My Accomplishments

Hello. It was again cold this morning. I predict the cherry trees will blossom this weekend!

I will list the rest of my accomplishments this month.

On 3/12, I got honorable mention at Kamada(dashi soy sauce products manufacturer)'s contest. My prize winning recipe is Microwave Steamed Salty Sweet Chicken Cake.



On 3/17, my Stir Fried Mozuku recipe won the highest award at mozuku recipe contest organized by Itoman Mozuku Sangyo in Okinawa. Mozuku (Cladosiphon okamuranus) is noodle-like seaweed which is mainly produced in Okinawa. Since it was my 2nd time to apply for this contest, I didn't think I would get a prize again, so I was really happy about the result!

On 3/23, I won the outstanding performance award at Cookpad's gochujang recipe contest. Gochujang is a Korean hot miso sauce. I poured it on the rice omelet using namuru (Korean versatile vegetables).





On 3/24 I won a B prize again at Valentine's Day contest held by Kyoritsu Foods ( food manufacturer). I used their sugar sprinkles to decorate the cake.







On 3/24, I won the outstanding performance award at tomato recipe contest held by Town Planning Association of Ebetsu city in Hokkaido. I found the contest day before the deadline, so I was very surprised to receive the award. Maybe I shouldn't try too hard?!

On 3/25, three of my recipes were posted on QBB (cheese and milk products manufacturer)'s website. I was asked by QBB to create recipes using their newly released cheese products ;)

On 3/27, my Bibim Tuna Roll won the highest award. The contest was to create recipes using Yazuya's cereal rice and Ontayaki (plate). I am happy to receive good reports from the judges, too!

As usual, I won some sample products, too. Ajitsuke nori (flavored nori), mentaiko (cod ovum), fish collagen supplement, konjac noodle, TBC beauty drinks, dish soap, and ironware. Then last but not least, I won the moffle maker! I collected bar-codes on the packages of sweet ingredients and applied. I don't usually win this kind of sweepstakes, so I was lucky.

Actually, I am finishing up my diary in Shiga. I was right that I brought my PC with me since I have some spare time in spots.

See you again!

Please click below and vote for me.

Sakura is in Delay

Hello! The high is 53F (12C) and chilly almost daily, so the sakura buds are still closed. However the closest viewing spot is now illuminated :( They will end the light-up on 4/1! I think they should extend the time...

Anyway, there are too many unpleasant things going on around me. I am keep on losing Cookpad's contests. My effort won't match with results!!! They don't offer that big prizes so it is not about the prize, but the recognition for my effort! Damn it!!! Then yesterday, I was sorry to see that Mao Asada couldn't stand on the podium at ISU World Figure Skating Championships 2009. I hope she can do it the next time! Then about my grandpa, he passed away on the 29th. In ordinary circumstances, the wake and funeral will be held immediately, but since my grandpa was a monk, we need to wait until related parties to hold a mass. I am very shocked to hear about his death, but what made me more nervous is my boyfriend... A girl is calling his cell at night! Can you believe it!? He doesn't change his attitude towards me, so I might be wrong... I want to believe I am wrong!!!

Sorry for my complaints...
I hope everything will be fine when spring comes!
Fight!!!

Please click below and vote for me.

Nice Italian Cuisine

It is still cold but the sun came out again!
I think sakura will be in full bloom by this weekend!!!

Yesterday, we had a convivial party at an Italian restaurant in Omotesando. The party was hosted by our president (for female employees only) and we enjoyed foods in season complemented by wines! The course meal was similar to what we had last year, but since I was not familiarized with the place at that time, it didn't stand out in my memory. However, this year, I could savor the taste! All dishes were really delisious!!! I was so excited that I reserved the restaurant for my boyfriend's birthday, of course, at a special price ;)
I can't wait to go there!!!

And now for something completely different, I heared a shocking news from my mom this morning. My bedridden grandfather on the father's side contracted pneumonia, lying at death's door... He is going to be 94 on May 9th. Last time I saw him was about 2 years ago, after he recovered from a stroke. I have a very nice picture of him with grandma. He was doing fine for a while but it relapsed. Since then he was bedridden and now he is suffering from pneumonia. How fragile our life is...

Let's appreciate every day!

Please click below and vote for me.