At this stage, the little girl is still easy to manage and sleeps well and for that we are very grateful. Here are more of her developments:

Cognitive Developments: She now can now recognize mummy and daddy and her siblings and almost always gives a smile as soon as she sees us. At times too, she gets mesmerized by anything that is moving and would stare at them for quite a while.

Language Development: She now can hold a "conversation" with mummy and daddy and she actually loves having these communications with us. She responds whenever we talk to her by babbling back and usually with great enthusiasm and with lots and lots of giggling and smiling which of course melts our heart.

Physical Developments: Now this is the part which excites me the most as I am assured that our bub is indeed growing and thriving ... here are more stats from the nurse today

• Weight: 4.4kg
• Length: 54 cm
• Head Circumference: 37.2cm

Anyway, the little girl is due for another feed (to make her grow some more) so see you next time for more developments and to those that are avidly following us, thanks and we hope you enjoy your stay (whether its for getting some recipes or just to see how we are going) we appreciate your visit.

Labels: baby H

Last Saturday morning, the two little munchkins decided to join mum and dad on their bed and despite their puffy eyes and disheveled hairs they still look cute for mum and dad.

What makes it more adorable for me was the fact that these two were in a good mood mucking around together - imagine an almost 8wk old baby and a 15mos toddler in sync in making cutie cutie in the morning - something that instantly won (and melted) our hearts.

These are the moments that makes life so precious - our children are life's sweetest rewards and for that we are grateful. What we may lack materially offsets what we have -- our children and that in itself is one big achievement and we thank Jehovah God for counting us worthy of his blessings.

Labels: baby H, baby Z, family affairs

As you may have noticed, I have sort of neglected this blog for some time now. The kids are whats taking most of my time and the fact that sometimes, out of sheer exhaustion, I would just leave my post to my to do lists (which sometimes would be so long I wouldn't be able to get them all done)...

Here are the ingredients for the filling:

• 500g pork mince & 500g beef mince
• 1 1/2 cup diced potato
• 3/4 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup raisin/sultanas
• 3/4 cups diced red capsicum (red bell pepper)
• 1/2 cup diced carrots
• 2 tbsp minced garlic
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• salt & pepper to taste
• sliced hard boiled egg (optional)

Ingredients for the pastry:

• 2 cups flour
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 2 tsp sugar
• 1/2 cup butter diced (cold but not frozen)
• 6 tbsp water

To achieve this:

• Saute the pork and beef mince in garlic and onion until brown
• add the seasoning (salt & pepper & Worcestershire sauce & sugar)
• when the mince are cooked, add the potato, peas, sultanas,carrots, capsicum until cooked
• remove from heat and let it cool

Now we are ready to make the pastry:

• combine the flour, baking powder, salt & sugar in a bowl
• place the butter in the flour mixture and using a fork cut the butter into the flour until they are incorporated (butter would be like the size of a baby pea)
• add water a tablespoon at a time while tossing the flour mixture with a fork until all flour are moistened and can be formed into a ball
• wrap the bowl with a cling wrap and refrigerate for at 30 mins

Take the mixture out of the bowl and cut a small portion and roll it into a round shape (or in my case as close to a round shape hahaha)

Place the cooled mince mixture in the middle of the pastry and top it with a slice of egg if you wish. As I said, you need not have it perfectly done (see my one) as long as you can close the pastry - and this I have done my using the edge of a fork but you can also crimp the sides if you can (in my case I chose the faster alternative).

Place in a greased tray. I brushed some egg wash (beaten egg + milk) on top to make it brown when it finished baking. Bake them for 20 minutes in 180C. You might find that the mince mixture I mentioned above would be heaps for the pastry so just make another batch of pastry or place the mince mixture in the fridge for another time.

You may also want to change the meat to flaked chicken or turkey or maybe use your leftover roast meats - its all up to you. This may well be just a guide for when you make your own... as I always say, don't be afraid to experiment - your kitchen is your domain so make the most out of it...

enjoy and let me know how you find this.... mr k and the kids sure enjoyed this one... yummy to the tummy and if you make a big batch you can easily freeze the unbaked empanada for when you cant think of what to cook - just add some salad and it becomes a meal....

Labels: baking, food

Labels: baby Z

Right now, we are just happy that little Hannah is growing and is healthy and has been a very good sleeper (which makes her grow too) and I cant wait to see how she has developed when we go for her 8 wk updates. On Tuesday, we are off to see our GP so she can have her needle - not a good feeling for mum to see her little one get stabbed by the needle but they need this as protection from so many sickness and diseases lurking around. Anyway to our families and friends - here is Hannah now - ever growing (and getting heavy too)... just look at those cheeks and it will definitely let you know that she is growing.... love that cheeks...

Labels: baby H

Finally, I was able to bring out my baking gadgets to make something that I learned from blog hopping. I saw this enticing cupcake recipe here and as usual I vowed to myself that I will make some time to try this. So despite having a hyper active toddler, I managed to make it this afternoon while my little princess was having her nap.

Labels: baking, food

When Mr K takes over the kitchen, expect some out of this world (yet sumptuous) meal ... just like tonight. I suppose I get what I ask for - as sometimes when he asks me what to cook, I would tell him to surprise me --- and I guess tonight was one of those "surprise me" meal.

After cooking, I asked him what this dish was called and he said - he just made it up, so I called it Prawns & Scallops with Shitake Mushrooms Asparagus & Vine Ripened Tomatoes in Garlic Sauce ( I know, pretty long name for a meal hahaha). I sort of added some vermicelli noodles on the side (the pic was my plate) thinking that it might not be enough for me - but boy that was filling as it is.

This food was fresh and very healthy. The veggies were just shortly pan fried in a nonstick pan with a touch of olive oil. The same was made for the prawns and scallops (with roe intact) and the ripe vine tomatoes was finished off in the oven. Season them while in the pan.

The sauce was made by frying some garlic and then combining it with some cream.... yummm.

Then all you have to do is put them together in a plate and enjoy.... now isn't that easy or what....

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Its winter and its cold and its been raining almost everyday lately so I decided to make some comfort food -and when I say comfort food, it must also have the touch of home for me. So the other day, I decided to make this sumptuous Ginataang Mais (Glutenous Rice with Sweet Corn & Coconut Cream). Not only is it easy to make but its filling as well - just like how nanay would make it on a rainy day when we were growing up.

There are only a few ingredients:

3 sweet corn cobs shredded (fresh is better but if you don't have one, then the creamed sweet corn in a tin will do - but the taste is much better when its from the cob)

1 cup of glutenous/sticky rice

400ml coconut cream

palm sugar/ regular sugar

2 cups water

Its easy to do:

in a pot put the water and the glutenous rice and bring it to a boil

let it simmer until the rice is nearly done and most of the water has evaporated

pour the coconut cream and stir - if its too thick add more water

when it comes to the boil add the shredded corn and the palm sugar or just plain sugar and stir

have it in a low heat at this stage and continue stirring occasionally so it does not stick at the bottom of your pan (if you are not using a non-stick)

once the glutenous rice is cooked - taste and enjoy

add sugar as you desire

An easy to make snack or even a light meal in the afternoon especially on this cold season... try it and let me know what you think of it.

Labels: food

Look at my sleeping princess ... while mummy was updating her blog and answering her never ending emails, my little princess had been sleeping for a couple of hours now on our bed in her little basinett after her feed (almost 3 1/2 hrs ago) giving mummy the chance to have dinner, read her endless emails and finish drafts and posts in this blog.

As I said in my previous post, we are thankful that our kids are good and placid and easy to look after, but not to be accused of having favouritism - but our little princess baby H is the most placid of the three. She sleeps almost all day and night (which I am so grateful for) which gives me time to do most of the stuff that I need to do... isn't she just gorgeous... just thought I share this precious moments - for soon when they realize they have legs and feet - they will just be everywhere - just like our li'l man ...

Labels: baby H

Its very rare that I pose in front of the camera - normally I do the taking of the photos for everyone but I thought that it would be good to have some for myself (and maybe scrapbook them when I get the chance) ...

So armed with the camera and setting it to timer - both mum and bub enjoyed experimenting of taking their photos together

Labels: mum and bub

I cant help but share some of these pictures of our ever growing li'l man as he takes his nightly bath... just looking at him proves to us that we have one fast growing little guy in here.

Who would not love that cute smile that says he was enjoying his warm bath ... or his ability to be independent and just loving the splashing around...

We are grateful that he has a good health, a very happy disposition and is one very intelligent little boy who at just fifteen months (in a couple of days) is now being potty trained and is doing good too.

These photos were taken so that our families from interstate and overseas can see how he has grown as we are sure they would be delighted to see...

Labels: baby Z

How time flies... our little princess is now a month old and growing and thriving every single day. Tomorrow we will definitely find how much she has gained from the last time she was weighed (when the nurse came to the house for their usual visit).

Our little girl has been good so far and is proving to be on the quiet side as she mostly sleeps during the day that sometimes mum has to wake her up for her usual feed. Her brother was abit of a wailer when he was this age so its abit of a relief that mum is not that tired and can still do chores at home and look after everyone else at the same time.

Though, the night is proving to be abit tricky. When dad puts his little girl on her bed she would be ok and would sleep until her next feed but when mum attempts to tuck her little princess, in no time she is awake again... I wonder what dad does to his little girl that she is ok to be placed in her cot when its daddy doing it.... hmmm.

We are just happy that our little princess is healthy and is loving her brother and sister and of course mum and dad. We have sent a few pics to our families as well today so they can be updated on how this little girl looks like and I am sure they would all agree that she did grew ... look at that cheeks if you don't believe me hahaha.

Anyway, tomorrow is her first visit to her community nurse so we will just update you all on how much she grew and what the nurse will have to say about her development.

Labels: baby H

I really don't know what to cook tonight but good thing that I was blog hopping last night and I was able to jot one interesting food from one of my fav site to visit when it comes to food stuff and anything related to cooking and baking and of course eating... It was easy to do and since we always have chicken pieces in the freezer, I thought I'd give this yummy treat a go.

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Despite today being the coldest day in Sydney to date (dont we love winter), my friend Joy (and her little girl Bianca) came out and was able to visit me and little Hannah and li'l man Zechariah today. What started out as a virtual friendship that came from our love of blogging, it now evolved into a real friendship - thank goodness for blogging and the internet, I have gained one wonderful friend.

She even brought heaps and heaps of goodies for Hannah and Zechy and we are so thankful for them. Zechy already had a favourite (the xylophone) from the pile hahaha. I hope I can repay you in some other ways. Would have intended to make some mamon for her to bring home but due to a rough night from the little girl plus some of the family member not feeling well, I again slept in ... but I promised Joy that this wont be our last meeting and will sure try to make up next time.

Again, thanks for visiting us, Joy and Bianca, and hope that things go well on your home front... till next time.

Labels: friends

Look at what we came home with... for my kitchen, I bought this 5-piece Infinite Circulon Cookware to replace our old and tattered pots and pans who have loyally served us thru the years but I know needs a rest now and needs the best replacement that will give us more years of service. This was definitely a big buy as it was originally priced at $685.95 but I was able to bag it for only $342 and on top of that I got a FREE 28cm french skillet that originaly costs $209 - yes FREE because I am a DJ store card holder. Also got myself a good sized wood cutting board (a bargain as well from $35 down to $17).

Mr K on the other hand got himself a Breville Healthsmart Grill to cook his much loved steaks and foccacias and cheesemelts sandwich - another good buy from $129 to just $97. But this one thing that we weren't able to get a discount on was his Global Sharpening Steel which was $175 (this chef is quite meticulous when it comes to his knives and other gadgets).

But what makes this a bargain is that all these items (totaling to $675) can be paid within 36mos interest free... so really we are looking at only around about $20 a month payment - how good is that! We could have gone wild and bought more but in this economic times, we have to be wise and only get what we needed and made sure that we can do the payments required. Mr K was eyeing for this espresso maker but I said maybe next time ...

This post may sound abit bragging (this is not the aim of this post please) but I am just happy with our purchase that i just thought I'd journal it in my blog for memory's sake.

Labels: kitchen gadgets

Just thought I'd share some random pics of the li'l man taken last week when we were mucking around. Just seeing these pics makes me realize that time is indeed fleeting especially when it comes to our kids.

We can't be so busy that we can't give them our time because if we blink, we might miss some of their best times... I am glad I am back home looking after the kids. Work can wait but our kids and their best moments can't.

I said to hubby that not long ago he was as tiny as baby H - very dependent on me and as fragile as anything but look at him now, there were times that I find him so heavy and too active and wiggly. I thank Jehovah for giving us all good health and always providing us with the best of everything giving us the best of times always.

Z is 14 mos in this photo and time is indeed going too fast....

Labels: baby Z

It was in this post that I remembered their first encounter and wow its been a year since then. The big man as well as the little man proved the passing of time. They look so different from then and now. They have grown (older that is hahaha).

Labels: baby Z, dad, family affairs

Papa, sister Cheng, Nanay and little Stephanie (my sister Teng's daughter)

My (not so) little sister Cheng and Papa

Cheng and Nanay

Nanay has been the "voice" of the house - literally, but despite that, she was our motivating factor to push ourselves to the limit and tap our potentials. She chooses to sacrifice so many things so her children can enjoy the best in life. She can be strict and at times ruthless but that's how she can bring the best in all of us and yes deep down her, being a mother rules her heart - sympathetic, compassionate and very caring and nurturing.

She had big dreams for each one of us, a dream that may not have been fulfilled in her time but have relinquished it to us so we may never trek the path that she had endured - and for that I salute you - Nanay.

Brother Derwin and siter Cheng

To our brother Derwin, who despite the two being cat and mouse - the older one simply exhibit patience and tons of understanding to our little miss diva (our younger sister Cheng). He is our "techie" guy who learns not from the classroom but from his experiences and his innate love for dismantling things and putting them back - that's how he learns.

You have been there for the family when your two older sisters (Teng and I) are no longer there. You stood as our helping hand when we are thousands of miles away from home and things needs to be resolved at home and you have never let us down and for that we are so grateful. Soon you will be joining us here, as you have fulfilled your obligation to look after our folks - its your time to find your own niche.

Of course I cannot end this post without saying a word or two to our new doctor. Your patience and intelligence (not to mention your sleepless nights) have now been rewarded. You are now a full-fledged
medical practitioner - your life-long dream of being a doctor has now come into fruition.

Who would ever think that at one time this very insistent three year old who wanted to be in kindy at her age and whose teachers thought that she will just be a nuisance would finish at the top of her class at that time and now - a servant of the community - a very important servant at that.

Cheng, you have made us all (your siblings) proud and most especially our parents who have struggled to have you where you are. Our thanks also goes to our very supportive uncle - Tito Florante who despite being a thousand miles away as well, have never forgotten to help you in all your needs, and for that he too should share in that honour.

Inang would have been proud of you and so are Lolo and Lola, for your achievements, nonetheless enjoy the moments - for soon when you are immersed in the "real world" you wish you had more time to relax hahaha.

Again Cheng, congratulations for making us all proud.

Labels: misc, reminds me of home

For $45/plate it wasn't cheap but that did not deter the big man to get - not one but two big plates of his much coveted food. The chef asked what time is the party as there would be abit of a wait due to the large orders that we made. Imagine the look the sushi chef gave us (and another customer) when we said its just for our lunch and if there were leftovers then maybe it can be for dinner as well. What can we do, we love our food and we love to eat.

Labels: food

This scone was nothing fancy, in fact I was scared it would not turn out the way I was at least hoping it would be but I think its ok. Its been eons of years since I last made scones (due to work and home duties) but I decided to make time for this as I miss having these little bread.

Now, I have to wait for mr K when he comes home and then enjoy these with some strawberry jams or maybe some whipped cream later... yummm.

These are what you will need:

plain flour, for dusting
3 cups self-raising flour
80g butter, cubed
1 to 1 1/4 cups milk

jam and whipped cream, to serve

How to:

Preheat oven to 200°C. Lightly dust a flat baking tray with plain flour.

Sift self-raising flour into a large bowl.
Using your fingertips, rub butter into flour until mixture resembles breadcrumbs.
Make a well in the centre. Add 1 cup of milk. Mix with a flat-bladed knife until mixture forms a soft dough, adding more milk if required.

Turn onto a lightly floured surface. Knead gently until smooth (don't knead dough too much or scones will be tough). Pat dough into a 2cm-thick round. Using a 5cm (diameter) round cutter, cut out 12 rounds.

Press dough together and cut out remaining 4 rounds.

Place scones onto prepared baking tray, 1cm apart. Sprinkle tops with a little plain flour.

Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until golden and well risen.

Transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm with jam and cream.

Enjoy!!!

Labels: baking, food

Our day lights are getting shorter and night seems to be getting longer than usual and the chills of the incoming winter season can no longer be denied. Yes, winter is indeed creeping onto the southern hemisphere and in a few days it will definitely be officially winter.

And while the two were mucking around, our new princess was just happy to be in mum's arms snug in her swaddle and knitted blankie ... this was not much of a good shot as the little girl didn't like the flash on her face hahaha but cute nonetheless - she is now 2 wks old in this photo... what a darling little miss.

Labels: kids, season

For someone like me who is (up to this day) aspiring to be a diva in the kitchen who wish to wow people with my cooking prowess - this new show (or not really new now - maybe a month ago hahaha) called MasterChef Australia is a not-to-be missed program (so much so that I even signed up for the paid tv facility in the hospital when I gave birth to little baby H so I wont miss an episode hahaha).

I find it an exciting program especially since one of my passion (that is cooking) is what it is all about. I love how these amateur chef-wannabes vie for the most coveted prize using their skills, knowledge and experiences in cooking. Contestants come from all walks of life and its demographic covering all stages from young to mature people.

I learn heaps especially when its time for invention tests or when a winning contestant decide for the main core ingredients of a dish - makes the contestants (and myself) think of the best possible menu to cook for the judges.

So, this is the program that's been getting most of my 7pm weeknights time slots... so if you intend to ring me or sms me on this time - good luck hahahaha.

Labels: tv

Proud Parents Kon and Jigi would like to announce the newest addition to the family

Labels: craft, digital scrapbooking

Make a Smilebox photobook

Labels: baby H, family affairs

Mr K made this really sumptuous dinner tonight - a really special one before I go in tomorrow for my scheduled CS... ain't that thoughtful and sweet of my husband to do.

I'm not really a meat person and I was even thinking that this meal would be too much for me, especially that when we were in the deli and Mr K asked me to taste the goat's cheese - that I almost threw up (I'm not a cheese person as well) so knowing whats in the meal - let's just say I was abit hesitant on how its going to turn out.

This afternoon, he did his usual preps (just like any chefs would do) and this is how it turned out.

Whats in it you might ask... of course the veal which he lovingly beaten (to death hahaha) then laid the goat's cheese, some asparagus and some delicate enoki mushrooms and sage. They are rolled together and then wrapped in prosciutto for an added flavour.

Mr K had them seared in the pan and then placed them in the oven for the remaining cooking. He had this on a white wine sauce on a bed of two kinds of mushrooms - shitake and shimeji mushrooms which gave it a more appetizing flavour.

A very extravagant yet sumptuous meal indeed for our last night before we welcome another addition to the family ... in a few hours from now... im scheduled to be in the hospital tomorrow at 6.30am for my 8am cs hooray ... a new bub to love and cuddle :)

Labels: Meal Suggestion

Sharing to you all what happened over the weekend's baby shower. Heaps of thanks to Miia and family for opening their home and to Amanda for her creativity in putting together the games. The whole event was very enjoyable because of both your efforts and for that I thank you so much.

Labels: baby H, misc

I also intend to have the inside of the card personally handwritten indicating the gifts that we received from people and how we will use their gifts. I'm sure nothing is more personal that one's own handwriting.

Though, these were done with much time in advance, I feel that its all so worth it. At the moment there were only these (as I ran out of blank card) but I have already done the hard part (the clothes bit). I got the idea from a card that was sitting in the card section (though it was more like a congratulation card for a baby) but the idea is there ... then just tweaked abit and just settled for just those top and pants and the rest are mummy's creativity... hopefully, our families and friends will like the card, the same way we appreciate their gifts for us.

Labels: baby H, cardmaking, misc, scrapbooking

I have been wanting to make something special for the little girl that involves my (so called) creativity so I bought some generic alligator clips and then took out some of my scrapbooking ribbons stash (that's been collecting dust lately) to make her these cute little clips.

They are not the best but I know that I made them from my heart and I hope that bubba will be born with tons of hair (just like his brother) so these will be used straight away.

Cant you tell that this mum is getting excited to meet her new little princess ... seven more days to go ... and counting.

Labels: baby H

Ten to fifteen minutes later, it was all over. It was a really short hair - more like for big boys... but then again, he is becoming a big boy so what else can I expect. At this time, he was looking at daddy and watching how it was done all over again.

He was just amazed at how his daddy's hair was being cut as well. The hairdresser was using a hair clipper - this sounds kinda frightens him - just like his dislike for the vacuum and my hair drier.

Here now are my two boys sporting their new hairdos. I really cant get over my li'l man's short haircut. I don't want to say that I didn't like it, I suppose its just some time of getting used to it. My baby boy now looks so mature and so like a big boy. Sometimes I have to do a second look or sometimes look at him quite intently --- he is still my little handsome boy who is very affectionate and huggable.

Labels: baby Z, dad, family affairs

After doing our usual banking for the day, I decided to pass by the Asian shop for a couple of things, as we were running low on our rice and thought of getting some while we were there. But I suppose with all shoppings, you tend to pick up things that were not on the list ... just like these ones...

What can I do, I cant help it - these things are close to my heart - reminds me of home and for a true Filo (Filipino) these are some of the essentials that you wish you always have in your pantry... home (Philippines) - despite thousands of miles will always be in our hearts no matter what.

Labels: misc

I have already prepared my hospital bags since a couple of weeks ago, just in case I do get into an early labour. I have a list of things that I need to put in on the last minute (like my toiletries and make-up and hair drier - yes, that's an essentials ok) but what was quite confusing was baby H's clothes.

Here are some of the clothes that I also packed that she will use in the hospital - though the hospital will provide her clothes and wraps and all that (even formula I believe but I'm breastfeeding so that's not a prob) I thought I'd bring some stuff for her - even her toiletries were also packed in the bag (even if they are providing her nappies as well).

I have a few wraps also packed just so she will get used to the items that she will use when she gets home.

Not too long to go now... it will only be 14 more days to go and we will have our new princess sharing the chaos of the house. Even our li'l man is getting excited as he saw another cot in his room, so we sort of prepared him already that another bub will be sharing the room with him.

Wow, time flies very fast too. I have finished work yesterday - a bittersweet moment as I will miss my friends again and despite work being abit stressing, I like the challenge that goes with it and the people that I work with. But I suppose, there is nothing more fulfilling that spending time with the kids and the family and no amount of money can compensate for the time when you witness your children's milestones and achievements and for that I am thankful.

I guess the next update is when baby H is here ... see you then.

Labels: baby H

Today's ToyHunt theme (Toy/s with shoes) was a toss between so many toys that the kids have but I thought I'd feature one of baby Z's red furry friend - Elmo.

This is called the Rock & Roll Elmo. Again, another freebies from friends. Actually baby Z has 2 Elmos, another is the tickle me Elmo which laughs hilariously when his foot is pressed but since that one is bare and no shoes, then this is the best of the two.

This plush toy plays 2 rock and roll music - that is rock and roll version of the ABC and of course the 123. It also has 3 small flickering lights on the arm side of the guitar that takes baby's attention as well. This cool Elmo not only has Rock & Roll written on his shoes but it also sports a nice leather jacket together with his fit denim to complete the look .. cool!

While Elmo plays his tunes - he vibrates, more like imitating a rocking motion and baby Z just loves to touch him when he moves. Operating it is also easy, it takes 3 AA batteries and and the button to turn it on is just on the arm part of the guitar and when your little one muster it, they can operate it themselves.

It does tend to be annoying after some time as there are only two songs that keeps repeating but all in all, the kids will surely have a ball with this toy.

Labels: tag, toys

Two years ago, it was our other good friend Miia who lovingly prepared for it (when I was pregnant with baby Z) and everyone had such a blast that we are doing it again this time... there's only me that's pregnant in the congregation, so having these associations are just such a joy.

Now to prep for the baby shower, I did my part of making the invitation... I want it abit different and girly girly this time around (compared to baby H's quite boyish invites) that I decided that I will make my own diy invitation in a shape of a diaper/nappy whose template I found here. For the time being, it somehow looked simply like this, but I am already having some alterations in mind. Once I get that scrapbooking baby pink safety pin that I bought from Ebay, plus some other things I have made to add to here, then I will post it again.

Updates for the finally invites will be posted here soon so watch out for it... and if you think this is hard, neah, easy as anything although it can be fiddly at times but its all worth it as your labour of love and as a souvenir as well when you look back as things.

++++ Updated version+++++

Labels: baby H, misc

Labels: baby Z

• 1 piece of ox tongue (around about 700g)
• 300g mushroom (any kind) or a tin of mushroom (if fresh is not available)
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
• a tin of Campbell's cream of mushroom soup
• salt & pepper
• some water

How I Made it:

• first, clean the ox tongue by rubbing sea salt all over it and then placed it under warm running water
• in a pot, place the cleaned tongue and pour water just to cover the tongue
• once it comes to a boil, lower the heat and simmer for an hour and a half or maybe two hrs
• remove from the pot and set it aside to cool abit
• once cooled down to the touch, peal the outer skin layer and then slice according to serving sizes
• meanwhile in a pan, melt butter and saute the garlic and onions until translucent
• throw in the mushrooms and stir for a short while
• place the sliced tongue
• pour in the mushroom sauce - this tends to be thick so add some water according to the consistency on how you want your sauce to be
• simmer for around 5 minutes
• you can serve this with mash potato topped with (ready made) crushed shallots/garlic, or steamed veggies or even steaming rice

This is what we had for lunch and there were heaps of leftover still enough for dinner ... try this and let us know what you think... This is my first time to do it and I am proud to say that it came out really well... maybe next time I will try the traditional one, where it has tomato paste and some olives and capers...

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion, reminds me of home

My friend CM has posted an update about the Mamon recipe that she recently discovered (yes, we are still on the hunt for the best and yummiest mamon recipe so forgive another post about this again).

So last night, I decided I tweak this recipe that I learned from her with her new updates. I only had a few things in mind to tweak but here comes Mr K offering his suggestions... at first I wanted to just do what I want and get it done and over with but when he suggested a few things, I left it all for him to do and I said however it will turned out - I will have to blame him for it if its not what I want ...

Guess how it came out? It was actually really really good that, well that I now am offering his tweaked version hahaha. The same ingredients apply as how I have done it the first time, although with the flavouring (as per CM's suggestion) she used 1/2 tsp vanilla extract, 1/4 tsp orange extract, 1/4 tsp lemon extract and instead of using vegetable oil, we used butter.

Now, here comes Mr K's version (which resulted in a really fluffy and moist and oh so yummy result): he had beaten the egg white to an almost stiff consistency starting from low to high mixing speed (saw him flipping the bowl upside down and it didn't move) added the cream of tartar in between- he then set this aside. In another bowl, he beaten all the eggs together and then slowly added the sugar then added the melted butter until it became pale and fluffy then slowly added the cake flour & baking powder mixture then the flavourings.

He then took half the egg white mixture and mixed it gently with the flour, butter & egg mixture using a wooden spoon until its all incorporated. Then using the remaining egg white, he folded it in (he said not mix but fold) using a spatula.

When that was done, I then placed it in a beaker for easy pouring into the muffin case and then baked it for 15 minutes.

The result, a very fluffy and soft (because of the egg white incorporating so much air) and moist (because of the butter) and yummy (again because of the butter and the additional flavours) mamon.

Try this version and compare with others.

Labels: food, reminds me of home

So, to fix that taho craving that's been bugging me since this morning, I vowed that before coming home, I just needed to drive by our local shopping mall to get the soft silken tofu. I nearly got disappointed when I saw that there was only the hard tofu. I looked everywhere hoping that even one tub of soft silken tofu was spared for me (to satisfy this crazy craving). With my tummy bumping all the stuff on that fridge section and after tiptoeing (thus giving me the leg cramp in the middle of that grocery isle), I finally found my coveted prize. there was one... yes, only one sitting at the very back of that fridge section. After inspecting for its due date (as I was thinking someone shoved it there for a reason) I was good to go.

When I got home, while having dinner, I cooked the sweet tapioca pearls and then prep the caramelized sugar. I am determined that my taho will be my dessert.

It was so easy to make (but was more easy to eat hahaha). I just scooped the tofu from the tub then placed it in a shallow bowl and heated it up for 30 seconds in the microwave. Placed it in a cup (mind you I had to look for a plastic cup to put it in just to give it that authentic feel from the magtataho hahaha) added the caramelized sugar and the pearls and yep... straight into my mouth while its still warm.

For a while, I was transported to my childhood days and boy was it so good .... yummy and good. I just have to share some to littlemissy as she was so curios while I was making it. Mr K did ask but he was too slow... I have consumed the 300g tub mostly to myself hahahah.

I guess, I have to go to the shop again tomorrow for more of these.... try it and let me know what you think.

Labels: food, reminds me of home

Last night while waiting for Mr K to come home from work, I already have some menus in mind that I am cooking for today and for tomorrow's meals. I needed him to come home before I make this one as I need my knife to be really sharp as I am hoping to cut this slab of meat that I found at the bottom of our freezer into thinly sliced meat for me to be able to do my Bistek.

Bistek has been one of my favourite food when it comes to meat viads. I remember when my sister and I would compete for that sweet caramelized onions, even the onions were already enough to eat with the steaming rice.

It is so easy to make but it asks for advance preparation as it needs to be marinated for a while to get that nice homestyle taste.

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Labels: tag, toys

As I said on my other post, last night I prepared two things for the meal today and for tomorrow. This was one of them. It was actually just a trial, thus I used just a small amount of mince beef in this recipe. Ever since I saw the post about her Homemade Longganisa in one of my fav site, I vowed to do it when I get the chance and last night I saw that chance so I tried it.

To shape it like a sausage, Iused a cling wrap. Just place around three tablespoon of the mixture then place it in a cling wrap, roll it and then tighten both ends like a bonbon and then tuck the ends under.

Since I am not frying it yet that night, I had it in a takeaway container and left it in the fridge ready for today's lunch. Both my housemates (aka littlemissy and mr k) loved it... so I suppose its time to venture for a bigger batch next time. We enjoyed this over a steaming jasmin rice and some vinegar as dippings.

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

I saw this amazing story a couple of days ago and I cannot help but ponder on how many of us reacted the first time she walked in that stage of Britain's Got Talent. Yes, she walked in there looking abit ... weird (for lack of other words). The audience and even the judges had this look that says its another of those time wasters but as soon as you started singing everything changed. It is a wake up call on most of us, how shallow we are to judge people by their appearance at times.

As the clip continues, I had goosebumps and somehow got teary eyed while hearing her. She possesses one terrific talent and from that couple of minutes of performance, brings a lifetime lessons we can remind ourselves. One, never stop believing in ourselves and never loose hope and most especially never give up on your dreams. Susan has been singing since she was 12 years old and has been waiting for that moment when someone will give her the time of the day. Now at 47, not only one person gave her the time of the day, the whole world was glued to her talent that this clip has been viewed more than 12 millions time on YouTube.

Outer appearance can either make you or break you in this society but no one has the right to cast an immediate judgement on to someone unless you have known how they are from the inside.

A simple act or perhaps even a humble person can trully be an inspiration to all... so to you Susan Boyle, thank you for sharing your talent and for giving this superficial society something to ponder on.

Labels: misc

This is Zechy and Hannah's door ...

This is Kat's room ...

Labels: misc

Last night, Mr K decided to fire up the barbi with his most anticipated meal in mind. You see, Mr K is a meat lover. When we went out to do our shopping, sirloin steak and sausages were on top of his list. He left the side dish to me - as I can add whatever I want as long as he gets his fav juicy meat on the grill.

He did get his wish and so did I. You see, I am tired of having potatoes as a side dish all the time (irregardless of how it was made) so with veggies in mind, I had the brussels sprouts and corn as our side dish.

Brussels sprouts may not be a popular choice for many as they don't like the taste (can be abit bitter at times) but ever since I tasted this miniature cabbage, I am hooked and I have a few people I know that like this humble yet very nutritious vegetable.

So what have I done with it? Simple and easy, blanch it in salted boilling water for a minute or two then transfer it to a pan and sauteed it in olive oil with garlic (don't have it too long - just enough to absorb the garlic oil) cut side down (as I cut it into half for easy cooking).

Then arranged it in a platter and sprinkle more fried garlic on top (that is if you love garlic like we do). And yeah, I added a couple of drops of sesame seed for extra taste. We also love corn - but we did something different - not the usual bung it in boilling water and that's it. I soaked the corn (with the husk still intact) in the sink for a good five minutes then asked Mr K to throw it in the barbi together with the meat.

Ten minutes later, we have the most tasty and juicy sweet corn with all its flavour intact - unlike if you blanch it in water - you loose some of its flavour into the water. I suppose this is the same method you can use when you go camping - just soak the corn with the husk in some water and then chuck it in a hot coal and whalah after a couple of minutes you get a very juicy and tasty corn and no need to add butter - just soak into that nice sweet corn flavour.

So the next time you decided to fire up that barbi - why not be creative and try these side dish and see how you go with it.

Labels: food, Meal Suggestion

Every now and then, my taste buds would look for something that I have been accustomed to when I was growing up in the Philippines. This mamon is no exception.

I stumbled upon this recipe in one of my frequented cooking site which I find so interesting that I'm hooked to it. A couple of nights ago, I thought of trying this for the first time. It didn't turned out the way I wanted it to, but as they say, practice makes perfect (just wish that eggs are cheap - so I can do this every time I want to adjust something).

This is what it looked like right after I took it out of the oven. I let this cool abit then brushed some melted butter and then sprinkled it with some more sugar.

It still delivered that soft cake texture but not as much as I was hoping it would be. One of two things I might have done wrong - either I have beaten the egg too much or that I had it abit too long in the oven (blame it on the person that called me over the phone hahaha).

Nonetheless, we enjoyed this yummy treat and even bub liked it too ....

Labels: food

I wasn't meant to make this today, but because Mr K took an extra sheet of puff pastry out of the freezer (that he used for his steak and kidney pie), he asked me if I can whip us something from it since once its thawed, you can't put it back in the freezer.

I thought for a while on what can I do with a single sheet of this pastry and sure enough, an idea came to mind when I saw two bananas on our bench.

So I cut the puff pastry into a third on both side which gave me nine squares. Placed two slices of bananas in the middle, sprinkled the banana with cinnamon and then added some brown sugar on top and then placed it in the oven on 160C for 15 minutes in the middle rack of the oven.

It smelled divine after the time elapsed. It was so easy that you can have variation of this humble snack. You can put any fruits that you like ... you may use whatever kind of sugar (or not) ... you can even make it savory (done it with caramelized onions)... the possibilities are endless so why not make one yourself -- you need not be a good cook to whip us this easy snack ...

Labels: food