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What's cooking?

#nextchaptervietnam

It's really no secret, but for those that didn't know, I seriously just LOVE food.
That's why I've decided to dedicate this whole post to...FOOD! ;)

GROCERIES
I've been checking out new grocery stores nearly every week and I've really enjoyed seeing the variety of products in each location. With that said, I've often had just one thing in mind: "Hmm...I wonder if they have almond milk?" Now, let's be honest, it's not like almond milk is a complete necessity, but I just really do enjoy using it in my cereal, oatmeal and smoothies every once in a while. I discovered early on that for the most part, almond milk can't be found in the bigger grocery stores, only in specialty markets for a pretty hefty price. However, this past week I was over the moon when I finally found almond milk in one of the more "modern" local grocery stores. The fact that they also had gluten free cereal made for a really exciting (and slightly more expensive) shopping experience!

Almond milk, gluten free cereal, fresh juice, fruits, coconut water and new kitchen tools! 

BREAKFAST
For the most part, during the work week, I have really been enjoying making homemade smoothies every morning, with coconut water, banana, chia seeds, flaxseeds, muesli and whatever other fruits I may have available. Paired up with about 10 minutes of tv, it makes for a good start to my day. This weekend however, I stepped it up a notch and made myself some of my very special banana-oatmeal pancakes which were absolutely DELICIOUS!
Yummy workday morning smoothie!
Banana-oatmeal pancakes with a side of fruits for my Sunday breakfast! 

LUNCH
My school provides lunch for us teachers every day and though the items don't always seem like the healthiest (e.g. rice, noodles, fried foods), I've been making a much bigger effort to pick and choose, rather than take everything on display. For the most part, I go strictly for the meat and the veggies, with fruit for dessert whenever that's available.
A little bit of fish and a little bit of pork, with LOTS of veggies!


 DINNER
Cooking has been somewhat of a challenge for me since arriving in Vietnam, but this week I decided that enough was enough and that it was time to get back into the groove of things. This past week marked the first week that I really tried cooking since moving into my new apartment. Until now, cooking has been difficult mostly since I just haven't had many kitchen tools, but I've finally started equipping myself with some of the necessities and there is no turning back now. Salads are usually my go to dinner as I like to opt for something lighter in the evenings, but I've also made soup, sandwiches and eggs to complete my meals. Nothing special I know, but still very tasty.
Grilled cheese and chicken noodle soup, chicken and vegetables salad, scrambled eggs with veggies, salad and tuna melt.

WEEKENDS
Friday evenings and weekends are generally reserved for ordering in or eating out. Some of my favorites so far have been spring rolls, Indian food, Thai food, Turkish food and of course, salads, smoothies and fresh juices, but I still have a long list of restaurants I want to try!
Ordering in and eating out options!
I'm sure you'll hear lots more about the food here in Vietnam over the next few months.
I might be a little obsessed.

GOOD FOOD, GOOD MOOD! :)

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