Greetings from Europe!

Our trip has been wonderful and adventurous, filled with lots of great food, sightseeing, and sleeping in. I'm currently writing from beside a swimming pool in Costa del Sol, Spain.

This will be a quick post because Steve and I have the ambitious plans of getting some sun at the beach, and then enjoying churros y chocolate at our new favorite joint in a nearby town. It's a hard life here.

For now, here are a few photos of our London experiences:

We stood in front of Big Ben! And on a gloomy, overcast day, no less. Really, how much more London can you get? While on a self-guided walking tour of the city, we also visited Buckingham Palace, St James' Park, the Thames, and Tower Bridge.

Riding public transportation around the city was great - simple, accessible and quick.

We also had a good laugh whenever the woman’s voice on the loudspeaker told everyone to “Mind the gap.” This, among other phrases stated in a strong British accent, has become stuck in our vocabulary. One of us will say something that sounds like a strange mix of Cockney, Irish, and a screechy-voiced witch villain straight out of a cartoon, and then we will both burst into a raucous laughter. Quite embarrassing, really.

Yes, we just HAD to be the annoying tourists who pretend to use the phone booth simply for a photo opportunity.

Westminster Abbey - primarily known to Americans (and by “Americans,” I mean me) as the place where Chandler and Joey have a squabble during the Season Four finale of Friends. And also a key location in Da Vinci Code. I know, I should probably brush up on things like actual world events and geography.

And finally, the number one thing we wanted to accomplish while in London - have a beer in a British pub! We went the full mile, and ordered fish and chips, and steak and potato pie. The food was delicious, but the beer was a little bland and warm. Maybe that’s just the way it’s done in the UK? Still, it was a perfect way to end our trip to London.

More to come on our time in Spain. Cheers.

Chocolate Chip Cookies and Interracial Marriage

A recipe for messed up kids.

Just when I thought I was running out of material to write about, I received this comment on my (evidently controversial) post about soft chocolate chip cookies:

"EXCUSE ME, Mr. Marks, but I thought this was a food blog. Interracial marriages create nothing but heartache for any children conceived by such a union. DID you not read the media headlines today about the strife wrought by interracial marriages in America? Perhaps you two should stick to 'baking' cookies instead of 'making' interracial children."

Though the commenter's profile appears to be a ruse to get more website hits, I will still gladly address the comment. Because really, who could pass up this one?

First off, Commenter, I am a missus. Get that straight. Unless you're addressing my husband, who in fact does NOT claim to own a food blog. He certainly does not cook enough to warrant anything of the sort, and will gladly admit it.

Secondly, thanks for the warning about all the heartache and strife my future multiracial children are doomed to face. I'll begin setting aside therapy money pronto. But, wait...how do you explain Tiger Woods turning out okay?

Thirdly, if by your use of quotation marks you are insulting my "baking" skills, well then. Now I'm offended.

All joking aside, I have addressed some of my thoughts on interracial marriage here. And this recent comment (even if it was from someone with simply too much time and a penchant for instigating fights on people's blogs), reflects the disturbing reality of the fear, hatred and prejudice that still exist in our world today.

I want to dispel the notion that I think my marriage is fundamentally better than others simply because we're an interracial couple. Low and behold, Steve and I have many of the same issues, problems and dilemmas that any married couple experiences. Shocker, I know.

That said, I do believe that there are many interracial couples (and their families) who have walked a uniquely difficult road, and those people should be applauded. Because of my own experiences, I have a special place in my heart for interracial couples and their multiracial children. And I will continue to celebrate fellow interracial couples, such as Jon and Kate, Heidi Klum and Seal, and many of our real life couple friends (because we apparently run around in packs).

I will also continue to look forward to the day we have our own lovely multiracial children, who will hopefully be welcomed into a world that is a little more loving than it currently stands.

But until then, I guess I'll keep "baking" cookies.

Coconut Shrimp Soup

Since moving to Los Angeles, I've grown a deep appreciation for Thai food. The city is filled with hole-in-the-wall Thai restaurants that proudly serve up their wonderful B and C-rated food to hungry customers. Speaking of restaurant ratings, never ever trust an Asian restaurant that has an A hanging in its window...it will be a disappointing experience. And as many fans will attest, the pride and joy of most Thai eateries is the soup. Thai soups have a unique ability to engage the senses and taste buds in ways that set them apart from other cuisines.

Wanting to try our hand at Thai cooking, Steve and I made this Thai-style soup together one weekend. It was wonderful, and filled the entire house with a sweet, citrus fragrance. The blend of shrimp and coconut was delicious, and we enjoyed every spoonful of it.

Coconut Shrimp Soup
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
4 medium carrots, peeled, halved lengthwise, and thinly sliced
1 can (13.5 ounces) low fat coconut milk
1 tablespoon cornstarch
5 ounces angel hair pasta
1 1/2 pounds large shrimp, peeled, deveined, and tails removed
1/4 cup fresh lime juice

Heat the oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add ginger, garlic, and red pepper; cook, stirring, about 1 minute. Add carrots, coconut milk, and 3 cups water. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water until smooth; add to the pot. Bring to a boil. Break pasta in half; add to the pot. Return to a boil. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer 3-4 minutes. Add shrimp; stir until opaque, about 1 minute. Remove the pot from heat and stir in the lime juice; season with salt. Serves 4.

The Great Coloring Book Giveaway!

Win a free autographed copy!

This past week I had a great time with Katy and Emily (pictured on the left), who were in Los Angeles for a short, but lovely visit. They are very dear friends from the old middle school days on Maui, Hawaii. And now we're all grown up, stepping into adulthood together!

Also, Katy just so happens to be an amazing artist by the name of Renee K. Coates, whose Hawaii-influenced artwork can be found at her website here. Among her many creative endeavors, she recently published a coloring book! Isn't that cool? The Road to Hana tells the story of a family who explores the little town of Hana-Maui during their vacation in Hawaii. It is filled with gorgeous illustrations, and makes a perfect gift for anyone! The coloring book is available for purchase at amazon.com here. I am so proud of my friend, and thrilled that our shared background of Hawaiian life and culture is such a foundational part of her art.

Here is the good news for you, readers. Renee wants to give away a free autographed copy to one of you! That's right - you have the opportunity to receive your own copy of The Road to Hana (retailed at $11.99), sent directly from the author. Pretty much as good as winning an actual trip to Hawaii, if you ask me.

So without further ado, The Great Coloring Book Giveaway!

How can you put your name into the running for the prize? Simple! Answer the question below, either in a comment, or via email to larissalmarks (at) gmail (dot) com. Comments will close at 12pm PST on Friday, May 16th. A winner will be chosen at random, and announced here on the blog on Saturday, May 17th. Make sure you leave your name and a way to contact you if you win. And feel free to pass on the word about this, and let others know about the contest!

Here is the contest question (in the spirit of Hawaii), which you may answer however you want:

What would be your ultimate dream vacation? Where would you go, who would you take, what would you do?

Good luck!

Celebrating My Irish Culture

Yes, you read that correctly. My Irish culture. Since I am now married to a part-Irish man, I've decided to claim Irish heritage as my own this year. Which means I get to spend this weekend

cooking this...
and drinking this...
and wearing this...
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you all!* Hope your weekend is magnificent.

*in the best Irish accent a Chinese, honorary-Irish woman can muster

$20 Chinese Massage

The other day I had a brand new experience. I received a full body massage.

Prior to this, I had never come across the opportunity to do so. Also, I figured that spending a hundred dollars on a massage (which I can receive from my spouse for the lovely price of FREE) was just so not worth it.

But my friend wanted to introduce me to "her place." Which, in girl-speak, means: you are a good friend, and I love you, so I'm letting you in on my little secret ________ (fill in the blank with hairdresser, discount brand-name shoe store, etc.). These are very intimate moments within the sisterhood, believe me. She promised that I would love it. She had previously converted another friend, so the three of us went together.

The place was run entirely by Chinese people, and had the ambiance of my grandma's house. Big comfy chairs, zen-type plants and wall hangings, hot Jasmine tea. The service was quick, and I was soon assigned to a 40-year old woman who immediately got to work on my sore muscles.

OH. MAN. It was heaven. The angels singing, clouds parting kind of heaven. While my feet soaked in hot water, she massaged my neck, shoulders and back. Then she moved to my head, arms, legs. I had just had an intense workout at the gym that morning, and apparently had tight muscles everywhere. My woman kept making "ohh" and "uhh" noises as she massaged me, as if to convey her shock that someone with this amount of knots didn't come see her on a weekly basis. The best part, though, was the foot massage. She placed hot towels on my legs and feet, and worked on them for a glorious fifteen minutes. By the end, muscles I didn't know existed in my body felt wonderful and relaxed.

And the best part? The entire experience cost me $20 (including tip). Steve was so envious, that we decided to go again today. Saturdays are our date day, so we decided on Chinese massages and dim sum for lunch.

Go find your own cheap Chinese massage place.* I highly recommend it.

*Oh man, am I going to get all sorts of weird hits from people googling Chinese massage now?

Happy Chinese New Year!

It's officially the Year of the Rat.

According to the Chinese zodiac, this year is a time of hard work, activity and renewal. It's supposed to be a good year to begin a new job, get married, launch a product, or make a fresh start. That seems to bode well for my friends and family, since many are jumping on the marriage and baby trains this year. Whoowoo.

I really miss being at home with my family to celebrate Chinese New Year. After living in Hawaii for a few generations, much of the Chinese culture within our family has been lost, or evolved into more of a Chinese-Hawaiian-American blend of tradition. But Chinese New Year was always celebrated with pride and fervor. Probably because it revolves around the important things - family and food.

In my experience, no other holiday can beat Chinese New Year in its ability to overload the senses. In a wonderful way, mind you. There are the greasy smells of roast duck and sticky rice from the kitchen. The sounds of mah jong tiles being moved around the surface of the table. The rough texture of the red lai see envelopes filled with money that grandparents dispense to the grandchildren. The view of extended family and friends gathered together around the dinner table, celebrating each other and a new year to come.

Gung hay fat choy, everyone!

La Ciudad de México

Hola. Me llamo Larissa.

Steve and I just got back from spending five days in Mexico City for some work-related training. Yes, my job occasionally sends me to lovely and exotic places. Jealous?

It was my first time there, and I was thrilled to revisit my youth and practice the Spanish phrases that Sesame Street taught me through catchy songs. Poor Steve (whose Spanish is quite excellent) had to put up with my endless questions. What does that sign say? What is she talking about? How do I say "another shot of tequila, please"?

I mostly picked up the important words: torta (the best sandwiches you'll ever eat), liquidos de fresa (strawberry and milk smoothie), and of course, cerveza (beer). I could have stayed just for the food alone.

The people, culture, and entire experience was wonderful, and I wish we could have visited longer. Here are a few pictures of our adventures.

More photos from the trip here. Adios.

The Chinese Art of Tea

"Popo's Teapot" - oil on canvas

In Chinese culture, tea plays a significant role. The preparation and serving of tea is a deep-rooted tradition that is often a metaphor for honor, respect, submission, gratitude, love and family. People make serious apologies by serving another tea as a sign of regret and humility. In the traditional Chinese wedding ceremony, the bride and groom serve their parents tea out of honor and gratitude. Families will gather to drink tea, and to pass down culture and tradition to the younger generation. Tea is ingrained in many important facets of Chinese heritage.

This past summer I visited my grandmother. One day as she was lamenting all of the clutter in her house that she was trying to sort through, she asked me if I wanted to have one of her teapots. Yes, yes I would, I said (sidenote: when a Chinese grandmother offers you something, you take it). The teapot that she delicately removed from a basket was beautiful. It was gold-plated porcelain, painted with intricate designs of dragons and clouds. It was used, but not worn...just well loved as evidenced by some small tea stains on the inside. "This was actually your great-grandmother's before she gave it to me," my grandmother said as she put it in my hands.

There was something profound for me in that moment. Growing up as a fourth generation Chinese in Hawaii, much of my family's original Chinese heritage has been forgotten. But as my grandmother handed me this teapot that had belonged first to my great-grandmother and then her, I felt a sense of connection to my family, and to previous generations of Chinese, all linked through culture and tradition and legacy. Thank you, Popo.

Interracial Marriage

The other night, Steve and I were watching Without Prejudice, a TV show on the Game Show Network. The show's premise has a five-person panel which chooses one winner from among five strangers to receive a prize of $25,000. The five contestants reveal information about themselves and their background and are voted off one at a time based on their personal story.

The show was only mildly interesting until one woman on the show said this with noticeable force:

"I don't agree with interracial marriage. I just don't."

Now I thought I had seen and heard everything on TV, but that woman's statement came as quite a shock to my system. I was just blown away by the fact that some people actually feel that strongly against interracial marriage. Later, out of curiosity, I did some research online, and found that the last of many U.S. anti-miscegenation laws was repealed in 1967. You read that correctly - 1967. Only forty years ago. And people like the woman on Without Prejudice still have those same sentiments today. Unbelievable.

My being in a relationship with a white man has never crossed my mind as something that others might view as a moral issue along the same lines as abortion or gay marriage.

Maybe it's because I grew up in Hawaii, where many of my friends were of amazingly unique mixes of heritage, and interracial marriages are commonplace. Maybe it's because so many of my friends are in interracial relationships. Maybe it's because I have yet to encounter anyone among family, friends and even strangers who is anything less that supportive and celebratory of our marriage.

I love my interracial marriage, and the ways our different cultures and ethnic identities shape the relationship. Being a Chinese woman married to a white man has brought all sorts of joys, challenges, adventures, differences, and laughter into my life, and I wouldn't change it for the world. Plus, you know, we are going to have some seriously cute kids someday.

Culture Shock Therapy

I am from the beach. From Spam and aloha.
I am from the Valley Isle, beautiful and serene.
I am from the plumeria, fragrant and velvety.
I'm from potlucks and dark skin.
From Aileen Fong and Wah Tim Lock.
I'm from the long conversations and livingroom games.
From "Don't waste food!"
And "You can do it when you're twenty-five."
I'm from followers of Jesus and Catholic roots.
I'm from Honolulu, Hawaii and rural China.
Plate lunches and saimin.
I am from only daughter, independent and compassionate.