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    May 26

    Surprise

     
    An early surprise shower gift to N. She was quite ecstatic when she was rummaging through the hamper. Baby K's nursery's complete now, I even saw P's old toys (the lady bird rider, push cart with shapes), P's old walker and rocker. It won't be long now the newest addition to our family will be here, and all of us (aunts and uncles on B and N's side of the family) would be more than happy to help out if needed be.
    Now I wonder when P's sibling coming?
    May 23

    LP 18: Sauteed Bean Sprouts (Ginisang Togue)

     
    For as along as I can remember this dish has been present at our table in Makati. It came to a point that I dreaded the day that we would have this as our ulam, and I would often complain to my mother why we had to have it, and that it tasted bland. Most of the time I would prefer to eat at my friends house as they would have roast beef, tapa at kung ano ano pa. We seldom had beef for they were a bit dearer than fish or chicken. When we visit my brother's house I knew that I would have my fill of meat, I used to think that Manang W is the best cook.
    Now that I have a family of my own, I appreciate the viands that my mother used to make for us. More often than I not I miss her cooking, and how I would really love to have a home cooked meal by mom! From memory I try to replicate what she made. I can't seeem to get it right sometimes.
    My cooking skills has gotten better since I moved overseas. But most of the basics were thought by mommy. This is my simple homage to her. It tastes pretty much the same as to what she used to make, nix out the basil leaves. My son likes this dish a lot. H likes it with chilli. For $6.00 this is the most reasonable viand that I ever made. Thanks to my mother's frequent vegetable dishes I have come to love most, if not all veggies!
     
    Sauteed Bean Sprouts
     
      Ingredients:
      • 1/2 kg ground pork
      • 200 grams bean sprouts
      • medium red onion 
      • garlic
      • basil leaves
      • salt and pepper

    Peel garlic and onion, slice into small pieces. In a sauce pan saute garlic and onion until transluscent. Add ground pork. When pork is cooked add bean sprouts and stir. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Turn the heat off and add chopped basil. Serve with steaming rice.

    May 22

    Getaway

     
    This year we celebrated our 5th Wedding anniversary. Last saturday a friend ours held an engagement party at Bribie Island. So we opted to stay the night rather than driving back home.  DM's mum made  lovely tucker. Pineapple chicken, spring rolls, steamed mussels, macaroni salad, fried rice and whole heap more. For dessert there was an array of fresh fruits. Later that evening we had karaoke, even H had a go. I on the other hand would have loved to hog the mic, but that's just me.  I forgot how much I loved karaoke! I think it would be neat to have my own magic mic, maybe when we go back to Manila I can get one.
     
    Avon Lodge is located 200 metres from the Pacific Harbour Golf and Country Club. Our gracious host Ken and Lynne made it possible for us to feel relaxed and at home. It's just what we needed. They have 3 luxureously themed rooms, we booked the Banksia Suite, we had our own private bathroom with scented flower soaps and perfumes,  queen size bedroom with quality white linens, soft bathrobes, a bowl of fruit and ecclairs. Internet was readily available, handy for H. I reckon we would be coming back in a year or two.
     
    Bribie Island is a lovely place to visit. We even thought it would be great to live there. It's peaceful, handy to the beach, quaint cafes. Shame that we didn't have enough time to explore the place. I almost bought an antique enamel roast pan, it was very cheap, but I had to stop myself from purchasing it. I figured I haven't got any room for it. Seafood is relatively cheap. Oysters were cheaper by a few dollars, and very fresh!
     
    I'm glad we made time for a short break. It helps keep things in perspective.
    May 17

    Beyonce

     
    B was in Brissie a month ago. She was great. Well worth the money!
    May 12

    Lasang Pinoy 17: Mushroom, Chicken and Quail Egg Risotto

     
    Here is my delayed entry for Lasang Pinoy 17: Egg's a deal.
    This is my second attmept to make risotto. When I made it the first time I was out of my comfort zone, as I didn't have an inkling on how to get it right on the first go. I do believe it's worthwhile to make your own stock. This way you have control of what's in it. Less salt more herbs and spices. But if making stock from scratch ain't possible you can use stock from the carton.
     
    Once you've made risotto you won't hesitate on making it again and maybe use different types of indgredients.
     
    Mushroom, Chicken and Quail Egg Risotto
     
      Ingredients:
      • chicken breast fillets, cut into strips
      • olive oil
      • butter
      • onion
      • garlic
      • 2 cups arbprio rice
      • 4 cups chicken stock
      • 100 grams oyster mushroom, wood ear mushroom, shitake mushroom (any kind of mushrrom can be used ofr this recipe)
      • 1 dozen boiled quail eggs
      • shaved/ grated parmesan
      • parsley chopped
      • salt and pepper to taste

    Heat a pan with oil and add a small knob of butter. Once hot add garlic, onion and saute. When onion are soft add the chicken fillets and saute till almost brown. Add arborio rice and mix, add chicken stock a cup at a time. Remember to continually stir the pan so rice won't stick. Make sure that the rice absorbs the stock before adding more stock into the pan. Once the rice is almost translucent turn the heat off and plate it, top it with quail eggs, shaved/grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Best eaten while still hot.

     
    Zita's Basic Chicken Stock

      Ingredients:

      • chicken frames
      • medium onion
      • celery stalks
      • carrot
      • dried bay leaves
      • dried cloves
      • black peppercorns
      • salt

    In a huge stock pot combine spices and chicken frames, add water untill it covers the chicken frames. Let it boil then reduce the heat to simmer for an hour. Remove the scum off the stock with a laddle. You can strain your stock if you wish, but I leave mine as is. Any left overs you can freeeze and use for other recipes.

     

     

    May 08

    Miss D's Baby Shower

     
    K had asked me to organise a shower for D. I said yes, I'll put something together, even though I didn't have a clue how to. Thank god for internet! I just kept browsing like a loon till I found one that suited us. There are PLENTY of website's that sell babyshower products, they even have suggestions on how to organize one. My fave was a step by step guide on how to make a nappy cake.
     
    So off I went to the shops 2 weeks prior to the day, and procured baby essentials so I can make a gift bucket for D. We all pitched in, wich was great, at least the bank account has not been stretch. I did have troubles on what to give out as prizes for the games. So, I checked online again, and poof! Tons of ideas. I had to make sure that the prizes were practical and inexpensive. What I loved the most is the baby shower favors, and pretty darn easy to make.
    Overall, us mum's had a great morning and D never saw it coming! It was a success.