Razon's Halo-Halo with Love

Hello there foodaholics!

It's been a long time since my last post. I've been so busy with other stuffs lately and I must admit, I missed posting here. 

Well, enough of the explanation. Let's start now. It's officially summer here in the Philippines and when you say summer, it means that Mr. Sun is shinning so bright up in the sky. Aside from plunging into cool waters, this is the best time to indulge ourselves with cold foods like ice cream, banana ice, ice candies, popsicles, and of course the famous HALO-HALO. 

Recently, Razon's opened their branch here at SM Lipa. My dearest papa asked mama and I to try their famous Halo-halo and pancit luglug. So after work, I went to the mall to meet them at Razon's.

This is not the usual kind of halo-halo. It has few ingredients but what surprising about it is that they used fine crushed ice. It's like I am eating ice cream. I can easily mixed them all together. They provide the best tasting, most authentic Kampampangan food. I also like their pancit luglog. 

I had a great time with my parents. The simple joy of dining among family and friends is what defines the Filipino culture. I think we should do this more often. :)

San Miguel Oktoberfest Beer Festival 2012

Hey party people! It's Oktoberfest once again. Time for cheers and overflowing beers. The kick-off party will happen on September 28, 2012 at Asean City in  Macapagal Boulevard, Paranaque City. Experience the grandest and biggest party of the year.  Witness world-class entertainment by Apl. de Ap of Black Eyed Peas together with popular SMB endorsers.

Everybody can enjoy beer for as low as 12.00php. No other place in the country offers the lowest priced San Miguel Beers except in all San Miguel Oktoberfest grand celebration. If you can't make it on the 28th, here are the other party schedules:

Sept. 29- Sta. Rosa, Laguna

Oct. 5 at MEPZ 1- Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu

Oct. 19- Limeketkai in Cagayan de Oro

Oct. 20- Robinsons Starmills, San Fernando, Pampanga

According to SMB President, Roberto N. Huang, this year's "Beer Festival" focuses on relevant elements that are sure to delight every San Miguel customer who anticipates the annual San Miguel Oktoberfest. For sure they prepared something big to make this party extra special. 

For ticket reservation, you may log on to their website for more details. Don't miss out this year's San Miguel Oktoberfest "Beer Festival" 2012 dahil eto ang saya na walang katulad! 

But remember Foodaholics! Drink Responsibly! :)

It's FaMEALY Day 2012!

They say that, "Family is the basic unit of the society." We first learn essential things in life at home. Our values, characters, attitude and beliefs can be determined by our upbringing. How our parents and guardians raised us has a huge factor on our personality.

For so many years, i have lived my life with my family. We've had  breakfast morning after morning, shared countless delicious dinners at the same table. We've grown up together side by side keeping each other's company through thick and thin. Every meals we've shared, we've experienced bottomless happiness my mama and papa helped us realize and nurture our dreams.

This year, Filipinos will be celebrating FAMEALY DAY on September 24, 2012, as it is proclaimed that every 4th Monday of September there is a nationwide call to celebrate family dining.

Through the efforts of one of the leading brand of noodles (Lucky Me) in the Philippines, families are encouraged to eat dinner together. They also promotes the importance of having a conversation during meal time to teach good values to their children. This is a perfect way to bring families closer together.

In my twenty six years here on earth, day after day passes, I wonder what I should be thankful about, Upon looking back, the answer comes simply and clearly. I realized the most important discovery about myself that is, God loves me and he gave me the greatest gift, "my life." There is a purpose why He created me. I am so blessed by God, I have my family who's always there to guide and support me. They light up my way and lead me to the right path. They inspire me in everything I do in every step of the way. They are my real treasure. 

It made me realized that "Kainang Pangpamilya ay mahalaga" (Eating with your family is really important). So make sure that you'll come home early on September 24!

Enjoy this year's FaMEALY Day Foodaholics! :)

Lamb Navarin

The dish that I am going to share today is a succulent French version of lamb stew, with tender spring vegetables thrown in. I just saw this recipe on Hello! magazine shared by Marguerite Patten and I think this is a great dish to prepare for your family during special occasions because best moments are always filled with bloated stomach and satisfied mouths.

-photo from Google-

Ingredients:

1 1/2 lb. Lamb, cut from the leg or shoulder and neatly diced

salt & freshly ground black pepper

2 tsp. sugar

50 g / 2 oz. butter

25 g / 1 oz. plain flour

600 ml / 1 pt. water

1 bouquet garni

1 clove garlic, crushed

3 tomatoes, skinned and dropped

1 1/2 lb. young vegetables such as baby carrots, broad beans, diced young turnips, fresh peas and baby new potatoes

Procedure:

1. Season the diced lamb with salt and freshly ground black pepper and sprinkle with sugar- this will give the meat a delicious caramel taste.

2. Heat the butter in a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, add the lamb pieces and cook gently, stirring once or twice, until they are lightly browned.

3. Blend the flour with the meat in the pan, the add the water and stir as the liquid comes to boil and thickens very slightly.

4. Add the bouquet garni, garlic, tomatoes and adjust seasoning to taste.

5. Simmer gently for about 45 minutes, then add the selection of young vegetables, making sure there is enough liquid to cook them in.

6. Lower the pan and cook until the meat and vegetables are tender.

Then, that's it! You can serve the stew spooned into warm bowls with a hunk of crusty bread or hot rice if you want. I'm looking forward to try this Lamb Navarin recipe one of this days.

Source: Hello! Magazine- No.1067

Dated: 14 April 2009

Choco Loco

Craving for something sweet? Why not dip into dark chocolate? Indulge yourself in the deep richness of Chocolate. It seems like a diet no-no's because of its calorie load, but dark chocolate have longevity and weight-loss benefits. 

The latest evidence in a study suggest that cocoa, which is more predominant in dark chocolate than milky versions may lower inflammation, keep blood pressure in check, prevent platelets from clotting (which could, in turn, prevent strokes and heart attacks) and boost brain power. 

No doubt, why chocolate is considered one of the best comfort food for the girls. 

Our heart must have taste buds too. You and your heart will surely love eating yummy dark chocolates. But of course we still have to enjoy it in moderation.

*photos from yahoo images

SINGLElicious V-Date!

It’s February! Love is in the air.

 Happy couples are dating right here and there. Guys are showering their girls with flowers and chocolates. You’ll see sweet lovebirds cuddling around the corner.

What a lovely way to celebrate love and happiness for those who are in a relationship. But for a single lady just like me, there’s nothing really special about this moment. Yes, it’s good to see happy couples everywhere but Valentine’s Day marks the day of our being loveless.

Well there’s nothing new about me being single. I’ve been a damsel in distress for so long. Okay, let’s just say I’m a certified NBSB (No Boyfriend Since Birth). So what?! It’s a personal choice. Many Valentine’s Day had passed and I’ve learned not to dwell on unhappy thoughts of not having a special someone as my date.

For all I know, love comes in different forms and love month is not just for lovers and couples. Single girls can still enjoy Heart’s Day with their friends and families.

There’s no need to search for places to go and things to do this Valentine; as this season can be enjoyed even at home. You can gather your dearest friends together; you may transform your living room, squeeze in an extra chairs and tables and enjoy some casual dining in the perfect setting.

You can create an ideal atmosphere with your favorite friends. 

Add an intimate theme and prepare your favorite selection of foods like pizza and pasta. 

Also, you can set up your home theater for a romantic movie experience that your friends will all love.

With friends around you will never be alone this Valentine. This is a perfect SINGLElicious Valentine’s date idea.

*photos from google

HAPPY HEART’S DAY Foodaholics! Love…love…love! 

Shrimp Chowder Soup

Holiday season is over. Most of us have indulged ourselves with delectable traditional Christmas favorites and probably gained weight. I'm sure dieting is one of your top priority this year. (same here guys!) 

We can't deny that eating is so much fun but of course we cannot set aside the fact that we still have to be conscious with what we eat as well as with our figure especially for the ladies out there. 

Few months from now, summer is here to come. We'll all try our best to lose weight and trim down our fats as soon as possible.

If you want to take a break from festive fare, here's a delicious treat which will surely help you achieve your goal- Shrimp Chowder Soup.

*photo from google*

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1 kilo shrimp, shelled

1 big can evaporated milk (370 ml)

cheese

2 tbsp. garlic

1 chopped onion

5 cups water

2 pcs. chicken cube

2 potatoes, peeled and cubed

salt and pepper to taste

chopped parsley for garnish

How to cook:

Saute butter or margarine, garlic, onions and shrimp. Set aside. In a sauce pan, boil water. Add chicken cubes, cheese and potatoes. Let it boil. Add sauteed shrimps and evaporated milk. Boil for a few minutes. Season to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Add this recipe to your meal plan. I know it's not that easy to be slim but with proper diet and exercise, sooner or later you'll be ready to flaunt your summerrific body wearing your pretty hot pair of bikini.

Good luck Foodaholics! (✿◠‿◠)

Chicken Hawaiian

Hello, Yummy day Foodaholics! 

Happy 2012 to all of you. For the past few months I've been very busy with my new job.I've started working November last year as a lay-out artist in a local printing press in Lipa. Apparently, it took much of my time that's why I wasn't able to post anything here.

I've been working from Monday to Saturday. My main form of of relaxation up to these days is still cooking. And if I weren't busy I would probably be spending time in the kitchen.

Today, for my first blog post for the year of the water dragon, I will be sharing my Chicken Hawaiian (Pininyahang Manok) which I cooked for our dinner. 

This dish is made of sweet pineapple flavor along with milk producing a splendid taste. To be honest, I not really a big fan of pineapple, but for the love of cooking I am willing to try everything. All the needed ingredients are:

* 1 /2 kg chicken legs
* 1 can pineapple chunks, set aside the syrup
* 1 Tbsp oil
* 3 cloves garlic, minced
* 1 medium-sized onions, chopped
* 1/2 cup evaporated milk or coconut milk
* patis (fish sauce), to taste
* 1 medium size carrot, cut into pieces
* 1 medium size potato, cut into pieces
* 2 tbsp raisins

 How to cook:

1). Marinade the chicken with the pineapple syrup for a few minutes.

2). Pour the chicken with the marinade in a pot, cook until the marinade evaporates and the chicken is lightly brown. (You’re not exactly frying the chicken–you just want to seal in the juices.)

3). When done, set aside the chicken on one side of the pot.

4). Add the oil, saute garlic and onions then mix together with the lightly browned chicken and cook for about a minute.

5). Add the pineapple chunks then pour the evaporated milk. Cover and bring to a simmer. (If you are using coconut milk, do not cover, otherwise it will curdle).

6). By the time the chicken is done, the sauce would be rather thick and creamy, stir then season with fish sauce. Add the raisins.

7). Simmer again for 2 minutes then turn-off the heat.

Finally, my dish is done and plated for our dinner.Specifically, I liked the milky and pineapple sweet-sour taste of this dish. Its flavor enhanced the rich and meaty taste of the chicken. I did not heard any word of complaint from anyone in my family. Appreciative smiles appeared on their faces. It's another job well done!

High Fiber Diet

One of the basic human necessities is food-- to live without it is impossible! We all eat to live and not live to eat. Therefore, it very important for us to eat the right food that will provide our body all the essential nutrients required to be fit and healthy.

Fiber is vitally important to our health and well-being, it saves us from various health hazards. 

"Chemically fiber is cellulose. It is a sticky component present in foods that is important for passing out roughage. When we eat foods, especially plant foods, a large part of them is undigested. This part is the cellulose or fiber. Being sticky, it can stick the other undigested matter left behind as byproducts of digestion and take them out of the body. That is the reason fiber is so important. It can remove undigested matter from the human body quite effectively and leave the digestive system quite clean." -commonsensehealth.com 

According to www.thedietclub.com, it is certain that fiber foods need to be part of our daily diet. There are various benefits that these foods provide us apart from the fact that they can keep our digestive system cleaner. Here are some of their uses:

• The fiber foods can provide our body with a significant supply of energy. 1 gram of pure fiber can provide our body with 4 calories of energy. This is the main energy that is needed for our sustenance.
• Fiber is essential because it can help in the regulation of the fat metabolism in the body.
• It has an important role to play in the gastrointestinal function.
• One of the chief functions of fiber is a little-understood physiological action known as protein sparing. Basically, it means that a proper amount of carbohydrates is essential in the body otherwise the body will burn down protein molecules for its supply of energy. With fiber in the body, energy is derived from it and proteins are spared for their chief function of body building and tissue building.

Eating high fiber foods makes it easy for us to digest our food intakes. It also helps us reduce the risk of constipation, diverticulosis, hemorrhoids, high cholesterol, high blood sugar, obesity, colon cancer, diabetes and heart disease. 

For great health, you need 30 to 40 daily grams from fiber rich foods. To look and feel our very best,  we have to choose wisely from healthy high fiber foods list and eat a high fiber diet of the healthiest fiber rich foods.

HIGH FIBER FOODS LIST with TOTAL FIBER GRAMS (g)

Fresh & Dried Fruit	Serving Size	Fiber (g)
Apples with skin	1 medium	5.0
Apricot	3 medium	1.0
Apricots, dried	4 pieces	2.9
Banana	1 medium	3.9
Blueberries	1 cup	4.2
Cantaloupe, cubes	1 cup	1.3
Figs, dried	2 medium	3.7
Grapefruit	1/2 medium	3.1
Orange, navel	1 medium	3.4
Peach	1 medium	2.0
Peaches, dried	3 pieces	3.2
Pear	1 medium	5.1
Plum	1 medium	1.1
Raisins	1.5 oz box	1.6
Raspberries	1 cup	6.4
Strawberries	1 cup	4.4

Grains, Beans, Nuts & Seeds	Serving Size	Fiber (g)
Almonds	1 oz	4.2
Black beans, cooked	1 cup	13.9
Bran cereal	1 cup	19.9
Bread, whole wheat	1 slice	2.0
Brown rice, dry	1 cup	7.9
Cashews	1 oz	1.0
Flax seeds	3 Tbsp.	6.9
Garbanzo beans, cooked	1 cup	5.8
Kidney beans, cooked	1 cup	11.6
Lentils, red cooked	1 cup	13.6
Lima beans, cooked	1 cup	8.6
Oats, rolled dry	1 cup	12.0
Quinoa (seeds) dry	1/4 cup	6.2
Quinoa, cooked	1 cup	8.4
Pasta, whole wheat	1 cup	6.3
Peanuts	1 oz	2.3
Pistachio nuts	1 oz	3.1
Pumpkin seeds	1/4 cup	4.1
Soybeans, cooked	1 cup	8.6
Sunflower seeds	1/4 cup	3.0
Walnuts	1 oz	3.1

Vegetables	Serving Size	Fiber (g)
Avocado (fruit)	1 medium	11.8
Beets, cooked	1 cup	2.8
Beet greens	1 cup	4.2
Bok choy, cooked	1 cup	2.8
Broccoli, cooked	1 cup	4.5
Brussels sprouts, cooked	1 cup	3.6
Cabbage, cooked	1 cup	4.2
Carrot	1 medium	2.6
Carrot, cooked	1 cup	5.2
Cauliflower, cooked	1 cup	3.4
Cole slaw	1 cup	4.0
Collard greens, cooked	1 cup	2.6
Corn, sweet	1 cup	4.6
Green beans	1 cup	4.0
Celery	1 stalk	1.1
Kale, cooked	1 cup	7.2
Onions, raw	1 cup	2.9
Peas, cooked	1 cup	8.8
Peppers, sweet	1 cup	2.6
Pop corn, air-popped	3 cups	3.6
Potato, baked w/ skin	1 medium	4.8
Spinach, cooked	1 cup	4.3
Summer squash, cooked	1 cup	2.5
Sweet potato, cooked	1 medium	4.9
Swiss chard, cooked	1 cup	3.7
Tomato	1 medium	1.0
Winter squash, cooked	1 cup	6.2
Zucchini, cooked	1 cup	2.6

Quantitatively, fiber must constitute the main bulk of our diet. All green leafy vegetables and most fruits are good sources of fiber. Hence, foods such as salads, soups and fruit dishes should form an essential role in the diet. For people who cannot manage to eat such foods, there are fiber supplements now readily available in the market. However, any fiber supplement cannot be preferred over natural foods. The main thing is that proper motivation is needed for a person to stick with any kind of diet, and fibers are no exception.

Let's start to live healthy Foodaholics! :)

Source:
http://commonsensehealth.com/Diet-and-Nutrition/List_of_High_Fiber_Foods.shtml
http://www.thedietclub.com/nutrition/fiber/?camp=EDHL&keywords=fiber+food&referrer=Yahoo&group=fiber+food&keyword=high+fiber+food+chart

*photos from yahoo image search

Milky and Creamy Pork Sinigang

With food prices going up these days, budgeting has become even tougher for families. There are times when we end up giving up some items on our grocery list just to save some money for other important expenses. But it doesn't mean that we have to sacrifice the good nutrition that our family needs to have. 

To help you out, I have here a dish packed with healthy goodness but is light on the pocket. My personal number one favorite-- Pork Sinigang!

This is my very own special version of Pork Sinigang because this one is milky and creamy. It has the usual fruity-sour taste with the perfect thickness of the soup base.

 Ingredients

 1 Pork

8 pcs Tamarind (Sampaloc) or 1 pack Sinigang Mix with Taro

1 big Onion (diced) 

3 big tomatoes (quartered) 

2 pieces Radish (sliced) 

1 bundle Sitaw (Strringbeans) 
2 eggplant (sliced)
4 gabi (sliced)

1 bundle Kangkong 

4 okra

8-10 cups ricewash or water 

2 tbsp. vegetable oil 
1 small can evaporated milk

Salt or Patis (fish sauce)
 

Cooking Instructions:

1. Put some oil in a casserole, sauté onion and tomatoes.

2. Bring water to a boil.

3. Add the pork, and simmer until the pork is tender. 

4. Add the gabi and let it cook until it softens.

5. Add the the vegetables (string beans, radish, okra, eggplant).

6. Put in 1 small can evaporated milk. Simmer for 3 minutes.

7. Add the Sinigang mix or tamarind.

8. Season with salt and fish sauce if your not yet satisfied with the taste.

9. Lower the heat, then put the kangkong leaves.

10. Serve hot.

This special recipe will surely suit your budget even though it has many ingredients mainly because it is a complete meal-- it has meat, soup and veggies all in one delicious meal.

My favorite dish forever! C'mon! Try it Foodaholics! (｡♥‿♥｡)

Paksiw na Pata

Pleasant day Foodaholics!

Here's another pork recipe for you my dear-- Paksiw na Pata (Braised Pork Leg). As always, this is a very simple dish which is quite similar to my ever favorite Adobo except that Paksiw na Pata is a little bit sour and more soupy.

Cooking this recipe may take some time because you have to let the meat to be tender over a low to medium heat. Tenderizing the pork until it almost separates from the bone is just perfect!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Pork leg (pata), sliced
• 1 tsp garlic, crushed
• ½ cup soy sauce
• 3 tbsp vinegar
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 pack dried banana blossoms (about 100 grams), soaked in water
• 5 pieces dried bay leaves (optional)
• 1 tbsp whole pepper corn
• Salt to taste

Cooking procedures:

1. Pour the water in a pot and bring to a boil.
2. Put-in the sliced pork leg and simmer for 1 to 1.5 hours (or cook in pressure cooker for 30 minutes). 3. Put-in the soy sauce, vinegar and garlic then wait for the mixture to boil again.
4. Add the whole pepper corn and dried bay leaves.5. Seasoned with brown sugar and salt and simmer for 2 minutes.
6.Place the banana blossoms in and simmer for 5 minutes.

Personally, I like the taste of my Paksiw na Pata to be a little sweet and sour. I also want it to have lots of banana blossom. Aside from vinegar, I prefer to cook it with soy sauce because it adds flavor and color. But actually it's always up to you. 

So there, might as well try this dish and share it your love ones.

Note: This is really a delectable dish but I don't recommend it to those who have High Blood Pressure and High Cholesterol Level. I know it's fun to eat but of course we should consider our health  first in choosing what we eat. (✿◠‿◠)

Stir-fried Chicken Strips and Veggies in Oyster Sauce

People love to eat a lot and definitely, I don't have any strong objection on that matter. But for those who have lots of work loads and busy on other activities, going to the kitchen and heating up the pan are too bounteous to imagine.

Most of us will agree that eating is much more exciting and fun to do than cooking, right guys? Aside from that, we are also becoming picky  on foods to be served on the table to satisfy our hungry tummies. Plus the fact that due to economic situation nowadays, we wanted something practical that will surely suit our tight budget. 

So, I'm recommending an easy-to-cook recipe that even foodaholic chef wannabes out there could try-- Stir-fry Chicken Strips and Veggies in Oyster Sauce. Guaranteed delicious, nutritious and certified budget friendly.

Ingredients

1/4 kilo Chicken, cut into strips

1 carrot, cut into pieces

baby corn, cut into two

1 red bell pepper

1 small can mushroom, cut into half

1 bunch broccoli

oyster sauce

oil 

How to Cook:

In a non-stick pan, stir-fry chicken strips in oil until tender, then add the the carrots, broccoli, baby corn and mushroom. Seasoned with enough oyster sauce. Stir occasionally. Put the mushroom and bell pepper. Serve Hot. 

With this recipe, you can use any vegetables of your choice. Try this at home Foodaholics and you will find out that happy eating does not necessarily mean expensive. So, what are you waiting for? Rumble up your kitchen my dear. :-)

O My Yogurt!

Yogurt is a bacterial fermented milk product nutritionally rich in protein, calcium, pyridoxine, riboflavin, and cobalamine. Yogurt provides energy and various health benefits, besides helping in the growth and maintenance of our muscles. It contains Lactobacilli, also known as 'good bacteria,' promote digestive health.

Now, frozen yogurt a.k.a. "froyo" is becoming a trend and a favorite snack. Because it is non-fat or low fat, you can actually love eating it and remain guilt-free.

Here in the Philippines, O My Yogurt is one well-known in frozen yogurt industry. O My Yogurt is a specialty frozen yogurt retailer with over 20 upcoming stores in the Southeast Asia Region as well as the United States.

Golden Globe Limited is O My Yogurt's holdings company that provides quality cutting-edge soft serve machines on a wholesale basis.

 

Just recently, they opened a brand new branch at SM Lipa. Me and my cousins got the chance to avail their 20% discount opening promo. 

O My Yogurt is a unique, yet delightful way of serving and eating the delicious and nutritious concoctions in 16 flavors, plus over 36 kind of natural and dried toppings for only 20php/0z.

I tried the combination of vanilla and chocolate flavor plus crushed cookies, flower mallows, m&m's, kiwi, grapes as my toppings and a chocolate stick for additional delight.

I surely enjoyed my cousin's company and my own creation of O My Yogurt. (-_-)

Breaking Free! A Halloween Black Party

Ever since, my cousins and I wanted a Black party-- something like Gossip Girl's pink party. That's why we organized this year's Halloween party with a blast of black theme. Entitled-- Breaking Free! This is an  exclusive party which will happen at Mahogany Mansion ( at my aunt's place ) on the 30th of October, 2011, Sunday. Invited guests are required to be at their BEST BLACK OUTFIT.

Let's make this year's Halloween extra special. Be Bad... Be Bold... and Be Black! (-_-)

Mama's Meaty Spaghetti

My love for cooking is all because of my mom-- She's definitely a cooking enthusiast. Also, she's the first one to introduce me in this wonderful world of tastes and flavors.Watching her how to cook fired up my desire and passion for cooking. 

As far as I can remember, I was only ten years old when my mama gave me the freedom to explore the kitchen. When I was a child, mama is the one that keeps her hands on the kitchen. She simply loves cooking our favorite meals at home. 

But now, mama is so busy helping out my aunts on their business. The past few years have been really hectic for her that's why I took the responsibilities in our kitchen. 

Luckily, on a bright weekend, mama got the chance to stay at home so she decided to prepare a special meal for us. Our all time favorite Meaty Spaghetti!

 

 When it comes to home-cooked goodness and favorite pasta dish, Spaghetti will definitely reigns. My mama's  meaty spaghetti is the BEST! :)

Ingredients

1 kg pasta
salt
oil
1 kg ground pork
1 can corned beef
1 can pork and beans

5 hotdogs (sliced diagonally)

1 small can mushrooms (sliced into half)

500g Spaghetti sauce

2 bottle ketchup

3 cloved minced garlic

1 chopped onion

1 tsp. pepper

chopped olives

grinned chesse

1 tbsp. soy sauce

1 tbsp. sugar

 How to cook the pasta:

1. 1. Boil 5 liters of water and 2 tbsp. salt in a large pot. 
2. 2. Cook the pasta in the boiling water for 8 minutes or until full to the bite (al dente). Stir occasionally. DO NOT OVERCOOK.
3. Drain and rinse the pasta with tap water. Add 2tbsp. cooking oil to prevent sticking.
4. Serve with your favorite Spaghetti sauce.

How to cook the Sauce:

1. In a large pan, saute ground beef, corned beef, garlic and onion. Add the spaghetti sauce and ketchup. Season with soy sauce, salt, sugar and pepper until the desired taste is achieved. 
2. Cover and cook for 15 minutes. Add the mushrooms, pork and beans and hotdogs. Simmer for at least 5 minutes. 
3. Serve with your pasta. Add some olives and grinned cheese.

The combination of the meat and sauce of this special spaghetti blends well with the pasta (al dente). Just lovely!

Mama's Meaty Spaghetti will not only satisfy your taste buds but it will also warm your hearts. So try this at home Foodaholics! Sure you'll love it too! (0_-)

Pork Adobo Espesyal

Filipinos are good in preparing different kinds of foods. We all have our favorites and best-loved dishes that we turn into a magical culinary inventions. Whether it is an old family recipes, from years of satisfying meals or recently discovered passion. We always strive to do better to be able to express our love through the art of cooking.

Just like our famous Adobo-- there are lots of Adobo recipes and demonstration that you can find in the internet. Cooking Adobo requires patience, as I developed my culinary experience, I tried to incorporate some other techniques into my version of Adobo.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 kilo pork, cut into pieces
• 1 large onion, quartered and sliced
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 1/3 cup white vinegar
• 2/3 cup  soy sauce
• 1 carrot, sliced
• 1 tablespoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon salt
• chopped kangkong stem

Directions

1. Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Saute onion and garlic. Put pork pieces. Cook until the meat is tender.
2. Pour in vinegar and soy sauce, let it simmer for 6-10 minutes.
3. Season with black pepper and salt. Add carrots, bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until the pork and carrots is tender and cooked through. Sprinkle with chopped kangkong stem.
4. Serve hot. 

Now, I can say (with confidence) that my Adobo is  now tastier and more appealing to the eye. (-_-)

Hazel's Birthday Dinner Celebration @ Lipa Grill

I super love birthdays! 'Coz it reminds us to treasure the time we have been given. Everyday is an opportunity to learn and positively touch lives.

Last time, my cousin Hazel--one of my angels celebrated her birthday. We had a dinner at Lipa Grill, a local restaurant in Antipolo del Norte, Lipa City which offers variety of Filipino delicacies.

They have a huge nipa huts to accommodate their guest. If your looking for a serene place for dinner, Lipa Grill is one of the best places in Lipa City, Batangas.

Aside from my family and set friends, my cousins are my super buddies ever. We shared lots of great things together. As much as possible we make sure that we still have time to bond. Sharing stories, dramas or just laugh our hearts out. It's really fun to be with my angels. And during special moments like this, we love to make surprises for each other.

Because it's Hazel's birthday... this dinner celebration is her treat! LOL! We gave her an Almond Java Moose Petite cake from Goldilocks Bakeshop.

Lipa Grill satisfied our hunger with their mouthwatering dishes. We ordered the following:

We all love Sinigang na Hipon- this I think is one of their best-seller. It has the perfect combination of sour flavor and the shrimp's taste.

The birthday girl requested to order Grilled Spare Ribs. The meat is tender and the sauce seals in the goodness of these delicious rib. 

Here's the Fried Chicken, no doubt it's also everybody's favorite. The chicken is well-cooked and flavorful.

Chop Seuy for a veggie lover like me! Yum yum! The crunch of the vegetables is just right.

Crispy Pata for the boys. Another best-seller of Lipa Grill.

There's chicken, pork, and shrimp... of course there's also fish-- Grilled Tilapia. Batangas is well-known for good quality Tilapia a good quality of taste as well.

For those on their strict diet, we also ordered Pancit Canton. Lipa Grill's recipe has many ingredients... veggies, meat... and seafood. Wow!

What a way to celebrate a birthday! I had a lot of fun. I'm excited for the next gathering. Again, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to my dear couz Hazel. May God Bless her more. YOU KNOW I LOVE YOU... XOXO! (-_-)