Lia's Food Journey

Vegan Holiday

2012-01-29T22:33:00.000+08:00

I will be going on a Vegan holiday for several days. I am entertaining my BFF from NYC and we have a lot of trips and activities this coming couple of weeks and then I will start again.

No Name

2012-01-29T10:26:00.000+08:00

The restaurant near Rockwell and Metroclub is more known by the name, No Name but its business name is You Jie Xiao Chao. It is just a hole in the wall but they serve very good and simple Chinese food. Not the usual Cantonese fare, a bit different. Most of the dishes were spicy but we just got the mild ones or not spicy at all.

PD invited me for dinner after her Saturday Beading Class. She ordered mostly vegetables for us, a change from our carnivore fare although the vegetarian dishes were not low fat but I have to give her A for effort.

My favorite was the Steamed Fish Head!!!!

It was not spicy at all and I loved all the jelly like bits and parts of the head! It came on a very big platter, we had half a head each!!! I missed my mom for an instant last night because she would have loved the fish head.

I ordered the tofu soup with pechay.

We had the dumplings!

I loved it also but I think it has bits of pork in it so I cannot order it again if I am aiming for a vegan meal..

The fried green beans was good but not healthy because I think it was deep fried?? But PD liked it.

She also ordered the Kuchay with Egg.

I just tried a forkful because I cannot have eggs.

PD also got the Sweet and Sour Pork.

It was an interesting dinner for me. Not the usual suspects but I do not mind going back for the fish head even if I am not supposed to eat fish. Celine would have loved it, maybe when she is my house guest we will eat there again and enjoy the yummy fish jelly like bits and pieces.

Minced Vegetables in Lettuce Cup

2012-01-28T15:00:00.000+08:00

Finally, I was able to buy canned water chesnut in Market!Market! supermarket. I also asked Jing to buy for me in Cash and Carry. Good thing I have a spare can in my pantry now. Thanks, Jing!

I experimented with Minced Pigeon sans the pigeon. It is somewhat similar in taste when you eat the Peking Duck a second way.

Minced Vegetables in Lettuce Cup

6 pcs. dried winter mushrooms, soaked in hot water for 30 minutes then water squeezed out, stems removed and caps minced finely
8 pcs. water chesnuts, minced
2 T. cashew or walnut, toasted and chopped
1 T. light soy sauce
1/2 T. dark soy sauce
1/2 T. Vegetarian Strir-Fry sauce
1 t. sugar
1 t. cornstarch dispersed in 1 t. water
1/8 t. salt
pepper

Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 stalk leek, white parts only, sliced thinly
1 t. oil
1 t. Chinese cooking wine

Heat oil in a non stick pan. Saute the leek and garlic until fragrant. Add the vegetables and nuts, toss around the pan. Add the Chinese wine and continue cooking until the sizzling dies down. Adjust the seasonings according to taste.

Transfer onto a serving dish.

hoisin sauce
iceberg lettuce

Separate the iceberg lettuce leaves, rinse, spin dry and refrigerate until ready to use. Trim the curly edges until the leaf forms a cup.

Spoon the minced vegetables into the lettuce cups and top with hoisin sauce.

The recipe actually calls for minced pigeon, chicken or duck but I omitted it. You can also add fried rice stick noodles(bihon) but then it will not be low fat anymore.

Broccoli with Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms

2012-01-27T00:58:00.000+08:00

A very easy vegan dish to make .... my dinner ....

Broccoli with Tofu and Shitake Mushrooms

Broccoli florets
canned shitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps sliced

Tofu, cut into cubes
garlic, sliced
ginger, sliced
1 T. Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir-Fry sauce
1 T. light soy sauce

1 T. dark soy sauce

1 t. white sugar
water
1 t. cornstarch

Boil water in a pot. Add the broccoli florets, cover and cook for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold running water. Set aside.

Mix all the sauces, cornstarch and sugar in a bowl. Add a little water and adjust according to taste.

Heat oil in a wok, saute the garlic and ginger, add the broccoli and mushrooms. Then the sauce. When it boils, add the cubed tofu. Be careful the tofu is very soft. Transfer onto a serving dish.

Stir Fried Vegetables with Glass Noodles

2012-01-26T15:07:00.000+08:00

I am back to my vegan diet again because it really is very effective in controlling my blood sugar. My lunch was:

Stir Fried Vegetables with Glass Noodles

150 g. spinach leaves
2 T. Canola Oil
1 T. sesame oil
garlic, pounded
red pepper, cut into strips
1 chile pepper
6 pcs. woods ears mushrooms (tenga ng daga), soaked for 30 minutes in hot water then cut into strips
6 pcs. canned shitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps cut into strips
carrot, cut into strips
2 leaves Chinese cabbage, cut into strips
2 stalks leeks, sliced diagonally
80 g. glass noodles (sotanghon) - Long Kow Sapporo brand is the best, soaked for 30 minutes then drained
2 T. soy sauce
2 t. sugar
salt

Boil water in a pot. Add the spinach leaves and cover for 2 minutes. Drain and rinse the leaves with cold water. Squeeze the water from the spinach, separate the leaves and add to the carrots, 2 kinds of mushrooms, Chinese cabbage and leeks.

Heat the canola and sesame oil in a wok, saute the garlic, red pepper and chile pepper (mash wile cooking) for 10 seconds. Add the rest of the vegetables and continue cooking for 3-4 minutes.

Add the glass noodles and season to taste.

I thought that after my Vegan diet I can eat normal, regular food. Yesterday, my friends and I had lunch with our balikbayan classmate, Barbie, at Aristrocat in Jupiter.


Jodie, Lia, Tricia and Barbie

We ordered the Chicken Barbeque with Java Rice

Pancit Canton

Honey Fried Chicken and Fresh Lumpiang Ubod (forgot to take a picture).

We even had the Torta Delos Reyes.

When I checked my sugar this morning, it went up to 194!!!! I just realized that it can go up so high so fast for eating non vegan food. So, I suppose this is a lifetime commitment unless I am attending a special occasion or when I go on trips.

I am going to Boracay and Cebu with my BFF soon!!!! Vegan diet will be on hold. That will make my blood sugar spike but will make up for it.

PS. I love this tea!

Rustans Rockwell has a French Food Festival. It tastes as good as the TWG Caramel tea and the aroma is sooooooooooo ..... two thumbs up!!!!

Vegan Report Card

2012-01-25T15:46:00.000+08:00

I just finished my 21- day Vegan Diet... well ... shy of 2 days but I am not going to beat myself on my head just because I did not complete. I am very happy with the results and have learned a lot.

My blood sugar went down to 119 from a high of 254 before I started the diet on January 4.

I can wear some of the shorts I could not before for fear of getting gangrene!!! Hahahaaha Because they were too tight. Now I have to use a belt to hold them up.

I can now distinguish what kind of food will make my blood sugar spike. Animal products and all kinds of fat including Olive oil.

Carbs are not the enemy if you choose your battles well. Good carbs in its natural form are corn, sweet potatoes, brown rice, al dente pasta, etc.

I will not eat meat as much as possible but I will indulge occasionally, especially when I am out of town or celebrating an important event.

I would like to continue to live a healthier lifestyle. I am happy and excited for what the future will bring.

Final Grade : 92% Not bad at all!!!

Chinese New Year - Diet Holiday!!!

2012-01-23T21:25:00.000+08:00

I declared today a Diet Holiday! Tomorrow is the last day of my 21-day vegan diet but will extend it up to the 25th to make restitution for my sinful ways.

It started last night during the Post Homecoming get together with my classmates and I had 3 pieces of Chicharon! They left 2 more bags here, I invited Mona and Jing for lunch and we had it for appetizers!!! I also ate fishballs and the vegetables with kare kare sauce. ARGGGGHHHH!!!!! I felt physically ill after lunch. I suppose my system cannot take food high in fat anymore.

Then Merienda time, PD invited us to eat at Lugang, Greenhills! Jing could not join us anymore because she had to go home to her boys. So, it was just Mona and I who got lucky.

I forgot to bring my camera, I only used my Blackberry. The pictures are not as bright and clear as I want them to be.

I was looking forward to my Vegetarian Dumplings with Truffle Oil but they ran out of stock!!!!

I got the Steamed Angled Loofah (patola) with Shrimp Xiao Long Bao instead.

I also ordered the Hot and Sour Soup and requested for a vegetarian version.

We also got the Steamed Crab Roe and Pork Xiao Long Bao.

I tried one piece and the filling had orange crab fat!

Taiwanese Stir Fried Rice Noodles with Pork. I had a forkful of the noodles but not the pork.

Taiwanese Stewed Pork in Steamed Buns. I did not try anymore.

Pan-Fried Dumplings

We ordered our favorite Mango Flavoured Shaved Ice

I realize that my body cannot tolerate fatty animal products anymore. Maybe after my vegan diet I will convert to Pesco-Vegetarian .... but I will see.

Surprisingly, after eating 3 pieces of Chicharon last night, I had my lowest blood glucose reading at 119 this morning! My lowest ever in the past 5 years.

There is life after CHICHARON!!! Hahahahahaha! NOT!

Homecoming

2012-01-23T20:00:00.001+08:00

My friends and I held a get together for our US based classmates, Lisa, Barbie and Paz, last night at my house.

As usual, we had so much fun and laughed so hard to the point of tears!

We reminisced about all the silly and crazy things we did in high school, who our seatmates were and talked about our classmates who did not want to lend us their Touch and Go liquid corrector nor let us copy from their notes.

We only prepared Filipino Food as requested by the Balikbayans.

The number one favorite of the night was the Fishballs with Sauce!

I set up the deep fryer and it was a fry your own fishballs affair.

The secret to plump fishballs: you should not freeze it.

I asked Hermie to buy Shanghai Fishballs at Guadalupe market and just stored it in the fridge, not in the freezer.

I made my own sauce too.

Fishballs Sauce

1 small bottle of Pepsi (337 ml.?)
1/4 C. vinegar
1/2 C. white sugar
1-2 T. soy sauce
1 T. cornstarch diluted in 2 T. water

Combine Pepsi, vinegar, sugar and soy sauce in a pan. Adjust according to taste. Let it boil then add the cornstarch. For a spicier version, mash a few pieces of siling labuyo.

I also cooked the request of Lisa, Baby Adobong Pusit. http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/10/adobong-pusit.html

Kare Kare from scratch. http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/easy-kare-kare-from-scratch.html

I had to cook my own food and shared it with everybody. They liked it and asked me to post the recipe.

Vegan Fresh Lumpiang Hubad

6 cloves garlic, crushed
1 onion, sliced
2 pcs. tokwa (firm tofu), cubed
orange and yellow sweet potatoes, julienned
sayote, julienned
carrots, julienned
green beans, sliced diagonally
bean sprouts
cabbage, shredded
1 can Molinera Garbanzos, rinsed, drained and skin removed
1 bunch kinchay, chopped
Soy sauce
salt
pepper
sugar
msg (optional but not for me)

Saute garlic and onions in a little oil. Then add the tokwa, mash it while sauteing. Season with a little soy sauce.

Next, the sweet potatoes, carrots and sayote. Add about 1 cup of water, salt, pepper, sugar and msg. When half done, the green beans can be added. After a minute or two, add the bean sprouts, garbanzos and cabbage. Adjust according to taste. Transfer onto a serving platter lined with Green Ice lettuce leaves and sprinkle ground Happy Peanuts mixed with a little white sugar on top. Serve with Lumpia Sauce.

Lumpia Sauce (Philippine Fiesta Recipes cookbook)

1/2 C. brown sugar
1/4 C. Datu Puti soy sauce
2 C. water
3 T. cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 C. water
msg
garlic, pounded

Heat 2 C. water, sugar and soy sauce. When it boils, add the cornstarch mixture. Top with garlic.

Tricia, Mico and Jodie ordered pork barbeque and crispy pata from Ambers.

Mylene brought Pixies Bangus

Serla got us the Kikiam from the Rockwell Chinese Food Fair.

Mona cooked Chicken Adobo with liver and she also made burong mangga.

Tin brought Napoleones.

Catherine got us the Ube cake from Red Ribbon.

It was the birthday of our 2 US friends, Paz (yesterday) and Barbie (January 13).

And lastly ...... Michelle brought 4 BIG bags of freshly cooked chicharon from Lapid!!!!!!!!

It made me commit a sin! I cheated!!!! I had 3 pieces!!!! OMG and I do not even like chicharon! I am going to make restitution for my sin.

Barbie gave me 2 boxes of Twinkies! My favorite!

I kept them in my private pantry.

My BFF Lisa gave loot bags to everybody but mine was the most special, of course.

She was so excited when she handed me the little box and said.... open it!!!

It was an ipod nano!

But me .... being so un-techie asked, what is an ipod nano???? LOL All the kids said... Tita Lia! Give it to me if you do not know what it is!!!!

No!!! It is mine!

Thank you so much, Lisa!!!

I am so glad you are home for a visit! I have many plans for you! See you when you get back from Bangkok with your parents and siblings.

A Quick Recharge in Tagaytay

2012-01-20T01:16:00.001+08:00

Celine, Mona and I went to Tagaytay for a quick recharge.

My friends and I have been so stressed out lately and we just wanted to take a breather.

Stayed at One Tagaytay Place in their 1 Bedroom Suite.

Ohhh.... there was this beautiful place called Balai Taal.

We were allowed to do an ocular. I told Jing when we have extra money if we could please, please, please spend the night in that place. LOL She said: Lia, 50 pesos is extra money, NOT 30,000!

The villa has 5 bedrooms,

living room,

a big dining room,

kitchen,

quarters for the maids and drivers and a spectacular view!

What more can I ask for?

They also allow you to hold small intimate weddings at the garden of Balai Taal villas.

Imagine the bride coming down from the garden stairs.

It was my first time to visit Ilog Maria, a honeybee farm.

Bought a few products, mostly sampaguita scented stuff for my friend Lisa and also for myself.

My favorite scent of all time, a mixture of Sampaguita, Jasmine and Ylang-Ylang.

The glycerin facial soap made the skin on my face a bit tighter. I plan to order when I finish my bar of soap. Check out their website: http://www.ilogmaria.com/

Another place we visited was Bag of Beans, so cute and cozy.

Lots of private nooks....

A function room ....

and a very BIG cat!

I did not have much food choices as a vegan... I had mostly vegetarian food.

Mushroom Sandwich from Mushroomburger.

Vegetarian Pie from Bag of Beans

I brought my own oatmeal and apple and just got the mango from my complimentary breakfast.

We ate at MerBen Canteen Tapsilog sa Tagaytay - Home of Extra Special Bulalo and Crispy Fried Tawilis.

Read it from Heart 2 Heart blog... according to Rica, it was Gaita who recommended the place to her.

Mona said the meat was very tender and the hot soup was delicious. A medium order was good for 3-4 persons.

Two more servings left in the big bowl.

They asked the waiter to give them extra marrow.

Well .... I had a bowl of broth because I did not like the vegetable pancit canton I ordered.

They also tried the Crispy Fried Tawilis.

It was a restful couple of days, I am more energized and ready to tackle the upcoming activities.

Crystal Jade, Greenhills

2012-01-16T22:40:00.001+08:00

I am in my vegetable dumpling obsession. I already tried the one from Lugang Cafe several times and today , I wanted the dumplings of Crystal Jade in Greenhills.

Hmmmm not bad .... but honestly ... I prefer the dumplings of Lugang, albeit, more than double the price.

I also ordered the Vegetarian Fried Spring Rolls.

I asked the cook to make the Hot and Spicy Soup, vegetarian. I should have told him to make it Vegan.

I forgot to tell him not to put eggs. I loved the soup. I am not sure though if the soup was meat-based or not.

There is still an on-going Chinese Food Fair at the Concourse Level of Rockwell.

I bought the Tofu Cua Pao with Whole Wheat Bun.

Surprise!!!!! It tasted very good! Almost as good as the one made with pork!!! I have a new favorite. I bought it from Ha (Ho?) Yuan.

For dinner, I cooked Vegan Sotanghon

and Stir-fried Asparagus, Broccoli and 2 kinds of Mushrooms.

Mona had 5 strips of crispy bacon and I shared the veggies with her.

FBS = 121!!!! I am almost near my goal. Actually, I am now considered, bordeline diabetic. Well .... LOL ... according to a medical website, not according to my doctor. But I am almost there!!!!

Chinese Vegetable Soup

2012-01-15T21:27:00.000+08:00

I was browsing the net for a tofu soup recipe when I came across the vegetable soup recipe.

I used tofu squares, diced carrots, shitake mushrooms and frozen peas. I also used my new Massel Vegetable Stock Powder which I bought in Rustans, Rockwell.

It was still too bland for my taste so I added soy sauce and black vinegar. It was better! Then I thought to myself, hey ... this tastes like vegan Hot and Sour soup. So.... next time... will try to experiment.

I had lunch at Panceteria San Jacinto and I ordered Fried Tofu and Chop Suey Chow Mien.

I just asked the waiter to tell the cook not to include the meat and shrimps.

I bought a vegetable burger at a take out place in C-5 and after taking a bite, I did not swallow it and threw the patty in the trash can. I gave Wriggly the whole wheat bun. Vegan food gets bad reputation sometimes because there are some establishments which sell food that taste like cardboard.

Day 12!!! I am half way through! Yes! I can do this.

I almost gave in

2012-01-14T20:11:00.000+08:00

I am on my 11th day of Low-fat Vegan diet and I am going crazy. I almost gave in to my weakness this morning and I survived and did not cheat. My Kuya asked me to buy 2 trays of dimsum in Rockwell, there is Chinese Food Fair at the concourse level. I almost, almost, almost popped in one piece of Hakaw.

I promised myself I will do this 21 day vegan diet, so people will not say that I cannot finish anything. After that said period, I do not know if I will continue or not. Will do another blood test again so I can check if my numbers really went down.

I just made Steamed Tofu with Shitake Mushrooms for dinner. Not as exciting as I wanted it to be.

Oh God! I am just holding on by a very thin thread. LOL I better go to sleep at 8:00 pm hahahaha.

Vegetarian Stir Fry Sauce

2012-01-12T15:32:00.000+08:00

I tried the Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir Fry Sauce today and was happy about it.

I cannot use oyster sauce in my veggies because it has animal-derived ingredients. I just looked in my fridge and used whatever was available. The result was a delicious medley of color, texture and taste. It was so easy to make, took less than 10 minutes.

Stri-fried Vegetables

1 T. Canola oil
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1 knob ginger, sliced
red pepper, cut into squares
celery, sliced
button mushrooms, sliced
carrot, sliced
Chinese cabbage, cut into strips
snow peas

Sauce

1 T. Lee Kum Kee Vegetarian Stir Fry Sauce (You can use oyster sauce for non-vegans)
1 T. Pantai Light Soy Sauce
1. t. Pantai Sweet Soy Sauce
1 T. water
1 t. white sugar

Mix everything in a bowl and season to taste.

Heat the oil in a wok over high heat. Saute the garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add all the vegetables and stir- fry for about 2 minutes. Add the sauce, toss the vegetables for a few more seconds and transfer into a serving platter.

I enjoyed my lunch today and ate it with the leftover E-Fu noodles.

Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Truffle Oil

2012-01-11T23:33:00.000+08:00

I have a new favorite, it is Steamed Vegetarian Dumplings with Truffle Oil of Lugang Cafe.

I have eaten there 3 times already in less than a week.

PD ordered the Crab Roe and Pork Dumplings.

She said it was very good and asked me to try. I said I cannot.

We shared on order of our favorite Mango Flavored Shaved Ice.

I really love this dessert.

Earlier in the day, we had lunch at Modern China Restaurant in Glorietta.

I had the E-Fu noodles. I only had a couple of servings.

PD ordered the Vegetarian Vegetable Casserole for me.

She had half a Peking Duck.

She said it might be too much for her, but reminded my Aunt that we used to share a whole duck, so half order was just right for one person.

I asked the duck carver to make one roll for me without the duck, just the vegetables and hoisin sauce.

It was good enough for me.

I discovered if you use the pressure cooker to boil the corn, the kernels turn out plumper and juicier.

The Diabetes book said I could have baked tortilla.

So I bought Tostitos Baked Tortilla and ate it with fresh salsa.

Fresh Salsa.

1 C. ripe tomatoes, seeds removed and diced
1/3 C. white onion, chopped
juice of 1 lime
1/8 t. rock salt
1/2 t. sugar
1 T. wansoy, chopped

Mix all the ingredients and chill for a few minutes.

Sometimes, I do not recognize myself anymore with this new change in my lifestyle.

Lia used to saute almost everything with pork fat!

A lot of people are rooting for me to succeed, I also have a lot of doubting Thomases. I do not blame them. I usually cannot stick to a program.

So.... each day is a battle won.

My numbers are going down!

2012-01-10T21:08:00.000+08:00

I cannot believe it! In just one week, I was able to lower my blood glucose to 124 from 254! That is such a monumental victory for me.

I am still in the pursuit of discovering low fat vegan recipes to make my food more palatable and delicious.

My experiment today was my own version of Japchae.

Sweet Potato Noodles with Vegetables

I made a lot because I had guests for lunch. They said it was very good but I will experiment again and will post the recipe.

I made another batch of vegetable soup but added more tomatoes this time and used fresh corn.

I put the rest in small containers and kept them in the freezer.

I pray everyday I can sustain this lifestyle change. It has just been a week but I feel as though I have been doing this forever. When I see positive results, I am more determined to make this work.

Lugang Cafe Again

2012-01-10T00:15:00.001+08:00

My friends and I went to Greenhills today to deliver some Christmas presents I was not able to distribute.

I told them about the Mango Shaved Ice at Lugang Cafe and we tried it! It was so refreshing because today was an unsual hot day for January.

So pretty, like iced ribbon.

They ordered the Xio Long Bao.

While I had my favorite Vegetarian Dumplings with Truffle Oil.

Lugang Cafe with Jing and Celine.

We also ate at Le Ching Greenhills, I only had the Steamed Tofu ( I did not realize they fried the tofu before steaming.)

And broccoli leaves, I think it was boiled in meat stock.

Breakfast was the usual Oatmeal with cinnamon and this time I added raisins.

For my early dinner, I made Pomodoro with Mushrooms and spread it on top of toasted rye bread.

My classmates and I practiced songs for our homecoming mass tonight and I made Chorizo El Rey Soup.

Well, I taught Celine how to make the soup and she had to try for me because I cannot have even just a hint of animal products. I am trying to wean myself from it.

Chorizo El Rey Soup

4 C. chicken/pork broth
1 T. Olive oil
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 white onion, chopped
1 pc. Chorizo El Rey, chopped
60 grams, spaghetti noodles, broken into 2 inch length
french bread (sliced, crust removed and torn into small pieces )

Saute garlic and onion in olive oil.
When the onion is soft, add the chorizo. Continue sauteing for a few more minutes then pour the stock. When the soup boils, add the noodles until cooked.
Before serving, add the torn bread pieces and simmer for a minute or two.

PS

My blood glucose reading this morning was136!!!! I am very near my goal! I have to keep this up.

Vegetarian Chili

2012-01-08T22:38:00.002+08:00

Another new experiment, Vegetarian Chili. My friends liked it so much but I only gave them a little. They said, How do you spell damot? Capital L-I-A!!! Hahahahaha! My friends are funny that way. But my chili really tasted so good, it was like my chili con carne but without the meat.

Vegetarian Chili

1 t. olive oil
white onion,chopped
green pepper, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
2 t. cumin
2 t. chili powder
1 1/2 cans whole peeled tomatoes, liquified in a blender
1 can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 can whole kernel corn, drained (I used 2 ears of boiled sweet corn)
1 t. rock salt
1/2 t. black pepper
1 T. dark brown sugar

Heat the oil in a pot, saute the onion, green pepper and then the garlic.
Add the cumin and chili powder.
Pour the liquified whole peeled tomatoes, season with salt, pepper and brown sugar.
Simmer over low heat for about 20-25 minutes, add the beans and the corn.
Continue cooking for 10-15 minutes more.

I just realized that low fat vegan food can taste delicious! My family had lunch in my house yesterday. I cooked Pancit Canton for them and Hermie was in charge of the fried chicken wings.

I had a bowl of vegan chili and CLT.

Cucumber, Lettuce and Tomato on toasted Rye.

My friends and I pigged out again last night at the house of Joy, sister of Mayette.

They ate chips with guacamole and cheese dip, Chef Tonys popcorn, Excellente ham with pan de sal, fruits, round crackers from Indonesia and a whole lot more.

Did I join them in their piggery??

Nope, I brought my vegan chili and salad from Rustans Rockwell.

Ohhhhhhh I have a very sad story.... while all my friends were having my favorite concoction at Happy Lemon:

Cocoa Milk Tea with Puff cream plus brown sugar jelly and crispy cocoa, I ordered the Mango Green tea.

It was a SAD Lemon experience. LOL My silly friends asked me to pose this way.

I am already used to eating my oatmeal breakfast with cinnamon and fruits.

My dinner tonight was vegan Mongolian Barbecue.

I cut all the veggies into strips and stir fried in a very hot cooking pan.

White onions, garlic, celery, onion leeks, red pepper, green pepper, bean sprouts, Chinese cabbage, carrots and cabbage.

I just seasoned with Lee Kum Kee Chili sauce, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce and brown sugar.

My low-fat vegan diet is very encouraging. Last Dec 29, 2011, my sugar was 254 but yesterday morning, just after 4 days of following this new lifestyle, it went down to 145! It has always been in the mid 200s for the past several years. Also, I was surprised that I lost 5 lbs. in 5 days! And I have been eating a lot of food, I have never been hungry plus I even use sugar in my cooking!

I hope I can sustain this lifestyle. Good thing my friends and family have been very supportive.

Dining out as a Vegan

2012-01-06T20:59:00.000+08:00

I am training myself to be able to dine out with friends and family. PD invited me for lunch at Lugang Cafe in MOA. I told her as long as I can order vegetables, I am good.

Lucky me, they have several vegetarian dishes.

I chose the Stir-Fried Mushroom Noodles.

I loved it! Maybe for non vegans they can try the other noodle dishes.

Steamed Vegetable Dumplings.

PD ordered the Oyster Omelette

and Sweet and Sour Pork.

I was not even interested in the food PD ordered.

For dessert, PD had the Red Bean shaved ice.

The waitress already warned us that it is such a tall tower! Did we listen? No. Plus, I could not eat it because of the condensed milk.

My dessert was the Mango Shaved Ice!

YUM!!!! Delicious and not too sweet.

I am allowed fruits and fruit juices, so this dessert was right up my alley.

So now, I am happy I can still dine out with friends and family as long as I make the right choice of food.

What I like about the new diet I am following is that there is no calorie counting nor portion control.

For breakfast, it was honeydew melon

and oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon and I added dried Bing Cherries.

Cinnamon has special blood glucose lowering powers.

Dinner was just Salad with Black Grapes, Fuji Apple and Mango with no dressing.

I used the left over pomodoro sauce and just added sauteed chopped mushrooms. Then I toasted the rye bread and spread it on top.

I do not how what to call it, bruschetta or cheeseless pizza? Whatever name it is called, it does not matter because it tasted really delish!

Sometimes, I am surprised the vegetarian dishes I have been cooking taste better than cardboard. I am still in high spirits, positive that this lifestyle change will work for me. I am so happy my friends and family have been very supportive even if Yaya Hermie is not! Hahahahaha! She said it is not going to work and that I should stop what I am doing. But I will show her!!!

Pasta Pomodoro with Broccoli and Raisins

2012-01-05T23:53:00.000+08:00

My experiment today was Pasta Pomodoro with Broccoli and Raisins. Sounds EWWWW?!?!

Surprisingly, it was not. I kid you not!

Pasta Pomodoro with Broccoli and Raisins

125 g. spaghetti noodles, cooked al dente

1 t. olive oil
3 cloves garlic, sliced thinly
400 g. canned whole tomatoes, liquified in a blender
1 t. rock salt
1 T. brown sugar
1/2 t. black pepper
2 T. raisins
basil leaves, torn into small pieces

Boil the broccoli in salted water until fork tender. Drain and set aside.

Saute the garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Add the liquified tomatoes, salt, sugar and pepper. Simmer for 20-25 minutes until dense and darker in color. Add the raisins and continue cooking for 5 more minutes. Then add the basil before serving.

Pour sauce on top of the noodles then top with the broccoli florets.

I was really so surprised it tasted quite delicious! I was not a pasta fan before so the new taste is quite a big welcome to my palate.

Breakfast was a simple affair of oatmeal with cinnamon and sliced banana.

I made a salad for lunch with black grapes

and my favorite pears of all time, Anjou pears!

A mistake again today, I should have eaten more than salad for lunch, I got hungry in the mid-afternoon and had a plate of corn, carrots and peas.

It is important I get a daily serving of protein(peas) and a daily multi vitamin. I just bought Centrum.

After my first vegan day, I achieved a very small victory. When I checked my blood sugar this morning, it was only 169! I know it is still high but for the past 5 years, my average has been 200-250, so yes, it is a small victory, baby steps and I hope to see it get better everyday!

Life as a Vegan

2012-01-04T23:45:00.000+08:00

It seems so daunting but life as a vegan does not seem so difficult. Well ... I survived today! Yay!!! I just researched and cooked the whole day. I would like to experiment on healthy but flavorful food so people will not say .... Vegetarian food!!! EWWWW! or BORING!!! Guilty, I used to say that.

My main meal was the Vegetable Soup. I browsed the internet for a simple recipe.

Vegan Vegetable Soup by Ted Danson

4 C. vegetable stock
1/3 C. onion, diced
1/3 C. carrot, diced
1/3 C. celery, diced
1/3 C. green beans, chopped
1/3 C. corn
1/3 C. peas
1/3 C. baby Lima beans

1/3 C. Chinese cabbage, chopped
1/2 C. Stewed tomatoes
1/2 bay leaf
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Put everything in a sauce pan and bring to boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.

Serve with toasted rye bread.

I even put the soup in the tureen Mona gave me to make it appetizing and exciting.

I let her try and she was surprised it tasted good!

I made a little mistake today. I used Knorr vegetable bouillon but after adding it, I discovered it contained vegetable oil, milk and fish!!! I did not see it immediately because it was hidden by the price tag.

So after lunch, I made my own Vegetable Stock from scratch. I got the recipe again from the internet.

Vegetable Stock

4 C. Water
2 large onions
3 medium carrots
3 stalks celery
1 head garlic, peeled
10 peppercorns
1 bay leaf

Chop all the vegetables coarsely and put in a stockpot. Add water. Turn the stove to a high temperature. When it boils, lower the heat and simmer for 1 hour only. Strain and keep the stock.

Dinner was salad greens with orange segments, red onions and fresh mango puree for dressing.

My breakfast was oatmeal sprinkled with cinnamon and topped with apple cubes.

Even Wriggly wanted healthy food. I gave him a little.

I am training my myself not to get envious when other people are eating regular food in front of me.

I made Chocolate Mango Crepes for Sophie when she arrived from school.

Mona wanted her crepes with vanilla ice cream.

She even ate very delicious longganisa, a gift of one of my neighbors.

Hermie cooked it to perfection. She simmered it slowly in water then fried the sausages in its own fat plus she added oil to deep fry them!!!! SCARY!!!! Hahahaha. Too bad I was not able to enjoy it.

I saved some Kare Kare for Mona because she was not able to attend my lunch yesterday.

I was not tempted at all to take a bite from her food. I cannot always eat in solitude so I better get used to it.

Another exciting day tomorrow. I wonder what will I cook and eat?

Ready for a Change

2012-01-04T01:34:00.001+08:00

I will embark on a new journey today.

I am going to follow a plant based dining lifestyle for 21 days based on a book written by Dr. Neal Bernard, Program for Reversing Diabetes. He said: It is not a diet, just a different way of regarding food.

I have been diagnosed with Diabetes in 2000 and up to now it is still a struggle to keep my numbers down. Of course, it is my fault that I do not watch what I eat. I have been doctor shopping for the past 11 years but they have given me already the maximum dose of oral medications plus now, I inject insulin every night.

So, I am giving this NO ANIMAL products diet a chance. The taste buds have a memory of about 3 weeks. After 21 days, hopefully, I would have gotten rid of my cravings for animal products. The Dr. also said if I want to continue after the trial period, it is my choice to do so.

I never thought I would consider this option in my wildest imagination but based on the testimonies of the people who have tried the program, it really worked for them and were able to maintain a normal blood glucose reading.

Dr. Bernard said : You will never go hungry and never tease yourself with miniscule portion of food.

I would rather focus on what I can eat rather on the food I cannot eat. In case you are wondering what I should avoid ......

Vegan - They contain no animal products. This means no meat, fish, dairy products, or eggs - not even a little bit. The idea is to clean animal fat, animal protein and cholesterol out of your diet.

I am allowed to eat Four Food Groups.

Vegetables: Sweet potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, spinach, squash, green beans, bok choy, etc. Suggested servings: 4 or more per day. A serving is 1 cup raw or 1/2 cup cooked vegetables.

Fruits: Apples, bananas, grapes, pears, oranges, berries, etc. Suggested servings: 3 or more per day. One serving is one piece of fruit, 1/2 cup chopped, or 1/2 cup cooked fruit or juice.

Whole Grains: Whole grain pasta, brown rice, corn, bran cereal, oatmeal, pumpernickel or rye bread, couscous, etc. The suggested serving is 8 per day. One serving is 1/2 cup cooked grain (e.g. oatmeal or pasta), 1 ounce dry cereal, or 1 slice bread.

Legumes: Beans, peas, lentils, soy products, etc. Suggested servings: 3 per day. One serving is 1/2 cup cooked, 4 ounces tofu or 8 oz. soy milk.

Ideally, I should fill a quarter of my plate with legumes, a quarter of my plate with starch and half a plate of vegetables. The nice thing about this is I do not have to count calories or portion control. Dr. Bernard said I can have more if I want to but the high fiber food content would be so heavy already I would not want more. Let us see if this is true.

I know I can do this. People seem to forget I have the ability to do, COLD TURKEY. 12 years ago I said to myself I would stop smoking and I did. A year and a half ago, I stopped drinking soda. Even if I am with people who smoke or drink Coke, I do not get envious.

The most exciting part in all these is the experimenting with recipes which are healthy but flavorful! I enjoyed my grocery shopping and I hope I can whip up something that will excite my palate.

I need the help and support of everybody so I could do this. It will be very hard for me but I want to live a healthier lifestyle.

I am ready for a change!!!

Last Meal

2012-01-03T00:43:00.000+08:00

For the past few days I have been having my last meals. I feel as though I am about to be executed and given the chance to chose anything I like to eat. I only have until January 3 to satisfy all my yens. Because on January 4, I am going to embark on a new Diabetes Diet! Jing said, at the rate I am going, I might not be able to make it until the 4th!!! Eating as though it is the last day on Earth.

I have indulged myself today and appeased my final two cravings. I went all the way to Chinatown to eat at President Grand Palace, Ongpin St.

The only Lechon I have not eaten lately .... Roast Suckling Pig.

It is actually my number one choice of Lechon, followed by Cebu Lechon and our Manila Lechon is at the bottom of my list.

I also ordered my favorite Sizzling Noodles with Pork and Shrimps.

Then I went to Glorietta and tried the Grape Slushie with Fruit Jelly at Cha Time.

I just discovered they used powdered flavorings and not real grapes but it tasted good just the same .... like Grape Snow Cone!

Of course, I also had to have my Happy Lemon fix at Rockwell! Mona treated me to my favorite concoction ....

Cocoa Milk Tea with Puff Cream plus additional Brown Sugar Jelly and Crispy Cocoa (tastes like Ovaltine).

For me, this is the best drink I ever had at Happy Lemon.

I am ready now.... there is nothing that I want to eat anymore. It is the best time to start the diet because I am already so nauseated with holiday food and I just want to eat something light and not laden with cholesterol.

I just have to cook Kare-Kare one last time for my guests tomorrow lunch and then ... it is ready ... get set ... GO!

Mango Crepes with Chocolate Truffle Sauce

2012-01-01T18:15:00.000+08:00

When I opened my FB page today, I was so delighted to see the delicious Strawberry and Cream Crepes with Nutella my friend posted. I could not get it out of my head.

Sophie and I had a SHORT .... very short ... bonding moment this afternoon. I made Fresh Mango shake for her and Mango Crepes. I got the sweet mango from Soph and the whipped cream too. I did not have Nutella but I remember Mona gave me Chocolate Truffles from Canada, so I used it as a sauce instead.

Sophie was the one who spritzed the cream on top.

Mango Crepes with Chocolate Truffle Sauce

ripe mango, sliced
canned whipped cream
8 pcs. chocolate truffles

Crepes:

1 C. sifted flour
3 eggs
1 C. fresh milk

Beat the eggs and milk then add the flour. Refrigerate mixture for at least 30 minutes. On a non-stick pan over low heat, pour about 1 oz. of the batter. Swirl and tilt the pan to make the crepe thinner. When the crepe starts to pull away from the pan, remove with an offset spatula and transfer onto a plate. Place several mango slices on the crepe and roll. Pour the Chocolate Truffle sauce on top and spritz canned whipped cream.

Chocolate Truffle Sauce

Melt the truffles in the microwave for 30 seconds then stir with a spatula until melted.

The Promise of 2012

2012-01-01T13:19:00.002+08:00

Wow! It is 2012 already!!! It is going to be an exciting year. All the single ladies...... it is the LEAP year! Yes!!! Watch out, World! The ladies will be on the prowl! WOOT!!! WOOT!!! Hahahahahaha.

2011 was not bad, lots of fun and exciting events for me.... lots of mini trips, Boracay (5), Cebu (3) Legazpi (2) and a few more road trips with my friends. I met a lot of new friends too. So, last year was not bad at all... it was great!

I am excited because there are things I want to do and plan to try. I have already booked 5 trips for 2012. Yes! Three Boracay and my next favorite place.... two Cebu trips.

Traveling to my favorite destinations is the only thing that makes me want to look forward to the coming days ahead. I would talk to God and say..... Dear God! Please do not take me yet, I still have a trip booked in August! LOL Shallow but .... better than saying I have nothing to live for.

Everybody has a resolution for the new year.... I have two ... I am going to improve the way I manage my health and my business.

My family and I celebrated the Media Noche last night. I met a friend in Rockwell and she asked me what I was preparing for the Eve. I told her, it would just be very simple. Serla said, Lia.... when it comes to food, nothing is simple with you.

But really .... it was and yet, everybody was happy and enjoyed the food.

Media Noche is not complete without Molo Soup

and Puto Manapla.

Hermie cooked the barbecue 90% earlier in the day and we just used the electric griller to brown the meat.

Baked Tahong

The kids requested Ate Gina to make Chicken on a bed of Mashed Potatoes.

Ate also brought embutido

and salami.

Plump and Juicy Purefoods Hotdog! I love hotdogs!!!

I just followed the instruction on the back of the package and it turned out really well! The hotdogs have been on the table for a couple of hours already and they were still plump and juicy as opposed to the wrinkly ones we always see.

It was the favorite of everybody. What made it more fun was the idea of grilling it by themselves!

My tenant, Cake Avenue, gave me Butter Rhum Loaf.

Gilly made the fruit salad

and Leche Flan.

Ohhhh and we all loved the new product, Del Monte Cheese Sauce!

Best eaten with Ruffles Sour Cream

and nachos.

I told you it was just simple!!!!! But no matter what you put on the table, what is important is, you share it with the people you love.

PS. Ate Gina put a surprise under our plates!

What a way to start the New Year!!!! Hahahaha! We welcomed 2012 with a smile on our faces and a red envelope in our hands!

Swensen's Ice Cream

2011-12-29T00:32:00.001+08:00

My Ate invited us for ice cream yesterday at Swensen's Moa.

I was with Sophie, Gilly and PD.

We ordered the 8 scoop concoction called EARTHQUAKE!

They let us choose the flavors we wanted, normally they do not allow that.

Sophie: Midnight Brownies and Reversible Chocolate
Lia : Almond Mocha Fudge and Rock @ Heart
PD: Strawberry, Banana 'n Cream and Blueberry Cobbler
Gilly : Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Chip

And we also had a parfait.

My Ate did not order anything because she is on the Cohen diet. She was just our photographer and Financier.

I loved their ice cream because it was not very sweet!

We easily polished off the big bowl of ice cream!

I would love to come back and try the other concoctions.

Pigs! Pigs! Pigs! We're such Pigs!

2011-12-26T23:17:00.002+08:00

Jing, Celine, Mona and I were such little pigs! Hahahaha! When they were much younger they were slimmer but when they started hanging out with me ... well ... you know what happened. We love food and we love to eat!

I made Cheesy Beef Nachos for merienda!

We finished almost the whole serving!

Celine brought sausages and we tried them all!

My favorite is the Beef Frankfurters.

Our dessert was fresh strawberries from Baguio which Celine gave us for pasalubong.

We dipped it in white sugar....

then in whipped cream.

We were not contented, I melted Dark Chocolate Champagne Truffles from Mona

and dipped the berries in it also.

And then.... pigs that we were ... hahahahaha .... we dipped it again in cream then drizzled with melted chocolate!!!!

The other night, we had the battle of the Cheese Curls with Mona, Celine and Corry.

White Cheddar Cheese Puffs from Hong Kong

Humpty Dumpty from Canada

CheeZom Cheese Puffs from Landmark

Hawkins Cheezies from Canada

Jaki Tyan from Mayette

I love Jaki Tyan the best!!!! My ultimate favorite cheese puffs is HERRS.

My Kuya said, OBESITY is contagious. I honestly believe it is true! Yay!!!! I am not the only one who will get fat when we indulge in our piggishness.

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Wriggly's Tree!!!

2011-12-26T22:19:00.001+08:00

My Christmas tree at home is not a traditional one.

I made it for Wriggly!

I have had it for a few years now. Mom used to decorate our tree each year with different color themes, Oriental, Lavender, Blue and Silver, Rust, etc.... But since she passed away, I opted for something so out of the norm.... I made a tree with DOGS!!!

We do miss Mom so much, we had the best Christmas celebrations with her. But in our own special way, we made our Christmas meaningful and fun.

My friends were texting me and imagining what I was preparing for Noche Buena. They said, I must be cooking up a storm. On the contrary, our Christmas Eve meal, if you can call it a meal, was very simple. It was more of a midnight snack.

Tita Portia and I heard mass at 8:00 p.m. then shared a simple late evening meal. We invited a couple of neighbors to join us this year.

I only prepared Chicken Relleno http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/happy-fiesta-to-me.html

and bought Chocolate Ensaimada from Bizu.

I like to eat my relleno with gravy

and jellied cranberry sauce.

Tita Portia made Potato Salad.

It was a fun evening and we enjoyed ourselves.

We celebrated Christmas lunch with the whole family. Again, not too much food but just a whole Lechon and Nilgang Manok for my niece, Gilly, who does not eat Lechon.

We went uptairs to the house of PD for dessert, ice cream and chocolate covered marshmallows,

and to open our presents.

We started unwrapping from the youngest to the oldest. It was a very long process because we watched each one as they opened their gifts.

Renzo - PD tricked him.

Gave him a box of cookies....

Obviously, he did not like it. LOL

Was happy when he got his Dragon Universe.

Gilly was excited to open her loot.

I gave Sophie a panini maker

and her smile got bigger when she got her tower of gifts from PD.

Our Kuya Nicky is so big already!!!! The eldest and most favorite grandchild of my Mom.

My X-mas presents....

Ate Gina

Kuya Raul

Butch - husband of Ate

PD

I just noticed each one of us had genuine smiles of delight no matter how simple our gifts to each other were.

The real meaning of Christmas for the whole family is being together sharing special happy moments.

Happy Birthday PD!!!

2011-12-26T18:37:00.000+08:00

We all call Tita Portia, PD. When my nephew, Nicky, was 2 years old, Tita Portia was teaching him to say PRETTY but it came out as PD, so she got stuck with the nickname. Even my friends call her PD.

I am so super backlogged with my postings because I have been very busy. December 23 is the birthday of PD, my Kuya Raul and it was also the birthday of my Mom.

For several years in a row, PD has been celebrating her birthday lunch with our senior friends with whom we meet for lunch every month plus a few of her other close friends.

The menu would vary at times but more often than not, she always asks me to cook:

Baked Tahong http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/dinner-for-tita-portia-and-her-guests.html

Chicken and Pork Puchero http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/dinner-for-tita-portia-and-her-guests.html

Vegetables

Eggplant Sauce http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/dinner-for-tita-portia-and-her-guests.html

Lechon Kawali http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/dinner-for-tita-portia-and-her-guests.html

I experimented with Buko Lychee Delight, a recipe I got from her friend but I think it did not turn out the way it should be, but they said it tasted good just the same.

There was a new addition to the group and she brought the most delicious Macaroni Salad! Her secret was the homemade mayonnaise made with Olive oil. I will try to make it one of these days.

It is already a bonus when seniors celebrate their birthdays each year. I pray that there will be more to come!!!!

Happy Birthday PD!!!

Chicharon Kare Kare

2011-12-19T01:03:00.001+08:00

Sinful! Decadent! Scary! Delicious! I am running out of superlatives to describe my accidental discovery of this ultimate heart-stopping dish, Chicharon Kare Kare.

My sister cooked Kare Kare today and I told Celine who is my house guest that I also want to cook the same. I do not like tripe, ox feet nor ox tail so I just bought knee cap and pork pata in Rustan's. Of course, I always make my Kare Kare from scratch, meaning I had to roast the raw peanuts, toast the rice and grind them.

I really love this dish even though I only like the sauce and the boiled vegetables. Celine asked if she can have some of my precious chicharon from Cebu.

Aling Posing and I are textmates already! She delivered my deadly chicharon at Marriot Hotel, Cebu and asked my friend, Jodie, to bring it home for me.

Maybe I can be her distributor in Manila?

Celine ate the chicharon with rice and I told her I will experiment with it. I drizzled the sauce over the crispy rind .... and....WOW!!!! YUM!!!! The taste was indescribable.... Hahahaha ... well for me it was.

I wish I can let everybody taste my SIN! LOL

Mayon Volcano

2011-12-16T00:11:00.002+08:00

How many shots of the volcano can a person take?

I was in Legazpi City again for a very brief business trip. I did not have much on my food itinerary but I just wanted to go back to some of the places I have been to last week and try other food stuff.

The first place I went to was Waway's. I was so excited, I said to myself, this time I will be early so they will not run out of Bicol Express. Surprise! Surprise! The restaurant was closed for the day because there was a private party. GRRRRRR!!!!!

I rode the jeepney, yes...... I know how to ride the jeepney in Legazpi... and went to Pacific Mall.

1st Colonial Grill

I ordered the Pinangat na Gabi from Camalig.

I wanted to bring home frozen pinangat but the waiter said it can only last up to 2 hours.

Honey Soy Chicken with Fried Vegetable Spring Rolls.

YUM! It was lumpiang ubod with other veggies.

Of course, I had to eat my favorite Sili Ice Cream! This time, I ordered the Sili, Kalamansi and Coffee.

As usual, it did not disappoint.

I went back to my hotel at the Embarcadero de Legazpi at around 1:00 pm, took a quick shower and went to sleep. I took the 6:05 am Cebu Pacific flight to attend the 8:30 am appointment, so you can imagine what time I had to get up.

When I woke up, I thought it was late afternoon already but when I looked at my watch it was only 2:08 pm. I had to call and ask Mona what time it was, I thought my watch was not working. She said it was only 2:10!!! I was dying of boredom. I did not know what to do.

I texted my Kuya and told him, Kuya! I am so bored, what can I do? He replied, take a picture of Mayon Volcano!

Hahahahahahaha! But I already have several pictures, in different angles!

My lifeline was Marianne, we were texting each other and told her my problem. She patiently kept me sane. Thank you!

I decided not to be defeated by boredom. The happiness of a person depends on his/herself. So I dressed up and went to the city center. I rode the e-jeepney!!!

I walked around the city, checked out the bakeries and small stores, imagine they have shoes for only 39 pesos?!?!?!

The view of the Mayon Volcano from the center of the city.

I was scheduled to have dinner at St. Ellis Hotel but since I was already in the area, I changed my plans and thought to have the Ellis Burger for merienda.

Lo and Behold! The waiter told me they were out of stock! I texted my lifeline again and said: Marianne! I think I have a balat! They ran out of the Ellis Angus Burger!!!!!

I ordered the Pili Cheesecake instead.

It was delicious! I did not expect it to be good but it was. I stayed in the hotel coffee shop the whole afternoon and read The Star from cover to cover. LOL That was how I bored I was! I do not even read the newspapers here in Manila.

When I got the bill, the waiter asked me if I was checked-in guest, I said no, but I was in Legazpi for business and that my name is Imperial.

Hahahahaha! Literally, the doors opened. He asked me then if I wanted to check out their rooms for my next visit and I said, yes.

Hotel St. Ellis

De Luxe Room

I heard mass at St. Raphael Church which is just a few meters away from the hotel. I prayed for something and that same night, it was answered! How scary God can be at times. When you think He does not listen to your prayers, He really does but will give you the answer in his own way.

I was trying to decide where to eat for dinner... at Gasthoff or Graceland which is just across the church. It started to rain so the answer was just in front of me.

I had the Fried Chicken and nuclear orange Spaghetti!!!

I went around the LCC Mall. A big mall compared to the other malls in the city. It is also across the building we own in Legazpi.

I turned in early for the night because it was a very tiring day.

I woke up very late the next day. I only had time to buy Pili for Tita Cena and have lunch at Waway's, praying that this time, I will be able to order the elusive Bicol Express!

Waway's

Yes!!!!!!!!!! I was the very first customer! Finally .....

Bicol Express - touted to be the best in Legazpi.

It had red and green chili peppers. It was spicy but nothing I could not handle. I did not even have to drink water for every spoonful. I realized that the real Bicol Express is dry. Whenever I make mine, it has too much coconut milk or I did not simmer it long enough.

Chicharon Bulaklak

YUM!!! So crunchy! Paper thin flowers. Hahahahaha.

I also tried the Bistek.

The meat was so tender! And I saw bits of garlic! A new twist to the normal Filipino Beefsteak which only has onions. And I loved the fact that I can taste the kalamansi.

Confession time ..... I ordered two servings of rice!!!!

I had to hurry back to the hotel to check out but I had one last stop.

Sili Ice Cream!!!!!!! With Melon and Tinotong Ice Cream. Tinotong is roasted rice.

I could not wait to go home.

Took several more shots of Mayon Volcano.

So .... my question is ..... How many shots of Mayon Volcano can a person take?

Early Christmas with Friends

2011-12-13T01:28:00.000+08:00

My friends and I wanted to have a different Christmas celebration this year. We usually have a potluck affair in my house or in the house of Mona in Alabang but we wanted to try something new. The group decided to hold it at Lili Restaurant, Hyatt Hotel last Saturday.

We had an endless supply of dim sum. I only took pictures of the first wave of goodies and was too busy to mind the orders that were brought to our table during our long lunch.

Har Gao, Steamed Shrimp Dumpling with Bamboo Pith

Sio Mai, Steamed Pork Dumpling with Dried Scallop

Steamed Pork Dumpling Shanghai Style

Steamed Barbecue Bun

Steamed Buns with Chicken and Mushrooms

Steamed Chicken Feet in Abalone Sauce

Steamed Spareribs with Red Dates

Steamed Dumpling with Pork, Eggplant and Peanut Chili

Deep-fried Beancurd Sheet Rolls with Shrimps

Deep-fried Taro Dumplings with Assorted Seafood

Stir-fried Radish Cake

Steamed Glutinous Rice with Assorted Meat in Lotus Leaf

Baked Barbecue Pastry Puff with Apple

Honey Roasted Barbecued Pork

Fungus and Vegetable Congee

Stir-fried Vegetables in Garlic

White Chocolate Masachi

Almond Jelly with Mixed Fruit

Steamed Malay Cake with Egg Custard Cream

Boiled Peanuts

Pickled Vegetables

Whew!!! What a very long list! We were there from 12:30 - 4:00 pm!!!! After devouring all those yum cha treats, we then proceeded with our exchange gifts.

Instead of giving each one individual gifts, we just brought one for the kris kringle.

Jon (husband of Mayette), the only thorn among the roses was given a special gift from his gel-friends.

LOL We could not include him in the kris kringle because he might not like it if he got a lipstick or a lip gloss!!! Hahahaha!

This Christmas get together was a novel idea for us. I enjoyed it so much, I hope next year we do it again!!!

Merry Christmas to my dearest friends! Love you ALL!!!!

What is in Legazpi City?

2011-12-12T02:01:00.000+08:00

Legazpi City is home to the Majestic Mayon Volcano whose top is almost a perfect cone. On a good day you will see it in all its glory. My trip to the city was a little cloudy. Some say the volcano is like a shy lady... sometimes you will see her ... sometimes people leave Legazpi without ever viewing the volcano.

Now you see her ..... this picture was taken when I landed at the airport.

Now you don't ..... taken when I got to the airport the next day.

Now you see some parts of her again ... taken as I was about to board the plane.

Legazpi City is also the hometown of the family of my Dad. He passed away when I was 8, so we did not visit the province frequently. I would see some aunts, uncles and cousins once in a while but that was it. They are my only link to my heritage, aside from the properties left to the family by my paternal grandfather. I was so excited to see a road named after him!!!

I had to go to Legazpi for a very brief meeting with a lawyer to engage his services to settle some matters regarding our properties. I just wanted to do a day trip but there was no return flight in the late afternoon. I checked the internet for an affordable hotel which was clean and safe.

I chose Ellis Ecotel

because it is the sister company of Hotel Venezia, Hotel St. Ellis and Misibis Bay. Also, it is located on the 3rd floor of the Embarcadero De Legazpi, a waterfront mall with the view of the water and the volcano.

Hotel Pick-Up service.

Embarcadero at night.

Zipline from the top of the mall up to the seawall.

The room was VERY small with no window but I loved the bed which was very firm and the split AC was the best! I set it at 16 degress which my friends call the Antartica setting. I did not even want to get up from bed the next day.

Good thing Mona did not come with me. Or else she would have spent almost the whole time with her eyes closed!!! One of the bathroom walls was made of glass!!!!

And what was worse was the wall fronting the glass wall had floor to ceiling mirrors!!!

Hahahaha.... good thing I was alone. Next time, I am going to book the seaview room (view of the volcano and the water) because the walls of the bathroom are "normal".

I visited St. Raphael the Archangel, one of the oldest churches in Legazpi.

I did a quick research before going to Legazpi. I only had 6 hours to eat everything on my list of food to try.

According to Tripadvisor, Sibid-Sibid Restaurant, Penaranda St.

is the number one pick of the travelers and that I should not miss the Sizzling Seafood.

Across Sibid-Sibid is Waway's.

Their specialty is Bicol Express and Laing. When I got there, they did not have Bicol Express anymore! I was willing go back that same evening but they said I should come back the next day around lunch time. I just tried the laing instead and ordered Inihaw na liempo.

Small Talk Cafe is also on the list.

The Laing Pasta is a must try but since I have eaten laing a few hours ago, I just opted to order the Bicol
Express Pasta!

I ordered Tilmok too.

I also tried the Pili Pie.

The filling was like baked cheesecake in taste and texture.

The Pili Coco Ice Cream was just Vanilla ice cream with coco jam and 3 pieces of Pili.

My ultimate favorite Legazpi food was the SILI Ice Cream at the 1st Colonial Grill, Pacific Mall.

YES!!! It was really good. I have been texting my friends about it and their question was.... How did it taste?

Hmmmm... how do I describe something quite hard to describe?

The ice cream was creamy yet light and not dense ... it was not too sweet ... and the SILI factor????? You will feel a little tickle on your tongue after each teaspoonful.

I want to go back just for that!!! I only had a very small scoop of that pink ice cream. I want to get to know it more intimately. I want to make sure that what I had was not an imagination. That ... yes ... it is possible to make something spicy ... sweet.

The second favorite was the Kalamansi Ice Cream (yellow color). Again, it had the same light and creamy texture and just the right amount of tartness.

The Pili ice cream was just so-so for me ... maybe because I really do not like Pili. There are other flavors you can choose from.

Speaking of Pili.... do you know that I had to go all the way to the terminal to buy pili goodies because they do not sell it in the malls and groceries?!?!?!?! How odd?! But then ... maybe the Bicolanos do not like to eat Pili.

I could not leave Legazpi without eating at Graceland.

When I was little, my cousin brought me to their branch across the City Hall. It was their Jollibee when the chain did not have a franchise over there yet. I ordered the cheeseburger

and the next day after breakfast I tried the pancit because I was envious of the family eating the platter of noodles.

I did not realize the pancit was made of Miki which is not my favorite among all the native noodles. It had chunks of lechon kawali which I enjoyed though. I only ate a little and thank goodness, I found a homeless woman outside the restaurant and gave it to her.

I was scheduled to fly back home at 10:00 am the next day but the flight was cancelled and was moved to 1:00 pm. It was raining so hard in Manila the planes could not leave, Cebu Pacific and Airphil had to cancel their flights. My Zest Air plane arrived in Legazpi at 4:20 pm!!!!

I had to eat a late lunch. There was a small canteen at the airport and chose Filipino Bistek.

I did not mind leaving late but I wish they told me earlier so I could have gone back to the city center which was only 10 minutes away and did more food tripping.

Hahahahaha! But the airlines made it up to me. After sitting for hours on end at the pre-departure area, something made me laugh and cancelled out all the hassle and stress of my flight being delayed.

We are now boarding passengers with CHILDRENSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

LOL That made my day and made me smile.

I love the new Airbus of Zest Air! The AC was so cold, the cabin was very clean and had enough legroom. And to top it all, the pilot did a very smooth landing. I wanted to clap my hands!

There are still a lot to explore in Legazpi City. I should spend more time there and discover all the secrets of the city. And.... let us not forget the food I have yet to eat!

KST Christmas Party

2011-12-06T00:34:00.002+08:00

A few months ago, Mona and I were invited by Barangay Bel-Air to join the Kabalikat Sa Tahanan (KST) program as facilitators. It is a 5-month program geared to help and uplift the moral and spiritual being of the household helpers and also to improve the basic skills needed in their jobs.

The Christmas party was held at the Phoenix Room, Bel-Air Park catered by Tita Linda Floro, owner of Buon Giorno!

The crackers were freshly baked! So flaky and at the same time, melts in the mouth


The best tasting Apple Strudel!!!

Gatecrashing

2011-12-05T02:48:00.000+08:00

Mayette invited Mona and I to their annual Clinic Christmas Party!

My very first for this season. I asked her what should I bring, pasta or baked goods. She said there will be pasta already. She also said I did not need to bring anything anymore since it will be held at their house in Pasig. But I told her, I have to bring something because I might eat a lot! Hahahaha. At least, if I contribute Chocolate Chip Cookies, I would not feel embarrassed if I go back for 2nd or 3rd servings!

It was a potluck affair and all the doctors brought delicious food!

Tita Letty said that we could have had an executive check up right there and then because of the number of doctors present in different areas of specializations. I was in Doctor heaven! If it was not bad manners to ask about my different conditions, I would have asked. But it was a social setting so I did not.

Let me recall all the yummy food.

Chicken Pastel

Sweet Chili Shrimps

Pork BBQ

Beef with Mushrooms

Potato Salad

Stuffed Squid

Kare Kare

Grilled Tilapia

Linguine Amatriciana

Puto with Cheese

Puto Bumbong

Ube Halaya

Fruit Salad

After dinner, Joy, the sister of Mayette, invited us to her house (same compound) for tea and some snacks.

She has Garett Popcorn from Singapore!

It was also my first time to eat miniature apples!

They looked like toys!

I enjoyed all the delicious food tonight! On our way home, Mona and I had to undo the buttons and zippers of our jeans! Hahahahaha. That is what we get for gatecrashing!

Cebu Chicharon

2011-12-02T23:32:00.002+08:00

I am not a fan of chicharon but I know a lot of people who are. I remember my Grandma used to have a can of chicharon on her headboard, my mom used to buy a plastic sack of chicharon in Pampanga, my Ate loves chicharon and my friends and my relatives and mostly everybody!

Do you know how my family eats chicharon? They would scoop out the fat from the rind.... No ... they will not throw it away but EAT it and discard the rind! Goodness!!!!!

I never did enjoy a fatty chicharon until today. My friend from Cebu gave me chicharon from Liloan.

As soon as I took my first bite .... well ..... what can I say?

It was love at first bite!!!!

Have you ever eaten chicharon that melts in your mouth that you do not have to chew to eat it?

The fat was like butter, the rind was really airy-crunchy and not like the other chicharon I have eaten, very hard that you need a hammer to break it into pieces.

I saw some browned garlic skin so I am assuming it was fried with garlic? And the salt content! Perfect for me! Hahahahaha MSG perhaps?

I have been converted. Cebu Lechon or Cebu Chicharon from Liloan? Would choose the latter, hands down. LOL But what do I know? There might be other delicious chicharon TABA out there I need to try. Hmmmmm BAD, BAD, BAD idea to do chicharon tasting!!!! My mistake, I should have asked for a BIG can!

POSINGs Chicharon
Poblacion, Liloan, Cebu

(My friend went all the way to Liloan to buy the chicharon and said it might be hard to find because it is just a small non-descript place, so maybe try calling them and ask how to order and ship to Manila.)

0919-3458792
0905-4596687

Pancit

2011-12-02T00:47:00.000+08:00

I have been eating Pancit for a week now. It started last Friday when Celine and I had lunch at Floating Island, Makati Med. It was her treat.

I ordered Pancit Canton.

Celine had Pancit Lomi.

Then I had Fried Noodles at Legend Seafood Restaurant with Ate and her family last Saturday.

Pancit Sotanghon at Zubuchon in Cebu last Tuesday.

Pancit Sotanghon again yesterday at the St. Andrew Fiesta in Bel-Air.

Then.... Pancit Sotanghon again today! But this time, I cooked it myself!

Pancit Sotanghon Guisado

1/2 chicken breast
1/2 t. rock salt
3 C. water
4 T. cooking oil
garlic, chopped
onions, sliced
2 T. patis
1/2 C. cabbage, shredded
1/2 C. carrots, juliened
1/2 C. green beans, sliced diagonally
3 pcs. tenga ng daga, soaked in warm water then cut into small pieces
black pepper
1/2 t. MSG (optional)
1 t. sugar
2-3 T. soy sauce
180 g. Sapporo Long Kow Sotanghon noodles, soaked in water for 10 minutes.

Put chicken in a pot with water and salt. When the water starts to boil, lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove chicken and flake. Set aside the soup stock.

In a wok, heat 2 T. oil then saute onions and garlic. When onions are translucent, add the flaked chicken and then the fish sauce. After a minute or so, pour in the stock. Season with black pepper, msg, sugar and soy sauce.

When the stock starts to boil, add all the vegetables and cook until crisp tender. Remove from the stock and set aside as the topping.

Heat another wok, then add 2 T. oil.

Tip in the soaked sotanghon noodles.

Slowly pour the stock. Season with additional soy sauce as desired. Add half of veggie-chicken topping. When the stock has reduced, transfer the pancit on a serving dish and put the rest of the toppings over the noodles.

I just discovered my favorite sontanghon brand!!!! It is Sapporo Long Kow vermicelli!!!!

It is the best because the noodles are glassy and glossy when cooked!

Unlike the other brands I bought before, the noodles turned into paste and the pancit was so mushy.

I used Camel soy sauce which I bought in Cebu and can only be found in Cebu.

Ahhhhh Pancit! Would you believe I am going to cook pancit again this weekend for my family???

Jasmine, New World Renaissance Hotel

2011-12-01T23:43:00.001+08:00

My Ate invited Tita Portia and I for lunch today at Jasmine, New World Renaissance Hotel. We only ordered two things:

1. Whole Peking Duck. Two ways.

People cannot believe that Tita Portia and I can finish a whole Peking Duck! We can, but we do not order anything anymore.

Second way - Minced Duck with Lettuce

Lettuce leaves for Ate.

2. Roast Barbeque Platter: Roast Pork, Suckling Pig and Soy Chicken.

Freebies

Boiled Peanuts

Pickled Vegetables

My sister is on Cohen diet. I admire her will power because she only had lettuce, chicken and very little duck. Ate already lost more than 25 lbs. since September 21.

If only I can be like her ..... (dramatic sigh.... LOL) .... but I love good food... what can I do?

Quickie in Cebu

2011-11-30T23:05:00.002+08:00

I went to Cebu for a Quickie yesterday with Celine. We left at 7:35 in the morning and were back in Manila before midnight. I have done this 3 times already this year. With the amount we spent, we could have gotten 1 Lechon each from Generals!!!! But it feels so decadent to say, I am flying to Cebu to eat Lechon!

We had our breakfast at CnT across SM Cebu.

When we got there, the only available part was the pigue, well .... no choice, we just got half a kilo and 1 puso (rice cooked inside woven leaves, I think?) each.

Then, midway into our breakfast, Celine,

who was facing the counter said:

Lia! They have a new Lechon!

I immediately got the rib part which is the best! I did not fly all the way to Cebu to eat pigue!!!!!

I felt like I was viewing the newborn babies at the nursery of Makati Med

while watching the woman chop up the Lechon! Hahahahahaha.

I love the rib part because all the flavors are there!

Sooo yummm! Sooooo Salty!!!! Best dipped in the soy-vinegar sauce.

We crossed the big street to get to SM Cebu and did all the cheesy picture taking. LOL We felt so brave because no one will recognize us.

Also at the Radisson Blu Hotel Cebu.....

LOL. We just actually used the restroom at the hotel to freshen up.

I have always wanted to try the fried chicken at Sunburst

... but there was never any opportunity in my previous day trips. So, it was great I was able to find time and available space in my stomach. I just ordered a small chicken thigh with coleslaw and fried potatoes.

Finally, I was able to taste it!!!

Their dipping sauces: UFC Ketchup,Old English Worcestershire sauce and hot sauce.

We transferred to Ayala Center for our late lunch. It has been suggested we go to Casa Verde.

They have this HUGE - Humongous - Monstrous burger!!!! The burger was as big as a plate!!!!

The Watermelon Salad was refreshing after eating Lechon and chicken.

According to some blogs, the ribs should not be missed. Again, HUGE serving!

Celina wanted to hear mass at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino, the oldest church in Cebu.

I was glad we were able to go, the Church was quite impressive!

Dinner was at Zubochon, Mango Mall.

I let Celine try the Kamias shake

... and the lechon.

The best pig ever! by Anthony Bourdain

We also ordered Pancit Sotanghon.

BudBud Kabog for dessert.

She bought a lot of pasalubongs, such as chicharon, chorizo and frozen Zubuchon Lechon.

Time flies so fast when you are having fun! We went back to the airport to await our flight. My night did not end yet, though. After checking in, I got my boarding pass, paid the terminal fee and went out of the airport to have a drink at the nearby Starbucks with a friend.

I love Cebu! After Boracay, it is my 2nd favorite destination. I am glad that I will be coming back to Cebu next year!

TIME was really short ..... I just had a Quickie in Cebu!

Stoops Bagnet Ilocos

2011-11-28T17:48:00.000+08:00

Mayette, Celine and I had a quick lunch at this small hole in the wall place called, Stoops Bagnet Ilocos, The Zone, Makati. It is very difficult to find a parking space in this area so we took advantage today.

I love the Bagoong Ilocos!!!

I have been asking them if I can buy ever since we discovered the place last year but they said it was not for sale until recently. Yay!!! I bought a bottle for only 38 pesos. You have to add kalamansi to enjoy it, I was sipping it like soup!!!! I cannot wait to cook something that will need a Bagoong Sauce.

Mayette ordered the Bagnet with KBL (Kamatis, Bagoong and Lasuna = shallots) (P88)

Celine got the Bagnet with KKB (Kamatis, Talbos ng Kamote and Bagoong) (P88)

I ordered the Boneless Bangus Belly (P88)

Everything was so perfect with the Bagoong Sauce!

Surprise! Surprise! I did not eat pork today. Because tomorrow I will definitely eat PORK!!!!

Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant

2011-11-28T16:02:00.000+08:00

Ate and her family did not have lunch in my house last Saturday but invited me instead to join them at Legend Seafood Hong Kong Restaurant, Pasay (Boom na Boom, CCP Compound).

We arrived past 2 pm and they were not serving roasted dishes anymore, I wanted the Roasted Suckling pig!

Everybody liked what Ate ordered for us.

Fried Noodles with Assorted Meat

2 baskets each of dimsum:

Sio Mai

Hakaw

Sharksfin dumpling

Breaded Shrimp Balls

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Angus Beef Cubes with Garlic

Fried Pork Spareibs with Pepper and Garlic

Fried Squid with Chili and Garlic

The food was delicious!! And big servings too! Hehehehehe, if you noticed, Ate and her family love FRIED food!

I would love to come back and try other dishes too especially my Suckling Pig!

Zuni, Greenbelt 5

2011-11-25T11:22:00.000+08:00

I celebrated Thanksgiving last night with Tita Portia. I had to decline a sumptuous dinner invitation from a friend. I do not know the significance of this holiday because it is not my holiday but Tita Portia grew up in the States so she celebrates it every year by eating Roast Stuffed Turkey. Haahahaha! I told her I do not eat pabo.

Zuni in Greenbelt 5 has a Turkey lunch or dinner meal every Thanksgiving. I did not order it since .... now you know ... I do not eat PABO hahahaha.... my choice for the night was....

Pan-Seared Sole Fillet with Scallops and Prawns in champagne-saffron sauce with angel hair aglio olio and asparagus spears.

DELICIOUS!!!! YUM!!!! Super!!!! Loved it! One order was not enough, I could have finished 3 servings! I was a happy camper last night.

Tita Portia had the Thanksgiving meal .... ( I still have to study how to take pictures if the lights are yellow.)

Grilled Prawns Salad with Mango Vinaigrette

Consomme of Mushroom with Chicken Dumplings and Spinach

Roast Turkey with Onion Sage stuffing served with Baked Sweet Potato

Pumpkin Cheesecake

I love Zuni because their food is delicious and you would want to go back again and again.

Lunch with my GFsF

2011-11-25T02:59:00.001+08:00

I am very thankful that my girl friends are here already after spending several years abroad. I truly missed them. I am so glad that we have the opportunity to get together whenever we can.

Lunch today was at The Cheese Steak Shop, Pasay Road... They had a buy 1 take 1 promo!

We had the Philly Cheese Steak

and the Western Cheese Steak.

(I actually cannot remember which one is which.)

We ordered two kinds of fries:

Steak Fries

Twister Fries

I loved the fact that the fries were not greasy!!!! I especially enjoyed the twister fries.

Dessert was at Milky Way, Pasay Road

Jing had the Avocado ice cream.

I had the Buco Lechias/Avocado ice cream.

Celine had the special of the house, Halo-Halo!!!!!

Post dessert was at Chocolate Fire, Leviste cor Rufino Sts.

I love their chocolates because they are not too sweet and you can taste the creaminess, especially the milk chocolate. I know I am not allowed because I am diabetic but I could not resist and just bought.....

Potato Chips dipped in Belgian Milk and Dark chocolate, white chocolate lips and milk chocolate bell.

I really could not help myself.... I ordered 2 more pieces of Pringles dipped in Belgian Milk Chocolate.

I wanted more!!!!

They have a lot of handmade chocolates you can choose from plus it is also a cafe, they serve sandwiches and pasta dishes... oh and they also have cocktails! Next time, I want to try the Chocolate Martini!!! LOL As if I can!

I am Happy and Thankful my friends are home!!!!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Italian Carbonara

2011-11-23T22:43:00.001+08:00

I made Italian Carbonara for Sophie to show her my love. I do not know any other way to show my love except by cooking for the person. I was sick in bed last Sunday, bad case of Vertigo. She would go to my house and check on me every so often. She even brought me lunch in bed!

The thing is..... I am not a very loving Tita, I am even very strict with Sophie. In my way of thinking, kids should behave the way they should and I get frustrated when they do not. I am from the old school that kids should be seen and not heard. Hahahahahaha! And oh boy... can Sophie talk your head off.

These past couple of days, I have been waiting for her to come home from school. As soon as I hear their gate close, I would call her up and invite her for merienda.

Italian Carbonara (recipe from youtube) - 2 servings

170 g. spaghetti noodles
80 g. bacon, chopped and fried (drippings set aside)
2 egg yolks
1/2 egg, beaten
black pepper
2 T. Parmesan cheese, grated
2 T. Pecorino Romano cheese, grated

Beat egg yolks and half an egg. Add the cheeses and season with black pepper.

Add the cooled bacon bits and drippings to the egg-cheese mixture.

When the noodles are al dente, immediately add to the the Carbonara sauce. (Thin with pasta water if it seems a bit dry.)

Sophie loved it! She said it is her favorite Carbonara of all the Carbonaras she has tasted.

Masuki, Megamall

2011-11-23T16:09:00.001+08:00

I could not wait to wake up last night. I wanted to go to Megamall to eat at Masuki.

I know, it was crazy to google pictures of food in the middle of the night .... but I could not help myself.

It was just a quick trip, I did not bring my car anymore because that would take longer.... the fastest way to get to Megamall was by riding the MRT from Buendia Station. It only took 7 minutes! Hahahaha It would take me longer to switch lanes in EDSA.

I just ordered their JUMBO siomai. 4 pieces!!!

I should have just gotten 2 pieces because they were really bigger than usual.

I love their siomai because the meat is pinkish in color!

Perhaps they added ham?

I also got the Asado siopao, another favorite of mine.

The dough was sweet and not dry plus the filling was also very tasty!

Ate it with their sweet brown sauce.

It is also the sauce for the siomai but you have to add kalamansi and a little soy sauce.

I was really very full after eating those yummy treats! That is my problem at times, I get so full easily and cannot eat a lot at one time but would rather eat often.

I can categorically say .... I had a QUICKIE for lunch!!!!

Cream of Squash Soup

2011-11-22T18:41:00.003+08:00

It is supposed to be called Pumpkin Soup but we do not have pumpkin in the Philippines, so I used squash instead. I called up Mona and asked for her recipe, I also browsed in Google and combined the tips I gathered.

Cream of Squash Soup

4 strips of bacon, fried and cut into bits
2 T. bacon oil and/or butter
1 onion, sliced
350 - 400 g. squash, cubed
3 1/2 C. water or chicken stock (omit Knorr cubes if using stock)
2 pcs. Knorr Chicken cubes
1/2 C. all purpose cream
additional cream

Caramelize the onions in bacon oil and/or butter. Deglaze the pan with a bit of water then transfer into pot. Add the squash, Knorr cubes and the rest of the water or stock.

Boil over low heat for 30 minutes, uncovered.

Put everything in a blender and puree. Be CAREFUL!!! The soup splattered all over my kitchen wall and a bit on my hand. Just process on the lowest setting.

Put back the pureed soup into the pot and simmer until thick. Add 1/2 C. cream and stir. Add an additional dollop of cream for every serving and top with crumbled bacon.

Sophia loved the soup! Hahahaha! She said it tasted like Carbonara. There are no bacon bits in the picture because I ate it before the soup was done!!! I was stirring and stirring, waiting for the soup to thicken when I realized I ran out of LPG!!! GRRRRR I had to wait for the delivery man.

FYI, The second ingredient in Knorr Chicken cube is MSG.

Beef Steak Experiments

2011-11-22T13:57:00.000+08:00

It is a rainy day today.... perfect for experimenting in the kitchen! I looked in the freezer and saw a styro-pack of Beef Steak from Tenderlean, 250 grams. I divided the meat into two servings of 125 grams each, which by the way, is the recommended serving size per person.

My first experiment was the Filipino Bistek. I love this dish so much and up to now I could never get it right. But today....... Yehey!!!!! I know how to cook Bistek already!!!!!

Filipino Bistek

125 g. beef steak from Tenderlean, sliced thinly but not as thin as sukiyaki
2 pcs. kalamansi
1 T. Datu Puti soy sauce
dash of black pepper and salt
2 T. oil
1 red onion, sliced into thick rings
1 t. Knorr Seasoning
1/4 C. water

Marinate the beef in kalamansi juice, soy sauce, salt and pepper for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Heat a frying pan, add the oil.

Squeeze the marinade from the meat.

Over low heat, fry the beef, turning over a few times. When the liquid from the meat has evaporated, continue frying until beef is darker in color then transfer into a serving dish.

Still over low heat, caramelize the onion. Add the marinade, Knorr seasoning and water. Simmer until the oil rises to the top. Pour over the beef.

Another experiment today was the Breaded Beef Steak. It is actually like the ordinary Breaded pork chop but I used beef instead.

Breaded Beef Steak

125 g. beef steak
juice of 1 kalamansi
salt and pepper
1 egg, beaten
breadcrumbs
cooking oil

Marinate the beef slices in kalamansi juice, salt, pepper and beaten egg for 30 minutes in the refrigerator.

Roll in breadcrumbs then fry in hot oil.

Serve with ketchup or gravy.

Another Day with my Friends

2011-11-21T22:42:00.001+08:00

There are only two SALEs that my friends and I look forward to every year. The CEPZA Trade Fair and the Rustans Marketing yearly sale. Jing, Celine and I went to Urban building this morning.

I was able to buy some hair products. I got 2 bottles of Schwarzkopf 425F Heat Protect, gloss finish Blow Out Lotion and a hair moisturizing product. My friends got make-up: foundation, face primers, etc. There were perfumes, colognes, SPANX, Tefal, Rowenta and a few more items.

We did not eat out anymore and I just cooked for them. I made .....

Sinigang na Sugpo

500 g. small sized prawns
4 C. water
2 pcs. tomatoes, cut into quarters
1 onion, sliced
1 radish, sliced
1 eggplant, sliced
2 green chili
1 small pack Knorr Sinigang mix
1 bundle kangkong, leaves only

Boil water with tomatoes and onions.

Then add the radish, eggplant and sinigang mix.

When the vegetables are crisp tender, add the green chili and prawns. Cook until the color of the prawns changes. Do NOT overcook.

Scoop out all the vegetables and prawns into a serving bowl.

When the stock is boiling, add the kangkong leaves, cover and cook for EXACTLY one minute only. Remove the cover and pour the soup into the serving bowl.

YUMMMMM delicious!!! And the vegetables so crisp tender! Not mushy.

I cooked pork chop steak...

http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/05/home-cooked-food.html and they loved the fact that it was very tender and the caramelized onions made the sauce very tasty.

Celine bought Chopchae in Wang Mart, Polaris St. Bel-Air, a small Korean grocery.

It was just a simple lunch but very easy to cook. We finished everything and were very contented like 3 little pigs.

Omakase, Ayala Triangle

2011-11-21T22:00:00.000+08:00

My friends (Celine and Mona) and I had dinner at Omakase last weekend. This is a late post because I was sick last Sunday. I am still a bit dizzy now, suffering from vertigo but not as bad as yesterday. We also watched the light show at the Ayala Trianlge.

I have been wanting to eat at Omakase but I cannot eat a lot of sushi all by myself. So, I took the opportunity when I had company. I researched in blogs what to order.

Seafood Dumplings

American Dream - salmon with Philadelphia cream cheese

Spider Maki - soft shelled crab

Tuna Sashimi

Omakase Soup

Plain Miso Soup

Tonkatsu

Panama Orange Tea

Celine and I wanted Uni sashimi but they ran out. The food we ordered tasted good but I did not realize that most of them were deep-fried. I do not eat deep fried food if I can help it. As usual, we enjoyed ourselves because we love the company of each other.

Banana Choco Peanut Shake

2011-11-19T01:18:00.002+08:00

Celine loved the Banana Choco Peanut Shake of Jonahs, Boracay! She asked me if I can experiment and I did.

Banana Choco Peanut Shake

1 C. low fat milk
1/4 C. Hersheys Chocolate syrup
1/4 C. sugar, optional
3 pcs. ripe banana (Lacatan)
6 T. crunchy peanut butter
6 pcs. Choc-nut or Hany
3 C. crushed ice

Put all the ingredients in the blender and process for 1 minute or less. Makes 3 servings.

Celine said it was perfect! We will experiment again on Monday so Jing can taste my concoction.

Road trip with the Girls

2011-11-19T00:59:00.001+08:00

My girl friends and I went on a road trip to Cavite via Cavitex today.

I was the designated driver!!!

It was one of those rare times I drove outside Makati City. We went to the CEPZA Trade Fair Bazaar.

I love the new hi-way!!!

It only took 10 minutes from the Coastal tollgate up to Cavite! When I exited, I was already past Island Cove. The hi-way just opened last May and it has a nice scenic route.

The girls, Jing, Mona, Celine(photographer inside the car) and I enjoyed our mini trip, we even brought chips and a small ice chest for our drinks.

After shopping at the CEPZA trade fair, we had lunch at King Bee Chinese restaurant.

We ordered.....

Kuchay Dumpling

Hakaw

Pork Siomai

Yang Chow Fried Rice

Beef with Broccoli Florets

Fried Squid with Chili and Garlic

We were very surprised the food tasted good! LOL Or maybe we were just so hungry???? But just the same, we were satisfied. Satisfied to the point that my passengers were sleeping soundly on the way home.

I am glad my girl friends and I can go on road and shopping trips at the spur of the moment!!! Thank you, Lord!!!

Pancit Bam-i

2011-11-17T23:37:00.001+08:00

This was my 2nd attempt at experimenting with Pancit Bam-i. I think I got it right. I just need to use a better quality sotanghon noodles next time. I did not have a choice in Rustans, Rockwell, they only have the Good Life brand.

Pancit Bam-i

2 slices boiled pork belly
200 g.pancit canton noodles
250 g. sotanghon noodles, soaked in water for 10 minutes
chicken breast, boiled and flaked
chicken stock
garlic
onion
carrot, slice into thick sticks
string beans, slice into thick sticks
tenga ang daga, soaked in warm water and cut into slivers
cabbage, cut into squares
150 g. shrimps, peeled
1/2 C. shrimp stock
4 C. chicken stock
1/4 C. soy sauce
black pepper
1/4 C. Mama Sitas Soy Stir sauce

Render the fat from the pork slices over low heat until crispy. Cut into chunks and set aside for garnish.

Saute the garlic and onions in pork oil.

Add the flaked chicken and continue cooking.

Pour the soy sauce, saute for a minute or two then add the shrimp stock. When it boils, add the shimps.

Season with black pepper.

Pour 2 cups of the broth and Mama Sita Soy Stir sauce.

Let it boil, add the carrots, beans and tenga ng daga. When the vegetables are crisp tender, remove it and the meat from the stock, set aside.

Add the sotanghon and canton noodles to the stock and mix well. If the noodles are not yet cooked, add the remaining stock little by little.

Transfer to a serving platter, top with the meat and vegetables.

Garnish with the crispy pork belly pieces and serve with kalamansi on the side.

Chicken Mango Roll

2011-11-17T15:31:00.001+08:00

The helper of Tita Portia did a cooking demo yesterday. Her father and brother are both cooks and taught her how. PD (Tita Portia) and I were surprised she volunteered to make Chicken Mango Roll.

I am not so sure what the proportions are but will try my best.

470 ml. mayonnaise
250 ml. Alaska Condensada
1/4 c. unsalted butter, softened
chicken breast
yellow mangoes
egg, beaten
rice paper ( like the one you use for turrones) Sorry I dont know where to get it
Japanese breadcrumbs
cooking oil

Combine the mayo, condensada and butter and set aside.

Boil chicken breast and slice into large strips.

Slice the mangoes into strips.

Lay a piece of rice paper on a plate, arrange the chicken slices and mango slices in the middle of the paper.

Spoon some of the mayo-milk mixture. Roll and seal like a lumpia.

Dip in egg, then roll in breadcrumbs.

Deep fry until golden brown.

Serve with the mayo-milk sauce but add about half a cup more of Alaska condensada.

There were leftover chicken strips and mangoes. Rochelle, the helper, made it into giant chicken nugget balls!!!

I did not see how she made it but she said she just mixed the chicken strips with flour, butter, salt and pepper. Shaped into a giant ball then rolled in flour, dipped in beaten egg then rolled in Japanese breadcrumbs. She arranged the mango slices of top and drizzled with the Mayo-milk sauce.

Crispy Pork Binagoongan

2011-11-16T14:17:00.000+08:00

I do not know why I suddenly wanted to eat this dish last night. I could not sleep anymore because I wanted to wake up already so I can experiment.

Crispy Pork Binagoongan

2 slices boiled pork liempo
1 eggplant, grilled and peeled
2 T. red onion, chopped
1 ripe tomato, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped finely
2 T. Piyesta Brand bagoong

Boil a whole slab of liempo then just slice as you need and keep the rest in the freezer.

Over low heat without adding cooking oil, pan fry the pork in a non-stick pan until almost brown.

Then cut into slices and fry again in the same pan until crispy. Set aside.

Brown the garlic in the oil rendered from the pork, remove then add the bagoong. Saute briefly, toss in the pork pieces.

Slice the eggplant lengthwise, top with onions and tomatoes. Put the crispy pork with bagoong on top and garnish with fried garlic.

I suffer from vertigo occasionally so I just used a small amount of bagoong. I love the PIYESTA brand because it is not too salty. I can only buy it from the fruit and castanas vendor in Seaside, Macapagal.

You can adjust the amount of bagoong according to taste.

Another Day in the Life of Lia

2011-11-15T20:19:00.001+08:00

The day started with a call from Jing, Li? What are you going to do today? I told her I just have a few errands and then I am free! We met in Glorietta, did a little girlie shopping. I cannot help it but I already bought a couple of tops for my Boracay trip in January.

We just had a snack in Ti-amo, Greenbelt 5. I have always wanted to try it. Waffle with Gelato.

I liked how the waffle looked but of course nothing can beat the Bacon Waffle of Pancake House.

I was walking back to Glorietta where I parked my car when I saw Kenji Tei Ramen House.

I read in Spot.ph it is one of the Top 10 Ramens in Metro Manila. I ordered the Chashu Miso Ramen, regular size.

At it least the sodium level was not up to the roof although I still prefer the ramen of Ukkokei Ramen house... http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/01/danger-of-reading-food-blogs.html that is VERTIGO in a bowl!!! I practically saw stars after taking my first sip. LOL You should try it at least once in your life. I do not mind eating there again but will have to bring Serc.

Ever since I came back from the Visayas region, Cebu and Boracay, I have been craving for Pancit Bam-i.

I googled for the recipe and experimented tonight.

I should have used the pancit canton noodles I see in the supermarket all the time because I used egg noodles. I did not realize I have to boil before using it, so my Pancit Bam-i took a longer time to cook. The egg noodles were still a bit chewy but the sotanghon noodles were pasty already and the vegetables over cooked! I will experiment next time and hope it will be better so I can share the recipe.

I love pancit! All kinds of pancit, but it is something I cannot master. I will not give up though and try and try until I succeed.

Lunch at the Ancestral Home of Gen. Vicente Lim

2011-11-14T21:17:00.001+08:00

My senior friends and I were invited today at the ancestral house of Gen. Vicente Lim. He was the dad of Tita Butchie Lim Ayuyao, my senior friend I inherited from my Mom. The National Historical Institute placed a marker near their main door.

Their house was like a museum with lots of antique stuff and memorabilla. It transported me back to the time of Padre Damaso and Crisostomo Ibarra.

They have an annex at the back but bit more modern. They even have an elavator, much to my delight!!!

Elevator manong

In case nobody recalls Gen. Lim from our history classes, you can find him on the P1,000 peso note.

Tita Butchie prepared a simple but delicious lunch for us. Well .... their family cook, Clarita, who has been with them for a long time prepared it. I prefer old fashioned cooking compared to the modern fusion which all the new chefs go crazy about.

We had our lunch at the verandah of the annex.

It is so nice when there are so many trees and plants around the house.

The cook prepared Cream of Mushroom Soup from scratch.

I will try this one time, so easy to make. I got the recipe from Tita Butchie.

We had fresh salad with peanut dressing.

Baked macaroni with chunks of chicken liver, ham and sausages.

Roast Stuffed Chicken, Turkey style with Mushroom Gravy and Jellied Cranberry sauce.

Dessert was a 16 egg yolk leche flan.

These little chocolate peanut butter filled cupcakes are from the States brought home by Tita Butchie.

Interesting yellow box.....

Surprise! It is a tea cozy from Vietnam!

We really enjoy our monthly Senior lunches.

Lots of stories and catching up .... especially on the latest gossips about common people they know. We are all looking forward to the next one, we already set a date.

Boracay! Yay!!!!!

2011-11-14T04:25:00.002+08:00

Yay! I just came back from my Happy Place, my 8th visit in 2 years to my most favorite island on Earth.

My friends, Celine and Mona were with me. We had so much fun and very relaxing at that. They are Boracay veterans already because it was not their first time.

As soon as I checked in to our hotel, I unloaded our snacks,

I brought the Pringles and Herrs and the Ate of Celine gave us the nacho chips and the no-name cheese curls which was very good!!! Thank you, Gina!

We stayed at Willys Beach Hotel, across the most photographed place in the island, Willys Rock.

They actually have a land title for that rock formation. It is a simple, clean, no frills, mid-range hotel but very convenient.

We loved the location because of the proximity to the Church and Jonahs Fruit Shakes!!!!

Our first destination was Puka Beach,

voted as CNNs top 50 beaches of the world.

It is on the Northern tip of the island.

Quite deserted except for a few tourists. The sand was not as fine as the one from White beach but rather coarse and grainy because they were puka shells, ground finely by the ocean waves. It was so beautiful and peaceful. There were a few dining establishments and we chose the Sea Shore Grill restaurant to have our lunch.

When I was doing my research on where to eat in Boracay, I realized, I have eaten already in the MUST eat places. I decided on this trip to just eat native island food: grilled meat and fresh seafood.

We ordered Prawns Sinigang

and Inihaw na Liempo.

I love sinigang, I always have to try it when I see in the menu. The vegetables were cooked just right! I wonder how many minutes did they boil the eggplant? My eggplant in my sinigang is usually half cooked or over cooked. The liempo was very tender too.

While walking along White Beach at sunset,

I spotted a Manong selling grilled food!

Celine and I bought hotdog on a stick.

We also tried Loco Frio.

I had the Strawberry Kiwi sans the alcohol and Celine had the Lime Margarita with a jigger each of vodka and triple sec. The guy behind the counter took our picture and he said we will be the star of the day in their FB page on November 15!!! Let us see if it is true. So we better check their FB page.

We were so lazy to go out anymore so we just had our dinner at the hotel.

Pancit Bam-i - really, really good

and Beef Bulalo soup.

I left Mona and Celine at our hotel room after dinner, they were getting ready for our clubbing. I went to D Mall to buy a few things at the grocery, Budget Mart. I also tried the Mang Inasal chicken. My friend, Mico, said it tasted so much better than the ones in Manila.

I also had my dessert at T-braz. Just a plain Nutella crepe.

It is one of those must eat places but the food was just all right for me.

We went to Summer Place before midnight. I do not drink alcohol that was why I only ordered bottled water. We did not like the crowd, mostly girls and their guests, if you know what I mean.

We moved to Epic and I ordered corn dogs. GREASY!!!

My friends had another round of San Mig light.

Breakfast at the hotel was Buffet style.

As long as I could eat bacon, that was enough for me.

LOL I had a processed meat breakfast.

The whole day was just spent lounging around and swimming. A quick trip to Jonahs to drink our favorite shake,

Mona had the Mango, Celina had the Banana Choco Peanut shake, which she loved very much, and I had the Mango Papaya shake,

Would you believe we were too lazy to do anything, so we ordered again the Pancit Bam-i!

We liked it the night before so we went for seconds.

Plus, we were still full from our late breakfast.

Another highlight of the trip was the Paraw Sailing while the sun was setting.

It was the treat of Celine.

Thank you!

I had a super dooper time sailing. Mona did not join us because she has an injured shoulder.

I love Paraw sailing! My 3rd time already.

I took a picture of my feet as proof that I was with Celine while sailing.

Another spectacular sunset in Boracay.

Dinner was at the D Talipapa. We bought our seafood in the market and had it cooked at Aquafresh.

Chili Crabs - Celine said she liked my version better but I love the crabs in Boracay, so sweet and succulent.

Prawns from the sea with butter and garlic.

Adobong pusit.

We headed to Jungle Bar after 10 pm, at the other side of the island... In the middle of the jungle hahaha. When we got there, not much people partying so we just went to Club Paraw instead which was teeming with activities and fun, great DJ and music.

Time seemed so short when you are on vacation. It was our last day and Mona did not swim anymore because her flight was early on that day. Celine left after a couple of hours. We had our last hurrah shake at Jonahs, I got the mango milk and she got the Banana Vanilla Peanut shake before heading to the port.

I still had a couple of hours left. I was sad for a few moments because my friends were on their way home but then, I know how to entertain myself. Who can be sad in paradise???

My lunch in the nearby restaurant, Obama, was grilled tuna belly. I liked the way they cooked it, not dry at all!!!!

I have been to Boracay several times already and as usual, each time was different. My friends said I should get a house but I do not want to live there. What will I do? I cannot lounge under the sun all day and drink mango shake.

Boracay is like a best friend I only see once in a while. I always enjoy my time with my friend and yet it is not enough. I did not want to leave yet but knowing I will be back soon was such a comfort.

During my last dip in the ocean, I looked up in the sky and around the crystal blue waters and said: Thank you, God!

Boracay! We will see each other again!!!

My Boracay Chronicles:

1st - prequel, coming soon.
2nd - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/08/boracay-birthday-weekend-day-1.html
http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/08/boracay-birthday-weekend-part-2.html
3rd - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/12/early-christmas-in-boracay.html
4th - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/03/boracay-journey-surprise-and-degree-of.html
5th - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/04/boracay-again.html
6th - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/06/boracay-my-happy-place.html
7th - http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/08/happy-birthday-lia-in-boracay.html

Guilty Pleasure

2011-11-07T22:34:00.001+08:00

I have been reading several food blogs lately and surfing the net for what and where to eat in Boracay. I will be going there with Celine and Mona in few days. Oh Yes!!! Boracay! Here I come!

The pictures were so mouth watering and I could not wait anymore, so ...... I went to Seaside Macapagal this afternoon and bought crabs and prawns!

I bought a female crab, half kilo in weight. I steamed it and when I cut it into two... this is what it looked like!!!! Take note: This is not a small crab, mind you.

There was more crab fat than white meat!!! I really only want the aligue because it is easier to eat than picking the white meat.

I cooked it afterwards with Chili Sauce from my blog but it was not saucy enough for me.

So, I made a dipping sauce of patis, vinegar and garlic.

I was so afraid I saved the cover with lotssss of fat for Mona who is coming tomorrow. Hehehehe. At least, I am not the only one whose cholesterol level will go up. Share the pain and share the pleasure.

The crab was all right, it satisfied a yen but I still cannot wait to eat the crabs in Boracay because they are so sweet and the flesh so moist and succelent.

Soon...... just a few more nights .... and a crabbing we will go!!!!!

Perfect!!!

2011-11-07T18:38:00.001+08:00

I have perfected the Prawns with Red Egg Yolk Sauce! I still had left over curry leaves from my Asian dinner so I decided to make another batch. Just bought my prawns from Rustans, Rockwell, almost double the price compared to Farmers, Cubao. Good thing I only got about 300 grams.

It was so creamy and YUMMMMM!!!!!

http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/prawns-in-salted-yolk-sauce.html

I think one of the secrets of a perfect Prawns/Crabs in Red Egg Yolk Sauce is the red egg itself. When I bought in Cubao, I was a little surprised because it was more expensive than your usual red egg.... but ohhh my.... when I sliced it open, it was dripping in oil and the color was fiery orange compared to the ordinary red egg you can buy in the market or grocery. So, it was worth it.

I was also able to buy Knorr Chicken Powder from the supermarket.

And another perfect recipe ......

Hahahahahaha ... I do not know if you can call it a recipe but I know how to cook rice already!!!! More or less ..... I still have to practice a lot. I can cook around 200 or more dishes but not rice.

Last week, I asked Jing to check the rice in the rice cooker, she said it needed more water because the top part was still crunchy. In my 2nd experiment, it had to much water!!! Hermie said it was lugaw! Then last night, it was almost perfect!!! HAHAHAHA Well .... the center was still a bit pasty .... like what one would use in the panaderia to seal the edges of the paper bag for the bread.

So.... last night was Perfect and almost perfect!

Merienda at The Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant

2011-11-07T18:11:00.000+08:00

Jing and I had a quick merienda at the Legend Hong Kong Seafood Restaurant, across the World Trade Center, Manila. When I entered the place I saw the familiar face of the Manager of the now closed China Highland Palace at MOA, then he moved to HK Choi in Megamall, then moved back again to Moa - Emperor restuarant then now at this place.

My friend and I just ordered dim sum and noodles since we just had lunch, I was on my way to Macapagal Seaside Market to buy crabs and prawns.

Fried Noodles with Assorted Meat

Pork Siomai with Crab Roe

Radish Cake

Hakao

I liked their dim sum compared to other restaurants. You could not even take a bite because the little yum cha treats arrived piping hot to our table. There were many Chinese families dining there, so it means it is a good place to eat! I will come back and try their other dishes.

Grilled Corn

2011-11-06T00:17:00.000+08:00

My friend, Corry, just came from Boston and she was telling me about this delicious grilled corn she had at one of the Tapas bars. She asked me to research how to make it.

I immediately googled Boston grilled corn tapas bar and Toro came up. It is grilled corn slathered with seasoned mayonnaise then rolled in Cotija cheese - aged cheddar. I checked for a substitute and I can use Pecorino Romano.

I went to Salcedo Market this morning to buy one piece of grilled corn. When I got home, I was ready to experiment. I looked in the fridge for mayo and I did not have anymore! I called the house of my Tita and Kuya to ask if they have mayo but alas ... none.

So I rushed to my nearest Sari-Sari store in the corner, 7-Eleven and bought 1 sachet of mayo. I did not want to buy a lot since I am not fond of mayonnaise. I would rather use butter but I have not been using it either for quite a while now.

Grilled Corn

1 T. mayonnaise

1/8 t. salt
1/8 t. cayenne or chili pepper
20 gr. Pecorino Romano cheese, crumbled or grated coarsely.

Grill the corn, slather with the seasoned mayo and roll in cheese.

Serve with lime wedges.

Will make again one of these days and let Corry try so I will know if I got it right.. Perhaps best eaten with Buffalo Wings. YUM!!!!

Long time ... No see!!!!

2011-11-05T23:38:00.002+08:00

I have not seen my Ate and her family for almost the whole month of October. I have been sick and busy last month plus she and her family traveled to China for a week.

I always serve them their favorite food, Bulalo Soup and Inihaw.

My inihaw recipe is sooooo simple and yet it tastes so different from the other recipes.http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/09/thai-lunch-with-friends.html

Plus.... you only marinate it for 1 hour before grilling. I always choose thinly sliced belly grill cut. Thicker cuts of liempo will take longer to cook, ergo, tougher meat.

The favorite of my niece, Gilly, my Bulalo Soup. http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/07/typical-saturday-lunch.html

I was so surprised the meat from Rustans, Rockwell was really tender, marshmallow tender.

I asked Hermie to buy fresh Tilapia from the market but they did not touch it.

So ... Yay! I have lunch tomorrow!

Ate brought home Roasted Duck from Beijing.

It was vacuum packed and I heated it in the microwave. It was like duck ham. I kept the leftover and will make sotanghon soup.

My family only likes simple food. The more elaborate it is... the more they will not like it. That is why I am glad when my friends come over, I can experiment.

Tita Portia brought Belgian Chocolate covered dried mangoes from Cebu.

A pasalubong by one of her students. It was something different and at least it was not too sweet for me.

Too bad Kuya and Sophie were not able to join us because it was their dentist and hair cut day for my little nephew, Renzo.

I will not see them again next weekend... so another long time till I see them again!

Asian Dinner for Pinky

2011-11-04T01:20:00.001+08:00

We always hold a welcome home party for our friend, Pinky, who works for the biggest cruise ship in the world, Oasis of the Sea. I was with my Boracay buddies, Tricia, Jodie and Mico. I also invited a few favorite friends but they were not able to make it.

I have been planning this Asian dinner for Pinky for weeks. We are at the age when we are more health conscious, so the menu was light and healthy. How funny, my Kuya, who is my next door neighbor, called and asked what the food was. He thought there would be Amber Pork BBQ and Crispy Pata, which were the all time favorite potluck contributions.

I was so excited in preparing the meal for these very special people.

I have known them since Grade/High School. Whenever I cook for friends I like, I get so inspired that I research and practice for weeks! And always with TLC!

Let us go around Asia .....

Thai Pomelo Salad

That was the potluck contribution of Pinky but she asked me to make for her. I never thought they would finish the whole platter but they said it was very, very delicious, especially the Thai Lime-Honey dressing. I got the recipe from my blog but I did not add shrimps anymore because there were several dishes with shrimps already.

lettuce
pomelo
shallots
roasted cashew

Thai Lime-Honey dressing

6 T. lime juice (4 pcs. lime)
6 T. honey
3 T. Thai fish Sauce
10 pcs, shallots, sliced into thin rounds
1/2 t. Thai Chili flakes

Combine all the ingredients for the dressing. Serve in a little jug.

Vietnamese Spring Rolls with Peanut Sauce http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/my-fresh-vietnamese-spring-rolls.html

Finally!!! After all the restaurant hopping and experiments, I was able to perfect the art of making fresh Vietnamese spring rolls. Well ... not aesthetically perfect yet but I suppose the taste was.

Singaporean Prawns with Salted Yolk Sauce http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2011/10/prawns-in-salted-yolk-sauce.html

Dra. Tricia asked me to cook this dish as her contribution.

She also ordered Phad Thai from Wild Ginger in Rockwell.

Hainanese Chicken

Dra. Mico, Jodie and Tin shared in one order of Hainanese Chicken from Stevie Villacin. It came with Chicken Rice

and the dipping sauces.

Our drink for the night was Lemongrass Virgin Mojito. (Non-alcoholic).

I was just going to make the ordinary Lemongrass Pandan Tea http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/09/thai-lunch-with-friends.html but I decided to give it a little zing and added mint leaves and lime slices. I even muddled some of the leaves, just like how you make a real Mojito. I used a stalk of lemongrass as a stirrer.

Mango Sago Pomelo of Hong Kong

600 grams ripe mangoes
1/2 C. sugar syrup (boil 1/2 C sugar in 1/2 C. water until it dissolves)
1/2 C. Carnation Evap
1/4 C. sago pearl (boil in water until no there is no more white at the center, drain and rinse with cold water)
1/2 C. pomelo, shredded

Puree the mangoes in the blender with the syrup and milk. Transfer into a serving bowl, add the boiled sago and top with pomelo. Serve Chilled.

I am very, very happy that my Asian Dinner for Pinky was a success. We were catching up on old times, lots of stories were shared and we could not contain our laughter! Until the next get together with my SUPER DOOPER, funny but true friends!!!

Jing's Junior Masterchef

2011-11-03T00:29:00.000+08:00

I invited the little boy of Jing today and taught James how to bake Chocolate Chip Cookies.

http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/11/home-made-chocolate-chip-cookies-for.html

It was his first attempt and it was a success! He did everything by himself. Jing and I just guided him. Amazing little boy. The cookies were so chewy!!!

James, Junior Masterchef, hard at work.

I was really so surprised the cookies turned out really delicious! 100% much better than the ones you can buy from bakeshops and baker's fairs.

Of course, Tita Lia had to prepare merienda for my little guest. I know the favorite snack of James is Hamburger.

I got the recipe from my ever reliable American Cookbook.

Hamburger Patties

450 gr. ground beef
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
2 T. chopped onions

Mix all the ingredients and form into patties.

Super simple recipe but YUM!!!!

Jing's Junior Masterchef said it was the best burger he has ever tasted!!!!

Long Holiday

2011-11-01T22:16:00.002+08:00

I am very glad that my obligations to my dear departed family have been fulfilled several days ago. Which gave me a free day to go around the metropolis!!! I even drove in EDSA!!! Hahahaha I only have the courage to do that every All Saint's Day.

My friends and I visited our college classmate, Jona, in Discovery Suites. She is from NY but is starting a business here in the Philippines. I promised to cook Kare Kare and Adobo for her.

http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/04/easy-kare-kare-from-scratch.html

http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/05/mayettes-adobo.html

We all enjoyed ourselves and so full after the meal that the zipper of my shorts went down by itself! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!

We went around Greenhills after lunch and we tried the Barquillos Ice Cream. Got the tip from Celine.

Interesting idea, we always eat our ice cream with barquillos, why not fill it with ice cream?!?!?!

I went to Glorietta in the evening because I forgot to get my package from the SM supermarket check-in counter last night!!! I really am so forgetful. Since I was already in the area, I tried something new from Gong Cha.

Gong Cha Milk Winternelon Tea

Ummm .... after taking a sip, the first thing that came into my mind was "kundol". Isn't wintermelon the same family as kundol? But when you mix the cream with the tea, the taste improved. I still like Happy Lemon.

Yesterday, Jing and I had BACONATOR from Wendy's.

We only split in one order because it was shown in pictures as something quite humongous!!!

But when we opened the foil wrapper, it was so small. We thought we would get hungry immediately but surprisingly, we did not! The sandwich had 3 quarter pounder patties and 3 bacon strips with mushroom and cheese sauce!!!

It was a long holiday but fun filled with activities and lots and lots of food.

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-30T21:57:00.001+08:00

It was the Annual Trick or Treat event in Bel-Air.

LOTSSSSS of kids attended the affair. I accompanied my friend, Jing, and her two sons.

Jing's son, Michael, in his Bumblebee costume.

Jing's son, James, in his Indiana Jones costume.

My niece Sophie and nephew Renzo were the early birds.

Ate Sophie in her Madhatter costume and Renzo in his Spiderman costume.

They were at the park at 1:00 pm when the "show" started. The trick or treating began at about 5 :00 pm!!! Good thing Jing, her sons and I got to the park at 3:00 pm or else it would have been a hot and boring afternoon. LOL Of course, boring for the adults and not for the kids.

There were many contests and guests: acrobats, fire dancers, magicians and a whole lot more I did not pay attention to.

All the registrants got food chits: free cotton candy, hotdog, siopao, siomai, bbq, french fries and ice cream.

When it was candy gathering time....

I regret not bringing a pumpkin pail.

I used the mask of Michael to collect candies.

I only got Mentos from one house.

Kids got very tired because they had to walk from street to street.

Michael was really beat.

Jing had to carry her son.

Ahhhh the love of a mother for her child. I do not think I will be a good mother. Hahahaha I was so grateful this afternoon that I do not have a child... just a little boy with 4 legs.

When the kids got home, Tita Lia levied taxes on them. Hahahaha I asked candies from the boys and they willingly gave me the ones they did not like.

Our post trick or treat snack was at Mc Donald's and I had fried chicken, rice and fries.

My inner piglet came out after our snacks because I went to Pancake House to eat spaghetti!!!

I do not know why but whenever I eat sweet children's style spaghetti, I cut the noodles into little pieces. LOL I know it is bad manners but there is nothing like eating sweet spaghetti the way a kid eats it!

My favorite dessert in Pancake House is Bacon Waffle.

I always tell the waiter to instruct the cook to make the bacon crispy first before adding to the waffle. It happened already several times that they put a soggy bacon in the waffle. YUCK!

I drizzled a lot of syrup!

I know, I know it is bad for me but there is no other way to eat it but drown it in sickly sweet syrup!!!!

I also tried a new Happy Lemon Milk Tea today, I added pudding.

I did not like it so much because it tasted like leche flan with no sweetness. Will still stick to my original Happy Lemon Milk Tea with Black Pearls and Puff cream and the ever favorite Cocoa with Rock Salt and Cheese.

Speaking of Cocoa .... I know I am being bad but the girl in front of me ordered "Kok-wa"!!! I could not help telling all my FB friends about it. Then when she got their order, which was several glasses of different drinks, she said, one of the Milk Tea concoctions tasted like "Sampaguita"!!! For those who are really not into Milk Tea which I think is an acquired taste, the first sip would normally taste like "surot" Hahahahahha. That is just me ..... being naughty.

Trick or Treat!!!!!

Impormptu Bagoong Fried Rice

2011-10-29T20:32:00.003+08:00

While I was attending mass this afternoon, my mind was already wandering, thinking of what to eat for dinner. When I got home, I suddenly felt very hungry but cannot imagine myself eating tocino with garlic rice and fried egg. I had that the other night. BORING!!!!!!

Then I read in FB that Tita Jit who lives in Bangkok will be busy cooking Thai food among other yummy treats! Then it dawned on me that I can make Bagoong Rice! http://liasfoodjourney.blogspot.com/2010/09/thai-lunch-with-friends.html

I opened my recipe in my blog and discovered I was out of HIBE! I also did not have green mangoes but still decided to cook sans the two ingredients.

I followed my recipe and then just added chopped roasted cashew, sliced red onions, sliced green lemon and Thai chili flakes.

YUMMMM!!!!

It was really good. It was not boring anymore!!!! Imagine if I had to eat again the tocino with garlic rice and fried egg??????

Sometimes you just have to add a little from your usual and normal fare and it will be a totally different ball game.

Serenitea, Bel-Air

2011-10-29T20:17:00.000+08:00

There is a new milk tea place in Jupiter, Bel-Air called Serenitea.

Mona and I went after lunch to check out the place. It is very cute from the outside but very hot al fresco drinking area and yet there were a couple of tables with patrons. The shop crew said they get a lot of customers at night.

I asked the girl behind the counter what their best seller is, she recommended Okinawa Milk tea(brown sugar flavor).

I ordered it, 0% sugar, added black pearls and 2 packets of splenda.

Mona tried the Hokkaido Milk tea with extra black pearls.

I read in some blogs that it is very good. It is a Butter-Toffee flavored milk tea. It was too sweet for me because the sugar level was 100%.

At least it is convenient if I want a Milk Tea fix aside from my favorite Happy Lemon in Rockwell.

Brunch at Salcedo Market

2011-10-29T16:06:00.001+08:00

I slept early last night because I could not wait to go to Salcedo Market! I still woke up late, so I just had brunch at Salcedo with Mona.

I was chatting last night with my friend from NY, Lisa, and she is coming home for a visit in January. We were talking about all the food she wants to eat when she gets to the Philippines. One of them was Inihaw na Liempo!!!

I got envious and ate it this morning.

Bought it from the grilled food vendor.

I took a bite from Mona's Tamales.

Hahahahaha Did you notice anything wrong with the pictures??? They are a little blurred because I was hungry and my hands were shaking hahahaha From here on end.... clear pictures only.

I have a friend who recently ate Samosas and.... as usual I got envious!!!

I bought Chicken Samosa with Mango Chutney.

It was still hot! Delicious with chicken, chick peas and curry. Then I dipped it in mango chutney. It is the Indian's equivalent of empanada.

I also ate corn dog.

I like to eat it with mustard only.

My Ate would have loved the Chicharon Bulaklak!!!!

The "flowers" were in "full bloom"!!!

Hakao from the dim sum cart.

I bought my favorite Kilawin Puso ng Saging.

Will eat it with daing na bangus at home.

There were a lot of food to choose from at Salcedo Market but these were my "picks" for the day.