Monday, May 23, 2011

Food Blog Entry #2 - Moules Au Champignon

I never wanted to try French cuisine. I told myself that if I couldn’t pronounced the name of a dish I won’t eat it. I ate my words as usual.

My brother and I went to this local French bistro called Bleu Boheme for lunch. He ordered Coc Au Vin (braised chicken) while I got Boeuf Bourguignon (braised beef). For appetizer we had this Moules Au Champignon. It's just mussels in cream sauce, but it is to die for! (Especially when you have a newly-baked bread for dipping! Yum!) Anyway, my mom always cooks mussels but it is the Filipino way of cooking it. – soup based, Tinola-like. This one was exceptional, very savory because of the herbs and white wine used to sauté it.

And so the search for the recipe began. Fortunately, I found one close enough for this bistro to have a run for their money (of course, I modified it). ;] The mister was impressed, so was I.



Ingredients:
1/2-1 lb mussel (cleaned)
2 tbsp. butter
2 tbsp. cooking oil
1 cup fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 pcs. salami (bacon can be used, just drain the fats when sautéed)
1 tsp. thyme, rosemary, oregano or mixed herbs
1/2-1 cup dry white wine (I used blanc de blanc, chardonnay would be fine too.)
1/2 pint heavy cream
1 tbsp. Flour
2 cloves of garlic, 1/2 onion (to taste)
Chopped parsley
Pinch salt
Pinch pepper

Directions
In a skillet, put a little bit of oil. Throw in fresh mushrooms, garlic, onion, and salami; sauté. Then put the mussels. Add wine. Reduce until almost gone. Add the mixed herbs, salt, and pepper. Put in heavy cream. Reduce until thick. In separate skillet mix butter and flour, mix and brown. Add to cream sauce. Whisk it until thick. Use chopped parsley to garnish dish.

Friday, May 20, 2011

Food Blog Entry #1 - Creamy Tomato Penne With Spinach

A friend once told me to make my blog “Julie & Julia” style. I don’t know if I can commit to cook (and then blog about it) everyday! I can do it once in a while though. I’m starting to be kitchen-smart now (if there’s such a word). For jeezsake, I’m beginning to have a cabinet full of spices.

I grew up watching my mom cook. Even before I was born, her passion has always been cooking. She even made me a recipe notebook that’s handy every so often. Since I got married I’ve been interested into trying out new kitchen techniques (the mister acts as my guinea pig. I haven't heard him complained... yet.). Some were successful, some weren’t but I’m proud to say that to date, all was edible. I decided that I’d share those recipes that in my opinion are salivatingly good!

To start this food-blog-entry series is my take on “Creamy Tomato Penne with Spinach”. Great thing about this recipe is that you can always substitute. I love modifying ingredients and directions to my own convenience. You can always use a different pasta or put more veggies according to your preference.



Ingredients:
1 jar of your favorite pasta sauce
1 16 oz package penne pasta
fresh spinach
4 tsp cream cheese, or to taste
4 tbsp parmesan alternative
1 tsp parsley (garnish)


Directions:

Cook pasta according to package directions. While pasta is cooking, heat the jarred pasta sauce. throw in the chopped spinach. Drain the cooked pasta, and combine it with the pasta sauce. Lower the heat level, and stir in the cream cheese or parmesan. Serve and enjoy!

Thursday, May 19, 2011

The Battle To Lose Weight Is On!

During my whole pregnancy I gained a whooping 40lbs. It was the heaviest state that I’ve been in my whole life. Post-childbirth, I lost about half of it (which made me very happy) but I want to be back to my old weight or at least 2-5lbs more. I know it’s doable, I just need a LOT of motivation to do so. I want to be able to fit in my clothes again; to be as active as before too.

We don't diet much. Though we limit eating out because homecooked meals are oftentimes healthier. This way I could practice my passion for cooking too, recipes just excite me! Also, the mister and I have bought this exercise DVD – P90x. Oh my, it’s not a walk in the park! We sweat like crazy, we were so sore the next day we do a routine; bottomline is its actually working! I hope we’ll be religious enough to complete our 90 days because sometimes we get lazy. Well, at least we are in this together. I believe it's more fun and more effective this way, working out with a partner.

Bring it! (As per the DVD! ;P)

Tuesday, May 3, 2011

The Light That Guides Me Home

Family life is like a rollercoaster ride so far. Mostly ups, though the downs are inevitable. It’s just that I get overwhelm sometimes. Before Elysse was born, Vince and I could just sit and relax at 9pm. Having her around makes 24 hours seem not enough. I am not complaining, I just feel tired once in a while. Physical, that is. Then there are all these other matters like finances and work obligations. I remembered what Vince’s cousin told us, “always be good to each other, no matter what”. There are moments that I bitch around now because of stress and I feel guilty about it. Perhaps in times like this I should count my blessings, instead. I should really take a minute or two to contemplate that we’re fortunate than most people. I have a loving husband and a sweet daughter, they should be enough to keep me happy.

This morning I prayed hard for the Lord to clear my perspective, for Him to grant me more patience and understanding. Afterall my family is the light that indeed guides me home.