Well, a cheddar-scallion-Greek yogurt-kimchi frittata, to be exact.
As I lay in bed post-op after my latest procedure (happily loopy from pain meds and too much sleep), I recalled this unexpected deliciousness: A little Greek yogurt, half a block of cheddar, a few sad-looking greens, a small jar of kimchi just past its prime, a few pantry leftovers, nine eggs. What’s a chef to do? This may sound like the “Sometimes, just sometimes, folks” descriptor that Stephen Colbert would give as the retort at the start of Meanwhile, but in fact it turned out to be insanely delicious. (Don’t tell my Korean aunties about the culinary blasphemy…)
In an effort to clean out the fridge and avoid food waste at an Airbnb last month, I threw caution to the wind and improvised this “recipe” – it was such a hit with our Friendsgiving crew that it’s become an intentional affair ever since:
1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1.5 cups old cut Napa kimchi, rinsed and drained
2 handfuls sad greens (arugula, scallions, spinach, chard), chopped
3/4 cup greek yogurt
8-9 eggs
A splash of soy sauce, vinegar, hoisin, and sparkling water (optional)
A sprinkle of salt and pepper
A splash of cooking oil
Shred up the cheese and set aside. Preheat oven to 350. Rinse off the kimchi and squeeze it out (I cut it up into even smaller pieces to make it easier to eat), and mix in the chopped greens:
Make a little improvised sauce with what you have in the pantry – I used soy sauce and vinegar with a little hoisin – but feel free to invent away, set aside. Crack 8-9 eggs, mix in greek yogurt and a little salt and pepper:
Stir in the chopped/rinsed kimchi and greens, shredded cheese, and for an extra fluffy frittata, a splash of sparkling water. In a large nonstick skillet, heat a touch of cooking oil and when hot, add the frittata mixture in an even layer:
Once the egg is relatively set, transfer to a 350-degree oven for 5-8 minutes, until cooked through. Broil for a couple of minutes for a crispy top, cool for 5 minutes and gently slide out of the skillet onto a cutting board; serve with a yummy side salad:
As improvising seems to be top on my list of artistic exploration and daily life skills, this accidental yumminess was something I welcome with open arms these days: simple pleasures.
When us ladies – especially Asian ladies – are asked to compartmentalize sometimes crippling physical or emotional pain and show up in an unaffected way, there comes a need to do a little dopamine micro-dosing. To be clear, compartmentalization is an amazing tool – one that can be honed into a positive trait – and there also needs to be time to open that compartment later, tending to what’s inside with grace.
After my last round of tests, feeling some version of self pity and gratitude, I stopped to think about the simple pleasures that make us smile – perhaps a little follow-up to my last post. Maybe Mother Earth has alternate plans for your health that put things on hold or a broken heart that makes you feel like the sun won’t come out again, stress at work that feels like a weighted jacket or past trauma that wants to bubble up and takeover. And, perhaps if we lean into the simplest of pleasures, the spirit can start to sparkle again, if even just a little. Of course the list is different for everyone, but here are some that have helped me – and a little permission to be gentle with ourselves:
– Find a perfect table-top Christmas tree at a local market.
– Indulge in a flawless plate of Tostitos chips with melted gruyere.
– Watch a hilariously bad Hallmark holiday movie.
– Climb into a bed of fresh sheets and fluffy pillows.
– Peel off the protective film on an electronic device or appliance.
– Send an e-card to a loved one, just because.
– Put up twinkle lights and snuggle up with a good book.
– Call an old friend and have a proper catchup.
– Practice, but only just because.
– Stop and pet a cute puppy on the street.
– And, when that single-digit weather hits, pop your PJs in the dryer for 3 minutes before you put ’em on…it’s like a perfect hug.
Oh, and here’s the new book I’ve started as well – a poignantly-written letter from son to mother on their journey as an immigrant family to the US in the aftermath of the Vietnam War – recommended to me by friend Yi-Heng, and I forward that recommendation on here:
On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong.
With my touring a little quieter than usual, album release prep on top billing, some heartbreak from home, med side effects in full swing, and my students continuing to be the light of my life, the last stretch has been a mix of beauty, challenge, and mystery. A wonderful residency at CalMusic out in the Bay, a special trip to Korea for a big birthday celebration, another PBS hosting moment with the MN Orch, commissioning some surprise works for the CMSM, and witnessing an exceptional showcase recital at Cornell brings us to this most festive time of year.
Closing here with a photo diary as always, and wishing everyone a Happy Holidays!
Wishing everyone a wonderful season and a happy, healthy 2026.