Rent Books Instead..

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It's the opening of classes in the Philippines and some parts of the world, while others are still on summer vacation. Some parents may now be looking for ways to buy expensive textbooks, while others may just be able to save 40-90% off of bookstore prices if they would just rent textbooks from CampusBookRentals.com, with free shipping both ways. What's really great is that, students can actually highlight in the textbooks, no need to feel being policed every time the book rented is used. Surely, that is how some students use their textbooks. I should know, I do that when I was in college.  Unlike borrowing from the library, there is a flexible renting period for each book. This book rental company is trusted since 2007, and has a growing clientele. Must be because they have a live customer support, should it be needed, and a 30-day risk free returns.

With you renting from them is also a good cause because they actually donate to Operation Smile with each textbook rented. Operation Smile is an organization that performs cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not afford. Aside from that, the company have also set aside $90,000 in textbook scholarships which will be distributed to students in communities. A lot of books to touch a lot of students who could use a hand. 

I looked into some books and I found that the price difference is really something that could help a lot. Take for instance Cooking for Geeks, which I actually bought a year ago. My golly, it came out so cheap than expected.  

In case you wanna know how bookrentals work, here's a video:

So why don't you rent books instead of buying them? If it worked well for me, I am sure it work with you too. 

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Sweet's Pinakbet

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Pinakbet is an Ilokano dish that has been given localized rendition everywhere else in the Philippines. It matters actually in the main ingredient used, "Fish Sauce". I mean, it's what sets every Pinakbet recipe apart from each other. In Cebu, and other parts of the Visayas, "uyap" is being used. That's the color pink paste, shrimp paste, that is sold in the local markets. 

In other cities, crushed salted eggs are used. For my sister's Pinakbet, we used Boyong's Spicy Bagoong, one that we always favor to use when we enjoy green mangoes. 

Before, every time I have a chance to be in Cebu, I not only buy screen accessories, souvenir items, but also Alavar's Bagoong. It's not only the best Bagoong for mangoes and all others, but also the best alternative to fish sauce for a Pinakbet dish. Now that CDO has Boyong's, we can actually buy it anytime. 

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Beef Tapa By The Sea...

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This is just one of those moments when one is alone and there is nothing left to do but eat.. Well, actually, I didn't have breakfast or have taken anything before we left for the hotel last Sunday, for the make up and hair style of the wedding entourage, of which, my sister and Lili were part of. We left the house at four in the morning, when we were informed that the make up artists were already there, as well as the hairdressers. 

So why was I alone? The wedding coordinator asked us, people who are not part of the entourage, to go out of the hotel room, because the room was quite small with all of us inside. I was actually relieved  for it gave me a chance to go to the restaurant and eat breakfast.. 

The first thing that caught my eye, when I got to the restaurant area, was the on going road construction, instead of the usual view of the bay and harbor.  But I was told by the waiters that once the construction will be over, everything will look good again. The said road will actually connect to the Laguindingan Seaport. 

So that's what I saw while I enjoyed my coffee, alone at the Harbor Lights Hotel Restaurant.. My hot coffee is part of my Filipino breakfast which I ordered upon entering the restaurant.

It was quite hot in the spot that I wanted to sit on so I opted to move where there was a shade of a tree, at the edge of the platform. It's actually okay because I could not see what I wanted to see anyway. 

Sipping my coffee followed by the hearty breakfast of Fried Eggs, the way I wanted, Garlic Fried Rice, and best of all, my all time favorite breakfast viand, wherever I go, Beef Tapa. The plate also comes with fresh tomatoes, cucumber and some shredded papaya.

And the ice cold Mango juice makes all the difference.

I paid P 213 for the meal, but on the receipt, it appeared to be less than that, just P 0.20 actually. But since it was a good meal I enjoyed, and a really good service, I left a little tip for the waiter too.

If one has checked in the hotel, breakfast is actually enjoyed as a complimentary meal for the guests.


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Fiber in Meatballs

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I have often used flour or corn starch in making meatballs. But a few days ago, I realized that corn starch or flour was making it too heavy and unhealthy. So while we were at the grocery, instead of all items going through the barcode scanner, I simply went back to the aisle where I got the corn starch, put it back and went to get some oats instead.

As soon as I got home, I prepared the meat balls recipe, but instead of the corn starch, I substituted it with a cup of oats. I noticed that the mixture was even more firm when shaped in balls, and when cooked, it was much better.  I will not share any recipe here. All I did was substitute an ingredient. If you wish to try using oats in your own recipe, do try and tell me how you will find it. 

Oats is better than flour or corn starch because it is a good source of fiber, which the body needs to stay healthy. 

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The Cheese Had A Hole

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A few days ago, my father came home with Jollibee Champ for each of us here in the apartment. I usually eat my Champ without any fuss whatsoever, but this one, I happened to open for pictorials. Well, I was actually bored and full perhaps. Hehehe

So there I was taking photos, and when I purposely opened to look at the insides of the burger, I was greeted by a hole on the cheese. 

So I wondered why there was a hole on the cheese... And I guess I wondered too long that my Champ was already cold when I started eating it.  Was there always a hole on the cheese of every Champ? The next time I eat one I will go ahead and check.. I never really look at that part of the sandwich before.. I never had to because somehow, I never found any reason to. Guess that is the effect of being bored and you are left  with nothing but your food to toy with while eating.. Hahahaha.. 

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All Because of the Wedding...

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Every weekend, ever since my parents moved to that new place, we spend weekends on the beach for beach bumming, baths and breakfasts of fresh fishes and other seafood bought from beach vendors who would gladly have what you bought grilled and ready to eat in a few minutes. See this yummy grilled fish below? This was what we had two weekends ago.. 

And the weekend before that?

All the yummy freshness.. But, when my sister's best friend's wedding drew nearer and nearer, we decided to take a halt from our weekend mini-vacations at our parent's place. At least I do not have to buy a new plus size cocktail dress that way. I always thought that fresh seafood is good.. Well, yes, it's good, but when all the fishes you can eat are too good to stop eating, then it becomes bad.. hehehe Anyway, we shall be back on our mini vacations after this wedding.. 

 
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Chicken Proven (Proventriculus of Chicken)

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I have always wanted to post about this street food that people love to eat, not only here in Cagayan de Oro City, but in other parts of the Philippines. However, I am not able to do so because I find the smell of used oil too intoxicating, especially when simply passing by Pabayo Street, where stalls selling Chicken Proven have sprouted like mushrooms for years and counting, leaving the street totally unhygienic and polluted. Simply put, I am NOT a fan of the food they are selling there. 

But one time, while waiting for my mom to come down from her office building, we parked the car just beside this singular stall that sells Chicken Proven. Actually, I wouldn't know about it if my father didn't mention it. I didn't smell any stinky odor of used oil, and the place was clean enough. There were even two tables for two groups to occupy, should that be the case. 

And just like all other stalls, they sell compact rice, in lieu of "puso", or hanging rice. Most of their customers here are students from the schools nearby, as well as passersby coming from the different offices in the area.

Although there is just one attendant at that time, she was able to show me how fast their service is, in a clean and organized fashion. 

What makes the Chicken Proven more tasty is the sauce.. But unlike those we saw at Pabayo Street, the sauces are placed in closed containers, which only gets opened when customers use them, as they drizzle the sauce on the Chicken Proven. 

There are two types of sauce. One is Spicy and Hot, that's the one with brownish color, and the Spicy and Sweet, in orange color. With sauces in their containers, you are assured there is NO DOUBLE DIPPING here..

Now if you're wondering how Chicken Proven is made, it is made out of the proventriculus of a chicken, seasoned and coated with flour or corn starch, then deep-fried and served with vinegar dipping or a specially-made sauce (sweet and sour ketchup mixed with pepper, etc). In Cagayan de Oro City, you may try Chicken Proven located in many different places like divisoria, Corrales Avenue along Xavier University, and as mentioned above, Pabayo-Chavez streets. Find them in several "stalls" in these streets. Chicken Proven costs 5 pesos (less than $USD 1 = 42 pesos [varies]) per stick. Although Chicken Proven is quite addicting, especially with specially-made sauce, I must warn you that it is bad for the health. A little may be okay, but eating them every day won't be good for the body. Think of uric acid and gall bladder/kidney stones. Get the picture? Since Chicken Proven would go well with "puso" (a type of rice wrapped in coconut leaves and steamed sold at 5 pesos each), some people eat them as regular daily meals. The combination may satisfy  hunger in an instant, and may be easy for the budget, but let's all be conscious of its long-term effect.. 

And again, there is no other Chicken Proven I can recommend in this city, but the one located at Tiano/Del Pilar Streets.. Lastly, this is NOT a paid post.. Just a happy customer.. 

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My Cousin's Ampalaya Dish

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I have never liked Ampalaya, or Bitter Gourd. But when I saw this image shared by my cousin, I suddenly had this craving for the yummy Ampalaya dish, minus the bitterness. It felt like being caught in a frenzy choosing between kobo versus kindle, and I could not even blink..

I do not know how some people do it. While most of the time, bitter gourd dishes are always bitter, some cook it without the bitter taste. Just like some of my family and relatives, my aunt and cousins, cook this dish very nicely too. How the bitter taste disappears is an art that only a few knows how to deal with. 

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Wanna Learn The Art of Making Roti Prata..

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My sister and I went to the groceries yesterday afternoon, with the two kids in tow. Well, our original plan was to buy something at the department store but since we had to buy meat and vegetables and some cold cuts, we went to the grocery and decided to do some fashion shopping when we do not have kids with us. I came across the ready to cook version of Roti Prata, which I so loved when I was in Singapore a  few years back. Unfortunately, when I asked the counter girl how much it was worth, I was stunned by the high price. NOT a good buy so I decided to let it slip my fingers. I also thought that I should just look for a recipe and try to do it myself.. I am no expert, but I am sure it will cost less when I make my own.. But then again, I am not Hindu, not experienced in doing a Roti, so maybe I will take time to really learn how to make it. 

By the way, Roti means "bread" in India, and Prata means "flat", so Roti Prata can best be translated as Indian Flat breads.. 

Here's a recipe I found:

Ingredients:
500g all purpose flour
1 tbsp sugar
Pinch of salt
1 Can condensed milk
1 egg
Few tbsps ghee or oil
water

Procedure:

Add everything to the flour, except the water . When adding water, do it a little at a time and make a soft dough. Leave dough overnight. Then divide dough into small equal balls. Use ghee or oil and work on a flat , clean surface. Roll up each ball and twist it into a coil. Roll each again as thin as possible into a round shape. Roll up and coil it again. Then flatten it by flipping and tossing it. I found this video in You Tube to see how it is done.. My goodness, this cute guy is an expert... wish I could do just that... 

When done, put dough pieces on a greased ladle and cook it until flaky and crispy . Serve hot with Curry (fish, chicken, beef or lamb). You can also serve it with sugar or condensed milk.

By the way, there is the plain roti prata, and there is also the flavored ones, such as the egg roti prata, or the onion or garlic flavored ones.. I think it goes with commercialism.. But the recipe above is for the plain or original recipe of roti prata.. 

 
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Snacking...

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My sister, Lili and I, do not really love these dessert cups from Greenwich. They are not really that great, but the creaminess is something we adore on a hot day. But if I have to chooses between the two, I would prefer the Chocolate flavored dessert than the Caramel flavored cup. 

I know people need not have ample analytical balance to realize that the snack below is better than above.. Well, Quaker Oat cookies is truly better that a creamy dessert. 

Of course, you have the option to buy them or simply bake your own. Of course, a huge glass of cold fruit juice is the best partner of this treat.. 

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Durian Flavored Maja Blanca

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Last week we went to our family's temporary abode in Opol and spent a couple of days there. It was like a week-long gathering for my little brother's birthday. The night we set forth for the journey, we passed by the Durian vendor and bought some.. 

It was by far the creamiest Durian this season.. So the next day, we used some Durian meat to flavor our Maja Blanca. Well, we simply added it to the old recipe, but instead of putting vanilla, we added Durian into the mixture..

A couple of stirs through the heat and some molding and refrigeration, we enjoyed our Durian flavored Maja Blanca.. Served it with grated cheese as topping. So yummy!!! 

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Beans Do The Trick

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Do you know that this ordinary looking bowl of beans can actually help increase testosterone levels? Well, it's not just Mongo Beans, but all other kinds of beans can do so too. You see, beans are rich sources of zinc. Zinc increases testosterone levels and sperm production, that's according to a magazine I have read, which somehow got it's source from a US study. The said vitamin, Zinc,  is vital to health because it strengthens the immune system, and helps build new cells too. It also promotes mental alertness and growth. While Zinc plays a key role in the health of the male and female reproductive systems by giving a testosterone boost, there are also other kinds of food that do the same. On the contrary, if beans is not allowed in your diet, there are alternative sources of zinc.

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SLERS Chorizo

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I am a Tapa, Longanisa, Tocino and Chorizo addict. I have favorites and I have tasted not so good ones too. Though I always make it a point not to remember the bad ones, and only reminisce of the yummy ones, I can't help but remember not to buy them Anyway, I was taught that in cooking any of them, you have to have water first before oil.. Except for the ready to fry kind where oil is the only thing you cook them in. 

 In cooking the SLERS Chorizo we bought at SaveMore, of course I also used water...

But if there was one thing different from all other cooking process, I remembered what the SLERS attendant told me as he handed me my packet of Chorizo. He told me, and I listened, that as soon as the water would boil, I should put oil...

After putting oil, of course it continued cooking the SLERS Chorizo when the water evaporated. The oil browned the SLERS Chorizo, and that added to the yummy looking treat on our table during breakfast... 

Most people, including myself, love a healthy treat and this SLERS Chorizo is actually one that I can rank among the healthy indulgences of life. See, the reason why oil is needed to is that, the chorizo is made of solid meat. I saw with my own eyes that there isn't any trace of pork fat in it. If you use a healthier kind of oil, it will be wiser too. 

This SLERS Chorizo is available for only P 36.00/10 pieces. That's actually quite affordable..

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Choco Turon

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For those who have a sweet tooth like us, here's what we had yesterday, on a humid Sunday... It was just easy to buy the Turon from Monterey Market Express near Corpus Christi, and served them with Crumpy chocolate which melts unto the hot Turon.. And when it was time to eat it, my oh my... It was really good. 

By the way, this Turon from Monterey Market Express is really yummy, even without the chocolate topping.. And it's clean too. I should know, I know the people who prepared them... 

Simple and yummy.. 

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Auntie Doris' Recipe for Black Sambo

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On our last night with my aunt's family, we enjoyed the dessert that she and my sister made the previous night. We actually had dinner at my other aunt's place and when we got home, we couldn't resist the yummy dessert that my aunt wanted us to try since day one of our vacation. 

Black Sambo entails having two different recipes of gelatin infused treats. One being milk flavored, while the other is chocolate. Here is the recipe:

White (Milk) Layer:

1 cup water

2 unflavored knox gelatin sachets

1 big condensed milk

2 Nestle cream

Black (Chocolate) Layer:

1 cup water

2 unflavored knox gelatin sachets

1 big evaporated milk

1/2 chocolate Hershey’s cocoa powder

1/2 cup sugar

Process:

For both white and black layers (do them separately):

1. Boil the knox gelatin on water.

2. Mix all the other ingredients with the dissolved knox gelatin.

2. Let it cool down.

3. When first layer is cool, do the next layer (1).

4. Enjoy your Black Sambo.

We really enjoyed the Black Sambo.. Thanks to my Aunt Doris for sharing her recipe Black Sambo...


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