No Yaya

It has been almost a week since Yaya Anie left for vacation to Iloilo and another week more until she comes back. And I am sooo tired! I thought I could pull it off. The first few days were ok. I think one of the things that get me down is that I can't go out much. I feel I need a break from the house but can't really. First of all, it is so hot to go out. Secondly, as much as possible, I don't take Cerise out because of her poor immune system. Although she has been okay the past months, I don't want to risk her going out just yet. I don't think I can take another illness from her especially another hospital confinement.

So my girls and I are home now most of the time, trying to do the most of what we can out of this summer time. The toys come out (and of course, the mess) and they get to play with them especially with the ones they haven't played with in a long time. They get to draw a lot, make stories, watch movies and play in the computer and just bum around. Last Wednesday, we invited some friends over and they enjoyed themselves playing at home. This Saturday, we will take them to a Splash Attack activity lead by a teacher in the girls' school. We still are on the look out for activities for them to do. :-)

In the meantime, I will just enjoy this lazy time spent with the girls. Never mind if dinner is late and the house is a mess as long as they are all happy and content then so am I.

Here's the latest picture of Cerise taken last Sunday at my mom's place. She has grown so much already although she is still underweight. But at least, she is growing. We are scheduled to see a Developmental Pediatrician (yes, another doctor!) this June to assess her growth especially the physical aspect. She is so adorable!


Here's also the most recent picture of my four girls. We took this before Cerise's doctor's appointment last week. I love dressing them up in identical clothes although Nadine is at that age wherein she prefers her own style already. :-( Maybe she'll indulge me sometimes for photo's sake. Hehehe!

Breaded Porkchop with Cheese Sauce

Description:
Another hit with the kids, especially because of the cheese sauce. :-) Served with green beans and egg salad. Yum!

I didn't have Japanese breadcrumbs on hand so I decided to use oatmeal instead. It gave an added crunch to the porkchop. :-)


Ingredients:
porkchops with skin on
patis
pepper
garlic
flour
egg
breadcrumbs (cereals or oatmeal as substitute)

For cheese sauce:
butter
flour
milk
cream
salt and pepper (or half a chicken boullion)
grated cheese

Directions:
1. Marinate porkchops with patis, pepper and minced garlic for 15 to 30 minutes.
2. When ready to fry, coat pork in flour first, then dip in egg then coat in breadcrumbs. Fry and drain in paper towels.
3. To make cheese sauce: melt butter in pan. Add 2 tbsps of flour then mix. Slowly add milk while mixing to remove lumps. Add cream and season with salt and pepper. Continue to add milk until desired consistency. Add grated cheese afterward.
4. Serve with hot rice.

Fried Suman with Latik

Description:
There's always a young boy going around the village selling freshly made suman (sweet sticky rice). It is usually yummy to eat it with some white sugar. But did a little twist with it the other day. Fried it in butter and served with latik (coco jam). Yummee!!

Ingredients:
Suman
Butter
Latik

Directions:
1. Heat some butter in the frying pan. You can add a little oil so butter won't burn.
2. Fry suman until golden brown.
3. Served warm with latik on the side.

A Day in my Life --- May 16, 2011

Outside my window ... it's a sunny and beautiful day! All is calm and quiet around the neighborhood.

I am thinking ... what to do while Cerise is still sleeping. Sometimes I get surprised to find time in my hands. LOL!

I am thankful for ... each and everyone in this household. For Yaya Anie who is on a much needed and deserved vacation. And for Aileen who just entered our household last month.

From the kitchen ... fruits (atis, chicos and siniguelas) which Mier brought home last Saturday. Chiz Whiz sandwiches and cereals for breakfast.

I am wearing ... my Hawaiian house dress because it's cool in this hot day.

I am creating ... a special 6x6 album for Brendan, my nephew, before he leaves for Canada

I am going ... to be more patient and enjoy the little things in life.

I am hoping ... that my FIL gets the projects he dreams of.

I am hearing ... Alyssa playing with her toys beside me.

Around the house ... all is calm and quiet. Nadine, Raya and Cerise are still sleeping

One of my favorite things ... to eat right now is Hershey's Selecta Ice Cream. So refreshingly chocolatey!

A few plans for the weekend ... an art workshop for the 3 older girls on Saturday.

Here is a picture I am sharing... our family picture for the month of May taken last Sunday.

Cerise is 8 months already!

Cerise turned 8 months old last Saturday! I cooked Corned Beef Spaghetti last Friday night (took advantage of the fact that Mier was out. Hehehe!) and made Pancit Canton for Sunday Family Lunch in Macasandig. :-)

We love you baby girl! We pray that you be strong and healthy soon! :-)

Steamed Pork with Tausi (Black Beans)

Description:
Found this recipe in a magazine and I just loved it. Super easy to do and so yummy! :-)

Ingredients:
1/2 pork spare ribs (rib tips) or liempo cut into pieces
2 tbsp black bean sauce (I use Lee Kum Kee's Black Bean and Garlic Sauce)
1 tbsp vinegar
2 tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp grated ginger
2 cloves garlic
1/4 tsp ground pepper
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp sugar

Directions:
1. Combine all ingredients together and let marinate for 30 minutes or more. (I prefer doing it overnight)
2. Transfer pork with marinade/sauce into a shallow heatproof pan that will fit inside the steamer. I used an aluminum pie plate.
3. Steam for 20 minutes until pork is no longer pink. Make sure that water is enough throughout steaming process. Replenish if needed.
4. Serve with rice.

Crispy Pata

Description:
I finally learned how to make crispy pata without the frying. My saving grace? The turbo broiler! I'm able to create this yummy, crunchy-on-the-outside, yet chewy-on-the-inside dish which everyone loves without the greasy mess. And to top it all, pork hock is not as expensive in the market. This will definitely be a weekly staple in our home. Hehehe!

Ingredients:
1 whole pork pata - front
1/2 head minced garlic
1 tbsp. peppercorns
3 tbsp. salt
3 pcs. bay leaves
1 tbsp. soy sauce
1 star anise

Directions:
1. Wash and clean pork pata well then put in a pot filled with water.
2. Boil for 1 minute then drain water. Wash and clean pork pata again removing the scum.
3. Put in a pot filled with water again and add all spices. Boil for 1 to 1 1/2 hours or until tender.
4. Drain water. Place pork in a colander and allow to drip dry for a couple of hours.
5. Place in freezer bag and freeze overnight.
6. When ready to cook, place in the lower rack of turbo broiler then with 350 degrees heat, cook for 30 minutes, turn around and cook for another 30 minutes.
7. To make the sauce, mix equal part of soy sauce and vinegar. Add brown sugar to suit your taste. Add also chopped onions.