Televising a Chinese Cooking Class

Monday mornings all the stores (except for groceries) are closed. Newcomers go to Monday Morning Networking. Those who have gone through the orientation have not much else to do then get back into bed or clean house. Unless, they have signed up for a cooking class through ASH PTA Education.

One of the courses I signed up for was "Chinese New Year Feast" scheduled for Chinese New Year, January 26. The class was canceled due to insufficient enrollment. I was disappointed. The same day I was notified about the cancellation, one of the instructors called me to see if I was available February 2. TV West, a local station, produces a new show about expat life in Holland. They had contacted her about filming on February 2 a segment on Chinese cooking for one of their shows. She would teach us the same recipes she would have for the cancelled class plus we would be on TV. It sounded like a lark so I said yes.

Three other students were there along with the teachers, June (Malaysian Chinese) and Shereen (Chinese). The other three had taken classes from the instructors before. The number fit nicely into June's kitchen. Because the camera crew would not be there to film until about Noon, June and Shereen demonstrated the cooking for us so that we could eat when the food was warm. They also had five dishes to show us while the TV program only wanted two, the fish and the soup.

They demonstrated for us Gong Bao (Kung Pao) Chicken with cashew nuts, Baby Bok Choy with Prawns and Mushrooms, Festive Fish, Egg Drop Soup with Crabmeat and Cold Almond Jelly in Mixed Fruit. Here is a picture of the table with the three main dishes:


The Baby Bok Choy dish is at the top, fish in the middle and Gong Bao Chicken at the bottom. We also had steamed rice and Jasmine tea.

Things I learned in the cooking class are:

• There is a special soy sauce for sea food.
• Chinese consider sitting at the corner of the table bad luck.
• Chinese tables are usually round with a lazy susan in the middle.
• All the food is put out at once to show fullness and abundance.
  
• Soup is not a starter but is eaten last to fill in the gaps.
• Shark's fin is tough and bland, needs to be cooked a lot, and is very expensive. Imitation shark's fin is usually used.
• Foods that are cooked for New Year's have lots of red in them as it is an auspicious color.
• Garlic can be peeled more easily when it is pounded - Shereen gave it a good whack with the side of her knife and the skin came easily off.
• Add a little oil to the water that baby bok choy is cooked in to help it turn darker green.
  
• The most important tradition associated with Chinese New Year is the Reunion Dinner. It is an extravagant feat signifying prosperity and good fortune in the coming year. It is traditional that families will come together to celebrate the New Year. With a global society, it is much harder to do that.
• The Chinese calendar cycles through 12 animals (Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Sheep, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Boar) and 5 elements (Earth, Wood, Fire, Metal and Water). So this is the year of the "Earth Ox" which means we can expect lots of hard work this year.
• Festive Fish is a must as it signifies good luck and prosperity.
• The best woks are made of stainless steel so they can get hot enough to cook food quickly. The blacker the wok, the better the cook.
• I came away with a list of the best Chinese stores and restaurants in The Hague

We were happily eating lunch when the TV crew arrived. The filming started about an hour later then expected. We had arrived at the house at about 9:30 am, the crew at Noon and they expected to be done by 3 pm.

Because we had used the dinner plates and bowls, we worked together to wash all the dishes, clean up the kitchen and reset the table. The kitchen was separated from the dining area by a wall with an open passage to easily move from the dining room into the kitchen. When the cooking was being filmed, we in the dining room had to be very quiet so there would be no background noise.

The table members were part of a panned shot at the beginning to set the scene. Then June and Shereen spent most of the time in the kitchen. Shereen demonstrated the cooking techniques while June provided commentary. If the chopping was not quite right, it had to be done over again. Some of the vegetables were really chopped finely.

There was no script; it was directed ad lib. The first take was the natural conversation. Then the director would tell June how to make it shorter, to focus on one idea not another and to try again. By the third take, June had it right. Unfortunately, some of her naturalness was lost in the process.

The camera man was a tall Dutchman. At one point to get the angle right, he was standing on a stool and his head was inches away from the ceiling.

June was also asked about her life in Holland, where she had lived before, what were the good things and the bad things of life here.

Cooking the fish dish and soup were finished took about 3 times longer than we did in the morning. No filming was done when the fish dish was brought out and placed on the table. Here's a picture of it nicely decorated with cucumber and chili in green onion:



We needed to be at the table for continuity. One of the guests had to pick up his daughter. He was able to do it and bring her back in time for the last scene. His daughter needed to stay out of camera shot "for continuity."

The interviewer sat down to try the food. June ceremoniously brought out the tureen of soup, twice and then served us all soup (done only once.) Before eating, we all raised our glasses of tea for a toast. I think we did 4 takes of that. Then we were eating soup as the interviewer talked with June. After all the takes, we were eating air. When the interviewer closed the segment by talking to the audience by looking at the camera, we all were directed to look at the camera and then wave good bye.

So, would I take a class from June and Shereen again? Definitely.

Would I take three hours or more of my time to be filled for a TV segment? Probably not. I am glad that I did it. One time be enough.

The segment will be part of the show being aired the week of February 23-27. The show can be viewed online but requires a plug in to be downloaded. Haven't decided if we're going to do that. If I do, I'll let you know and provide the link.

Notes from January

January ended yesterday - 1/12th of 2009. Sigh. What's been happening to the Smith-Dmochowskis the past month? Here goes:

Sunlight - we went from 7 hours and 44 minutes of sunlight in Holland on December 21, 2008 to 9 hours and 6 minutes today (just a few minutes off from yesterday.) On Dec 21, sunrise was 8:49 am; today it was 8:23. Sunset was 4:33 pm; today it was 5:29. ER appreciates the extra light when biking home from school. Terry hasn't had a chance to benefit from it yet.

New Years Eve was spent together as a family with our wonderful friends, the Moores, who let us stay with them a huge chunk of the Christmas vacation. Terry flew out on January 1 back to Holland into the cold (teens) and snow flurries, icy canals, and ducks huddled together on the lawns.

Zoey was happy to see him. When the heat is on, this is her favorite spot in the whole house:

When she has grilled herself on her tummy, she turns on one side, then the other. For entertainment, she can look out the window to watch the birds teasing her. She's also started sleeping under ER's comforter. She gives herself away by either sticking out a paw or two, or by the suspicious lump in the middle of the bed.

Still back in Virginia, Mary Ann, JA and two of her friends saw "Legally Blonde-The Musical" at The Kennedy Center and loved it. True to the movie - perhaps a little too true as the actors mimicked many of the mannerisms of the actors in the original movie. This musical was in contrast to the revival of "West Side Story" at The National Theatre which still needed some work before hitting Broadway.

Although on vacation, the girls attended school. JA visited her class and teachers at Bishop Ireton; ER shadowed at O'Connell with a good friend. JA had her flute audition for the Music Department at George Mason University. It was the one day of vacation we needed to travel that icy weather threatened. The temperature stayed above freezing and we made it. She had a successful audition and was accepted into the program. She's just waiting on her acceptance into the University itself.

The family reunited in Holland on January 8. Holland was still cold. Stayed cold long enough for the canals and small ponds to freeze over thick enough for skating. (See our post below.)

Even in the cold and the rain, Terry and ER biked to school. A few days ER took the bus because of late trumpet practices or it was just too windy and rainy. They are doing their best to imitate the resilient Dutch who are out there no matter what the weather.

We are now a Face book family, each with his or her own presence, some more public then others, experiencing its joys and annoyances. Terry was the last one to sign up.

Mary Ann became a great-aunt for the 3rd time when her brother became a grandfather for the 3rd time (yes, he is grand and she is great!) We hope this summer (next at the latest) to go out to the West Coast to visit and meet them all.

Auditions for the high school play were held. Both girls have parts in the pre-show which they are excited about. Plus, JA gets to be assistant stage manager. She likes working behind stages as much as being on stage.

Thanks to television and internet, we were able to watch the inauguration of President Obama as it was taking place in Washington, DC on January 20. Both the BBC and CNN were broadcasting on TV and the BBC also on the radio. The crowds were amazing. There is something reassuring watching the tradition play itself out - the president-elect arriving at the White House, the drive to the Capital, the order of dignitaries taking seats to witness the swearing in, listening to the inaugural address. With the six hour time difference, we skipped watching coverage of the balls and just caught up on them the next day.

Two days later, we participated in spirit and prayer in the March for Life.

The high school winter ball was on January 24. The theme was "The Roaring '20s" mostly seen in the dresses of the girls. JA and ER looked for outfits in Virginia when we visited. JA wore a costume on loan from a friend. The same friend took ER shopping at Unique (our favorite second hand store) and they found a dress and a boa. Yes, ER wore a dress - there is only one person she allows to buy her a dress and it's not her mother. Here are the girls, without boas, before heading out to the dance:


Girl Scout cookies arrived on January 28. Less than 500 cases were ordered for the troops to sell to friends, family and the school community. The girls don't take orders; the leaders select the cookies and numbers in October for delivery in January. Once these are gone, there aren't any more cookies until next year. The cases were picked up in Rotterdam and brought to a cookie mom's house to count and then distribute. The cars began their trip at 9 am and the last box was out to the troops at 2:30 pm. The cookie brigade worked efficiently and with dropping only a few cases. Mary Ann remembered the times she worked the cookie distribution at the Elks Lodge for her service unit back home.

We were disappointed that Little Brownie Bakers discontinued All Abouts. The Lemon Chalet Cremes are better than last year. Haven't tried the new Dulce di Leche yet.

The month ended with the Solo/Ensemble Festival at the school. About 400 middle and high school students from our corner of Europe come in to the school to participate. They perform either solo, solo with accompanyment or in an ensemble. They are judged according to a set of criteria and can achieve a rank from a low 3 to the highest, 1+. JA performed a Mozart piece to a piano accompanyment. Although she was sick with a cold and having breathing problems, she received a 1. ER was 1/4 of a trumpet quartet that performed a jazz piece; they received a 1+. The judges also give tips to the performers on how they can do better. Mary Ann worked the welcome table and enjoyed meeting people from so many different schools.

Of course, the girls had their classes, did their homework, went to music lessons, did jazz band, slept in, visited with friends, and all the other normal activities done whether living in Virginia or in Holland.

That pretty much brings us up to date. Nothing very exciting. A few things on the calendar for February. Thanks for checking in on us. Know we always appreciate hearing from you too.

Happy New Year from Freezing Holland!

Happy New Year to one and all! Terry returned to Holland on Jan 2. The girls and I on Jan 8. We hit town during one of the coldest weeks in Holland in years. 12 years to be exact. The week that Terry was here, the temperatures were in the teens both day and night.

What, you may ask, happens to the canals when it is cold that long? They freeze.

And what do the Dutch do when the weather is the coldest it's been in 12 years and the canals are frozen?

They skate!


In the woods across the road from us is a small urban lake. We've walk through the woods on our way to Mass or grocery shopping. It is a lovely spot to walk around and even sit on a bench and contemplate. Today was the first day that we ever saw people skating on the ice.

Some young chaps were practicing their ice hockey. The white on the ice is from the shavings due to skating. No Zamboni machine available to clean this ice.


Not everyone was ice skating. Some adults pulled children along on sleds. I saw one man walking and pushing a double stroller (side-by-side). Several people were simply walking on the ice. The Dutch learn to ice skate young. Some elderly didn't make it onto the ice. Instead, they walked along the shore with the walkers smiling and enjoying the scene.


This is a picture of one of the canals in the park. The canals have more debris from trees and are less accessible so there were far fewer skaters on those surfaces.

More pictures of the skaters on the lake.



Of course, where there is exercise there is the need for food and drink. Lo and behold - a hot dog stand powered by a gas generator at one end of the lake.




Since the Dutch love their dogs, dogs were also found down on the ice. JA was lucky to catch one standing on the ice during a short stop in sniffing and exploring.


To commemorate the day, JA stood on the ice at the end of the lake and had me take a picture. She wished that she had skates to enjoy the fun.


The weather forecast shows temperatures gradually climbing to 40 by the end of the week and the lows around 32. We could use a little global warming now. Could it be time to revoke Al Gore's Nobel Prize? Pravda certainly thinks that we're heading for an ice age.

We had a great Christmas vacation with our friends and family. The Smith-Dmos are looking forward to new adventures in 2009. Girls go back to school tomorrow. We're keeping all of you and our country in our prayers trusting in God's providence and care. Remember us, too.

Raising a Lot of Money

In the last post we mentioned about the 2008 Food Fair sponsored by our Church. Well, to their great credit, the total take for the day was 56,000 euros before expenses. This is over 14,000 euros more than last year's success.

This total was announced on the Sunday right after the event, and everyone was very excited. All told, it means that a lot of charities are going to get funded in this next year. It is an amazing testimony to the generosity of the community when in the midst of all this economic upheaval and uncertainty that people still found the money to give.

Food Fair 2008

On Saturday, 15 November, the English speaking international Roman Catholic parish known as The Church of Our Saviour, had their annual Food Fair. It was quite an event, and a wonderful fund raiser for the world-wide charities that this parish supports. There was plenty of food from all the nationalities of the church, from Croatia to Zaire. All sorts of people came together on a Saturday afternoon.

The Food Fair started in 1969 when Terry's mother and a few other parishioners (the English community was quite a bit smaller then) wanted to do a simple fundraiser for the Church. How much money was raised with that simple beginning is now lost (but I am sure that there is somebody in the parish who remembers). Last year over 40,000 euros was raised after all the expenses were paid off, and from the looks of this year is going to be another success.

The Fair kicked off at 12:00 and ended at 6:30. The family got there around 12:30; Mary Ann and JA took the car while Terry and ER rode over on their bikes. By the time we all arrived the crowd had also arrived. Fortunately for both there was plenty of parking for bikes and cars.

After spending nearly an hour together as a family in the book room, we fanned out and explored. ER and Dad had a small bite to eat from the Indian table (ER had an Indian version of onion rings - quite spicy she reported to Terry although the Indians said they weren't spicy - while Terry had a tandoori chicken wing and a potato pastry - also quite spicy. Soon after lunch, ER and Dad split up largely because the crowds were so big; soon ER found some friends from school and stuck with them for a while.

Mary Ann signed up to work the Crafts Table between 2:00 and 4:00 pm, and JA met a friend from school. Meanwhile, Terry wandered around taking in all the sights and sampled some Japanese sushi and African fried rice (delicious he reported).

At 3:00 pm we all gathered at the Crafts Table to figure out what's next. Terry wanted to take one more wander around so ER waited at the Craft Table. At 3:15 ER and Terry biked home while Mary Ann and JA stayed behind. At 6:15 Mary Ann and JA came home with some of the last minute bargains: for 5 euros take all you want from the white elephant booth and half price cupcakes.

This was an incredible event to see how from a humble beginning it has turned into quite an event, in fact one of the major annual ex-pat events in The Hague. In a future post there will be links to the parish web site where some of the pictures can be seen of this event.

And This Year It's (drum roll) Doha!!!

For those who have followed these Chronicles on a regularly irregular basis - about as often as a post is posted - you will remember about this time last year the announcement went out that ER was "Morocco Bound" having passed the audition for the AMIS European Middle School Honor Band. As an 8th grader, that wasn't so hard to do.

This year, competition was in the big leagues. High School is extremely competitive. JA did not make it last year. She was up against the high number of flutes. Miss one note and you're out of competition.

The girls practiced the audition pieces and their scales all summer. They recorded their auditions. Did the best they have ever done. JA was better then last year. The recordings were sent in before our October break. They waited. Results were to be posted on the website November 11.

At school on Monday, November 10, JA and a few others (not including ER) pestered their band teacher to check his email in case the results had been sent out. Indeed, they were waiting for him. He opened the email and read them off. Four of the students had gotten in: two trombones, one bass clarinet and one trumpet.

The trumpet was ER!

Her sister was allowed to tell her the news. ER went to verify it with the band teacher. I got the news moments later texted to me on my cell phone and then the phone calls.

Not only is it amazing that she made it but she also did it with her beat up beginner's trumpet.

JA took the results philosophically. For the flutes, 60 auditioned and they took 8 flutes and 3 alternates - that's almost a 1/6 chance. She knew if she wasn't going to Doha she would be going on an Easter week cruise with her old Girl Scout troop. Neither Terry nor Mary Ann are going to go on this trip. The air fare alone is $2,088 for a round trip direct flight. You can cut that in half by doing two stop overs, Turkey and Bahrain.

Doha is the capital of Qatar which is an Arab emarite on a peninsula that juts into the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia is to the south of it.

We're looking forward to pictures and stories. I hope to get her to write something to put it up on the blog.

Congrats, ER!

The Reese's Have Landed

Peanuts are a New World plant, believed to be domesticated in Peru, made their way to Mexico, and spread their way to the English colonies of North America. Spanish took them to the Philippines where they made their way to Indonesia. The Dutch came to love pinda (peanut) sauce during their years in Indonesia. We think the Calve brand of peanut butter we buy here is better then the brands we've had in the States.

The Spanish conquistadores found chocolate in Mexico and brought it back to Europe. A Dutchman, Coenraad Johannes van Houten, figured out how to make cocoa powder and then be able to make eating chocolate that we know now. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coenraad_Johannes_van_Houten).

Joining these two wonderful tastes was an American invention: http://www.hersheys.com/products/details/reesespeanutbuttercups.asp

So, the Dutch peanut sauce in food and on french fries, and the Dutch love chocolate. But, there's no peanut butter-chocolate candy in the stores. They may have been at the expat specialty stores for an imported price. Several bags were always packed in our suitcases when coming back from our stateside holidays.

Then, last week when I was up at the C1000 grocery store in Wassenaar, at the check out, I spied a large basket of

Each pack had 3 cups, 51 grams. They were on sale for 69 (euro)cents each (normally 1,19 euro.) I don't remember what the listing was for their regular price. I looked on the back expected to find Dutch. Instead I found


(you may have to click on the above picture and blow it up larger to read.) Looks like English, German, Swedish and Arabic. I kid you not. We did not see Dutch at all. What surprised us the most was Arabic.

Looking further below the fold,


we found that the bar was manufactured in Canada licensed by Hershey. If you have any comments or problems, write Hersey in Leatherhead, Surrey, UK.

I brought the candy home and left it on the kitchen table waiting to see family reaction. Double takes were the norm. ER was the most fun when she say it, took a few minutes and then realized what she was actually looking at. We will keep our eyes open to see if this was an odd basket or if they are here to stay. If they emigrate to the Albert Heijn chain, then we will know they are here to stay.