Giving In

In this day and age of Biggest Loser followed by Masterchef, it is no wonder that you kind of get the wrong message or mixed signals from the media. One time you are so motivated and inspired to diet and get all fit by the contestants on Biggest Loser. then just when you've vowed to commit to weight loss program, on comes Masterchef, tempting you with heaps of delicious food. And I am telling this from personal experience! As I may have already mentioned, I am back slaving over our oven baking desserts, and all this giving in is starting to show. Oh dear, times like these when you wish that new diet pill was just an arm's reach away.

Glut!

Gosh, when you are watching Masterchef and other cooking shows, there's nothing else you want but to crave for food. I totally wish I had the motivation to just go to the kitchen and whip up something for the family, but sadly there are days that I feel so tired, that all I want to do is lie down in bed and rest. But otherwise, yes, I do love experimenting, especially if the family enjoys the meal that I've cooked. I guess the only thing that you need to have handy are fat burners that really work, just in case you get into overdrive chowing down on lovely food. I can relate to that!

On MKR

MKR is now finally over. If you are a fan of reality TV shows, I am sure you will have no difficulty understanding what that acronym means. For those not in the know, I am talking about My Kitchen Rules. I had never thought that the grand finalists would be able to come up with meals of the highest standards, considering that they were all amateur chefs. They did dish up quite sumptuous meals that I am certain will have people checking out top fat burner methods after getting a fill of those wonderful dishes. Gosh, I would too! So yes, I am definitely looking forward to another season of MKR.

Not on the list (again!)

I've received an email from a family friend about our menu for the lunch party on the 25th. I'll be whipping up my pasta dish which has got prawns, pesto and sundried tomato. I guess my cheesecake's not on the menu this year, though I might serve it for dessert on the 24th instead. I haven't made some in a while which is probably why I am quite keen on baking it for this holiday season. But everyone will have to watch out for the calories though, as this baby can pack quite a punch on the tummy! Maybe Lipovox will be of good use at this time. LOL.

Preps for the Party

In two weeks' time, the little girl will be turning one. And yes, it is a much-anticipated event by most of people we know. They've even volunteered to contribute a dish or two for our lunch celebration.

To date, here is our ( tentative) menu for the 24th:

• baked spaghetti/pasta
• kare-kare
• bulgogi
• pancit
• potato salad
• vegetable salad
• rellenong manok
• lumpiang shanghai
• pork barbecue
• beef mechado
• fruit salad
• banana cake
• window cathedral
• leche flan
• 2 birthday cakes
• ice cream

OMG, now that is one loooong list. There goes our diet! :P

Big Weekend

Oh, I can't wait until the weekend! First of all, it's my birthday on Sunday, and to make it even more special, we have a VIP coming over. It's such wonderful timing really so I better whip out something yummy for the guests on Sunday.

I found this wonderful and easy recipe for coconut custard at PinoyCook.net. I just might cook it for the weekend and maybe a noodle or pasta dish as well (for long life). I am quite excited!

I feel so blessed to have been given another birthday to celebrate. Carpe diem! :)

Baking Mood

I was in the 'baking' mood yesterday and asked J to watch over Erin while I whipped up a batch of banana bread muffins. I got the recipe from Chef Reggie Aspiras' book, which was a compilation of her articles in the Philippine Daily Inquirer. It was a going-away gift given to me by my mom before I left the Philippines in 2006.

The recipe was quick and easy, which was why I decided to do it. Anything more complicated than that would have made me looking in a different direction instantly.


I did not have any loaf pans, which was why we had muffins instead. There weren't any walnuts in our pantry, so it was nut-free. I baked it for 50 minutes (180 degrees C) to achieve that golden brown color. It was not as moist though as I'd hoped it to be. But since the recipe called for Banana Bread and not Banana Cake, I think that answers our question. Having said that though, it turned out to be real yummy for a bread. :)

Here's the original recipe:

Banana Bread

5 Tbsp sour cream
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 c softened butter
1 c sugar
3 eggs
1 c mashed ripe bananas
2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 c chopped nuts (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease and line a 9x5-inch loaf pan.

In a mixer, cream butter and sugar in a large bowl for about 10 minutes. Beat in eggs, bananas, sour cream, and baking soda. Add in sifted flour and baking powder. Fold in nuts.

Bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes to 1 hour.

Food Hunt

We were invited to a Christmas lunch with other members of our extended family here in the ACT. It's potluck as it is always the practice here and we were assigned to bring dessert.

I am thinking of bringing my ever reliable blueberry cheesecake. But I also want to bring something that the group have never tried before so I am contemplating on baking a carrot cake as well. My mom suggested to just bring rice cakes (or biko in Filipino) because it is very easy to make. She even sent me the recipe for it.

I am still undecided. I better make a decision soon so I can test cook it first here at home.