Food Friday

This week's Featured Food Friday player is...

Ms. Bi Ti, with her blog post Chocolate Mendiants, on her blog: Prêt-à-Vivre [Ready to ... Waltz]

What perfect little treats! Want to know what they are and how Ms. Bi Ti made them? Am sure any foodie would be interested! Do click on the shot above to learn more! You'll love the loads of pictures as well as the detailed instructions! Yummmmy!

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It has been a rainy/cloudy/cold/windy for us this season, so this was a perfect time to try something that I found on the internet (while browsing for other nutella-related recipes - again)... Simply Hot Choco.

Ingredients:

• 1/4 c unsweetened choco powder (I used Hershey's)
• 370 ml can of evaporated milk
• 2 tbsp nutella (or more, if you want)
• 1 1/2 c water
• 1 tsp vanila extract
• marshmallows
• dash of salt

some of the ingredients

Procedure:

• Place water and choco powder on a pot and bring to a boil. Mix then simmer for around four minutes.
• Add evaporated milk, nutella, and the salt.
• Simmer some more, about seven minutes.
• Once you're satisfied (thickness and taste), turn off the heat.
• Add vanila extract, then mix.
• Add marshmallows but leave some so that you can put some more on each serving cup.
• Take a sip and enjoy, as the warm and rich liquid keeps you warm inside and out!

Honestly, I found it too rich for my taste (that's why I only drank just a bit), but my nutella-crazy son loved it! Perfect for cool and windy nights...or even for those days and nights when you just want something comforting to sip on. :)

Have a 
HAPPY and PROSPEROUS 2013!!!

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

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Food Friday

This week's Featured Food Friday player is ...

Ms. Czjai, with her blog post Chocolate Mint Brownies, on her blog: The Rebel Sweetheart

This is perfect, specially this time of year! Stumped as to what you want to give this season? If you have an oven and the ingredients, then am sure the recipient will thank you for days! I know I would! lol. Now click the shot and grab the recipe!

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My post for this week is something that I saw online, while I was searching for recipes that uses Nutella (fyi - my son's latest fave); unfortunately, I just couldn't resist adding something to the recipe - and that's how the avocado got included. lol. Sorry, I forgot the site (there were LOTS that I browsed through)..suffice it to say, this recipe isn't originally mine (except for the addition of the avocado). lol. I call this Crazy Easy-Peasy Toast. :D

Ingredients

• Nutella
• bread, jam (I used mango), avocado, salted peanuts

Procedure

• Spread jam on bread then toast. Not too long, now. Add the sliced avocados then put in toaster...just a bit till it gets a bit toasted and dry.
• Drizzle some nutella on top (you might want to soften it in the microwave, if you want) and add some peanuts.
• Done!
• Had that with hot cheesey no-meat macaroni soup (will post recipe soon).

My sons had theirs without the avocado since they aren't too fond of the fruit like their mom. lol. I liked how the avocado added a new dimension to the taste - almost fresh-like and not too heavy (like what I was expecting). My son suggested bananas, but we were fresh out of bananas that day...next time. :)

To those who celebrate Christmas:
Advance MERRY CHRISTMAS, all!

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

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#Giveaway: Coach Handbags!! (ends 3 Jan 2013)

Who's ready for a GIVEAWAY? JOIN NOW!!!

Mom Powered Media, connecting companies to consumers the super mom way!

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• Inside zip, cell phone and multifunction pockets
• Outside zip pocket
• Zip-top closure, fabric lining
• Strap with 18 3/4" drop for crossbody wear converts to double strap for shoulder wear
• 9 3/4" (L) x 13" (H) x 5 1/2" (W)

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• 7 3/4" (L) x 4 1/4" (H) x 3/4" (W)
• A coach.com exclusive

Brochures for the Class

Just recently my son had a school project wherein they needed to do a research about some of the prominent figures that have helped mold our nation. They were asked to choose between leaders that are still alive and those that are already deceased. Since hubby and I are both veterinarians, he decided to do a research about Dr. Teodulo M. Topacio, Jr, who was just recently given the rank as a National Scientist (2009) by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.

His group had to discuss his research and print Brochures, then pass them around for their classmates and teachers, as part of their info campaign. The brochure had to be easy on the eyes (good lay-out, distinct colors, and the ratio between pictures and texts manageable), informative, and most of all: interesting and easy to understand. It's a good thing that hubby is familiar with making brochures and our computer has a program that can guide you, so it really wasn't much of a hassle. Once the research was done, we had it printed. So happy we found a good and reliable printing lab that helped us. I loved the result - glossy and crisp colors on the pictures and prints! Loved the paper that they used, too - not too thick and not too thin, either. It was perfect!

Happy kid, happy parents, and happy classmates and teachers! :)

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Get a FREE Facebook link and FREE Twitter link in the giveaway. This event will go live on January 10, 2012 so hurry over and join this Free Blogger Opportunity.

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Simple Rafflecopter entries are required.The giveaway will run from December 2 until Sunday, December 30 – so you have a whole month to complete the entries and earn points with daily entries too. It’s open to everyone - worldwide - one winner will receive an iPad with retina display, or the cash equivalent of $499 via Paypal (whichever is preferred)! To join, click here.

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Food Friday

This week's featured Food Friday player is...

Ms. Oggi, with her post Red Velvet Doughnuts, on her blog: I Can Do That!

I think doughnuts are fun to eat (and messy sometimes), and these red velvet doughnuts created by Ms. Oggi looks are utterly tempting! I wouldn't hesitate grabbing one...or two. lol. So perfect this season! Want to know how she made them? Click the picture above!

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Malabar Spinach, Corn and Pork Soup...this week's post.

Ingredients:

• pork cuts (I used pork shoulder)
• fresh corn, malabar spinach (also called alugbati in our part of the world)
• salt, pepper, Italian seasoning
• garlic and ginger (squashed)
• fish sauce (optional)

Procedure:

• Place pork cuts in pot with water, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, garlic, and ginger. Boil, then keep simmering until tender.
• Remove the kernels from the corn cob, then place into the pot with the pork cuts. Continue simmering until corn the gets cooked.
• Adjust seasoning. Once satisfied, turn off heat and throw in the sliced malabar spinach leaves. Cover lid for a couple of minutes to allow the leaves to cook.
• Best served hot.

My sister's alugbati plant was growing up so fast, I just couldn't resist taking some of it to cook at home. I was afraid my sons wouldn't like it, that's why I sliced the leaves instead of putting them whole in the soup. I really liked the almost earthy-like taste it gave to the broth...am sure I'll do this again when I have the chance. My kids liked it, too. Happy Me! :)

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

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Black and White

Seeing in black and white ....

My List

My refrigerator is a mess right now. I have started stocking up on what we will be eating during Christmas day. I plan to make no-bake blueberry cheesecake (so easy, am so happy! lol) and maybe macaroni salad. Still have to work up on the menu, though. I think I need to buy some more meat (specifically chicken and ground pork); will buy the veggies later since it does tend to spoil easily. Honestly, too tired to think about it...just might open up the chilled wine bottle reserved for that special day! Nah, of course not. But I am tempted. :D

Now need to get down and finish that list!

Rosal (Gardenia)

One of the flowers in my sister's garden...that's a bud of the gardenia. We call it rosal around here. :)

Christmas Shopping

Christmas is fast approaching...and as usual, I still am not done with my list. Well, I have gotten stuffs for my family already (psst, got one for my youngest on a site where you can save on drum sets...am sure our Christmas is going to be a noisy one this year! lol), but none yet for our friends and their young ones.

Well, I still have around two weeks, right? Oooh, must go to the mall early to avoid the Christmas shopping rush! Good thing Christmas will start next week for my eldest son...no more classes!

That means I can wake up late, too. :D

Cool...

Unable to hold the reader down...
Finished the first book yesterday, and am starting with this today.

But, reality beckons. :D

Life ...

Last weekend the kids and I went to the mall to buy some stuffs (food, school supplies -my son was looking for one of those precision instruments which their instructor required that they bring - and some other odds and ends), as well as to get my eldest son's eyeglasses. I was shocked when I checked the price for them...more than Php8000 (roughly US$200)! Good thing we brought along our own frame (given by my brother-in-law since he had a new one which he did't get to use)...am sure it would have cost us more than that amount if we hadn't!

Oh well...life. :D

Food Friday

This week's featured Food Friday player is...

Ms. Lynn on her blog Life Bliss with her blog post: Pasta and Beef Recipes

Four recipes in one post! What else can I say...I love it! Click on the pictures above to grab those recipes! You won't be disappointed! Promise! :)

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I saw some nice bellpeppers at the grocery a couple of days ago and I knew I just had to make them into these...

Stuffed Bellpeppers

Ingredients:

• bellpeppers (too bad the grocery store only had green colored ones...am sure some yellow and red ones would liven up the dish!)
• bacon, rice (steamed), tomatoes, cheese, eggplant, okra
• pepper, salt

Procedure:

• Cut out the upper part of the bellpeppers, including the seeds. Immerse in pot with water and boil for around five minutes. Remove once done, and sprinkle salt and pepper. Set aside.
• Dice the other ingredients (bacon, tomatoes, eggplant, and okra). Place bacon first in hot pan, then when turning to be a bit crispy, add in the other diced ingredients. Cook until wilted, then add the steamed rice. Season with salt and pepper, if you want. Set aside to let cool for easier handling.
• Take one bellpepper and stuff with the rice-veggie-bacon mix. Top with generous amounts of cheese. Do the same with the other bellpeppers.
• Using the oven toaster, I placed them inside until the cheese got burnt and bubbly. I had to rotate them every now and then since the temperature was way too high...I think I would have gotten a much better result if I covered them with aluminum foil. Cooking took about twenty minutes.
• Sliced the bellpeppers and added some more cheese before they were devoured.

My sons liked them, even if the eldest normally doesn't like okra and eggplant. lol. I guess the bacon and cheese did it for him. He asked if we can make them again during Christmas day. :)

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Sense

Loving this quote and the ebook. It's not the type that you read and read until you finish it immediately. I like reading it in bits...not in a hurry with the journey. First time I've experienced this and really loving it. It makes me want to take my time, understand the characters and mull about what has been happening so far.

Going to find some more ebooks by Rachel Joyce, or something similar. :)

Hmmmm, I must really be getting old. LOL.

Food Friday

This week's featured Food Friday player is...

Mr. Nick, with his post Bean Stew (Fasoladha), on his blog: Intelliblog.

Beans are a good source of nutrients (and relatively cheap), so I really love it when I come across a recipe that calls for beans mixed with other veggies. Mr. Nick's Fasoladha recipe is one of those that I'd love to try; I might be substituting some of the ingredients with what I have on hand, though (as usual, lol). If you're looking for something hearty and healthy to cook,  then I suggest you click the shot above.

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I was surprised that the pomelo (also called shaddock {link}) that I bought was so sweet that I decided I'd make a salad out of it. As usual, I mixed it with whatever was available. Simply called: Pomelo Salad.

Ingredients

• pomelo (I used only half of it)
• salad greens (I used romaine, and red leaf lettuce)
• cucumber

dressing: salt, pepper, olive oil (extra virgin), balsamic vinegar

Procedure:

• Prepare the greens into bite-size pieces; then peel the cucumber, slice in half, and remove the seeds. Slice the cucumber to your liking (in my case, my youngest decided he'd do the slicing...hence some cucumbers were big, and some really tiny. It didn't matter to me. lol). Place inside refrigerator to chill.
• Meanwhile, peel and open the pomelo. Remove the flesh, separate them, and place on top of the salad greens and cucumber mix.
• Mix your dressing and adjust taste. Drizzle on top of the salad.
• Mix and Serve.

Had that as part of my brunch a couple of days ago. I really liked the sweet/tart flavor of the pomelo, mixed with the crunchy greens. It went great with the sweet ham, egg, and toast. Loved it! So easy to prepare, too. :)

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

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#Giveaway: Mia Mariu Shopping Spree and iPad Mini Event

Hallu Everyone!
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Not For Me

Am afraid this ebook isn't for me. As soon as I got my kindle I got this ebook since I have heard raves about it. Ugh. I was disappointed. I think it was bordering on porn, BUT that is just my personal opinion. I know, lots of ladies (and men, perhaps?) found this book awesome. I dunno. My choices are weird, I guess. lol. Never even got to finish that book. Deleted it from my device. Sigh.

I prefer Rick Riordan, Isaac Asimov, even John Grisham. lol.

Christmas Online Shopping

Christmas is definitely approaching and I haven't started with my gift list yet. Well, actually I have started a bit already but am not halfway yet. Usually, if I can get it online I go for it, like one of those dolce & gabbana light blue cologne, which I know my sister would love! For my sons, I plan on getting them something that I know they'd like: toys! I didn't give them any toy last year (was that so mean of me? lol) and that's why we decided that this year they will get at least one toy from us.

I know, I need to start on the list right away! :)

#Giveaway: Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker (11/22-12/06, US only)

Mom Powered Media brings you a Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker Giveaway! {$179 RV}

US Only

A BIG thank you to our lovely co-hosts: Mom to Bed by 8| Powered by Mom| Real Mom Reviews| Baby Costcutters| Capris Coupons

The pressure is on with a Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker that is! It's the perfect time of year to start cooking with a pressure cooker. Oh the wonderful things you can make that are healthy and tasty with a Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker!

About the Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker

The Fagor Chef Pressure Cooker line is Fagor’s premiere pressure cooker made of elegant made in Spain 18/10 Stainless Steel and designed with a larger diffuser bottom for higher cooking efficiency. It includes easy to use pressure indicator with distinct positions – the 1^st – indicates LOW pressure (8 psi) and the 2^nd indicates HIGH pressure (15 psi).

Just think of the many things you can do and make with this awesome pressure cooker!!! 

Food Friday

This week's featured Food Friday player is ...

Ms. Oggi, with her Sicilian Pork Skin Roll-ups post on her blog, I Can Do That!

This is the first time I've heard of this dish and honestly, am curious. Ms. Oggi never fails to amaze me with her culinary skills and that's why I am an avid fan of her and her blog. If  you want to know what I'm talking about, then don't hesitate - click the picture above!

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I love cooking but I don't like fussing too much. Specially like it when I cook stuffs in one pot and I get around two "dishes" out of it. lol. That's me being lazy. I guess. :D

My dish for this week is Fried Chicken with Mushroom and Green Beans. Not too sure if that's right, but ... here it is:

Ingredients:

• Chicken (cut into serving pieces)
• Dried mushrooms (which I soaked overnight in water, then sliced; you may use fresh)
• green beans
• your favorite breading mix (I used Crispy Fry), cooking oil for frying
• salt, pepper, Italian Seasoning, ginger and garlic (both crushed), milk, cornstarch/water mixture

Procedure:

• Place the chicken pieces, sliced mushrooms, salt, pepper, Italian Seasoning, ginger, and garlic in a pot filled with water. Let boil, then simmer for around twenty minutes; just until the chicken is cooked through. Remove the chicken pieces, then set aside.
• Meanwhile, continue simmering, then when it's half the amount it originally was, add milk/cream. Add the cleaned green beans then remove after about four minutes (doesn't take too long to cook). Set aside. Add the water/cornstarch mixture to thicken the remaining liquid. Adjust seasoning.
• Coat the chicken with the breading mix, then fry.
• Assemble everything on the plate: fried chicken, mushroom/green beans with sauce, and rice.
• Dig in!

Sometimes I just add some veggies into the pot (after removing the chicken) and that becomes our soup. The chicken would be cooked (either baked or fried) further, since my sons prefer crunchy chicken. Me, I don't mind, really. As long as it agrees with my taste buds, then it's all good! :D

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

ps. Seems like the new widget worked. Will use it again this week...hopefully no glitches. :)

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Happy Me!

I got an early Christmas gift today! :D

#BloggersWanted: #FreeOpp (Mia Mariu Giveaway Event)

Mia Mariu Giveaway Event

Hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prizes: $300 Mia Mariu Shopping Spree & an iPad Mini

Event dates: 12/1-12/30

This is a Free Blog Event!
Sign-up here: BLOGGERS WANTED

(Please write Picture Clusters as the blog who referred you. Thanks!)

#BloggersWanted: FREE Opp! (Coachlicious Giveaway Event)

Coachlicious Giveaway Event hosted by Mom Powered Media

Prize: Coach Madison Op Art Sateen Handbag

Event dates: 12/17 - 12/31

Free Blog Event!
Sign-up here: BLOGGERS WANTED
(Please write Picture Clusters as the blog that referred you. Thanks!)

#BloggersWanted! FREE Opp!

$200 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Hosted by Diva Fabulosa and Happy Home and Family

• Event Date: January 4 - January 18
• OPEN WORLDWIDE
• For companies/ non bloggers/business owners who are interested in sponsoring an event, please send an email at: admin at divafabulosa dot com
• SIGN UP HERE (Please mention Picture Clusters as the blog that referred you. Thanks!)

Food Friday

This week's featured Food Friday player is ...

Ms. Winnie, with her Honey-Dough Filled Rolled Cookies post, on her blog Something Sweet.

I wish I can have one of those cookies right now...am sure it would be perfect not only with coffee but with any other drink (or all by itself)! Browsing through Ms. Winnie's food blog always reminds me of home since there was a time when my parents put up a small bakeshop and us kids would bake cakes and cookies for our own consumption! If you love baking as much as Ms. Winnie does, then do check out her site!

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Since my son and I have been feeling a bit under the weather lately, I decided to make something soupy with what I have available ... decided to call this: Whatever Is Available Soup. :D

Ingredients:
meat (i used pork shoulder, which I cooked until tender, in water, salt, pepper, crushed ginger, garlic, onion, and Italian Seasoning for around an hour)
corn kernels, green beans, mung bean sprouts, chili
salt, pepper, sesame oil, hard-boiled egg
instant noodles

Procedure
Cook meat. Once tender, add the corn kernels. Simmer for around ten more minutes. Throw in the green beans. Adjust seasoning. Turn off heat.
Meanwhile, prepare the plate and add in the noodles, placing the other ingredients (meat, mung bean sprouts, green beans, chili, hard-boiled egg, and corn kernels) on top. Ladle in the soup. Add a drizzle of sesame oil and maybe some chili flakes.
You may opt to add more broth than what I have shown, since the noodles tend to absorb some of it.
Enjoy!

I omitted the chili for my son (he's not a chili fan, lol). We both had fun slurping our food and even went for seconds! :D

I think this would have been much better if I added something leafy...but I didn't have any available. Maybe next time...we're still on the road to recovery, so most probably I will be making something similar again this weekend. :)

Reminder: Please don't forget to link back (a simple text would be great, or you may use the buttons provided here). Also, please try to visit the other party-goers and leave some commentluv to let them know that you dropped by. Many thanks! :)

ps. am using a new script for the widget...if it seems odd on your end, then do leave me a comment so that I can fix it -> meaning, revert back to the old widget script. lol. Keeping my fingers crossed and hoping it will work! :)

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