Food from home: My ideal Noche Buena

     If you read my previous post You know it's Christmas in the Philippines when, expect to have gatherings or Christmas parties left and right, which means exposure to all the good food, such as Ensaymada, sweet ham, Queso de bola, Bibingka, Puto Bumbong and lots more.* Since Christmas is already here, I thought of surprising Mom, Dad and my sister Mitch with some popular Christmas treats, which is my idea of Noche Buena... the Filipino fiesta food.* On the menu... fried chicken, pork barbeque, Lechon (for the others since I don't eat lechon), Leche Flan, Buko Pandan, Cathedral Window, any chocolate dessert (yes chocolate is a must since we're all chocoholics) and these... *

Macaroni salad

    Thanks to the Lady's Choice mayonnaise Christmas commercials, it lured me to have macaroni salad at this time of the year. I made changes from my previous Macaroni salad recipe which has lemon or vinegar and pickle relish. I followed the recipe based on the current commercial using elbow macaroni, ham, chicken, pineapple, carrots, green onions, cheese, mayo and hard boiled egg as a garnish. The latter turned out to be better. ^_^

Lumpia Shanghai with sweet and sour sauce

     An all time favorite... perfect for parties! As I did my recipe research... one had cheese, one had water chestnuts, one had soy sauce. For this one I used ground pork, carrots, green onions, onions, salt and pepper. A tip to know you're getting the right taste is to cook a little of the filling to know if the flavor has to be adjusted accordingly. I ended up using around a teaspoon or two of soy sauce and that was it. For the sweet and sour sauce, I used ketchup, cornstarch, water, sugar and vinegar. It was too sweet at first so I added around 1/4 - 1/2 cup more of vinegar. 

Filipino style spaghetti

     This is what we like to call party spaghetti. This is the sweet kind with meat and hotdogs... love it! It has always been a privilege because I just see it in children's parties. One of my favorite Pinoy spaghetti is Jollibee. For a long time, I have wondered how this is made and thank goodness now I know. For the sauce, I sauteed onions and garlic, ground beef, ground pork and Purefoods hotdog. To save time, I used UFC spaghetti sauce (Filipino style). Grated Eden cheese melt sarap was placed on top and baked. If you prefer to make the sauce from scratch, you can use 1 large pack tomato sauce, 1/2 - 1 cup sugar, 1/4 - 1/2 cup banana ketchup. The secret to good Filipino spaghetti are the ground beef, ground pork and cheese. Also, it's best to bake it to let the flavors to absorb.

Mango Float

     A simple and yummy dessert. The first time I made this, I poured the whole can of condensed milk in the cream and it turned out watery (lesson learned). All you need are graham crackers, cream, condensed milk and mangoes. Pour around 1/4 cup of condensed milk over the cream. Just add more condensed milk gradually until you reach the desired sweetness. Layer by placing the graham crackers first, then mangoes, pour the cream mixture and repeat. Freeze for 2-3 hours. Best to put it in the refrigerator 30 minutes - 1 hour before eating. Mom insisted I use crushed graham crackers and it turned out she was right.  Both kids and adults will enjoy this one.


     May you all have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year... and more good food and good eating! God bless you all. ^_^



Ensaymada -sweet bread with butter and cheese, usually with Queso de bola
Queso de bola -Edam cheese
Bibingka -rice cake with white cheese, salted egg and shredded coconut
Puto bumbong -steamed purple glutinous rice
Noche Buena -Christmas eve dinner in the Philippines
Lechon -roasted pig
Leche flan -caramel custard
Buko pandan -a Filipino dessert with coconut, Pandan (Screwpine) jelly and cream

Food from home: Whisk away

     I wanted to surprise Mom for breakfast because she was craving for Eggs Benedict. It so happened that I had it somewhere recently, but it wasn't what I hoped for because it was served cold and lacked taste. Right away, I reviewed my recipe because the last time I made it was around 2011... so I got into action. An important tool for making Eggs Benedict would be a reliable wire whisk. We have 3 kinds at home...

   The most common one.

The French Whisk

     I often see this whisk in TV shows. I bought this at Daiso in Osaka, Japan, which I didn't hesitate to buy just to give in to my curiosity. This is good for beating eggs and salad dressings. ^_^

The Automatic Whisk

    Another one I bought in Daiso. First time to see this and I just had to get it. How can you go wrong with automatic right? I've been using this for salad dressings and still get amused. ^_^

     Hollandaise sauce

     I used egg yolks, lemon juice, butter and water, cooked over simmering water. Making this can be tricky since have to get the right timing for the perfect consistency as you whisk. I used the French whisk at first but switched to the regular whisk towards the end. I forgot about the automatic whisk which could have lessened my work (talk about being low tech). Mom said the cookbooks before would say to whisk 100 times. :))

Eggs Benedict

     I thought of making 2 kinds... with Canadian ham and smoked salmon. The dill with the latter was a good idea for more flavor. I admit I had a little help since I asked our helper to make the poached eggs. I was happy Mom was solved for breakfast. ^_^

Food from home: Mexican feast

     I said it before and I'll say it again... I love the smokey and cheesy flavors of Mexican food! Mom has been looking for avocados for some time, but was always unavailable because it wasn't in season. We were happy we found avocados in Salcedo market recently and bought 5 pieces. For many Pinoys, avocados is considered a fruit, which is why we have avocado ice cream and shake. As for me, avocado is something savory. I promised Mom to make a Mexican lunch and I did.

Guacamole and salsa

        Since we were successful with avocados, I had to make guacamole. Of course I definitely didn't forget salsa... which is needed for the guacamole. 

Chicken Enchilada

     The first attempt was successful. Since I know Mom prefers chicken, I thought of doing a repeat (see my previous post Food from home: new and eclectic). I must say I like the second attempt of the enchilada sauce more than the first because it wasn't dark. I used boiled and shredded chicken in the previous one. This time I used grilled chicken strips. The cheeses used were mild cheddar and monterey jack.

Quesadilla

     Quesadilla is so versatile because you can put anything. I used cheese (mild cheddar and monterey jack), jalapeno, bacon and caramelized onions.

     
     Mom says the only thing missing is a Margarita. Like I always say... there will be a next time. My curiosity for Mexican food doesn't end here. ^_^

Thanksgiving 2014

     Our family is one of the exceptions who celebrate Thanksgiving in Manila. I have to admit I have been curious about Thanksgiving dinners for the longest time since I only see it on TV and movies. From what I remember, turkey was only available in certain establishments... but not anymore. Every year, we always look forward to the turkey set of our Tita Margie De La Rama's Omee... and I'm talking about the turkey and the works. ;)

Our table setting

Love the cozy and relaxing feel. ^_^

The menu

     The menu is usually eclectic. Mom asked me to print the menu... and since it was a special dinner, I thought of choosing a pretty font. ^_^

Omee's turkey set includes the following...

Roast turkey with chestnut bread stuffing and giblet gravy

Spanish meat dressing

     This is something I usually omit. Although I gave it a try this time and enjoyed it. 

Garlic infused creamed potato

I love this! This goes great with the giblet gravy!

Jellied cranberry sauce

Pumpkin pie

Here are the dishes from our end...

Sotanghon

Candied kamote (candied sweet potato) by yours truly
This is the favorite of my sister, Nicole. It's now a thanksgiving staple. 

Beefsteak with onions and potato by Mom
This was for the kids.

Miso glazed salmon by Mom

Mom's new and now a family favorite recipe.

Soba with honey by Mom

This is eaten with the salmon.

Pickled green mango, cilantro, green onions

Condiments for the soba... this was Mom's idea. :D

As a rule, there's always room for dessert. ;)

Strawberry Pavlova by yours truly

Fresh fruits
Thank you Charles, T. Sabsy and Anton! ^_^

Tocino del cielo from Cafe Ysabel

This is a denser version of leche flan.

Macapuno

    

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, I leave you now with this message... 

     Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey


Omee Heritage Cuisine
911-5228/0915-5073648
*Omee is available in Salcedo market every Saturday.

Food from home: Special request and surprise lunch

     Dad made a special request which was a part 2 of the previous surprise dinner (see my previous post Food from home: Surprise dinner)... I guess it's no longer a surprise. To make it more exciting... I added something new to make it just as special.

Farfalle with tomato sauce, pesto and ricotta cheese

     I wanted to surprise Mom too by recreating her favorite pasta. I thought Farfalle would be cute. In our household, we always use homemade pesto (see my recipe in my previous post The Real Pesto). Also, I thought of using imported ricotta cheese for a change. 

     I promised my sister, Mitch I'd do a steak meal one of these days. It was a good thing she and my brother in law, Allan were free last Sunday for lunch. ^_^

Linguine Vongole 

(Linguine with clams)

     This was Allan's request. We usually buy our clams at Salcedo market so we made sure to be early the day before. Mom says you can cook the clams a day before and place it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. She also requested for the small clams for this pasta. 

Mashed potato

Bearnaise sauce

     This brings nostalgia in our family because our former cook, Norie would always serve this with steak, but it was the packaged one. Since I already tried the fresh version, I thought of doing that. Here you use Tarragon, vinegar, onions or shallots, egg yolks and butter. I admit the emulsifying of the egg yolks looked intimidating because you have to get the right timing for that perfect consistency, which is fluffy, smooth and creamy. My first try was a flop but thank goodness I still had ingredients to make another one... which turned out great!

Roasted garlic

Grilled US Ribeye

What everyone was waiting for... ^_^

Nostalgic happy food @ TGI Fridays

     In our younger days back in the 90's, TGI Friday's was already one of the family's favorite restaurants in the US. We got really excited when it opened in Manila around 1993... which meant we didn't have to go far anymore for burgers, shakes and the works. During my high school days at CSA (Colegio San Agustin), this was the favorite hang out of fellow Augustinians after school. It has been a while since our last visit, probably 2 years ago if I'm not mistaken. Mom, Dad and I were thrilled when we learned there was a promo on Tuesdays. I was happy we were all free one Tuesday and went to their Greenbelt branch. We made sure we didn't miss out on our favorites. ^_^

Onion soup

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad

I don't know how they do their chicken breasts... it's very tasty and tender.

Friday's cheeseburger sliders

     This is the place to go to for burgers. I thought it was a good idea to get the sliders because I was sure Mom and Dad would want some. I was happy it came with chips and salsa too. 

Chicken fingers

     One of our favorites! Chicken is tender and cooked perfectly... not too greasy. Both the chicken and fries are yummy with the honey mustard sauce. 

Other recommendations:

Nachos

Mushrooms, chicken, mushrooms

All the Texmex dishes and burgers

     

     Another kudos I'd give is their service. From what I remember, the staff have always been friendly and accommodating. I look forward to another visit which I hope would be happening any time soon.

TGI Fridays

Visit their website for details 

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Food from home: Surprise dinner

     I thought of giving Mom and Dad a surprise dinner @ home... but of course it had to be a special one. It was a spur of the moment / light bulb moment when I came up with the menu. 

Roasted garlic

     This is great with steak and potatoes. You just need a whole garlic, pinch of salt and pepper, olive oil. Roast garlic in a toaster or oven for around 20-30 minutes until cloves are soft and slightly mushy. 

Mashed potatoes

     This is my favorite potato dish! For the longest time, I always wondered how the ones in restaurants are so yummy and now I know. You will need 3-5 potatoes (boiled and peeled), 2 tbsp evaporated milk or cream, 1-2 tbsp butter, 2-4 roasted garlic cloves, pinch of salt and pepper. Grate potatoes, combine and mash all ingredients. The secret for good mashed potatoes are the roasted garlic and cream or evap for that flavor and creaminess. ;)

Smoked salmon pasta

     I admit I still had a hangover from La Nuova's linguine salmone. You will need spaghetti or linguine noodles, 4-5 smoked salmon slices cut into strips, 1 tsp butter, 2 tsp olive oil, onions, garlic, 1/2 tsp lemon zest, pinch of salt and pepper, cooking cream, chopped parsley and caviar for garnish. Cook pasta according to package instructions. In a heated pan, cook onions and garlic in butter and olive oil. Add the smoked salmon, lemon zest, salt and pepper. Turn off the heat and add the cream, garnish with parsley and caviar. The lemon zest cuts the richness of the cream which will give a slight refreshing taste. If you prefer short pasta, I would recommend farfalle (the bow tie pasta).

US Rib Eye Steak

     When I was on my way out to buy smoked salmon, Mom requested for rib eye... to which I didn't contradict. To make really good steak, use good quality and it should be chilled, not frozen. Sprinkle salt and pepper in both sides and cook in olive oil for 1-2 minutes each side. For medium well or well done, just cook a little longer for 1-2 more minutes.

     

      The smoked salmon and US rib eye were from Santis Delicatessen. The only thing missing were salad and steak sauce... anyhow there's always a next time. The key here is to cook from the heart. ;)


Santis Delicatessen
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La Nuova again

      After doing some errands in the south, we decided to have a quick meal in the Makati area, so that it's closer to home. Since Mom didn't want to go to the mall, I thought of going to La Nuova. It's always a treat to be here (see my previous post Pasta love @ La Nuova). 

The bread with pate and tomatoes

I always eat it together... the tomatoes give a refreshing taste. ^_^

Of course we had our favorites...

Linguine Salmone

Ravioli Verdi

(Spinach and cheese ravioli)

     Always hot and delicious, quality hasn't changed. Believe me when I say this is one of the best places to go for pasta. ;)

La Nuova Pasteleria

San Antonio Plaza

Forbes Park, Makati City

817-8568