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Friday, December 21, 2012

What's for lunch? Comparing school lunches from USA and South Korea

My sister, Kate- a public school kindergarten teacher in Sparta, Michigan, USA- took six pictures of her school lunches.
I- a public school elementary teacher in Uijeongbu, South Korea- took six pictures of my school lunches.

Let's compare.

Lunch #1

USA: Rib sandwhich, tater tots, cauliflower salad, apple, peach slices













South Korea: meatballs, rolled egg omelet, radish kimchi, ox brisket soup with noodles, mandarin oranges
Lunch #2

USA: tacos, banana, salad, apple juice, fruit cup













South Korea: rice cakes with fish meat, spinach, cabbage kimchi, brisket soup with potoatoes, rice, gold kiwis
Lunch #3

USA: pancakes with syrup, banana, hash brown, ketchup, apple sauce













South Korea: acorn jelly sald, chicken with rice cakes, radish kimchi with greens, seaweed soup, sweet potato pastry, rice

Lunch #4

USA: ham and cheese sandwhich, fruit cup, celery, cucumber salad, tater tots













South Korea: gold kiwis, chicken wings, cabbage kimchi, beef noodle soup with vegetables, rice

















Lunch #5


USA: fruit cup, banana, apple juice, mashed potatoes with gravy, turkey, cranberry sauce, cauliflower salad














South Korea: stir fry noodles with vegetables, smoked duck salad, white cabbage kimchi, crab soup, persimmons
Lunch #6


USA: milk, cucumber salad, bread with butter, apple juice, chicken nuggets, sweet 'n sour sauce, green beans













South Korea: radish kimchi, vegetable dumplings, melon, egg soup, stir fried rice

















When Kate first sent me a picture of her lunch, I was surprised to see vegetables and fruit on the tray. Maybe it's just me, but I was under the impression that American students were still eating pizza everyday. It looks like Michelle Obama's new school lunch initiative is working.

Good work, 'Merica.

But what's up with the consumable serve ware?  There's a lot of money that's being wasted by not having reusable trays and cutlery. Not to mention the destruction of that thing called the environment.

Overall, I'm impressed with America's school lunches. They look healthier than I imagined. However, I think Korea wins this comparison contest. I've written a post on Korea's school lunches in the past and expressed how healthy and impressive the meals are at public schools. The variety and balanced lunches make South Korea a winner in my book.

What do you think? Whose lunch is the best?

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Things that make Korea cute.

This card.


These cakes.


These signs.


These couple shirts.


This make-a-wish heart tree.


This stationery.


These Hello Kitty lattes and waffle.


These hats.


These stickers.


This dog at the bar.


This guys hat.


 This child.


These headbands.


This shirt. 


This goat.


This Salvation Army guy.


This students drawing of her favorite teacher (me).


These pencil cases.


These Christmas decorations.


and Tony the Tiger saying It's GREAT! in Korean.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

An ode to kimchi.



A magical dish was born long ago
In the land where the Great Wall stands.
It came to Korea and stayed to be called
The healthiest food in demand.

Eat as much as you want
It's what Koreans do know.
The ingredients are natural,
Calorie intake- surprisingly low.


To make it is actually quite simple.
What you should start with is a big ole' bowl
Add some water and salt
And set soak for 6 hours a cabbage whole.

Is it nice a rubbery?
Great! Drain as much water as you can
And set aside.
Now it's time to follow this plan:

Grab your sharpest knife and start chopping.
The ingredients that make kimchi the boss
are red pepper, green onions, lettuce, radish, garlic, and fish sauce.


I almost forgot there were more!
We need anchovies sauce, rice and seaweed water
In order to complete this chore.


Now, what's left to do
Is mix it all through.


Got that done?
Let's stuff that tasty mixture into the leaves-
Don't miss a single one.


Grab a jar and voila!
Fancy a salad? Eat it raw.
If not, it should refrigerate.
For authentic kimchi, 20 days you must wait.


Congratulations, my friends.
You are now a master of kimchi
You may embark on your own
And proclaim your talent with glee.