Nilagang Saging at Bagoong

There is this story that my siblings love to tell about my older brother back when he was a kid. The story goes that my brother loves to eat boiled bananas every breakfast. He sooooo~ loved it that he will not eat any other food served on the table except those cooked bananas. Whenever he cannot see bananas in the table he will start to cry and stomp his feet, imagine that.  I have a hunch before that my older brother was a monkey. But then again I was the one who always gets lost above the trees .. but that's another story. 

Oh but we Filipinos share the same feelings when we see an almost ripe banana that's cooked to perfection with matching bagoong and sili on the side. So, I'm going to show you a photo and then let's see how you react! What's the best partner for your nilagang saging?

Photo (c) : Kurtsy Llanos

Firmoo.com - Great glasses that will suit your needs

OKAY.

So I found this website about sunglasses and prescription eyeglasses. I got interested because first, I am using eyeglasses because my eyes are not that great. Second, they're giving free glasses to first time customers. Thirdly, they had a promo that gives free glasses plus free shipping to bloggers. So I did what the instructions told me and then waited for the free glasses to come. Within that time, I attended a youth camp and when I got home, a package was waiting for me. Here's what's inside!

I was so excited so I went on and checked the whole frame and I immediately loved the sunglasses that I chose from their options.

You can actually check their website at www.firmoo.com and see for yourselves! What's more, their customer service is very kind and helpful, answering each of your questions in the best way they can.

One more thing, when I found out that this site is giving free eyeglasses with prescription for first time customers, I didn't miss the opportunity to buy one for myself! I only paid for the shipping fees. All in all, I got myself all the glasses that I need. Here's the other one that I got from them :

Scarlette Cupcake Mania

OKAY.


First off, I'm really sorry for making you salivate from my previous blog post about the garlic chicken. I'm not ready to give you the recipe yet, but I will give it soon. So to compensate, imma give you my own - yes, my very own - recipe of Red Velvet Cupcake.


Red velvet cupcake is my all time favorite ever since my first slice. My favorite color is RED so it's understood. But it's not about the color, it's about the taste which is is light and not that sweet, velvety and rich. It's a good partner for coffee or tea. I just love it! Here's the finished product!

So, all you need to do is prep your kitchen, go to the nearest grocery store and buy these :


3 1/2 tbsp red food color
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp white vinegar
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/3 cup cake flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup butter
1 1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
2 tbsp cocoa powder
1/2 tsp salt


and add these things for the yummy frosting :


1 cup cream cheese
1/2 cup butter
1 tsp vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar


And when you're in the kitchen again, make sure the eggs are at room temp already as well as the butter. So first you've got to wash you hands and stuff. Free yourself from germs. Good food doesn't come from dirty hands so make it a habit. So let's start! First, heat the oven to 180 degrees C.

Mix the buttermilk, food color, vinegar and vanilla. I usually use the liquid measuring cup to lessen things to wash afterwards. Then, prepare the flour mixture by mixing the flour, baking soda, baking powder, salt and cocoa powder. Mix it well. On a separate clean bowl, beat the butter until creamy and soft, add the granulated sugar and mix them well. Add eggs and incorporate properly.


Put about 1 cup of the dry ingredients to the mixture and beat to mix well, add about a portion of the liquid ingredient. Do the step again about 3 times, making the liquid the last one to put in. Make sure the ingredients are mixed thoroughly. When it is done, put about 1/2 to 3/4 of the mixture to cupcake cups placed in the cupcake pans. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean when inserted. Cool at room temperature.


For frosting :


Beat the butter for about 30-50 seconds and then add cream cheese. Mix well. Add vanilla. Slowly add the powdered sugar, making sure it is incorporated before adding another portion into the mixture. Chill for about 2 minutes and pipe on top of cooled cupcake. ENJOY!

me and the cuppys!

My Ultimate Garlic Chicken

If there's one thing in my life right now that I am very proud of - it's my own garlic chicken. Now, I will not be telling you my recipe as I am still gloating on the fact that I have perfected it already. But read on and you might get the idea how good it is. LOOK!!

Garlic chicken is a Gen. Santos City favorite. It is often said that you have not truly visited GenSan if you have not tasted this dish. The original garlic chicken can be found in a restaurant called Chicken Hauz which are located at many different places within the heart of the city. However, there are other restaurants sporting the similar versions of this garlic chicken that you not need go to the original chicken place for that sumptuous, highly addicting and very delicious piece of chicken.


When I first tried it, I can't believe fried chicken could be made to taste like that. I tell you, once you've tried it, you will never forget it. I was in my elementary days that time and being the kitchen scientist that I am, I have not stopped trying to copy the taste!


I have tried marinating the chicken with garlic marinade, making sauces and stuff but none of my attempts were even close. So I gave up and went back to buying the dish as often as I can down chicken in my stomach. I didn't care about trans fats and stuff, thanks to my mom's genes, no matter how big my appetite is I don't get fat. And yes, I have a very healthy appetite! LOL!


One day, more than 10 years later, I went to a grocery store and bought some food for the fridge when I passes a stall that gave of that garlicky smell I will never forget. I immediately sidestepped and in a flash I've retracted my steps back to that stall with the garlic aroma. I used my ever-dearest nose and sniffed my way to the items like a hound. I did not care. I had my hopes up again to try making my garlic chicken.
I got everything I think I needed and excitedly tried making it at home. I used butter and oil, some sugar, loads of fresh garlic and soy seasoning. And yes, finally I got it right!


Wait, here's another of that Garlic Chicken!!

Hilaw na Mangga [green mango]

DROOL.

Hilaw na Mangga at Bagoong Alamang.

If you are a Filipino, I am very much sure that right now, you are salivating and thinking of a way to get your hands on a plate of these! Green mangoes with spicy shrimp sauce is one of the best Filipino food ever served on a plate - or a bowl - or a platito - or a plastic sold on the street. LOL

If you have not heard of eating unripe mango in your life, here's your chance. Green mangoes are sour-sweet, crunchy unripe version of the yellow mango which are often soft and sweet. When I think of green mangoes, I memories of childhood, playing under trees and home comes to mind. This delectable dish is best served fresh from the "kaban" a few days after it was harvested.

Filipino pregnant women love to much these delis because of the soury-sweet taste it gives. What can you say about this dish? Any nostalgic experience with hilaw na mangga?