A Kitchen Showcase? & As Requested By--- Homemade Shitake Shumai

A Kitchen Showcase? Well, almost. All 3 kitchenwares were gifts, isn't that nice. The rice cooker we could keep for future use. But the new griller and steamer... just in time. For the past months, I have been struggling to fit a fish in a small steaming pan that went with the rice cooker were using at the moment. Now I have a real steamer.

The Griller came in handy too. My husband was about to get us a new Griller, his recruitment team heard his Christmas wish and gave him a new griller for Christmas. Thanks so much girls!

On New Year's Eve, we will go grilling galore. We're very happy to have the right griller because we live in a condo. Normally, the building owner doesn't permit grilling (especially the old fashioned way).

Since we have a new steamer, my husband requested for some homemade Shitake Shumai. This is a Cantonese Shumai.Also known as pork or mushroom dumpling. It is a combination of ingredients, consisting ground pork or shrimp, and black mushroom in small bits.

The wrapper is made of thin sheets of lye water dough. The center is usually garnished with an orange dot, made of roe or diced carrot. I used a slice of my main shumai ingredient (shitake mushroom) for garnishing.
Best served with chili garlic, calamondin and soy sauce mixture.

C For Cuervo& C For Chocolates

C for Cuervo (Jose Cuervo)

Aside from Chocolates, we decided to give out Tequila to some close friends of ours. Especially with our recent Christmas Party, everybody enjoyed rounds and rounds of Jose Cuervo.

Label saying: "open during the most memorable and happiest moments"

C for ChocolatesAs always, chocolate candies. It has become our trademark every year.
This year I made 4 sets of different mixtures.

Dark Chocolates: Cashew Nuts and berries, Rocky Road and Rice Crispies
Premium Chocolates: Cashew Nuts and berries, Rocky Road and Rice Crispies
Whole Dark with Cashew nuts and Berries
Whole Premium with Berries

Food Trip Friday--- Maruya

Banana FrittersOne Friday, I went to my favorite store to buy some soda, when I saw the sales lady took out a pan of this freshly cooked Banana Fritters. Perfect as a Filipino Snack. Maruya (what we call it) is a Philippine delicacy made of fried bananas dipped in batter, usually served sprinkled with sugar. This Maruya moment reminded me of my late father-in-law. I used to buy him Maruya. This is his favorite snack.

A New Bed For Franky

I will surely miss the times when my son would wrap his arms around me while sleeping. He is all grown up, like literally. He's taller and got longer arms. We battle a lot for space when sleeping. As a mom, I end up giving him all the space to make him sleep comfortably. Yes, it is very sweet if you're going to think about it, but I do get a lot of aches and body pain once I get up in the morning. It's about time we buy him his own bed. Again, I see this as a chance to make a good investment. A bed that he can use at least, throughout his teen years. A bed that is made of fine materials. A bed that will suit any living space in terms of design.

Early this year we went to several stores and looked up on beds for sale. The beds we saw were very nice both quality and design. It comes as a package too, a mattress and a set of sheets come with it too. But that time, we weren't very serious about it, until just recently when I developed some muscle pain and a stiff neck. We should have considered it earlier. Realistically speaking, our kids grows up so fast. You'll never notice it, you'll just feel the pressure. For both mine and my husband side, our families are considered as tall people. I bet Franky will love to have his own bed. He can play, have his small corner, everything is going to be his. And kids loves to have their own space.

Mom's Sotanghon

Mommy's Sotanghon. We had this for dinner last Sunday. Went to my parent's place and my mom was cooking it when I went inside the kitchen. My reaction: Oh my gulay! It just so happen at that time, I was craving for it. My dad taught her a little secret on how to nail the right taste. I'm not a sotanghon person, really. But when I tasted my mom's recent concoction, it was the best! I totally forgot about her Meaty Carbonara.

Sotanghon: cellophane noodles

Best served with hot pandesal and calamansi (Calamodin)

Cake and Dark Chocolate Lovers

May I take this chance to thank the whole Red Ribbon Management for the rare experience they shared with me this year. For the gift coupon, for the opportunities given in order to share my Red Ribbon moments with my family. It was truly an honor. 2009 was a great year for me. It was filled with good opportunities for SHARING and SERVING other people. And like my usual story, I shared my Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with the whole family.
My parents, my siblings and of course, my very own family of 3. I had to wait for December 13 so that I can claim it straight from my hometown, be with my family and have a perfect cake moment again with them. I have to say, that the Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with Hershey's Dark is our cake for this season. It's simple, if you're a cake and chocolate lover, this is the ultimate dessert for you. If there's a chocolate bar to look for in every ice box we have in our homes... all you will ever find are bars of Hershey's Dark Chocolate, and I'm talking about the biggest bars you will see in every supermarket shelf. My dad and I would go all the way to a PX shop in Makati just to buy in bulks. So desirable that my Dad drove me everywhere, to every Red Ribbon branch around our area just to check which one has a stock left. Lucky enough, we were able to find a branch who served us with the last cake they have.
The moment I took the cake out from the box, 2 members of our family which we consider the "kings of cake and chocolate" took the center spot.

That would be my brother Nano and my son Franky

This 2 boys... they never choose the time, the place and the occasion on when to have a piece of their favorites.

They were very excited to take a bite of this mouthwatering delight. You might notice that I don't post pictures of myself with any of the cakes I shared with my family. I'm happier seeing them and capturing memorable shots of my family satisfied and happy. That makes me feel complete.

As you can see, the cake is composed of dark chocolate rolls on the sides. For the kids, I bet they'll feel that this cake popped- out from their dreams overnight. I share that same feeling. Imagine, a cake from the finest ingredients covered and coated with the best dark chocolate ever created. Yummy!

Gourmet Picks My New Favorite

I'm not a 100% junk food lover. Junk food is one of the things that my Dad won't permit us to have in the house. With that background, I have become choosy of the chips and crackers to munch. Less salt the better, no MSG, is the best. Once in awhile, I indulge myself with some Marty's Veggie Snack. Everything changed when I tried one of Oishi's Gourmet Picks. KIMCHI.

In the recent Manila International Bookfair (September 09), a booth sold Oishi products and had a taste test of their new line of Chips. I was originally looking for Marty's but it was sold in an instant, had no choice but to try their Gourmet Picks.

I particularly love the Kimchi flavor. Sad to say, it is a hard to find variant. My husband would go all the way to a 7-11 store in the middle of the night just to check if they have it. We're sometimes lucky, but most of the time we're not. In big supermarkets, you will not find a single pack of the Kimchi flavor. This is now my husband's ultimate pasalubong for me everytime he comes home, if he knows that he will pass a store along the way, definitely, he'll stop to check if they have my Gourmet Picks flavor. I'm really, really, really happy and blessed to have a good a very thoughtful husband.

Left- Over Magic---Ampalaya Con Carne

Left over magic. Well we all get into the situation when we end up having so much left-overs. With my experience, even when I was a kid, my mom would make a new dish out of some left-overs (still edible and in perfect condition) that she can find in the fridge.

At home, we often find ourselves preparing a recipe more than what it can originally yield. We Filipinos have the habit of eating more than 3x a day, aside from the snacks we take in- between. Left-overs plays a very big part in our kitchen.

Remember my Food Trip Friday entry for this week? Braised Beef I actually cooked a recipe that will serve 6 people.

Using some of our beef left-overs, I was able to cook a very healthy dish. I added slices of Ampalaya or Bitter Gourd, ended up with Ampalaya Con Carne.

Ingredients:

5 cloves garlic (minced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 medium onion (chopped)
2 medium red tomatoes (cut into quarters)
Left-over braised beef ( a full bowl)
2 medium Ampalaya (sliced into pieces)

Saute garlic in olive oil until medium brown
Add onion and tomatoes, stir for a few seconds
Add left- over beef with sauce (pour everything!)
Stir for a few seconds
Add slices of Ampalaya.
Stir until Ampalaya is cooked (not overly done)
A dash of salt and pepper.

Serving: 3-4

Note: The # of servings will depend on the amount of beef (left-overs used)

The Beer Club

The Beer Club has been one of the pioneers. Offers the finest to all beer lovers everywhere. As a beer person, the variety of beer is very much put into consideration.

Beer of the month club have a the finest selection of 4 different hard-to-find domestic varieties. All over the United States a full pack is brewed to perfection . The quality is unique and freshness is guaranteed.

Beer of the Month Club Delivers the

Finest Quality Microbrews Every Month!

• 12 bottles of microbrewed beer featuring 4 varieties
• Guaranteed brewed fresh — delivered to your home or office
• "Beer Expeditions" newsletter included with each shipment
• Beer of the Month makes a great gift idea
• Plus, a FREE personalized Beer Club gift letter
• 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed!

Experts choose all monthly beer club selections. Join the club and order your full 12-pack of the finest beers. All members should be 21 years of age or older to order and receive this product.

Santa Baby I Want A Louis Vuitton Too!

Yes ladies, I do have dreams to own a Louis Vuitton. Owning one in addition to every girl's closet is considered to be a fulfilled dream. In the first place not all can afford it. The price is just right, especially if style and quality will be considered. For quite sometime, I have been on the look for an online store that sells louis vuitton handbags for a very affordable price range. A store that has a lot of products and styles to choose from.

One of the things that turns me off with cheap sellers online are the limited stocks and designs they offer. But this site that sells louis vuitton bags is the opposite of all that. It will make you drool with excitement. They have a Louis Vuitton line both for men and women. So there, the guys can share with the fun too.

I have been meaning to own this louis vuitton bag for the longest. Odon PM is modern and functional, it is perfect to carry the essentials. Well, if I am going to buy a worthy bag, might as well consider its flexibility.

- Monogram canvas, textile lining, trimmings in natural cowhide leather
- Shiny brass metallic pieces
- Zip closure
- Inside flat and phone pockets
- One outside flat pocket
- Carried on the shoulder or across the body
- A comfortable and adjustable leather strap

With all the mentioned specifics for this bag, I can bring it around anytime without requiring an event or an occasion. Plus, I can buy it for a very reasonable price. It is very timely for the Holiday Season too. For the men, your girl will surely be the happiest on Christmas Day once she receives a louis vuitton surprise from you. It can also be the perfect gift for your girl friends, best buddies, even your mom. From briefcases, handbags, clutches and pouches , wallets to the smallest leather goods, louis vuitton has it.

Red Ribbon's Santa's Wish Cake

Just looking at this adorable new cake from Red Ribbon will make you wish to have it everyday, whole year round. Hoping that it will never go out of season.

Inspired by the beloved icons of Christmas, Santa Claus, with his cherry-red hat, twinkling eyes and fluffy white beard, who brings joy and cheer to children and adults alike and Christmas trees that call to mind the one standing proudly in your home, Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish Cake lets your loved ones revel in the joy of the Christmas spirit unlike any other. A truly special holiday cake, the Santa's Wish Cake is sure to bring much delight to any Christmas celebration.

Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish Cake is made with moist and dense rhum,butter cake with a layer of creamy caramel filling and covered in soft and smooth icing. The deliciously festive flavors combine for a true Christmas symphony of taste, certain to elicit appreciation from your loved ones this season.

I can say that I will be considering this as a new favorite.

My Story: I am such a chocolate person, it is very seldom that a cake that is not chocolate gets my appetite and most especially captures my attention to at least try it. My preference is now changing slowly and it all started with Red Ribbon's White Forest Cake.

Yesterday, I wasn't feeling very well. I have Tonsillitis. But I didn't let it ruin the whole experience and to my surprise, the sweet delights shared to us by Red Ribbon tasted just right. That goes to show that Red Ribbon truly believes not just in Quality, but the "Finest Quality". It didn't even affect my current state. I really enjoyed the treat and privilege given by Red Ribbon.

To help you avoid the Christmas rush, Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish Cake will be available on a pre-order basis at any Red Ribbon store from November 27 – December 15. Order now and add an extra special touch to your gift with a personal dedication on the cake.

Red Ribbon’s Santa’s Wish cake will be available off-the-shelf in all Red Ribbon stores from December 22 – 24 at only P550.

I really can't wait to have one on my Christmas table this season.

Braised Beef

I went online to look for the right process of Braising Beef. The one I found was explained properly. You can see it here: Braising Beef

Ingredients:

Chunks of beef (tenderized)(Mechado Cut)
2 medium carrots (chopped)
1 Medium white onion (chopped)
2 tbsp olive oil
2 cups beef stock
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tsp all purpose flour
salt and pepper

How to:

After tenderizing the beef, set aside the beef stock.
In a pan, saute beef and carrots until the meat is a bit brown.
Add beef stock. Simmer for a few minutes or until the carrots are cooked or according to your desired preference.
Combine flour with the soy sauce stir while pouring it in with the rest of the ingredients.
Add white onions and stir for a few seconds.
Lastly, add salt and pepper to taste.

Servings: 5-6

I adjusted the recipe and procedure to the available ingredients I presently have. If you're going to take a look at the real process, it is as easy as 1,2,3.

Happy Eating and Have a Yummy-full weekend!

Red Ribbon's Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake

Over the years, Red Ribbon Bakeshop has come to be known as the leader and innovator in cakes. With its best-tasting signature cakes, yet again, Red Ribbon is ready to give more of that unforgettable cake experience.

Introducing, the newest member of Red Ribbon's Premium Selection

Chocolate Walnut Fudge Cake with Hershey's Dark Chocolate!

Total Indulgence, a Once In A Lifetime Treat, Perfect This Holiday Season...

As we officially enter the Holiday Season, all of us are bound to look for that special cake that carries the extraordinary flavor we are looking for. Perfect to celebrate with family and friends or as gift to our loved ones. The new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey's Dark Chocolate Red Ribbon’s newest addition to its Premium Selection made it to the top. It is made of a layer of creamy chocolate mousse on a bed of moist fudgy brownie, both loaded with chopped walnuts and finished with dark chocolate ganache, sprinkles and long chocolate curls all made with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate to make it even more irresistible.

Chocolate Walnut Fudge will surely be the sweetest, the grandest and the most memorable addition to every celebration this holiday season.
The new Chocolate Walnut Fudge with Hershey’s Dark Chocolate is available in all Red Ribbon stores and select booths for P680.00. Offered only this holiday season, it’s the perfect ending to any celebration.

Best served with a cup of Red Ribbon's Brewed Coffee

WholeMeal Pasta in Pesto

My Birthday this year was a very healthy one. Aside from having fresh greens and fruits on the table, the main highlight was a wholemeal pasta with pesto dish cooked by my husband. No salt added. Just plain pesto (homemade pesto---better), some mushrooms, green olives, EVOO, parmesan cheese and our favorite herbs combined together.

I added a little something-something, to enjoy it more. White meat for a healthy pasta dish. Chicken Teriyaki.

The pasta was perfectly cooked the right way... Al dente!

Wholemeal pasta is made out of flour particularly the entire grain seed, that is very rich in protein. A high-quality wholemeal pasta, may be found light brown in appearance. Wholemeal may be a bit expensive than the regular white pasta. But when it comes to health, nothing is too expensive for me. A few grams is good per serving. By the way, my son Franky liked it. I was feeling a little unsure, that he might not like it. Well, he finished a whole plate! I am very thankful that at an early age, he can appreciate healthy food even if its not as colorful as a party spaghetti.
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