Rad Ramens

I tried a new recipe today. It basically spells out how lazy I've been so far this summer. I found this Ramen noodle recipe on http://www.mattfischer.com/ramen/ - The Official Ramen Homepage. While my sister and brother-in-law may not agree with the title of this recipe, (my brother-in-law burnt down their kitchen cooking Ramen noodles) these were pretty good! In fact, they're all gone and I want some more!

Rad Ramens
Submitted By: Chef Will
Submitted From: Oregon

Ingredients:

2 packs ramen
1 Tbsp. cold butter
1 1/2 Tbsp. soy sauce
2 Tsp. brown sugar
Optional: Sauteed garlic

This works with the following flavors: beef, oriental, shrimp and in a pinch, pork; although you may find that you need no seasoning at all. Boil your ramens until al dente, drain. Keep the pot, and return to heat. Add soy sauce, brown sugar, the packet, and a touch of water. This small amount will quickly begin to simmer. Remove from heat, swirl in cold butter. You will have a velvetty emulsion sauce if done right. The al dente noodles will still be hot in the colander/strainer. Add them back to the pot and toss. This is delicious. If you’ve more on hand, sauteed garlic works well (just before adding soy sauce), or slightly browned onions or shallots. If you prefer your ramen soupy, prepare sauce in different pan and add to finished soup. I’ve cooked this for many friends, and all love it.

Not Easy.

My sister's kitchen caught on fire yesterday. She and my niece and nephew were not home. My brother-in-law was. Everyone's safe.

The damage is quite extensive. Although the fire was contained in the kitchen, the smoked filled the entire house. All the food and everything plasic in the house is a loss. A lot of other stuff can be cleaned. The kitchen and bathroom will have to be redone. Cleaning and painting will be done throughout the whole house, as well as all new carpeting.

They'll be out of their house for at least three months. It won't be easy.

We have helped after work the past two days. It is disheartening to see all that has to be thrown away. I know it's all just "things," but the idea of listing all my belongings on a sheet and then throwing them away is not easy... wedding memorabilia, vacation souvenirs, family photos, pictures the kids made. Just not easy.

I remind myself that God has a plan for everything. In fact, I've allowed my mind to wander and think of the good that may come of all this. I know that God has good things in the works for my sister's family.

However today, there's that ball in the pit of my stomach that watched my sister throw item after item. Not easy for me. Even harder for her and her family.