serve with Chinese black vinegar, Thai sweet chili sauce, or dipping condiment of your choice

You can make these ahead of time, freeze them on a tray and then transfer to a freezer bag once they’ve hardened. Fry them right after taking them out of the freezer, no need to thaw first!


Long Life Noodles/ Longevity Noodles

Year of The Rat: A Chinese New Year menu (complete with soundtrack) and a fresh mission statement to boot

Long Life Noodles/ Longevity Noodles

Looks like we have found ourselves once again on the brink of new beginnings…Chinese New Year. New moon, fresh starts. We have successfully passed through winter’s gate, and are now inching our way toward spring. Could there possibly be a better time for a celebration of friends, family, and food?

So, yes, here I am… on the threshold of a new moon, eagerly awaiting Continue reading


Arrows in Birmingham, Alabama

Postcard #5: Alabama

Arrows in Birmingham, Alabama

Rainy day with the windows open. Listen to the heavy drops hit the leaves and the pavement, a symphony of percussion. Puddles everywhere, and the little one naps after a morning of stomping in the water until we were both soaking wet. Hot coffee. Layers of beautiful grey light- perfect for daydreaming, and plotting sculptural forms that extend outward.