Tteokbok-Key to My Heart

One of my dreams, that I did not even realize was a dream, finally came true.  I visited an all-you-can-eat tteokbokki buffet.  For those of you who do not know what tteokbokki is, it is rice cakes cooked in a traditionally spicy broth with additives, such as fish cakes or green onions.  My weak palate (though not as weak as my mother’s) prefers less spicy broth, like in a rose tteokbokki recipe. This buffet had about 7 different types of rice cakes; some were long and square shaped, others had holes in the middle for broth to seep into, while others still were skinny like spaghetti noodles.  I was with 2 friends, so we quickly piled the rice cakes into the bowl before moving onto the veggie side.  Cabbage and bok choy were an immediate must.  We also grabbed a few delicious fish cakes as well.  The fried food section was next, although these do not go in the broth mixture.  You simply eat them on their own or dip them into the cooked broth.  I grabbed some takoyaki (a Japanese snack made with octopus), rice dumplings, and sweet potato cakes.  I am not a huge fan of American fried food seeing as how it is so greasy, but Korean fried foods are so comforting and flavorful.  The broth we decided to make started with a creamy garlic base with some spoonfuls of Chinese spicy blend (this would soon turn into a mistake).   

This is called the "our eyes were bigger than our stomachs"

We then sat down at our table and started to make the tteokbokki.  We added the rice cakes, veggies, fish cakes, and broth mixture to the pan.  While it was cooking, we munched on our absolutely delicious snacks.  The broth was soon ready, and we each took a nice bowlful for ourselves.  The first bite was an instant punch of flavor; saltiness from the garlic base, spice from the Chinese broth, and a freshness from the vegetables.  The rice cakes were the perfect softness, and we quickly dug in.  After about 5 bites, however, the heat started to kick in.  At first, it was only a subtle coating to the back of the tongue.  Nothing to write home about.  Over time, however, the heat started to intensify and the nose started running.  I could feel how hot my face was (and incredibly red to look at, I was told).  This did not deter me from finishing my first bowl.  I went back for seconds where I was met with more intense heat.  We had forgotten that spice builds while it is cooking.  I quickly grabbed another couple of spoonfuls of the garlic cream base to add into the mixture.  While this did decrease the overall spice level, the mixture became VERY salty (in my opinion, at least).  I managed to finish my second bowl before it was filled for a third round.  My stomach was quickly reaching its food limit, but we had to finish the food lest we pay for the leftover food we did not eat.  I choked down the five rice cakes in my bowl, pausing for at least 2 minutes between each bite.  I certainly had an impressive food baby by the end, but I would do it all over again because of how amazing the food was.  

Tteokbokki cooked to perfection *chef's kiss*

The first of many bowls

In other news, the majority of my regular classes are wrapping up for the semester.  I officially only have 1 class left with my adult students.  I will deeply miss them and the connections I have formed with them.  Just the other day, I played a version of musical chairs with them where I placed paper Christmas trees on the ground and had them walk around while the song Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree played.  I would pause the music, and whoever was not standing on a Christmas tree would be out.  I had no idea how this would go seeing as how the majority of my students are above the age of 50.  They really got into it, though, and had a great deal of fun.  

Furthermore, I am mid preparation for winter camp, which will be 2 weeks of lessons for both elementary and middle school students.  I am prepping an underwater themed camp for my middle schooler campers where they will explore the Lost City of Atlantis, learn some ocean basics, study mythological sea creatures, and investigate the Titanic. My elementary campers will be traveling around the world, visiting various continets and immersing themselves in new cultures. I have been a little stressed with all the planning and creating of the materials, but I know my hardwork will pay off in the end. Winterbreak cannot come soon enough!

Speaking of, I have exciting plans in place for my winter break.  Any guesses on where I will be going?  Hint: it is not in Korea!