Cool Macaroni Salad

Chilled macaroni salad is also considered as a refreshing snack especially on a hot day. Aside from the basic salad macaroni, my version of macaroni salad is a mixture of vegetables and fruits. I noticed that summer's fast approaching, this afternoon, I decided to prepare a cool bowl of macaroni salad.

Servings: 5-6
Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded cooked chicken breast fillet
• 400g salad macaroni ( cooked al dente)
• 500 ml mayonnaise
• 3 stalks celery (chopped into small pieces)
• 1 tsp finely chopped sweet basil
• 1 red apple (chopped into small pieces)
• 1/2 cup raisins
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 2 medium red onions (minced)
• 1/2 -1tsp white sugar (optional)
• dash of salt

Mix everything together perfectly, then chill. Best served with strips of Romaine lettuce.

Photo: RIM BlackBerry 8900

Raintree 7 Days A Week

What's so special about Sunday? Well, Sunday is considered as family day for most of us. It's the day when you're just at home relaxing with the whole family, then all of a sudden you want something cool and refreshing to share with your loved ones. It's also the day after hearing mass, the whole family plans to go to a destination where they can spend the rest of the day lounging. It's the day after having a delicious meal, you crave for something exceptionally sweet. There's a lot of extraordinary refreshments Raintree is offering aside from milk teas. They have Dessert Blends, Fruit Tea Infusion, Floats and of course, your choice of coffee and plain tea.  Summer is almost here, why wait for Sunday when you can have some Raintree everyday. Chill and relax!

We've been waiting for this... finally, yes finally, they're open 7 days a week starting March 11, 2012.

Fresh Basil Pesto

Before, I always end up buying processed pesto mix in the supermarket. I say it's processed because if you're going to check the container, stuff are added to preserve the product. As much as  possible I try to go for fresh ingredients when it comes to gourmet cooking. My pesto is composed of Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Garlic, Cashew Nuts and fresh sweet Basil leaves. I add parmesan  later on when mixing the pesto with the pasta.

 

It's not hard to make pesto. 

Cashew is a good alternative for Pine nuts and Walnuts because of it's unique flavor.

In terms of equipment, a food processor will accomodate your grinding needs, but if there's none, an ordinary blender will do.

Ingredients:

• 2 bowls of fresh sweet basil
• 1 1/2 -2 cups of extra virgin olive oil
• 10 cloves garlic (peeled)
• 1 1/2 cups Cashew nuts

*make necessary adjustments according to your preference

 How To: Grind everything in a food processor.

 One of my pasta dishes: Chicken Pesto