My Plurk friends have been talking about this salted choco drink from Starbucks. We've never had anything like it available here in the Philippines so I googled it.
I found a recipe that's hopefully a copy of the Starbucks drink. Now I only need to buy the ingredients so I can try it!
Showing posts with label Foodage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foodage. Show all posts
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Gingerbread
The Starbucks gingerbread cookie wasn't as good as the gingerbread house I got at the Christmas maret in Garmisch. But it's an okay substitute.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Trust what you know about yourself
I always, always think I will change or be better at accepting things especially when it comes to food. This evening I learned (what my mind keeps saying to me time and again, and yet I fail to listen) that I could only do 'heat' at the jenfur (i.e., me) level, and never the level that Indians or whoever else likes spicy things could. I ordered Dum Biryani for dinner and asked if they could make it less spicy. Unfortunately the mix is pre-done so they couldn't adjust the heat. After maybe five spoonfuls of the thing (I valiantly tried, mind you), I quit. I just couldn't take the heat. I couldn't taste the food anymore because it was too spicy (for me). But boy could I smell it. It smelled so good, so delicious. But it was too spicy. :-(
I don't know why I keep insisting on doing things the opposite way, the way I'm unaccustomed to. It's insane that I keep trying because past experiences show that there are things that are meant to be done the way I have always done them. No amount of pepping or getting egged on will change it. In the end, if I do things a different way, try things I normally would stay away from, I become sorely disappointed. And then I mentally smack my own head for thinking that I could do things differently.
And, yes, the second para also hints at a recent situation at work. If you're in Plurk, you know what I'm talking about.
I don't know why I keep insisting on doing things the opposite way, the way I'm unaccustomed to. It's insane that I keep trying because past experiences show that there are things that are meant to be done the way I have always done them. No amount of pepping or getting egged on will change it. In the end, if I do things a different way, try things I normally would stay away from, I become sorely disappointed. And then I mentally smack my own head for thinking that I could do things differently.
And, yes, the second para also hints at a recent situation at work. If you're in Plurk, you know what I'm talking about.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
I made chocolate muffins!
They didn't look great but they tasted okay (I'm still debating on whether I should put up the one photo I took or not). I wasn't expecting it to taste super duper great since the mix I bought wasn't the best. It was a local el-cheapo mix that I thought I'd try. I just followed the instructions for muffins on the back of the box. When I poured in the mixture, I added Nutella to it. I think I should've melted the Nutella a bit so it swirled inside. Oh well. Better luck next time. Next time I'm going to mix my own batter instead of getting the ready mix ones. And then I'm going to melt the Nutella a bit to make it more like chocolate syrup. :-D Can't wait to do that!
But first, I really gotta buy my mom better bakeware. The lack of nice bakeware in our house is frustrating!
But first, I really gotta buy my mom better bakeware. The lack of nice bakeware in our house is frustrating!
I feel like doing something, but what?
I was supposed to have gone to a wedding today but I skipped. I'm not particularly close to the person getting married and I have no doubts about not being missed. I also do not feel like getting dolled up and enduring making small talk with people I often see at work. I'll see them again at work on Monday so I doubt I'll be missing anything.
I feel like going out today, though. I want to go to the mall to get a gift for my friend (who's been my friend since college) who is celebrating her 30th birthday tomorrow. I'm not sure what to give her. I'm thinking about buying a book, but we'll see.
There's also the matter of just going out to get coffee and cupcakes, people-watch, and knit. I really also want to get a couple of local yarns to knit into decorations for our Christmas tree. I want to put up a Christmas tree this year. We totally did away with decorations last year because my mom, sister, and I were too lazy. But my mom and I were talking yesterday about re-arranging the furniture in the living area to free up some space and get some areas cleaned, and hopefully we'll have room to put the tree in.
Last night my mom and I also talked about what we're preparing for Christmas eve dinner. We both want to keep it low-key and stress-free. And so we've come up with the following food to serve on Christmas eve:
*****
I'm kind of torn between using electronic devices to keep notes and using pen and paper. I have an E2 Tungsten that Robert gave me when we were still together. I have not been using it at all. I also bought this notepad from Barns and Noble a couple years back and it has since been gathering dust in my cabinet. Let's not even get into my cell phone that is a smart phone and you can use it to keep notes as well.
When I think about going electronic, I think about how it's a pain to keep the item charged. I mean, it has to have power so you can use it. But what's nice about electronic devices is you don't need other lighting to use it because it has its own lighting. If I go with pen and paper, I can't write in the dark.
*****
Where am I going with this post anyway?!
Nowhere, it seems. I just want to "talk". And Plurk is dead-zone land today what with the North Americans sleeping, and my European friends sleeping or working.
I feel like going out today, though. I want to go to the mall to get a gift for my friend (who's been my friend since college) who is celebrating her 30th birthday tomorrow. I'm not sure what to give her. I'm thinking about buying a book, but we'll see.
There's also the matter of just going out to get coffee and cupcakes, people-watch, and knit. I really also want to get a couple of local yarns to knit into decorations for our Christmas tree. I want to put up a Christmas tree this year. We totally did away with decorations last year because my mom, sister, and I were too lazy. But my mom and I were talking yesterday about re-arranging the furniture in the living area to free up some space and get some areas cleaned, and hopefully we'll have room to put the tree in.
Last night my mom and I also talked about what we're preparing for Christmas eve dinner. We both want to keep it low-key and stress-free. And so we've come up with the following food to serve on Christmas eve:
- Hotdog cocktails—We plan to go to a deli to get cold cuts to use with the hotdog cocktails and some yummy cheese!
- Lumpiang shanghai—I think this is what other people call spring rolls?
- Fresh lumpia—fresh spring rolls as opposed to fried
- Pancit
- Margarita—drinks for the girls (water for the boys haha!)
*****
I'm kind of torn between using electronic devices to keep notes and using pen and paper. I have an E2 Tungsten that Robert gave me when we were still together. I have not been using it at all. I also bought this notepad from Barns and Noble a couple years back and it has since been gathering dust in my cabinet. Let's not even get into my cell phone that is a smart phone and you can use it to keep notes as well.
When I think about going electronic, I think about how it's a pain to keep the item charged. I mean, it has to have power so you can use it. But what's nice about electronic devices is you don't need other lighting to use it because it has its own lighting. If I go with pen and paper, I can't write in the dark.
*****
Where am I going with this post anyway?!
Nowhere, it seems. I just want to "talk". And Plurk is dead-zone land today what with the North Americans sleeping, and my European friends sleeping or working.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Cheesecake!
I don't know what happened but I've been into cheesecakes lately. I'm still very particular about how it should taste like, meaning I don't want my cheesecakes to taste like the cheese you use when making cheese sandwiches. Ugh.
Anyway, I've been following a blog called Bake at 350, and she posted a recipe for a no-bake freezer cheesecake. I am so going to make this!!!
I also shouldn't forget that I want to make snickerdoodles. Rho (an NFF*) talked about it in Plurk and shared a recipe from Martha Stewart's website. I so cannot wait to make this cookie!
Wish me luck!
*NFF: new-found friend
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Going to India sometime in October
I'll be away on a business trip sometime end of October. I'm not sure what else I'll do there besides attending to business. But I am excited about meeting the Hyderabad team.
Um, I am also planning to stay a couple of days with a college friend who wants to visit India. She is currently based in Singapore and has long since been asking me to go on an overseas trip with her. When she found out I was going to India on a business trip, she asked whether I could stay a few more days so we could explore together. So I said, why not?
I was surprised to know that only two countries can enter India without an Indian visa. Everyone else has to get a visa. The good news is that the processing time for an Indian visa is not as long as a Schengen visa. At least here in the Philippines. Then again, I can understand why it takes so long to process a Schengen visa since this visa is valid for all EU member countries.
*****
I have not been doing much of anything lately... except work. I haven't even gone to see any new movies. I know I should feel sad that I haven't gone to see a movie because, you see, it's my thing. I love watching movies in the cinema. Lately, though, I just haven't felt like doing anything. And it doesn't even make me feel sad. I work because I have to, and then I go home to soak up some personal Internet time. I find myself hanging out in Farmville or playing Bejeweled. It's Bejeweled most of the time.
And then lately I seem to be falling asleep earlier. I used to struggle with sleeping because normal bed time for me is 1 to 2 a.m. Now I'm usually asleep before the clock hits 12. I also seem to need someone or something talking in the background while I try to sleep, which is why I have taken to re-watching episodes of Seinfeld.
*****
I am still struggling with losing weight. I've been taking pills to regulate my monthlies (and to help my zit-infested face) and it seems to make me become hungrier more often. I try to not eat so much during dinner but I end up eating a lot. But around 10 or 11 in the evening, I get hungry. And then I eat. It's not even healthy food that I reach for but cakes, cookies, ice cream! Yikes.
I have this uncomfortable weight in my middle. I want to lose it.
But you gotta see some of the food that I have been gorging on.
Grilled Liempo. I think liempo is a particular part of a pig. I am just not sure where.
Sisig. This is chopped up pig's cheeks, ears, nose. Writing that down makes it sound disgusting. But I try not to think that this is a pig's cheeks, ears, and nose. It's pretty tasty, and something you shouldn't knock till you try. :-)
Adobong Kangkong. Kangkong is swamp cabbage. This is really good. A very good compliment to the sisig.
Caramel Fudge Cake. We had this at Banapple, which lately seems to be our breakfast place of choice on Sundays. This cake is way too sweet and not something I really like.
Rolled Lasagna. I split this with my sister for breakfast last Sunday at, you guessed it, Banapple. This was unbelievably good! It's a simple dish that was soooo good! It made me wish I hadn't split it with my sis.
As always, these photos are also available on my Flickr account.
Um, I am also planning to stay a couple of days with a college friend who wants to visit India. She is currently based in Singapore and has long since been asking me to go on an overseas trip with her. When she found out I was going to India on a business trip, she asked whether I could stay a few more days so we could explore together. So I said, why not?
I was surprised to know that only two countries can enter India without an Indian visa. Everyone else has to get a visa. The good news is that the processing time for an Indian visa is not as long as a Schengen visa. At least here in the Philippines. Then again, I can understand why it takes so long to process a Schengen visa since this visa is valid for all EU member countries.
*****
I have not been doing much of anything lately... except work. I haven't even gone to see any new movies. I know I should feel sad that I haven't gone to see a movie because, you see, it's my thing. I love watching movies in the cinema. Lately, though, I just haven't felt like doing anything. And it doesn't even make me feel sad. I work because I have to, and then I go home to soak up some personal Internet time. I find myself hanging out in Farmville or playing Bejeweled. It's Bejeweled most of the time.
And then lately I seem to be falling asleep earlier. I used to struggle with sleeping because normal bed time for me is 1 to 2 a.m. Now I'm usually asleep before the clock hits 12. I also seem to need someone or something talking in the background while I try to sleep, which is why I have taken to re-watching episodes of Seinfeld.
*****
I am still struggling with losing weight. I've been taking pills to regulate my monthlies (and to help my zit-infested face) and it seems to make me become hungrier more often. I try to not eat so much during dinner but I end up eating a lot. But around 10 or 11 in the evening, I get hungry. And then I eat. It's not even healthy food that I reach for but cakes, cookies, ice cream! Yikes.
I have this uncomfortable weight in my middle. I want to lose it.
But you gotta see some of the food that I have been gorging on.
Grilled Liempo. I think liempo is a particular part of a pig. I am just not sure where.
Sisig. This is chopped up pig's cheeks, ears, nose. Writing that down makes it sound disgusting. But I try not to think that this is a pig's cheeks, ears, and nose. It's pretty tasty, and something you shouldn't knock till you try. :-)
Adobong Kangkong. Kangkong is swamp cabbage. This is really good. A very good compliment to the sisig.
Caramel Fudge Cake. We had this at Banapple, which lately seems to be our breakfast place of choice on Sundays. This cake is way too sweet and not something I really like.
Rolled Lasagna. I split this with my sister for breakfast last Sunday at, you guessed it, Banapple. This was unbelievably good! It's a simple dish that was soooo good! It made me wish I hadn't split it with my sis.
As always, these photos are also available on my Flickr account.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Off today + Facebook Purity
I took PTO today to make my weekend a 4-day weekend. Hurrah! Most employees in the PI have Monday, August 31, off because it is National Heroes Day.
Unfortunately, I had to join a telephone conference at 8 a.m. today and so I had to wake up at 7:30 to prepare myself. I wanted to go back to bed but couldn't sleep. I switched between being on the intarwebs and watching tv. And then I told my mom I was going to cook dinner. Boy, was she ever so happy when I said that. Hehehe.
This is what I ended up cooking:
It's miswa + sponge gourd (patola) + ground pork. We eat this with rice, which is why you can see bits of rice (right side of photo). This is so easy to make. You just saute the onion and then throw the ground meat in until the meat is all browned up. Pour as much water as you like---the miswa and the sponge gourd soak up water. Leave it until it comes to a boil and then add the miswa. I stir everything a couple of times to make sure that the miswa separates. Otherwise the noodles might fuse together and then you'll have lumpy miswa, and you don't want that. I let it come to another boil and then I add the sponge gourd. Give it about 3 minutes and then turn the stove off. The heat from the water will cook the sponge gourd all the way through. It's important not to leave it on the fire too long because the sponge gourd might melt away into nothingness. Of course you should not forget to season this with salt and pepper to taste. I didn't use salt because my mom had already seasoned the meat. She intended to make meatballs with it and just told me to get some for this dish. Instead of salt I used Maggi Magic Sarap. It's an all-in-one seasoner that my mom loves. It makes her dishes taste so good! She uses it instead of salt. Sorry I didn't use proportions. I bought two sponge gourds last night and used all of it for this dish. I eyeballed the amount of miswa I used and the water. Onions, too.
****
You'll be glad to know there's a greasemonkey script called Facebook Purity that strips your home feed of all the annoying application messages your crazy, application-loving friends post. Don't care to know what they're up to in Mafia Wars? Who bought who in some 'buy your friend' application? Facebook Purity takes out all that crap! You'll be left with updates your friends actually type in. I'm using it right now and FB looks better crap free!
You need to install greasemonkey for Firefox first before installing Facebook Purity. If you're using other browsers, just search for the greasemonkey add-on for these browsers.
Unfortunately, I had to join a telephone conference at 8 a.m. today and so I had to wake up at 7:30 to prepare myself. I wanted to go back to bed but couldn't sleep. I switched between being on the intarwebs and watching tv. And then I told my mom I was going to cook dinner. Boy, was she ever so happy when I said that. Hehehe.
This is what I ended up cooking:
It's miswa + sponge gourd (patola) + ground pork. We eat this with rice, which is why you can see bits of rice (right side of photo). This is so easy to make. You just saute the onion and then throw the ground meat in until the meat is all browned up. Pour as much water as you like---the miswa and the sponge gourd soak up water. Leave it until it comes to a boil and then add the miswa. I stir everything a couple of times to make sure that the miswa separates. Otherwise the noodles might fuse together and then you'll have lumpy miswa, and you don't want that. I let it come to another boil and then I add the sponge gourd. Give it about 3 minutes and then turn the stove off. The heat from the water will cook the sponge gourd all the way through. It's important not to leave it on the fire too long because the sponge gourd might melt away into nothingness. Of course you should not forget to season this with salt and pepper to taste. I didn't use salt because my mom had already seasoned the meat. She intended to make meatballs with it and just told me to get some for this dish. Instead of salt I used Maggi Magic Sarap. It's an all-in-one seasoner that my mom loves. It makes her dishes taste so good! She uses it instead of salt. Sorry I didn't use proportions. I bought two sponge gourds last night and used all of it for this dish. I eyeballed the amount of miswa I used and the water. Onions, too.
****
You'll be glad to know there's a greasemonkey script called Facebook Purity that strips your home feed of all the annoying application messages your crazy, application-loving friends post. Don't care to know what they're up to in Mafia Wars? Who bought who in some 'buy your friend' application? Facebook Purity takes out all that crap! You'll be left with updates your friends actually type in. I'm using it right now and FB looks better crap free!
You need to install greasemonkey for Firefox first before installing Facebook Purity. If you're using other browsers, just search for the greasemonkey add-on for these browsers.
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