Hello from Virginia!

Hi Maangchi! I am a college student who just discovered your website a few weeks ago. I started researching Korean culture, because I have been considering teaching English there after I graduate. When I stumbled upon your website, I thought, “FINALLY!” The Asian food market is closer to my house than any other grocery store, and I’d been meaning to learn how to use the ingredients they sell there (like rice flour and fish sauce and kelp).

So far, I’ve made hobakjuk, jangjorim, gaji namul, soondubu jjigae, and gyungdan (although 1/3 of mine came apart when I boiled them). I can’t pick a favorite — they are all wonderful!

The dishes make me feel healthy and alert. I’ve also started experimenting a bit with Korean style when making other dishes. For instance, I had some leftover butternut squash, onion, and cinnamon stirfry sitting in my fridge. I decided to turn it into a soup — I added cider vinegar, soy sauce, sambal oelek, and a little bacon to it and let it simmer. I topped it with green onions and MMMMMMMMM-MMMM.

What I have learned from you has made me a happier cook and a happier eater! Going to your website and planning my next meal has become my favorite break from my studies — keep up the great cooking!

From,

Lanie, a new fan!