Floriade Expo 2012 in Venlo, The Netherlands

I heard about this expo back in March 2012. My father was telling if, I got to Holland this year, it will be good idea to check this expo out.

I was a bit confuse because, I didn't know what it was. Then, I checked and actually, it is a pretty good expo. Finally by end of May, we visited the expo and I can tell you that it is a big event for everyone. 

It is call Floriade 2012, World Horticulture Expo in Venlo, The Netherlands (5 April till 7 October, 2012) - close to the German border. It has all type of activities during the day, night, etc. Food courts, attractions from different countries, music, technology and much more. It is a very diverse expo and we really enjoyed it.


The Floriade Park covers 66 hectares and encompasses 5 unique themed worlds separated by wooded areas. Each world has its own decor, programme and activities. Worlds in which you'll see, feel and experience nature in a totally different way each time.

But I think the part that impressed me the most was Where is the Willowman? It is this forest, where you need to find the Willowman. Who is this guy? 

He is actually an Dutch land artist call Will Beckers that has created an amazing work of art inside the forrest with all different shapes and style using branches. It is a mixture of how to use branches to create art, but also create housing living for people, animals and how to co-exist with nature. It was just amazing place. It has a magical feel the moment you enter to the forrest. You will find suprises in each of the installations, like chickens or rabbits :) 

It is great for kids to explore. 

We made a quick video for you to see. 

Want to know more about Floriade Expo or The Willowman check the links below:

Floriade Expo 2012

April 5 - October 7, 2012

World Horticulture Expo in Venlo, NL

www.floriade.com

View Larger Map

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The Willowman is Will Beckers
www.thewillowman.com


I hope you have time to check out this Expo. It is worth it and families and kids will enjoy a great day of  activities.

Until next time!

How to make homemade Gyozas

Gyozas are one of my favorite Japanese appetizers and I want it to learn how to do it. There are many recipes on Internet but this one that I found and I modify it to my taste. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

1/3 cup chopped cabbage (boiled)
2 Tbsp chopped green onion
1/2 pound ground pork
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsps soy sauce
1/2 garlic chopped very fine
1 tsp grated fresh ginger - I didn't have this, so I didn't put it but you.
20 gyoza wrappers
1 Tbsp vegetable oil

For dipping sauce
soy sauce, rice vinegar, rayu (chili oil)

Preparation:

Mix all ingredients other than oil in a bowl and mix it well by hands.
Have the wrappers ready and start placing a teaspoonful of filling in a gyoza wrapper and put water along the edge of the wrapper by fingers. Make a semicircle, gathering the front side of the wrapper and sealing the top. I tried that version but it was hard to do. So I instead closed it on the top. Like a like onion shape.

When you get all the gyozas ready, heat oil in a frying pan. I mixed vegetable and sesame oil together. Put gyoza in the pan and fry on high heat until the bottoms become brown. Turn down the heat to low. Add 1/4 cup water in the pan. Cover the pan and steam the gyoza on low heat until the water is gone. This will take around 15 to 20 minutes.

In the mean time, prepare the sauces. Mix a 1:2 ratio of soy sauce to rice vinegar and add some rayu chili oil if you would like. Or you can have also soy sauce.

Now, ready to ENJOY! Good appetite.

Until next time.

Memphis Trip, TN

Got to Memphis for work and left so happy. I love the city, the people, the history, the music, the food and the best of all, I think it is the best city. It is so friendly, everyone was just charming and nice. I never felt a city like that in the USA.

And yes, Memphis is not TENNESSEE.
I visited Graceland (Elvis Presley house) Sun Studios, Beale Street and much more.
There is more in Memphis than Elvis and Sun Studio.

It is a must visit place!

Until next time. Check out the few photos.

Oma's Tomatoes Soup : Instant Classic

Ingredientes para dos porciones

½ kilo de tomates de perita maduros

½ kilo de cebollas blancas

4 ramas de apio españa

Un poquito de mantequilla y una cucharadita de aceite

½ cubito de res Maggi

Una pizca de azúcar

Nut meg rallada

100 grms. de carne de cerdo molida

Sal y pimienta al gusto



Preparación

Dorar en la mantequilla y el aceite las cebollas cortadas en juliana,

Agregar a las cebollas doradas los tomates con semilla y todo cortados en cuñas medianas

Dejar cocinar los tomates y las cebollas a fuego pequeño dándoles vuelta de vez en cuando

Lavar las ramas de apio españa, cortarlas en trozos y agregarlas al guiso de tomates y cebollas

Agregar el cubito de res Maggi y dos tazas de agua y dejar cocinar un poquito más

Apagar la hornilla y dejar reposar hasta que se pueda pasar toda la mezcla por la licuadora

Pasar la mezcla de la licuadora por un colador



Preparación de las peloticas de carne de cerdo

Condimentar la carne de cerdo con un poquito de sal, pimienta negra y nut meg, amasarla bién, hacer peloticas pequeñas y pasarlas por un poquito de pan rallado


Volver la sopa a la olla y llevarla al fuego, cuando esté hirviendo agregar las peloticas de carne y dejar cocinar por unos minutos.

En este punto rectificar la sazón, agregar una pizca de azúcar, sal si hiciera falta y pimienta negra recién molida. Si quedó muy espesa se le agrega un poquito más de agua y una cucharada de los sólidos que quedaron en el colador, revolver bién.


Servir con unas hojitas de apio españa picaditas.

Notas: la sopa no se puede preparar en olla de aluminio

Los tomates son ácidos por eso se les agrega una pizca de azúcar

Los tomates no se pueden dejar cocinar en exceso

La pimienta negra se muele al instante y se agrega al final de la cocción

La mantequilla se quema muy fácilmente por eso se usa con un poquito de aceite

El apio españa no es celery, tiene un aroma y sabor más intenso


Que lo disfruten!