Category Archives: food

Boba Shop Review

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Boba, or “Bubble Tea” as some people know it is a type of drink that contains both components of tea and toppings, such as boba, a chewy tapioca ball. It is the perfect refreshing drink for any day. Sound us, in Mission Viejo and surrounding areas, there are many places to get boba. However, with so many places to buy boba, I decided to review and rank different boba shops, since I am a frequent boba drinker. Here are some reviews of common boba places near Mission Viejo.

Sharetea:

Sharetea is one of the most common boba shops. It is a Taiwanese boba shop that serves a very large variety of drinks, and often has seasonal and limited time unique drinks to try. Sharetea is one of my favorite boba shops because of its quick service and relatively low prices. However, the drinks are made with powder and not real tea. Sharetea is one of my favorite boba shops for its relatively low prices, tasty drinks, and wide topping selection.

7 Leaves:

7 Leaves is more common in surrounding areas, like Irvine, but it still provides good service and drinks. 7 Leaves is a Vietnamese boba shop, so it has some drinks different from other places, like Sharetea, such as Vietnamese coffee. Although it is more expensive than other places, and the service tends to be slower, the drinks are very good, made with fresh tea and milk. I also really enjoy the texture of the boba from here and some drinks that stand out are the Assam Milk Tea,  the Oolong Milk Tea, and the Thai Tea. Along with this they have a selection of snacks like macaroons and croissants. However, one thing I don’t enjoy as much is the pricing as you have to pay for size upgrades and toppings are more expensive than other places, and the locations are generally farther away. I would recommend 7 leaves for their handcrafted drinks and the general aesthetics of their shops.

Ding Tea:

Ding Tea is another boba shop that serves Taiwanese boba, and it has many locations near Mission Viejo and the surrounding areas. Ding Tea has a very large variety of drinks, and I would recommend it for its fruit teas and slushes. My favorite drinks are the Mango Slush and Lychee tea. The service is typically good and some locations also have some small games like claw machines. One thing that I don’t think is the best is the toppings and their texture of the boba is not my favorite. However I think that Ding Tea is a solid boba shop and a good choice if someone wants boba and is new or does not really like the milk teas.

In all, boba is an amazing, refreshing drink and I would recommend it to anyone who hasn’t tried it. I would recommend Sharetea for it’s value prices and drink selection, 7 Leaves for the quality of their drinks, and Ding Tea for their fruit drinks and close locations. 

Happy Drinking!

Stir-Fried Ramen

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I believe that I made this recipe last year when I became bored of eating ramen with broth. So, I did some experimenting (and research) to develop this recipe. Stir-fried ramen is a wonderful twist on traditional ramen. I find that this recipe is flavorful, easy, and delicious to make!! Please note that this recipe is inspired by Doobydobap, one of my favorite food bloggers. 

Ingredients

1 Ramen Pack (Ichiban is a great brand)

3 Tablespoons Oil

1 ½ Tablespoons Soy Sauce

1 Teaspoon Black Vinegar

Splash of Sesame Oil

  • Optional – ½ Teaspoon Chili Oil, Green Onion for garnish, Fried (or poached) Egg for extra protein

Instructions

  1. Boil water in one pot, and heat a smaller pan on the side
  1. Put the noodles in the boiling water, and the oil in the warm pot. Cook the noodles for the suggested time on the package.
  1. In a separate bowl (where you will eat your food), mix half of the seasoning packet, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil.
  1. Pour oil into the sauce mixture you made in step 3.
  1. Take the noodles out of the water, drain them, and mix with the sauce.
  1. If you desire to have crispy noodles, heat the ramen in the pan you used to heat up the oil. If not, enjoy your stir-fried noodles!

Ramen Recommendations:

  • Sapporo Ichiban Tonkotsu Ramen (Pork)
  • Shin Ramen

Bella’s Delicious Pumpkin Bread 

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Living a gluten-free lifestyle can be difficult sometimes. Still, thanks to my mom, I learned to enjoy many different kinds of food, including bread, cookies, cakes, pies, and others that wouldn’t be gluten-free. 

Gluten-free pumpkin bread is a delightful treat that combines the comforting flavors of pumpkin with a health-conscious choice that I can enjoy even being gluten-free. This particular bread variation caters to individuals with gluten sensitivities or those adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle like me. 

When it comes to homemade gluten-free pumpkin bread, the advantages are numerous. By making bread at home, I can control what ingredients to put in, ensuring the absence of hidden gluten sources or unwanted additives commonly found in store-bought varieties. Additionally, when making bread at home, I can customize it according to my preferences, such as adjusting to make it less sweet or incorporating alternative flour for added nutrition and the kind of sweetener healthier alternatives like dates, coconut sugar, or even monk fruit sugar. Below is our bread recipe to make in the fall when abundant pumpkins are in the farmer’s market.

Ingredients:

· 2 cups gluten-free all-purpose baking flour 

· 3/4 teaspoon baking soda

· 1.5 tablespoon cinnamon

· 1.5 cup pumpkin puree ( or can pumpkin puree)

· 1 cup coconut sugar

· ½ maple syrup

· 1/2 cup coconut oil

· 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk

· 2 tablespoons vanilla extract

Baking Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 5 bread pan.

2. In the Vitamix, add the wet ingredients first, then the dry ingredients, and blend at medium speed for 30 seconds or until all combined.

3. Don’t over blend – 1 minute max. Use your spatula to scrape down the batter since it will be thick and sticky.

4. Pour batter into the loaf pan. Sprinkle some cinnamon and coconut sugar on top.

5. Bake for 35-40 minutes. And check with a toothpick. Bread is done when the toothpick comes out clean. 

6. Leave the bread in the oven for 5 minutes after turning off the stove. 

7. Cool the bread on the rack and slice it about an inch thick for each slice. Store in the bread box or plastic bag. 

8. Bread can be on the counter for 2-3 days, no more than 4 days. Or in the fridge for 5-6 days. You can also freeze it for up to 4 months.

Happy Baking!

Bella H.

Small Businesses to Support

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During Christmas, you may flock to common stores such as Target and Nordstrom. However, as you take the time to shop for family and friends, consider some of these small businesses to shop from during the Holidays.

Clothes:

Olive Lynn

This popular boutique sells a variety of clothes and accessories. Their most popular items are hoodies, sweaters, and tank tops. If you like colorful clothing, consider shopping at Olive Lynn.

Grey Bandit

Grey Bandit is another online clothing shop that sells trendy clothes with excellent quality. This store is known for its aesthetic designs + quality.

Jubilee Apparel

If you are looking for loungewear or streetwear, Jubilee is the place to go. Founded by influencer Katherine Beard, Jubilee Apparel’s main goal is to ethically make sustainable clothes with high quality. 

Food:

Lydgate Farms

This small business sells delicious chocolate with cacao beans grown in Kauai, Hawaii. I visited this chocolate factory during the summer, and I can confirm that this company sells some of the best chocolate I’ve ever eaten. Lydgate Farms makes their chocolate in small batches, which are carefully crafted to reach their full potential. This chocolate is rich in flavor and an excellent Christmas gift for loved ones. (P.S. The Dark Chocolate Hawaiin Rum is my favorite!!)

Pachamama Coffee

Pachamama Coffee has been around since 2006 and gained a strong reputation in the coffee world. This coffee shop has been featured in the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and The Fortune. Pachamama sells coffee sourced from different parts of the world–from Peru to Nicaragua.  If you are looking for a gift for a college student or family, shop at Pachamama Coffee.

Jewelry:

Coastline Color

Based in Florida, Coastline Color sells jewelry made with shells harvested from the Florida Coast. The owner offers customizable bracelets, earrings, and necklaces. Shop at this boutique for unique jewelry!

Decadent Chocolate Chip Cookies

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Say hello to one of the best chocolate chip cookie recipes you’ll ever use. This recipe uses brown butter, which elevates the cookie to be rich in flavor and more sophisticated. These cookies are great with milk!

Ingredients

1 Stick and a Half of Butter, browned

¾ Cup of Brown Sugar

⅓ Cup of Granulated Sugar

2 Tablespoons of Vanilla Extract

1 egg and 1 egg yolk, preferably room temperature

Optional: seeds of one Vanilla Bean Pod

1 ¾ Cup of All-Purpose Flour

¾ Teaspoon of Baking Soda

1 pinch of salt

1-1 ½ Cups of Chocolate Chips or Chopped Chocolate (Semi-Sweet recommended)

Instructions

  1. First, brown the butter on the stovetop at low to medium heat. Make sure to constantly stir to ensure that the butter won’t burn. The moment you see the butter turning a golden brown color, remove it from the heat and pour it into a big bowl. Allow the butter to cool in the fridge.
  1. Combine the brown butter, brown sugar, and granulated sugar in a large mixing bowl. Add the vanilla extract and vanilla seeds. Then, add the egg and egg yolk.
  1. In another bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, and salt.
  1. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ones. Add the dry ingredients in increments, STOP if the dough feels dry. 
  1. Finally, add the chocolate chips (or chunks). Remember–you can change the amount to as much or as little as you would like.
  1. To ensure that your cookies will taste delicious, chill them for at least an hour.
  1. After chilling the dough, preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and use a cookie scoop to scoop your dough. Bake for 10-12 minutes. 

Cool cookies before serving and enjoy!

Vegan and Gluten-free Rice Crispy Treat

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Can you believe Halloween is coming in a month? I make this rice crispy recipe every Halloween and give it to our neighbors, teachers, and friends. It’s a healthier version of the typical rice crispy treat you buy in-store. You, too, can make these healthier vegan and gluten-free rice crispy with less sugar and unhealthy fats. Here’s a simple recipe for more nutritious vegan and gluten-free rice crispy treats:

Ingredients:

3 cups certified gluten-free rice cereal 

1/2 cup date syrup (or a combination of brown date syrup and pure maple syrup) 

1/2 cup natural almond smooth or crunchy or other butter (no added sugar or oil) 

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 

1/5 teaspoon sea salt 

***optional 1/4 cup dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate or coconut shred if you don’t like or can’t eat chocolate

Instructions:

  1. Prepare a square or rectangular baking pan (8×8 inches or similar size) by lining it with parchment paper, leaving some overhang on the sides. This will make it easier to lift the treats out later.
  2. Add the gluten-free rice cereal in a large mixing bowl and set it aside.
  3. Combine the date syrup, almond, or other alternative nut butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir constantly until they are well combined thoroughly. This should take about 3-4 minutes. Be careful not to overheat or boil the mixture; it won’t taste good if it burns. 
  4. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt (if using).
  5. Pour the warm syrup mixture over the rice cereal in the mixing bowl. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold and stir everything together until the cereal is evenly coated.
  6. To make it sweeter, fold the dairy-free chocolate chips or chopped dark chocolate while the mixture is still warm.
  7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan. Use a piece of parchment paper or a spatula to press it down firmly and evenly.
  8. Let the treats cool and set for at least 30-40 minutes at room temperature or in the refrigerator.
  9. Once set, lift the parchment paper overhang from the pan. Place them on a cutting board and cut them into squares or rectangles.
  10. Enjoy your healthier vegan and gluten-free rice crispy treats!

These treats are naturally sweetened and contain healthy almond or nut butter fats. You can customize them by adding chopped nuts, dried fruit, or other toppings. Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week or in the refrigerator for a longer shelf life (about 3 weeks). You can make these for Halloween!

Enjoy your hard-earned labor 🤗

Bella H.

Embracing Fall Craving: Vegan and Gluten- Free Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

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As the fall season approaches, the cooler weather makes your body crave warm, comforting foods. I’m no doctor, but we crave warm food during this time of year, probably because we need extra calories to keep ourselves warm. Instinctively, your body seeks to regulate and maintain warmth by eating more warm foods. Consuming warm foods can help raise your body temperature, making you feel more comfortable in cooler weather.

Fall is also associated with cozy, comfort, and warmth. A time when we are cozy up near the fire with family and friends with a cup of warm drink. I am physically comforted when I drink hot beverages and psychologically evoke the feeling of security and well-being. 

Fall vegetables and fruits are also abundantly available, making it easier to have homemade comfort foods at home. Fall food is also more nutrient-dense, which helps the body survive the harsher weather.

Warm foods also have more sensory appeal because of the palate’s rich aroma and robust flavor.

My favorite is pumpkin; this fruit is so hardy and abundant in the fall that you can make anything from soup to dessert to latte.  

I know during this time of year, Starbucks always has their Pumpkin Spice Latte; being gluten-free and vegan, my mom often makes this drink at home because she can’t always get it. We experimented and found a recipe that tasted even better and healthier than the Starbucks version. Give it a try, and experiment and find your own recipe.

Vegan and Gluten-free Pumpkin Spice Latte 

INGREDIENTS

  • 1.5 cups of creamy dairy-free milk like coconut or Macadamian
  • 2/4 cup strong brewed coffee or coffee alternative (like dandelion root)
  • 3.5 tablespoons organic pumpkin puree
  • 2.5 tablespoons pure maple syrup or dark, raw honey or monk fruits(sugar-free alternative)
  • 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice 
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Sprinkle of sea salt
INSTRUCTIONS 
  • Suggestions: Creamier milk will give this latte a richer and more satisfying taste, as less creamy milk will make the spices not dissolve. Also, the strong coffee will make it more like a Starbucks pumpkin spice latte. 
  • Place all ingredients in a blender in the order listed and blend until very frothy.
  • Then, Add the liquid to a small pot over low heat. Once it comes to a gentle simmer, cook for 2 minutes, whisking it continuously until steamy. Don’t overcook it.  
  • Divide into 2 mugs and serve with a sprinkling of pumpkin spice and vegan whipped cream. 

Enjoy experimenting!

Bella H.

Strawberry Jam Recipe

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Time to make: 15 minutes

This is a very easy recipe for anyone looking to fulfill their sweet tooth! With only three ingredients, it takes 15 minutes to make.

Ingredients:

  • A box of fresh, ripe strawberries
  • A cup or more of sugar
  • Lemon or lime juice
  • Optional: Strawberry Gelatin and Lychee jelly

First you need to wash your strawberries under warm water and soak them in salt water for 3 minutes. After rinsing them off, dry them and begin cutting off the stems. Dice up the strawberries into inch wide cubes before putting them in a bowl and to the side. Heat up your sugar and lemon juice in a small pot. Slowly as they begin mixing, mix in an equal amount of water to your sugar and slowly have it boil on low heat. As it begins to bubble, dump in your strawberries and stir and keep it on heat until everything is nicely blended and thick.

Dump out your strawberry jam into an air tight container and top it with a thin layer of sugar. Overnight, chill it in your fridge. As you stir the remaining sugar in, dissolve a packet of strawberry gelatin in warm water and pour half of it in. If needed, add some lychee jelly. Enjoy!

A Guide to the Best Unique Restaurants in SOCAL

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Lupes

If you live in Southern California or are just visiting for the day, Lupe’s is a local staple you should stop by. Lupe’s offers fresh and delicious Mexican food that is filling and affordable. 

(My family believes this restaurant sells the best burritos in Southern California.) Lupe’s has multiple locations, but customers still get a small business feel in that each dish is cooked to perfection and is consistently delicious. My favorite menu item is the California Burrito. I enjoy this burrito because the meat is juicy, the guac is flavorful, and the french fries are crispy. (My words cannot describe how tasty this burrito is.) While the California Burrito is a great option, Lupe’s tacos are also delicious. So, next time you are in the area, visit Lupe’s!

  • Dana Point: 33621 Del Obispo St, Dana Point, CA 92629
  • Aliso Viejo: 26541 Aliso Creek Rd Ste C, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656
  • Lake Forest: 24531 Trabuco Road Unit E & F, Lake Forest, CA 92630

bb.q Chicken

Are you tired of Chick-fil-A/Canes or want to try something new? Pay a visit to bb.q Chicken! This fast-food restaurant sells Korean Fried Chicken, among other side dishes. The main difference between Korean Fried Chicken and American Fried Chicken is that it is crispier and more flavorful. Bb.q Chicken double fries their chicken to ensure that each piece is crispy and hot.  After frying the chicken, workers coat a sauce of your choice on the chicken. In my opinion, Soy Garlic, Honey Garlic, and Classic are the best flavors. When you are craving chicken, I highly recommend bb.q Chicken.

  • There are many locations, but here are some in Irvine
  • Jamboree (Irvine): 2750 Alton Parkway #111, Irvine, CA 92606
  • Cypress Village (Irvine): 14161 Jeffrey Rd, Irvine, CA 9262

Han’s Homemade Ice Cream

My final recommendation is Han’s Homemade Ice Cream. This small business has been open since 1972 and has remained popular since then. Han’s Homemade Ice Cream has been featured in the Los Angeles Times, and for good reason. This ice cream parlor sells old-school and unique flavors like Black Licorice. In addition to ice cream, Han’s sells sundaes, banana splits, and customizable ice cream sandwiches. When you are craving ice cream or a sweet treat, Han’s Homemade Ice Cream is the place for you!

  • 3640 S. Bristol Street, Santa Ana, CA 92704

Bread of the Dead

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In my Spanish class, we got the chance to make Panes de Muertos or Bread of the Dead. Just some background knowledge: these sweet loaves that are made for both the living and the dead and are prepared for the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos. They represent animas (the souls of the departed) and are often shaped and given symbols to represent skulls, bones or human figures such as religious persons. 

Now that I have made this recipe twice, I thought I could share the recipe for anyone interested!

Ingredients for the bread:

Mix together:

  • 1 1/2 cups of flour
  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 2 packages of dry yeast

Combine and heat in a saucepan:

  • 1/2 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of water
  • 1/2 cup of margarine 

Set aside for later use:

  • 4 eggs
  • 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 cups of flour

Ingredients for glaze:

  • 1/2 cup of sugar
  • 1/3 cup of orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons grated orange peel

Baking instructions:

  1. Mix dry ingredients, add warm liquid, and beat
  2. Add 4 eggs and 1 cup of flour, and beat
  3. Gradually blend in remaining flour
  4. Knead on lightly floured surface for 8 to 10 minutes
  5. Place dough in greased bowl and let rise until doubled (1 1/2 hours)
  6. Punch dough down and make shapes. Let rise again for 1 hour
  7. Bake at 350℉ for 40 minutes
  8. Boil glaze ingredients for 2 minutes. Apply to warm shapes

Now in my experience, there were some things I would recommend to anyone interested in trying this recipe. I personally would make the glaze, the bread on its own isn’t sweet enough; the glaze gives the bread a nice balance. However, if you don’t want to make the glaze, you can try to add more sugar to the bread recipe. Also, when I baked it for 40 minutes, it was too long in my oven and it came out too hard. The next time I baked it for a shorter amount of time, it was baked perfectly and came out just right. However, I don’t know how it is for different kinds of ovens, so I recommend you keep an eye on your bread when it’s cooking. 

Overall, my bread was pretty good, although my first batch was a bit overcooked, my second batch came out great when I put it in for less time and it all came together nicely with the glaze. If anyone wants to try out this recipe, I would definitely recommend it. The bread is simple and easy to make and it’s a fun baking experience too. 

-Nicole R.