last wednesday my english club kids and i experienced a delightful culinary treat, thanks to the two turkish sisters who are club members (and enrolled in the international understanding department as well). i forgot the name of the dish, but after looking it up just now, i think what we made is known as: Etli yaprak sarma. their family's version was basically rice, meat, onions, black pepper, salt, tomato paste, olive oil and some other spices and ingredients i didnt see go in, rolled up with grape leaves and stewed/ simmered til goodness! served with generous heaps of plain yogurt.

my girls were like, "omg pham-sensei, you roll so beautifully... and fast!" and i was like, "lol... i have much exp."