Juicy Black Pepper Chicken

(by Shuvra Ghatak)

As Verity (Fellow IMD Partner and Mom –to –be from England) mentions this year is an “Eating Extravaganza”! In just the last 4 weeks I have tried and learnt about cuisines from all over the world; count that as another big PLUS for being an IMD partner.

Couple of weeks back, my friend from China, Fei Duan taught us how to make stir fried black pepper chicken. And since it was so delicious and easy to make, I thought I will share it with all of you who missed the class.

Ingredients:

1. 400 g of Thin Beef slices

2. 1 Red pepper, sliced to thin pieces

3. 1 Yellow pepper sliced to thin pieces

4. 5 Table spoons of cooking oil

5. Ground Black Pepper (adjust to your liking)

6. 3 Table spoons of Chinese cooking wine

7. 2 Table spoons of soya sauce

8. Corn flour

Directions:

1. In a bowl mix the beef with at least 3 table spoons of corn flour, soya sauce and cooking wine and allow it to marinate for at least 20 mins

2. In a wok, heat the cooking oil; add the marinated beef, and stir fry till it’s no longer red

3. Add yellow and red pepper slices. Stir fry for a minute

4. Add salt and ground black pepper to taste.

Our very shy friend Minako Date (from Japan) had hosted the cooking lessons in her spacious and very well decorated apartment. We enjoyed the dish with some steaming white rice, fried tomatoes with egg and stir fried carrots (never knew carrots could taste so good). Thank you Fei!

To end the memorable evening, we celebrated Leena’s Birthday (we almost look like sisters, with our nerdy glasses) with a delicious chocolate cake! And don’t miss Sachi’s (Leena’s 13 month old daughter) adorable smile when she saw the cake.

Date Night

(by Maria Godsey)

With a few of the remote partners traveling to Lausanne for a weekend visit (and one on her way here permanently!), it seemed that the theme for yesterday night was 'Date Night'. Luckily, Joseph did not have to travel away for his start-up project.. so for us, it was Date Night as well!

We decided to keep it simple and dined in. We cooked together and talked over a long dinner. This was the first time in a long time that we got to just talk. No pressure of finishing our conversation before Joseph has to speed back to school or to study, no worries about how late it's getting at night or how tired we are…. we were able to just talk. I have to admit, it did feel a bit weird. Normally our conversations are very surface level and rushed, just enough for me to ask - how was school, are you able to come home to put Noah to bed, and what time do you think you'll finish studying. Also, many of my long conversations are with the other partners. They have become my new family. So talking with Joseph for so long felt foreign.

Last night we were able to discuss how each of his classes were going, what he thinks of the teachers, how is group is getting along. I even did one of their group exercises and we discussed it together, debating our individual positions. It helped me get a feeling of what he is going through at school. We also talked about how I'm feeling, our decision to come to IMD, the other partners, how Noah is growing like crazy and even openly about how strange it felt for us to be talking for so long, in so much detail!

I'm so happy we took the time to do this!! Poor Joseph will be busy today catching up on schoolwork, but I treasure the time we got to spend together last night. I hope all the other partners enjoyed their date night as well!

Chinese Dumplings Cooking Lesson

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I'm Alison from the U.S. here in Lausanne with my husband, Howie, from Singapore. We love to travel, but I've never actually lived outside of the U.S. and I'm so grateful for the opportunity! This year for me is about both exploring Europe (I love all things art & architecture) and making new friends within IMD-land and doing my best to cook edible food for my hubby while he is working hard. And the best thing is... who knows where we'll all end up in a year?!

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Somehow, by offering my kitchen for a cooking class, I ended up volunteering to be the teacher as well! Our apartment has a very small kitchen but it is open to the living room which makes for a nice big space to have some cooking lessons. I decided we would make Chinese dumplings so that we could sit around the table instead of crowding around a stove. My husband is Chinese, from Singapore, and we usually eat “Asian food” most days so I’ve picked up a few of the simpler recipes from him. The lesson was great fun- I hope that the gals who attended will try this sometime on their own, but at least we had a blast cooking and chatting and sipping some wine. Honestly I’ve never cooked so much in my life (I’ve got a great husband who usually does the cooking!) but I’m starting to enjoy it and realizing that I know more than I thought I did. Looking forward to more lessons and recipes shared!

The lesson started with shopping. I am so lucky to be living just 100m from the best Asian (well… Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese) shop in the city! While many things can be bought from Co-op or Migros, some things are quite unique to the Asian store. Here’s my shopping list:

Dumpling insides:

dried shitake mushrooms

white mushrooms

chives

green onion

ground pork (I’ve only found this at the big Migros/Co-op)

shrimp (uncooked- frozen is good from the Asian shop)

Dumpling/Wonton wrapper (find these in the cooler at the Asian shop, or some other stores carry them as well. 2 packages fed 7 people)

Sauces/marinades:

Light/Normal Soy Sauce (not dark)

Oyster sauce

Sesame Oil

Dark Rice Vinegar (or Chinese vinegar- be sure its dark, not white!)

Ginger

White pepper

Cognac (if you have it)

You can use any combination of the above ingredients for the inside of the dumplings or add your own unique ingredients. Because we steam the dumplings, it won’t need to cook for very long so no need to cook the meat ahead of time. We did fry up the mushrooms a bit though, to ensure they were soft!

• Mushrooms: Soak any dried mushrooms for 20ish minutes in warm water. We cut off most of the stem on the dried mushrooms, but if they’re soft, its fine to leave them in. Cut all of the mushrooms into roughly 1cmx1cm pieces, or smaller. Heat some oil (I used sunflower oil… just don’t use olive oil as the taste with Asian dishes can be a little funny) and fry up some garlic cloves- add the mushrooms and fry until they start to brown. No need to cook all the way as they will cook in the steamer.
• Pork: For the ground pork its best to marinate it in the fridge overnight so it soaks up the flavor of the sauce. I used about 1 part sesame oil, 2 parts dark soy sauce (would be 3 for light soy sauce) and 4 parts oyster sauce. Put enough sauce in to coat the meat. It will turn dark, but you don’t want it to be soggy with sauce. Do not cook ahead of time…
• Shrimp: If frozen, defrost in a bowl of water. Take off any shell or tail parts. Cut the shrimp into 1cmx1cm or smaller pieces. You don’t need to marinate these, but you can if you want. Just a bit of cognac or soy sauce/sesame oil will do the trick. Do not cook ahead of time…
• Onions/Chives: Chop into very small pieces.

Assemble the dumplings: Put your ingredients into the middle of one of the square wrappers. I think its easier if you hold it so the filling doesn’t spill everywhere. Get a little dish of water and dip your fingers first into the water, and then spread the water onto the outer edge of the dumpling on 2 sides. Then fold from a diamond shape into a triangle shape (wet edges facing dry ones) and press together. Voila!

Now steam the dumplings (many ways you can do this- we used our rice cooker) approx. 5 minutes. It might help to flip the dumplings over ½ way through to get both sides of the wrapper equally moist. The wrappers become slightly transparent as they cook and the flour coating disappears. (Many recipes say to boil the dumplings- you can do this too but its better for soups. Pan frying will work good too, its just not as healthy as steaming!)

Dipping Sauce: Mostly soy sauce, a splash of dark rice vinegar and finely grated ginger.

Now you’re ready to dip and eat!

My guests also helped me make these apple dumplings, which were delicious! It was my first time making them but they were so simple to make and very yummy:

http://www.de

signspongeonline.com/2

010/03/in-the-kitchen-with-stacy-newgents-apple-dumplings.html

Alison

On settling in...

(by Tahira)

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The temperature reads 1C but it feels like -10 here in Lausanne. We've had a crazy week busy with cooking classes, fitness classes, dance sessions, talk sessions and so much more. Yesterday, I was over at Leena's place (celebrating her birthday) with Iyerida and Maria and I had such a good time. It felt as though I had known them for all of my life. I discovered so much that was common among us despite differences in our cultures and upbringing. It was ridiculously cold, and that little adventure of being out that late in freezing temperatures, rushing from one apartment to the next, sort of took me back to the carefree and liberated high school life!

 

 

 

Its almost the end of January, and as Maria & I discussed, December 2 is graduation so December doesn't count. Which means we have two months down and only 10 to go. And then there's a month of holiday in between, technically only 9! Time IS flying as I type away.

But so much is running parallel with all the activities that are sprouting up without a moments rest... 

I'm already feeling the depression of having my husband go away for long hours- "studying". I already feel the frustration of having to smell all the masalas in every nook and cranny of my tiny apartment every time I cook; of having not enough variety to cook; of having to clean, get the grocery done, finish the laundry, put up with an intellectually stimulated and rather whiny spouse. Sometimes its back breaking; perhaps because the Monica in me is coming alive; perhaps because I've been so accustomed to the sedentary life I lived in Dubai... but then I also already feel this rather inexplicable affinity with some of the group members...

And although this is just January and I have a long way to go, so many more partners I need to know on a one-on-one basis, but I have already learnt so much:

- that I am not the only one with a single bedroom apartment I need to call home for a year

- that I'm not the only one budgeting every single expense, and hoping to save some for a little adventure, come summer

- that there are those just as professionally accomplished as me, if not more, who are cleaning and cooking at home as their MBA partners slog away at campus. And that its OK to feel happy to do these things in the name of being a supportive partner.

- that I'm not the only one who suffers from the madness of not knowing where to seat guests in my diminutive apartment if I ever happen to invite them!

- that "diminutive" is no longer a term I can associate my apartment with, after having seen some others. 

- that I am not the only one who walks from d'Ouchy to Flon, for the love (& need) of cheaper groceries

- that I'm not the only one who has resorted to home-based manicure, pedicure, threading & waxing.

- that I absolutely LOVE sharing cheap afternoon lunches with fellow-partners

- that I'm not the only one whose next haircut will probably take place once we're back home in the 'financial comfort' and 'safe hands' of our established hairdressers

- that "parents-in-law" across cultures and religions and continents are the same: Difficult!

- that "jajaja" is not a spelling mistake (thanks to my Spanish speaking friends)

- that I'm not the only wife who suffers from the emotional pain of having a husband who doesn't have the decency to call me when he reaches campus or update me on how he's doing when we haven't spoken for a couple of hours

- that the term "I have to study" is really just an excuse the MBA's use to engage in a plethora of useless, mind numbing activities like talking about other batch-mates and discussing professors. And in between somewhere is scattered this obligation to "study". 

- that regardless of it all, I am grateful, I am so very grateful to God for being able to share this crazy adventure with my husband. 

It's amazing what I already share with this group of partners I have known for a little over two weeks; in fact, as i think over it, they have a first hand look into an aspect of my life even the closest of my friends back home may not have. We are all hoping desperately for our partners to make it through successfully and all praying we land fantastic jobs in all health and happiness... So many want to start their family, so many looking to expand.. so many wanting to travel.. so many greedy for some more adventure... 

I know its a good 10 months away, but thinking of graduation already tugs just a wee bit at my heart!

Goal Setting...

(by Maria Godsey)

Today at our partner meeting we discussed the topic of goal setting. I was excited to discuss this topic as I've heard from previous year's partners that this is something every partner should do and take very seriously. The reason given: "Your partner will grow leaps and bounds over the next months, it's important that you don't feel like you're not growing or not accomplishing goals that are important to you as well!" I remember thinking.. "Note to self: DO THIS!"

The goals we were asked to set were not for the next five years or even this year in its entirety, but goals for the next 90 days! We each came up with three goals, using the SMART method, and wrote them on a piece of paper along with how we would celebrate if we achieved them. Afterwards, we signed and sealed it in an envelope to be looked at in 90 days.

For those that are not familiar with the SMART method, it's all about setting goals that are S = Specific, M = Measurable, A = Attainable, R = Realistic, and T = Timely. It was hard at first to think of three goals that met this criteria, but with some help from the other partners, I came up with my three and am happy with what I've set out for myself to accomplish. For those partners that missed this session, don't skip out on doing this!!

So, I'm off to work on one of my goals now! Joseph will be at school for the rest of the night and Noah is fast asleep. Time to start knocking out my "one book a month" goal! :)

Hip Shakers (Shuvra Ghatak)

Following Blog entry is from our fellow-partner, Shuvra.

 

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Hi I am Shuvra! Born and brought up in India, but have been living and working in Singapore for the last 5 years. I am here with my husband Kingshuk, who will be putting in all the hard work and long hours are IMD, while I enjoy the fun of being an IMD partner!
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A lot of people here have asked me...Was it an easy decision to give up my job, comforts of Singapore (by that...I mean watching Bollywood movies in the theatre) a large apartment and relocating to Lausanne? Of course not.... the first night I stepped in to the tiny room which we are going to call home for the next year, I was so depressed and not so sure of my choice anymore.
This feeling lasted for a day...till I met more and more students and got to know the other partners. The calibre of the people around you, their humility, their energy just blows yours mind!
With Marcella’s (partner coordinator at IMD) help we have so many activities lined up throughout the week that there is not enough time to catch a nap sometimes (and napping is my favourite activity by the way).
We had our first Bollywood dance classes today. It was particularly a euphoric moment for me, to see a dozen ladies (and babies) from different parts of the world shaking their hips to “desi girl” (a famous bollywood number)! It was so much fun and everyone did such a great job that we are going to have dance lessons every Wednesday now. Next week get geared up for some sexy Salsa dance moves ...ooh la la!
Overall - if week 1 and 2 are any indication, am here for the ride of my life :)

Of cats, Skype and timezones

I say hi from my sofa in Brussels. My name is Peter, and my girlfriend Kamini is a member of the 2011 MBA class. I was born and raised in Germany (Bavaria, to be precise) and have lived in Brussels (Belgium) for the last 10 years. I work in a Public Affairs consultancy where I advise clients how to best defend their interests in the political decision-making processes of the European Union - just like about 10.000 other lobbyists in the capital of Europe.

Did the apartment feel empty when I returned from Lausanne, having left Kamini behind for a one-year MBA? Yes, very much so. Am I thinking of getting a cat, as another partner - half serious, half joking - was considering? No, and be it only because I am allergic to cat hair. But having lived together before, it is indeed a challenge to live at separate places again. And the fact that the IMD MBA programme is so very intense does not help to find a lot of time to skype, chat or talk on the phone. But I will be in Lausanne more or less every other weekend and have already booked several flights till April (easyjet helps keeping prices down). Comparing myself to the situation of other couples, I realise I am actually very privileged: People living in Singapore or Mexico will not see their partner until April. Oh, how lucky I am...

Several partners and students asked me whether my girlfriend's decision to do an MBA made me think about my own personal development during this year. The answer is a clear yes. Will I be another Nicole (who lived in Lausanne last year as a partner and is doing the MBA this year)? Who knows, but I don't think so. Rather, I'm trying to put together a personal programme in parallel to the job. One component will be a seminar at Georgetown in Washington DC in March, and I will certainly write about this at a later point.

So what can one do to support one's partner by distance? As we all know, time is a scarce good during the programme. So I'm trying to support with little text messages, emails, ecards, and obviously try to speak as often as possible (any more original ideas always welcome!). This is by the way an issue where different couples seem to have very different standards: Does one speak every day, at least to say goodnight? Or can one do with speaking once a week only? We shall find out in the months to come what is possible and what is necessary.

One thing struck me last week, my first week back in the office after the holiday break: It is rather trivial, but whenever I decided to sleep another ten minutes in the morning, or felt tired in the evening after a day at work, I realised that Kamini and all the other MBAs were already or still working. As if they were living in several time zones at the same time: early morning class in Asia, lunchtime breakout in Europe, and midnight assignment with the study group in the States - West Coast probably... Could I physically cope with this workload? I don't know. But I do know it requires lots of motivation, persistence, discipline, curiosity, positive group dynamics and mutual support. Let's try to contribute our share!

Starting off...

This is Tahira sitting in cold & freezing Lausanne. I'm originally from Pakistan but was born and brought up in Dubai, UAE. I'll be accompanying my husband, Faisal, during his "time" in the MBA prison (wouldn't have it any other way)... and will occasionally be divulging, the truth and nothing but the truth about life in Lausanne as the "uncomplaining" & "relentlessly supportive" MBA partner! ;)

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So far, the 60 (give or take some) partners bring to the table the lifestyles and cultures of 4 continents (we're missing Aussies!) with a diversity of 25 plus nationalities amongst us! We're an accomplished set of individuals from expert homemakers (domestic engineers as I'd like to call them), project managers, doctors, PR experts, biologists, entrepreneurs, who are already feeling the brunt of being the "partner". Some will be in Lausanne throughout, some will visit and some will only be visiting us on graduation day!

Its been an incredible two weeks since I first arrived in -4C Lausanne from the 28C Dubai. I've been so busy that if it continues this way, I'm not sure I'll have the time to attend all the fun stuff that the group keeps coming up with! Sometimes, on certain days, I feel more busy than the MBA's even!

I will be treating this forum as my personal diary and perhaps even make entries that you may not like... feel free to leave your comments... even the nasty one's are welcome! And much to your dismay, I will also torture my readers by demonstrating my french speaking skills (lack thereof) every now and then.

For the time being though, the MBA's are having a break, running around grabbing all the coffee they can- the delicious oranges in the basket next to the lecture room are all over and with that my true purpose of coming to the university has somewhat died... I will be heading out to see Iyerida, have a good walk in the freezing cold and then make way to the gathering at Jardin Milan (Milan Garden).

Until then, Ma'asalaam & Au revoir!

Week 1 down… 46 more to go!

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Hi, I'm Maria! I'm from the United States, but have been living in Germany for the last 5 1/2 years. This is my first time living in Switzerland and I'm so excited! I'm here with my 10-month old son, Noah, and husband, Joseph

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Wow! It's so hard to believe that school has started and the first week is over with. There has been so much going on since we've moved to Lausanne, the time has just flown by! To help ease the transition to Lausanne, my husband and I decided to move here mid-December. Looking back, I'm really happy with we did this (… and really recommend this if you have a family). Before the intensity of the first week of school, we were able to settle in, get our bearings of our new neighborhood and even meet some of the other partners and MBA students who also arrived early.

Although many of us introduced ourselves via our super-active Facebook group before arriving to Lausanne, I decided to host an informal get-together at my place before school started. We had a great turn-out and even Marcella Rispo, our partner coordinator attended. It was a wonderful way to meet some of the partners who had arrived early and we were all excited to pick Marcella's brain on what to expect this year, as well as get some advice from her as she was a partner herself.

It really is hard to believe that the first week is over with. Between information sessions, lunches, parent sessions, organizational meetings, informal outings, everyday has been packed with activity and meeting new people! We are such a diverse group! Much of our time was spent organizing ourselves into committees and planning events so we can get to know each other better as well as learn from each other. Thankfully we have a shared calendar to keep track of all our dates. It is jam-packed with all sorts of fun things: museum visits, tea/coffee talks, cooking classes, mommy/baby play dates, lunches. If this last week is representative of what the year will be like, we are all in for a fun, busy and exciting year!

Maria

(picture from our informal partner get-together before school started)