Autumn Recipes: U is for Udon

She may not know how to spell the word “delicious,” but my 4-year-old can differentiate between an udon noodle and a spaghetti noodle quicker than most adults. In fact, udon (pronounced oo-DOHN) was one of the first words my daughter learned how to say after spending time in Hawaii with my grandma. Udon is a thick, round Japanese noodle typically made with wheat flour and served in cold dishes (salads or chilled with soy sauce and topped with sesame seeds) during the summer months and in hot dishes (soups and broth) during the fall and winter. I grew up eating … Continue reading

Cultural Travel Experiences

The title of this blog reflects the growing trend in vacations that offer more to travelers than just a bus tour of a popular city. Travel agents say they have been noticing more requests for “cultural travel experiences” where travelers look to immerse themselves in foreign countries and walk away with something to show for it (besides Dengue fever). Whether you want to learn how to cook authentic Japanese meals or participate in language-immersion programs in Mexico, there are now more ways than ever to get in touch with new cultures or reconnect with your own heritage. Some of the … Continue reading