Who Will You Create?

February 8, 2010

in My story,product review,recipes

Yay! I was ecstatic to hear the positive responses to my “You Are What You Cook” Challenge. I didn’t really talk about the details because I wasn’t sure anyone would jump on board, but now that I’ve been assured that some of you will join the challenge, here’s the basic guidelines:

Guidelines for “You Are What You Cook” Challenge

  • The recipe has to be original: It can be a spin off somebody else’s recipe, but it has to have your own unique touch on it. Remember, this dish should define you, and you’re not a carbon copy off someone else! In the case that you borrow someone else’s idea, please take note to give credit to that person!
  • It has to be about you: It can be either the definition of your name, or your personality, or someone you aspire to be, so long as it’s all about you
  • If you have a blog, please post it on your blog, with an explanation of why you chose certain ingredients, and how they play into your dish. Recipes and pictures are optional, but preferred. After you post, send me an email with a link to that post.
  • If you don’t have a blog, that’s okay. Send me an email with the same instructions I’ve listed above.
  • The deadline will be 4 weeks from today’s date: March 7th, 2010.
  • I will later do a post with all the round-ups of your dishes, complete with pictures and links.
  • I’m still debating on whether I should also make a separate page for this, but I’ll let you know if I do.

I’m so excited. I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with! And seriously…it doesn’t have to be a masterpiece…The most important rule in this challenge is to just relax…and have fun! :-)

You know, I was watching Ratatouille for the 138th time a few nights ago, and little Remy said something that rang in my mind until now. Remy was talking admiringly about humans, and how they were different from rats because of their ability to create.  Well, that got me wondering…What have I created during the past 22 years of my life? I certainly haven’t been creating any acclaimed artwork, or building landscapes; nor have I been composing a brilliant song, or inventing something new.

That got me panicking, just a bit—Dang, what have I been doing?

But then I scaled down my perspective, and broadened my mind. And you know what? I may be young and pretty much an obscure Nobody in this world, but I am creating something, every day, within my own circles: I’m creating myself. I’m creating my emotions and opinions and beliefs and morals. I’m creating my social groups. I’m creating my own thoughts and speech and actions.

These daily little creations? They may seem small in contrast to the grandiose masterpieces of the world…but they are so much more than those shiny objects which we admire from afar. They might even go unnoticed…but they have the ability to actually touch a person’s life, starting from oneself.

So. What are you creating daily? Worries, anxieties, complications, and stress? Or love, empathy, peace, and thanksgiving? We have more power than you think…because in every moment of our daily lives, we are creating something. Add that all up, and it forms who you are.

And that’s my little pep talk for you to start brainstorming for this challenge. Honestly, it’s not the overall product you need to focus on, it’s the details— the different ingredients you choose, and how you prepare them, and how you combine them together. Perhaps, you might even get a little bit more insight and motivation on yourself, eh?

But obviously, you can’t be defined by just one single dish. You’re way more complex and intricate than a single dish! Plus, you can interpret yourself in so many different ways.

Take this dish I’m going to share with you, for example. I think it defines me, because it’s got pretty much all my favorite and trademark ingredients in it. As you can see, my blog layout theme is Kabocha: I can eat a whole kabocha in one seating and still want more (Same can be said for Maggie and Coco). Second, I’ve been extolling the majesty of the runny egg ever since I started this blog, so much so that Biz seems to mention me whenever she blogs about a runny egg (and also Brandi!). I’m also the Queen of Sweet + Savory: The majority of my dishes have some kind of sweet and savory element to them. My favorite meal is brunch. I adore carbohydrates, especially in the form of bread (Hello, Rebecca, fellow bread-whore!).

Combine them altogether, and here’s a Burp and Slurp signature dish:

Kabocha French Toast BAT with Runny Egg

  • 1/3 cup kabocha (flesh only)
  • 1 whole egg
  • ~1/3 cup milk
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped
  • cinnamon (to taste)
  • salt (to taste)
  • 2 slices Raisin-Cinnamon bread
  • 2 strips of bacon, fried
  • green apple, sliced thinly
  • tomato, sliced
  • another whole egg
  • maple syrup

Mix together the kabocha, egg, milk, vanilla, walnuts, cinnamon, and salt. Dip the bread into the mixture and let it soak it up:
IMG_2633 Then heat up a sprayed pan, and cook the kabocha french toast on each side for about 2 minutes.

Meanwhile, fry up an egg, sprinkle a bit of salt on top.

Then assemble the BAT by piling on the bacon, apple, and tomato on one side, and then topping it with the other french toast, and then finally the egg. Drizzle with maple syrup.
IMG_2634 Ah, that egg is a topper! I used Eggland’s Best eggs:

Eggland's Best Cage Free<Picture source>

I was provided a coupon through the Foodbuzz Tastemaker Program, which was of course awesome because Eggland’s Best truly has the best tasting eggs ever. I don’t always get the chance to buy them because I tend to buy my eggs in bulk. Yeah, that’s how much I love eggs!
IMG_2645 This sandwich was supposed to be a BLT, but I was out of lettuce, so I used a Granny Smith apple instead.
IMG_2632 It worked perfectly, because of the tangy, juicy bite of the fruit. Better than bitter lettuce, if I say so myself!
IMG_2646 I was seriously in heaven as I chowed down on this baby. What is better than having all your favorite ingredients in one dish? IMG_2647 Especially when you’ve got that lovely, sensational golden yolk oozing out like that!
IMG_2638 The walnuts in the batter was an afterthought. I wasn’t sure they would stick, but they did, and they made for a lovely crunchy, nutty texture and taste to the french toast.
IMG_2649 This was a rather hefty meal though, so I had to use a fork and a knife to dig through it.
IMG_2650 I was thoroughly satisfied when I was done. Never a good meal without a contented burrrrrrp~

Did that give you a little more inspiration for your own signature dish? I hope so! Now, get cooking, and send me your YOU creations! :-)

Question of the day: Just a little teaser to your creations…What are you thinking of? Any particular ingredient in mind that you think defines you?

Related posts:

  1. I’m Not Cheap-Quality
  2. Back in High School Again
  3. Excuse My Garlic Breath…
  4. So Close, Yet So Far
  5. Cooking In My Kennel

{ 95 comments… read them below or add one }

Amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) February 8, 2010 at 8:54 am

Oh man Sophia you have a winning combo right there!!!

If I was to make something that would represent me, it would have tons of zucchini, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes, bacon, cheese and sour cream. I’ll have to get cracking!

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Jessica @ How Sweet February 8, 2010 at 8:55 am

Ok – that french toast looks AMAZING. I am loving the egg on it. Holy delicious.

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Heather (Where's the Beach) February 8, 2010 at 8:57 am

I think this is a fabulous idea. I was telling my hubby about your post yesterday and was thinking it’d be a fun contest. Too cool!

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Leah February 8, 2010 at 8:57 am

You totally need to open a restaurant! Your flavor combinations are things I would never ever think of…I thoroughly enjoy every post you write, and look forward to the delicious meals you create!

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Nicole G February 8, 2010 at 9:16 am

I love how you encourage others to challenge themselves and learn more about themselves! You’re awesome =)

And just want to mention – you create something CONSTANTLY! Between the amazing food concoctions you share and the blog itself (which is an admirable creation on its own.) You also create a wonderful atmosphere of discussion with each of your posts.

Nicole G

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homecookedem February 8, 2010 at 9:17 am

This is such an adorable idea!! I will have to start thinking!! :)

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Susan February 8, 2010 at 9:17 am

I’m so excited for the challenge and I can’t wait to get cookin’!

I’m not a big bacon fan – but my mama LOVES the combo of granny smiths and bacon, so I sent her the link to your post!

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The Brunette February 8, 2010 at 9:20 am

OMG, blending squash into the egg mixture is such a great idea! Also, I’m super excited about the Challenge. Something Singapore-inspired, perhaps? I’m thinking yes!

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Danielle (Coffee Run) February 8, 2010 at 9:29 am

I’m excited for this challenge :D I have no clue what I’m going to do yet…but I’m thinking of some type of “comfort food”

I could also eat a whole Kabocha in one sitting. I always eat mine roasted with ketchup but I like how you did something unique and made french toast with it. I need to branch out!

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Karena February 8, 2010 at 9:34 am

i LOVE this idea!! i’m excited to daydream about my ‘me’ creation :)

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Mari February 8, 2010 at 9:35 am

Wow chickie that is an amazing dish!

I am excited about this challenge…I can’t wait to see what people create

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Light Delight with TouTou February 8, 2010 at 9:46 am

Oh Wow!! awesome ! the ‘sandwich’ looks so crispy! this is a luxury version of French Toast , I need to find a relaxing sunday morning to replicate the recipe!!!
have a nice week Sophia!

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Estela @ Weekly Bite February 8, 2010 at 9:47 am

YUM! this looks so good! I’ve love me a runny egg!

For the challenge, can we enter something from a post we’ve already done?

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Stef February 8, 2010 at 9:48 am

funny how a cartoon can set off a mini bout of existential crisis ;) but yes, you’re creating you! and doing a mighty find job if i may say so

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Ameena February 8, 2010 at 9:49 am

That is one insane sandwich! I can’t believe how many cool things you put in one dish. I can definitely take a lesson.

I love your challenge idea. I need to get started thinking of a recipe. I am not the world’s best cook so this will definitely be a challenge for me.

Have a great Monday Sophia!

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Kim February 8, 2010 at 10:01 am

Let me say it again: You are SO creative! I’m not sure what really defines me. I like hearty, filling food. I adore my calzones. That’s the meal I really LOVE every week. If sauteed vegetables (spinach, mushrooms, onions, tomatoes), gooey cheese, and bread are involved, I’m a happy girl.

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annie February 8, 2010 at 10:05 am

oooo i love runny eggs!

hahaha, i didn’t realize how many eggs my family ate until i went shopping at costco for my mama and bought 4 24 pack of eggs!!

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Julia February 8, 2010 at 10:26 am

What have you created???? GIRL! You’ve created so much throughout your blog! You gave (and still give!) strength, inspiration, humour, perspectives, power and so much more…I know it has helped me, inspired me and still is so precious to me. So you’ve created something really special:)

xxx Julia (Taste of Living)

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Natasha - 5 Star Foodie February 8, 2010 at 10:40 am

Glad you’re making this into an event, will definitely try to create something neat! Your kabocha french toast is awesome!

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teresa February 8, 2010 at 10:45 am

oooh, this is giong to have me up at night, what a fun challenge. i absolutely love your creation, especially that runny egg on top, it doesn’t get much better than that!

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Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries February 8, 2010 at 10:47 am

i LOVE this idea! i’m going to start brainstorming! oh and i need to hit you up for ideas on cooking kabocha for my first time! i want to get it right!

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Beth @ DiningAndDishing February 8, 2010 at 11:05 am

oh my, that kabocha french toast is such a fabulous idea!! thanks for sharing :)

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rustique February 8, 2010 at 11:20 am

I can’t wait to give this challenge a go! Yours looks delicious and so creative.

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Gabriela @ Une Vie Saine February 8, 2010 at 11:24 am

Such a great idea! I need to get brainstorming…

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BlessedHi5ive February 8, 2010 at 12:01 pm

Freaking awesome sandwich! With all that creativity and gutsy approach in you the sky is the limit for you. If you were to open a restaurant (forget about $’s for now) what name would you give it?

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Blond Duck February 8, 2010 at 12:06 pm

Can I make fish tacos and pie?

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BlessedHi5ive February 8, 2010 at 12:10 pm

Check out this link about someone who realized her dream and who used to be an executive chef at Singapore’s Pan Pacific Hotel.
http://www.webmd.com/toni-robertson

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candice February 8, 2010 at 12:13 pm

You ARE the queen of sweet + savory! Just look at the green apple in there! :D This looks so yummy… but don’t you love cheese, too? :P

My dish will probably contain toasted sesame seeds, because I sprinkle those on everything. Rice… hmm, I have to think about this!

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Juliana February 8, 2010 at 12:33 pm

Great idea! Kabocha French toast…looks very yummie!

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Christina (Dinner at Christina's) February 8, 2010 at 12:38 pm

This looks awesome Sophia! Love the runny egg and sweet/savory aspect!

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Mel @ SheRunsBrooklyn February 8, 2010 at 12:54 pm

that is an unreal creation. awesome photos too. ALSO–i havent been to your blog in a while and i dig the new setup! good for you!!

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Anna February 8, 2010 at 1:39 pm

Love the insight about how we create ourselves. I totally agree…”I am the master of my fate, I am the commander of my soul”. Best quote ever!!

An ingredient that fits me…butternut squash methinks. It;s hard to open up/deal with, but the end result is a bright and colorful inside that is sweet, comforting, but a little bit savory. That’s a alot like me. I try my best to practice constant kindness, but I am not saccharine and fake nor do I let people walk all over me. Or again, at least I try.

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Kerstin February 8, 2010 at 1:39 pm

Such a fun challenge – I’m going to give it some serious thought :) Love your Kabocha French Toast too – yum!

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Christina February 8, 2010 at 1:59 pm

I’m glad you gave us 4 weeks. I need to brainstorm! So far I’m thinking my dish definitely needs some peanut butter and it definitely has to have an ingredient of a cheerful color ’cause I’m generally a pretty happy person!

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Emily (A Nutritionist Eats) February 8, 2010 at 2:00 pm

YUM! That BLT is beautiful!
I’m brainstorming a recipe!!

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Shelley February 8, 2010 at 2:06 pm

omg that looks amazing!!! that challenge sounds so fun

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Valerie February 8, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Sophia, you’ve got the most amazing ideas! I’m constantly wowed by every post of yours. And your toast looks super delish too! I sooo wish you were my neighbour =P

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Faith February 8, 2010 at 3:53 pm

I’m so glad you decide to do this challenge, it sounds like so much fun! I’ll have to give it some serious thought! By the way, I love Ratatouille too! :)

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Aletheia February 8, 2010 at 5:07 pm

Whoa whoa whoa, Sophia – kabocha bread?! Nice work, kiddo.

OK I have to admit that even though I didn’t have time to rant on your last post, I read the whole thing and LOVED it. I absolutely FELL IN LOVE with the idea and think it’s brilliant! Sheer genius!

So I’ve been thinking about it a lot on my walks to school and also when I’m at the kitchen sink washing cauliflower. See, you do occupy a lot of my thoughts! It’s amazing.

To give in to you teaser, I’m thinking parsley.

It’s kind of difficult though to assemble ingredients because I think : “I’m a simple girl, but I’m also really complex.”

See? This is a really tough assignment. But I’m hopeful.

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Jolene (www.everydayfoodie.ca) February 8, 2010 at 5:19 pm

I have still never tried Kabocha – I can’t find one anywhere :-(

I love runny eggs though.

My “me” dish would have to have some cheese, carbs, and something salty. I will try and think up a creation!

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Sook @ My Fabulous Recipes February 8, 2010 at 6:29 pm

I just saw that your Korean name is So Hyun. What a pretty name! This looks great! yum!

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Lindsay Perrone February 8, 2010 at 6:31 pm

Honestly, that creation should be in a magazine. I’m not sure where to start with that sucker. Must have been amazing.

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Samantha February 8, 2010 at 6:37 pm

I think of the parent trap too!! That’s why I did it! The movie was playing a few days earlier and I realized I had oreos and of course I had peanut butter! Put two and two together and bam, pure greatness!! I’m going to go eat some right now.

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Diana (Soap & Chocolate) February 8, 2010 at 7:11 pm

Oh man, you’ve got my wheels turning! I feel like my kitchen creativity has been lagging these days, since I’ve mostly been testing recipes for a cookbook. I don’t have time to create anything new! But I used to do that all the time. I am loving this sandwich you’ve put together–a signature dish indeed! surely I should put some thought into this challenge of yours…

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Maggie February 8, 2010 at 7:24 pm

Mmmmmmmmmm kabocha :)

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Kylee February 8, 2010 at 7:56 pm

What a random ingredient substitution! Lettuce = apple? They are both green. You’ve struck curiousity in me, it’s unfortunate that I only like cherry/grape tomatoes! -Kylee

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daintyvegan February 8, 2010 at 8:19 pm

This is getting me even more excited and inspired for whatever it is I’ll be creating. Definitely decided that it’ll be some kind of sweet dessert as I’m a HUGE sweet person. Chocolatey too. Fruit perhaps? Dunno but I can’t wait to make it. =D

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Just Audrey February 8, 2010 at 8:35 pm

Hi! I just wanted to let you know of a giveaway I am having on my site for Glass Dharma straws. They are beautiful glass straws that are so fun in green smoothies, juices, or even just lemon water. Perhaps your readers would be interested?

Here is the link to the giveaway: http://justaudreyblog.blogspot.com/2010/02/glass-dharma-straws-giveaway.html

Thanks! : )

Audrey
justaudreyblog.blogspot.com

P.S. I love Ratatouille (the movie)! Such a cute and unexpectedly enjoyable film.

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OysterCulture February 8, 2010 at 8:48 pm

Every time I have kabucha squash I think of you, as I know how much you like it. Had my in-laws over for dinner and as I was cooking it I knew I had to check out your blog for some tasty ideas. Brilliant as usual!

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Grace-Melody Moo February 8, 2010 at 11:31 pm

Wowwwww….the toast looks so freaking delish!!! @_@

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