Hi, lovely peeps! How's everyone's weeks so far? Are you feeling ok? Are you disheartened by what's going on in America and straight up embarrassed/disgusted by who "runs" this country? Yeah, me too. I'm not really great at writing about politics. Talk to me in person. You're invited into our living room. We'll provide beer and snacks. I just wish I could give everyone who feels hurt, angry, and afraid right now a big hug and a personally decorated cupcake. If I had enough time and butter, I'd do it. My hope is that we all continue to be hopeful, kind, compassionate, engaged, and aware. Just ignoring what is going on is not okay anymore. If you're interested in reading some great and humorous political commentary check out my good friend Claire's blog. I literally LOL every time I read it.

Whenever I feel a little down about the state of the world, I try to focus on what is good and bright around me at the moment. Normally that includes being thankful for my safe and cozy apartment, Reuby, and Cho Family. As a birthday present to myself, I bought a plane ticket to Cleveland next month. Going home to see your family does so much good for your spirit! I haven't been home during the Fall for like over 3 years!!! That's far too long. So I literally can't wait to go home next month. I've been fantasizing about apple picking, making apple galettes, strictly drinking only apple cider, dim sum, quality time with my blanket, and sushi feasts with my family. Gah. Cannot. Wait. Has it been 6 weeks yet?

The weather in San Francisco has been pretty chilly and dreary lately, which has been making my craving for real Fall that much more amplified. I hope it clears up soon though, because Reuben's mom is coming this week! We've been cleaning our apartment like crazy. Gotta make sure we look like responsible adults here. I really love having visitors stay with us! It gives us a reason to not be hermits (we're not really hermits) and make welcome treats! If you're going to travel X amount of hours to come hang out with us, you most definitely deserve a homemade treat to welcome you to San Francisco. I'm practicing for the day I run a bed and breakfast where I make dim sum and cakes for all the guests. Will you come? For now, our art studio/office functions as our guest room. It's honestly really nice! I've definitely rented smaller and crappier rooms as a traveling intern. Come visit us! I've invited you into our home at least twice now... don't be rude.

Okay, there's not a great segue into this week's recipe... if you're in need of an incredibly quick and easy recipe to make for dinner because you've scheduled hugging and baking cupcakes for all the hurt, angry, and sad people of America, this Sambal Shrimp is the recipe for you! If you've never had Sambal before, it is simply an asian hot sauce made up of ground red chilies, salt and vinegar. It's pretty spicy if you just eat it by the spoonful like Reuben, but don't worry! The heat really mellows out once you start to cook it and even more so once you mix it up with some fluffy rice. Preparing and cooking the shrimp is stupid quick. If everything goes right, you'll have some tasty shrimp in 10 minutes! But you should definitely cook up some rice and a simple side of veggies because of "health," and because adults eat balanced meals. Right?

Go on ahead and make this super quick meal and get yourself some hugs : )

Sambal Shrimp

serves 2

Materials:

3/4 lb shrimp - peeled and cleaned

3 Tbsp sambal oelek + more for garnish

2 garlic gloves - minced

1 tsp grated fresh ginger

2 Tbsp olive oil + 1 Tbsp for cooking

1 Tbsp honey

Salt + Pepper

2 green onion stalks - chopped, whites and green divided

Steps:

1. Mix together sambal, minced garlic, grated ginger, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. Set sauce aside. 

2. Combine shrimp with oil, honey, and a generous seasoning of salt and pepper.

3. Heat 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. When hot, add the whites of the green onions to the pan and cook for 1 minute, until slightly brown and fragrant. Add shrimp and cook on one side for about a minute, flip shrimp and cook for another minute until pinkish and opaque. Add the sambal sauce and stir to combine. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Shrimp cook quick!

4. Serve over a scoop of rice, a side of veggies, and garnish with green onions!