Happy 4th Birthday, Lia's Food Journey!

Oh my Goodness! If I went to college again 4 years ago, I would have graduated already by now!

It is hard to imagine that I have been chronicling my eating and cooking life for the past 4 years!

One person asked me what do I get out of writing my blog?

Hmmmm.... Tough question to answer... But really...

When I conceptualized the theme of my blog, my goal was to share my passion for food and my recipes. I stopped counting at 200.... I have over 200 recipes which I generously shared with my friends and readers. I am very glad whenever I get feedback from them that their experiments were successful! It makes me feel very proud of their accomplishments.

Then... Another person asked me why do I always invite friends over?! What do I get out of it?!

Here I am with my love for cooking.... But nobody to share it with?!

When I open my house to friends.... When I cook for them....

I not only give them my food but also give a piece of myself...

Time I have spent marketing and cooking which I can never get back....

I pour my heart and soul into it....

I infuse the flavor with my love.

Hahahahaha Believe me, my friends do know the difference of cooking with amour or without.

This last year.... I was able to invite more friends into my home which they fondly call, The Batcave.

My college friends from AC and their families.... A constant in my life and in my house.....

Even if Celine is abroad, we still include her in our get together.....

My Elementary and HS friends.....

Lisa was home for the holidays!

The Junkies!!!!

Senior Citizen friends....

My "officemates"...

The readers of my blog who became friends....

My Bel-Air Church group...

KST friends...

Neighbors....

Friends who share the same passion for Cholesterol!

Balikbayan friend who loves my Kare-Kare....

My cousin from Dubai!

Friends who are like a 2nd family to me....

Friend of a friend...

My schoolmates...

My little friend from Australia, Santina, and her Mom

I am so blessed I have you all in my life!

You are the reason why I spend my time researching and experimenting with new recipes.

Thank you for accompanying me in my Food Journey!

 

 

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Lunch with my "Playmates"

I have been living in our village since the 70's but never played with my neighbors growing up. I just kept to myself and dolls were my playmates.

My favorite activity back then was to "cook" M&M's in my little frying pan over the stove. I would set the table for my dolls then give each one a serving of my precious chocolates. What delighted me most was the fact that I could eat all their food!!!!

Call me a late bloomer but I recently started having "playmates" over to my house. Playmates - meaning my neighbors!

Yesterday, Michelle and Sam were my guests for lunch.

They live just a few houses away from mine.

I cooked Lechon Kawali

And Lumpiang Ubod.

Sam brought wine

And Heaven's BBQ.

I was so surprised Heaven's improved their BBQ! It even came with Java sauce.

Today, my playmates were Tricia, Cat and Shey.

Tricia brought the delicious tapa from Farmer's.

I let them try the Lumpaing Bangus.

They liked it! Especially dipped in garlic-vinegar sauce with Sriracha!!!

I also cooked Ginataang Kalabasa and Sitaw with Shrimps.

Cat brought assorted fruits.

Shey asked her driver to buy us coffee from Starbucks.

It was Shey's first time to try the Guyabano fruit!

Hahahaha she did not like it as much as we did.

Now that I am so much older.... I am friendlier with my neighbors.

So..... If I say....

Hey, Junkies! Do you want to come out and play?

It just means.... Come over to the house! Let's cook, bake and eat!!!!

Hahahahaha one thing though about living playmates.... I cannot eat their share!

 

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Hello Pinky!

Pinky is home! Time for a get together with the crew: Pinky, Cristina, Miko, Jodie, Bibo and Paolo.

As usual our food theme was Filipino! After being overseas for several months, we know that it is what Pinky is craving for the most!

Bibo brought a huge tray of Seafood Paella!

Cristina, Miko and Jodie brought...

BBQ from Ineng's

Sisig!!!!!! Yum! Yum! Yum!

Laing

Ginataang Puso ng Saging.

Pinky got us Cheeseroll from Marygrace.

I only cooked Lumpiang Bangus because I was just recovering from a nasty strain of the flu. I even called Tita Des to ask for the recipe.

I loved my new experiment! It is perfect for the Lenten Season.

Lumpiang Bangus

1 k. Bangus, grilled or steamed then flaked

Garlic, chopped

Onions, chopped

Tomatoes, chopped

1 pc. Carrot, chopped

1 pc. Potato, chopped

1 t. Salt

1 t. MSG (optional)

1/4 t. Black pepper

Liquid seasoning

Lumpia wrapper

Sauté the garlic, onions and tomatoes in hot oil.

Add the Bangus and continue sautéing for about 5 to 10 minutes. Season with salt, pepper and Knorr liquid seasoning.

Add the carrots and potatoes. Cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Cool filling then wrap in Lumpia wrapper.

Fry and serve with garlic-vinegar dipping sauce.

 

 

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