pseudo-wannabe-pinoy-chef

Onli in Pinas: part 3: Lunchbreak re-location review center

2009-10-28T22:51:00.002-05:00

Currently Digging: Longsilog

The longer I stay here, the more Pinoy I become. Who knows, in time maybe it'll be easier for me to type all this in tagalog... afterall, i'm learning a lot of tagalog words and getting used to hearing tagalog 24/7. :) Sad part is, if i don't use english, i might lose it. Oh well...

Being a pinoy, what is it? I don't know how to answer this exactly. But I'll share my story with you. Here it goes...

The week after Mr. Ondoy Typhoon hit Manila, our review center decided to relocate us to Quezon city. Apparently, there is a smaller probability that they will cancel any more classes due to severe weather conditions or flooding if we hold our classes in QC than in Manila. So okay, anyway it is easier for me to get there. It's just one jeepney and train away. No worries.

Got a text message Friday night (week after Mr. Ondoy), that they are cancelling class on Sat, for the anticipated arrival of Ms./Mr. Pepeng, another typhoon. Seems like it wasn't just me who got traumatized...hehehe... even the admin people got scared too. Anyway, that's a cool deal!!! No class! Fine.

The next week, we received another text message that they are PERMANENTLY moving all of our remaining classes to Quezon ave, QC. Ok, fine. The only problem is I really don't know where it is, how the vicinity looked like, etc.

Came Saturday, thank goodness for a sunny day. We got there on time. Along quezon ave, there are a few slight logistics problem: From Q. ave MRT stations it is a good long walk to the building. I could ride a jeepney, but it's not sensible since it probably just about 6 blocks away. Plus walking is a good exercise. Just looking at the positive side.

Class went on... 7-12. Then lunchbreak.

Having walked 6 blocks going to our building from the train station, as far as fastfood, restaurants, I only saw 7/11 Convenient store, McDonald's (under renovation), Ministop convenient store, Starbucks, and a very expensive Cafe.

"O san na tayo kakain? (where are we gonna eat?)?" Across our building is a small grocery/supermarket shop. Since nobody knows the vicinity, those of us in the class who doesn't have a car or driver, decided to just walk altogether and find where to eat. Some have decided they will just eat at Ministop, some at Starbucks. Okay, cool with us, I don't particularly like to eat pastries or chips or hotdogs for lunch. So that didn't impress me nor my friends.

We've decided to check the supermarket/grocery, maybe they have stalls or diner within the store. OUR PROBLEM THOUGH, is how we could cross Quezon Ave.

Just an idea, Quezon ave is about 8 lanes wide, with a small island in the middle, barricaded by MMDA pink fence. Cars, Busses and Jeepneys go wild and crazy when they're driving at Q. ave. IT has a small emergency Bay area where there's no fence. But within the MMDA Pink fence there's this huge sign in all caps bold letters: "WALANG TAWIRAN. NAKAKAMATAY" Like saying: NO CROSSING: IT'S SUICIDE or ILLEGAL TO CROSS, DEADLY.
The overpass is 6 blocks away. There's some people crossing the street. So to cross or not to cross?!?

Being pinoy, and as studied from sociology, if belonging in a group or one of a collective group, you do things you will never do alone. I was really hesitant. Nonetheless, I don't really have much choice. So there's probably about 15 of us who crossed the ROAD. My strategy was to stay in the middle, so if ever we get hit, they would absorb the impact first becore the cars hit me.... hehehehe... MY friends were teasing me, cuz I was about to chicken out! I was sweating buckets and buckets of sweat droplets. I was scared. It's probably not as bad as crossing the interstate, but the thing is, I don't wanna get caught, I dont wanna get hit and I dont't wanna die just yet at Q. ave especially.

I thought after successfully crossing the street, the agony is over. But it's not. It's only the beginning.

Checked out, Hi-top grocery store. No food stalls, no eatery, no carinderia, mo cafeteria. no nothing. Beside it, starbucks... NOPE. Ministop... nope. Expensive Cafe, no no no!!
So we walked...

and walked...

walked... and walked and walked some more...

2 blocks after, there's a pair of policemen patrolling the area. "Kuya! Kuya! san ba may kainan dito?! (Sir, are there any place to eat here?). One of the policeman pointed to yellow bldg. 1 block away. They said that place has a cafeteria inside.

Off we went... Peeking through the glass wall, around the building... nope.. nope.. nobody is even there. There's nothing on that building... arggg....

It's 1220nn, everybody's getting really really hungry. Sun is up directly on us, we were tired, sweaty and slightly getting pissed but still laughing our hunger and tiredness away.

We walked some more... walked more.. walked... walked...

3 blocks later, we saw the GOLDEN ARCHES from a far. Another 2 blocks, and we are there! YEY!!!! McDonalds!!! Signs up. We were standing right under the sign. Uhhh... but where's McDonald's again? Did we miss it? 180 degree turn? to the left? to the right? No?

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

McD is closed for renovation!!?!?! WTF?!?! ARe u kidding me?!?! ARGGGGGG!!! Well apparently not. IT is closed. Beside it, 7/11 Concenient store---ahh nope.

FRustrated and hungry, we are definitely looking for a carinderia or a fastfood shop. We need a BIG MEAL. So we walked again. walked another block. Then there was a group of taxi drivers. They pointed us to another direction. They said its just about 3-4 blocks away. Alright, no biggie.

So we walked.

Ahhhhhhmmm.. excuse me, everyone, we've already been here! just a block away is the grocery store! OMG!!! We just circled around, and there we are again, we're back to where we started. argggggggg...

Really frustrated now, we are just thinking of walking back to the building and asking our admin people where the closest fastfood establishment is. On our way back, remember Kuya policemen?!? We saw them again!!!

Riding their Police pick up van, bright yellow, open... One of them yelled: "NAkakain na kayo?! (Have you eaten yet?!)" They probably took pity on us. Cuz by this time, we are all about to collapse... its really hot and humid that day! Sun is up! Hungry....

So they said, Hop in the back, hold on, and we will take you to Jollibee!!!

So there we went, rode the open police minitruck, in bright yellow color, along the EDSA... They dropped us off, at Jollibee, then we asked, "Kuya, panu kami makakabalik!?!? (How are we gonna get back to Q. Ave?").
They said: After 30mins we'll be back, don't worry. 'Yan ang PINOY!!!! :)
Onli in Pinas right?!?

I couldn't stop laughing... we couldn;t stop laughing that day! we ate, we laugh. we went back to class, still laughing. Shared the story to the administation, and they were laughing at us.. Oh well...

That was really one memorable experience....

At least I rode the police car not because I crossed the road illegally, but because we have no where else to eat.

The week after that, I brought my own packed lunch...
enough of too much adventure in class...

:)

Onli in da Phil ---- part II : Mr.Ondoy

2009-10-20T18:45:00.006-05:00

Currently Digging: freshly brewed iced-tea and Oishi PODS

Signing back on!!

For the part II of my review class experience, I'd like to talk about the buzzed typhoon: Mr. Ondoy.

Mr. Ondoy, hit Manila and nearby provinces last September 26, 2009. As you can see, I have respect with Mr. Ondoy, that I've decided to call him mister.

Filipinos are known to be joyous people by nature---smiling, laughing...--an important quality I wanna have myself. Despite the recent typhoon tragedy, a lot of people managed to keep smiles and grins on their faces. Maybe us, pinoys were all born smiling... :D
Hmmmm... I've got a theory, maybe we are all happy to get out of our mom's wombs after swimming on a wild river for 9months. Just imagine a pregnant woman's fluid---while riding the jeepney or tricycle on the public roads of manila?!?! Or whatabout being bumped, pushed and carried by the waves of human beings rushing at the MRT stations.... hmmm.. maybe we're all smiling when we got out of our mom's wombs... after all, how hot and wild could it be inside a dark fluidy thingy, constantly moving like crazy!

09/26/09 @ Taft Ave. 0630: I was walking from Julio Nakpil St. going to Taft. It was just a lil rainy, just a typical day.

I learned how to use an umbrella... an essential on Philippine living... rain or shine--always the payong! :) (right hou?) So I took out my weapon, opened it, and pfffffffffffffffffffffffffffft..... wind blew... not so strong, just a breezy one.... and then again.... and another one....
and poooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooof!
ah.... there goes my umbrella--- Nope! didn't fly... just turned inside out. Now crumpled and useless. Bad sign to start the day. I ran to the shade, waited for a jeepney to Morayta area and said goodbye to about 1-2 in. of puddles of water along Taft, which by the way... is soooooooooooooooo typical.

@Morayta 0650: Rain stopped. Thank goodness!Cuz I dont have any payong with me. A lil brighter now, but still not sunny. Entering our old, ran down, dark, dirty building. When I said dark--- i meant busted lights, when I said dirty---meant dead roaches everywhere, when I said old---I mean old, smell-the-century-kinda-old. But found relief when I entered the room, coz our room was well lit and airconditioned..... (but, not for long.)

@0720: Done with exam.

@0810: Botany lecture started. zzzZzzZzzZZZzzz.... I don't like studying plants! I don't know. It's just so hard to relate it with real life. Just like any other subjects.... I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVE BOTANY (psych urself lei. psych urself...)

A few more hours of boring plant-lecture, heard a strong down-pour of rain!!!!! I peeked through the window and realized how dark it was outside. A few more minutes, our ceiling started leaking.
I'm worried now. It's raining hard! and knowing Morayta, Espanya area.... OMG! it only means one thing--- flood.
Few hours later, I wasn't even paying attention to the teacher. I was texting blatantly in class. My inner organs are somewhat in panic now---not showing it of course, that's one of the traits i'm proud to have :).

Ceiling still leaking....
Still raining hard...
Dark outside...
Class not paying any more attention to the lecture...
Whispering on each other about the event we're all about to succumb..

Then break time.

Kuya guard, mopping the floor, with his pants rolled up to his knees, with the edges slightly wet. Heard a nasty rumor, btw, that it is calf-deep flood downstairs (1st floor) and ankle-deep outside on the streets...

ef-you-see-kay!!!! not a rumor anymore.... cuz it was 100% true! damn!

Well the lecture went on until 1230. Kuya guard kept coming back to mop the floor, and each time his pants were rolled up higher, now to his thighs. And the last time, he went up, he was only wearing his briefs on. But no! we're not concerned on him just on his briefs and shirt, we are more concerned on the thigh-deep flood on the 1st floor of our bldg, and the streets? wtf?! just the same... black-oily-garbage-topped flood is rising...

a bigger ef-you-see-kay!!!

At this point, class had been cancelled. WTF?! just now?!?! How can we go home? How can we walk outside!! There's no more public transpo available on the roads.... argggggggggggggg!!!!

After the panic, felt hungry.... We're still hopeful that after 4hours, around 5pm, rain would've stopped and flood gone.
Tried asking McDonald's delivery---- no luck! McDonald's already closed down due to extreme flooding outside....

Hmmm.. Luckily, by 2:30pm, we were able to get our bearings together, ordered lunch from the cafeteria downstairs. Funny thing, the kuya getting the orders will give us pen and paper, we have to write all our orders, and he has to walk through the flood while all the customers awaits his delivery onto the "DRY LAND"--- meaning the 2nd flight of stairs.

Ate tindera from the small in-house sari-sari store are selling her goods on the 2nd floor. She and her crew were swimming back and forth to get the goods from her store.

But few hours later, some of her gooods were already floating in water along with biotic and abiotic roaches!!! hahaha!! EF-YOU-SEE-KAY!!!

Came 4pm: lights off! WTF?!? AC off too!!! NO ELECTRICITY!!!! NO WATER FOR toileting needs!!! WTF!!!! but no panic. Still hopeful that by 5pm we are all going home safe and sound.
Came 5pm: no luck. Still raining, Flood still up. Getting dark. Everybody's worried but still joking around like crazy. Came 7pm: Kuya guard evacuated all his stuffs and his desk up to 2nd floor. Ate tindera evacuated as much goods as she can to the 2nd floor, and Manong Cafeteria has a small carinderia on 3rd floor. Sounds like an overnight event. But still hoping for the final try of 10pm.

Stories... lots of stories... talking nonstop... jacking around like crazy... laughing... sometimes realizing how bad this is gonna be... hungry... all we've got are junk foods from ate Tindera's store... thirsty.... hungry.... bored.... tired... sleepy... talking... more talks... laughing... jacking around.... holding pee cuz its really phaking dark and stinky in the restrooms... worried... concerned... stories... more stories...

By this time, my cp's batt is getting low so i have to conserve it for later. This means we all have to time our voiding sched so we only have to use at least 1 phone as flsahlight. Apart from the room being all steamy hot, mosquitos! there's tons of them!!! Roaches?!! wtf?! they all evacuated in the bathrooms!!!! DAMN!

EF-YOU-SEE-KAY!!!!!!!!! but we were all just laughing our guts out... what else can we do?!!? just turn the ickyness and despair and sadness and frustrations into laughter...

WE WERE STRANDED... in fear...worried...hungry...frustrated...mad...hungry... tired... hungry... sleepy... stinky... sticky.... hungry... tired....powerless... left with no choice...no control... and unaware of what's really going on outside...
I thought the flood was only in Morayta area.... apparently not... We were not the only people stranded at that time...

AFTER BEING STRANDED FOR 26 hours on that old-yucky-dark-hot-dirty building, group by group we've decided to walk.... este swim with the roaches and trash and poop and everything else floating on the flood.... We said, either we die from leptospirosis, or dengue+malaria+hunger+cholera+uti+ etc.... Which is more painful?! We chose the earlier and did it...
By the time we went out... water was only thigh-deep for me.. just a few inches below my genitals!!! Just imagine how high it was for my height-challenged friends swimming with me...

The first step into the baha (flood) was the hardest... AFTER that: EYE ON THE GOAL (LRT/MRT/ANY TRAIN STATIONS) and HEEL/TOES ON THE ROAD.
The next hardest: not being able to see where you are going.. manholes.. roaches... garbage...steps...stairs... gutter... more manholes...
But as you can see.. I SURVIVE! hahah!!! I'm blogging now with a smile on my face!!

BTW, it didn't end there. Here's an equation I will never ever forget:

PSEUDO-TSUNAMI = moving BUS + FLOOD
where: BUS must be in motion
FLOOD be > or = to above the knee flood.

Example 1: While walking in front of McDonalds, Morayta, A passenger bus cruises along Espanya in constant speed. What would be the resultant scenario?

Answer: Strong waves were created as a result of the pseudo-tsunami phenomenon. Tables flew at least 2 meters from its initial position and people, me and friends, were displaced and smacked onto McDonald's fiber glass walls.
Lesson learned: when a bus is coming, hold onto something really sturdy, strong and fixed.

Example 2: While crossing Espanya Street going to FEU, you heard groups of people from both sides of the street, yell and cheer "BUS! BUS! BUS!" while pointing to another Bus. What would you do?

a:) walk faster or even run on the thigh-deep flood to be able to reach the other side of the road and hold on to posts and walls of stalls.
b:) climb the lamppost located at the middle island of the road and extend your feet so that other people can hold on to you while the pseudo
c:) stay where you are standing (at the middle of the 3 lane road) hold on to nothing and let the current and waves take you wherever it will.

ANSWER: B. Yup! That's what we did! I climb the post with 2 others and let our legs dangle so other people can hang on to us. sleek eh?!

Once I reached LRT2: It was heaven! IT was dry. Don't care about the miles and miles of people lining up for the ticket, I just knew I'd be able to go home that day!

AFTER I GOT HOME: I ATE an egg, 1 can of tuna, 1 can of corned beef and rice!
EVERYTIME it rains: I GET SCARED and worried.
after all these happened: I diagnosed myself with slight PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) but managed myself through, therapy, sharing my story (to houie especially) and by laughing!!!
3days later: I bought another PAYONG!

Everyone has their own stories of Mr.Ondoy. What's yours?

LAUGH ON people!!!

ONLI in PINAS... REVIEW class part I

2009-10-17T19:12:00.007-05:00

Currently Digging: uy-oy!!!! sarap nito! the best longganisa ever!

Lately, seems like the world is talking to me. I remember one of my clinical instructors in psych before, she said: 'Listen to the world, cuz it speaks to you.' I really do believe that it does.

After series of events with school applications, well, I could say that Philippine med schools are really not into providing me an education, except for one last school left. Which, in fact, is my first choice anyway. I just don't like the feeling of having NO CHOICE or being left with an ONLY choice. Nonetheless, I'd grab one last chance I have. And if i can't make it through, that is my final sign from the world. But if I do, then I have a lot of things to think about.

Anyway, medschool is beyond the point of this blog. I will blog about that in some other time. MY frustrations and the differences in the application process, etc.
And, the feeling of being lost here in the Philippines is far beyond the discussion of my blog today.

I just told my mom: "Ma, sulit na yung bayad sa review class.. not only for the knowledge i've gained, more for the LIFE EXPERIENCES I've had several weeks ago. Didn't they say that we learn best if we experience it? Hmm... then I must be learning a whole lot.... more than the context of the review....

To begin with, I love watching people. Observing people somehow relaxes me. I like to watch their actions, reactions, way of talking etc. Our class used to be just the typical--- clustered in cliques, what schools they came from, or undergrad courses etc. But we smile on each other, and greet some with a nod or by raising both eyebrows. It's just fun knowing everybody, in some ways interacting with pinoy and pinay youths, and just being around filipinos in closer proximity than just the usual aggregate i belong while walking in the streets or riding a jeepney. In some ways, I felt like I belong in the Philippines again, still not completely though. But in some ways...

I must admit that the first few weeks of review is the toughest for me. Do u know the feeling of being embarassed inside cuz of not understanding anything at all?!?!!? Well, thats what I had. I failed the initial assessment exam for one. But it was just a wake up call for me to study harder... that was fine. What embarassed me the most is when the professors started teaching, and I couldn't understand words and sentences they were saying. HONESTLY, I felt like shit those days, felt so DAMN STUPID! Coz working in the medical field for the past 2 years, I should know the terms right? But when they started throwing terms at us, I was bombarded with foreign words I haven't heard before. Uhhhh.... brain cells not functioning here.. in short circuit... sparks going on... OMG! And all i could do is either, take it slowly and process it inside me, or copy from my seatmate's notes. I was probably annoying my seatmates, asking too many questions like : "what?" "what did he say?" "what was that again?" "Anong sabi?" "Ano daw yun?" etc...

An example? Someone asked: "Oh sinong gusto magpeja sa inyo? (who wants to take pehdja here?). And I gave the instructor the look of WTF? Lea processing....

processing....

processing....

Thinking now, what is peja?

processing....

processing....

Finally, the instructor asked me: "Ikaw anong specialization gusto mo?" (What specialization do you like?) And I simply said Cardiology. And she loudly said: "Ahhhhh Karjo!!!"

Then it clicked. Hit my like a truck! PEJA=pedia! KARJO=cardio!!

Whew.... at this point... my armpit was sweating bad.... but that wasn't just it.
BIOLOGY, ZOOLOGY CLASSES.... omg! My braincells are processing triple time! I couldn't catch up with the lecture, I was processing foreign words so bad!!! :,( it was sucky, i really felt stupid!!!! I smiled and laughed at it, but deep inside, I was about to cry. That was hard. :(

other examples i can remember:
YO-sino-fils = eosinophils
BAH-so-fil = basophils
FAH-go-sayt = phagocytes
mehTO-prolol = metoprolol
intra-VEYN-yus = intravenous
sehk-kri-tin = secretin
JA-betis = diabetes

+ more to come once I remember them.... :)

I had to relearn how to listen... it was hard... but i'm getting it now! :]

for now got to go!!! had to go with my sister to a binyag!! later...

092209-foodlog

2009-09-22T08:23:00.002-05:00

Currently Digging: diet calamansi soda

bfast: sleeping
snack: raisins - 90
lunch: 2 wheat bread - 190
cheese slices - 90
hard boiled egg - 80
post gym: handful peanuts - 300
dinner: calamares - 400
rice - 160
talong - 140
snack: pic-A - 300
dt dalandan soda
dalandan

brussel sprouts + stuffed chicken + chicken balls + steamed veggies

2009-02-14T06:07:00.008-06:00

Currently Digging: crackers and garlic-hummusI just have to brag about this. So let me. I can't really remember how I did all this. It was last year's meal.
THERES NO RECIPE... coz i can't follow them. I suck at it!! There's directions to guide me though...

I'd rather experiment on something and fix it if it's not good, rather than following a recipe! I JUST CANT DO IT! what's wrong with me?

Anyways.. too much blah!

It's my first time messing with brussel sprouts! I don't think we have that in Pinas. Do we? Maybe we do but it's probably expensive eh? Well brussel sprouts, taste and look like small cabbages. Do people eat it raw too? I don't know. but since it's my first time to cook it, i thought I'll try the best way to enjoy veggies------ roasting it (on our nu wave oven pro...)
Y? it gives just enough camelization, a little crunch and still taste the veggie by itself.

I also tried making chicken balls using the oven instead of frying it. it turned out juicy and nice!! I remember I seasoned it with poultry seasoning, chili powder, ketchup, garlic and onion powder, salt and pepper. But can't remember oven temp and how long i cooked it! tsk.....
Then, I also made that swisscheese-ham stuffed chicken ala cordonbleu? Maybe. It's just a seasoned pounded chicken breast (cutlet). stuffed with fat free swiss cheese slices, deli ham. Roll up. Pin with toothpicks. BAKED then BROILED to brown.

Check out my plate! It's healthy and delicious!
We serve it with more veggies: boiled napa cabbage and green beans with oystersauce.
TOP with my favorite: fried garlic slivers!
whattameal!

But the best is still to come the next day! The leftovers are just perfect for my lunch at work... balance diet.. healthy delicious... portion controlled! LOVE IT!

the question is: can i do this again???

nobrainer dip stuffed mushroom

2009-02-13T12:39:00.005-06:00

Currently Digging: nuwave oven fried chicken wings + herb potato soup

Just a no brainer.*Remove mushroom stems
*Clean each mushroom buttons
*Spoon: onion sourcream dip first
*Spoon: pimento dip next
*Cook: in oven toaster or nuwave oven until mushrooms are cooked and fillings bubbly!
*Freshly ground pepper

What's there to remember? Any cheese goes with mushrooms!

Mom loved this! :p

appetizer? snack? or just whenever we have unused mushrooms!

superbowl line-up

2009-02-02T05:18:00.000-06:00

Let's start off with breakfast: It was mom's chicken and rice soup with scallions, mushrooms and tofu.... (feels pretty good for a sicky like me... **COUGHS...**SNIFFLES**)

Mid morning snack: light 7 grain crackers, garlic-hummus dip and kiwi-strawberry yogurt.

Lunch: NUOC CHAM marinated PORKLOIN with STIRFRY green beans, mushrooms and carrots! (ooooowwww saraaaaaap! *i did try to make nuoc cham sauce but i didn't really like the taste of it so i used it as a marinade... turns out real goood!)

PM snack: here we go again... it's MOM'S sugarfree GINATAN!! ohh yumm (dad could'nt get enough of it... his words were: NKAKAADIK!)

Dinner (just in time for superbowl half-time): PORK RIBS marinated in nuoc cham sauce, roasted in nuwave oven.
Sides: corn kernels and crunchy asian broccoli slaw with almonds and dried cranberries.

^^ASIAN SLAW DRESSING^^
apple cider vinegar and white vinegar
few pinch of salt and pepper
pinch of splenda
toasted sesame oil
scallions
tsp garlic hummus
>>>>MIX UP. then TOSS!

2 reasons why we don't have the pics of the foodssss:
1. I'm sick... still sick... argggggggggggggh!!!!
2. food were so goood no time to waste...
can't wait to dig in and nobody wants to get up
once we started eating...

*NEXT TIME BEFORE TASTING IT I WILL SNAP A PIC FIRST*

sidetrack: LUCKY by jason mraz and colbie calliat

2009-01-22T19:45:00.000-06:00

I LOVE THIS SONG!!!!!!

(Jason)
Do you hear me,
I’m talking to you
Across the water across the deep blue ocean
Under the open sky, oh my, baby I’m trying

(Colbie)
Boy I hear you in my dreams
I feel your whisper across the sea
I keep you with me in my heart
You make it easier when life gets hard

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Ooohh, ooooh, oooh, oooh,
Oooh ooh ooh ooh

(Both)
They don’t know how long it takes
Waiting for a love like this
Every time we say goodbye
I wish we had one more kiss
I’ll wait for you I promise you, I will

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
Lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

(Jason)
And so I’m sailing through the sea
To an island where we’ll meet
You’ll hear the music fill the air
I’ll put a flower in your hair

(Colbie)
Though the breezes through trees
Move so pretty you’re all I see
As the world keeps spinning round
You hold me right here right now

(Both)
I’m lucky I’m in love with my best friend
Lucky to have been where I have been
Lucky to be coming home again
I’m lucky we’re in love every way
Lucky to have stayed where we have stayed
Lucky to be coming home someday

Ooohh, ooooh, oooh, oooh,

breakfast bake for houieversary

2008-12-23T06:22:00.005-06:00

Currently Digging: slice of bake plus lettuce bowl

Breakfast bake. Quiche. Frittata. Whatever this is. Breakfast pile up? Breakfast cake? I don't know. Just all of a sudden at 3am, i woke up hungry.... craving for eggs and comfort food... something filling, and loaded... why not try a breakfast bake i've been imagining...

Just a layer of bread, cheese, tomatoes, mushrooms, ham, swiss melting cheese, green onions, ham and hashbrowns, top with a little more cheese... baked to goodness.

served in lettuce bowl with beans in sardines sauce.

this is the first time i've tried this...and i must admit it tasted pretty good... still healthy though.

I used 2 real eggs and the rest are egg substitute. used 2 oz of 2% colby jack cheese (would love it better if it is pepper jack). used tomatoes, mushrooms and deli ham. no cream. no full fat cheeses. hashbrown for crusting + few drizzle olive oil.

Happy houieversary... 6 years...

Just like last year.... i cooked on our special day... this time it's loaded, smothered but still a little bit healthy. The entire loaf would probably serve 6. But i'm already craving for another slice!!!!

Still watching my diet and working out.. but not losing any more weight....

sidetrack: 6th year...

2008-12-22T22:39:00.001-06:00

Currently Digging: eddy's coffee ice cream

Make a Smilebox scrapbook

HAPPY 6th year HOUIEVERSARY!!!

uieko celebrety lookies

2008-12-15T18:31:00.001-06:00

http://www.myheritage.com/collage

MyHeritage: Celebrity Collage - Vintage images - Family pictures

Meatball burger

2008-11-22T14:13:00.005-06:00

Currently Digging: nothing ***resting before I go to gym***

I should say this is the most successful "HEALTHIER" burger I have ever done... this time it was juicy, moist, tender, and meaty beefy...

HEAVY lunch today.... my pre-work out meal...

My plate: half hamburger sandwhich--with tomato and onions, no cheese.

My sides: boiled zucchini, wilted baby bella mushrooms, asian coleslaw without the crispy noodles.

My soup: same as everyone's! cream of mushroom (healthy version-canned) with asparagus and shiitake mushroom.

MEATBALL BURGER

lean ground beef
minced onions
minced garlic
mrs. dash
garlic powder
onion powder
pepper
salt
grounded cereals (i used hi-lo cereals) like bread crumbs consistency (with cumin, poultry seasoning, mrs. dash)

>mix all ingredients in a bowl except grounded cereals

>before baking or grilling: coat LIGHTLY with grounded cereals "breadcrumbs"

>I cooked it in nu-wave oven: 5-7 minutes per side: flipping once.

>Lightly toast bread with cheese (if desired)

>Add condiments if desired

>Arrange

Here's my mom's and my dad's plate. They didn't like the boiled zucchini... Yah know... parents--- as they grow old, they become picky eaters...

My dad ate his entire plate-- so proud of him!!!!

I used garlic parmesan roll for their hamburger, topped with tomato and onions with cheese

Sides: wilted mushrooms and onions, asian slaw with crispy noodles

Soup: Cream of mushroom soup + asparagus + shiitake mushrooms

QUICKIE ASIAN SLAW

>shredded cabbage: blanched with hot boiling water

>shopped tomato

>Newman's spritzers (asian flavored)

>>Mix everything up!!! Serve.

Chicken taco on a pita?!?!

2008-11-09T13:46:00.003-06:00

Currently Digging: oven baked chicken wings and italian salad

PITA CHICKEN TACO... whew... that's confusing! Well that was my morning breakfast today! haha.. yeah.. for breakfast!

CHICKEN TACO ON A PITA:

left over grilled chicken or rotisserie chicken breast-sliced
lettuce, onions
taco bell' sauce (FIRE, MILD or HOT: I used fire.. coz I love spicy foods! ***and don't look at me like that!!! everybody have some extra sauces in their fridge!)
pinto bean hummus ^recipe below^ (hahha.. just another confusing name! whatever)

::: TOAST Pita bread half (80 Cal) on oven toaster

::: Heat through chicken slices in microwave

::: Spread inside of pita with Pinto bean hummus (50 Cal)

::: Place lettuce slices/shreds/or leaf, with thinly sliced onions (15 Cal)

::: Place sliced chicken breast (130 Cal)

::: Squeeze in packet of taco bell's FIRE sauce (5 Cal)

TOTAL CALORIES: 280

I have been craving for refried beans since yesterday... I slow cooked a pound of DRY pinto beans... ($0.92 cents / lb of dry pinto beans at walmart: That has 13 servings after cooked!)

Instead of soaking them overnight, I just placed it in a crock pot covered with lots of water turned to low... and let it cook for hours... SET it and FORGET it! heheh

PINTO HUMMUS: (serves 1-2)

1/4 cup cooked pinto beans
1.5 tsp plain non fat yogurt
1 small clove garlic
pinch of cumin
pinch of crushed red pepper
pepper & salt

>>Blend pinto beans with garlic, cumin, crushed red pepper
>>Add yogurt, blend, adjust to desired consistency
>>Add pepper and salt if needed

SAVE MONEY: pinto beans: use dry ($0.08/serving) instead of canned ($0.20/serving)

SAVE SODIUM: pinto beans dry (5mg) instead of canned (250mg)

grilled chicken on tofu slices sandwhich

2008-11-09T08:44:00.009-06:00

Currently Digging: chicken taco on a pita...

"Within 90minutes post-workout: Eat a meal with quality carbs and protein.."

I say: just eat a complete meal... start with the fruit (replace the sugars lost during workout) then the protein.

WORKOUT 11/7/08:

Warm up: walk-walk-jog 10mins

Core: 3 exercise-3 sets each-20reps each

Train: back-biceps-legs (2 exercises each group-3-4sets each-12 reps each)

Cardio: 30min (20min stairmaster-5run-5stair)

Cooldown: walk-stretch

Then my MEAL: it's a grilled chicken with the works in grilled tofu as the "bread"

I was actually tempted to buy those little thickburgers from hardee's.. but then it was past 9pm when I got done with work-out +i was thinking of how much calories in it+... I just wanted to go home and hopefully talk with uieko--which i did!

GRILLED CHICKEN on TOFU sandwhich:

left over grilled chicken (seasoned with dry rub)
2 thick slices of tofu (extra firm)
cheese (optional)
ketchup, mustard
lettuce, onions

> Using nu-wave oven: broiled/roasted tofu for 15minutes (turning 3/4 of the time)

>When tofu almost cooked, top with cheese, heat up chicken for another 3-5minutes

>BUILD it up: tofu-cheese-ketchup-lettuce-mustard-chicken-cheese-then tofu

>>Ate it with a cup of grapes. Thought the sandwhich was too small... but it did fill me up good!

A LOW FAT, LOW CARB, QUIKIE MEAL that tasted good

and was easy on the wallet! :)

(I didn't spend anything on this one... just used whatevers in the fridge!

SORRY HARDEE'S hehehe)

garlic-cheese-tomato hor'dourve + nike buddy

2008-11-05T17:51:00.005-06:00

Currently Digging: tilapia and fresh cucumber salad

After work-out, I craved for something cheesy and garlicky... so i thought y not use the old bread sitting in our ref... Guess it can be: POORLEI'S hor'dourve... hahaha!!! I made 4 slices...

POOR LEI's garlic-cheese-tomato hor'dourve

french bread sliced to desired thickness
spray with I can't believe it's not butter
Sprinkle garlic powder
top with 2% shredded cheese
TOAST: 4.5minutes
top with sliced tomato

gave 2 to my mom... and she asked me:

----------KAMATIS?!?

I said: eh ano?!?

{she took a bite...}

------------LEI! ANG SARAP! (It was good!!! yeah it was!)

oh.... well... its surprising enough she tried it... interesting: she liked it.
I was thinking of using SUN DRIED TOMATO... we don't have it.. and it's expensive...

*****GIFT TO MYSELF AT 205lbs.******

Bought myself a gift... [it was a rip off though... $10.83---but its one of the cheapest that I've seen and tried and actually liked.] ---let me introduce my newest WORK OUT BUDDY!

**i forgot to introduce my latest gym shoes.. but i remember showing it to my dear lovie.. right?
I used it already... it's a looooooooooooooooooooooooot better!!! OMG! I CANT BELEIVE THE RELIEF FROM MY SORE HANDS!!! [puro kalyo ung kamay ko.. masakit na... I cant take this anymore...]

$10.83! suck it up lei! It was worth it!

NOODLES: chicken lo mein and asian noodle soup

2008-11-04T18:36:00.007-06:00

Currently Digging: soup with veggies [no lo mein for me]

I VOTED TODAY!!! HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE of this day... let me name a few:
1. Historical election: first African Am president or first woman VP?
2. FIRST time VOTER: Yes... that's right! IT's my first time voting at 23 in a foreign land [ooops excuse me... I forgot, I'm a citizen of this country... haha... so I am not a foreigner here no more? Immigrant?]
3. WEIGHTLOSS: I am down to 205 lbs! OMG! I cannot believe this!!!! This has been the thinnest I've been (so far...) since my ADULTHOOD [or teenage years]!!!

*** Well back to my blogging here...

0800: woke up + bath + bfast [egg, toast, bacon]
0930: off to my designated precinct. I VOTED!

1000: bought some veggies at the grocery store: thought I'd cook for both my parents so they will not eat out todaY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Too much crap in those food.. want them to eat healthier too... [called my mom: what do you want for lunch??? she said, CHINESE! soooo I said... I'll just cook then...]

1030: started cooking: Looking for something to cook I found this CHINA BOY oriental LO MEIN noodles. Looks like egg noodles to me... but to be safe i wanted to taste it first so I made chicken lomein with it...

CHICKEN LO MEIN:

Chicken breast strips, Lo mein (cooked, drained), Napa cabbage (blanched), Carrots (cut in thin strips), Onions (choppes), Garlic (minced), Green bell peppers (chopped), Soy sauce, Teriyaki sauce, freshly ground black pepper.

Hot pan with olive oil, saute garlic and onions until soft tender almost brown
Add chicken breast cut in strips; season; cook until almost golden brown but still moist
Add green bell peppers; cook until slight change in color but still with a crunch
Add carrots and cooked nappa cabbage (this will give out its water content)
Add 1 or 2 Tbsp Soy sauce; adjust to taste
Add 0.5 to 1 Tbsp teriyaki sauce (to slightly thicken sauce and give sweetish taste)

1200: Ate lunch with mom and dad

***We ate this with Dark red kidney beans with bell pepper and jalapenos! THAT WAS PRETTY GOOD!!!***

1330: off to gym -------HAD A GOOD WORK OUT! I LOST 2lbs from my last weigh in!

1600: back from gym + ate post-workout meal (leftovers) + watched tv + internet

1800: dinner with mom and dad: For dinner I used the chicken/vegetable broth I made earlier this am to make some asian chicken noodle soup...

My mom loved this---anything asian... SHE WILL EAT (as long as it is not exotic)... BUT ANYTHING with NOODLES or RICE with fish sauce (patis) or soy sauce (toyo)... SHE WILL EAT!!!!

My dad enjoyed this too.. he kept saying... it was like THAI street food soup... hehehe.... HE ATE A WHOLE BUNCH FOR THE FIRST TIME!!!!!! I served him 1 entire bowl and he ate it all without complaintssssssssssss!!!!!

OUR Very simple and satisfying dinner...
[though I made MINE without the NOODLES; I just had the broth, chicken, and veggies]

ASIAN CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP

Boil HOMEMADE Chix/veggie broth
Cook lo mein noodles for 4 minutes
Transfer noodles in serving bowls
Heat through shredded chicken breast (cooked with the broth earlier)
Blanch onions, carrots and cabbage in broth
Arrange in serving dish
Pour BOILING broth
Top with green onions and freshly ground black pepper

***I sure miss fried garlic on top of it!!! but i'm watching my fat intake... so... i'd just settle to the healthier version...***

EAT GOOD!!!

I miss you houie... sorry about today... i was PMSing...

Lunchbox: pork and broccoli

2008-11-01T21:43:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: Nothing... just getting ready to sleep...

I'm working tomorrow... SUNDAY :( But I thought, the good thing about working, I get to eat left over foods... I should be able to be more in control of what I eat.. though.. lately... I SUCK AT MY FOOD CHOICES AND PORTIONS!!

No worries though, Coz I will be bettter!!! (motivating myself!)

I will start logging my food again... starting tomorrow!!!!

What's in my lunchbox:

:::Luncetime: BROILED BROCCOLI + Left over pinoy style porksteak.

:::Snacktime: 1 whole carrots + 1.5 tbsp home made hummus (see my previous post)

:::Munch: fresh grapes, apple and sugarfree jello

Nothing really spectacular! Just left over stuffs that needs to be eaten soon... hehe...

BROILED BROCCOLI:

wash heads of broccoli
slice to desired pieces
place under NU-WAVE convection oven set on HI for 5-7mins (or may drizzle olive oil then place under 450 oven..)
serve hot...
OPTIONAL: may squeeze some lemon, salt and pepper, mrs. dash. (But for me just plain broccoli works... the taste is good coz some of the florets turns brown and gives the flavor to the broccoli! ----this is how i enjoy my veggie... more than boiling it.)

Why I bring my own food? CHEAPER AND HEALTHIER! no secret here!

happy birthday ma!

2008-11-01T21:23:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: Chamomile tea

HAPPY 62nd BIRTHDAY MA!!!

Had lunch today at Frankie's house.... (then I went to GYM and worked out!)

Lunch Menu c/o Frankie: Mexican dish (?)-more like dorito casserole; Green Salad-by Martha; Hot Salsa; Adopted Pinoy cucumber salad with onions; Corn chips; Sugar free fruit dessert (american fruit salad); Fresh fruit plate; Iced tea and lemonade...

Something to ponder: Here are some popcorn balls Frankie made for the trick or treaters yesterday. It was just exposed-open to air.... Wondering bakit di kumunat kahit na naka expose sa hangin??? Just curious...Mom, Dad, Frankie and Martha all enjoyed this!!! hahaha.... So messy to eat!!! I tasted it too... yummy...

-----------------------------------------------------

first timer's YOGURT: hummus; chicken salad

2008-10-29T18:59:00.011-05:00

Currently Digging: WATER!

This is the first time I messed with plain yogurt
First time I ever made hummus....

Result: texturally disaster... taste? deliciooso!

For this hummus:

1 can garbanzos; drained and rinsed (to get rid of as much sodium)
1/4 of lime; juiced
plain yogurt (maybe about 3oz. coz I used abou 4.5 oz and its a little thin...)
5 cloves garlic; roasted
1/4 jalapeno; seeded and ribbed; minced
3 drops of sesame oil (i don't have tahini!)
couple dashes of paprika
freshly ground pepper
salt to taste
minced/chopped green onions - for garnish

>>i used the bullet to mix everything (or food processor), except for the jalapenos and seasonings.
Maybe next time I should slowly add in the yogurt to adjust the consistency.
Once blended, mixed in the paprika, fresh ground pepper and then salt.
I folded in the minced jalapenos. garnished with green onions then chilled.

This pic on the left???
Snack for tomorrow for work!!!!! protein-rich and fiber-rich? I don't know! **too lazy to think about mutrion info....**

___________________________________________

CHICKEN SALAD:
-4 oz Plain yogurt
-10 oz Chicken breast: cooked; shreded/chopped; cool
-chopped onions (optional)
-chopped tomatoes; seeded (optional)
-chopped bell pepper (optional)
-chopped roasted garlic (optional)
-minced jalapeno (optional)
-2 tsp dijon mustard (adjust acdg to taste preference)
-2% shreded cheese (i used mild cheddar)
-salt & pepper

>> Just mix everything together... adjust seasonings according to taste...
USE in wraps, bread, salad topping, pita filling...

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Back to work tomorrow.... I feel good today! Had two days of AWESOME-ROCKIN' workout!
I was full of energy... And I feel great...

Though I didn't lose any weight last week... and my eating habits still sucks!!!!! *What can I do now!?!?* My appetite is just killing me! huwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.. i'm always.. ALWAYS eating more than my calories.... grrrrrrrrrrrrrr..... time to be good lei!

TIME TO BE GOOD AND DISCIPLINED!

MY LUNCH BOX: an apple (50) - sugarfree jello (10) - 2 slices whole wheat bread (110) - sauteed spinach with shaved carrots (90) - pork loin boiled then browned in a convection oven...(250) =approx: 510 calories(?)

Am I on the roll or what?!?!

in bangkok

2008-10-28T11:47:00.004-05:00

I miss you...

I miss us...

I miss this...

I LOVE YOU

lunchbox: pasta

2008-10-28T11:33:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: **CHICHARON!**

Maybe from now on I should start taking pics of my lunch bag... u think? Just to keep my calories in line!

****SIGHSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS****

I don't think I've lost any weight last week! huhuhu....
REASON: eating too much JUNKS at work! candies/chips/crackers are what's INSTANTLY AVAILABLE! huwaaaaaaaaaaaaa... i hate it!

But this week.... I WILL FIGHT IT! as much as I can! haha....

Anyway........ a sample lunch menu for me:

^grapes = approx 90cal
^apple = 75 cal
^pasta with tuna and veggies = 300 cal
^bokchoy = 30 cal
^laughing cow cheese = 35 cal

^plus i usually bring nonfat yogurt: 80 callow cal low fat.

but i should fight the temptation at work! grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr....

bakit pati adobong pusit puti?

2008-10-24T19:07:00.002-05:00

Currently Digging: adobong chicken

We boguht those small tender pusit sa asian market. So excited kasi makakatikim ng adobong pusit....

Well... I was surprised... when I cooked it... it turned purple-red-white! GOSSSSSSSSSSSSH!

PATI ANG PUSIT PAG NAINITAN DI UMIITIM TULAD NG PINOYS? SA AMERICA NAMUMULA LANG PAGNASUSUNBURN?!?! hahah...

yung tinta? DI Nangitimmmmmmmmmmmm! WTF!

post-workout salmon

2008-10-19T10:16:00.007-05:00

Currently Digging: scrambled eggs and red beans

I saw this beautiful salmon at SAM'S CLUB. It's quite a fish! hehe

There's 2 fillets for a little over 2 pounds = $12.00
I think it was $5.++ per pound... it's well worth it!
Just think about it this way: if you eat salmon fillet at a restaurant it's baked with a little bit of sauce, let's say it is probably around 6 oz it will cost you $9.00

Let's see the break down of price here:

AT HOME:
> 4-5oz salmon = $2.00
> Low salt seasoning + Mr's dash = $0.20
> Baking labor = $nothing so easy to do, easy clean up
> Lemon =$0.25
> No butter, no extra salt, healthy = PRICELESS
> No guilt succulent pleasure of moist and tender salmon = PRICELESS
> Broccoli and Cauliflower medley pre-cut = $1.50

SO EASY TO DO!

Preheat oven 375 degrees.
Season the fillet with your fave seasoning (MINE: mr's dash, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, pinch salt, freshly ground pepper, squirt of lemon, slices of ginger)
place in a foil or silicone lining (for easy cleanup)
Bake for 20-25 minutes... until done moist and smells like heaven!

Look at this: it's healthy.... filling... and yummy...

And that's my post-work out dinner.

PROTEIN, VEGGIES, and a FRUIT as my simple sugar source.... (I already ate a fruit, I just forgot to take a pic of it!)

QUICK UPDATE: i am down to 207.8lbs!

I AM THINKING: posting a sample menu... from breakfast til dinner on one of my HEALTHY DAYS!

shrimp and cabbage

2008-10-07T19:21:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: ice cold coke-zero

Just another healthy lunch i prepared last week before i went to the gym. This fueled me for 2 straight hours of work-out. Its light and healthy

SHRIMP: steamed (Days ago) then heated with lime, cilantro and pico de gallo.

BROWN RICE: rice cooker as always....

CABBAGE: with green peppers, heated through a skillet sprayed with can't beleieve it's not butter, mixed with seasoned boiled chicken (shredded), then tossed with fish sauce!I ate this with CHILI GARLIC OIL.

simple. quick. easy.

Pursuit of 100 lbs. weight loss

2008-10-07T11:46:00.007-05:00

Currently Digging: adobong kangkong and boiled chicken

So far, this is my journey....Lei at 290+ pounds... (Cute parin!)

MY hair... long
Face... round
Chin... triple?
Neck... WHAT NECK?!!? DO I EVEN HAVE ONE?! (haha!)

GRabeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeh! Buffet was my friend back then! I eat without even thinking about calories, fat, cholesterol, fiber, salt what so ever.

then the decision to change my life....

I thought: i have to buy myself something for that very first pay check.

And here it went... a 3-year GYM MEMBERSHIP with training sessions built in with a Trainer to jump start my weightloss....

Lei at 250 pounds (new clothes?)

The hardest part: is to start that first work out session.... then to continue working out lalo na kung pati dulo ng buhok ko and dumi sa kuko ko is all s-o-r-e....

The NEXT hardest: to continue my commitment to lose more weight.... kahit tapos na ang training sessions ko....

HARDER than the next hardest: to change my habit of eating... to change the KINDS of foods I eat, the AMOUNT of food i engulf, and the QUALITY of food I eat.

THE RESULT: my BEFORE (at 290 lbs.) and AFTER (210 lbs) pics....

20 more pounds and I will achieve my SHORT TERM GOAL!!!!!!

LIFE TIME GOAL: To be as close to my ideal body weight as possible...

Wanna help ?!!?!?!

DONATE SOME IDEAS TO LOSE WEIGHT
DROP A WORD OR TWO OF ENCOURAGEMENT
PLEDGE A GIFT TO MOTIVATE ME
WHIP MY ASS.... KEEP ME ON MY FEET...
ASK ME TO GO TO THE GYM AS MUCH AS I CAN
COOK ME HEALTHY FOODS
ALLOW ME TO LOSE MORE WEIGHT
LIVE HEALTHY WITH ME
SHOP HEALTHY FOODS WITH ME
EAT HEALTHY FOODS WITH ME
BE PROUD OF ME
and LOVE THE NEW ME!

live healthy, eat healthy, love being healthy!

Eggs n' microwave

2008-09-28T16:20:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: ice cold pink lemonade with real lemons...

A SPLURGE FOR BREAKFAST... I consider eating eggs and ham for breakfast as a splurge, its a treat pag walang work. :)

After our Bangkok trip, I learned something from my Oldest sister that I will never ever ever forget... that is to make SCRAMBLED EGGS using the MICROWAVE! :p

So here it is. no secrets here just eggs, ham and pepper. that's it.

Scrambled the eggs, fluff it up, add ham, pop it in the microwave. mix halfway, pop it again for a few seconds. Add pepper.

Then CHOW... eat with bread and its heavenly delicious... without the added oil and fat.

CALORIES:

egg=60 Cal (using 1/2 cup of egg beaters; 0g fat)
ham=60 Cal (1g fat)

Serve with:

Sara Lee bread=90 Cal (for 2 thin slices)
Cup of mixed fruits=120 Cal

This is a good satisfying meal na!

Enjoy a yummy and healthy breakfast!!

bangkok week...

2008-08-28T21:33:00.001-05:00

Currently Digging: diet dr. pepper

______ too lazy to edit pics...._______
food from thailand trip to order: eat in...

Leftover lunch: tandoori chicken

2008-07-29T16:28:00.007-05:00

Currently Digging: whole wheat penne + grape tomatoes + spinach +garlic warm pasta salad

Articles always say... the best lunch is the leftover from last night's dinner.

When we first ate at the Indian resto here, I ordered the grilled platter: tandoori chicken, grilled shrimps, lamb, etc...
PORTION SIZE: pretty huge... good enough to share...

So, next day's lunch for me:
left over meat (chicken),
sliced cucumbers with italian dressing,
cheese cube,
and a regular size salad (of romaine, carrots and fresh mushrooms)

FAST and EASY. (oh and CHEAP!)
Pretty clever lunch! hehehe... the meat was so tasty i didn't have to even thing about a salad dressing.. it just balances it out.

***SIGHS*** i like Indian foods.... but the calories.... just make me break asweat everytime!

ugh!

bad week...

2008-07-29T07:23:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: deli ham from hy vee

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!! i cannot resist the temptation!!!! I just thought I blog it!
I craved for it and I got it!!!!!!

It's that salt & fat laden burger from Mc Donald's... the one in their dollar menu!!
The one that melts in your mouth when you bite into it... (well it is made of fat right???)The one thats hard to resist when you stop by for that dollar 42 oz. diet dr. pepper and a free redbox rental...

It is the.. one and only... double cheese burger...

... i must confess within a matter of 2 stop lights and 2 stop signs... I have devoured this temptating pseudo protein fat laden food... and to say the least for a matter of minutes i was in my state of NIRVANA...

too bad it didn't give enough satisfaction to orgasm!

guess my brain already flipped out and started calculating grams of fat and calories per bite! haha!!

LARGE dt. dr. pepper: $1.08
Double Cheese Burger: $1.07
FREE red box rental: -$1.00
GRAND TOTAL: $1.15!

the EGGbetters...

2008-07-27T19:19:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: grilled chicken breast and cabbage/carrots strifry

AS MUCH AS I LOVE MEAT.... i love eggs!!!

scrambled.
hard boiled.
sunnysideup.
poached.
omelet. name it i'll eat it!
(except raw.... hihi...)

While i was training, my trainer noticed that i eat eggs everyday... of course my daily cholesterol then was ALWAYS way TOO HIGH. So she suggested egg beaters every once in a while... or trying cage-free eggs...

Well, let me tell you, it's love at FIRST taste!
it's not as fluffy, not as rich...
but hey, its easy! and I can eat more and it's = to 1 large egg!

REAL EGG: 75 calories, 212 mg cholesterol, 6.3 g protein
EGG BEATERS: 30 calories (1/4 cup), 0 cholesterol, 6 g protein (and i can eat 1/2 cup!)

WHAT's NOT TO LOVE EH?

too bad... they don't have a hard boiled egg beaters!!!!

now: hard boiled eggs... one of my breakfast pleasures!

BEST but NOT FRIED french fries

2008-07-21T08:43:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: potatoes and omelet parin...

FRIES.... is my moms' weakness. With the 'healthy diet' im in, i try... as much as possible to limit myself eating---fried, oily and salty foods. (I LOVE FRIES! I LOVE PIZZA! I LOVE FRIED CHICKEN! hehe) Oh, i splurge every once in a while... but not as often as before.

2 things about fastfood/resto fries that's BAD for you: 1. DEEP FRIED; 2. SALT.

2 things about my fries that's AWESOME: 1. baked not fried; 2. sodium free yummy!

^wash potatoes and cut (kasing laki ng pinky finger)
^dry with kitchen towel
^LIGHTLY flour
^toss with MRS. DASH or HERB CHEF SEASONING, garlic powder, ground pepper, onion powder
^SINGLE LAYER on our infamous nu-wave oven pro! Cook for about 15-20 mins, turning once!

OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I SO LOVE THIS!!!!!

ATE it with grilled chicken tossed salad.

***wipes my mouth***

I apologize... im just drooling over it!

not my pish!

2008-07-21T08:34:00.003-05:00

Currently Digging: potatoes and omelet.

oh its not my pish.... THANKS TO GEORGE FORMAN GRILL, now we can GRILLIFRY our whole tilapia!!!! yummmyyyyyyyyyyyyy............. ***thanks dad for cooking this one!***

NO OIL!

ITS HEALTHY!

WALANG TALSIK!

YUMMY PARIN!

SLUSHssssss

2008-07-01T22:24:00.006-05:00

Currently Digging: apple + toast with tuna

ITS SUMMER TIME!!!!! its 90 deg out, aside from ice cold water or soda.... one of my fave drinks....

FRESH FRUIT SLUSH....

MAy it be sonic's, or whereever... anything with ICE i'll dig!

The thing is.. a lot of these places uses canned fruits, preserved fruits.... sugar etc... Since I'm EATING HEALTHY... trying to stay away from simple carbs and simple sugar....

I simply indulge myself at home....

With our BULLET:

^I used store bought ICE (dapat kasi ung ice madaling i-grind, like those bought in stores... kasi pag ung galing sa ice tray too big and too thick, namemelt muna bago ma grind plus there must be something different witht he processing or temp.. hehe)

^FRESH FRUITS OF CHOICE... oranges and strawberries...

And in 8 seconds....

I AM SIPPING AWAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

and as always: it's cheap and it's healthy!

baon. bugong. lunchbox.

2008-06-30T22:49:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: lemonade.

The usual set up of my BAONAN: meat, carbs, veggies.

a lot of times I have SNACK items: fruits, cheese, yogurt, jell-o

This meal is cheap and VERY VERY VERY healthy:

chicken breast (trimmed & grilled): 140 cal, 3 g fat.
brown rice: 180 cal, 1 g fat, FIBER!
broccoli spear: 50 cal, FIBER and vitamins
asparagus: 42 cal, fiber, nutrients
yogurt sauce: 30 cal, sodium, and taste... haha!

FILLS ME UP EVERYTIME!!! refuels my body during my 12-hour shifts!

IT SURE IS BETTER THAN FAST FOOD or CAFETERIA FOOD!

& fiber makes me gooooooooooooo.... after holding it for 12 hours! haha!!!

Saucy-----SAUCES!

2008-06-30T18:50:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: my own version of cordonbleu?

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!

YOU CAN'T DENY!!!!!

hehe this is what our ref look like..... a collection of sauces... from arby's to long john's silver, to local drive by and mcdonalds. forgot to mention: chinese take out--duck sauce, soy sauce! haha!!!!

here's a secret: WE NEVER BUY TOMATO KETCHUP!!!!!!!!! (saves us 99cents lol!)

***dati nga even table napkins multi-branded! hahah....

veggie chili

2008-06-03T12:14:00.008-05:00

Currently Digging: banana + left over bbq ribs

CHILI.
+ its hearty, its thick, its yummy and its spicy.
+ it could be hearty and healthy.
+ it could be veggie than meaty.

an alternative to the usual meaty chilli.
this one made with zucchini, squash, cabbage, carrots, bell peppers and onions.
of course with a few sprinkles of ground beef hehe...
few beans
tomato sauce
chili seasoning (cumin, paprika, chili powder and all other spices)

this is yummy and healthy.

+ instead of topping it with cheese. I used some cheese and chopped onions.
instead of chips or crackers, i used corn tortilla toasted. yummy enough.

cheap: just used veggies available in ref.

serve with a side salad.

A BOWL = approx 200-300 calories.
its low in fat, low in sodium and yummilicious.

almost perfect

2008-06-03T11:48:00.003-05:00

Currently Digging: 30% less fat center-cut bacon and potatoes

I suck! Checking this blog thingy i suck at it! last post: april 13! wtf?!
well i've been busy... working out, sleeping, looking for cellphone plans, thinking about my job, losing weight, running errands, managing my accounts and downloading stuffs (just to make it sound less not legal haha)

BUT I FOUND MY ALMOST PERFECT MOBILE PHONE PLAN:
for only $45... (1890php) i have

UNLIMITED: anytime minutes
UNLIMITED: US long distance (including Hawaii, Alaska, Canada & Puerto Rico)
UNLIMITED: features in all Cricket coverage areas
UNLIMITED: US text, picture & video messaging
UNLIMITED: voice mail, caller ID, call waiting & 3-way calling

with an additional $5... i'm getting
UNLIMITED INTERNATIONAL TEXT MESSAGING!!!

wooooooooooooohooooooo!!!!

but that its almost perfect kasi:
walang unlimited philippines calling, and cricket is known to be a ghetto phone..
oh well, ghetto or not... here's what i'm singin' right now:

"CRICKET! wooohooo CRICKET! oh yeah CRICKET!"

grilled chicken and spinach salad

2008-04-13T16:24:00.004-05:00

Currently Digging: freshly steamed shrimps and crabs!!!

i must admit, i craved for something very unusual last week....

SALAD.

yeah.. a big, warm, hearty and meaty salad. Just like those they serve at Applebee's or Friday's.
So after work out, here's what I ate. (I am not good at making dressings, never liked dressings unless it's home made. And there are very few home made dressings i like :)

MIX IT:
-baby spinach
-cubed cucumbers
-roasted mushrooms
-sliced baby carrots
-whole corn kernels

TOP:
-grilled chicken breast cutlet with herbs and spices (onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, paprika, mrs. dash) *thanks to george foreman grill***
-parmesan cheese

FINISH:
-drizzle of balsamic vinegar /or/ squirt of lemon

enjoy and fork in!

CEREAL SALMON

2008-03-20T20:14:00.008-05:00

Currently Digging: Deli ham sandwhich + tostitos & salsa

Something crunchy and fishy! I know when i cooked this, i was craving for CAPTAIN D's, but the thing is that's deep fried in vegetable oil. :( Instead i curved my craving with this pseudo-gourmetish meal. Presentation helps take the edge off that craving!

SALMON:
--I used about 4oz salmon piece seasoned with Mrs Dash and garlic powder. Using what i have in here, i used Go Lean cereals (plain no flavor not sweet at all) & press it on the salmon.
--In a baking sheet lightly greased with oil, baked this piece for <8mins.
--Beside it roast some broccoli, onions, mushrooms and green bell pepper. Season with salt & pepper.

SERVE WITH:
--simple garlicky yummy broth and home made croutons.

grilled chicken & spinach which

2008-03-20T11:33:00.008-05:00

Currently Digging: luigi's italian ice cream + grilled garlic cheese sandwhich + bacon

Rescue the left over grilled chicken!!!
For my everyday proteinish craving, meaty-craving, this simple and LIGHT
lunch satisfies it all!

NEED:
^2 wheat bread
^left over grilled chicken
^spinach
^onions
^tomatoes
^cheesy goodness :)
^condiments: ketchup? mustard? mayo? hotsauce? salt pepper
^small saucepan
^oven or toaster oven

ENSEMBLE:
***heat saucepan, spray with olive oil or butter.
***add onions cook until slightly tender
***add spinach until somewhat wilted.

***toast bread with 1 side filled with cheesy goodness!
***heat left over grilled chicken

***layer bread +condiment +chicken +spinach +tomatoes +tiny salt +pepper +cheese +bread
***cut in half... SERVE IT WARM BABY!

I ate it with shrimp cocktails for more meaty goodness!!!

slow cooked pork loin with mixed grain rice

2008-03-19T21:10:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: beef teriyaki lettuce wrap

Not the usual "STEWISH" crockpot recipe. Actually, i have been using the 'crockpot' or slow cooker to cook in bulk. Before we use to boil our meat, so that it is semi-cooked for weeknights meal...
Now what i have been doing is using the crockpot instead of boiling meats... i used it with chicken, beef, pork and fish!!! IT IS REALLY VERY HANDY!

PORK LOIN:
*1 pkg of whole pork loin (size that will fit in the crockpot)
*salt
*pepper
*garlic powder
*any kinds of dry herbs and dry spices
+++rub all ingredients to the porkloin. let it rest for a few minutes.
+++place it in a crockpot
+++plug it, set on 'SLOW' and cook for 8-12 hours depending on pork loin size.
+++let it rest
+++slice and serve OR
+++put in ref! can be reheated in oven, toaster oven or convection oven. microwave will do the trick too! hehe

-+-+-+ OPTION: about 5hours meat can be turned over...
Sometimes i drain the juices coz it is fatty....
OR after the 12hours, drain the meat, place the drippings and juices in a freezer proof container, let it freeze until the fat rises on top (about 1-2hours). remove the fat and use the drippings for gravy!

GRAVY:
in a saucepan, heat some butter. Once melted, add garlic give it a minute to cook. Then add flour. Let it cook and brown a little. add the drippings and juices from the crockpot! mix until slightly thick! AWESOME!
healthier option: use Can't believe it's not butter (or olive oil) instead of butter.
use pork or chicken broth instead of fatty drippings.

SERVE WITH:
+roasted mushrooms and asparagus or any veggies in season!
+mix together cooked wild rice + brown rice + jasmine rice!

SAUCeeeeee!

cheap & ez grilled chicken

2008-03-11T13:33:00.005-05:00

Currently Digging: home made chilli-flavored vegetable soup!

Last time i went to HY-VEE, on their deli section/restaurant, they have this grilled chicken breast along with rotisserie chix, ribs etc. Iniisip ko pa if i will buy it or not, since i don't know what and how it was cooked. BUT:
I went ahead and try it. It's good for easy fix meals and for my pack lunch for work. The best part of it is that it's only $3.99 and the breast were portion into about 3oz each, there's 4 pcs in a package.

I ate this one night after i came home from work! I WAS SOOOOOOO TIRED! SOOOOOO TIRED to cook for dinner. So I:
cut up and used 1/2 tomato = $0.25
1 slice whole wheat bread = $0.20
1 pc (3oz) grilled chicken breast = $1.00

Served it with:
romaine lettuce, tomatoes, parmesan cheese, with home made honey-mustard-asian dressing. = $2.50 (?)

simple and satisfying!

waffles en bacon da healthy way!

2008-03-07T10:29:00.006-06:00

Currently Digging: egg beaters-bacon-Kashi waffles

BREAKFAST! BREAKFAST! I Loooooooooooooooooooooove breakfast! It is my favorite meal in a day!

So lately, i have been experimenting with different foods i'm not used to.
Usually: for breakfast i would eat egg, another breakfast meat, then rice or bread.

With me trying to be healthier and at the same time enjoy my food, i thought well maybe i should try different stuffs too. Once in a while i eat rolled oats, sometimes cereals and soymilk.

And this is the first time i ever ate waffles... ever! Would you believe that?!?!

Oh it's the pinoy in me talking! haha.. Growing up NOT liking pancakes, i thought well I should take a shot with waffles---since it is crispier and crunchier!

here's what I had one morning:1 serving (2pcs) Kashi waffles original = $1.00
squirt of sugar-free syrup = $0.50
blueberries = $1.00
2 slices turkey bacon = $0.25
------------------------------------
total: $2.75

total PROTEIN: 14.2g
total CARBS: 38.1g
total FAT: 10.6g
total CALORIES: 280.2cal

*pretty cheap for a healthy meal huh?!?!* and it's goooood too! IT's a treat!

warning: this is not an advertisement for kashi waffles! I JUST LOVE KASHI brand... and of course whitewave's SILK SOY MILK!

no sweat baked salmon

2008-03-03T13:39:00.005-06:00

Just digged into: raw green mango, tuna and white/brown rice!

Lately, i've been so much into fish. I can't find quality ones in the local grocery store, but I found a good one at costco-- well it is farm-raised but what the heck, it is still fish! I would love to go to KC city market but it's a bit far to my place to just buy a piece of fish.

I got that from costco at $4.99/lb (this is a 1.6lb. fish usually divided into 6 portions)...

Don't you just love a sophisticated-pseudo-gourmet-style-meal in about 15mins cooking time or about 30mins with prep time?

DRY RUB: all suited based on my preference!
-mrs. dash original with citrus zest
-dried basil
-dried parsley
-salt
-pepper
-minced or pressed garlic
-garlic powder
-ginger root sliced
-*any other herb, or spices!

INTO THE OVEN:
-Preheat oven to 375*F (or 350 kung malakas ang oven)
-Line baking sheet with foil. Lightly (LIGHTLY) grease foil with can't believe its not butter spraY (0 calories!)
-Rub ingredients over salmon, sprinkle garlic on top and place ginger slices. Few more spritz of Can't believe it's not butter spray.
-***If baking entire salmon fillet with skin on: bake for about 12-17minutes (but keep an eye on it after 10mins!---salmon is crappy when it is too tough or overcooked. IT still has to be orangy/pinkish but flaky!) TRY poking it with finger if it is bouncing and sort of semi-firm to touch and flakes... it is done...
*** If baking salmon fillet cut up into 4-5oz slices, bake it for 8-10minutes!

SUPER EASY huh?!?! quite oricey than regular meals but A WHOLE LOTTA CHEAPER than eating out!!!

SERVE with: mixed brown and white rice + stir fried or roasted veggies

Condiments: Freshly ground black pepper or chili garlic sauce or salt or butter or NOTHING!

ANNIVERSARY loaded PASTA!

2008-02-23T06:24:00.007-06:00

Currently Digging: 2 fried eggs, 1 toast, orange

She loves pizza. checked! (delivered at her place during our online "DATE CHAT")
She loves my pasta. ... ... ... ... ...

Another year apart. Another year of not celebrating anniv together.

Here's what I cooked for myself to celebrate for our 5 years anniv...

IN d MIX:

spaghetti (cooked al dente per package instructions)
2-3 slices bacon
chicken breast
onions
garlic *tons*
broccoli
green onions chopped
cream of mushroom condensed
chicken stock or water or skim milk or pasta water
salt and pepper and garlic powder
favorite cheese -cut into small cubes

TOMAKE:

~heat skillet, wok, pan whatever... i used the wok coz its big..

~fry bacon in its own fat. remove. drain.

~remove most of bacon fat, until about 1tbsp is left, brown chicken breast. Season.

~add onions, wait until almost browned, then push to side allowing each ingredient to touch bottom of wok

~add garlic- toast until golden brown
~add broccoli, then immediately add about 1/4-1/2 cup condensed cream of mushroom soup.

~add chicken stock (or water and skim milk) or pasta water *tanchahan lang kung gaano karami!*

~let simmer and reduce until sauce is creamy

~mix in the pasta

~garnish with green onions, chopped crispy bacon and of course cheeeeeeeeeeeeeese!

SERVE WITH HOT SAUCE or chili garlic sauce!
YUMMMMMMMMMMMMMY!!!!

I LOVE YOU HOU!
>miss u<

MEX PIZ

2008-02-21T21:14:00.006-06:00

Currently Digging: roasted pork loin sandwhich + cream mushroom soup

i love pizza... its just not very healthy... kaya i try to stay away as much as i can. This one is good enough to satisfy that craving. TOppings taste like pizza, but without the crust and that issue about PORTION size.

BREAKDOWN:
2 3-4in. corn tortilla
2-3 tsp left over pizza sauce **left over from here**
lightly sautee'd onions, mushrooms, green peppers and spinach
1-2 tbsp browned ground meat
2-3 oz. shredded cheese

ARRANGE:
~~toast corn tortilla until almost crispy (watch out not to over do this.)
~~add tsp left over pizza sauce
~~layer with browned ground meat
~~add lightly sauteed/sweated veggies
~~top with favorite shreded cheese
~~toast or broil for about 3-4mins until cheese melted

total Cal: >300Cal for 2 pcs of tortilla complete with toppings.

DIG IN & GET DIRTY!!!

LOW FAT shrimp & potatoes

2008-02-20T19:22:00.007-06:00

Currently Digging: mushroom soup & ground meat salad.

OHhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! I like shrimps, because it is packed with protein, salty to taste and easy to deal with... did i say it's so easy and fast to cook?!? Well here's one meal that i put together
in what? <15mins?>

SHRIMPs: store bought shrimps (easy peel, but i love it with heads sana but its not available.. so what the heck, it is still shrimps!)
~~~once water is boiling, drop shrimps until color change to orange. Drain. Serve. EASY?

POTATO: 1 medium sized potato. scrubbed and cleaned.
~~~place 1 potato in a potato microwave bag (love this kitchen cookware! hehe THANKS TO FRANKIE!). Cook for 4minutes on high heat. Check, if not soft yet, heat in 1 minute increments until done. Mine took 4minutes +2more minutes cuz our microwave isn't very hot =)

TOP: 1 tbsp of ranch dip or sourcream OR spray can't believe it's not butter (0 cal), freshly cracked black pepper.

SIDEs: clear home made chicks soup/broth with shredded chicken
~~~let it boil. Add lots of spinach leaves and.. serve HOOOOOOT! ***there's tons of recipe's online on making ur own broth! just grabbed one! I added tons of garlic! hehe:D***

shrimps: 4-6oz = $2.00
potato: 7-8oz = $0.40
protein: 48.1 g
carbs: 33.3 g
fat: 4.0 g
total calories: 380 Cal

>>>cheap and healthy... what else can you ask
for?!?<<<

turkey beef pasta with roasted veggies

2008-02-19T12:59:00.006-06:00

Currently Digging: romaine salad, hashbrowns, egg with sausage scramble~

HAPPY 60th BIRTHDAY DAD!

I prepared this dinner for myself on my dad's 60th birthday. He was asking me where I want to eat, but i told him since he can't, why bother. I would just cook for myself, at least i won't mess up my diet. Instead of the all-time-birthday-tradition: PANCIT, i cooked pasta instead-- EASY and delicious!

PASTA: any kind of pasta... (not the round or with hole kinds, coz this doesn't have cream or sauce...) cooked Al-dente of course!

SAUCE: i have a huge batch of ground turkey and ground beef that I have browned and seasoned (with herbs, onions, garlic, few salt, pepper). I used that.

Added button mushrooms.

Can't believe its not butter spray.

Toasted garlic.

Some pasta cooking water (to de-glaze the pan)

shaved parmesan cheese

~~~add butter to pan, brown the garlic. add mushrooms, let it cook until most liquid is gone. add pre-browned meat. let it cook until all is well done. (if too dry, add some pasta cooking water.)

SIDE POCKET: Love your veggies! I am not a huge fan of veggies, but when it is roasted or grilled, i will eat them (depending of the kind of veggies ofcourse! duh!).

broccoli bunch

asparagus

cherry tomatoes

~~~wash the veggies and dry. on a convection oven (this is what we have) or a conventional oven, single layer the veggies in a pan. drizzle with little olive oil, season with herbs or mrs. dash. Pop it in the oven, or use the broiler low function to cook the veggies until some areas are crunchy and dry, some with preserved veggie juice. THAT's IT!

PLATE: Mix the pasta with the dry meat sauce, until well coated. Add the roasted chery tomatoes. plate the veggies. plate pasta. top with thinly shaved parmesan cheese. SERVE HOT and fresh!

CONDIMENTS: Lee kum kee chili garlic sauce or tabasco.

DELICIOUS! just do not overdo the olive oil!

I HATE GREASY PASTA!!!

total Cal: 517.6

total protein: 38.1 g

total carbs: 59.2 g

total fat: 16.8 g

loaded pseudo gourmet pizza

2008-02-15T19:52:00.009-06:00

Currently Digging: roasted ratatouille, teriyaki chix & cottage cheese

I am trying to lose weight... Di pa ba obvious? Super bowl sunday was approaching, my dad can't eat by mouth, it's just me and him, so I thought, 'y order pizza, if ako lang ang kakain?!.'
9/10 times I overeat when PIZZA is around! IT's SIMPLY my BIGGEST TEMPTATION.

Anyway, went to grocery store day before, bought veggies for toppings, yeast, and I was thinking of getting a package of pepperoni, but guess what? I didn't! Aside from the price, it's loaded with sodium and fat.

So here's what I made for the DOUGH:
I tried an online recipe! i just typed pizza dough... hehe
2 cup all-purpose flour (i was going to use whole wheat but i don't wanna spend more money to buy it, after all, this is a tria pizza right?)
1 package quick-rising yeast
some salt
pinch sugar
warm water for the yeast (accdg to package :D)
instead of adding olive oil, i used CAn't believe it's not butter-spray (0 cal, 0 whatever.)

BOTTOMs:
olive oil
garlic minced
onions minced
boiled spinach or frozen spinach DRAINED
small can tomato sauce
salt & pepper to taste
basil leaves or dried basil--gives that italian pizza taste instead of a Greenwich or 3M pizza (you know what I mean!!)

TOPs:
monterey jack cheese (this is what I have at that time eh!)
cheddar cheese (Frankie happened to give me some)
parmesan cheese (i bought for $1.79 a small triangular block)
mushrooms
bell pepper
onion slices
drained frozen spinach
about 6-8oz smoked beef sausage-pre cook
2 slices bacon- pre cook

What i did:
CRUST: Yeast + warm h2O set aside. mix dry ingredients. combine. and mix thoroughly. With this modern age, we don't have a mixer or a food processor. So i did it the old fashion way, mix it by hand and used my palms to knead the bread. It's really hard to tell exact measurements since I CANNOT follow ANY recipe. The dough was seemed dry, so i added a tsp of warm water. (if too sticky dust with flour). Once it is soft enough, i sprayed it with can't believe it's not butter. Wrap it in plastic whrink wrap and let it rest for ABOUT 30mins
I rolled it with roller pin until it feels like a pizza crust! haha... Di ko alam kung gaano ka kapal eh! Basta I have a big pizza pan, and i wanted it thin since it is home made. I used extra virgin olive oil to oil the pan and dusted it LIGHTLY with flour.
Baked it 450* on the bottom rack until it looks almost done, haha! (can't remember how long!)

BOTTOMs: Sauted onions and garlic in olive oil until golden brown. Added frozen spinach. Salt and pepper. Mix in tomato sauce, let boil, then simmer to reduce to about 25-40%. Salt and Pepper to taste, actually I didn't add anymore salt cuz once the sauce reduced, the flavors intensified enough :D

TOPs: After pre baking the crust (so it won't be soggy), i used just enough sauce (3/4 to 1cup of sauce) to cover crust. Dust with monterey and cheddar cheese (so the toppings will stick together and won't fall off). Added the pre cook meat. Then the raw veggies on top (so it will be more expose to heat once cooked). Added the remainder of the cheeses + freshly grated parmesan.

BAke in middle rack, until desired doneness~~~ cheese bubbly, veggies cooked, crust golden brown!

SERVE with tabasco or red pepper flakes and freshly cracked pepper! DIG IN!!!

***burrrrrrrrrrrrp*** I made sure to get 3 slices and left the rest in the kitchen, packed it in plasticwares, ready to be stored in the ref! (para di ko na kainin!!!)

^^^NY Giants WON!^^^

let's test it out

2008-02-12T20:45:00.002-06:00

Since I can't follow any recipe at all, I'll use this blog instead to jot down notes about foods I make at home... food experiments, food adventures while we are not together.
hopefully, this will be the beginning of the food menu for my dream resto.. WHATCHATHINK? **dreaming.... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... .... ... ... .. ... . ... .**

This is for you... to share my food experiments and discoveries with you! I LOVE YOU!