Backpack B's http://backpackbees.com Follow the journey of the B's Mon, 20 May 2013 12:04:38 +0000 en-US hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1 Summer = BBQ! http://backpackbees.com/?p=4978 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4978#comments Sun, 19 May 2013 11:33:29 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4978 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } The warmer months always make me long for my back porch and grilling. As far back as I can remember my family always grilled. When we bought our first home, one of our first wedding gifts was a beautiful grill. It was a social thing, a neighborly thing, a lunch or dinner thing, a party [...]]]>

The warmer months always make me long for my back porch and grilling. As far back as I can remember my family always grilled. When we bought our first home, one of our first wedding gifts was a beautiful grill. It was a social thing, a neighborly thing, a lunch or dinner thing, a party thing, and just a summer thing we did, well….just because!

Korea really lets us put our grilling skills to the test. Just about any restaurant you eat at that serves meat, you will grill your own meal. Not only are we in control of our meats fate, but I guess our own fate too. Ha ha! We love the tables cut out with circular or square grills! We often joke and say when we go back to the states we need to take one with us. What a concept! To many lawsuits waiting to happen to try out in stateside restaurants I guess?

All the talk of BBQ makes me hungry! Tonight I decided on a not so typical BBQ meal. I also decided to give those little grills a night off. You are going to flip when you hear what I made!

BBQ chickpea wraps! Remember, don’t knock it until you try it! Besides the spicy awesomeness of this little wrap, and it being pretty darn healthy for you, and you won’t even miss that ol’ meat for once.

Happy “grilling” or should I say crock-potting! (Wink-wink)

BBQ Chickpea Wraps

Recipe slightly adapted from Olives for dinner

Ingredients:

(Place below following in crockpot on low heat for 3 1/2 hours, then increase to high heat for 30 more minutes).
1 (15.5oz) can of rinsed chickpeas
1/4 Cup Sriracha hot sauce (love this stuff!)
1 TB Heart smart butter
1 Small-medium chopped red onion
1 TB Sesame oil
1 TB Minced garlic
1/2 Cup vegetable broth

Optional Toppings once chickpeas are done:

1 Ripe avocado
1 Small-medium sliced tomato
Sour cream
Handful of fresh baby spinach
tortillas
Shredded pepper jack cheese

Directions:

When ready to serve, warm tortilla, I have a gas stove I find it best to place the tortilla directly on the metal grate right above the lowest setting of flame. Use tongs to flip over every once in a while. Be careful not to let the tortilla on to long, causing it to burn.

Fill up tortilla with your optional toppings and chickpeas. Enjoy!

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4978 0 Baked Couscous http://backpackbees.com/?p=4963 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4963#comments Tue, 14 May 2013 13:43:24 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4963 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } I am such a lucky gal to have such a great husband that is willing to try just about anything that I cook for him. Tonight served as a nice reminder of that feeling. Couscous. Never have I ever cooked it, never have I ever ate it.. uh oh. No, no… it turned out really [...]]]>

I am such a lucky gal to have such a great husband that is willing to try just about anything that I cook for him. Tonight served as a nice reminder of that feeling. Couscous. Never have I ever cooked it, never have I ever ate it..

uh oh.

No, no… it turned out really great! Victory dance over here folks!

Have you ever had couscous? What are your thoughts? Favorite way to cook it?

Baked Couscous

Ingredients:

4 Egg whites
1 Box couscous
1 Cup whole milk
1 1/3 Cup heavy cream
1 Cup Gouda cheese, grated
1 Cup sharp cheddar, grated
1 Cup Feta cheese, crumbles
1 Small yellow onion, chopped fine
1/4 Cup fresh or dry chives
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat oven to (400 degrees) or 200 degrees Celsius. Beat eggs, milk, heavy cream, onion, and cheeses. Then once well blended, add couscous, salt and pepper. Mix again until blended in with liquid cheese mixture. Then pour into a greased baking dish. Cover with foil bake for 30 minutes. Once 30 minutes ends, uncover and bake an additional 30 more minutes, or until you get that nice brown and firm consistency.

Try paring with a nice chopped beet and yogurt salad as a side. Have fun, dress up the meal with swanky little cups as serving dishes too!

What’s cooking in your kitchen tonight?

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4963 0 Nightlight http://backpackbees.com/?p=4945 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4945#comments Sun, 12 May 2013 12:28:37 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4945 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } When I was a little girl growing up, I always remember my parents home and grandparents home with a nightlight. What I cannot remember is where the fear of darkness ever came into play in my life to require such a thing. Granted I am the oldest and possibly the light was also there to [...]]]>

When I was a little girl growing up, I always remember my parents home and grandparents home with a nightlight. What I cannot remember is where the fear of darkness ever came into play in my life to require such a thing. Granted I am the oldest and possibly the light was also there to serve another purpose for younger siblings? The few memories that I do have is making sure that if my bedroom light had to be turned off id get a running start so that I could jump through the air and land in my bed quickly. Was there some sort of black hole under there? A monster hiding that could have grabbed my feet or ankles if I would have casually walked over and just got into bed like a normal person? LOL.. silly thinking back on it all now.

This weekend I packed up my bags and headed to Seoul for a ladies weekend. This was a much delayed and much awaited birthday celebration for my dear friend Mary. While we were at lunch we were discussing her two little ones and their fright associated with the dark night sky. It ended up that they were outside at night due to an appointment. This sense of the unknown scared them, made them want to hurry, run, get to the car. How sweet these two are!

What about you? Did you grow up with a nightlight? Do you remember if you feared the night or dark?
Thankfully like most childhood things, the fear of silly things fizzles out as you grow up. Can I get an Amen? Or else Mary and I wouldn’t ever of had the chance to get out in Seoul at night to see the annual lantern festival. This was my second time getting to see the parade in Seoul since living here. It never gets old! So many beautifully lit lanterns. Some being carried, some being pushed, some being pulled, some even motorized. The cityscape of high-rises in the backdrop gave little light to the parade, but the millions of lanterns that came down the street in masses were what really lit the area up.

Rewind to earlier in the afternoon, sorry you know I am a cake first kind of gal.

We strolled around the Bukchon Hanok Village (북촌한옥마을). This was a first for both Mary and I. I wasn’t sure what to expect, only going off of travel books and lists that I had made and am determined to eventually concur while we live abroad.

Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called ‘hanok’ that date back many, many, years. These are private homes still lived in by Korean residents. They are absolutely charming! The entire area had tugged at my heartstrings. Such quaint little shops, hidden coffeehouses, tea houses, bakeries, vintage shops, etc. The best part of all, get ready for this, you can do a hanok stay! Yes! They had all kinds of different posts on the web if you are interested in such a thing. Hmm… perhaps an anniversary trip that is approaching? Don’t just take my word for it, get out and see them for yourselves! Okay, you can check out the photos below too.

Directions:

Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line 3), Exit 2.

Go straight for about 300m to arrive at Bukchon Hanok Village. (Two information booths in area for a map).

I am such a foodie! You couldn’t possibly think that i’d sign off without letting you take a gander at some of our good eats did you? Check out that Potbingsoo! Ohhhh yeses… Summer is finally here!

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4945 2 Relay For Life – South Korea http://backpackbees.com/?p=4932 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4932#comments Sun, 05 May 2013 08:50:23 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4932 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } Dear friends, Many apologize for being MIA this past week, of course I have good reason for my absence. Relay for Life! My team and I walked over 24 hours these past two days, helping to contribute to raising roughly over $35,000 dollars! Finding a cure to kick cancers bum, meeting caregivers, survivors, and new [...]]]>

Dear friends, Many apologize for being MIA this past week, of course I have good reason for my absence. Relay for Life! My team and I walked over 24 hours these past two days, helping to contribute to raising roughly over $35,000 dollars! Finding a cure to kick cancers bum, meeting caregivers, survivors, and new friends, give me an annual sign up, please!

This was the first year that Seoul, Korea has participated in Relay for Life. All and all I think it was a smashing success! So many participants from all walks of life. Each with a story of survival, or the care they gave or are giving, or passion to fight for the cure for others. Such selfless people with huge hearts. It might have been all the chemical in the air from the AstroTurf getting ripped up, but there was such an incredible contagious high felt by all.

Watching the survivors take their first lap really set the tone to kick off the event. Men and woman of all ages. Cancer knows no age, color, race, or boundaries.  Grabbing breakfast that morning a woman approached my girlfriend Mary and I, stated she saw our shirts and had to say thank you. She stated she was a two-time survivor of cancer, always tried to participate in the Relay events each year, but was not able to this year. She shared openly shared a personal piece of her survival story with us. I cannot explain the flood of emotions that consumed my body at that point.

I have to reign in the misty eyed vibe I’ve got going in this post, end by lighten things up with some of the fun lap theme’s that our team participated in. These include the bubble lap, the beach party, children’s character, and red white and blue pride.

Keep calm and relay on!

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4932 2 April Foodie Pen Pal http://backpackbees.com/?p=4880 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4880#comments Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:22:03 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4880 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } It’s that time again, you know….when I reveal my foodie pen pal. So much excitement! I was linked with Ashley C. from wannabegreen.net. located in Alabama. Ashley sent some fun treats that Mr. B nor I ever tasted or seen. Yey! Love broadening our taste buds. Drum roll please…. Another successful link and new friend [...]]]> It’s that time again, you know….when I reveal my foodie pen pal. So much excitement!

I was linked with Ashley C. from wannabegreen.net. located in Alabama.

Ashley sent some fun treats that Mr. B nor I ever tasted or seen. Yey! Love broadening our taste buds.

Drum roll please….

20130430-182222.jpg

Another successful link and new friend from across the miles. Thanks again for the great package Ashley!

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4880 0 Good Friends http://backpackbees.com/?p=4817 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4817#comments Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:29:08 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4817 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } The other night, we went to dinner with our friends to celebrate their “wedding anniversary”. It was so great getting to meet new friends as well as their mother that flew into town. I failed to take any good photos of the dinner… Tsk…I know. I was caught up in the conversations and laughter. Dinner [...]]]> The other night, we went to dinner with our friends to celebrate their “wedding anniversary”.

It was so great getting to meet new friends as well as their mother that flew into town.

I failed to take any good photos of the dinner… Tsk…I know. I was caught up in the conversations and laughter.

Dinner was amazing! (Oliva Garden, what a cute play on words, reminds me of a stateside chain….hmmm)

Good friends are the best!

Directions to the restaurant:

Oliva retaurant is conveniently located around the corner from the US embassy and just one block west of Gyeongbokgun Palace.

If you are traveling by subway, go to Gyeongbokgun Station, and walk out exit 3. Walk straight for about 5-7 minutes (about 100m) and you will see the restaurant on the right side about 1-2 minutes PAST the starbucks. If you reach an LG Digital store, you have JUST past the restaurant.

35-28 Tongui-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
서울 종로구 통의동 35-28
+82 2-733-3056

http://www.oliva.kr/

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4817 0 Baked Almond Coconut Curry Crusted Tilapia http://backpackbees.com/?p=4814 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4814#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2013 14:08:17 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4814 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } Poor tilapia. It’s often passed by in the store for its tasty sea cousins salmon or tuna. It’s never really the star of the show. Why? I have no idea… It’s such a wonderful little white fish. It’s so versatile, healthy, quick and easy to make, and best of all cheap, cheap, cheap! Are you [...]]]>

Poor tilapia. It’s often passed by in the store for its tasty sea cousins salmon or tuna. It’s never really the star of the show. Why? I have no idea… It’s such a wonderful little white fish. It’s so versatile, healthy, quick and easy to make, and best of all cheap, cheap, cheap!

Are you a fan of fish? Most people reply “yes, as long as it does not have the fishy taste to it.” Touché. Me, I could eat fish every day if I could. It never gets old! So many ways and unlimited possibilities to marinate, grill, bake, sear, broil, eat raw…. Yum, Yum, and YUM!

Tonight tilapia was the show stopper at our house for dinner. Plus, if you were one of those people that do not dig the fishy taste, or are new to eating fish, I have an excellent recipe below to share with you.

Baked Almond Coconut Curry Crusted Tilapia

Recipe slightly adapted from FamilyFreshCooking

Ingredients:

4 Thawed Tilapia filets
1 TSP Curry powder
1/4 Cup Unsalted Almonds
1/4 Cup Unsweetened Coconut Flake
Ground fresh black Pepper to taste
Coconut oil

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 190 degrees Celsius. lightly coat pan with coconut oil. Pulse in food processor the almonds, coconut flake, curry, and pepper to taste. Coat tilapia with coconut oil then dredge fish in the curry powder, almonds, and coconut flake mixture, as you would with breadcrumbs.

Once in baking pan, sprinkle a few pinches of the unsweetened coconut and curry powder on top of the fish already coated with the above mixture.

Bake 20-25 minutes. Test tilapia to ensure cooked through & flakey.

Enjoy! Please feel free to let me know what you think.

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4814 0 Rhythm http://backpackbees.com/?p=4808 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4808#comments Sun, 28 Apr 2013 13:24:43 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4808 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } We have a beautiful rhythm together, you and I. I wouldn’t change it for the world.]]>

We have a beautiful rhythm together, you and I. I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4808 0 Spring Wedding http://backpackbees.com/?p=4797 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4797#comments Sat, 27 Apr 2013 13:15:18 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4797 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } Today was an absolute breathtaking day for a Spring wedding! The sun came out, the temperature was warm in the sun, cool in the shade, the birds were chirping, everything in budding and blooming. Ah… just breathtaking! We attended Mr. B’s co-worker’s wedding in Seoul earlier this afternoon. Such a beautiful ceremony! It was half [...]]]>

Today was an absolute breathtaking day for a Spring wedding! The sun came out, the temperature was warm in the sun, cool in the shade, the birds were chirping, everything in budding and blooming. Ah… just breathtaking!

We attended Mr. B’s co-worker’s wedding in Seoul earlier this afternoon. Such a beautiful ceremony! It was half in Korean and half in English (how fun is that?). The pastor was outstanding too, some of the best vows and sermon that we have heard yet. Particularly the part that sticks with us is the joke he cracked about Adam and Eve. He said, “GOD, why did you make Eve so beautiful? God replied, so that you will love her. Adam then says, GOD, why did you make Eve’s skin so soft? God replied so that you would love her. Adam then asks, GOD why did you make Eve so stupid? God respond, so that she would love you…” .  LOL!

All jokes aside, the vows were a strong message about upholding your marriage, your friendship, your commitment to one another forever. Once you are married your best friend is your spouse. What a beautiful reminder to each and every one of the audience attending the ceremony.

The bride and groom were such a gorgeous couple. Seriously, look how cute they are! Happy, smiling, and now not only husband and wife, but best friends forever too.

Congratulations you two! We wish you nothing but a life long of good health and happiness together forever and ever!

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4797 0 Promise http://backpackbees.com/?p=4789 http://backpackbees.com/?p=4789#comments Mon, 22 Apr 2013 10:59:15 +0000 Backpackbee http://backpackbees.com/?p=4789 #followform { padding-top:5px; text-align:left; } The weather hasn’t fully submitted yet here in Korea. As the Spring weather typically seems to do every year, it’s quite capricious, here we all feel the seasonal pangs of change. I see glimpses of the promising summer seasonal bliss while riding my bike, even if I have to still wear a heavy jacket. At [...]]]>

The weather hasn’t fully submitted yet here in Korea. As the Spring weather typically seems to do every year, it’s quite capricious, here we all feel the seasonal pangs of change. I see glimpses of the promising summer seasonal bliss while riding my bike, even if I have to still wear a heavy jacket.

At last, life is full of sweet promise, as only it can be in Spring.

Backpackbees

]]> http://backpackbees.com/?feed=rss2&p=4789 0