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Home Cooking during Pandemic

By on October 12, 2020

Note: This is the continuation of my blog, ”Home Cooking during Coronavirus Pandemic”

Home cooking during this season offers another marvelous opportunity to cook more and to eat more, it’s a day entirely dedicated to enjoying home-cooked meals. These days, planning a meal for the family is simple, but it can be difficult to accommodate everyone’s preferences. As a result, many households end up preparing more than one meal at the same time, which results in more time spent cooking.

The pandemic has made it more difficult for everyone to go out and shop, as there are now more factors to think about (such as the best days to go out shopping) and less readily available food. Due to a rise in the number of home cooks, both experienced chefs and those just starting out are finding themselves short on staple ingredients. Thank goodness there are plenty of grocery stores close by. Because I am alone in the kitchen, I have to work quickly when time is of the essence and I need to get dinner on the table as soon as possible. By planning meals in advance or the day before and taking advantage of a few shortcuts, I save not only time but money as well. The high price of food is beyond my means. I always choose the cheapest option.

Since the pandemic began, my life has taken a turn for the worse, and I often feel hopeless about the future. I’m sure I’m not the only one who shudders at the thought of what comes after a pandemic; in preparation for it, I’ve been extra careful ever since, and I even made some rules for the house to ensure that everyone stays healthy and safe. Like all mothers, I have to enforce strict rules at home.

No matter what the norm of the future turns out to be, the food we eat every day won’t change. Home-cooked meals are unparalleled. I feel closer to my family now that I have experienced a true taste of home. Agreed, it’s a pleasure to prepare a meal for a loved one.

Here are my tried and true family meals during the pandemic

At home, I served two different types of recipes, along with a soup or salad as an appetizer. In order to maintain a healthy diet, I focus on selecting foods that are high in the essential nutrients. In an effort to model healthy eating behaviors for my children, I prepare vegetables on a daily basis. Creating special versions of dishes we eat on a regular basis is one of the ways I try to brighten my family’s day and communicate my love and concern to them through the medium of food.

My before and after cooking pictures

Before

If I’m going to cook, I want the scent to permeate the entire house; believe me when I say that it almost always gets everyone in the family gathered around the table right away.

After

Here’s one I prepared earlier, it’s a Classic Morcon a dish that is well-liked by all. I usually make extra food so that I can save some for the next day or keep some on hand for a quick dinner the day after that. Also, I like to have something ready to go for lunch the day after that. Since it is a meal that has already been prepared, heating it up on the weekend will be relatively simple.

Before/After pictures of Mango Float

Mango Float, an icebox cake layered with fresh ripe mangoes, graham crumbs, condensed milk, and, of course, the Alaska Crema whipped cream, is a cold delights dessert. Making this sweet treat is a breeze.

Before/After Pictures

Cholesterol Free Pancake with fresh fruits for breakfast. My cholesterol-free pancake routine is getting boring, so I’m going to switch things up by adding fresh fruit. When we make our own breakfast, I can control what goes into my family’s food.

Before/After cooking pictures of Garlic Buttered Crabs

We prefer male crabs because their larger claws hold more white meat, but the female crab’s meat, especially the orange fat they call “aligue,” is tastier in my opinion.

Before/After pictures of Oysters omelette

My Oyster Omelette is a wonderful addition to the table, and because it is so simple to make, it is an excellent choice for a speedy meal on hectic days. I purchased these oysters at SM Supermarket, where they were contained in a transparent plastic brick and priced appropriately. When shopping for oysters at the grocery store, it is important to be aware of the different types available and determine which ones are best suited for cooking. Oysters purchased there are safe to consume, but when I go to the wet market, I always make sure to ask the vendors there where the oysters originate because this is a common question. I don’t buy oysters or any other shellfish that comes from Cavite waters because I just think they are dirty. The red tide poisoning that comes from Cavite oysters is extremely dangerous. Oysters can be obtained in an easy and risk-free manner by purchasing them from supermarkets; however, they need to be cooked on the same day that they are purchased.

Easy Beef Nachos our favorite snack.

My homemade Assorted Fruit Shakes and Smoothies

I love surprises! This is something a little special to serve.

Pineapple-Pear Shake

Kiwi-Strawberry Shake

There is nothing better than foods that have been cooked at home, especially when the kitchen is in charge. It takes a little bit of patience to achieve great results when using any of my cooking methods, whether they are modern or traditional. However, this is all worth it in order to make our house a better place….

I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog. Maintain your safety and good health.

Take care and Goodnight fellas!

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Arts/ Home Ideas | My Indoor and Outdoor Photography | Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas

Home Cooking During the Coronavirus Pandemic

By on July 31, 2020

The pandemic season has given us more opportunity we never thought we would experience but up to now we are still facing similar crisis following the given protocols and restrictions under each level of quarantine from ECQ—MECQ—GCQ and of all measures, ECQ is the strictest. The COVID 19 stay home orders to keep us safe and minimize the risk of spreading, the great concern to wear mask and comply with social distancing measures to stay homebound but our country cautiously to loosen slowly back to the new normal life adopting to new rules to follow. Since it is impossible to predict when the pandemic will end or how long it will take to recover, people should not be expected to remain indoors indefinitely.

There are many things to ponder in times of great unpredictability, such as the current state of our economy and the hardships faced by those who have lost their jobs or are struggling to make ends meet due to the closure of businesses hit hard by the pandemic. However, I would like to express my gratitude to the government aid programs that have provided unemployed citizens with cash handouts and food packages.

I think I’ve finished up after the lockdown. Since everyone in my family now works remotely, I’ve been spending most of my time seeing to their needs and ensuring their safety. I’m afraid the worst is yet to come. I’ve recently deleted Facebook for five months so that I can devote my full attention to my family and their needs, shop online, and narrow my focus to the bare minimum.

Despite the difficulty of the situation, I was able to maintain a positive outlook by taking pleasure in learning about exciting new cooking techniques and delicious new recipes. The summer season (March–May) was fruitful, with a plentiful supply of in-season fruits at discounted prices, including nearly the best fruits and some of my favorites at their peak. Having a stocked fridge gives me a wide variety of meals to choose from. The only way I know to keep loving and happy while quarantined during a pandemic is to experiment with new recipes in the kitchen. Do you agree that everyone needs a break after being locked up for so long?

Here are the meals I cooked for my family at home and documented with photographs before serving them during the pandemic

Breakfast in the garden (with Frosty, the family dog, joining us, of course).

Cooking from the garden features seafood dishes that can be prepared quickly and easily.

My Chicken Congee with Century egg

We look forward to our favorite breakfast together each and every Sunday. The most important meal of the day is breakfast, and it’s even better when it’s eaten with people you care about.

Bulalo is a dish made with beef, and the bone marrow that is present in all of the bones can be plainly seen in the dish. It has always been a fan favorite.

Steamed Crabs with Black Bean Sauce

Sizzling Sisig They can be made to look like this with some extra work on your part. This is the type of recipe with which I grew up, so I know I can trust the results.

Sizzling Spicy Squid with Vegetables is another sizzling recipe of the day.

Beef Burger with Mushroom Gravy, Additional side dishes, such as steamed broccoli and French fries, are presented in a base formation.

My Japanese Gyoza

My Special Cheezy Morcon is delicious and addictive.

Steamed Shrimps with Fried Slices of Eggplant. Beautifully arranged on a plate, the circular order or rounded form presentation, my family will be able to enjoy the rest of the meal.

Snacks and Desserts

My sister Anne is a registered nutritionist-dietitian, so she is an expert when it comes to calorie counting, but I am not, so I gained a little bit of weight while cooking, cooking, and more eating.

During the pandemic season, it seemed like my family’s meals were specifically designed to be exciting new experiences. It’s easy and straightforward no matter which of the many available simple courses you choose to pursue. What should I do to get ready? Sorry, but you’ll have to wait until your next post to share more photos.

 Late afternoon, I’m fortunate to view the sunset from our own garden.

The fact that we have our very own pomelo tree gives us a sense of pride, and the presence of pomelos in our very own backyard is exciting.

I used to wake up earlier on Friday nights so that I could blog, but in order to make up for lost time on Saturdays and Sundays, I made it a point to turn off all electronic devices, including my laptop, my cellphone, and the television, so that I would not be disturbed while I was trying to fall asleep. It’s almost time for me to head off to dreamland now. Good night to everyone, and thank you for taking the time to read my blog!

Stay Home and Keep Safe Always

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Recipes for busy moms/Fruits/Desserts/Salad/Decorative Ideas

Sinabalu / Piat Cagayan

By on March 9, 2018

Sinabalu is a local specialty famous in Cagayan Valley especially in Piat and neighboring towns of Tuao and Rizal. Sinabalu is a staple of local cuisine; it’s made by roasting glutinous rice flavored with salt and coconut milk in a bamboo tube over a low fire while wrapped in banana leaves.The subtle flavor is wonderful and pairs perfectly with brewed coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. I’m confident that you’ll enjoy it because it has no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. When cooked over real wood charcoal, the aroma and flavor are at their peak.

Cagayan residents have spent generations perfecting their distinct regional cuisines and delicacies. Sinabalu and other local specialties like Pawa, Puto, and Patupat (all dekats fairly beginning with letter P), to name a few, are essential components of each Christmas, wake, fiesta, wedding, or other special holiday celebration. I’ve loved it ever since I was a kid, and not just for breakfast or midday snacks. Because I live in the city and don’t get to eat the same favorites all the time, I always look forward to my brother and his wife’s monthly visits, because they always bring some local specialties from Piat. A relaxing way to spend time with friends is over a cup of freshly brewed coffee and some Sinabalu slices.

The good quality you can buy it fresh in  Piat Public Market first hour in the morning and food stall vendors near “Basilica Minore de Nuestra Senora de Piat Church” You can find the best Sinabalu in a reputable source from Barangay Accusilian, according to my relatives from Tuao, a 2nd class Municipality in the Province of Cagayan.

Both the traditional White Sinabalu and the more recent Brown Sinabalu are available, with the latter offering additional health benefits, particularly for diabetics, thanks to the use of brown glutinous rice in the cooking process. It has a very short shelf life and can only be frozen for 2 days before rapidly losing quality.

Visit my birthplace Piat Cagayan to taste all local specialties. I’m sure you’ll love it!

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Restaurant Review

How to Arrange Fresh Fruits on a White Plate

By on October 14, 2017

My desire to perfect the essence of wonderful flavor combining a sour component to blend with the sweetness of other fruits. Plenty of room for fruit imagination set-up and clean presentation to achieve aesthetic appeal. Here are 2 good examples on how to serve fresh fruits on a white plate and in a small glass.

The concept of arranging fresh fruits in a small glass, photo shows a good example on how to serve fresh fruits in a small glass. It’s the lighter approach of individual serving.

You can apply different shapes, the esthetic appeal cutting

Fruit cuts illustrated next post..

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Restaurant Review

Diner on 16th Overloaded Milkshakes

By on October 13, 2017

People around Kapitolyo knows about these Overloaded milkshakes. I heard about this Diner on 16th from a dear friend, got so curious but didn’t give much interest till I craved for it! I’m so excited to try these Overloaded milkshakes. Diner on 16th is a casual restaurant that serves a typical all American comfort food. Me with my friend went there one hot afternoon, the best choice for us is something more substantial on a hot day so it goes for Overloaded milkshakes be our first order.

Diner on 16th

Strawberry Cotton Candy Cone Milkshake – the most popular among all milkshakes that everyone loves. Elegant presentation with cotton candy on top, enticing enough for the kids and will surely bring a happy smile to little kids face.

A wonderful creation to entertain you, when it flows, it’s perfect. You can just sit down and relax and let Overloaded Milkshake entertain you. It is always be the best choice for the youngsters especially college students. The sweetness is just light.

The second milkshake will tempt you even more, S’nores Milkshake it is rich and creamy with a fluffy sponge cake on top. Glossy and sophisticated! Very inviting presentation as shown and that makes it unique from the rest of other milkshakes around Kapitolyo.

Other Wonderful Milkshake creations to choose from; Strawberry cotton candy cone, Chocolate covered mallows, Chocolate milk and Strawberry flavored pretzels, Strawberry chocolate and caramel syrup+custard syrup. I think, it is not technically difficult but if you can create like this, you’ll achieve attractive effects. The taste is sweet and creamy.

Meatball Pasta

Fitting everything noontime, it’s time to sit down for a brunch. Our 3rd order, Meatball Pasta topped with 3 small meatballs and 2 bread sticks.As shown, garnished with fine celery leaves. The clean presentation is quite good but the taste is just right.

Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken with Ube Waffles

Followed by our last order which is a combination serving, this is good for sharing, Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken with Ube Waffles nicely formed Ube flavored waffle topped with icing sugar that unites for both breakfast and lunch with 3 small pieces of chicken slightly browned and crisp served with maple syrup and a heart-shaped butter good enough to spread-out. The Soy Ginger Glazed Chicken was crispy but not my taste buds can go all with it, just a selected few.Let me try again next time…

Diner on 16th is an American Comfort Food. 

 Address: 16 United Street, Kapitolyo, Pasig, Metro Manila

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Restaurant Review

Dragon Fruit Bowl

By on October 12, 2017

Lazada Philippines

There are many ways of serving fruits, one attractive way of serving is to use the fruit shell itself, it is good not only for fruits but for vegetable salad too. The dragon fruit shell makes an attractive serving dish for fresh fruit salad. Instead of using glass bowl or cocktail glass I prefer to use the shell of the dragon fruit, one best advantage you can get, no more washing of glass wares needed.

A dragon fruit is a kind of fruit  traditionally identified by their colors and unique scaly skin. Compared to other fruits, the dragon fruit is better because the skin is quite soft and durable like a flexible rubber. The green scales and pink background of the skin makes it a perfect serving bowl.

 

Dragon fruit bowl with a folded  decorative umbrella

It is quiet easy to make this kind of fruit bowl. There’s no practice needed, first attempt is already perfect as long as you slice it neatly. Try it!

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