Holiday Greetings From My Kitchen and Beyond!

Enchie's Kitchen is busy, busy, busy... 

Starting with dessert, chilling Fruit Salad and now, preparing Leche Flan for tonight's Noche Buena and tomorrow's party!!! 

Loving Christmas Pinoy Style!!!

FTF: A Taste of KFC's Double Down Chicken Sandwich

Please be advised that: The views and opinions expressed on this blog are purely the blogger's own.

I actually made my first purchase of this sandwich phenomenon the was day before we left for our vacation. Since everytime we visit a KFC store at night or middle in the afternoon, by that time, they're out of stock or it's sold out. For brunch after taking my son to school, I decided to make a quick drive to the nearest KFC and lucky enough, I was able to buy not only 1 but 3 Double Down Chicken Sandwiches, and it's their last 3 sandwiches at 10:20 in the morning.

₱100 ala carte, ₱135 with a regular drink and a fixin

It was just "okay" when I thought it would exactly taste like the one I imagined. A sandwich, only it's chicken. But it was too salty for me. It would have been better if they added some greens to balance the mix of flavors. In a real sandwich, the buns or the bread itself brings balance to the whole meal. So if you're going to eat pure protein, might as well add something like lettuce or tomatoes to kill the "suya factor" or lessen the salt of the chicken considering that there's bacon included. Everything here is based on my personal point of view as a consumer. Over-all, it's not as bad, you know why? because my husband is the #1 fan of KFC's Double Down Chicken Sandwich. When it comes to KFC,  it's always Double Down for him. I have 3 Double Downs in the first picture above, 2 of those are his.

Food Trip Friday

Stop Smoking!

When I was a kid, I remember asking my dad to stop smoking. Out of nowhere, I approached him and asked. I wasn't expecting that he will seriously take that simple request of mine. And I was 8 years old then. Now, every time we look back, at 32 years old, he's still thanking me. My dad is healthier, he looks young for his age, he doesn't have any ailments. And when it was my turn,  I stopped immediately when I found out that I was pregnant with my first child. How did I ever survive the process of stopping? Just thinking that I asked my dad to give up cigarette smoking, gave me the inspiration to help me stop. I guess it was my motherly instincts working too. And like everyone else who went through the very same dilemma, I started to have some cravings after quitting. I turned to candy as a solution to permanently cut off my cravings. Up to this very date, I still crave for it but much lesser. While I was able to conquer smoking, my husband on the other hand, is having a hard time from at least lowering his sticks daily. Through time, he doubled from 1 pack to 2 packs. I guess, most of his co-workers are also undergoing the same thing. And it's more of a struggle now, since smoking has become a stress buster to working individuals.

Cigarette smoking is a big contributor when it comes to health risks. It  lowers our immune system then it targets the main organs of our body. Diabetes alone, if not controlled and worsen by smoking can affect the heart and the kidneys by disrupting its functions in the body. And of course, our lungs is directly affected. Don't forget to add the risks of aging. Put it this way, Smoking and aging put together will give the worst results when it comes to health. Believe me, everyday, I help my husband get through  by  lessening his sticks. Good thing that the company he is working for also prioritizes the health of their workers. When the electronic cigarettes came out, they provided each smoker a set. Start smoking E-cigarettes with our standard starter kit. This kit includes the following:

Single Electronic Cigarette Batter Kit

Premium Electronic Cigarette Charger

Premium USA Adapter

1 Pack of 5 - High Nicotine Cigarette Flavor

1 Pack of 5 - Medium Nicotine Cigarette Flavor USA made Cartridges

 Electronic Cigarettes helped my husband stop smoking. Smokeless Cigarettes will eliminate bad breath, will give you a mess- free and an ash-free smoking alternative. It will also help an individual cope properly without forcing one's self to stop smoking. My husband took him about a month to finally eliminate smoking. It came naturally. I wasn't expecting for instant results.  I am very thankful that we were able to achieve our main goal on having a healthier lifestyle.

Red Lion Bar Baguio City

I've been reading some negative feedback about Red Lion. But I was told by frequent goers and regular guests that it is the perfect place to hang out and discover Baguio's little secrets. And so I decided to extend my birthday celebration at Red Lion. One person who is close to me, who can testify regarding Red Lion's good reputation is my husband. Another is a Baguio local who is also a good friend of ours. So whatever bad  review's been stirring about Red Lion, I think, it is just a matter on how we view things, how we carry ourselves and how we interact with other people.

Our evening started with my birthday dinner at Rose Bowl Restaurant. After, we took the kids back at the hotel with Kat's cousin. Then the 4 of us namely: Perry and Kat, Me and my Husband, went to Red Lion for some drinks. When I'm in a new place, I don't just sleep the night away. I know there's a long day ahead of  us touring the following morning. But hey, being able to travel will just keep you going. If one can enjoy the usual day in the city, might as well try what it has to offer by nightfall.

I started with a Margarita. Just to let you know, I always warm up with a cocktail  or a shot and end it with a bucket, I mean buckets of beer.

Red Lion is always full especially on weekends. To add, Red Lion also serves as an Inn for tourists. When we got there, a pop band was playing, the bar was occupied, people were happy and dancing. It was perfect!

We went all the way at the back of the bar, where guests can actually smoke and more tables were available. From the deck of Red Lion, if one is lucky enough to have a table reserved, you will see one of the best views of Baguio City at night.

The warm people of Red Lion was able to find us a nice spot where we can have some privacy, and  at the same time, a safe location where we can't be bothered by drunk guests. Hey it's a pub, it's a Saturday, it's cold so expect people to get drunk. After 3 buckets, I was already making some noise of my own. It was a fantastic night! We were sharing our stories as couples. From the time we met our partners, how the spark between 2 people began, advises, jokes, life, laughter, love, family, friends... Everyone was an open book but  we all kept an open mind.

The food that went with our beer were Tokwa't Baboy and Sizzling Sisig. If there's something to be disappointed about Red Lion, that would be their Sisig, which turned out to be Sizzling "Onion" Sisig. But it didn't matter, maybe they've run out (lol!) Even the girl behind us in our picture didn't matter (lol!) The pub was full night of November 27. Besides, I was actually enjoying my beer more than the food. Did I get drunk? Well, almost. I was able to control it, (if there's such thing as "controlling it")  but I almost hit a beam or something on my way to the bathroom (lol!) It feels good, I'm good!

I owe it all to this guy...

 I had a blast at Red Lion!!!

Red Lion Pub and Inn

92 General Luna, Leonard Wood Rd
Baguio City, Philippines

Gustaeu's Restaurant Baguio City

We arrived at our destination around 1pm in the afternoon, just in time to enjoy lunch in Baguio City. Gustaeu's  was one of my favorite restaurants during our vacation. It is located at the ground floor of our hotel, EGI Albergo Hotel. After checking- in, we went immediately to the newly opened Gustaeus' Restaurant. At 1:30pm I was having an all-day- breakfast meal, Tocino. Most dishes we ordered came in a whopping size, a plate can be consumed by 2 people. When I saw my Tocino Meal,  I knew that Gustaeus' Restaurant is going to be home for breakfast.

Longganisa Meal

It is not your ordinary longganisa, it's Baguio's Special Longganisa!

Tapa Meal

Tocino Meal

Salisbury Steak

I completed my morning food adventure in Baguio, by having a mug of Hot Chocolate to match the cold morning.

 I renewed my love for Baguio City through Gustaeu's Hot Chocolate, it made me want to live in this wonderful place.

Baguio Hot Chocolate

Gustaeu's Restaurant
Ground Floor EGI Albergo Hotel
No. 1 Villamor Drive, Brgy. Lualhati, Baguio City, Baguio, Philippines

Thursday Breakfast: Tinapa at Sinangag

Tinapa: Smoked Fish
Sinangag: Fried Garlic Rice

Favorite breakfast meal of most Filipinos. The smoked fish can also be served with cane vinegar. I like mine with tomatoes and white onion.

I was originally planning to cook spam and eggs for breakfast today. I seldom cook dried fish or smoked fish for breakfast, my husband isn't really a fan of it. My son... he's learning to love it now. This morning, I made a quick visit to the market. I was one of the early birds so I was able to buy fresh Tinapa. The smell was not only tempting but it was inviting as well. When I got back, I immediately prepared Sinangag which has been the perfect match, some tomatoes and onions on the side.

Fresh Finds From The City of Pines

Aside from Baguio shirts, walis tambo, silver from Ibay's  and other handicrafts, Baguio is also famous for various food preserves, pastries, fresh fruits and vegetables.

Buying "pasalubong" would be easier if you choose stuff that you don't have back where you live, and items you may have but sold for a very expensive price.

Know their "house specialty".

Chocolate Crinkles, Strawberry Preserves, Pot Holder made of Pine and products from Good Shepherd. Though we have Chocolate Crinkles here in Manila, Baguio Crinkles is a pastry to try. My husband and I bought some Silver too. And for me, some accessories.

Good Shepherd will always be priority for the simple reason of helping  the makers of your favorite Lengua De Gato, Snowballs, Chocolate Crinkles and Mountain Maid Strawberry Jam, be sent through college. Good Shepherd products are good. Especially their Strawberry and Ube Jam.

A Baguio visit will not be complete if you didn't have a dose of their fresh vegetables and fruits. Most vegetables and flowers being sold in Manila are mostly from Baguio. And when you buy it straight from Baguio, you get almost 50% off from the Manila price. Let's say an 8 piece- pack of carrots for ₱10. A kilo of Broccoli for ₱60, that will give me 3-4 medium heads of broccoli. 

Not bad right? I mean, they sell Broccoli in Manila  around ₱40-60  per head. and choices are mostly small in size.

Plus, one should never miss out on "SAGADA Oranges". If some vendor insist, give that vendor a chance, because I guarantee you that 100% he/ she is not lying on how good these oranges are. But I was told that the real  so- called oranges from Sagada  are the big Dalandans (Philippine Orange), literally the big Dalandans, seedless and very sweet. In fairness, they will give you a taste test first, and then, you decide. Mines View Park Souvenir Area have lots of those Oranges.

The main highlights of my "pasalubong" shopping,  was being able to buy 2 of my favorites ---a fruit and a vegetable.

1. Bought fresh Strawberries straight from the Strawberry Farm La Trinidad. Fresh Strawberries are cheaper during the harvest season, which is around March.

2.  Fresh Shitake and Button Mushrooms

As you can see in most of my food entries, mushrooms are always present. I just love mushrooms!

Pasalubong Locations:
Mines View Park
Strawberry Farm La Trinidad
Baguio Market
Good Shepherd

Left- Over Magic: Pastadobo

Featured Dish from Enchie's Kitchen

Celebrate Christmas Joie de Vivre with Delifrance

The spirit of Christmas is in the air, with carols being played in speakers and lanterns being sold in stores, and most of all, in the happy, expectant faces of people everywhere. It is during this festive season that the Joie de Vivre or Joy of Life, is most felt and celebrated.

Gift-giving can be a challenging task. Delifrance makes Christmas shopping much easier with its wide selection of gourmet cakes, hampers, and treats, sure to please any discerning palate.

Featuring a selection of delicious cakes, affordable goodies and premium gift boxes wrapped up in a cheerful palate of magenta and silver, Delifrance’s Christmas treats are sure to delight and enthrall loved ones.

Christmas Cakes

Start with these three beautiful Christmas cakes, primed to be the centerpiece of any holiday banquet. This holiday, indulge in the new French Espresso Fruitcake, a luscious masterpiece teeming with walnuts, pecans, and dates, from the tempting toppings to the rich espresso base. Brimming with beautifully arranged premium toppings, Delifrance Christmas cakes are visual works of art that taste as scrumptious as they look; perfect for giving or receiving and celebrating a truly Joyeux Noël.

Christmas Hampers

Delifrance is also famous for its festive Christmas hampers. Each gourmet item is carefully selected and packed in exquisite silver boxes, making it a remarkable gift both for aspiring gourmands and true connoisseurs. The warmth of Christmas certainly shines through with the Warmth Hamper. The assortment of baked goodies will surely tempt cookie lovers and sweet tooths alike with the rich Dark Chocolate Pistachio cookie, chewy Coffee Cinnamon Cookie, scrumptious Mocha Macadamia Cookie, and crunchy Almond Toffee Bark. It’s the perfect Christmas gift for cookie lovers and sweet tooths everywhere.

Christmas Treats

Christmas is never complete without thoughtful gifts to make a lasting good impression. This year, Delifrance introduces a new selection of affordable gourmet treats that bring Yuletide cheer to every dinner table.

Cookie lovers everywhere will rejoice in the chewy Coffee Cinnamon Cookie and the refreshing Dark Chocolate Mint Cookie, perfect for the holiday plate. A dark chocolate shell hides delicious buttery pistachio nuts within the Dark Chocolate Pistachio Cookie. Revel in the Mocha Macadamia Cookie and enjoy the texture of macadamia nuts covered in a mocha blanket.

Chocolate lovers and sweet tooths alike will enjoy the Fantasy Fudge, a luscious chocolate-almond confection! A toffee candy topped with chocolate and a generous layer of almonds, the Almond Toffee Bark is a delight to indulge in.

Feel the warmth of Christmas infect your taste buds with the Assorted Bars, an exquisite selection of bars that are a bit nutty, a bit dark, and just truly divine. A mixture of Dark Choco Chip Butterscotch, Choco Chip Cookie Dough Brownie, Butter Pecan, and Turtle Brownie, the delicious flavors of the Assorted Bars will really leave your celebrations on a sweet, high note.

With a selection of delicious cakes, affordable goodies and premium gift boxes wrapped up in a cheerful palate of magenta and silver, enthrall your loved ones and spread the spirit of giving this Yuletide season with gourmet gifts from Delifrance.

www.delifrance.com.ph

Celebrating My 32nd Birthday At Rose Bowl Baguio

After our fun night in Burnham Park, we scouted for a good restaurant.  We went around several streets. Baguio City was filled with Christmas lights,  pretty cool to walk around the city.

We were hoping for Star Cafe (another classic Chinese Restaurant) but when we got there, it was already closed, so Kat suggested Rose Bowl (thank you Kat), it was a perfect choice! I love Chinese Cuisine! Made my birthday celebration complete! Rose Bowl is an important tourist destination for food lovers.

Rose Bowl Restaurant: One of two classic Chinese restaurants in Baguio with family-style service.

Chinese Cuisine

7 Harrison Road Baguio City

My Birthday Menu was made of the following dishes...

Pork Asado

2 orders of Lechon Kawali

2 orders of Yang Chow Fried Rice

Fried Chicken

Beef Broccoli

Instead of a birthday cake, my husband ordered Birthday Noodles

We had tea after... To be honest, maybe some of you are waiting for some pictures... well, we didn't take that much photos. We were just enjoying our food, the cold weather and of course the presence of my family and close relatives, Perry, Kat and Sofia. We were just having fun, loving the bits and pieces of our first night and my birthday celebration.

This I must say is the most extraordinary celebration my whole life... I went back to Baguio after 7 years and this time,with my own family. I was able to embrace Baguio, a trip always worth remembering.

Left- Over Magic: Pastadobo

Featured Dish from Enchie's Kitchen

Spaghetti Bolognese

Bolognese sauce is often associated with tomato sauce. A traditional Bolognese Sauce is composed of  beef, pancetta, onions, carrots, celery, tomato paste, meat broth, white wine. With Italian Bolognese, pasta is mixed with the sauce, than served on top. For my Bolognese,  instead of pancetta or regular ground sirloin, I used Beef Meatballs coated with Parmesan cheese. I basically came up with the usual red sauce pasta then I added red wine, chopped parsley and mixed dried herbs.

Ingredients:

• 450g spaghetti
• 1/2 K ground sirloin
• 1 egg ( beaten)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 5 clove garlic (minced)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp chopped parsley
• 1/2 tsp of mixed dried herbs ( basil and rosemary)
• 1/2 cup red wine
• 1 cup Italian Style Spaghetti Sauce
• 1 cup crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium red tomato (diced)
• salt and ground pepper

How To: MEATBALLS

• In a bowl, mix ground sirloin with beaten egg, a dash of salt and pepper.
• Start making meatballs and coat each with grated Parmesan cheese.
• Deep fry until golden brown, then set aside.

How To: RED SAUCE

• In a sauce pan, saute minced garlic in olive oil until light brown.
• Add diced fresh red tomatoes. Stir for a few seconds.
• Add Red Wine and crushed tomatoes. Simmer for a few seconds.
• Add chopped parsley and mixed herbs. Stir for a few seconds.
• Add Italian Style Spaghetti Sauce, a dash of salt and pepper, then simmer for a few seconds.

How To: PASTA/ Plating

• In a sauce pan boil pasta until Al Dente.
• Using a pasta ladle, slowly set pasta on a plate. Drain water through the ladle.
• Atop pasta with 2 meatballs per plate then pour red sauce.
• Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

* Using a serving platter, you can also mix the cooked pasta with the sauce, top with meatballs and Parmesan cheese.

Servings: 2-3

FTF: Midnight Snack At Malcolm's Burger

As we all know, I didn't celebrate my birthday on the exact date right? I stayed at home the whole day feeling woozy and dazed. And so, we continued our regular task. I went on with some chores, my husband went to work, my son went to school. Night of November 25, my husband gave me a call that he is on his way home and asked me and Frank to dress up because he is taking us somewhere. So I got ready with my regular shorts and shirt but still sleepy. I know he's going to take me to a restaurant, but I have no idea where. I opted not to bring any of my cameras and settled with a Blackberry.

Malcolm's Burger is located along Mother Ignacia St. Brgy. South Triangle, Diliman Quezon City, right beside Abs-Cbn. Malcolm's Burger offers almost everything. From Classic Burgers, Pasta, Pizza, Rice Dishes, Salads, Side Dishes, and various hot and cold drinks to match your meal. Malcolm's Burger Quezon City is open 24 hours.

Their tender and juicy beef patties made Malcolm's famous.  So, at 1am of November 26, I was munching on a mouthwatering burger from Malcolm's.

Malcolm's Classic

The Ultimate Bacon Cheeseburger

*Prices Range from Php120-Php300

Photos: Blackberry Curve 8900

Food Trip Friday

Good Investment For A Food Business

I always enjoy everytime I talk about business. I have a plan to be able to establish a good business. A stable food business. Even if I'm still in the process of planning and putting things together. Studying the right market and location. What is considered hot and what is not in the food industry. I can feel that I'm getting closer on reaching my goal. There are times when I pass by a restaurant supply store, if I have the money, right at the moment it makes me want to buy any restaurant supply that I think will be essential when I start running my business someday.

I look at it as a good investment. But before anything, just to let you know, through the years since I decided to pursue a food business, I've done research and studied several options that will aid me on choosing the right equipments and at the same time, are of great value.

With a small restaurant business on my mind, I search for high quality equipments, such as, catering equipments, kitchen and food preparation, warewashing and shelving materials and even for an elegant dining room set up. I've already started with some chafing dishes and baking wares. And you know what 's great, I get to practice on preparing dishes with the very same equipments. By the time I get to run my own restaurant, everything is already in top shape, all I need to build is a good name.

On My Christmas Menu...

For the very first time in my whole of being a Mother, this year, as we approach the Holiday Season and with a month to go before Christmas, I haven't finalize anything yet for my Christmas and New Year's Eve menu. With my oven working, I guess, it brought so much excitement. There was a time when I thought of baking my own cake. It may be a pound cake or a sponge cake. I was also thinking if I should prepare some mixed pastries such as brownies, chocolate crinkles and tarts as my Christmas giveaways. So much options and choices. It's mind boggling. Even my husband, who helps me get everything together, he couldn't think of anything.

All I have in mind are the basics. Pasta, Steak, Mixed Greens, and wine to match. But through this post, my brain started working again. Aside from food, I am also thinking of an elegant centerpiece and what tabletop to be used to match my theme this year.

So here is the initial plan:

• Red and Yellow Roses
• Meaty Lasagna or Baked Cannelloni
• Roasted Chicken or T-Bone Steak
• Creamy Mashed Potato
• Holiday Plate (mixed Canapés )
• Fresh fruits
• Traditional Fruit Salad
• Sponge cake or pound cake (homemade? will still figure it out)

I might also include Chocolate Sundae to add as dessert. Perfect, while opening our Christmas presents and continuing the night with warm conversations.

Passionate About Coffee

It's been years since I drank my last cup of coffee. When I got pregnant, one of the things I was advised not to take in was coffee simply because of it's caffeine content. I think I exaggerated my understanding of it when my doctor told me to stay away  as much as possible. Well I guess, it's just my instinct working since I'm carrying my first child. There was a recent incident when I totally found an excuse to bring coffee back to match my daily grub. I brew coffee every morning everyday. I love the fresh aroma that fills my kitchen and dining area, it relaxes me. My husband I were thinking if we should invest on a new coffee maker. But some friends of ours suggested that a bean to cup coffee machine is going to be a worthy buy. It's an all-in-one dispenser.

* Black Coffee                     * Black Coffee Decaff
* White Coffee                     * White Coffee Decaff
* Cafe Latte                         * Cafe Latte Decaff
* Cappuccino                       * Cappuccino Decaff
* Espresso                           * Espresso Choc
* Chocolate                         * Creamichoc
* Hot Water                        * Hot Milk

And you know what's great, I found an amazing product called Strong Vend . It creates tailor-made bean to cup coffee machines for blind people. Bean to cup coffee machines specialist was approached by an existing customer after an increase in the number of blind staff in its workforce.

Strong Vend came up with a simple, yet effective solution to the problem; the custom-updated bean to cup coffee machines with Braille instruction panels and drinks labels, allowing visually impaired staff to enjoy a hot drink throughout the working day without having to ask for help. 

This bean to cup coffee machine is also perfect for the office and for business purposes. Most of all, nothing can be better than having one in the house. Just imagine, a cup of Cafe Latte Decaff anytime you want it.

One Day Vacation

My mind isn't working this week. I missed on some recipes that I'm suppose to share. I passed on dishes to prepare. All I want to do is to meditate. It's that moment when both my mind and body are looking for some quiet time. So I went to visit my mom the other day. Actually I spent the night in my hometown. I was missing the old place. I asked my husband if I could go for a one day vacation. Our place in Rizal caters a more peaceful environment compared to our place here in the city. 

As I watched my mother's hermle clock,  yeah, she has one. While my son was enjoying a movie with his Uncle, I got my book, prepared my favorite drink, took advantage of the free time, stayed in the balcony, then I cherished another moment for myself. It was quiet and breezy.  I can smell that Christmas is nearby and all I can hear was the soft murmurs from the TV inside the house and the overpowering chirping of the birds, that made my one day vacation perfect.

Luxury Crystals

Aside from Silver, the next set you'll find inside my jewelry box are Swarovski Crystals. I don't have much, but I made sure that at least I have a set which is compose of a Swarovski Ring, a Swarovski Necklace, Swarovski Bracelet and a simple pair of  Swarovski Earrings. It is important to always have a set of jewelries in your box.  Especially, when you have a husband who loves dinner surprises. With Swarovski Jewelry, I choose designs that will match both casual and evening wear.

Jewelries that I can wear individually not only by set. For example,  Acrylic Swarovski Jewelry such as Swarovski Rings. I enjoy the combination of the colors. Not too catchy, perfect as an everyday accessory and is very fitting for any outfit. Aside from a ring, I am also fond of wearing Swarovski Earrings. I love my crystals in red. And one of my favorites is a pair of butterfly red Swarovski Earrings, I bought it with my mother-in-law 2 years ago. Up to this date, it looks brand new, elegant as ever.

Raw Food Diet

Here's what I got to say, nothing can be healthier than eating all natural food. From fruits, vegetables and even fish. I grew up with fresh food on the table. My father created a small farm right at our very yard. The health benefits? well, throughout my lifetime I was never hospitalized. No one in the family got seriously sick. My parents are active and they even look younger for their age. 

With proper discipline, having a raw food diet everyday is going to be easy. Raw food living is now a trend in some countries. I pray that this trend will be permanent and I hope it will never change. With the fast food industry getting bigger, I am very thankful that organic products are also out competing. Better, if organic raw food will replace most canned, dried and frozen goods in the supermarket. Since it is fresh and free of preservatives, raw food must always be consumed within a certain period of time. And this guarantees that something fresh and healthy is always served on the table everyday, from breakfast, lunch, dinner and even on special occasions. I came across some easy raw food recipes.  Restaurants serving organic are coming out slowly. I went to several restaurants where they offer organic ingredients for your dish. And I thought I'll have a hard time introducing raw food to a little boy who would rather choose fried chicken and chocolates. Believe it or not, at the age of 6, my son is loving organic.

KFC Philippines, We May Have A Problem with the Double Down Chicken Sandwich

You must be kidding me KFC! We've been in and out 6 KFC restaurants for the past 2 days and all you gave my family was total disappointment. 

1. KFC Katipunan Avenue

2. KFC P. Tuazon Cubao

3. KFC Ali Mall Cubao

4. KFC Shopwise Cubao

5. KFC Gateway Mall Cubao

6. KFC Telus near Farmers Market Cubao

Not a single Double Down Chicken Sandwich from any of these restaurants. Sadly, all your service crew could ever answer us was "it's very good, that we've run out". Really? What if I want a Double Down Chicken Sandwich for dinner or as a midnight snack since you have stores open 24 hours.

Note: we visited these same fast food chains on different dates, Meaning: Sunday, all 6 restaurants weren't able to give us a single double down chicken sandwich and yet again yesterday none from any of them, and today all wasn't able to cater.  Don't give us the reason that's "it's very good, that we've run out". Regardless of time, the moment you released the commercial, you should have also considered the possibility for the demand to shoot up. 

Your marketing strategy without a doubt was pretty good. Your commercial on the new KFC Double Down Chicken Sandwich was effective. But you did not have enough supply to meet the demand.

Aren't you suppose to be doing something about this shortage? A week  or even a day or 2 after the release would be enough to gauge it.

I'm thinking, maybe your the joking part in your commercial has a deeper meaning in it: that this is all a big joke!

Ginger Rice

If there's something I learned from my On The Job Training 10 years ago, Ginger Rice was one of them. It was one of the main rice courses the guests and clients are always looking for in that particular 5 Star hotel.  Luckily, after my restaurant training, I was assigned at the kitchen of that very same restaurant and it was time to discover the magic that was happening in order to serve scrumptious dishes everyday. The chefs were not allowed to give it's trainees the secret recipe,  so I became more observant of the ingredients and the process. 

Today, I will share my own recipe on how to whip up this healthy rice dish.

Note: The recipe I will be posting is far different in order to protect the hotel's menu and it's business.

Simple Ingredients:

• Your regular rice
• Ginger- may be crushed, sliced, chopped or minced (equivalent to 1 tablespoon)
• Dash of Turmeric (luyang dilaw)

How To: Boil them all together

Trivia: Turmeric is also from the Ginger family. Turmeric is used as a spice in South Asian and Middle Eastern cooking.

One of the healthy use of Ginger is to  lower cholesterol levels and prevent the formation of blood clots. And it's been proven. Here's more about the Health Benefits of Ginger.

Tomorrow, I will be cooking a different version of Ginger Rice, watch out for it.

The Most Wonderful Time In November

We all get excited as our birthdays approaches right? We think of presents, parties, food, family and friends together. As a matter of fact, it's like Christmas, only, the celebrant is the center of everything, she/he will be receiving all the gifts. But with all that was mentioned, as always, I never really require so much to celebrate. I grew up with simple gatherings and most of them were celebrated with my family and few of my close friends. Right now, I feel very excited, because in a few weeks it is going to be my birthday. Another opportunity to give thanks for the graces I received from the past, blessings to come, to ask for strength and patience for the challenges that I need to conquer.

Turning 32 is not a big deal for me. As long as I'm living the life my Creator wanted me to have, age are just digits. Numbers that we can even change and manipulate. But if we talk about peace of mind and happiness, that would be the true gauge if a person is fulfilled as he or she celebrates his/ her birthday every year. Let's stop the drama here and on with my birthday plans. 

First thing that I will do as I wake up early the day of my birth is to hear mass with my family. My husband and my son are the most precious gifts that was given to me. It is important for me to show Him how happy I am with my 2 boys, how He made my life meaningful through them.

As always, I spend the whole day doing whatever we want. Oh by the way, my Canon Camera is turning 2 on the day of my birthday too. It was a gift from my husband in 2008. Since so much has changed, I would also like to share that blogging became more interesting when I started sharing occasions like these. I remember, the reason I asked for a DSLR  was to be able to deliver clearer pictures to my readers, right between introducing myself to blog advertising and websitehosting.

My camera was the only material thing I requested for my birthday throughout my 20-25 years. When it was given to me, I couldn't ask for anything more. With that, nothing big is expected for my birthday this year.  Just dinner at my favorite restaurant, maybe do a little shopping, a little sightseeing,  a new reading would be great too. Let's just wait and see (wink!)

How Safe Is Your Drinking Water

Just a year ago, my son suffered from a terrible tummy ache, which was later on diagnosed a serious sickness acquired from drinking water. For our home, we have been a frequent buyer of clean water, processed for this matter. But ironically when we eat or dine out somewhere, sometimes we stay satisfied with tap water. So when my son got this terrible sickness, we immediately traced the cause, and true enough, tap water was the main reason. Let's face it, our environment is not as clean compared to our grandparents' time. Reverse Osmosis Water Filter was the only purification method they considered back then. Now in the present, water filter of all types are popping out in the market  just to be able to preserve with what's left of our natural running water.

With what my son went through, I have a filtering system for every faucet in the house. We still buy processed water for drinking just to be sure.

Genghis Khan

I made this dish out of curiosity. Just a few weeks ago, I was enjoying an International Buffet with my family. I was going through everything, and a dish called Genghis Khan caught my attention. As a food lover, I was also distinguishing the flavors. Believe me, it was served and presented like our ordinary braised beef and it looked plain like our regular beef steak without the onions.

A strong name for a simple looking dish, what more can you do but to try it yourself and find out what makes it different. I really mean it: you will be able to tell and distinguish the extraordinaryness of this dish once you have tasted it. Often prepared and cooked using a metal skillet inspired by a Mongolian Soldier's helmet, also known as the Mongolian, Barbecue Grill. Usually served with mixed  vegetables and noodles or may top  your hot rice.

I don't have my own recipe to share for this dish (promise I will work on it).

For now, this will do:Genghis Khan Recipe