Mushroomy

The day after Christmas = Time to start experimenting with the presents. Mikey got a Canon camera, so I deicded to take it out for a small "mushroom shoot" today.

 

Oh, Time

Lately I've been thinking a lot about time and how precious it should be to me and everyone who breathes. When I think about it, it is painful to think how much time I waste every single day. Conciously.

Idleness is not something I search for. It comes so naturally. It is so easy to go daydream about things I would like to do when I should be doing homework.

God gave me this big list of things to do in my head. However, laziness seems to be one of those things which constantly haunts me. I don't think Jesus was ever idle, and I don't think He wants me to be.....You never know how long you have to do God's work on earth.

Well, let's just say I've made a few goals...and set down a few rules to help me achieve those goals. I saw the quote on the back of a magazine and it struck me like a switch.

Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.
Benjamin Franklin

Kua Bay

A picture for my friend in Maine :) My brother's and I ventured out to Kua Bay yesterday for the first time. It's a beautiful beach with soft, fine, white sand and cystal clear water. In this picture the waves look rather small, but, trust me, there were a few "monster waves" while Michael and I were in the water! Haha, of couse, I don't like big waves, so my definition of a "monster wave" is probably different from most people's. Hehe.

P.S. Those cool dudes in the bottom left corner are my brothers :)

Microwave Mochi Recipe

Alright, I am finally going to unveil the longed-for mochi recipe! Let us begin.

First, you're going to need:

1 can of coconut milk (approx. 2 cups)

2 cups of mochiko

1 1/2 cups of sugar

Food coloring (pink is more common, but you can choose any color you like!)

Potato starch

An 8X8 microwaveable container

 

Measure out your ingredients. Pour the sugar, mochiko, and coconut milk into a large bowl. Then add two drops of the food coloring of your choice and stir until it becomes smooth. If you want a darker color, simply add an extra drop or two of food coloring.

 

Then, get your glass 8X8 container (or microwaveable safe containter) and set a cup upside down in the center of the pan. Slowly pour the mochi formula into the pan.

 Cover with plastic wrap, making sure to poke holes all around the top and sides. Set in the microwave and microwave for 3 minutes on low, 4 minutes on medium, and 2 minutes on high. Allow to set for a few minutes, as it will be hot. However, once it has cooled a bit, take it out and carefully pull back the plastic wrap! It may emit steam, so don't burn yourself!

Carefully touch the center of the mochi to acertain whether or not it was cooked thoroughly. If it is still liquish in the center, then cover with wrap and microwave another minute or two on medium heat. Allow to cool.  

Now, once your mochi has cooled off a bit, get out that potato starch. The mochi will still be warm, but not so hot that you cannot handle it with your fingers. Cut out pieces from the pan and place on a cutting board or other surface. Slice the mochi into small cubes or rectangles and cover them with potato starch. Then, wah-la! Homemade mochi.