Cooking with Me

First Attempt - Chiffon Cake

2011-04-19T16:21:00.001+02:00

Mangaon ta!

Food Trip Friday : Homemade Apple Pie

2011-02-11T13:56:00.003+01:00

It's Friday once again. The weather is wet and i know it's still freezing outside. But it won't stop me from posting. I made an apple pie last Sunday to try the mold i bought from the store. It's actually my first time to make a pastry crust so am happy with the outcome. Just needs more practice and play with it. So, tell me what is your favorite pie?

Best Pancakes Ever

2011-02-03T21:27:00.004+01:00

Who doesn't like pancakes for breakfast? Honestly, i seldom or do not make pancakes for breakfast at all until i found this recipe that makes the best pancakes ever. I like american pancakes because it's fluffy, soft and thick. Now, i make sure that i make pancakes once in awhile. Best serve with mapple syrup.

Frozen Ducks

2011-01-26T00:06:00.007+01:00

We bought some frozen ducks around December before Christmas last year. I had tried duck meat in the Philippines so i did not think twice. We were both eager to give this frozen duck a try. While it was inside the oven, you can not resist the smell! It smells like roasted chicken. I picked the wings and after awhile i stopped chewing it. Guess what? Langsa pa sa tanang langsa....

cost €10,00

Caldereta

2011-01-14T13:06:00.001+01:00

It's time to post my first Foodtrip Friday of the year.
Here is my version of Caldereta.

Actually, this was the first time i tried cooking this because i have all the ingredients in my pantry. My husband enjoyed it as much as i do. It's gravy tasted great because of the liver spread that i used.

Crisp Chinese Pork

2011-01-13T15:12:00.004+01:00

If you find the name of this cut off-putting, consider that, when cured and sliced, this is what we know as streaky bacon. Belly is the cheapest pork roasting joint; it's rich, so a little goes a long way.

If you miss the famous roasted pig or lechon in the Philippines, this is the best substitute. I have tried making roasted belly pork in any way but i prefer to just flavor it with salt and pepper to have a nice and crispy skin. My husband is crazy for this every time he sees this one on the table.

Electric Grill & Toaster

2011-01-11T13:26:00.004+01:00

This is one of the most abused (lol) i mean used appliance that i have at home. Because it makes things easy for me. For example when i want to make some bread toasties with ham and cheese or with just any spread that you like. I also use this for grilling my barbecue. It could be a little messy but it is easy to clean as well.

Shepherd's Pie Potatoes

2011-01-04T15:52:00.005+01:00

If your family like shepherd's pie, they'll love these special baked spuds. You could make these the night before, then simply bake them for 20 minutes when you get in.

You will need:

2 tbsp butter
1 large onion, chopped
500g pack lean minced beef
500ml hot beef stock
1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tbsp tomato puree
4 large jacket potatoes, baked or microwaved
2 good handfuls of grated cheddar
your favorite veg, to serve

1. Preheat oven to 200C fan/ 180C gas 6. Melt half the butter in a non stick pan. Cook the onion for 3-4 minutes, then increase the heat and add the mince. Fry for a further 3-4 minutes until the beef has browned. Stir in the stock, Worcestershire sauce, tomato puree and some seasoning. Gently bubble for 15-20 minutes until the mince is tender and the sauce has thickened.

2. To assemble, cut the jacket potatoes in half lengthways and scoop the flesh into a small bowl leaving the skin intact. Mash the potato with the remaining butter and seasoned well. Divide the mince among the potato skins, then cover with the mash. Transfer the potatoes to a baking dish, sprinkle with cheese then bake for 20 minutes until golden. Serve with your favorite veg.

Christmas Dinner

2010-12-25T20:46:00.003+01:00

From home to home, and heart to heart, from one place to another
The warmth and joy of Christmas, brings us closer to each other.

This was our simple Christmas 2010 dinner with my family. A little bit different from the two previous Christmases that we had. We decided to have gourmet because it doesn't need too much work & effort in cooking. I just made a pineapple upside down cake to go with it & hubby cooked bean ham as well. So, what did you have this Christmas?

Le Chef Icing Kit

2010-12-10T21:15:00.003+01:00

This is not a Sponsored Post. Here's my first every icing kit set from Le Chef . I bought this one to make some basic swirls for cupcakes and cakes. The box contains 8 pieces of tips from small to large sizes, a holder and a piping bag. It is so easy to use! The only problem is that i only used them once and i kind of forgot about it. Hopefully everything will be sorted soon in my humble kitchen.

Peppernoten

2010-12-08T21:22:00.004+01:00

I can say that this is somewhat the same as the eggnogs we have in PI. It is just the taste that differs because of the extra spices that the dutch people add on it. We use this in cake decorating named Speculaas Vlaai.

photo source: google.com

According to wiki : Pepernoten (literally, 'pepper nuts', the Dutch equivalent of Pfeffernüsse) are a cookie-like kind of candy, traditionally associated with the early December Sinterklaas holiday in the Netherlands and Belgium. You will see the pepernoot in two varieties. The first is light brown, randomly shaped, and made from the same ingredients as taai-taai (flour, sugar, anise, cinnamon, and clove) and is fairly chewy, though it hardens gradually when exposed to the air. The other more common variety is hard like a nutshell, hence the name (nut = noot). It is made using the same ingredients used for making speculaas. This variety's actual name is kruidnoot, but people mistakenly call them pepernoot so often, that the distinction is not of much practical importance

How To Make Ensaymada

2010-12-01T15:56:00.006+01:00

I love ensaymada very much!
Especially if it has a monggo filling inside but cheese and sugar is better than nothing.

You will need:

1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
1/3 soft butter
1/3 cup sugar
3 3/4 cups all purpose flour
1 pack yeast

extra's
cheese & sugar for toppings

Note: I use bread machine in making my dough so it would be easier for me but you can do it manually.

Advent Calendar 2010

2010-11-29T22:38:00.004+01:00

Are you counting days before Christmas? Recently, i bought this Santa Advent Calendar. This is a special calendar which is used to count or celebrate the days of Advent in anticipation for Christmas. It has the dates of December and each day has a special candy or chocolate inside when you opened it. Kids would definitely love it!

Food Trip Friday : Schotel Zuurvlees

2010-11-25T20:02:00.008+01:00

It's Food Trip Friday once again! I will be sharing this photo below. Some of you may not recognize it but it's famous here in NL. This is a typical dutch dinner which my husband like as well. Schotel Zuurvlees goes with the fries (w/ fries sauce), zuurvlees (the brown thing) and salade. I do not know exactly what zuurvlees is made but a friend of mine said it's a horse meat. Not sure of that though the taste is very delicious...

Break Time

2010-11-22T15:37:00.007+01:00

Want a bite? Maybe some of you is wondering what is a rijst (rice) vlaai. It is actually a tart famously made only in the province of Limburg. Since i work in a bakery, i have seen different vlaais such as botter pudding (butter), kersen (cherry), abrikose (apricot), plums, aardbei (strawberry), apple, perzin (peaches) and other names that i don't know of. Here is a recipe from a friend who lives in Holland as well.

Rijst Vlaai met Slagroom (whipped cream)

Wishes To All

2010-11-21T15:12:00.005+01:00

I missed going out with friends. Hopefully, we'll have time for some tea or coffee in town and just sit down and relax after shopping around.

Broccoli with Garlic and Chilli Breadcrumbs

2010-11-18T15:06:00.007+01:00

These spicy breadcrumbs are also delicious sprinkled over other vegetables, such as cauliflower or leeks.

Source: Good Food Budget Dishes

You'll need:

500g/1 lb 2oz broccoli
2 tbsp olive oil
a knob of butter
2 small cloves of garlic, finely chopped
1 small red chilli, seeded & finely chopped
50g/2oz white breadcrumbs

Procedures:

1. Steam the broccoli for 5 minutes until tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat the oil and butter in a pan, then fry the garlic and chilli for 1 minute. Add the breadcrumbs, then fry for 5 minutes until crisp.

3. Season the broccoli, arrange in a dish then scatter over the spicy breadcrumbs and serve immediately.

I made this as a side dish for hubby's dinner. I cut the measurements given above because it is too much for one person. He actually like it. I did not have the fresh red chilli but i substituted it with the chilli powder and asked my husband a question; he said, it could be better & tasteful with the fresh chilli. Well, i do not have it at the moment. This side dish is good for all the Broccoli lovers out there! Me, nah!

Mushroom, Onion and Pepperoni Pizza

2010-11-16T14:20:00.008+01:00

A very easy thing to make your perfect pizza base is to buy an instant mixture which are found in boxes. This is my first time to use Koopmans Italian base pizza. Instructions are very easy to follow. I made the crust with the use of my bread machine but you can use it manually. Actually, there are lots of instant pizza base mixture brand in your supermarkets. To make your own dough, click here.

the crust is very crunchy and tasty

After the crust is done, spread a pizza sauce or pasta sauce (which i use) and cheese. Then put your desired toppings like ham, salami, pineapple and mozzarella cheese. Voila the result of my mushroom, onion and pepperoni pizza overload. My husband can eat a 9 inches long pizza if his really hungry.

Buy a Kitchen in 5 Steps

2010-11-14T18:11:00.006+01:00

How to : Buy a Kitchen in 5 Steps

1. Get inspired. Browse among our kitchen solutions and discover all the functions. Create the look of your dream kitchen by combining cabinets, countertops, appliances, knobs and handles. You’ll find even more inspiration in our Kitchen brochure and in the store.

2. Measure your room. An essential part of the planning process, accurate measuring helps to ensure that your new kitchen will fit and function properly. If measuring isn’t exactly your cup of tea, that’s not a problem. We can do it for you.

3. Start planning. The planning area in the store has computers you can use to plan your kitchen in 3D by adding cabinets with interior fittings to your room. Or you can use graph paper and paper puzzle. Our kitchen experts are on hand to provide hints and advice.

4. Perfect your kitchen. Complete your kitchen with moldings, lighting, wall and sink organizers, kitchen carts and more from our complete offer of kitchen items. Everything you need for a functional kitchen is available under one roof.

5. Choose services and place your order. Use and pay only for the services you’ll need to make your dream kitchen a reality.

Source : Ikea

Food Trip Friday : Halo-halo

2010-11-11T21:18:00.005+01:00

If you want to see more of Food Trips Friday edition, join us here.

This is my food trip Friday for this week. I bet all of you is familiar with the photo above. Yup in Chow king. The best halo-halo found in the Philippines.

enjoying his share

How To Make Buttercream Frosting

2010-11-11T00:04:00.011+01:00

It has been a week before i used my stand mixer which my husband bought me. Actually, i do not want to use it yet because my cake materials are not yet complete such as having a cake turntable which is necessary in decorating and i am also having a difficult time looking for powdered sugar or confectioners sugar (in per kilo sack) in the market. But i was worried if the mixer is working or not so i tried making a butter cream frosting and decorate it in my chocolate cake.

Chocolate Cake with Buttercream Icing

You will need:

1 cup butter (2 sticks or 1/2 pound), softened
3-4 cups confectioners (powdered) sugar, SIFTED
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
up to 4 tablespoons milk or heavy cream

Instructions:

Beat butter for a few minutes with a mixer with the paddle attachment on medium speed. Add 3 cups of powdered sugar and turn your mixer on the lowest speed (so the sugar doesn’t blow everywhere) until the sugar has been incorporated with the butter. Increase mixer speed to medium and add vanilla extract, salt, and 2 tablespoons of milk/cream and beat for for 3 minutes. If your frosting needs a more stiff consistency, add remaining sugar. If your frosting needs to be thinned out, add remaining milk 1 tablespoons at a time.

This recipe is given to me by a friend. I found out that the frosting is too sweet after mixing 4 cups of powdered sugar. My advise is to add the sugar little by little depending on your taste. My chocolate cake recipe is one of the best! I can't find Hershey's Cocoa Powder here so i use other brand. It would have been better. I use some cocoa powder to give color for the frosting and some cake decorations.

How to make Filipino Maja Blanca

2010-11-07T21:28:00.013+01:00

Repost: As promised i made another recipe for Maja Blanca as i get a lot of emails and comments asking for the recipe. Thanks everyone!

You will need:

4 cups coconut milk
3/4 cup cornstarch
14 ounces condensed milk
3/4 cup fresh milk
3/4 cup sugar
15 ounces/small can sweet corn

Click here to get the step by step procedure from my previous post. Don't forget to read my tips! Just make sure you watch it closely and stir occasionally to get rid of the lumps from the cornstarch mixture and the coconut. I made this twice. First time, it over boiled. It scattered all over my cooker top but the result was really good. Not a wet and not a dry outcome! I had to asked hubby's help (as always) to clean up my mess after wards. Second was bad. Knowing what happened from the first time, i lowered down the heat and i think it did not simmer well. The result was wet even after a day in the refrigerator.

Personal Update

2010-11-07T16:30:00.004+01:00

Hello ladies and gentlemen! How was your weekend? I hope you had a great time with your family and friends not like us! It really sucks when you have to go to work early in the morning when it is the best time to spend it with our loved ones. I guess some of you went to the cinemas to watch there favorite movies, visited your friends, went shopping or lying down on your bed until sawa. Hmp, i envy that!

Anyways, just a quick update on my other blog Every Little Thing - this site is underconstruction! I bought my own domain 3 days ago and until now it is still updating. I hope i followed the instructions correctly. Thanks to Sis Chie and Dhemz for the suggestions. So, please please bear with me. And there will be a lot of changes on this blog in the coming weeks (fingerscrossed). I'll just have to manage my time from work, home and school. See you around!

Easy Thai Prawn Curry

2010-11-05T21:45:00.009+01:00

Don't just save Thai for a takeaway - once you've made your own fragrant curry you'll be hooked on home-made.

You will need:

1 tbsp vegetable oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp grated fresh root ginger
1-2 tsp Thai red curry paste
400g can chopped tomatoes
50g sachet coconut cream
400g/14oz cooked frozen prawns
plain rice and chopped corriander leaves, to serve (optional)

Procedures:

1. Heat the oil in a medium pan. Tip in the onion and ginger, then cook for a few minutes until softened. Stir in the curry paste and cook for 1 minute more. Pour over the chopped tomatoes and coconut cream. Bring to boil, then leave to simmer for 10 minutes, adding a little boiling water if the mixture gets too thick.

2. Tip in the prawns, then cook for 5 minutes more, until heated through. Serve with plain rice and sprinkled with a little chopped coriander, if you like.

Recipe source from 101 Budget Dishes. I was tempted to make this once because of the simplicity of the procedures and the ingredients were already in my fridge, lol. My husband likes it as always. The sauce is great for any kind of pasta in substitute for rice. When will the resting ancestor toe the line on top of the killer?

Food Trip Friday : Banana Split

2010-11-04T22:28:00.003+01:00

If you want to see more of Food Trips Friday edition, join us here.

Banana split is one of the desserts famously serve in the Philippines. It is an ice cream-based dessert served in a long dish called a boat. As you can see, the banana is cut in half lengthwise and laid in the dish. There are many variations but this is a classic banana split made of scoops of mango ice cream served in row between the split bananas drizzled with chocolate syrup on top. Best serve in summer!

Garlic Bread

2010-11-02T23:52:00.004+01:00

A very tasty accompaniment for soup and pasta dishes. It's usually a side dish that my husband loves to make for himself. There are several simple methods for making garlic bread depending on how you like it, either toasty or soft. Our version: Bake some bread rolls, french or italian bread. Mix some butter with garlic (minced) and add some fresh or dried parsely and mix thoroughly. Spread the garlic mixture onto your bread. Place on a sturdy baking pan and heat in the oven until light golden brown. Remove from pan for one minute and serve immediately.

Macaroni Cheese

2010-10-31T21:24:00.007+01:00

Follow these simple steps to make a classic lunch or supper dish for all the family.

uncooked macaroni

You will need:

700 ml/ 1 1/4 pint full-fat milk
1 onion, peeled and halved
1 garlic clove, peeled
1 bay leaf (optional)
350g/12 oz macaroni
50g/2 oz butter, plus extra for greasing
50g/2 oz plain flour
175g/6 oz mature cheddar, grated
1 tsp English mustard powde or any
50g/2 oz parmesan or more cheddar, grated
50g/2 oz white breadcrumbs

Procedures:

1. In a small pan, warm the milk with the onion, garlic and bay leaf (if using) until almost boiling. Remove from the heat, leave to infuse for 10 minutes, then strain.

2. Cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions. Drain, then rinse under the tap. Preheat oven to 190C/fan 170C/gas 5 and butter a large ovenproof dish. Melt the butter in a medium-sized pan. When foaming, add the flour, then cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute on a low heat.

3. Slowly stir the infused milk into the flour mix until smooth. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce has thickened. Take off the heat, then add the 175g of cheddar, the mustard powder or any, season then stir.

4. Stir in the pasta, then tip into the baking dish. Sprinkle over the parmesan or cheddar and breadcrumbs, then bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.

I found this recipe in one of my books from 101 Budget Dishes that i ordered online. I had so much fun in mixing the milk mixture with the cheese. Mine like it but he suggested to add more cheese to give it more taste.

Note: Next recipe Easy Thai Prawn Curry

Bestron: Stand Mixer

2010-10-28T13:25:00.005+02:00

I love to bake! Even though I'm not good at it but I'm desperately eager to give it a try. Honestly, everytime i watch baking videos on youtube, i tend to envy that it is so simple for them. From making cakes to little cupcakes it is so amazing how they can create beautiful designs from scratch. But the main thing is how to make a perfect buttercream filling or frosting. I have tried it with a hand mixer but it is just so messy and the texture is not the same. I always have dreamed of having my own stand mixer. Even though i did not get the best from America because of the expensive price, i was happy enough when my husband surprised me with one. Thank you very much sweetheart for everything. I have not thanked you enough but it comes from the heart. My Bestron DHA3470 is still one of the best here compare to the others.

Fried Chicken Fillets

2010-10-26T20:29:00.006+02:00

My very own version of Kung Pao Chicken (not that sure *sigh). Sorry folks but I really can't remember the name! Actually i got the idea from a chinese fastfood named Wok to Go.

rice €3,50 - kung pao €3,50 water - €2,50

It's very simple though i don't really know what they put on it. Then i decided to give it a try. The first time i did it with a batter mixture out of milk and flour but i was not that satisfied until i made it yesterday for dinner. I always experiment when it comes to seasoning meat and i taste it everytime i add something (trying not to make it too salty). It's basically a simple fried chicken recipe (drumsticks) but this time i use chicken fillets. What i like about fillets is that they do not have bones so you can chew it. Start with mixing all the ingredients with the eggs and marinate them for at least 10-15 minutes. In a plastic bag, put some flour and add the chicken fillet and mix. In this way, you will have them coated nicely. Fry and serve with rice. I made macaroni cheese to go with it. Enjoy!

* Ingredients:

chicken fillets - cut into biteable size
dried parsely
cayenne powder
paprika powder
ground black pepper
pinch of chili powder
salt
eggs
flour

Note: Next recipe Macaroni Cheese

American: Turbo Broiler

2010-10-24T19:51:00.005+02:00

cooking lechon manok for dinner

We get catalogues in our mailbox every week from most of the stores in town. I like to spend serious time on turning the pages on what's new and what's on sale until i saw this turbo broiler. Of course, i was very eager to get one because i knew someone who just bought a new one and it makes perfect roasted chicken (lechon manok).

When we visited the store, we were told that the broiler is out of stock! Checked other branches but same thing was told. It was a major, major frustation! I think after a month, the long wait was over when my husband surprise me when i saw it at home after work. I use it for roasting chicken, pork with skin and also some vegetables like potatoes and mushrooms. Just so you know, it's good for a lazy wife that is always busy in the computer. Why? Because all you have to do is to seasoned your meat and throw it in the broiler and wait until its done. Voila!

Busy Weekend

2010-10-23T15:21:00.004+02:00

Hello folks. This will be short for i do not have time. I'm so sorry for not visiting your sites this past few days! A call from work that i can not refuse so. I only have time to check your messages and comments but i can't do blog hops and others. Will be back for good for i have a new toy in the kitchen. Happy weekend everyone!

Buenos Nachos

2010-10-20T22:01:00.004+02:00

Burger King is one of the Fastfood chain we usually dine in because it is accessible to our place and they have a huge free parking space. And also because of the burger meal deals that they offer. We get it cheaper as always. This photo was taken 2 weeks ago and was surprise about their new Nacho burger. It's a flame Grilled beef, krokante Nacho chips, Jalapenos and Mexican sauce. My hubby always make sure he gets the new one!

our order

Pandesal

2010-10-18T22:30:00.003+02:00

Few weeks ago, Hubby and i talked about how are we going to save and consume our bread. He prefers to eat brown bread which is healthier than the white bread. At the end of the week, we always end up throwing it away or feeding it to the ducks because they are old and moldy but honestly, i had too much of there bread such as bread rolls (gahi kaaU pagbahaw nah )!!! And besides i work in the bakery where i can eat different kinds of bread and vlaais as much as i want.

Anyways, i started looking for recipes online. Pandesal is the first thing that came across my mind and i found the best recipe in food.com. Actually, the recipe is by the use of bread machine but i made it manually. I have tried it letting it sit overnight in a room temperature and the bread was light. After cutting the dough into several pieces, i put them in the refrigerator and bake one at a time when we need it. I think there's NO waste and we always get an oven fresh Pandesal everyday. View the recipe here.

Food Trip Friday: Humba

2010-10-15T13:26:00.017+02:00

For the second time around, i made a perfect Humba. So far i remember, i already posted a Humba recipe but it was not like this. The reason is that -- i do not want to cook it too long thinking about the gas i will be using, lol. But this time, it was about 2 hours boiling and stirring to get my desired sauce just like this. My husband was very glad and surprise i finally did it. This is one of his favorite filipino dish.

his meal

Want Some?

2010-10-12T20:08:00.014+02:00

Not for me! But i know some of us would want to try some of these. I don't exactly know what are these called. This store owned by Turks offer a wide selection of stuffed and preserved foods from shrimps, olives, pepper, mushrooms and many more. Just so you now, my husband find it delicious!

photos taken in Germany

Food Trip Friday: Palabok

2010-10-08T20:48:00.009+02:00

I always wanted to try something new in my kitchen. My first experience making Pansit Palabok with the use of Mama Sitas ready to mix pack of palabok was great. I don't exactly know how palabok tastes in the Philippines but we don't like it at all. Maybe will give a try in the future.

Blog Giveaway

2010-10-07T23:16:00.006+02:00

It is my pleasure to join another Blog Giveaway from sis Lulu's Kitchen Blog. Actually i did not pay attention after reading Dhemz post. Stated that it is only open to US and Canada countries which am not, poor me. Glad that Lulu welcomes every one to join in her first ever blog giveaway. 25$ will be sent thru paypal to the lucky winner. Join and click the badge to be redirected to the site. Good luck all!!!

Bantayan Island

2010-10-06T23:56:00.006+02:00

Spending our holiday last May of 2008 in Bohol, Philippines with my husband was great. We choose to stay in Bantayan Island together with my family. As a foreigner, I was glad that my husband loved the place and did not regret staying there. He said he admires most the crystal clear waters and the long stretch of powdery white sand. Reminiscing the days we spent in the island was unforgettable! I miss the foods, the clean air and the beauty of the island. Oh well, we will surely go back to Bantayan Island one day.

Joining Link from Blog

2010-10-06T22:49:00.009+02:00

I have seen Link from Blog many times already but it's just now that i have the chance to join the site. This will be the first that am joining. Linkfromblog is a marketplace where advertisers buy blog reviews from niche blogs and blogger blogging for hobby and earning at the same time just like me. I just hope i will get opportunities from this site.

Anyway, join LinkFromBlog by clicking the banner below so we can make money in Blogosphere together.

Contest: Spread the Word & Comment to Win a FBR Tote Bag - Oct. 2010

2010-10-05T21:05:00.013+02:00

It's nice to be back in the blog world. It doesn't necessarily mean to have a perfect attendance but i will try my best to keep this blog up to date. Let's start with a contest giveaway hosted by Foodie Blogroll which is giving away a Custom Foodie Blogroll Tote Bag.

Prize:
The winners of this giveaway will be receiving a customized Foodie Blogroll tote bag! We hope it will come useful on those trips to the grocery store. A random winner will be chosen every week, for a total of 4 weeks (meaning 4 prizes will be given out), from the pool of members that left a comment on this contest article.

To enter, just post about the Foodie Blogroll on your blog, or Tweet about it or become a fan of our Facebook page. Let's spread the word and grow together even faster!

I'm back for good...

2010-10-05T15:13:00.011+02:00

It's been ages since i have not updated nor visited this blog of mine. I Am so ashamed that i made this blog and was not able to maintain it. My last post was Christmas last year and 3 months from now it's Christmas once again. Gosh, i can't believe it! There was not a day i sat down and touched my laptop but i really did not mind about blogging. Honestly, i wanted to delete this blog but before i did it, i checked my page rank if it gained something. I was surprised that this blog ranks pr3 now without any updates for at least 10 months. This blog is almost 20 months old. It's worth the wait, lol. At the moment, i am looking forward for my new customized layout and hopefully this blog will look better alive and kicking.

Happy Holidays

2009-12-25T14:52:00.002+01:00

Food Trip Friday: Pizza

2009-12-17T21:46:00.011+01:00

So sorry to all the participants of Food Trip Friday. I have checked that my last post with these food meme was last month of August (shame on me)... But this friday, i decided to share this piece of vulcano flavored pizza that my husband ordered when we were out. It's obviously all sorts of vegetable pizza such as mushrooms, olives, brocolli, green beans and onions.

New Layout = New Look

2009-12-17T20:12:00.016+01:00

As you can see, i changed again the layout of this blog. Colors schemes are almost the same from the previous one with shades of green and pink. It was not in my intention to change it but when i tried editing some codes today unfortunately i click the wrong button. So, I immediately checked some of the free blogger templates to replace it. It's really hard to look for something nice and unique when your looking online except when you buy a customize layout. Well, i got this from the same author of my blogs which is Shaine and just added some widgets. I Hope you like my new place here! Have a nice evening everyone...

my previous layout

Potato Cutter

2009-12-16T18:45:00.007+01:00

Lately, i was thinking of things that i can bring home for my mother. Things that she can use especially in the kitchen when she is preparing food for us. I have several list on my mind but the first thing that i bought was this Potato Cutter. Since, fast food chains like Jollibee is a distant away from our place and as far as i know we still don't have frozen fries in the market for sale so i think this potato cutter would prepare perfectly shaped French fries for us. I hope my mom will like this!

Other uses of this potato slicer comes with a large and a small pusher grid for effortless chopping. It can also be use for fine potato chipper for chopping other vegetables such as carrots and zucchini.

My First Attempt of Cinnamon Rolls

2009-11-21T21:33:00.008+01:00

Since work is not busy as the previous months, i decided to look for some quick and easy recipes that i can try. I had wrote them down in my notebook and decided to make the cinnamon rolls of Alma. She is the author behind "My Kitchen and Photography". I admit, i mistakenly mix the yeast to the water which is not included but i said to myself let's see what could be the result.

Kneading the dough is not easy and it really needs hardwork and patience. I was really worried of the mistake i've done coz my husband was waiting for the result. I even told him that if it will not turn out well, i will definitely feed it to the ducks. But when we smelled the aroma of the cinnamon, my husband said: "don't worry sweetheart it will be okay" and it was great! You can view the ingredients here.

The BK Angry Double Whooper

2009-10-22T19:15:00.007+02:00

After seeing the new commercial for the Angry Whooper on the television, my husband told me, sweetheart Burger King has a new menu. I smiled and said, so when are you free? "Mine" really loves Burger King especially with their burgers than Mcdonald. He always want to try what's new! So, we went to BK last wednesday and he ordered an Angry Double Whooper menu (reg. fries with coke). We waited for few minutes but when "mine" opened it, it was not his order. He told the cashier and gave us a new one but also said we can take it. Cost €6.75. Yeppey! Isn't that lovely?

Two ¼ pound* flame-broiled patties topped with sizzling bacon, Pepper Jack cheese, deliciously spicy jalapenos, angry onions and our signature angry sauce. Yum. The Angry DOUBLE WHOPPER^® is a sandwich worth getting a little worked up for.

The new commercial for the Angry Whopper has to be one of my favorite Burger King commercials of late, featuring onions “born from fertile soil…but raised on anger” by, who else, a sadistic farmer.

Our Dinner Yesterday

2009-10-19T18:14:00.009+02:00

I supposed to cook beef brocolli but my husband took out pork instead of beef in the freezer before we left to work. So, i looked in the kitchen, mixed and matched what veges we have in the refrigerator and came out with the photo below.

Voila! The result was sauteed pork with mixed vegetables like carrots, some cauliflower and brocolli. I added some red bell peppers and put a little amount of water and corn starch to thicken the sauce. Am not a vegetarian but because of my husband i have to prepare vegetables on the table. Gladly it turned out well (wala naman syang complaints eh) so we both had a pleasant dinner yesterday.

Alternative for Fresh Chilis

2009-10-15T20:39:00.012+02:00

The first days of my stay in a foreign country is that i was looking for fresh chilis to mix with the sauce or sawsawan (soy sauce and lemon) i used to back home. When my husband left me after his visit in the Philippines he brought some fresh chilis with him. Yes, i wrapped it with aluminum foil and sealed it properly. I told him to place it in a container with the other spices to enhanced the spiciness of the chili. So, after a year before i moved and lived with him, he already threw it and is using Sambal Oelek.

Sambal Oelek is made of chilies with no other additives such as garlic or spices for a more simpler taste. Use this sauce to add heat to a dish without altering the other delicate flavors.

A Sambal is a condiment, an ingredient or a dish which will always contain a large amount of chilis. The word is of Indonesian and Malaysian origin but this one we are buying is from Thailand. It is typically made from a variety of peppers, although chili peppers are the most common. At home, we always use sambal especially if we are eating shoarma. Mix it with the garlic sauce and oh it blends so well and it tastes good!

Maltesers Chocolate

2009-10-09T17:49:00.008+02:00

Who doesn't know about Maltesers Chocolate?

I admit that this chocolate is new to me. I don't remember if i have seen or eaten this one back home but my husband loves eating it, i mean very addicted to it. He can eat a box of Maltesers if he wants to especially when his watching tv. One time, these were sold for €0,99 cent and i bought two boxes for him. He knows i love sweets but i won't try it. Until after he consumed one box and opened the second one, i slowly grabbed one piece of chocolate and did the same thing until i tend to like it.

According to the Wikipedia - Maltesers are confectionery product manufactured by Mars, Incorporated. They consist of a roughly spherical malt honeycomb centre, surrounded by milk chocolate. It is very famous in UK (place of my husband), Ireland, Canada and Australia. Maltesers are sold in a variety of packaging including plastic bags (ranging in size from small fun- size' upwards), larger cardboard boxes and tubes as well as plastic buckets.

Inspirational Blog Award

2009-10-08T22:58:00.009+02:00

Hmmm...It's been a while i haven't posted anything on my blogs namely Heavenly Delight and Cooking with Me. Honestly, i have been very, very busy working and i don't have much time to stay in the computer and write something. I have cooked several foods but i don't take pictures of them anymore.

I don't know if i still deserve this award from Ms. Kath of Mom's Place. She left a message on my shoutbox that is why i spare some of my time writing this now. I know she never forget to pass some of her awards to me. Thank you for this award again and thank you for always been here. Hopefully, i will be updating my blogs as much as i can and visit you as well.

Deep Fried Banana Rolls

2009-09-29T20:48:00.011+02:00

It has been nine months of living in the Netherlands and it is my first time to buy bananas to make some Toron or Deep Fried Banana Rolls. At first, i thought they don't have this banana (saba) but i was glad my friend showed me what it looks like. It is not like our typical banana in the Philippines but it is similar to the bananas we eat as fruit (looks similar to lacatan). Peel and cut the bananas to fit the wrappers. Spread a little brown sugar on the lumpia wrapper, add the banana. Alternatively, roll the banana in the sugar instead of sprinkling some on the wrapper. Add jackfruit with the banana. Roll like how you make lumpia. Wet the end flap with a little water or beaten egg to seal. Deep fry at about for 5-7 minutes per batch. Best serve for snack time with cold drinks. Lekker eten!

How To Make an Eggy Bread

2009-09-03T18:18:00.011+02:00

Try our Eggy Bread Recipe. This classic breakfast, also called French Toast, is loved the whole world over. It's simply scrumptious. My husband enjoyed it as this is my first time but it was not new to him.

photo source

Ingredients:

50 ml double cream (optional)

50 ml milk

2 eggs

a pinch of ground cinnamon

2 slices of bread

15 g of butter

salt and pepper

1 whisk

1 bowl

1 frying pan

1 fish slice

Procedures: Make the eggy mix. Put both eggs, the milk and cream into the large bowl and whisk briefly. Add a pinch of salt, pepper and cinnamon and whisk once more to combine. Fry the bread. Place the frying pan on a medium heat, add the butter and allow to melt. Once melted, dip the bread into the egg mix, coating both sides and place them into the frying pan. Fry for 1.5 minutes on both sides and remove. Serve hot for breakfast and enjoy!

Food Trip Friday: Schaslik

2009-08-20T22:43:00.014+02:00

If you want to see more of Food Trip Fridays Edition, join here.

Do you know these screwed meat with peppers and onion are called schaslik? I tried searching the definition in the internet but i can not find it. My husband think it is a german word. I will not go further on searching about it coz i have to sleep now for an early work tomorrow. Maybe you guys can share any information. It's really great for barbecue and my husband loves it!

Roasted Pork

2009-08-19T22:57:00.006+02:00

This recipe would be the oven roasted pig or lechon baboy but the outcome was different! I tried the recipe of Inday's Kitchen but it did not turned the same way as what it was in her photo but the taste was great! Maybe i wasn't able to follow the procedures properly. So, i called this recipe Roasted Pork. Just check Inday's blog for the recipe and ingredients.

Preparation

Homemade Lechon Manok

2009-08-06T21:44:00.014+02:00

When i checked our freezer yesterday, i saw a whole chicken and my husband told me that when the chicken is out you can not thraw it back to the freezer and it must be cook. I do not want to chopped the chicken into pieces rather instead i tried to look for recipes online and saw this video. It was very simple and i have all the ingredients. Lechon manok is very famous in the Philippines.

Ingredients

1 whole chicken
salt and pepper
rosemary
thyme
parsely
garlic cloves and whole garlic
lemon
1/4 cup fish sauce or soy sauce

marinate the chicken for at least an hour

preparing the chicken in the oven pan, cooked for 1 hr. and 30 mins at 220 degree C

Choco Banana Toasties

2009-08-05T19:37:00.011+02:00

When our bread toaster was broken, we used our sandwich maker in toasting. My husband showed me how to use it at first. I have tried it several times already with different kinds of filling from my favorite chocolate spread, banana, tuna, ham and cheese or whatever you want it. The methods are very simple to follow.

Preheat a jaffle or sandwich maker. Spread one side of bread with butter. Spread the other side of each slice with Nutella.
Place 2 slices of bread, butter-side down, in the jaffle maker. Top with banana. Top with remaining bread, butter-side up. Cook for 1-2 minutes or until golden. Set aside for 2 minutes to cool slightly. Cut into quarters to serve.

Food Trip Friday : BK Sundae

2009-07-31T21:04:00.011+02:00

If you want to see more of Food Trip Fridays Edition, join here.

It has been few fridays that i am not always at home and if am in am very tired from work so i always miss the chance to post something on Food Trip Friday. Even though i am tired today, i still tried my best to post this one! This are sundaes from Burger King that we ate for dessert one day. Two cookies and cream for me and for my stepson and one strawberry for my husband. A very good refreshment for summer. Cost is 1,99€ if am not mistaken.

Top 10 Droppers for July...

2009-07-31T20:53:00.007+02:00

Sweet Corn

2009-07-29T19:46:00.006+02:00

Who said that there is no corn here in Holland? Last week when we went to Germany to do some grocery shopping, i was surprised and delighted to see these bunch of yellow corns or mais. I grabbed one pack of 3 stuks for €1.75. Ouch, i know it is very expensive but am really craving for it! This is one thing i missed back home and i know i can get more than these in the Philippines. My husband likes it too so we had a short race who can finished first. I have also seen corn in the market last saturday for €0,50 each. Cooked it for at least 20 minutes and it's done!

My Version of Pork Adobo

2009-07-29T18:48:00.010+02:00

A very good friend of mine cooked this recipe when i stayed at her place last weekend. I really enjoyed eating it. I like the chewable skin of the pork or "spek" as what they called it here. Dip with chilli vinegar and a very good company of plain rice. So, i made it at home for my husband to try it. This is somewhat like the adobo recipe but i prefer to cook the fat out of the pork. The smell of the garlic makes it more tempting that you can't wait to try it.

before

Tip from a friend : Do not add onions if you want some chewable skin when you are cooking.

Fried Shrimps

2009-07-15T10:09:00.006+02:00

Shrimps is one of the special seafoods that we eat in the Philippines. Some like it but others don't. I'm thankful that my husband likes to eat seafoods like me and he doesn't mind the unpleasant smell of it when i'm cooking. So, i cooked some portions of the small shrimps that we bought in the market (actually they are frozen shrimps) for our dinner with butter, garlic, onions, maggi savor and a little oil. I mix vinegar and chilli for the sauce to dip in. This small shrimps only cost €4 per/kilo.

Homemade Tortillas

2009-07-08T20:53:00.011+02:00

Tortillas are eaten with almost everything in Mexico in place of bread. Traditionally, they are made with masa harina (coarse-textured maize meal) but they can also be made with wheat flour. I have found a mixture of plain flour that makes an excellent tortilla. Try this one! It is really fun and it is best serve with beef or chicken fajitas.

Ingredients:

2 cups flour
2 tsp salt
2 tbsp baking powder
1/3 cup lard or butter
3/4 cup hot water

Procedures:

1. Sift the flour and salt into a bowl and rub the fat into the flour with your fingertips until the mixture resembles very fine breadcrumbs.

2. Add warm water little by little to mix to a softish pliable dough; turn out on to a lightly floured work surface and knead until smooth. Place in a plastic bag and leave to rest for about 15 to 30 minutes.

3. Divide the dough into equal pieces and keep covered with a damp cloth to prevent it from drying out. Roll out each pieces of dough on a lightly floured surface to a circle of 18-20 cm/7-8 inches. Place the tortillas between sheets of paper towel as they are made to prevent from drying out.

4. Heat the griddle or frying pan until just beginning to smoke. Place in the pan and cook for 20-30 seconds only on each side until just speckled brown. They will quickly bubble from the heat and should be pressed down lightly with a spatula occasionally during cooking.

5. Wrap the tortillas in a clean tea towel and place between sheets of paper towel when cooked to keep them pliable. They will keep in the refrigerator for several days.

Filipino Style Meatloaf

2009-07-08T20:37:00.006+02:00

Filipino Style Meatloaf or famously known as embutido or enchido is a type of sausage found in Spain, Portugal, Philippines and Central and South America. This is actually my first time to try this recipe and it went well. My husband likes it too! I got this recipe from an uploaded video in pinoychannel. You can see the video for yourself so it is better for you to follow the procedures in making it. Have fun!

Top 10 Droppers for June...

2009-07-02T12:07:00.005+02:00

My Top 10 Entrecard droppers for June on this blog. I would like to Thank everyone who has been here and took time to dropped on my featured blog. It would not be possible without your support. So, Thank You All and for those who did not make it. See you in next month.

Food Trip Friday: Subway Sandwich

2009-06-25T22:49:00.009+02:00

If you want to see more of Food Trip Fridays Edition, join here.

If munchies strikes to both of us, i think the best place to go for sandwiches is in Subway. It's kinda expensive (i guess) but Jan likes it very much! This is actually 12 inches long but Jan got the other half. What about you?

Filipino Biko Recipe or Rice Cake with Caramel Toppings

2009-06-24T16:49:00.011+02:00

Biko is a rice cake with caramel topping or latik. Biko is usually served during birthday parties, fiestas, Christmas, New Year and other celebrated events in Philippines. So, when i craved for biko, i make it on my own unlike in the Philippines, you can buy it in stores. Preparing this recipe takes time especially the making of the latik or the caramel topping.

Ingredients

1/2 kilo malagkit, glutnious rice
1/4 kilo purple rice
1 tbsp. lemon extract
2 tbsp. grated ginger
1 tbsp. salt

4 cups coconut milk
2 cups brown sugar
1 cup water

Preparations: Wash the rice. Add salt, grated ginger and add water like your cooking rice. When the rice is done and almost dry, lower the heat. To make latik or topping: Combine all topping ingredients in a heavy saucepan and cook over low heat stirring constantly until thick (about 15 minutes). Pour topping over rice mixture in dish. Increase oven heat to 350 degrees. Bake until top is brown (about 15 minutes). Serve with hot choco or coffee!

My Leche Flan Recipe

2009-06-19T22:05:00.008+02:00

Leche Flan is a famous dessert in the Philippines. It is similar to a cream caramel. It is sweet and rich. I made this recipe last week at the place of a friend who was inviting some of her filipina and dutch couple friends to come over their house for dinner. Steaming is the traditional method for cooking leche flan, and is usually prepared in an oval shaped metal pans called Llanera and steamed over moderate heat until set but it's very difficult to find one here in NL. Actually it is best to use egg yolks only but instead i used whole eggs. Their is a slight difference with the taste but it turned out fine with them.

Ingredients

4 eggs
1 can condensed milk
1 can evaporated milk or fresh milk

3/4 cup of brown sugar - for the syrup
1/4 cup of water

How To Make Caramelize Syrup: In a stainless steel pan, dissolve 3/4 cups of sugar, add 1/4 cup water over medium heat, do not stir, just swirl the pan gently, caramelize in low heat if you don't want it burnt. Pale brown means sweeter and too dark means bitter. When you have achieved the desired color, pour the syrup in the llanera and make sure to coat all the parts of the pan.

Preparations: Combine all the ingredients except brown sugar and water in a mixing bowl. Use a whisk to mix thoroughly but gently to prevent bubbles from forming. Remove any solids by using a strainer. Pour the mixture in the llanera and cover it with an aluminum foil, so that the moisture from the steam won't come in the pan as it will become watery. Steam Cook for 40-45 minutes, or until knife inserted in the center comes out clean. Remove the llanera and let it cool at room temperature. Then refrigerate for several hours before serving. To unmold the leche flan- run a sharp knife around the edge and carefully invert it unto a platter or serving dish, let the caramelized sugar flow over the leche flan.

How To Make Filipino Maha Blanca

2009-06-16T20:04:00.009+02:00

Maja Blanca is an all-time Filipino favorite dessert during family gatherings and special occasions and it’s very easy to make. To prepare this dessert, you can use any of the three different types of coconut milk –fresh, canned, or powder. A lot of version but you can try mine!

Ingredients:

1 cup cornstarch
1 can corn kernels
2 cups coconut milk
1 small can evaporated milk
1 cup condensed milk
cheese (optional)
macapuno strips (optional)
peanuts

Click here for another version of the recipe.

Preparation : In a mixing bowl, throw in cornstarch, sugar and coconut milk. Stir the ingredients until the ingredients are blended well. Add corn kernels, cheese and macapuno strips. Boil over slow heat, stirring constantly to prevent lumps until the mixture is clear for about 10 minutes or until you see that it has thickened. Remove from the heat and pour into a baking dish. Sprinkle chopped nuts on top and let it cool before putting it inside the refrigerator. Chill out for about an hour. Cut into desired sizes and serve. Enjoy your yummy dessert! Eat smakelijk!

Krupuk Anyone?

2009-06-16T02:05:00.008+02:00

Krupuk or Prawn Crackers famously called in the Philippines is really different from what we have here in Holland. It's size is bigger and they added color on it. Does anyone know why there krupuk is bigger in size than we usually have in PI? Maybe because foreigners are bigger than us, lol. Honestly i do not know why! Well, i very much like the shrimp flavor dip with salt, vinegar and chilli. So, here is the example of the krupuk that we ate last weekend.

Bacon Potato Fritata

2009-06-14T17:01:00.014+02:00

What else can you do with eggs? Sunny-side up, boiled, fried. But have you ever tried a different twist to your mundane egg meal in the morning? I have tried this recipe twice already and it's getting better everytime. It's called potato bacon fritata. I hope you will enjoy this recipe.

Ingredients

boiled potatoes ( cut into scallops)
bacons
grated cheese
eggs ( beaten)
onions
butter
salt and pepper

Procedures: Boiled the potatoes. Once it is done, drain the potatoes and set aside. Saute onions and bacon in a pan. Make sure bacons are crispy and cook well. Make sure to remove excess oil from the bacon mixture and place them in kitchen paper. Now, it's time to cook our potatoes! In a pan, put butter and the boiled potatoes turning them both sides. When done, drizzle the bacon mixture on top and pour egg mixture over the potatoes. Seasoned with pepper and salt to taste. Cook until eggs begin to set around the edges. Gently lift edges as it sets, tilting pan to allow uncooked position to run under. Drizzle grated cheese on top and cover. Reduce heat to low. Serve best for breakfast with your toast!

How To Make Spring Rolls

2009-06-10T17:27:00.011+02:00

Spring rolls are a specific type of fried pastries. They are rolled-stuffed wrapper filled with minced vegetables, meats and shrimps. Spring rolls can be found in several Asian countries, most notably China, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia. - source : wikipedia

History of The Name: Originally an invention of the Chinese, Spring Rolls "chun juan" were made from the early spring vegetable crop, wrapped in thin crepe-like sheets and fried. This basic dish has been since adapted by other Asian and Western cultures including Thailand, Japan and Vietnam. The Vietnamese and Thai use the rice based wrapper that you can find in many grocery stores and this style spring roll is typically served fresh, not fried. Another related version is Lumpia common in the Philippines. - source : gourmetsleuth.com

This photo was taken at our friends place. It is her version of loempia that she is selling for his business here in the Netherlands that's why the ingredients is kept secret but i also looked for recipes on how to make spring rolls. Here are two videos of many versions that you would like to try. It's very simple and easy to make! Watch this Lumpia Shanghai (spring rolls) and the Spring Rolls Asian Fusion Style. Hope you enjoyed it.

How To Make Shawarma (Recipe)

2009-06-03T18:11:00.018+02:00

What is Shawarma? Shawarma (shoarma) is thinly sliced cuts of meat, like chicken, beef, goat, lamb, and sometimes turkey, rolled into a large piece of flatbread or pita that has been steamed or heated. Inside the pita, foods like hummus, tahini, pickles, vegetables, and even french fries are added. Think of shawarma as a taco or burrito Middle Eastern style. My husband and i really likes shawarma and we loved eating it for dinner. I have tried fresh, frozen and ones bought in the restaurants.

How is Shawarma Made? Raw meat is placed on large, rotating cones. As it rotates, the meat is cooked by a heat source that is located behind the actual cone. The meat slowly falls off or is thinly sliced by a chef with a large knife. It can take several hours to fully cook.

What is Served with Shawarma? It usually serve with fries, salads like tabouleh, falafel, and just by itself for a quick bite on the go. In some places it is served alone, without the pita or flatbread.

Ingredients:

2 lbs beef or chickens or lamb, sliced very thin
1 cup plain yogurt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon hot pepper sauce
1 teaspoon vinegar
1 teaspoon onions, finely minced
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground mace
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup tahini
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons chopped parsley
1/2 cup water
8 slices pita bread
sliced tomatoes
sliced onions
mixed sprouts
lettuce, sliced thin

Procedures:

Combine yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, pepper sauce, vinegar, onion, black and cayenne pepper, mace, and salt.
Add meat and marinate overnight.
(at least 12 hours-stir a few times) Grill the meat until done or broil in oven.
Combine the tahini, garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
Whisk well.
Add water if needed.

Serving Shawarma : You can serve shawarma with fries, falafel, hummus, or with a salad like tabouleh.

Source : EntrePinoy atbp

Humba or Braised Pork Belly

2009-06-01T21:41:00.014+02:00

This Filipino pork recipe is considered to be a favorite dish in every Filipino gatherings and occasions such as during fiestas when families and relatives gather together to celebrate the reunion over food and drinks. The humba recipe is one of the many comfort foods that Filipinos love and as well as my husband. I made this because he was craving for it more than i do. So, i asked my mother about it. Actually this is my first time to cook humba. This dish is popular especially in the Visayas and Mindanao region in the Philippines.

Ingredients

pork belly
soy sauce
vinegar
water
crushed garlic
onion
brown sugar
bay leaf
peppercorns

Procedures

1. In a big cooking pot with cover, put the slices of meat and cook over low heat. Cook slowly until the meat shrinks and excess oil is drained. When the meat has turned light brown and most of the fat is gone from the meat, remove it from the pot and drain them in paper towels.

2. In another cooking pot, sauté the garlic and onions and add the drained meat into the pot. Mix well. Add the soy sauce, vinegar, and water and bring to a boil. Once boiling, lower the heat and add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and brown sugar. Let it simmer until the meat is tender. and until the sauce is thicken. Serve the meat with hot rice and fruit.

Entrecard Droppers for May

2009-05-31T21:28:00.006+02:00

My very first time to post my Top 10 Entrecard droppers for May on this blog. I would like to thank everyone who has been here and took time to dropped on my featured blog. It would not be possible without your support. So, Thank You All and for those who did not make it. See you in next month.

Food Trip Friday: Roasted Piglet

2009-05-29T23:38:00.013+02:00

Can anyone guess what it is? This is my food trip for this week. I know all of us is very familiar on the photo but i want to share to everyone that this is a "fake little roasted pig" but a pig made of bread. A forty peso bread made into a roasted pig or very famous as what we call lechon. My goddaughter's present for my mother's birthday.

My New Layout

2009-05-29T00:45:00.009+02:00

How do you find my new layout? I decided to change it from the green template with 3 columns to a light blue template with a 3 to 6 columns template. Found it boring and wanted to have a wide sidebar so i can put unlimited gadgets. I hope you like it and here is a screen shot of my old layout. Take note, i change my layout frequently though...

Oyster Sauce

2009-05-26T23:43:00.009+02:00

Are you familiar of oyster sauce? Do you have one? This is what am using when am cooking...

Use this nice-sized bottle for generous use on your stir-fry. A common seasoning for many Asian stir fry dishes. Ideal for all seasoning purposes. This is a truly premium brand, the manufacturer has decades of experience producing Thailand's finest oyster sauce. Maekrua is the most familiar brand of oyster sauce, having a near monopoly in every household and street vendor cart in Thailand. Ingredients: oyster extract, sugar, salt, soybean, wheat flour, corn starch, sodium benzoate. Product of Thailand.

Stir Fry Beef

2009-05-26T22:50:00.014+02:00

Looking for simple beef recipes? Try this stir fried beef recipe which i found online. Beef stir fry is one of the easiest, quickest and most filling meals you can make in an instant. It only takes about 20 minutes to get things going and about 25-30 minutes to cook a meal.

Ingredients

boneless sirloin strip

cornstarch or corn flour
salt and pepper
oyster sauce

green and red bell pepper
cooking oil

Procedures

1. Cut the sirloin strips into 1 inch by 2 inch pieces. You can tenderize them if you want, but cutting them as is will be just fine. Add pepper, salt and oyster sauce and set aside for 10 minutes and mix well.

2. After 10 mins., add the corn starch or corn flour and mix well.

3. Meanwhile, fry the green and red bell pepper in a pan for 2 to 3 minutes on both sides. If done, remove from fire and set aside. Pour the beef mixture in the same pan in a medium heat, stir until cooked and tender. Mix the cooked red and green pepper then remove from heat and place into serving bowl.

This recipe is best serve if you have a sizzling pan. Add butter in the pan and serve hot. You can also add onions or chilli if you like. You can also try this Beef Stir Fry with Rice Recipe.

Bell Peppers

2009-05-24T23:28:00.010+02:00

Also known as capsicums. Red and yellow peppers have a slightly sweeter taste than the more common green ones. All types should be stored in the refrigerator in a polythene bag and used within a couple of days. Cut off the top and remove the core and seeds before cutting g into rings, strips or chunks. Eat raw, grilled or stewed.

Potato Salad in Barbeque

2009-05-24T23:06:00.012+02:00

I never thought that there is such food as potato salad. I have known that potatoes are for making fries. This is another food recipe that i've learned from my husband. He made this potato salad earlier as a side dish for our barbeque. He prepared some potatoes, onions, gerkins or pickels, mayonnaise, cayenne pepper and pepper to taste. Boiled the potatoes first, mashed and add all the remaining ingredients. Mix it well and serve with vinegar dressing. It's very easy to prepare and very healthy to eat.

Food Trip Friday: Sizzling Sisig

2009-05-23T00:02:00.011+02:00

I loved spicy foods and sizzling sisig is one of my favorites. My husband likes this one as well.
This is always present on the table if we hang out with friends in bars back in my college years.

Lovely Oranges

2009-05-20T13:59:00.012+02:00

Am not really fond of eating oranges when i was still in the Philippines but when i tried it here like the way my husband eat them, i can't resist not to eat a piece of orange in a day. I usually dip the orange in a salt (substitute for a green mango). Usually the price of oranges that we bought is around 1.99€ per 2 kilos. So, do you like oranges?

binomial name: citrus sinensis

Oranges are the most important citrus crop in the world. Juicy and sweet and renowned for its concentration of vitamin C, oranges make the perfect snack and add a special tang to many recipes; it is no wonder that they are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Oranges are round citrus fruits with finely-textured skins that are, of course, orange in color just like their pulpy flesh; the skin can vary in thickness from very thin to very thick. Orange varieties are persian, navel, valencia and blood orange. Aside from vitamin C, studies have shown it provides energy and helps protect against: cancer, heart disease and stress.

Note: While oranges offer a host of beneficial vitamins, minerals and fiber, to get the most from what vitamins are in oranges, it's important that they be kept fresh. To keep your produce as fresh as possible, it is vital to refrigerate it because vitamin content gradually diminishes once an orange leave the tree.

Yema Balls

2009-05-20T12:32:00.008+02:00

Yema is a sweet concoction made with milk and egg yolks as well. This is somewhat similar to pastillas but yema is a lot easier. Same taste, same texture but no wrapping necessary. I made some yema balls from a can of condensed milk yesterday and added some oil in the pan so it will not stick on it. You can also add crushed peanuts if you like but i do not have any at the moment. I just used my hand in rolling them to make perfect balls and roll it in the sugar. For best results, chill the yema balls before serving.

Pork Tacos

2009-05-19T20:09:00.015+02:00

A different way of serving tacos - here the tortillas are rolled with the spicy pork filling inside and then fixed inside and then fried to give a crispy outer shell. They may be served with guacamole, tomato salsa and soured cream and can also be served cold.

Ingredients

oil for frying
350g lean minced pork
2 bacons, chopped
1 onion, chopped very finely
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 tbsp sweet chilli sauce
1-2 tbsp tomato pure (paste)
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp dried oregano
salt and pepper
60g button mushrooms, chopped
2 tbsp stock or water
8 small tortillas

Methods

1. Heat the oil in a saucepan, add the pork, bacon, onion and garlic and cook gently, stirring frequently for about 10 minutes, until almost cooked.

2. Add the chilli sauce, tomato pure, cumin, oregano and seasoning and continue to cook for a few minutes more; then add the mushrooms and stock or water and cook for a further 2-3 minutes. Adjust seasoning and leave to cool.

3. Divide the pork mixture between the tortillas, fold in the ends and roll them up tightly; then secure each with a wooden cocktail stick to prevent them unrolling while cooking.

4. Heat about 2.5 cm/1 inch oil in a large frying pan and when just smoking, add taco rolls, 2 at a time and fry until a light golden brown all over, turning in the oil as necessary. Alternatively, they may be cooked in deep fat at 180 degree C until a light golden brown.

5. Drain thoroughly on paper towels and remove the cocktail sticks carefully. Keep warm while frying the remaining tacos. Serve with a garnish of salad leaves.

Variation : These tacos may be made with fillings based on fish, eggs, vegetables and different types of meat. Experiment to find your own tasty recipe!

Assorted Filipino Foods

2009-05-17T21:10:00.010+02:00

Assorted Filipino Foods mostly chips that we bought from a Filipino Shop in Germany. I also bought some rice, the ones that is really nice to eat but a lot expensive from the normal rice. Thank you sweetheart! To all the filipinas out there, what food do you missed most in the Philippines?

Spanish Bread - Filipino Version

2009-05-17T20:14:00.011+02:00

I was craving for filipino bread and bored with the bread rolls! So, i search for a recipe online and tried it awhile ago. Actually, i can still smell the bread in the oven. Yup, that fresh! The ingredients is the same when you make pandesal, pan de coco and spanish bread but will differ in their fillings. I will try spanish bread for today.

Ingredients:

1 kilo all purpose flour
12 tbsp. sugar
1 tsp. salt
6 tbsp. melted butter or oil
1/2 cup milk
1 tbsp. yeast and 1 cup warm water
2 pcs. eggs

Fillings:

margarine
brown sugar
bread crumbs

Procedure:

Combine and mix well water, yeast and some sugar then set aside. In another bowl, mix flour, salt and remaining sugar. Sift it altogether to mix them well. If you see yeast has bubbles (starts to rise) you can then add eggs, milk and butter. Mix it well then pour to the flour mixture. Mix to form a dough until it is thin and elastic. Put it in bowl with oil so it will not stick and cover it with cloth. When the size of the dough doubles, you can go to the next step. Prepare baking tray with grease paper on top and bread crumbs. Divide the dough into small parts and cut diagonal. Knead the dough and put the filling inside then roll it as shown above. Bake for 150 degree C for 15-18 minutes or until brown.

When i tasted the bread, it is really different from the bread here in Holland. I think you have to put many fillings inside and to allow the yeast to rise first before going to the next step. Do not be in a hurry in making the bread for a better result. So, which do you prefer? filipino or western bread?

Food Trip Friday: Chocolate Cake

2009-05-15T16:37:00.010+02:00

If you want to see more of Food Trips Friday edition, join us here.

My first participation in Food Trip Friday. A chocolate cake that i ordered for my mother's birthday today. I wish i was there to make it personally for her.

Banana Muffins

2009-05-12T16:07:00.007+02:00

Don't know what to do with those left over bananas that are too ripe to eat? Put them in the freezer until you are ready to make a banana cake...they will make your cake very moist. Just let them defrost before making the cake. A very moist, yummy cake. Great for morning or afternoon tea. The kids will love it.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup butter
2 eggs
3 small bananas
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 teaspoon bicarbonated soda
50 ml milk
1/2 cup caster sugar
1 1/2 self raising flour

Methods:

1. Cream vutter, sugar and vanilla.

2. Add eggs separately, beating well.

3. Mash bananas and add to mixture.

4. Dissolve soda into milk and add milk and flour alternately.

5. Bake in a greased tin for 180 degree C for 35 minutes until cooked. For muffins, bake for 20 minutes.

Happy Mother's Day...

2009-05-10T21:06:00.004+02:00

To All The Mothers Out There!!!

Spicy Potatoes

2009-05-08T21:41:00.010+02:00

"To liven up a mid-week meal or weekend brunch, try these crispy-coated, curried potatoes. They're easy to prepare yet they'll make all the difference to grilled meats such as pork chops or sausages."

Ingredients:
4 medium sliced potatoes
25g butter
2 tsp vegetable oil
1 tsp parsely
1 tsp basil or any herbs of your choice
2 tsp paprika
2 tsp curry paste or powder
1 tsp cumin
salt and pepper

I really like the taste of the potatoes and it has a different taste than an ordinary fries. I made this recipe twice coz i like it myself. It's very easy to prepare! Try it.

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven. Scrub the potatoes and cut into large chunks. Cook in lightly salted boiling water for about 15 mins, or just tender. Arrange in shallow baking tray.

2. Heat butter and oil in a small pan. Add curry paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 min, until well blended.

3. Pour curry mix over potatoes, making sure they are all coated.

4. Season and bake for 25-30 mins or until crispy, turning over after 15 mins.

5. Serve garnished with parsely.

Tips: Leaving the skin on the potatoes gives them a crispier coating and increases the fibre and vitamin content of the dish.

Sausage and Brocolli Pasta

2009-05-06T00:06:00.008+02:00

Use...
Left over sausages

Buy...
Chopped Tomatoes
Thyme
Courgette of Brocolli
Penne

Try... adding 4 cooked sausages, cut into small chunks, to a pan with 1 carton chopped tomatoes, 1 finely chopped garlic clove and a sprinkling of fresh thyme. Cook over a medium heat for 10 - 15 minutes. Meanwhile, use a vegetable peeler to peel ribbons of courgette and dry-fry in a non-stick frying pan for a few minutes or boil the brocolli until tender then remove from water set aside. Cook penne, following pack instructions, then add to the pan with the courgette curls or brocolli. Mix well and serve as a hearty meal.

Got any ideas? Share yours...
Courtesy of sainsburys.co.uk

Kiwi and Banana Ice cream

2009-05-04T22:57:00.010+02:00

What is your favorite ice cream flavor? Normally, i like halo-halo, ube and chocolate! Summer is up and it is always nice to have ice cream for dessert. This is a normal room (ijs) ice cream made by my husband with kiwi and banana drizzle with chocolate sauce. So tell me, what do you like in your ice cream?

It's Barbeque Time!

2009-05-03T00:45:00.006+02:00

We were invited to a barbeque dinner from a filipina and dutch couple who has always been a good friend to us. I really liked the spareribs and porkchop a lot! We also have sausages, marinated pork meat and chicken wings. We made the barbeque in the hot charcoal for the firts time. This is actually the best barbeque i had so far here in holland. Thank you for the treat ate!!!

Homemade Pizza

2009-04-30T21:26:00.006+02:00

I made this pizza earlier today as our snacks at around 3 pm but i made the dough at 11 am. This is my first time ever to make a pizza of my own which turned out well. I admit i really had the hard time in kneading the dough but i think practice makes perfect. Kneading the dough is the hardest part of making a homemade pizza but after that toppings are very easy and fun to do. This pizza was of 2 flavours coz i do not eat vegetables and my husband does. Hope you'll enjoy eating your pizza!

Hawaian and Mushroom Salami Pizza

Ingredients for Dough
1
2 tsp yeast
2 tsp sugar
1/2 cup warm water

2
4 cups flour
1 tsp salt
1/4 cup olive oil

1 cup warm water

Toppings for Hawaian
pineapple slices
ham
cheese
pasta sauce

for Mushroom Salami
mushroom
salami
onions

Preparation

1. Mix ingredients 1 and stir well. Let it sit for a while.

2. Mix ingredients 2 and stir well then slowly add number 1 mixture and add warm water.

3. When the dough is form, cover it with cloth and let sit for 2 hours and 30 minutes.

4. Start kneading the dough unto your desired shaped.

5. Place desired toppings and bake it for 25 - 30 minutes on 220 degree C.

Beef Fajitas

2009-04-30T00:10:00.009+02:00

Pronounced 'fahitas', this Mexican dish is a do-it-yourself meal - serve the meat and tortillas separately and let everyone assemble their own pancakes, topped with soured cream. You can add guacamole and tomato salsa.

Ingredients

1 tbsp vegetable oil
450g (1 lb) braising steak
2 onions, cut into eight
2 garlic cloves, crushed
1 red pepper and
1 green pepper, seeded, halved and sliced
1 green chilli, seeded and chopped
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground ginger
2 tsp lemon juice
2 tbsp tequila, optional
8 wheat tortillas
150ml (1/4 pt) soured cream, to serve

Preparation

1. Heat oil in a large frying pan. Trim steak of excess fat and cut meat into thin strips. Stir fry for 7 mins, turning until sealed.

2. Add onions and garlic and saute for 5 mins.

3. Add peppers, green chilli, spices and lemon juice. Saute for a further 5 mins.

4. Transfer meat and vegetables to a serving dish and serve with tortillas and soured cream.

Tips: Wheat tortillas are soft pancakes which are filled and rolled. They may be bought frozen from many large health food shops.

All American Hamburgers

2009-04-18T23:12:00.004+02:00

What could be more tempting for the kids than home-made hamburgers? Packed full of flavour they are far tastier and far cheaper than any you'd get from a take-away.

For 4 servings:

450g (1 lb) lean minced beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
50g fresh white breadcrumbs
1 tsp garlic salt or salt
pepper
2-3 tsp tomato ketchup
1 egg, beaten
2 tbsp vegetable oil
4 sesame seed burns

Topping:

lettuce leaves
2 tomatoes, sliced
4 gherkins, sliced
1 onion, sliced
4 tbsp mayonnaise
4 slices processed cheese

Preparation:

1. In a large bowl, mix together all the ingredients.
2. Shape mixture into a neat roll 10cm long, cover and chill for 30 mins.
3. Using a sharp knife, cut the meat into four slices and mould into patties with your hands.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan and fry burgers gently until cook each side.
5. Top each burger with a slice of cheese just before end of cooking time. Continue to cook until cheese is just beginning to melt.
6. On bottom half of each burger bun arrange lettuce leaves, tomato, gherkin and onion, Add a tsp of mayonnaise and tap with a burger. Replace top of bun and serve.

Tips: "Chilling the burger before frying helps to bind meat together and stops it from crumbling during cooking."

I tried this hamburger coz we do not have any frozen patty anymore and i wanted to try the recipe i found in the cook book today. Since we do not have fresh breadcrumbs, i used an ordinary breadcrumbs. Actually, the taste was kinda different. Every bite was crunchy i think it is becoz of the breadcrumbs. Try it!

Hash Brown

2009-04-14T16:11:00.005+02:00

Good Tuesday everyone! It is been a long time i did not post any recipe because of the easter holiday. So, am going to share this recipe i made few days ago. Hope your easter went well with your family. Anyways, i found this recipe online but my husband said he also has another version on how to prepare this.

Hash Brown are simple potato preparation! All you have to do are the following; peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes. Boil them until they are tender but not too tender. When cook, remove from fire and strain the water. On the otherhand, saute the onions and bell pepper with a small amount of olive oil then add the cooked potatoes. Seasoned it with pepper, salt, cayenne and any seasoning you want. I also added some maggi bullion cubes for additional taste. It is best serve with grilled pork and drizzle some catsup on top of it. Lekker! My husband said he can also mash the potatoes. They said it is usually serve best in breakfast time.

Captured

2009-04-13T00:00:00.003+02:00

I was tagged from a very good friend of mine from Cebu, Philippines. She is not just a friend in the blog world but i know her personally! We actually lived in the same town. She is Dhurriane of Walk With Me and Hopeful of My Thoughts In Daily Living. We celebrate birthday both on the same month and life had changed when we both got married to a foreigner. My apologies for posting this one late Jov! Thanks very much.

} Start Copy
" A good Snapshot stops a moment from running away."

When you photograph people in color you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in B&W, you photograph their souls! ~Ted Grant} End of Copy

This photo was taken in our fishpond last 2008 of May with my husband Jan. It was his first time to visit our fishpond and we showed him how to catch milkfish and prawns. My mother grilled it for us and made kinilaw for lunch and my husband like it very much! As you can see, we were eating with our hands. We really missed it more now that we are here in the Netherlands.

I want to share this tagged to Jannicka, Badudets, Augustinian, and You. Grab it and enjoy capturing your winning moments!

Happy Good Friday...

2009-04-10T13:56:00.003+02:00

Let's stop and commerate for the death of Christ. Fasting is one way to do it. So, i will not post any recipe for today. Have a good friday every one!