Chrysanthemum

I'm happy that my eldest is blissfully untouched by narrow-mindedness and pride. I just love her innocence because she doesn't seem to care about having techie gadgets. She doesn't care if most of her dresses were not purchased from an upscale shop. By the way, what she's wearing in the pictures below was bought from a flea market in Q.C. by her lola. 

Archie and I always tell her that we are not wealthy and that our money is tight but we always believe in giving her a good education. School will start few days from now but she refrained from buying unnecessary school supplies. She told us that simple inexpensive things from dollar store bring simple joy.

When it comes to our children, we always aim for the stars.

Emma's Farm

We all needed a little break, so we decided to spend a day at Emma's farm with the Liwanags and some new friends. The place reminded me of the picturesque scenery of the palayan (rice field) near our home in Masiga. It's a place to behold.

 Marveling the beauty of the countryside

Enjoy the remaining days of the summer holidays!

Cilantro-Lime Rice

I've tasted the best rice-chicken combo popularly known as Kabsa when I was in Jeddah. This is an Arabic rice dish to die for.  Sad to say, Arabic restaurants in Manila only seem to display culinary folklore in their menu list and they can't seem to offer the same taste to the locals. One of those I've tried didn't even satisfy my taste buds. This is probably because it is not part of our main cuisine.

On the contrary, I didn't know that the chicken and mutton Biryani of Singapore would be the closest to the taste of Kabsa. Having this rice dish is like having the entire banquet of flavors and spices. On few occasions, I've tried to imitate the recipes provided online but I ended up cooking Paella. The latter anyway is also one of my favorite recipes ever.

Last Saturday, I found myself scavenging through our fridge for something to eat but I found a bunch of cilantro leaves and lemons which are beginning to rot sitting in one corner. Since I can't possibly imitate the Kabsa or Biryani, I thought of trying the Cilantro-Lime Rice idea that I found while I was browsing the Manila Spoon blog. As a rice eater, this recipe is something fresh to me and it is also something that any average cook like me can prepare with ease.  In addition, I was inspired to do it because my eldest loves the lime aroma.

To my surprise, Dayne finished her share with gusto. She loves it with porkchop.
I modified the plating by putting a little drama using onion leaves. No wonder, Dayne had it pictured and posted the image on Instagram as well.

For the recipe, click this link: http://www.manilaspoon.com/2012/05/cilantro-citrus-rice.html

or you can visit www.manilaspoon.com or simply type manila spoon. Having www typed is already obsolete although you can still use it. Just sharing. Wink.

It's pretty amazing that the author of the blog made the cooking procedure so concise and easy to follow and she also proved that it is indeed lovely to match it with any Pinoy viands.

"We must be ever thankful for small miracles, and ever hopeful for receiving greater ones." (Elmer Schultz) - Didache, August 21

Shannon Falls

Archie and I strongly believe that we are raising Dayne in the right values. We constantly tell her not to engage to any worldly activity that will only fleet a moment of pleasure.
 Thankfully, she shows us what it is to be perfectly obedient!

Photos taken during our recent family picnic at Shannon falls

I can't explain how nice it was to spend quality time with my family.

He continues to enlighten us when we are confused and sustain us when we lose hope. - Didache, August 20

Blueberry Cake

Baking is not something new to me as it was my mother's small business in the past. I remember when I was young, baking was never really comforting. It is because my sister and I were always deprived of our playtime. Not only that, the drudgery of washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen often resulted to unending argument with my sister Richelle. Baking was indeed a very tedious job for us and it was often a dilemma deciding who will be the first in line to assist our mother. 

Only later did we realize that cake orders can be made pretty quickly if family members pool their expertise. Most importantly, our mother's small homemade baking business practically helped finance our college education.

As we grow old, our kitchen became the favorite spot in our home. Thanks to our mom who taught us about the different cooking gizmos and basic techniques in baking.

photos taken during our recent blueberry picking expedition

Click this link for the complete recipe:  http://www.manilaspoon.com/2012/08/blueberry-sour-cream-cake.html

I would say, following baking recipes can be an exercise in frustration but I can't be hopeless every time I am tempted to try.

My very first Blueberry cake.

Lord, my heart is prone to wander, prone to leave the God I love. Here's my heart. Take it and seal it for Your courts above. - Didache 17th August

All credits to Abigail Sotto-Raines of Manila Spoon

Happy birthday Tito Noel! May God continue to bless you with good health.

Eggs and Bell Pepper

I found a nice and easy breakfast idea on Pinterest and I want to share it with you.

Olive oil

Eggs

Bell Peppers

Salt 

Pepper

Scallion, chopped

Simply slice the bell peppers about half inch thick. Put olive oil on a skillet and place the bell peppers. Crack the egg into them and add salt, pepper and chopped scallions.

Voila! Breakfast is ready!

Archie would rather have eggs and rice for breakfast than ready-to-eat cereal or oatmeal.

Live in faith. Live in love.
Happy Thursday morning!

Checkered

My daughter whom I simply adore

I always look forward to photo session day with my 13-year-old daughter. It's always important for us to have our mother-daughter bonding. In doing so, we are able to talk about her friends, school, likes and even her future plans.

What makes me truly happy is when people noticed us. Most of them say we're just like sisters. Dayne and I only have few similar facial features because she looks more like her father. So when friends say that we look alike, I just can't help but smile.

I'd like to thank my husband for nursing Lukas while I was having fun with Dayne.

When my faith is attacked, will I stand up or will I remain to be a passive bystander? - Didache, 8th June

Humba

For the reason that Lukas needs to be nursed often, I became too busy to cook that's why I selected easy and quick recipes to cover our weekly menu.

For busy mothers like me, I'm sharing one of my favorite dishes.

Ingredients:

1 lb. pork (ideally pork belly)

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 cup water

1/4 cup soy sauce

1/3 cup vinegar
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 bay leaf
1 tsp peppercorns
potatoes (optional)
hard boiled eggs (optional)
salt to taste
other ingredient: dried banana blossoms (optional)

Procedure:

1. Simply combine the water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, pork, garlic, bay leaf and peppercorns. Bring to boil and wait until the pork belly is tender or very soft (depends on your liking).
2. Add salt to taste.
3. Add the potatoes or the dried banana blossoms and simmer for 8-10 minutes.
4. Add the hard boiled eggs.
5. Voila! Share and enjoy!

I'm proud to be a domestic servant! Happy eating everyone!

And whoever receives one child such as this in my name receives me. - Matthew 18:5 Didache 14th August