Fish Cracker

I've learned to eat foodies like this from my Mom. She loves "kutkutin", that's what she calls the food that you have to eat one by one and very slowly but very addictive. It seems you can't have enough. A traditionally Filipino style junk food. I guess, it's not really junk because it is made out of fish, flour and egg. Best dip in garlic-vinegar. I haven't been able to cook this but I love buying them. They are usually sold inside the bus and small stalls in terminals. But my Mom is a suki of a vendor who sells fish cracker that she drops by our house monthly to sell this to us.

Kaffir Lime Tree

I bought this Kaffir Lime tree several months ago at Manila Seedling Bank in Quezon Avenue. It has tripled its size now. When I got it, it was just about 5 inches tall. I'm so amazed by its appearance. It has double petal and very thorny. The husband said that all citrus plants are like that. I think so, because the Philippine Lemon plant we have is also like that. I've read so many Asian recipes, particularly Thai and Malaysian that include Kaffir Lime in their ingredients. One of these days, I'm going to try it. I just wanted my Kaffir Lime to get a little bigger before I start using their leaves for my cooking delight.

Click here to see what Wikipedia says about Kaffir Lime.

Yen's QOTW #25

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1. Your true happiness?
The husband and Lil'One.

2. Which is more embarrassing to you? Walking with toilet paper on your shoe or with your pants unzipped?
Pants unzipped

3. Would you rather be gossiped about or never talked about at all?
neither.

4. Would you rather find one million dollars or find true love?
I'd go for the first coz I already found my true love, harhar!!!

5. Which is worse? Foot odor or armpit odor?
Armpit odor.

6. Who would you want to meet? Snoopy, Mickey Mouse, Garfield, or Bugs Bunny? Why?
Mickey. I haven't been to Disneyland.

7. Would you rather have wheels or wings?
Wings.

8. How do you feel about haunted houses? Would you visit one?
Exciting. Yup, I would like to visit one.

9. Which would be worse? Bleeding to death or starving to death?
Starving to death.... I love foods (",)

10. Which is worse? Stepping in a dog poo or sitting in gum?
Stepping in a dog poo. Eeewww!

WW - Caldereta Meal From Red Ribbon

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No Water!

It's been a week since we got no water. The pipes before our water meter is broken. That's why it's only us who do not have water supply in our neighborhood. I've reported it to the authority which is Maynilad Water Services but still no repair have been made. Hay.... Well, to be fair, after 3 days of my complaint. Someone from Maynilad came to see what's wrong. Guess what? They just look at it, never told the husband when will they come back to fix it and left. Until now, we still have no water. Fortunately a few houses from us. They sell water for php2.50 per container. For now, it will do but imagine the hassle! I'm so pissed off! Grrr! Looking at the brighter side, the husband and Li'lOne have a bonding time together. They are the ones who are fetching water, hehe! At least, my kiddo experienced the hardship of no water supply from the faucet directly. Sometimes, or i may say, oftentimes, experience is the best teacher. It taught my kid to value and appreciate and never waste water!

No Classes Today!

While I watched late news last night. It reported that today is officially declared no classes due to typhoon Igme which I think is a blah! I guess, it's more about the SONA (State of the nation address) of the president which will be held later. For the anticipation of PAG-ASA of supposedly bad weather. They're wrong again. What's new? They are always like that. Yeah, it's raining but it's a tropical country. I guess, a little rain every now and then is still normal. Unlike yesterday, there is no strong winds blowing, heavy rains and even the temperature is not that cold.

Foodshot Sundays - Nanay Claring's Spaghetti

Taken a few months back, Nanay Claring, a family friend, prepared this spaghetti during merienda time when we visited her at Tagaytay City. She's the owner of Villa Apolinario Private Resort. If you happen to be in the vicinity of Tagaytay City and looking for a place to stay in or just want to splash around. This is a cozy place to be at.

La.Pi.S #7 - Soup

Jollibee's La Paz Batchoy Soup & Tuna Pie

We were supposed to eat at Hap Chan Chinese Restaurant after Kulit's ballet lesson. The husband was craving for Chinese food, while, I wanted something hot. But unfortunately, the resto was closed due to air-conditioning trouble. The weather today was cold and windy that's why i wanted to have something to warm my tummy. We ended up at Jollibee, it's the only food store that's near the dance studio that serves hot soups. The photo above was my snack. The husband had the Junior Champ a.k.a TLC value meal and the Lil'One had chicken and rice. By the way, the La Paz Batchoy, which was a new product, was great for the cheap price of 28 Philippine pesos only. And of course, the Tuna pie was great too! One of my favorites at Jollibee, never fails to satisfy my palate (",)

PH - Hanging

A sample of a hanging flagpole, supported with four of the smaller poles around it. It was prepared by the Scout Master, Sir Dheck Nery. Taken last February during our last camping trip with the boy scouts of St. Andrew's School in Mt. Makiling.

CC #16

My Lil'One with our puppy, Sydney. Both have huge ears that sometimes fold! harhar!!!

"Shrimpy Pinakbet"

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsps cooking oil
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 large (50 grams) red onion, halved & sliced thinly
• 3 small (100 grams) over ripe red tomatoes, halved & sliced thinly
• 8 medium pcs (250 grams) shrimps, separate the body from the head & shelled
  
• 1/4 tsp cracked peppercorns
• 2 tbsps fish sauce
• 1 slice (350 grams) squash, peeled & sliced thinly
  
• 10 pcs okra, remove both ends & cut into two
  
• 6 long pcs long-yard beans, cut at 2" length
  
• 1 medium (150 grams) eggplant, cut into four & quartered vertically
  
• 1-1/4 cup water
• 1 tsp white sugar
• salt (optional)

Procedure:

In a wok, place over medium-high fire. Heat thoroughly but not smoking hot. Put garlic. Saute until rich golden brown. Follow with onion & tomatoes. Cook and mash until very limp. Add the shrimps, cracked peppercorns and fish sauce. Stir-fry until aromatic.

Dump in all the veggies. Stir-fry in oil for about 2 minutes. Then, add water and sugar. Adjust taste. Cook until veggies are crisp-tender.

Serve with steamed rice.

Comfy Shoes

During weekdays, I'm the one accompanying my kid to and from school (dakilang yaya, haha!). I'm the type of person who just wear shorts, shirt and slippers, very casual. But for several times now, my feet are always been bruised and reeled on with school bags. Gosh, it really hurts! By the way, my feet are always in slight pain, sometimes, sharp shooting pain! That's one of the setbacks of being diabetic for half of my life. Not complaining... it's in my genes. Both of my parents have it. Though, I love just wearing flip-flops... I decided to wear comfortable closed shoes. I needed to protect my feet! (",)

"Ginisang Repolyo" (Cabbage Saute)

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsps cooking oil
• 3 cloves of finely pounded garlic
• 1 medium red onion, halved & sliced thinly
• 1/2 cup of toasted pork fat
• 1/8 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp fish sauce
• 1 whole (425 grams) cabbage, shredded
• 1 sachet (8 grams) all-in-one seasoning granules
• 1/2 tsp cracked peppercorns
• 1/2 cup water

Procedure:

In a wok, place over medium-high fire. Put oil. Heat moderately. Add garlic. Saute until golden brown. Follow with onion. Saute until limp. Put the toasted pork fat, ground black pepper and fish sauce. Stir-fry. Cook until aromatic.

Dump in the rest of the ingredients. Mix well. Lid on. Cook until cabbage is done but not overcook.

Best serve with steamed rice and any fried meat or fish.

WW - Small White Flowers At Villa Apolinario

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WS - Ballet Class

Every Saturday and Sunday, my Lil'One has a ballet class. I'm the one who's accompanying him to the dance studio. He just started two weeks ago and really enjoying it so much! After the one on one class with Teacher Joelle had finished. I promised my kid will go to Mc Donald's to have his Happy meal. So, we did. See his lit up face? You can see how happy he is! (",)

Manic Monday #126

What's your favorite beach in the world?
I'm not much of a traveler but I would say I love the beaches of Samal Island. It's down south of the Philippines.

What's the next country you want to visit?
U.K.

What one thing are you craving today?
Chicken mami, siomai & siopao from Ma Mun Luk

Foodshot Sundays - Red Velvet Cake From Red Ribbon

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After my son's ballet and jazz class, we went to Mc Donald's. Bought my kid a happy meal and off we went to Red Ribbon. I'm in the mood for a slice of cake, tried this red velvet cake. It's okay (",)

La.Pi.S #5 - Sour

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Pangat Na Sapsap Sa Kalamansi


Sinigang Na Sugpo Sa Kalamansi



Sinigang Na Pritong Manok At Meatballs


Pork Bulalo Sinigang


Sinigang Na Baka


Sinigang Na Bangus Sa Miso


Paksiw Na Bangus

Here's my late post for Lasang Pinoy Sundays. It's better late than never! Anyways, I still have few hours before the deadline. For this week's theme: Sour. I'm posting some of my sour-base dishes using the common sour ingredients in every Filipino homes like tamarind fruit (sampalok), kamias, Philippine lemon (kalamansi) & white vinegar. Just click on the title to see the recipe.

PH: What Is That?

The baby you see in the photo above is my son's god daughter, her name is Hannah. Also, they our cousins from hubby's side. She's with Tita Andeng. Everytime Tita Andeng asks, "What is that?". She'll automatically points her right index finger. Cute baby... isn't she? (",)

A Strong Cup of Coffee Award

Kcat gave me this award. Thanks girl *mwah*


I wanna share this to all my online buddies and YOU!

WW - Cactus

Yen's QOTW #24

1. How was your day yesterday?
Average... the usual.

2. Who do you dislike most? People who are so dull to talk to, people who don’t recognize your talent, or people who are better looking than you?
Dull to talk to.

3. When you we’re still single or if you’re single, do you tend to date people younger or older than you?
I like to date someone who is much older than me.

4. Do you have any fears, phobias, or concerns about doctors?
Nope.

5. What five things that you have done in life that you are most proud of?
>live the life that I wanted.
>being a supportive mom
>married to the only person I fell in love with and still much in-love until now.
>I fight for whatever I believe is right.
>and I'm a loyal friend

6. Are you an optimist, pessimist, or realist? Explain.
Optimist. Though, in a bad situation. I always make it a point to see what's good about it. Quite hard but if you look at the positive side. It's not so hard anymore.

7. Which is worse, seeing someone chewing their fingernails or picking their nose?
picking their nose... eewww!

8. Would you rather kiss a stranger or someone you hate?
I'd rather kiss a stranger!

9. Would you rather be lost at sea or in a desert? Why?
Honestly, I don't want to be lost anywhere!

10.Would you rather speak with God for one minute or add one year to your life?
I'd pick the latter one.

Have fun!

Teriyaki Boy, A Japanese Restaurant

Ebi don

Katsudon

Chicken Teriyaki Don

After dropping our kid to the ice skating rink last Saturday in SM-MOA, with Bunso. Before going to the SMX Convention Center to attend the Franchise Expo 2008. We, the husband & I, had a late lunch at Teriyaki Boy, a Japanese Resto. It was our first time. The verdict? It's good and highly recommended. Though, Japanese food in nature... It was cooked for the palate of Filipinos and they have huge servings. That's what I like about their food. We'll be back again soon to try their other food products.

"Fried Fish Sticks & Bacon Fried Rice"

Ingredients:

Fish Sticks:

• 550 grams surgeon fish (labahita)
• 2 pcs Philippine lemon (kalamansi)
• 1/2 tsp of all-in-one seasoning granules
• 3/4 tsp ground black pepper
• a good sprinkle of fine salt
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup cornstarch
• 1/4 tsp paprika
• 2 cups of cooking oil

Bacon Fried Rice:

• 3 tbsps sunflower oil
• 2 cloves of finely pounded garlic
• 1 large white onion, finely minced
• 6 cups cooked white rice, mash to separate grains
• 1/2 cup of lightly fried bacon bits
• 1 tsp iodized coarse salt
• 1 tsp all-in-one seasoning granules
• a handful of sliced onion leeks

Procedure:

Let the fish monger peel and fillet the fish. A 550 grams whole surgeon fish will weigh 380 grams, after removing the skin, head & bones. Clean and wash. Cut into 1/2" thick vertically. Air dry.

In a bowl, extract the kalamansi juice, remove the seeds. Put the next-four ingredients. Mix well. Add in the fish sticks. Marinate for at least 30 minutes. Set aside.

Prepare the breading. Put in a paper bag the flour, cornstarch and paprika. Mix well. Set aside until needed.

Meanwhile, in a wok, heat over medium-high fire. Put oil and garlic. Saute until garlic is light brown only. Follow with onion. Cook until soft. Add in the rice, bacon bits, salt and seasoning ganules. MIx. Cover. Stirring often. Cook until rice is fluffy. Remove from fire. Then, top with sliced onion leeks.

In a different pan or skillet, put oil. Heat over medium fire.

Put the marinated fish sticks to the seasoned breading. Add some air to the paper bag. Seal. Shake. Make sure that all the fish sticks are well-coated with the breading.

Deep-fry in very hot oil. Cook until brown on all sides. Drain in lots of paper towels.

Serve the Fried Fish Sticks & Bacon Fried Rice together. Use sweet chili sauce for your dip.

WS - Krispy Kreme

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Last Saturday, we went to SM-Mall Of Asia. Kulit, after 5 months of being absent at the rink, skated again with Tin & Bunso. While, the husband & I visited the Franchise Expo 2008 Exhibit at SMX. After that, we went for a snack at Krispy Kreme and avail their free wi-fi access.

Manic Monday #125

What do you do when you are feeling very sad or depressed?
Cry by myself.

Who was your first crush?
can't remember...

If given a chance to skip work for a day (without repercussions), how would you spend the entire day?
Go nature tripping to Tagaytay City and spend the whole day all by myself.

Foodshot Sundays - Sausages

Hhhmmm.... yummy, isn't it?!