Spicy Chicken in Soy Bean and Vegetables

Spicy……..I really enjoy eating spicy food specially this dish. It’s a spicy chicken using a soy bean paste and chillies mixed with some vegetables served on garlic fried rice. I considered this food picture as one of my best photo shot ever. I am not a good photographer but every time I read other’s blog post and food magazines, I see some techniques nad styles which I adopt to my blog. I am really challenged to take a good photo for my food. I hope someday I could be that great photographer…………Did you know that soy bean have a cholesterol-lowering effects with a health claim stating that little consumption of soy protein per day may reduce the risk of heart disease. Recent research suggests that soy may also lower risk of prostate, colon and breast cancers as well as osteoporosis and other bone health problems, and alleviate hot flashes associated with menopause………..

Ingredients: good for 3-4 persons

• 250 grams chicken breast cut in strips
• 1 tbsp oil
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tbsp chopped ginger
• 1 small chopped onions
• 1/2 cup baby corn
• 1/4 cup sliced capsicum(red and green)
• 1/4 cup sliced carrots
• 1 tbsp soy bean chilli paste
• 1 tbsp oyster sauce
• 1 tsp cornstarch dissolve in 3/4 cup water
• salt & pepper to taste
• dash of sesame oil

Procedures:

• In a wok, heat oil and saute garlic, onion and ginger. Add in chicken and saute until lightly brown
• Add in all vegetables and seasoned with oyster sauce and soy chilli paste. adjust taste by adding salt and pepper
• Add in water and cornstarch mix and boil for a minute. drop a little sesame oil upon serving.
• Serve with garlic rice.

Sausage Pasta with Mesclun Greens

Pasta……When I was still working in an Italian Restaurant back in the Philippines, We always changed our menu quarterly which includes 6 – 8 pasta specialties and some mains and entrees. We remove those dish that doesn’t not sell well and retain the popular ones on the menus. I am happy to share you guys that this recipe is one of the best-selling ones. It’s a sausage pasta cooked in caramelized onions and tomato sauce perfectly combined with fresh mesclun salad greens.  It’s a healthy way to eat pasta and salad greens. ……Did you know that mesclun are the combination of salad greens mainly lettuce. Lettuce leaves are the store house of many phyto-nutrients that have health promotional and disease prevention properties. It is a rich source of vitamin K, Vitamin K has the potential role in the increase of bone mass by promoting osteotrophic activity in the bone. It also has established role in Alzheimer’s disease patients by limiting neuronal damage in the brain.

Ingredients: good for sharing

• 2 piece of sausages(frank furter, weinerli or any sausage will do)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic chopped
• 1 medium white onions chopped
• 1 fresh tomato quartered
• 3/4 cup of tomato sauce
• 1 bunch / handful mesclun greens
• pinch of dried oregano
• pinch of dried basil leaves
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp parmesan cheese
• 200 gms cooked noodle(spaghetti or fettuccine will do)
• hot sauce is optional

Procedures:

• In a non stick teflon pan, heat oil and saute garlic and onions, let it caramelized for a while and then add sausages and tomatoes and season with dried oregano and basil,  salt and pepper.
• add in tomato sauce and pasta noodles and cook for 2 minutes.
• In a serving plate, place mesclun greens and pour in pasta and sprinkle with parmesan cheese upon serving.
• Great with garlic breads!
• Enjoy!!

Talong, Isda at Bagoong(fish and eggplant)

I always tell my wife, no matter how simple our dinner is, I will post it to my blog. This sounds very familiar to filipino dining tables because its one of the most common fried dish paired with eggplant and accompanied by a mouth-watering bagoong(Philippines anchovies). Believe me, if this menu is on our table, it will be a war of food vs. mankind.(LOL)……………….Did you know that eggplant is a rich source of phenolic compounds – an antioxidant that can help prevent cancer, cholesterol build-up and bacterial and viral infection. Eggplant also has a high fiber content which can prevent constipation, hemorrhoids, and colitis.They are also naturally low in calories and has no fat……

Ingredients: good for 3-4 persons

• 500 gms fish (any fish will do)
• 1 pc eggplant sliced
• 2 bunch bok choy ( steamed)
• oil for frying
•  1 small white onions chopped
• 3 red chillies optional
• 2 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp Philippines anchovies
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 pc tomato quartered

Procedures:

• In a pan, heat oil and fry eggplant, no need to season. set aside
• In the same pan, fry fish until crispy on both side. set aside
• In a small pan, heat a little oil and saute garlic and onions, add in tomatoes and anchovies. simmer for a minute then add water. boil for 2 minutes and its done.
• Enjoy! dip the veggies and fish in the anchovies dipping sauce.

Stir-fry egg and spinach

Eggs…………there are hundred ways to cook egg….I’ll teach you one easy and healthy way. Cook it with your favourite green leafy vegetables. Its one of the quick way if you want to pair your fried or grilled dishes. This is my favorite breakfast as I paired it with my dried fish (tuyo)…………….Did you know that the A and C vitamins in spinach plus the fiber, folic acid, magnesium and other nutrients help control cancer, especially colon, lung and breast cancers. Folate also lowers the blood levels of something called homocysteine, a protein that damages arteries. So spinach also helps protect against heart disease.

Ingredients: good for sharing

• 1 tbsp oil
• 1 small onions sliced
• 3 fresh eggs beaten
• 1 bunch spinach
• 1 pc medium tomato slices
• salt & pepper to taste

Procedures:

• In a teflon pan, heat oil and saute onions. add in tomatoes and seasoned with salt & pepper, add in spinach and stir with egg. continue stirring for a minute. do not over cook egg.
• Serve hot!

American Hotdog

When we went to the Auckland city, I found a hotdog stand sandwich, but they are not selling it as it is exclusive to the All Blacks Rugby Players organizer, since then I started craving for this sandwich, so when I got home the next day I made it as our lunch box for our swimming trip. I made six, but only packed 5 for our lunch. I ate the american hotdog as my breakfast. It’s crazilicious!!!!!.Hotdogs are a processed meat product made by mixing chopped meat with various curing ingredients, flavorants, and colorants. The meat is then stuffed in casings, cooked, removed from the casing, and put in the final package. But I did not make my own hotdogs here, I just bought it in a supermarket……………Did you know that when hot dogs are made using pork meat, they are good source of thiamin. Since they are a pre-cooked food, they are less prone to spoilage than other types of meat products. This makes them one of the safest meat products available…….

Ingredients: makes 6 american hotdogs

• 6 pcs large frank furter or any hotdogs
• 6 hotdog buns
• mustard
• ketsup or tomato relish
• grated cheese

Procedures:

• Just using your imagination, assemble american hotdogs and toast in oven.
• Smile!!!!! 

Bacon Egg Benedict

A truly common KIWI breakfast and snack here at NZ. It’s a simple toast muffin bread, blanched spinach and your choice of meat topped with hollandaise sauce. Some prefer bacon, ham or Salmon Egg Benedict. Well, I prefer all of it………..Did you know that one way to cook egg in a low-calorie is to poached it. The consumption of poached eggs is a healthy way to lose weight. Their low-calorie content and protein content help you manage your weight by keeping your calories down and your appetite satisfied so you eat less. Poached eggs also help you save money since eggs are not high-priced. But, as they say, limit two pices of eggs per day on your diet…..

Ingredients:

Bacon Egg Benedict

in the plate…

• 1 pc english muffin (halves)
• 6-8 pcs spinach leaves (blanched)
• 4-5 pcs toasted streaky bacon  (approx 80 gms)
• 2 pcs poached egg
• 1/2 cup hollandaise sauce
• dash of salt & pepper to taste
• sprinkle with mince parsley leaves(optional)

Hollandaise sauce:

• 1 cup butter
• 6 large egg yolks
• 2 tablespoon of lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• dash cayenne pepper or hot pepper sauce
• 4 tablespoons hot water
• finely chopped fresh parsley, if desired

Procedures:

• Heat butter in a heavy saucepan until hot and foamy, but not browned. In a small bowl, whisk or beat egg yolks with lemon juice, salt, and cayenne pepper or hot sauce. Gradually beat in butter, then water. Return mixture to saucepan and beat over very low heat until mixture is slightly thickened.
• Serve immediately or let stand over warm water for up to 30 minutes. If desired, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Makes about 2 cups of hollandaise sauce

Procedures / Plating:

• Toast english muffin then place in warm plate, then topped with blanch spinach, toasted bacon & poached egg. served with hollandaise sauce.

*to poached an egg…add a little salt & vinegar on a boiling water. Poached for about 1-2 mins or as you desired the wellness of eggs.

Kilawing Baboy (pork in vinegar)

It’s a grilled skin of pig and liver seasoned with vinegar and chilli spices. This dish is usually cooked using goat’s skin. It’s a great appetizer specially when you are drinking hard drinks such as gin, vodka, brandy and etc. Some people might consider this as an exotic food but for Filipinos, It’s one of our favorite appetizer………Did you know that eating pig skins have some health features? It’s a good source of some vitamins and minerals like calcium, iron, magnesium, potassium, zinc, copper and manganese.and Vitamin such as vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin B6, and pantothenic acid….But offcourse, excessive eating of pork skins would be dangerous to our health, because of its fats that produce thousand of calories……..

ingredients: serves 8-10 persons

• 1 kilo pig skin
• 1/4 kilo pork liver
• 1 tbsp pepper corn
• 3 pcs bay leaves
• 1 litre water
• 2 large white chopped onions
• 2 thumb size ginger minced
• 1 cup vinegar
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 cup chopped leeks
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper

Procedures:

• In a large sauce pan, combine water, peppercorns, bay leaves and pork skin and liver. Boil for 30 minutes then drain.
• In a charcoal griller or oven, grill pork skin just to take off excess hair and get that smokey flavor. grill the pork liver lightly. then cut into small dice and set aside.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine vinegar, soy sauce, salt & pepper, leeks, ginger and mix well. toss with the diced pork and skin.
• Serve hot or cold. Great appetizer for having beer or wine.

Cajun Shrimp Fried Rice

Fried rice….one of the best dish to create your leftover meals to a new sumptuous dish. There are many variation of fried rice, actually it depends on your taste buds, you can put anything you want. I was raced by my mom of eating fried rice everyday, as she thought me to have a heavy breakfast daily……………..Did you know that Cajun seasoning considered the most healthy spices of all. Because it is mainly made with chili and cayenne pepper plus the mix of spices such as salt, pepper, paprika, onion and garlic powder. Cayenne Pepper is a herb made from the dried pods of chili peppers. Besides being a very popular spice in cooking, cayenne has also been used medicinally for thousands of years. High in Vitamins A, C, B complex, calcium and potassium, cayenne is a wonderful healing aid for the digestive system since it acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other foods and herbs when used with them………

Ingredients: serves 3-4 persons

• 2 tbsp oil
• 12 pcs medium shrimps (leftover from Nilasing na hipon dish)
• 3 cloves of minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped leeks
• 1 tbsp rice wine
• 1 medium white onions sliced
• 1 tsp cajun powder
• 4 cups cooked rice(long grain)
• 2 pcs eggs
• 1 cup bean sprout optional
• salt & pepper

Procedures:

• In a wok, heat oil and saute garlic, onions and leeks then add in shrimps, rice wine and seasoned with cajun powder and salt & pepper. simmer for 2 minutes
• Add in beaten eggs and cooked rice. continue stirring until eggs are cooked.
• Enjoy!!!

Batchoy Soup

Have you tried Exotic “internal” ingredients on your meal?….This dish is made from pork hearts, kidney, lungs and liver. Dare to try it?   Originally, the recipe also comes with pork blood, but since I could not find any pork blood here in NZ, I just leave the blood. Batchoy is a noodle soup made with pork organs and some vegetables. Originated in Philippines specifically in southern island………….Did you know that those internal organs I mentioned such as pork liver are good source of vitamin A. The vitamin A found in liver is beneficial to you in a number of ways. It contributes to healthy fertility and proper embryo development. It also helps children to avoid developing asthma, prevents kidney stones, regulates blood sugar and fats. Additionally, the vitamin A found in liver can protect you from some environmental toxins and helps to promote proper development during puberty. The vitamin A and arachidonic acid in liver can improve the health and appearance of your hair and skin. ……

Ingredients: serves 10-12 persons

• 3 tbsp oil
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 large chopped onions
• 2 thumb size ginger thinly sliced
• 100 gms pork liver
• 100 gms pork lungs
• 100 grams pork hearts
• 100 grams pork kidney
• 200 grams misua (chinese vermicelli noodles)
• 2 litres water and 1 litre water for boiling
• 1 bunch of spinach (sliced)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground pepper
• 2 tbsp fish sauce

Procedures:

• In a medium pan, place 1 litre water and boil pork hearts, liver and lungs for 10 minutes. drain and cut into small dice. set aside
• In a large sauce pan, heat oil and saute garlic, onion, ginger and drained pork hearts, liver and lungs. Saute until golden brown then seasoned with salt and pepper.
• Add in 2 litres of water and boil for 5 minutes. Add in spinach and vermicelli noodles then adjust your taste by adding fish sauce.
• Serve hot!!

I entered this recipe in the January Blog Hop Giveaway at Fave Diets, if you like it please vote for it in http://www.favedietsblog.com/january-blog-hop-and-giveaway-favorite-winter-soup-recipes/

Inihaw na Baboy (Grilled Pork Chops)

Just craving for a grilled pork, it’s a pinoy style grilled pork chop. I think you will find this in every Malls in my country. Best served with Achara. It’s a pork version of Chicken Inasal (bacolod chicken inasal – grilled chicken). We filipinos really love to have barbeque of any kind. ………..Did you know that moderate eating of pork provides you plenty of health benefits derived from the most prominent vitamins and minerals in each serving. Iron for example, helps keep your energy levels high while building red blood cells to stave off illness and boost immunity…but excessive consumption of pork especially its fat might be hazardous to our health….so, eat pork moderately!

Ingredients: good for 3-4 persons

• 8 pcs pork chops
• 3 pcs calamansi or lemon juice
• 1/2 cup Philippines soy sauce
• 1/2 cup sprite
• 1/2 tsp ground pepper
•  1 tsp fish sauce
• 1/4 cup ketsup (banana ketsup)

Procedures:

• In a mixing bowl, mis all ingredients together and rub pork evenly. marinade for 1 minimum of one hour.
• In a charcoal grill or oven, grill pork to your desired doneness
• Enjoy! bet paired with your favourite vegetable dishes