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Food Friday



7 shared thoughts
This week's Featured in Food Friday player is...

Ms. Marge, who owns Pinoy Kitchenette, with her blog post: Ginataang Labong

I have always been fascinated by the recipes that Ms. Marge posts on her blog; mainly because they are mostly from the Bicol region, which uses lots of coconut milk (like her featured post above). Of course, she also posts recipes from other regions and one side dish that intrigued me was her bitter gourd and pineapple mix (I tried it and I was really surprised that the combination worked quite well). Want to know more? Then go and check out her blog, If you love food, then you won't be disappointed!
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My post for today is a revised comfort dish, Sauteed Munggo (mung beans), which I mixed with Squash Blossoms and Okra (lady's fingers or gumbo).


Ingredients:

  • munggo beans (preferably soaked overnight to cut down on cooking time)
  • squash blossoms
  • okra (lady's fingers/gumbo)
  • salt, pepper, garlic, onion
  • chicken stock (or you may use vegetable stock or plain water)



Procedure:

  • Soften the mung beans in boiling water, seasoned with salt and pepper. Once done, mash the beans then set aside.
  • Saute onions and garlic in oil. Add the cooked beans, then pour liquid (either plain water, or chicken/vegetable stock) till you get the consistency that you want.
  • Once it starts simmering, add the okra and squash blossoms. Let simmer till the veggies are cooked (it took mine about seven minutes). Season some more, if you want.
  • Once you're satisfied, remove from heat. Best served hot, together with steamed rice (or a crusty bread).





This was actually the first time that I tried those squash blossoms (am afraid my mom isn't a fan, lol) and am glad I did! Am not sure if it's regularly added with mung beans (am assuming it's not, since normally it's the bitter gourd leaves that are mixed in with the sauteed mung beans) but I just couldn't resist trying out the combo. As for the okra, my eldest son said he'd only eat it if he can't "taste" the slime...lol. Well, of course he couldn't, in this dish. My youngest and I had no problems with it, so this is going to be another staple around here. :)

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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Hmmmm?



0 shared thoughts
I have noticed for the past few weeks that my new posts aren't immediately visible when I click on the homepage...or maybe this is an isolated situation. ;D

Just an observation. :)

Busy



1 shared thoughts


am afraid this is one of
'those things'
that has been keeping
me
BUSY.

well, not 24/7 but since
i always have the
phone with me...

so easy to click
and
check.

sigh.

Food Friday



11 shared thoughts
This week's Featured in Food Friday player is...

Ms. Luna Miranda, who owns Live in the Moment, with her blog post: Breakfast of Champions.

Dried salted fish, fried. I could eat them all day! Such a perfect combination with steamed rice, specially when dipped in  spicy coconut vinegar. I know, it's not meant for everyone, but it seems like Ms. Luna Miranda has a thing for them, too! Do go and check out her post and see what else had for breakfast that day!
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My food post for today is: Leftover Fettuccine. I call it "leftover" since most of the ingredients were actually leftovers! lol.


Ingredients:

  • leftover meat (ground)/mushroom, and camote tops (sweet potato greens) dish
  • your fave spaghetti mix
  • spinach fettuccine (or whatever pasta you have lying around; cooked according to package directions)
  • your choice of cheeses



Procedure:

  • Heat up the leftover dish (in my case, the meat/mushroom and sweet potato greens combo), then add the spaghetti mix. Add cheese, if you want. Adjust taste (add salt, pepper, herbs...whatever you prefer).
  • Mix with the pasta.
  • Sprinkle some more cheese on top.
  • Enjoy! :)



It actually took me less than thirty minutes to whip that up. It was the first time that I tried sweet potato greens with any pasta and it looks like I just might repeat it again...my youngest loved it! Me 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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So Undecided Me



1 shared thoughts
I must admit: I am enjoying my new phone sooo much! However, I have recently gotten into the habit of reading ebooks (free ones, lol) and reading from the phone can be a bit of an eye-strain after a couple of hours. I was thinking of getting a Kindle Fire or a Nook, but still undecided. While I was browsing (and researching) I found out that the samsung galaxy also came highly recommended. Hmmmm...what to do!

I know, I can't decide fast enough when it comes to stuffs like this. I need hubby's help. :D

Food Friday



9 shared thoughts
This week's Featured in Food Friday player is ...

Ms. u8mypinkc00kies, who blogs over at Munchy Crunchy, with her blog post: Pesto Cheesesticks

Anything with cheese....I LOVE! Specially this soft pesto cheesesticks posted by Ms. u8mypinkc00kies. It's awesome partnered with pasta, but it can also hold itself on it's own. Just look at that generous amount of melted cheese...making me hungry! Why don't you drop by Munchy Crunchy, and check out her yummy food reviews! 
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My food post for this week is: Sinigang na Isda (Fish in Sour Broth)


Ingredients:

  • fresh fish (preferably one that's on the meaty side; I used the maya-maya (crimson snapper, i think?!) head, though)
  • young tamarind leaves (some flowers were included, too)
  • kangkong (water spinach) leaves
  • radish (one medium sized, sliced diagonally)
  • ripe tomatoes, salt, ginger, onion, chili
  • fish sauce (optional)



Procedure:

  • Clean the fish. Set aside.
  • Boil ripe tomatoes then remove from the pot once soft; peel off the skins then mash. Return to the hot pot. Add salt, thinly sliced ginger, and onion. Throw in the fish; wait till barely cooked (took mine less than ten minutes), then transfer to a clean plate.
  • Add the tamarind leaves and let simmer for about three minutes.
  • Add the radish, then after about five minutes add the water spinach and chili.
  • You may adjust the seasonings (fish sauce, or salt) at this point.
  • Return the fish to the pot, or you may add the broth to the fish.
  • Best eaten hot, with steamed rice.



I know, most would use the commercially available sour broth premixes (and I do that most of the time, too. lol) but I just couldn't resist trying it the "natural" way. Honestly I prefer cooking my sinigang this way, but for the availability of the fresh young tamarind leaves (rarely see them in the supermarket around here). I was just lucky enough to have gotten them from my SIL who lives in the province.

Another downside: the tamarind leaves when cooked can get pretty messy. Maybe wrapping it in something would help... :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! :)

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Just a thought



0 shared thoughts
The internet these days seem to have gotten weird. Lately I haven't been opening my computer because I decided that my sons need me to be really "THERE" for them. I know, not a good idea specially when you're a blogger but family always comes first for me. Anyway, the couple of days (and nights!) as I was fiddling with my phone (using wifi) some sites seems to be sluggish; some apps even crashed. Then my most recent posts here couldn't be seen fast enough! Is the internet sluggish, or do we all need e&o? Or is it just my internet connection?

Sigh.

Food Friday



12 shared thoughts
This week's Featured in Food Friday player is ...

Teacher Julie, who blogs over at Plateful of Fun, with her blog post: Tuna Fillet Steak

Yummy combo! I haven't tried this mix for breakfast before, but am sure I'd love it! Of course, T. Julie did mention in her post that this is great not only for breakfast but also for lunch or dinner! I definitely agree! Anyone agree with us? lol. Do check out her site and see what other yummy posts she has up on her blog!
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My post for this week (another easy one!): Whole Wheat Quesadilla (with Spinach).


Ingredients
  • 3 whole wheat tortillas
  • cheese (I used quick melt)
  • spinach (I used around a cup of fresh leaves), dried mixed herbs, butter, olive oil, pepper, salt


Procedure:
  • Clean spinach leaves then wilt in hot pan with melted butter and a bit of olive oil (just so the butter wouldn't burn). Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  • Grate the cheese. Set aside.
  • Warm the tortilla first (I used hot pan).
  • Assemble everything: warm tortilla, cheese, and wilted spinach leaves.
  • Place the cheese, mixed dried herbs, and spinach leaves on one side of the tortilla (you may add olive oil, salt and pepper; your choice), then flip the other side to cover it. Press and put on hot pan; turn over after a couple of minutes on each side.
  • When you're satisfied (and the cheese inside has melted), remove from pan. Slice in triangles.
  • Yummy when eaten warm. :)




I actually wanted to add the spinach on my omellete, but since my son requested for quesadilla, the spinach went to the quesadilla instead. I know, sometimes I tend to go overboard trying to add veggies to my snacks (and meals). lol.


My youngest found the whole wheat tortillas weird (he prefers them plain), but he ate the cheese and spinach. I know, another weird trait in my family! My eldest liked everything! :)


I searched online and found out that some quesadilla recipes add in mushrooms together with the spinach...I know I'll try that the next time I get my hands on some fresh mushrooms!




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New Colors



3 shared thoughts
I mentioned two posts ago that we just had our living room repainted...and that we're so happy with the results! Well, at least I am! lol. It's quite a far cry from the color that it was before...

shot using phone...
Anyway, our carpenter/painter guy arrived together with his inspection tools a few days before to check things out, but we were no longer around since we left for our vacation. My sister was there to open the house and show him in, though. Very convenient, and timely! :)

So loving the new color...yes, I am! :D

Eggy



1 shared thoughts




This is a

mainstay

in

our

kitchen. :)

Repainted Living Room



0 shared thoughts
We just had a part of our house repainted and so when we got back from our almost one month long vacation, we were pleasantly surprised that it made such a huge difference! Before, the living room was painted a light yellow/brown, but now it's white (with some teal for accents) and am loving it! Hubby said he'd love to have some new set of appliances in and when he mentioned a certain brand I was concerned about it's appliance parts. Good thing when I checked today that it is available around here. :)

But since school just started (for us, anyway) and we had to spend a bit for our eldest son's things, I decided we just might postpone the buying for a few more months. Good thing he agreed! :D

African Blood Lily



3 shared thoughts

I only see this flower once a year...the african blood lily. Interesting and exotic looking...
this is only a macro shot, though. Will upload the full flower shot when I can... :)

#Giveaway: Dyson Housewarming Giveaway



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Hello There! Welcome to the Dyson Housewarming Giveaway event. This took months in the making and Mom to Bed by 8, the Iowa Mom is proud to bring you this fantastic home essential and offer you the chance to win one too! Big thank you to our lovely co-hosts How to Have It All, Mark Your Savings and GiveAway Bandit.

Dyson DC23 TurbineHead Canister Vacuum
Delivering 220 airwatts of suction power, this canister vacuum cleaner features advanced Level 3 Root Cyclone technology to ensure thorough, efficient cleaning with no clogging or loss of suction. It also offers a TurbineHead brush bar that's ideal for cleaning medium and short pile carpets and can be turned off for hard floors. Certified asthma and allergy friendly by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, the unit expels air that contains up to 150 times less mold and bacteria than common breathing air thanks to the vacuum's money-saving, lifetime washable HEPA filter. Plus, Dyson's Bactisafe screen traps and kills bacteria, mold and allergens on contact, preventing them from re-entering the air.

The Telescopic Wrap System allows the hose and wand to be compressed, and ensures that the Dyson DC23 can be stored away neatly and compactly, with no loose components or wires to get tangled. It comes with a stair tool for focusing on dust and dirt from stairs and stair carpets, a brush tool with long bristles to dislodge cobwebs and for delicate cleaning, and a high-velocity airflow crevice tool that's ideal for cleaning base boards, picture frames and in-between furniture. Other features include a clear bin with 0.44-gallon capacity, 21.6-foot cord length, and easy-to-maneuver fixed wheels. The vacuum measures 13.9 x 19.3 x 11.9 inches (HxWxD) and weighs 19.5 pounds. The Dyson DC23 TurbineHead is backed by a 5-year warranty.
Open to worldwide, ages 18+. Giveaway ends on June 15th. Please use the rafflecopter form below to enter. Lots of Luck!

#Giveaway: Photo Frenzy



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Couponing and Reviewing in Texas is teaming up
with some great bloggers to bring you this
awesome giveaway event!

Photo Frenzy will run from June 1st through June 30th with many changes to enter, including daily entries! The prizes are all photo themed and I am sure you will love most, if not all, of them. The prizes will be given to one (1) lucky winner.
Photobook from Picbound (check out my review HERE)
$35 Gift Certificate to mod. Straps (check out my review HERE)
How to Photograph Your Baby DVD (check out my review HERE)
Photo Canvas from Easy Canvas Prints (check out my review HERE)
To enter and win, simply complete the Rafflecopter form below. Comments are loved and wanted, but will not count as entries unless requested by Rafflecopter. You must be 18 years of age or older to enter and win. This giveaway is open to U. S. and Canada residents only.

Thanks for stopping by and Lots of Luck!

A Friend



0 shared thoughts
I used to have a friend who was (still is, by the way) crazy about golf. Oh yeah, she also dressed the part whenever she plays. She was from another country, and only came here to work. I guess golf is a good outlet for her and they say she is pretty good at it! She only stayed here for two years, but before she left they threw a party for her. I was actually thinking of giving her one of those customized golf balls, but had no idea where to get them at that time. I now know that I should have gone online...much easier that way, instead of searching inside the malls! lol.

But wherever she is right now, I hope she's doing fine. Missing you, Gena. :)

Food Friday



12 shared thoughts
This week's Featured in Food Friday player is...

Chef Heather, who owns the site girlichef, with her blog post: Mexican-Style Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón) w/ Green & Red Chile Crackers

Another delicious post by Chef Heather! If ever you want to be transported to another world filled with delicious and creative food posts (together with awesome shots), and you haven't dropped by girlichef yet, then you're missing a lot! Go go go and check her out!
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No Bake Strawberry Cheesecake, my post for this week.


Ingredients
  • 1 1/2 cups crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/3 cup melted butter
  • 1/3 cup muscovado sugar
  • 2 packs cream cheese
  • 2 tbsps. calamansi juice
  • 1/3 cup white sugar
  • 1 250ml pack all purpose cream
  • 1 can strawberry topping


Procedure
  • Mix together first four ingredients. Pack inside a pie pan (this will form the crust) then chill.
  • Combine the next four ingredients well. Place strawberry topping last, then chill for at least five hours or until set.
  • Enjoy!


I actually made that yesterday afternoon, and it only managed to stay inside the refrigerator for around three hours before it was consumed. I forgot where I got the recipe, but so far it was the easiest and fastest one that I found online and so decided to try it (I was pressed for time, since we had to go home after lunch). Verdict? I liked the fact that it wasn't that sweet at all! I love that the calamansi juice added a bit of a somewhat different twist to it (the original recipe called for lemon juice, but my SIL didn't have them; had to improvise). I will definitely be making this no bake cheesecake again (maybe with a bit of some more modifications next time...if I don't feel too lazy. lol). :)

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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