Love At First Bite!

Chicken Pastel

2010-12-29T14:36:00.001+08:00

In a bowl, marinate chicken lemon juice and soy sauce for an hour.

In a skillet, melt margarine and brown chicken. Set aside.

Sauté onion, minced bell pepper and mushrooms then add chicken broth. Simmer for 15 minutes then add chopped potatoes and carrots, sweet peas, vienna sausage, grated cheese and milk. Continue cooking for 10 minutes. Salt to taste.

Transfer mixture into a baking dish.

Pre-heat oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit.

In a bowl, combine 2 cups flour, a teaspoon of salt, 1/4 cup cold water and 1/2 cup butter. Mix into a ball. On a flat surface, roll flat the pastry and cover the chicken pastel mixture and seal the sides by pressing on the edges. Remove excess pastry. Punch small holes on the pastry to let out steam during baking then brush with beaten egg yolk (egg wash).

Bake until pastry is golden brown (about 15-30 minutes).

Fish Fingers

2010-12-28T11:13:00.001+08:00

For this recipe, I used cream dory fillets. You may use any fish fillet of your choice.

Start off with cutting the fillets into finger sizes (easier to use kitchen scissors). Rub with salt, pepper and paprika (or chili powder). Set aside.

Heat oil in pan. Drench the fillets in beaten egg, and finally in bread crumbs. Make sure it is covered thoroughly. Fry the fillets until golden brown.

For the dip, mix together mayonnaise, pickle relish, salt, pepper and a dash of sugar.

Banana Boats

2010-12-27T09:00:00.000+08:00

Peel the plantains (saging na saba) and cut a slit through the middle. Set aside.

Saute ground pork, minced carrot and raisins in garlic and onion. Use this as filling for the bananas.

Fry the bananas in oil until golden brown.

Cream Puffs

2010-12-26T10:46:00.000+08:00

For the pastry: In a medium saucepan, combine shortening and water and bring to a boil. Sift together 1 cup flour and a pinch of salt and pour all at once into boiling mixture. Stir vigorously until mixture forms a ball. Remove from heat, and add eggs, one at a time, stirring vigorously after each addition. Drop by spoonfuls onto baking sheet, or pipe into desired shape.

Bake 10 minutes in the preheated oven, then reduce heat to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C) and bake 25 minutes more, or until golden. Cool completely.

For the custard: In a small saucepan, combine 1/2 cup sugar, 5 tablespoons flour and a pinch of salt. Stir in milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 60 seconds, then pour a small amount of hot liquid into the 2 egg yolks, and stir. Then return now heated egg yolks to saucepan and stir, over heat, until mixture starts to bubble again. Remove from heat, add vanilla. Cover and chill in refrigerator.

Cut custard in half and fill with custard, then replace tops.

Chicken Galantina

2010-12-25T20:22:00.005+08:00

Clean the deboned whole chicken thoroughly and rub with salt and pepper. Set aside.

In a bowl, mix together 1/2 kilo of lean ground pork, chopped vienna sausage, chopped ham or chorizo, pickle relish, chopped olives, grated cheese, bread soaked in milk, 3 eggs and a cup of bread crumbs.

Stuff half of the mixture in chicken. Arrange boiled eggs and carrots and spread remaining mixture. Sew opening. Wrap chicken in foil (or cheesecloth) and steam cook for 1 1/2 hours. When done, remove chicken from foil and roast/bake for 30 mins at 350 degrees F. Cool or chill chicken before slicing using a very sharp knife.

For the sauce, boil chicken drippings in a pot and add 2 tbsp dissolved cornstarch and half cup of grated cheese. Stir until thick.

Serve hot with cheese sauce or cold with ketchup.

Merry Christmas....hik!

2009-12-25T21:10:00.005+08:00

If drinking is evil, then why did Jesus turn water into wine? Exercise caution. Drink moderately. Happy Christmas and be merry!

Apple Cherry Pie

Christmas Surprise

Afterglow

Cranberry Crazy

Peach Melba

Cheesecake

2009-11-02T17:14:00.006+08:00

In a shallow bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, white sugar and melted butter. Press evenly at the bottom and on the sides of a round pan. Refrigerate.

For the filling, whisk together 16 oz (2 bars) of cream cheese, 1/2 cup of white sugar and 2 tbsp flour. Add 3 eggs. Avoid overbeating. Add 1/2 cup of whipped cream, 1 tsp lemon zest and 1 tsp vanilla extract or banana essence.

Pour the filling over the chilled crust. Preheat oven at 250 degrees Celsius and bake the batter at 180 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. Continue baking for another 1 1/2 hrs at 120 degrees Celsius or until firm. Let it cool. This cheesecake is best served frozen. Serve with fruit sauces (blueberry, strawberry, etc.) or sour cream on top.

To make chocolate cheesecake, modify the filling by adding a cup of powdered cocoa or melted chocolate and substitute the whipped cream with sour cream.

Chocolate Crinkles

2009-10-18T18:03:00.009+08:00

Using a double broiler, melt 4 tbsp of butter and a cup of semi-sweet or bittersweet chocolate over low heat. If you are using cocoa powder, you may just use a saucepan to combine the two. Set aside.

In a separate bowl, whisk together a cup of flour, 1/2 tsp baking powder and 1/4 tsp salt. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs while gradually adding a cup of granulated sugar. Add 2 tbsp vanilla essence. Combine this with the dry mixture and the chocolate mixture. Mix well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2-4 hours.

Place the confectioner's sugar in a shallow bowl. Form 1-inch diameter ball using the chilled dough and roll it in sugar until it is completely covered. Continue forming the cookies and place them 1 or 2 inches apart from each other in the baking sheet.

Preheat oven and bake the cookies at 175 degrees Celsius for 5-8 minutes or just until the edges are slightly firm. Do not overcook. The cookies should be toasty on the outside but soft and chewy on the inside. Remove from the oven and let it cool. These cookies are best served when warm.

Chicken in Creamy Garlic and White Wine Dressing

2009-09-06T20:25:00.008+08:00

Marinate chicken breasts in salt, pepper, a pinch of dried oregano, garlic cloves and a little balsamic vinegar. Remember, just a little -- it depends on how much chicken you would use. Otherwise you could end up cooking adobo instead. Place the marinated chicken in a heat-resistant container and let it stand for 30 mins to an hour or overnight. Preheat oven and cook chicken for 25 mins at 375 degrees (180 degrees if using a turbo broiler). Set aside.

For the white sauce: Melt some butter in a non-stick pan over low heat. Put a little flour. Mix. Quickly add in the buttermilk (or evaporated milk) and heavy cream (or all-purpose cream). Add some white wine. Stir. Add a little water or milk to adjust thickness -- the thinner the sauce, the better. Add salt, pepper and a dash of thyme to taste. Put some minced parsley if you have it. Put away the pan from the heat and set aside.

For the potatoes: Boil the baby potatoes in a deep pot. Drain and set aside. In the same pot, melt butter over medium heat and add the finely chopped garlic. Saute for a minute then add the baby potatoes. Keep mixing until potatoes are coated with flavor. Add salt and pepper.

To serve, place the chicken in a huge plate, smother with white sauce, then garnish with baby potatoes on the side!

Chopsuey

2009-08-26T10:20:00.000+08:00

Saute garlic, onions and pork pieces in a big pan. Add a cup of shrimp stock and salt. Mix in the shelled shrimp and chopped vegetables - young corn, snow peas, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, cauliflower and celery. Add another cup of shrimp stock, fish sauce and dissolved cornstarch. Simmer until the vegetables are done. Careful not to overcook the vegetables. You may add drops of sesame oil, salt and pepper to taste.

Crab Adobo

2009-08-21T22:57:00.010+08:00

Chop the crabs into quarters with a large knife. Remove the crab fat or aligue and combine it with vinegar. Pour any liquid out of the back shells and do not use the brown meat for this dish, it will make the sauce look and taste muddy. Set aside.

In a large wok or pan, heat oil and stir-fry garlic, onions and fish sauce for a couple of minutes. Add crab pieces, lower heat and simmer for 3-4 minutes or until the crabs turn orange. Pour the crab fat-and-vinegar sauce and let it simmer until the sauce turns a little thick.

For Singaporean Chili Crab recipe, simply take off the vinegar, replace the onions with minced ginger and add tomato paste or kethcup, melted butter, sugar and red chilies to the crab fat sauce.

Chicken Roll (Cordon Bleu)

2009-06-11T10:30:00.000+08:00

Slice the boneless chicken breast into a thin, wide sheet. Add a slice of cooked ham on top, followed by sliced cheese or cream cheese spread. Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper. You may add vegetables such as carrot sticks and chopped broccoli.

Carefully roll up the sheet into a log, making sure that the fillings do not spill on each end. Fasten the log with toothpicks. Then, using a turbo broiler, bake for 30mins at 180 degrees, or until brown.

If you want a crispy outer layer, roll the log in breadcrumbs and deep fry in oil until golden brown.

Cheese Sticks

2009-06-07T13:23:00.003+08:00

Using lumpia wrap (spring roll wrap), carefully roll sliced cheese sticks sprinkled with chili powder and pickles. Fry in a pan until golden brown.

For the dressing, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, salt and pepper.

You may also try adding macapuno (coconut sport strings) instead of chili powder and pickles.

Pastillas de Leche

2009-04-09T02:58:00.002+08:00

Put drops of food color to a can of condensed milk ( use any color you want). Pour the condensed milk in a bowl of powdered milk. Make sure the proportion is enough to make the batter a bit firm. Mix.

You may add ground nuts or dried fruits for a little variety. Mold the batter into bite size shapes, then roll in sugar. Serve with candy sprinkles and mini marshamallows for a creative treat.

Homemade Tacos

2009-04-07T14:26:00.004+08:00

To make the meat filling, saute ground beef in garlic and onion until brown. Put some soy sauce and tomato paste, a dash of sugar, salt, cumin (optional) and pepper. Continue mixing until dry.

To make your own salsa, combine chopped tomatoes, minced onion and red bell pepper. Pour some ketchup and drops of hot sauce. Mix.

Get some taco shells, then stuff it with salsa, ground beef, shredded cabbage and grated cheese. There you have it!

Nilagang Baka

2009-03-31T02:33:00.001+08:00

Using a pressure cooker, boil the sliced beef chuck in water, salt, whole peppercorns and chopped onions.

When meat is already tender, add sliced unpeeled banana (saging na saba), sweet potato chunks, green beans, bokchoy or pechay, and cabbage. Sprinkle a little sugar to taste.

Halo Halo

2009-03-30T21:45:00.004+08:00

This traditional Filipino summer favorite is prepared by mixing various boiled, sweetened treats - beans, fruits, gelatin, coconut strings, halaya/ube, corn and puffed rice - topped with shaved ice, ice cream and evaporated milk. It is usually served in a tall glass or bowl.

Beef Bulalo

2009-02-28T13:48:00.008+08:00

Combine all ingredients in a pressure cooker - beef shank, whole peppercorns, chopped onions, chopped tomatoes, a small packet of tamarind mix, salt, water and a little sugar.

The amount of water will depend on how many grams of beef you use. Just make sure to follow instructions for your pressure cooker on the maximum amount of liquid that you actually put in it.

Place the pressure cooker over high heat. Cook for 30 minutes. Remember, the counting begins only once pressure has started building up. Turn off the heat and release the pressure. Open the lid. Using a fork, see if the meat is tender already. If not yet then cook it again for another 30 minutes following the same procedure.

Thanks to Tito Obet for sharing this incredible recipe! This is not your ordinary bulalo, it's truly one of a kind.

Chicken Inasal

2009-01-11T18:03:00.001+08:00

Marinate chicken quarters in achuete oil, minced ginger, minced garlic, salt, pepper, sugar, kalamansi extract or lime juice and lemongrass. Let it stand for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

To grill the chicken, wrap it first in aluminum foil and grill for about 30 minutes or until chicken is cooked. When done, remove the foil and place the chicken directly onto the grill to cook the skin thoroughly. Serve with salted egg and ensaladang mangga or atchara.

Empanaditas

2009-01-08T13:35:00.003+08:00

To make the dough: Combine 2 cups sifted flour, 1/2 tbsp yeast or baking powder, 2 tbsp unsalted butter, 2 eggs and some sugar. Roll the dough into small circles flattened to about 1/8-inch thick and 4-inch wide. Sprinkle with flour and set aside.

To make the filling: Saute minced pork/beef in oil with minced garlic. When cooked, add minced potatoes, green peas and raisins. Pour a little vinegar and soy sauce to give a brown color to the mixture. Season with salt and pepper.

To make the pastry: Put 1 heaping tablespoon of filling into the center of the dough. Fold the edges of the dough, dabbing it with egg white and then crimp the edges with a fork to seal it. Brush the empanaditas with egg wash (beaten egg yolk) on top. Bake them at 250 degrees for about 25 minutes or until golden brown.

Tiffany

2009-01-05T08:48:00.003+08:00

Combine coconut juice and lychee juice in a bowl. Sweeten with sugar. Boil over medium heat, and gradually add gelatin (agar-agar).

After boiling, add fresh grated coconut and chopped lychee fruit. Slowly pour the mixture into decorative molding containers. Let it cool at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator.

Why was this yummy dessert called Tiffany? I have no idea. :+)

Beef Pot Roast

2009-01-01T13:15:00.006+08:00

Rub the beef chuck with rock salt and lots of ground black pepper. Set aside.

Using a pressure cooker, heat some oil and begin searing the beef on both sides. Searing is basically frying the meat in oil, cooking its outer layer. This will help lock the flavors of the beef while simmering. After searing, remove the meat from the oil and set aside.

Add flour (cornstarch) to the oil and mix thoroughly until lumps disappear. Pour beef broth and continue mixing (amount of flour and broth will depend on how thin/thick you want the gravy to be). Add chopped garlic, bay leaf, a pinch of dried thyme or fresh thyme and red wine. Cook in high pressure for about an hour. Add in the chopped potatoes and carrots (or celery if you wish) and continue cooking for 15 more minutes.

Chili Prawns

2008-12-30T17:57:00.007+08:00

Cook the prawns in water with salt for 5 minutes. Make sure not to overcook it. Set aside.

In a separate pan, fry some minced ginger and garlic, gradually adding the cooked prawns. Set aside.

Using the same pan, mix together some ketchup, vinegar, sugar and dried crushed chili pepper (you may use chili powder or ground black pepper as substitute). Turn up the heat and add the sauted prawns to the mixture. Mix until the prawns are coated evenly with sauce.

from my table to yours

2008-12-25T19:53:00.004+08:00

Happy Christmas!

Bagoong Rice

2008-10-14T04:52:00.004+08:00

For this recipe, you will need leftover rice.

Heat butter in a wok. Fry the chicken (or pork)strips, minced garlic and onion altogether. Gradually add bagoong (shrimp paste). Add the cooked rice and scrambled eggs (chopped into strips). Season with salt and pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh tomatoes, radish and chopped green mangoes (if available).

Bistek Tagalog

2008-09-01T21:44:00.000+08:00

Marinate thin slices of beef in soy sauce and lime for at least an hour.

Heat oil in a small pot and saute some garlic until brown. Fry the beef slices until half-cooked. Add some water and the remaining marinade. Simmer until the beef is tender, adding water ocassionally to keep it from drying. Adjust the taste by adding a little oyster sauce and ground black pepper. Lower the heat and add onion rings. Simmer for another 5 minutes and serve.

Tocino with Coleslaw

2008-08-27T11:49:00.002+08:00

Slice the pork into thin strips. Marinade for at least 2 hours in a mixture of sugar, salt, ground black pepper, banana or tomato ketchup and 2 tbsp. of vinegar.

In a frying pan, boil some water and place the pork strips carefully one by one. When water is almost gone, pour the remaining marinade and mix until the sauce thickens. Put some cooking oil and fry until quite dry. Serve the tocino with fried rice and coleslaw.

Corned Beef Sinigang

2008-08-22T21:34:00.001+08:00

Boil the chopped onion, garlic, tomato, radish and 1 whole banana pepper in a pot. You can put gabi and string beans if you like. When the radish is tender, add sinigang mix. Adjust the taste with some salt and a little sugar. Cover the pot and simmer for about 5 minutes. Add the corned beef (best to use Palm or Ox and Palm brands) and stir carefully. Simmer for another minute and serve.

Pork in Coconut Gravy

2008-08-16T11:56:00.001+08:00

Boil the diced pork. Set aside. Saute with chopped garlic in a pan using peanut oil, adding some of the broth, red wine, white pepper, sliced ginger, chili pepper, sugar and salt. Bring to a gentle boil then add coconut milk. Simmer until cooked.

Chiliiiiiiiss Con Carne

2008-08-13T09:49:00.000+08:00

Heat oil in a casserole and add finely chopped onion. Cook gently for a few minutes until soft. Add minced garlic, red or green bell pepper, red chili pepper and chopped jalapeno peppers. Increase the heat before adding the minced beef, stirring until browned. Sprinkle some chili powder and paprika, then add the chopped tomatoes and tomato puree. Pour a little soy sauce and a dash of ground pepper. Bring to a boil then add some salt and sugar, adjusting the taste. When almost cooked, add the red kidney beans and boil for another 5 minutes. Serve with nachos or rice.

English Adobo

2008-08-10T04:43:00.005+08:00

Pan-fry some onions, garlic and bay leaf. Add diced British rashers. When meat is slightly brown, pour equal portions of vinegar, soy sauce and water. Bring to a boil then add pineapple chunks and baby potatoes. Sprinkle some ground and whole black pepper. Simmer until vinegar is cooked. Serve with steamed rice.

Igado

2008-07-23T14:32:00.000+08:00

Saute onions and garlic in a deep pan, followed by the cubed pork (some prefer to use ground pork) and pork liver. Add some water and a cup of vinegar, just enough to tenderize the meat, and some fish sauce. Add in the chopped bell pepper and green peas (for this recipe I used young corn instead). Sprinkle with ground black pepper. Simmer until vegetables are cooked. Chili pepper is optional.

Tinolang Manok

2008-07-21T15:00:00.000+08:00

In a deep pan, fry the chicken pieces with minced garlic, onions and chopped ginger. When half-cooked, add 2 tbsp fish sauce (patis) and 4 cups of water. Bring to a boil. Add the sliced chayote or green papaya and chili leaves or spinach.

Simmer until tender. Adjust the taste by adding more fish sauce or salt.

Carrot Potato Soup

2008-06-09T05:03:00.004+08:00

Heat oil and butter in a pot. Saute garlic and onions. Add grated potatoes and carrots. Put some water and bring to a boil. Simmer for 15 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and lime extract.

Special Omelette

2008-06-09T04:57:00.004+08:00

15-minute meal courtesy of my good friend, Jane.

Saute garlic and onion in a pan, followed by chopped fresh tomatoes. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Put the sliced hotdogs. Simmer again for 5 another minutes. Add the beaten eggs, salt and pepper. Best served with fried rice!

Ham and Bacon Sub

2008-06-09T04:52:00.004+08:00

Because it is very easy to prepare, this is one of my favorite 'baon'. A submarine roll with layers of ham, crispy bacon, cheese, lettuce and mayo.

Sinangag Mix!

2008-04-25T06:28:00.003+08:00

Heat some sunflower oil in a pan. Saute the following in order: minced garlic, scrambled egg, green peas and carrots. Add cooked rice. Mix until the rice is slightly brown. Season with salt and pepper.

Ginataang Pinakbet

2008-04-25T06:18:00.004+08:00

Brown diced pork in oil. Set aside. Saute garlic, onion, diced tomatoes in the same pan and combine the pork. Add shrimp paste (as much as you like) and hot pepper (optional), followed by the squash and coconut milk (about 2 cups) and a cup of water. When squash is tender, add the aubergines and put the string beans last. simmer until vegetables are cooked.

Prawn Pasta in Garlic Alfredo

2008-03-18T04:37:00.003+08:00

Heat oil in a pan. Melt some butter and with it, saute the thinly sliced garlic until brown. Add prawns and cook for a couple of minutes. Put the sliced mushrooms in and stir fry. Pour the cream and let it simmer. Season with chopped parsley and ground pepper. Sprinkle with cheese. Pour over cooked fetuccine or spaghetti pasta and serve with Cornish pasty or empanada.

Bicol Expresssssss!

2008-03-10T07:13:00.006+08:00

In a deep pan, stir fry cubed pork until brown. Add grated ginger, minced garlic, onions, chopped bird's eye chili, and shrimp paste. Mix. Pour some coconut milk and simmer for a few minutes. Add your choice of chopped vegetables (for this recipe I used frozen spinach). Season with fish sauce.

Chili Chicken Breast Fillet

2008-02-18T07:32:00.004+08:00

Heat oil in a pan. Fry the chicken fillet until brown. Then saute it with garlic, onions, chopped chili and sliced mushrooms. Add soy sauce and tomato sauce. Mix. Pour a cup of water and simmer for 15 minutes or until tomato sauce is cooked. Serve with steamed rice.

Arroz Valenciana

2008-01-01T20:18:00.001+08:00

Prepare 5-6 cups of cooked glutinous rice. Set aside.

Brown garlic in a pan, add onions, fish sauce, chicken meat and liver. Simmer until chicken is fully cooked. Add the cooked rice. Then pour 3-4 cups of coconut milk. Sprinkle with salt, little sugar and turmeric. Mix to even the flavors. Leave for a couple of minutes to cook. Add raisins and carrots. Simmer for 20 mins covered with banana leaf. Serve in a bilao or in a shallow pan.

Maja Blanca

2008-01-01T19:47:00.001+08:00

Prepare the mixture in a large pot -- a box of cornstarch, 8 cups of coconut milk, sugar, yellow food coloring and a can of cream style corn. Cook over very low heat while constantly stirring. Stir until it thickens -- this may take about 30-40 mins. When done, pour the mixture to a container and let it stand for about 30 mins. Sprinkle with latik or grated cheese.

Burger Steak in Mushroom Gravy

2007-12-23T16:02:00.000+08:00

In a bowl, combine ground beef, minced onions, salt and pepper. Form into medium-sized patties. Fry until brown. Set aside.

For the mushroom sauce:
Saute minced onions in butter. Add a little flour and mix using a whisk to avoid lumps. Add the sliced mushrooms (make sure to drain it; do not to use the water from the can in making the broth because it can make your gravy too salty). Add 2-3 cups of beef broth (if unavailable, just combine hot water with beef cube) and white wine (about half a cup). Simmer for a few minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour over the beef patties and serve.

Fish and Chips

2007-11-05T14:39:00.000+08:00

Fish: Drench cod fillets in egg mixture (egg, flour, salt, pepper) and roll in corn meal. Deep fry until crispy and golden brown. Serve with tartar sauce.

Chips: Slice the potatoes into desired shape and size. Marinate in salt, pepper and liquid smoke for 20 minutes. Deep fry until golden brown. Bake in the oven for 15 mins at 350 degrees.

Lazy Sunday Zesty Garlic Pasta

2007-10-22T07:44:00.000+08:00

Cook pasta to al dente. Don't forget to add oil, salt and pepper while it boils. Drain and set aside.

In a medium pan, saute minced garlic and chopped mushrooms in olive oil. Add a teaspoon of lemon zest or grated lemon peel (use orange zest if lemon is not available) and squeeze in a few drops of pure lemon/orange juice. Mix. Add chopped fresh spinach and parsley. Mix. Pour the pasta over the mixture and continue mixing. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.

Paella

2007-10-17T13:40:00.000+08:00

Heat olive oil in a wide, shallow pan (use a paellera if you have one). Stir fry the cubed chicken breast and chorizo (or any kind of sausage you have on hand). Set aside.

Saute garlic, onion and diced bell peppers (use red, green and yellow to add more color to your dish) in the remaining oil. Add diced tomatoes and continue mixing for about 2 mins. Put 1 cup of rice (spanish, arborio, jasmine or just regular rice) and continue mixing. Season with paprika and saffron (kasuba). Pour a can of chicken broth in the mixture and let it boil. Stir occasionally to avoid rice sticking to the pan. When rice is already cooked, continue to simmer until enough water has evaporated leaving the paella only a bit sticky but not too dry. Add the fried chorizo, chicken and sweet peas. Adjust the taste with salt, pepper and a little sugar. Garnish with fresh lemons.

To make a seafood paella, substitute the chicken and chorizo with mixed seafoods (clams, lobster balls, shrimp, squid, etc) but there is no need to fry it (just make sure it is cleaned well and cut into desired sizes...if using shrimp, just peel it all the way thru the tail but keep the head intact -- or your choice of course!) When rice is cooked, top it with the mixed seafoods and cover the pan with aluminum foil. The steam will cook the seafoods.

Pork Loin in Sour Cream Gravy

2007-09-28T13:56:00.000+08:00

Marinate the pork loins (preferrable boneless) in equal portions of smoked paprika, salt, pepper and chopped garlic for 30 minutes to an hour. Fry in medium heat until golden brown. Set aside in a plate.

To make the sauce, combine a cup of sour cream, white pepper, salt, mustard and a pinch of curry powder. Stir mixture over low heat for 5 minutes. Pour over the pork loins then garnish with chopped parsley.

Lobster Omelette

2007-09-28T13:41:00.000+08:00

Caramelize the onion in olive oil and gradually add finely chopped lobster meat. Sprinkle with paprika, salt, white pepper and parmesan cheese. Continue mixing until the lobster is cooked. Set aside.

In the same pan, pour the egg mixture -- that's 2 beaten eggs with a teaspoon of milk and sour cream, salt and pepper. When the egg is almost done, put the lobster mixture at the center and flip the egg from the side to form a half circle. Sprinkle with more parmesan cheese or top with a teaspon of sour cream.

Pork Ginger Vermicelli

2007-09-27T11:02:00.001+08:00

In a medium pan, fry pork cubes in oil until brown, followed by sliced ginger, minced garlic and onions. Add just enough water or chicken broth to boil the meat. When the meat becomes tender, add the vermicelli noodles and continue mixing. Put as much water/liquid broth as needed because the noodle will absorb the liquid. Season with fish sauce and ground black pepper for better flavor.

Chunky Creamy Potato Brocolli Soup

2007-09-14T14:26:00.000+08:00

In a medium pot, boil the brocolli florets and diced potatoes with a little salt until tender. Drain. Set aside the broth.

Then using a blender or food processor, process half the cooked vegetables until smooth. Chop the remaining vegetables and set aside.

In the same empty pot, melt butter and saute minced white onions, adding flour until the mixture becomes bubbly. Add chopped celery (optional). Add milk and reserved broth, stirring constantly. Bring this to a boil and adjust the taste with salt and pepper. Add in the chopped vegetables -- this will give texture to the soup. You may also add cheese (cheddar or processed cheese is the best option). Serve with bread on the side.

Chicken Enchilada

2007-09-11T14:17:00.000+08:00

Spread about half a cup of refried beans in a 10-inch flour tortilla. Mix cooked chicken (you may use leftover fried or roasted chicken) with sour cream and cream of chicken then pour it to the tortilla. Top with shredded cheddar or processed cheese. Wrap the tortilla and place it on a greased baking dish. Make 2 to 3 more tortillas or as many as you want as long as it fits the baking dish. Pour enchilada sauce over the tortillas and sprinkle with ripe olives or green onions. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-30 minutes without cover. Serve with sour cream or guacamole (a kind of dip which is made by combining avocado and salsa) on the side.

Baked Sweet and Spicy Chicken

2007-09-09T15:44:00.000+08:00

Marinate chicken in brown sugar, sliced ginger, soy sauce, paprika, salt and pepper. Set aside for 30 minutes to an hour. Bake in the oven at 450 degrees for an hour (you may use a cookie sheet covered with foil if you do not have a roasting dish). Then put the oven to 'broil' mode for 5 minutes.

You may serve this with your favorite soup or side dish. For this recipe, I chose mushroom soup with diced potatoes. Just heat butter in a pan, then saute diced potatoes, add evaporated milk and a little flour, salt and pepper and finally, add a can of mushroom soup. Stir until the soup is hot enough but make sure it does not boil or it will lose the right consistency. Garnish with flaked parsley on top.

Easy Ribs

2007-09-07T12:27:00.001+08:00

This recipe is as easy as one-two-three.

One: Boil the ribs (beef or pork) with just enough water, onions, salt and pepper.

Two: Marinate the boiled ribs in your favorite barbecue sauce for half an hour.

Three: Broil the ribs in the oven for 20 minutes.

You may use the grill instead of the oven, but remember to keep basting while the ribs cook.

Elvis' Sandwich

2007-08-17T10:51:00.001+08:00

Here's a nice idea for a quick, healthy and unique snack.

Grab a hotdog bun or any kind of bread you like. Spread with peanut butter (I used Nutella in my recipe) and pop in a couple of slices of ripe bananas. You can add ground hazelnuts or use a chunky peanut butter instead. You can also experiment by using marmalade or your favorite spread. Be creative.

Smothered Ziti in Mozzarella

2007-08-14T09:18:00.000+08:00

Heat pan over low heat and put a cup of butter or margarine. Saute minced white onions and let it caramelize. Add 2 tablespoons of flour, evaporated milk or 2% milk and cream of mushroom. Stir until thick. Add a generous amount of grated parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. Mix. Remove the pan from heat.

Drench the cooked penne pasta in the mixture and sprinkle two handfuls of shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue mixing until pasta is evenly covered. Place the pasta in a microwavable dish and top with the remaining mozzarella cheese. Bake for 5 mins at 350 degrees. To make that crusty, golden brown cheese topping, switch the oven to 'broil' and let the pasta cook for another 3 mins.

I've Been Tagged!

2007-08-07T06:51:00.000+08:00

I've been tagged. Twice. And so as not to lose that certain culinary 'feel' of my blog, I let my taste buds speak about 8 facts that a lot of people might not know about me.

Here are the mechanics:

>>>In the 8 facts about [name], you share 8 things that your readers don’t know about you. At the end, you tag 8 other bloggers to keep the fun going. Each blogger must post these rules first.

>>>Each blogger starts with eight random facts/habits about themselves.

>>>At the end of the post, a blogger needs to choose eight people to get tagged and list their names.

>>>Don’t forget to leave them a comment telling them they’re tagged, and to read your blog.

Now, time to know more about your online chef wannabee!

1) I will not eat peanut butter sandwich unless it's Nutella -- the original, creamy hazelnut spread from Ferrero. It's quite expensive but it's really the best.

2) My all-time specialty is chicken soup. However, my secret ingredient will remain secret.

3) At 6 yrs old, I discovered my true passion for cooking when I saw my lolo cook Kare-Kare using carabao meat. Carabeef, as they call it, is indeed tastier and more succulent than regular beef.

4) Next to the electric light bulb by Thomas Edison, I think the latest and greatest American invention is Hot Pockets.

5) My least favorite Filipino food is palabok. Reminds me of halo-halo placed on top of cooked pasta.

6) I get serious headaches when I drink coffee or anything with coffee in it. But when I unusually crave for coffee, I drink it with the strongest antacid I can find.

7) I find it most difficult to cook adobo.

8) You can take me to KFC for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snack and I won't get tired of their fried chicken. I just can't get enough of it. Me and my best friend even call it our 'friendship fastfood chain'.

So to Eliza, Jaya, Lois, Aimee, Karl, Helen, Abi and Chat.....it's your turn! You've been tagged!

Happy tagging everyone! =)

Not So Wild Buffalo Wings

2007-06-24T23:13:00.001+08:00

To make the breading, combine flour with equal portions of rock salt, paprika, ground black pepper, garlic powder and cayenne powder in a bowl. (In this recipe I used a teaspoon of each spice for 1 cup of flour).

Cover the chicken wings evenly with the flour mixture. Freeze wings for an hour to let the breading stick to the meat and let flavors seep in. Deep fry until golden brown. Set aside.

In a small dish, combine melted butter and hot sauce. Baste the meat with this mixture. Serve chicken wings with dunking sauce -- ranch dressing or barbeque sauce.

Kare-Kare

2007-06-24T22:59:00.000+08:00

Boil pork or beef until tender. Set aside.

Saute garlic and onions in oil. Add the meat and stir fry for about 5 mins. Pour the coconut milk (3 cups for 1kg of meat). Let it boil. Add peanut butter or ground peanuts (you can put as much as you want). Simmer until sauce thickens. Sprinkle with a little salt and 1 tbsp sugar. Add the vegetables -- 1 whole cabbage cut into quarters, pechay, string beans, eggplant cut into small portions and banana blossoms (optional). Cover pot and simmer again for 10 mins. Serve with shrimp paste (bagoong) on the side.

Dinuguan

2007-06-23T19:13:00.000+08:00

In a large pan, saute garlic and onion in oil. Add some fish sauce, followed by the pork chunks (I used 1kg of pork) and innards. Cook until tender. Add 3 cups of vinegar and banana peppers. Simmer for 20-30mins. Add the pig's blood and stir ocassionally until sauce turns into a deep brown color and becomes thick. Season with salt and sugar. Serve with rice or puto.

Pinoy Meatloaf (Embutido)

2007-06-10T19:46:00.000+08:00

Prepare all ingredients -- about half a kilo of pork, 2 raw eggs, chopped red bell pepper, chopped pickles, finely chopped raisins, vienna sausage cut into small pieces, grated carrots, chorizo de bilbao (optional), grated cheese, pan americana cut into cubes (you can put as much as you want), salt, pepper, little sugar.

Combine all these ingredients in a bowl and mix until well-blended. Get 2 handfuls of the mixture and roll it in aluminum foil. Cook in a steamer for 45 mins to 1 hr.

If using an oven, put the mixture in a baking dish or mold and bake at 350 degrees for 30 mins.

Kani Salad

2007-06-09T01:57:00.000+08:00

Combine crabsticks, ripe mango and cucumber (all cut into very thin strips) and bamboo shoots in a bowl. Add Japanese mayonnaise. Mix, mix, mix.

Beef Caldereta

2007-05-22T01:13:00.000+08:00

Boil the beef chunks in a casserole until tender. Set aside.

In a deep pan, saute garlic, onion, beef chunks and chopped bell pepper. Cook for 2 minutes over medium heat. Pour the beef broth and let it boil. Add tomato paste (one small can) and minced hot chili pepper. Lower the fire and let it simmer. Add chopped potatoes and pitted green olives. Season with salt, pepper and a little sugar. Simmer again for a few minutes until potatoes are cooked. Add cheese and liver spread (one small can) and allow sauce to thicken. Finally, add the green peas and cook for another minute.

Tuna Pasta

2007-05-19T23:44:00.001+08:00

Boil the pasta in water with oil and salt for 10-15 minutes. Set aside.

Saute garlic, onion and 2-3 pieces of tomatoes in oil. Wait for the tomatoes to cook thoroughly before adding the tuna chunks (you may use albacore tuna in water or simply tuna chunks in water). Continue stir frying all the ingredients. Add some ground oregano or basil, salt and pepper.

Arrange pasta in a deep platter (this way the pasta will maintain its temperature). Place the sauce on top and put lots of grated cheese.

Sweet n Sour Meatballs

2007-05-19T00:53:00.001+08:00

To make the meatballs, combine ground pork, salt, pepper, paprika, chili pepper, an egg, and some flour. Shape the pork mixture into 1-2 inch meatballs. Fry until golden brown. Set aside.

In a hot pan, put some oil then saute minced garlic and chopped bell peppers. Add the meatballs, a small can of pineapple tidbits, some vinegar and brown sugar. Cook until the sauce thickens.

Leche Flan

2007-05-12T23:59:00.000+08:00

Use a hand mixer or a beater to combine the custard ingredients -- 10 egg yolks (preferrably duck egg), a big can of evaporated milk, a big can of condensed milk and 2 cups of sugar. Add half teaspoon of grated dayap peel or lime zest.

To make the caramel, pour 2 cups of sugar in a small pot over low heat. Stir the sugar when bubbles start to appear. Wait until sugar is dissolved. Pour the caramel into flan molds or custard cups, followed by the custard mixture.

Cover the flan molds with foil or plastic wrap (you may fasten it with rubber bands). Place the flan molds in a steamer and cook for an hour or until mixture is firm.

As an alternative, you may use oven to cook the flan. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Put the flan molds into a bigger tray filled with water (adding water every 20 minutes). Bake for an hour or until mixture is firm.

Humba Lumba!

2007-05-12T23:56:00.000+08:00

Brown the pork in oil. Do not cook thoroughly. Set aside.

In a large pot, combine minced garlic, peppercorns, bayleaf, oregano (optional), star anise, banana blossoms, cinnamon bark, a cup of sugar, a cup of vinegar and a cup of soy sauce. Add in the pork. Simmer until vinegar is cooked.

Laing

2007-05-12T23:50:00.000+08:00

Saute garlic, onion, pork and a teaspoon of minced ginger in a pan. Add 3-4 handfuls of taro leaves (dahon ng gabi) and pour in a cup of coconut milk and half a cup of water. Do not mix yet. Just let it simmer until the leaves are cooked. Pour another cup of coconut milk and hot chili pepper (siling labuyo). Add salt to taste. Simmer for another 10 minutes.

Baked Mc!

2007-05-12T23:32:00.000+08:00

Cook the macaroni (or any pasta shape you wish including lasagna) to al dente. Set aside.

For the Red Sauce:
Saute garlic, white onions and ground beef (may use pork or corned beef). Add chopped bell pepper, grated carrots and a small can of tomato sauce or spaghetti sauce. You may add ketchup if you want it Filipino style. Simmer until bubbly. Add a teaspoon of soy sauce, a pinch of salt, a dash of pepper and a teaspoon of sugar. Simmer again for a few minutes and add grated cheese. Set aside.

For the White Sauce:
Heat pan over low heat. Add in butter, a teaspoon of flour, 2 cups evaporated milk and cream of mushroom. Stir until thick. Sprinkle a dash of nutmeg and remove from heat. Set aside.

Combine cooked macaroni and white sauce. Distribute evenly.

In a medium oven-proof or microwavable dish, put in half the macaroni, followed by the red sauce. Create another layer of this. Garnish with grated or sliced cheese on top. Preheat oven at 250 degrees for 10 minutes. Bake the macaroni for 20-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and slightly burnt. If using a microwave oven, bake the macaroni for 15 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Haw Haw Beef Salpicao

2007-05-06T17:29:00.000+08:00

Combine olive oil, a bulb of minced garlic, salt, pepper and paprika in a bowl. Marinate beef chunks (you may use leftover beef or steaks) in this mixture for an hour. Saute the marinated beef in oil. Add remaining marinade and simmer until sauce thickens. Add oyster sauce. Simmer again for a few minutes. Add a teaspoon of butter and remove from heat.

Bihon Guisado

2007-05-06T16:22:00.000+08:00

Saute diced pork or chicken, shrimp, garlic and onions in oil. Add the chopped carrots, chicharo, string beans and cabbage. You may try adding chopped siling labuyo for an added kick. Stir fry until done. Pour in stock and soy sauce and let it boil. Toss in the noodles then season with salt and pepper. Simmer until noodles are tender. Garnish with fried tofu.

Fishy Lumpia

2007-05-06T00:39:00.001+08:00

Mix flaked cooked fish meat (best to use leftovers), minced onion, carrot, garlic (optional) and pickles (optional).

Place filling in lumpia wrappers and roll tightly. Use cornstarch and water to seal the lumpia.

Deep fry lumpia in oil until brown.

Mmmmmorcon!

2007-05-06T00:08:00.000+08:00

Marinate beef (sliced into 3/4" thick whole sheets) in soy sauce and calamansi extract for 30 minutes.

Prepare the stuffing (strips of bell pepper, strips of pickles, strips of canned sausage/chorizo de bilbao, hard-boiled eggs sliced into quarters, strips of carrot, strips of pork fat, strips of cheese) and roll into the sheets of meat. Tie with kitchen twine.

Sprinkle the morcons with flour and fry until brown.

On a separate pan, saute onion and tomatoes in oil. Add remaining marinade or beef broth, and a small can of liver spread. Add salt, pepper and a teaspoon of sugar. Simmer for 30 mins.

(Tip: Use tomato sauce instead of fresh tomatoes for longer shelf life.)