Friday, July 29, 2011

Chicken Shepherd's Pie

I have to say that I love potatoes. Whether it's french fries or mashed potatoes swimming in gravy, I just love them. When I was younger, I heard that consumption of potatoes contributes to an ample bust. Nowadays, I share this tidbit with everyone else, adding that if you stuff your bra with a potato, you will indeed get that decolletage you are dreaming of. LOL.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Avocado Pie

What do you do when you have just one avocado, and a household of 9 who each wants a taste? You make avocado pie!

Following the fiasco of my bitter avocado ice cream, I had to make sure my next avocado endeavor did not turn out the same way. I know I shouldn't cook the avocado, so this dessert is chilled.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Goodbye, Django

I'm going a little bit off topic today.

Our black labrador retriever, Django of BJ Blues, passed away this morning. He lived for 11 years, 4 months and 2 days.

When we first got him, he was already a year old and was huge. For a family who has never had dogs, we were unprepared. Add to that the fact that he came with another labrador retriever, a yellow female, Makena of Shambala.

They loved popping bubbles with their mouths. They loved chasing the light shone by flashlights, trying to bite it. They chewed on slippers and anything they could get their paws on.

A few years later, Macky became sick. Whenever she would cry in pain, Django would whimper in sympathy. It was like he wanted to comfort Macky. On November 1, in 2004, Macky had to be put to sleep.

Django still remained a bundle of energy, even as he aged. He still chewed on everything he can. He was a big dog and when he'd offer me his front paws and stand on his hind legs, he was as tall as I was. And as he grew older, I found he had graying hair.

Once, as I was heading to school, I was wearing a white shirt. He had just been bathed so I was trying to make a quick getaway to avoid being splashed on with water. When he saw me, he jumped on me. I had very distinct paw prints on my shirt, smack-dab on the chest. I had to change but I couldn't get mad. How could I when he was just trying to show some love?

I will miss you, Django. Tell Macky I miss her, too.

Monday, July 18, 2011

Cinnamon Rolls

What is your favorite smell?

I absolutely love the smell of warm cinnamon rolls. When I take them out of the oven, I love it when its scent wafts throughout the entire house.

Cinnamon is also one of my favorite spices. Whether it is paired with apples in Apple Pie, or added to the sugar Snickerdoodles are rolled in, it's always an interesting flavor.

Friday, July 08, 2011

Hainanese Chicken Rice

I was thinking of what to make for dinner and I wanted to avoid a repeat of the past dinners. We had Grilled Liempo last night and Beef Pochero the night before that, so I knew it was time for chicken! Hainanese Chicken Rice is one of my favorite chicken recipes. It is full-flavored but really simple to make.

I am partial to the thigh as the best part of the chicken. For me, it is the most flavorful. At home, almost every one else seems to thinks so too. So whenever we cook an entire chicken, it is always a mad dash to get the thigh. So when I decided to make Hainanese Chicken for dinner, instead of the whole chicken that's often used, I chose the thighs. I figured I can please the entire family, as well as cut the cooking time.

Wednesday, July 06, 2011

The Case of the Bitter Avocado

A couple of days ago, my dad brought home avocados. We love slicing them up and mixing them with powdered milk and sugar for an easy dessert. 

This time, I decided I would take it a bit further and figured I would make Avocado Ice Cream. I had frozen leftover yolks and figured this would be the perfect time to use them. I made an ice cream base with cream, milk, sugar and yolks and added to that the slightly mashed avocados. I cooked everything on top of a double boiler.