Fresh Lumpia

Fresh lumpia or lumpiang sariwa is a very good and affordable dish that you can serve for the whole family. This one is a recipe from Nanay Pining, she's making this when I arrived that's why I was able to take pictures and told her that I will post it for my blog. This is really delicious. She served some for me after she made it.Here is how to make fresh lumpia.

Ingredients for the filling:
1/2 kilo shrimps
1/4 kilo ground beef or pork
1/2 kilo carrots 
1/2 kilo potatoes ( french cut and fried)
1/2 kilo cabbage
1/4 kilo green beans
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 onion (minced)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure for the filling:
1. Saute the garlic and onion then add the ground meat and saute until the pinkish color is gone then add the shrimps and simmer for a minute.
2. Add the carrots and green beans then simmer until tender.
3. Add all the ingredients and simmer until cooked.

Ingredients  for the wrapper:
4 tablespoons flour
1 cup cornstarch
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
2 cups water
2 whole eggs

Procedure:
1. Mix all the dry ingredients then add the egg and water then mix throughly.
2. Cook in a non-stick pan for a perfect result.

Ingredients for the Sauce
1 cup flour
1/2 cup sugar
4 tablespoons soy sauce
5 cups water
5 cloves garlic ( minced)
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Procedure:
1. Mix all the ingredients then bring to a boil over medium heat until thickens.
2. Remove from heat, then add the minced garlic and mix well.
3. This is now ready to be used :-).

To assemble:
1. Place the wrapper properly then put the lettuce and add the filling.

2. Wrap well and place in a plate. pour with a sauce and minced garlic and peanut then serve.

Contributed by: Nanay Pining

Nanay Pining

Simple Ratatouille

Ratatouille (/ˌrætəˈtuːiː/ rat-ə-TOO-ee; French: [ʁataˈtuj]) is a traditional French Provençal stewed vegetable dish, originating in Nice. The full name of the dish is ratatouille niçoise.[1]

Origin
The word ratatouille comes from Occitan ratatolha and the recipe comes from Occitan cuisine. Ratatouille originated in the area around present day Occitan Provença (French: Provence) and Niça (French: Nice); the Catalan samfaina and the Majorcan tombet are versions of the same dish.[2] The southern Italian ciambotta is a related spring vegetable dish.
To read more click the link below:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ratatouille

Piperade Mixture/ Sauce:
 1 Onion chopped
 2 Carrots unpeeled and grated 
4 Celery sticks 
1 Tablespoons Minced garlic 
1 Red bell pepper Charred, peeled, seeds and ribs removed 
1 yellow bell pepper charred, peeled , seeds and ribs removed 
2 Red chillies charred, peeled, seeds and ribs removed. (Optional) 
850 grams tomato sauce
2-3 Tablespoons Olive oil 
6 Fresh basil leaves. 
Salt and Pepper to taste

Vegetables:  
2 Zucchinis sliced 
2 Japanese or Chinese eggplants sliced 
6 Roma tomatoes sliced 

Procedure for the piperade mixture: 
1. Saute the onion with the olive oil until translucent ( do not brown). Add the celery, carrots, garlic and continue to saute until softened. 
2. Mix in the bell peppers,chillies and the tomato sauce.
Add salt and pepper to taste, then simmer until done. Add the basil leaves. Set aside
3. In a blender, blend the whole mixture into a thick sauce. Pour the mixture into a large pan (oven proof) / casserole dish. 

To Assemble the ratatouille:
4. Take a slice of each vegetable, put them together and stick them half way in the sauce 
5. Repeat the process until the pan is full of vegetables in a circular or preferred design. 

6. Finally, drizzle some olive oil on top, salt, pepper and some dried herbs (basil, oregano and thyme). Cover with an aluminium foil. 
7. Bake it in the oven (300 F for about 2 hours). Remove the foil and bake for 45 minutes at 350 F to caramelize. Serve and Enjoy.


Contributed by: Gabriel Eli Ndegwa

If yellow squash is available you can add it for this recipe

Now, it is time to watch the ratatouille movie :) 

Bangers and Mash

Bangers and Mash is a traditional British Isles dish made of mashed potatoes and sausages and sometimes served with fried onion, onion gravy and baked beans just like what Mr. O'Malley made for my blog. 

Ingredients for 1 serving:

1 onion, sliced.

2 pork sausages 

1 scoop Mashed potato

1 can of baked beans (heated)

Procedure:
1. In a frying fan heat some oil over medium heat, once hot enough, add the sausages and onions and fry for about 10mins turning the sausages and onions until they are cooked (it's ok for the onions to be a little burnt, this just adds to the flavor).

2. Arrange the mashed potato, baked beans and sausages in a serving platter then serve it with love.

Contributed by: Mr. Vince O'Malley

Carrot Cake

Really yummy! Thanks be to God for baking this for us. Another delicious treat from the best baker in town :-). Mr. Gab.


Ingredients:
1 ¼ cup & 1 Tbsp of All Purpose Flour
½ cup of white Sugar
¼ cup of Brown Sugar
1 tsp of Baking Soda
2 tsp of Cinnamon
½ tsp of Salt
¼ tsp of Nutmeg
¾ cup of Vegetable Oil
2 Eggs
1 Tbsp of Vanilla Extract
1 tsp of Grated Orange Zest
1 ½ cups of Shredded/ Grated Carrots
½ cup of Raisins/ Walnuts Whatever you like.

For the frosting:
3 oz of Cream Cheese, at room temperature
¼ cup of Unsalted Butter, at room temperature
2 cups of Powdered Sugar
1 tsp of Vanilla


Procedure:
1) Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
2) Spray a 9-inch square baking pan with non stick cooking spray. Lay the bottom with parchment paper and set aside.
3) In a bowl toss together the carrots, raisins/ walnuts and the 1 Tbsp of flour until all of the carrots and raisins are coated with the flour.
4) In a large bowl mix together all of the ingredients until well combined. Add the carrots and raisins/ walnuts and mix until they are well incorporated through the batter.
5) Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and bake for about 30 minutes or until when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6) When the cake is ready, let it cool in the pan for a few minutes but then take it out and let it cool completely on a wire rack.
7) Once the cake is completely cooled, make the frosting by simply mixing all of the ingredients together until you get a nice thick frosting. If you need to, add a little more water by the teaspoonful to get a spreadable frosting consistency.
8) Adorn the cake with the cream cheese frosting and let it set for a few minutes until the frosting begins to harden. Dig in whenever you like!

Contributed by: Gabriel Eli Ndegwa

Butter Cake

A delicious cake baked by the best baker in town :) This is a contribution from my friend Gab.
Ingredients:
3 large eggs, room temperature
3 tablespoons milk, room temperature
1 1/2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (150 grams) sifted cake flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (150 grams) granulated white sugar
185 grams unsalted butter, room temperature

Procedure:
1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and vanilla extract.
2. In the bowl of your electric mixer, with the paddle attachment (or with a hand mixer), place the dry ingredients (flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar) and mix on low speed for about 30 seconds or until blended. Add the butter and half of the egg mixture. Mix on low speed until the dry ingredients are moistened. Increase the mixer speed to medium and beat for about one minute to circulate air and develop the cake's structure. Scrape down the sides of the bowl. Gradually add the remaining egg mixture, in 2 additions, beating about 30 seconds after each addition to incorporate the egg and strengthen the cake's structure.
3. Scrape the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top with an offset spatula or the back of a spoon. Bake for about 55 to 65 minutes or until the cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. If you find the cake browning too much as it bakes, cover with a piece of lightly buttered aluminum foil after about 30 minutes  at 350 Fahrenheit or 175 Celsius.

Remove the cake from the oven and place on a wire rack to cool for about 10 minutes. Remove the cake from the pan and cool completely on a lightly buttered wire rack.

The butter Cake can be covered and stored for several days at room temperature, for one week when refrigerated, or it can be frozen for two months.

Makes one 9 x 5 x 3 inch (23 x 13 x 8 cm) loaf tin.

If you decide to use a another baking pan, please check the time limit  It will take less time to cook so start checking at the 35 min mark and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. 

Contributed by:Gabriel Eli Ndegwa

Ensaladang Pako

Thanks to my niece ( Miss Arianne) for sharing this fiddlehead fern salad or ensaladang Pako.


Health Effects of fiddlehead ferns
"Fiddleheads contain various vitamins and minerals, as well as omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. They are a source of antioxidants and dietary fibre.[2] They are low in sodium, but rich in potassium, which may make them suitable for people who need a low-sodium diet.[5]

Fiddleheads may harbour microbes, and should be washed and cooked before eating.[2]

Many ferns also contain the enzyme thiaminase, which breaks down thiamine. This can lead to beriberi and other vitamin B complex deficiencies if consumed to excess or if one's diet is lacking in these vitamins.[6]".
 Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fiddlehead_fern

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo fiddlehead fern ( Cut and cleaned)
1 onion 
3 tomatoes 
1 almost ripe mango 
1/4 teaspoon sugar or to taste
3/4 cup vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Boil 3 cups of water then blanched the fern, drain and set aside.
2. slice the onion, mango and tomatoes according to your desired size then combine it with the fern together with the vinegar, sugar, salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Serve and enjoy.




Contributed by : Miss Arianne Maravilla

American Style Spaghetti

My childhood bestfriend migrated to the US with her family 2 years ago. She had a short vacation in the Philippines last February-July 2014, and she cooked this recipe for our mini get-together. Everyone agreed that her American-style spaghetti is a winner. She taught me how to cook this amazing recipe and as expected, everybody in my family was impressed. This is very easy to prepare, and you can easily find the ingredients in your local grocery store. Experience the taste of expensive American restaurants at the comfort of your home with this easy-to-make spaghetti.


Ingredients:
1 kilo spaghetti Pasta
1 kilo Spaghetti Sauce
3/4 kilo Ground Beef
1 400g can Crushed Tomatoes (can be substituted by 250g Tomato Sauce)
1 400g can Sliced Mushroom
1 150g small jar Green Olives (pitted)
1 tbsp. Basil
1 tsp. Rosemary
1 tsp. Thyme
4 tbsp. Sugar
Garlic
Onion
Salt
Ground Pepper
1 block Cheddar Cheese
Parmesan Cheese (optional)

Procedure:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Set aside.
2. In a deep casserole, heat oil and saute garlic and onion. Add the ground beef and cook until brown.
3. Pour the spaghetti sauce and crushed tomatoes (or tomato sauce if not available) and simmer for 5 minutes in medium heat.
4. Pour the mushroom and green olives (do not drain these two, include the water).
5. Add the sugar, basil, thyme, rosemary. Put some salt (about 2 teaspoons) and ground pepper to taste. You can add more sugar if you think it's too sour, or more salt if you think it's bland, but don't add too much.
6. Add the grated cheddar cheese (you can set aside some of the grated cheddar for toppings). Cover the casserole and simmer for another 5 minutes in medium heat.
7. Turn off the heat. Prepare pasta in a plate and pour some of the sauce on top. Top with the remaining grated cheddar and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.


Contributed by: Maye Rianne Javier

Easy Pork Sisig

A recipe shared by a loving father of 2 kids, Mr. Orville Pañares. What I liked about this recipe, is the simple and easy way of doing it, good for all the beginners in cooking to follow. Thank you Mr. Pañares for sharing this.

Ingredients: 

1/4 kl. pork face (maskara) 

1/4 kl. pork ears 

6 cloves garlic (chopped) 

2 med. size red onion (chopped) 

3 pcs. thumb size ginger (crushed)

 1 small can liver spread
1 litre water ( add if needed)

mayonaise

 kalamansi

Procedure:

1. Saute half of the onion and garlic, together with all the ginger. 

2. Add the pork face and ears. lightly brown to extract flavors. 

3. Add the water, bring to boil then simmer till the meat is tender. 

4. Remove meat from water, then cut into small pieces. 

5. Heat ample amount of oil in a pan, pan fry sliced meats to add crisp to the meat. drain excess oil after frying. 

6. Saute remaining garlic and onions together with the meat. (optional: add chopped chili finger if desired) 

7. Add in the liver spread, mix well then serve while hot. (option: may use sizzling plate if available). 

8. Drizzle mayonaise on top and kalamansi on the side then serve.


Contributed by: Mr. Orville Pañares

Fried Egg with Tomato

Prepared by the two scavengers ( Bevs and Sienna) lol, perfectly fried with love :-). They shared this with me, really yummy!

Ingredients:

3 eggs ( beaten)

1 big tomato ( diced)

salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:

1. Combine the beaten eggs and diced tomatoes then heat an oil. Pour the egg mixture.

2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, cook until half cooked, then flip to cook evenly, increase the heat to give a nice brownish looks, then serve when it's done. Perfect with fried rice.

Pickled Eggs

"Fed up with your usual and normal routine of preparing eggs for family & guests?
Want something new to go in between:
sunny side up (or some call it red-up),
plain salted-scrambled, omelletes, over easy or poached?
Worry no more.
Get down and do this original simple innovation of mine...pickled eggs.
Kids will love its sweet bite-full aspect.
Once done ref them for months in its own pickling solution and withdraw as needed". Take this from the ingredients' specialist.


INGREDIENTS:
1 dozen hard boiled eggs de-shelled. Set aside.
500 ml. tap water (NEVER USE PREPARED STOCK. Don't let flavor of stock mess up with your eggs)
200 ml. cane vinegar
80 ml. ginger juice
150 grams refined white sugar
80 grams refined salt
8 grams garlic powder
8 grams onion powder
3 grams ground black pepper

OPTIONAL:
4 grams ground Spanish paprika (this gives extra exotic taste & light red color to end products)
10 ml. anisado wine (readily available at your nearest oriental store)

PROCEDURES:
1. in a suited glass jar, combine all ingredients and mix-tumble well until no lumps are visible. Adjust taste to your preference.
Add in sugar or vinegar or salt. Salty-sweet-sour taste must be evident.
2. add in eggs. Stir a bit.
3. shelve unto ref (DO NOT FREEZE)
4. ready to be enjoyed after 3 days. The longer eggs are pickled in ref the tastier they become.

Click the link below to read his restaurant reviews, food photography, recipes and more.
http://www.jdantemorados.com

Contributed by: Mr. Jose Dante S. Morados

Pinangat

A delicious light souped pomfret prepared with love by an ingredients' specialist. I am glad he shared his delicious recipes from his blog.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium size thoroughly cleaned Pomfret
4 pieces medium tomatoes-each cut into 4 pieces
2 pieces large white onion roundedly-sliced (not chopped)
3 pieces banana pepper (or chili finger or "sili pansigang")
2 grams ground black pepper
8 pieces cleaned mustard leaves
10 ml. cooking oil
5 ml. "patis" (fish sauce)
200 ml. tap water (tubig lang sa gripo nyahaha) or fish stock

PROCEDURES:
1. Heat pan, pour oil.
2. Saute 1/2 of sliced tomatoes until overdone ("labug na labug na mga kamatis")
3. Pour in 1/2 of sliced onion, saute also to overdone state
4. Add in "patis" & black pepper. Toss a bit.
5. Pour in water (or stock) and bring to boil.
6. Upon boiling, slowly toss in Pomfret and let cook for 3 minutes each side.
7. When done, turn off or remove pan from fire.
8. Pour in mustard leaves & banana peppers...COVER.
9. Un-cover after 2 minutes, pour in unto serving tray
& garnish with the other half of tomatoes & onions.
10. Enjoy the aroma, taste and vibrance of this Pinoy comfort recipe.

For more delicious and nutritious recipes visit his blog. Click the link below.
http://www.jdantemorados.com

Contributed by:  Mr. Jose Dante S. Morados

Mr. Jose Dante S. Morados

Adobong Tokwa sa Gata

A healthy dish made from tofu contributed by Maureen Ava Fernandez. I will try this recipe soon.

Ingredients:
500 grams of Medium firm Tofu
1 can coconut milk
2 tbsp. of soy sauce
2 tbsp. of white vinegar
pinch of salt to taste
pinch of pepper to taste
Vegetable oil
Red or green chili pepper or Siling Haba
3 cloves of garlic
1 onion head

Procedure:
Fry the tofu ( tokwa) nice and golden brown
Set aside and cut it into  squares
Sauté  onion and garlic, put the fried tokwa , soy sauce and vinegar
don't stir let tokwa absorb  all the liquid from soy sauce and vinegar wait until reduced,
then add the  coconut milk, salt and pepper to taste . When almost done add the siling haba and serve.

Contributed By: Maureen Ava Fernandez

Kalingking

A really yummy sweet potato recipe from Nanay Linda of  Cavite.

Ingredients:
1/2 kilo sweet potato (sliced into french)
1/4 kilo all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 kilo sugar
2 cups water ( add if needed)
1/4 teaspoon salt

Procedure:
1. Mix the sugar, water, salt, baking powder and flour, combine well until the batter is smooth then add the sliced sweet potatoes. Mix well until the batter is thick and firm, if it's too dry add water.
2. Scoop a portion then deep fry over medium heat until golden brown.
3. Serve it hot, if you want it sweeter, you can sprinkle some sugar.

Contributed by: Nanay Linda

Deviled Egg Boat

A cute appetizer that will surely capture the eyes of your guests or loved ones during family gatherings.

Ingredients for 4 servings:
4 hard boiled eggs
1 can sardines in tomato sauce ( drained) - This can be replaced with tuna, meat, etc
1 tablespoon mayonaise
2 slices from loaf bread ( formed into triangles)
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Cut the eggs into halves, then remove the egg yolk.
2. Mix the yolks, sardines, mayonaise, salt and pepper, then put the mixture into the hard boiled egg whites. Insert a toothpick in the bread slices then put it on the deviled eggs to serve as a sail.
3. Serve with a smile :-).

Contributed by: Mr Ron Del Rosario

Tanigue Kinilaw

Nothing beats a very good kinilaw that's made with very fresh fish and spices, just like this version of kinilaw that shared to us by our regular contributor, Miss Gloria, she said that after eating this with her children, nothing's left, even if I was not able to taste it, I can imagine how yummy is this. The picture says it all.

Ingredients for 5 servings:
1/2 kilo tanigue fresh tanigue fish ( Spanish mackerel)
thumb size garlic ( sliced into strips)
1 onion
2 tomatoes ( optional)
1 teaspoon minced onion
1 tablespoon calamansi or lemon juice
spring onion
some chilis
1/4 cup calamansi juice or vinegar to season
salt to taste
1/2 cup vinegar ( to wash the fish)


Procedure:
1. Slice the fish into cubed and wash it properly with vinegar.
2. Combine all the ingredients and mix well.
3. Serve with a smile :-).

Contributed by: Miss Gloria Resurreccion

Fistek

If  bistek is for beef cooked like a steak but Filipino style, there is also a delicious fish dish cooked like bistek and the name is fistek, have you tried it? Of course it is yummy, specially this one that's contributed by a loving mom, who loves to cook delicious dishes for her love ones, enjoy this recipe from Miss Gloria Resurreccion of Cavite, Philippines.

Ingredients:
1 kilo any fish of your choice ( this one we used tanigue or Spanish Mackerel)
1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
2 onions ( Sliced into rings)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons calamansi Juice ( add if needed)
Salt to taste

Procedure:
1. Fried the fish then set aside. Saute the onion until soften, remove some for toppings later.
2. Add the water and black pepper, wait until it is boiling then add the fried fish and simmer for 2 minutes to give a soft texture to the fish, then add the soy sauce and calamansi juice, simmer until the sauce is well blended, turn off the heat. ( Add salt if needed)
3. Top with ring onions then serve.

Contributed by: Miss Gloria Resurreccion

See other recipe contribution from Miss Gloria
Tortang Talong

Pastel de Lengua

Tasty, juicy and creamy is what I can described for this beef tongue recipe. So perfect with steamed rice and the meaty and nutty  taste of the tongue will make you crave for more Try this easy to make recipe.

Ingredients:
1 beef tongue ( or pork)
2 big potatoes ( sliced)
3 cloves garlic
1 onion
1 big carrot ( sliced)
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1/2 cup Nestle Cream
1 cup water
salt and pepper to taste

Procedure:
1. Clean the tongue then boil until tender.  Slice to your desired thickness.
2. Saute the garlic and onion then add the sliced tongue, salt and pepper then continue to saute for 2 minute, then add the water and simmer.
3. Add the potatoes then stir well, let simmer until half cooked, then add the carrots and mushrooms, simmer until cooked.
4. Add the Nestle cream and simmer for a minute then turn off the heat.
5. Serve it hot.

Contributed by: Miss Loida Dumandan

Hot and Spicy Pork Adobo

An adobo cooked by my friend, which he served to us when we visited him, while we were eating I told him that I would love to post it because it's so yummy I almost forgot my problem lol. The tangy taste of vinegar and soy sauce was just perfect. Thank you Mr. Rupert for allowing me to post this.


Ingredients:
1/2 kilo pork
4 pieces hot dog ( slice to your desired size)
2 big potatoes ( sliced into quarter)
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup vinegar
1/4 teaspoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon ground laurel / bayleaf
1 cup water
6 pieces chili pepper or labuyo
4 cloves garlic

Procedure:
1. Saute the garlic then add the pork and braise for few minutes until the natural juice comes out.
2. Add the soy sauce, sugar, ground pepper, laurel and chili then simmer for 3 minutes then add the water, simmer until the meat is tender.
3. Add the potato, simmer until tender then add the hot dog and vinegar, simmer until cooked.
4. When everything is done, increase the heat to high allowing the sauce to boil and becomes thick, then turn off the heat.
5. Serve hot with a smile.

Contributed by: Mr. Ruperto Angeles