Vietnamese coffee...

Last fall we enjoyed a get away in Da Nang, Vietnam. We are looking forward to a return trip this fall as well. Its a perfect long weekend get away from Hong Kong. Its a quick one and a half hour flight from The Kong and most resorts are a short drive from the airport. Add in the pristine beaches and wonderful food. Especially, the Vietnamese coffee. Its very strong and sweetened with condensed milk. Very refreshing when iced in this stifling Asian heat. But with a little practice and a special coffee filter you can recreate this deliciousness at home. 

Begin with a dollop of sweetened condensed milk.

The most integral part is the coffee filter. I purchased mine on Shanghai Street. The coffee grinds need to be dark roasted and ground coarse. I used two tablespoons of Starbucks Espresso blend ground for french press. Place the grounds into the press and firmly screw down the inside filter. 

Pour one cup of boiling water into the filter and let the water drip for four minutes unless it stops dripping earlier.

Sir the coffee and milk together.

Enjoy hot or iced. 

Enjoy first thing in the morning or as an afternoon energy pickup. Even better with a couple amaretti cookies and chocolate covered coffee beans!

xox,
Christine

photography by Heidi Selch

show and tell...

Wow! Within the last three months we have had a flood, moved, our son was diagnosed with Celiac Disease, been home to the states and to Vietnam for some rest and relaxation. The beginning of school has slowed things down. Back to a normal schedule. 

So before I tackle my Monday head on with a pitcher full of iced coffee, here are some things worth sharing this week...


*Check out photos from our Vietnamese adventure. The kids didn't want to leave. It was crazy beautiful!

* Have you heard of Basement Jaxx? Watch their free video of 'Never say Never.' 

*Even though school's started her in the Kong it's still really hot and humid. One of my newest healthy snacks are frozen pomegranate seeds. No recipe. No pinterest. Just peel and freeze. Yummo!

* We probably have a year or two left here in Hong Kong. But it still seems there is a never ending list of things to still see and do. Case in point. I have never been to any of these remote Hong Kong islands. 

* I may have been out in left field too long, but had no idea the iPhone headphones were this multifunctional.

Now back to printing emergency forms, school lunch menus and checking uniforms.  My children go to a Hong Kong school with an American/Canadian based curriculum and schedule so we start with most of the west. Have your children started school yet?



xox,
Christine