My first dojang (Korean name stamp/name seal)

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Dojang - A Korean name stamp (name seal)

In Korea, the name stamp traditionally holds a special place. Known as dojang 도장 in Korean, these personal stamps/seals serve as an extension of your identity, much like a fingerprint or a signature in the Western world.

You can use the dojang for signing legal documents and contracts. In these cases, the stamp effectively replaces the handwritten signature, providing a legally recognized seal of approval or authenticity. Despite the rise of digital technology, the importance of dojang is still going strong, showing how much Korea values its traditions.

One of the unique aspects of the dojang is its deeply personal nature. Every name stamp is unique, with the engraved name and chosen script style reflecting the individual’s identity. This personal aspect of the dojang extends to the very act of receiving one. In many cases, the stamp is gifted by a close friend or family member, highlighting the significance of the relationship.

If you intend to use your dojang as your signature, you will need to register at the local district office. Once the dojang is registered, it is considered validated for official use. Foreigners can also register a dojang, if you are staying in Korea on a long-term visa (more than 6 months). If you are a tourist or a short-term visitor, you can still have a dojang made as a personal memento, but it won’t be recognized for official use.

When I was visiting Jeonju Hanok Village with my friend Ella and her husband, they gave me the beautiful dojang, you can see in the photos and the video of this post. I felt that it was not just a souvenir, but also a symbol of my Korean connection to the Korean culture and a token of our friendship. Thank you so much Ella for such a wonderful gift!

May 12, 2023 0 comments

Recipe: Trine’s Amazing Mussels with White Wine and Cream

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Sister T, Trine, makes the most amazing mussels, and I finally I got her to share her recipe! Trine’s version is so great that I no longer bother ordering moules frites or moules marinières when dining at restaurants, as they usually cannot compare to Trine’s mussels, and I end up disappointed.

The secret ingredient, that sets Trine’s Moules Marinières apart from the rest, is beef broth (!), which she has discovered perfectly complements the flavor of the mussels.

Trine’s broth is richer than the broth in most other Moules Marinières I have tried. While traditional recipes often involves simply steaming the mussels in white wine for a couple of minutes, Trine takes it a step further and allows the wine to simmer and reduce with the other ingredients, ultimately creating a delicious, soup-like, broth that takes the dish to a whole new level.

How to clean the mussels

One of the most critical steps in the preparation process is cleaning the mussels, as they can carry sand and grit, which can really ruin the dining experience. If you are using farmed mussels, they are usually packed clean and with the beard removed, so you can go quicker through the steps mentioned below.

Step 1 – Inspect Your Mussels: Before you begin cleaning, inspect each mussel carefully. Look for any that are cracked or have broken shells, as these should be discarded. Gently tap any open mussels on a hard surface, and if they don’t close within a few minutes, discard them as well. If the mussel doesn’t close, it means that it is no longer alive and thus should not be consumed.

Step 2: Scrub the Shells Using a stiff-bristled brush, scrub the exterior of each mussel to remove any remaining debris, algae, or barnacles. Pay special attention to the crevices around the hinges and the edges of the shells, as these areas tend to accumulate the most grime.

Step 3 Remove the Beard: The “beard” is a fibrous thread-like structure that mussels use to attach themselves to surfaces in their natural habitat. To remove the beard, simply pull it firmly, until it detaches.

Step 4 – Soak and Rinse: Fill a large bowl with cold water and submerge the mussels for about 20 minutes. This soaking process encourages the mussels to expel any sand or grit trapped inside their shells. After soaking, drain the water and rinse the mussels thoroughly under cold running water. You can repeat this step if needed, until the water is clear.

Recipe: Trine’s Amazing Mussels with White Wine and Cream

Recipe by Sister T – Trine

Course: Dinner

Servings

servings

Trine’s broth is more full-bodied than the broth in most other Moules Marinières. While traditional recipes often involves simply steaming the mussels in white wine for a couple of minutes, Trine takes it a step further and allows the wine to simmer and reduce with the other ingredients, ultimately creating a delectable, soup-like, broth that takes the dish to a whole new level.

Cook Mode

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Ingredients

4 lbs 4 mussels
1 small bunch 1 dill
2 cubes 2 beef stock
1 1 fennel
2 2 leeks
1 1 parsnip
1 1 large carrot (or 2 small)
2 2 single clove garlic (or 4-5 regular garlic cloves)
1 bottle 1 white wine
4 cups 4 heavy cream
Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Thoroughly clean the mussels and discard any dead ones.
Cut the lemon in half. Cut half of the lemon in thick slices. Chop all the vegetables into small cubes and grate or press the garlic.
Heat a little butter in a large pot until it sizzles. Sauté the lemon slices, garlic, dill, and fennel tops in the pot for a few minutes to release the flavors.
Add the white wine and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes.
Add the beef stock. Stir to ensure the beef stock cubes dissolve completely.
Add the vegetables and cover with a lid. Let the soup simmer for 45-60 minutes.
Remove the lemon slices from the soup and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add the heavy cream and wait for the soup to boil again. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Add the mussels and cover the pot with a lid to ensure the mussels are properly steamed.
The mussels are done when they open. Discard any that remain closed after steaming.
Serve the mussels with a piece of nice bread to dip in the soup, and fries with aioli on the side.

Recipe Video

April 22, 2023 0 comments

This could be the best sleep mask ever – Silk contoured sleep mask

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

If you travel a lot, or you just need to sleep during daytime, you know that a good sleep mask is priceless. I have tried so many sleep masks through the years, but I have never managed to find one that ticked all the boxes. So I decided to make my own, and together with the women at CWSG we started working on the best sleep mask ever. It took more than three months and 20 prototypes to come up with the final design, but it was all worth it, and I am so happy and proud of what we have created. This is a wonderful, wonderful sleep mask!

This could be the best sleep mask ever – Silk contoured sleep mask

Here is why it is so great:

It has plenty of room for your eyes and your lashes

Flat sleep masks have just never worked for me. The pressure from the mask on my eyes makes it difficult to blink, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Besides, flat sleep masks are not compatible with eye make-up and lash extensions.

Flat sleep masks have just never worked for me, because the pressure from the mask on my eyes makes it difficult to blink, resulting in dry, irritated eyes. Besides, flat sleep masks are not compatible with eye make-up and lash extensions, which I wear now and then.

I thus knew that I wanted to make a contoured sleep mask, so I reached out to Metric Products which is a US company that holds the patent for the type of contoured core that I wanted inside my mask. They have developed a patented material, Metric 66, which is super lightweight, hypoallergenic and environmentally friendly, just what I was looking for. As we were talking, I found out that Metric Products runs several social projects in Sri Lanka, where their production facilities are located, so I did not hesitate long, before I placed my order.

My sleep mask has 20mm deep eye cups, so you can blink away as much as you like, even with eye lash extensions. The mask also prevents you from accidentally scratching your eyes, which further help prolong the life of your lash extensions, and if you take a nap on board the train or the plane you will not have to worry about waking up looking like a panda. The sleep mask will make sure that your eye make-up does not get smudged all over your face.

It is made with super soft Peace Silk

When it comes to that super soft, luxurious feeling, nothing compares to silk. Though in traditional silk production, the silkworms are gassed or boiled alive, which I thought sounded wasteful. For my sleep masks I therefore decided to use Peace Silk, which is silk made without killing the silkworms. Instead, the worms are allowed to hatch from their cocoons and become beautiful butterflies.

The outer layer of the sleep mask is 100% Peace Silk satin, which has a shiny, soft surface that feels wonderful against the skin so you will wake up looking just as rejuvenated as you feel. The sleep mask comes with a handwoven pouch so it is easy to bring along when you are on the go.

It is adjustable

It was important for me that the sleep mask was adjustable so it would be comfortable to wear for any head size. The easy solution, which many other sleep mask makers use, is Velcro, but if you have long hair like me, you know why Velcro is a terrible idea:) Velcro gets entangled in your hair but it also loses some of its stickiness over time, so we quickly started looking for other options.

We tried bra sliders, hooks and buttons, but they were not very comfortable or they were too difficult to adjust, so for a while we were considering not having adjustment at all, but instead just using an elastic band. Though finding the optimal length of the band was difficult. The mask would be too tight for people with big heads and too loose for people with smaller heads. Furthermore, elastic band gets less elastic over time so a good fit now would turn into a too loose fit over time.

So after all the trial and error above, we finally decided on ribbons, as that would allow for the best adjustment of the fit of the mask. At first I was skeptical towards ribbons, as I thought the bow would be uncomfortable to sleep on, but I was surprised to find out that if you tie the ribbon and place the knot at the back of your head where the skull and the neck meet, you do not feel it at all. I sleep on my back, so you can take my word for it.

The ribbons have an elastic part which makes sure the mask fit tightly, and the edge of the mask is lined with Peace Silk fiber to make the fit even better and the mask even more comfortable to wear.

It is handmade and fair

It is the women at CWSG who make the sleep masks. CWSG is a women artisan group in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and the group helps disadvantaged and marginalized women get a source of income and social support.

We spent many late evenings making prototypes and discussing the design, and they played a big part in transforming the sleep mask from an idea that seemed impossible into the final product.

The white and pink Lucky Cat is my favorite, and that design just happened by coincidence. I had asked Kanary’s (the founder of CWSG) daughter Katherine to make some suggestions for decorations and she drew the cat because that was something, she would love to wear herself. It was not in the style I had originally imagined for the sleep masks, but when I saw the cat, I immediately fell in love:)

April 18, 2023 0 comments

Different ways to use a tea towel

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Tea towels are one of the most useful items you can have in your kitchen. They are simple, yet versatile, and can be used for a variety of tasks. Whether you’re drying dishes, wiping up spills, or just need something to hold a hot pot, tea towels are the go-to item for any home cook.

So, what exactly are tea towels? They are a type of kitchen towel that is typically made from cotton or linen, designed to be used in the kitchen. Tea towels come in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles, so you can find one that matches your kitchen decor.

I prefer the tea towels in my kitchen to have different styles, but matching colors, but otherwise, I am fairly openminded. I have a whole stack of tea towels at home, and I use them for many other things than just drying glasses. Here are some other ways to use tea towels:

Different ways to use a tea towel

For drying: One of the most common uses for tea towels is for drying dishes. Unlike paper towels, which can be wasteful and expensive, tea towels are reusable and eco-friendly. Plus, they are more absorbent than paper towels, so you can dry your dishes faster and more efficiently.

For wiping up spills: Tea towels are also great for wiping up spills and messes. Whether you spill some water on the counter, or drop a bit of sauce on the stove, a tea towel can quickly and easily clean up the mess.

As a hot pad: Another great use for tea towels is as a hot pad. If you need to move a hot pot or pan from the stove to the counter, simply fold up a tea towel and use it as a pad to protect your hands from the heat. You can also use a tea towel to cover bread or rolls, to keep them warm until you’re ready to serve.

For adding style: Tea towels can also be used to add a bit of style to your kitchen. Because they come in so many different colors and patterns, you can use them to add a pop of color to your kitchen decor. Hang a few tea towels on a hook or towel bar, and your kitchen will instantly look more inviting. Tea towels might be the cheapest way to give your kitchen a quick makeover. Use matching colors and patterns, and see how simple it is to change the style and look of your kitchen.

As a bread basket liner and for wrapping bread: Tea towels are a great way to line bread baskets or bowls, when serving bread or rolls. Not only do they add a touch of style, but they also help keep the bread warm and fresh. Simply place the tea towel in the basket or bowl, then add the bread or rolls on top. The tea towel will help absorb any excess moisture and keep the bread from sticking to the basket or bowl.

For wrapping bread: Tea towels can also be used to wrap freshly baked bread, which is especially useful if you want to transport it, or give it as a gift. Simply wrap the bread in the tea towel and tie it with a ribbon or twine for a rustic and charming presentation. Wrapping fresh-baked bread in a tea towel is also a great way to keep it fresh, without it getting soggy. If you put bread in a plastic bag while it’s still warm, the moisture from the bread can get trapped in the bag, causing it to become soggy. However, wrapping the bread in a tea towel after it has cooled off allows for air to circulate around the bread, helping to keep it fresh and crusty. Plus, the tea towel can absorb any excess moisture, which can help prevent mold from forming on the bread. So, next time you bake a loaf of bread, consider wrapping it in a tea towel for the best results!

Repurpose: After the tea towel has served its time in the kitchen, it can be repurposed for other uses. For example, you can use it to polish shoes or metalware. The soft, absorbent fabric is perfect for removing dirt and grime, and can leave your shoes or metalware looking shiny and new. It’s a great way to extend the life of your tea towel and get even more use out of it.

You can buy beautiful, handwoven, ethically made tea towels from Thailand and Cambodia in my shop:

Mix & Match – Choose among all tea towels in the shop

1pc: $14 // 2pcs: $25 // 3pcs: $36 // 4pcs: $46

View all tea towels >>

April 15, 2023 0 comments

NYC: Homemade Taqueria

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

Homemade Taqueria - Nice Birria Tacos in New York - NYC Blog

Do you believe in manifesting stuff? I’m not sure that I do, but if I did, I think I manifested a nice taco shop, just when I needed it the most:) I had just arrived in New York City, and hungry and jet lagged, I was looking for a place to have lunch. As if by fate, Homemade Taqueria appeared before me, with a nice and colorful appearance and a promise of authentic Mexican flavors.

I had the birria tacos, and it turned out to be a good pick. The tacos were filled with juicy, tender shredded beef that had been slow-cooked to perfection. The meat was packed with flavor and paired beautifully with the warm tortillas. I haven’t had birria tacos since Ale @lemontwist_nyc took me to Chofi Taco in Union City so I was curious to see how the tacos at Homemade Taqueria compared to the ones we had at Chofi. I would say they were almost as good as the birria tacos at Chofi, but I like the consomé at Chofi slightly better.

This place felt like a mom-and-pop style hidden gem, so I was surprised to find out that it’s actually a part of a chain with branches throughout the city. After a long flight, I couldn’t have asked for a better lunch spot and you ever find yourself in New York City, hungry, and jet lagged, heading down to the nearest Homemade Taqueria wouldn’t be a bad choice.

You can see the different locations at the Homemade Taqueria website >>

April 6, 2023 0 comments

New Jersey: Nice date night restaurants near South Orange

by Mitzie Mee - Sanne

When I’m visiting Tina, I somehow always happen to be there, just when Tina and J are having their weekly date night. I don’t want to disturb their kids-free couple time, but they always insist that I come along, so over the years, I have gained a pretty good knowledge of nice datenight spots within driving distance of South Orange, which is where Tina and J live.

In this guide, I have put together a guide of some of the nicest places I have been to, as a datenight crasher. These are all places with amazing food, great cocktails (important) and a nice, romantic vibe.

Common Lot

Common Lot serves up innovative, globally inspired food The menu changes with the season ensuring that you’re always treated to the freshest, locally sourced, produce. When we were there, I also found a lot of Nordic references in the food as well as in the stylish, but cozy, interior. The restaurant has the same vibe as many of the modern Nordic restaurants in Copenhagen, and maybe that’s why I like it so much. This is my favorite among the places on this list.

Common Lot, 27 Main St, Millburn, NJ

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen

Step back in time at Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, located in a beautifully restored historic mansion. The grandeur of the old building, combined with the restaurant’s contemporary design elements, creates a unique and charming setting. Jockey Hollow boasts several dining spaces, each with its distinct character, and the menu highlights locally sourced ingredients, with an emphasis on seafood and Italian-inspired flavors

The pasta dishes at Jockey Hollow are amazing and not to be missed. Unfortunately the Thai-style octopus isn’t on the menu anymore, but that dish was so good and that octopus so perfectly cooked, I wouldn’t hesitate ordering anything octopus from Jockey Hollow.

Jockey Hollow Bar & Kitchen, 110 South St, Morristown, NJ

Summit House

Set in a beautiful, vintage building, Summit House has you covered with its white-cloth dining experience and inviting atmosphere. The restaurant’s refined menu, showcasing modern American cuisine, uses locally sourced ingredients to create delicious, tasty, dishes.

Really classy place. I was super jetlagged when we were there and I wasn’t particularly hungry, so I just wanted the loaded fries, but we also shared a couple of meat dishes and salad, and they were delicious. While the other places on this list would be great for a girls’ night out too, Summit House felt more like a purebred date night spot, or somewhere you would go for family dinners.

Summit House, 395 Springfield Ave, Summit, NJ

Faubourg

Faubourg brings a touch of France to Montclair with its French brasserie menu and elegant outdoor seating area, perfect for warm summer evenings. Always bustling with people, this is a fantastic spot to enjoy your meal while soaking up the vibrant atmosphere. As you savor the exquisite French cuisine, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery and, later in the evening, twinkling fairy lights, creating a magical atmosphere. Definitely best during the summer season when you can sit outside.

The snail and chicken oysters is not on the menu, but seems to be a frequently recurring specials item. It’s a delicious dish with perfectly cooked snails and chicken oysters (the tender, circular pieces of meat at the back of the chicken thigh, near the backbone), served on a bed of spätzle.

Faubourg, 544 Bloomfield Ave, Montclair, NJ