Happy Foodie

It is not only important to ensure that your children are eating enough food, but that they are learning healthy eating habits every day. By teaching healthy eating habits through staple meals that you should provide for your kids, you will be helping them to maintain a healthy weight that should follow them through adulthood. By eating your meals together and encouraging your children to try new things, they will learn how to make their own food choices no matter where you are dining. These top 5 staple meals are not only delicious, but are good for both adults and children as well.

Classic Beef Meatloaf

Beef meatloaf is a classic dish that all families should make every now and then for their children to enjoy. With tons of protein cooked in a completely healthy and delicious way, it’s no wonder that this staple meal is a favorite among kids and adults alike. Best of all, it’s easy to teach kids how to help you in making the dish. By simply mixing together Worcestershire sauce, ground beef, breadcrumbs, ketchup, salt and pepper, you will be on your way to creating a delicious loaf that cooks in just 40 minutes or less.

Grilled Cheese and Tomato Soup

This popular staple meal is a favorite among kids around the world. By pairing a tasty grilled cheese sandwich with a healthy bowl of tomato soup, they will be the antioxidants and nutrition that their bodies need to fight off illnesses. Tomato soup can easily be made in just 30 minutes by bringing ingredients to a boil and then using a blender to puree the soup. Ingredients that can be used in this dish include onion, olive oil, garlic, chicken broth, white wine vinegar, whole tomatoes and balsamic vinegar.

Healthy Macaroni and Cheese

Kids love mac and cheese, but it’s not always the healthiest option to give them the kind that comes out of the box. Instead, cook up some macaroni pasta with cheddar cheese and throw in healthy vegetables such as broccoli or arugula for a healthy dish disguised at the fun meal that your children have come to know and love. Other vegetables can be added instead, depending on what you currently have in your fridge or pantry. In addition, this staple meal is completely affordable and can be made for under $10 to serve the entire family!

Gnocchi with Tomato Sauce

Rather than preparing spaghetti and meatballs, cook a delicious meal of gnocchi with tomato sauce that is sure to become a staple within your household. Prepare frozen potato gnocchi with onions, red peppers, carrots and crushes tomatoes for a heart-healthy, kid-friendly meal.

Beef Stroganoff

To prepare for the winter pull out the beef stroganoff recipe as it will be one of the simplest meals on this list. Brown some beef, onion and mushroom in a pan combine a recipe base and water then add the beef, mushrooms and onions and let them simmer resulting in delicious beef stroganoff. Plate this with some mash and vegetables you have a strong meal for growing boys

Mandy is a stay-at-home mum with 2 children in primary school, in her past time she loves to garden, travel, cook and write blogs for other stay at home mums and anyone with similar interests.

I heard someone shouting Binatoggggggggggggggggggggg….Immediately there after I jumped out of the bed (since I am taking my much coveted afternoon nap) and  call the attention of the binatog vendor.  Weeeee after exactly 8 years at last I was able to eat Binatog.  Ang sarap promise…..Kayo gusto nyo ba ng Binatogggggggggggggggggg.

Binatog is one of my favorite since childhood aside from taho and kalamay, how about you what is your childhood fave that you had been missing?

I want mine concocted this way:

- Black coffee with a little sugar only. I am not really partial with coffee creamer.
- Mixture of ½ hot water and ½ tap or cold water.

kapeng aking itinimpla panlaban sa  oras de peligro sa aming Company’s Strategic planning

How about you? How Do You Like Your Coffee?

No-Bake Strawberry Cheesecake

Crust:

• 1 1/2 cups graham cracker crumbs (MY San Graham Crackers) –there is also crushed graham already available in the grocery store
• 1 tablespoon  confectioner’s sugar (you can use the regular white sugar if confectioner’s sugar is unavailable)
• 1/2 cup softened butter
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder (to others this is a must for me it is optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (to others this is a must for me it is optional)

Filling:

• 1 cup (1 brick) cream cheese (Magnolia Cream Cheese)
• 1 cup (1 brick) all purpose cream (Nestle Cream) – chilled
• 1/2 cup confectioner’s sugar (you can use the regular white sugar if confectioner’s sugar is unavailable)
• 3 tablespoons liquid milk
• 1 tablespoon or 1 sachet of Knox unflavored gelatin (I really preferred Knox brand)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice  or vanilla extract (optional)

Topping:

• 1 can (American Garden) Strawberry pie filling (if you want a strawberry toppings)

OR

• 1 can (Comstock) Blueberry pie filling(if you want a blueberry toppings)

Disclaimer:  this post is not a sponsored post, I have indicated the brands which I used in this recipe for easy reference of my readers.

Crust Preparation

• Crush the graham crackers, if you are not able to buy the crushed version. (it should almost resemble the texture of sand)
• Mix all the dry ingredients (listed under the crust ingredients)
• Add the melted butter to bind the mixture.  You can microwave the butter or let it melt naturally.
• Press into baking dish or aluminum pan. I use the bottom of the glass to press it.
• Refrigerate the crust  (in the freezer)  while you are still preparing for the filling to harden it.

Filling Preparation (you can use the electric mixer or blender, but in its absence your strength, energy, mixing skills  and hands will be sufficient) – FYI I don’t have the tools so I use the later.

• All Purpose Cream Mixture – In a bowl mix the all purpose cream and 2 tbsps. of sugar.
• Cream Cheese Mixture – In a separate bowl fold the cream cheese, remaining sugar,
• In a separate pan, mix 3 tablespoons liquid milk  and 1 tablespoon or 1 sachet of Knox unflavored gelatin. Whip and heat until completely dissolved. Remove from heat and pour into the Cream Cheese Mixture.
• Mix and fold the Cream Cheese Mixture and the All Purpose Cream Mixture – mixing it from medium to the maximum of your strength heheheheh – high.
• Add the lemon juice  or vanilla extract (optional). Mix thoroughly.

To Assemble

• Pour the cream cheesw mixture  over the chilled crust. Spread evenly. Cover it and refrigerate until set.
• Top it with strawberry or blueberry pie fillings.  But ofcourse you can also use any toppings that you wish i.e. Crush Oreo cookies, chocolate chips etc.
• Chill before serving.

Serve and enjoy.  To further enjoy eating this No Bake Cheese Cake it is advisable to really feel how it melts in your mouth.

Let me know how it works for you.  Happy eating!!!!

Frabelle Premium Honey-Glazed Ham

I’ve got a new kitchen discovery which is actually a surprise for me.  I am already used to the good old brands and I am very glad that I tried Frabelle’s Premium Honey-Glazed Ham.

Find Out Why? and learn about my new love affair with Frabelle here.

If it seems that restaurants can never make your pizza exactly how you want it, it is time to consider making your own. Everyone has their own preferences regarding the thickness of the crust, the flavour of the sauce, and the amount of cheese and toppings that a pizza should have. However, there is definitely an art involved in making pizza at home. Here are some tips for perfecting the craft of homemade pizza making.

The Right Crust

If you are planning to make the crust yourself, you need to plan in advance. Traditional pizza crusts contain yeast so they will need at least a few hours to rise. You should knead the dough for the amount of time the recipe recommends- no more and no less. It is crucial that you cover rising dough with a towel and place it away from drafts, ideally inside a cool oven with the door closed.

Sauce 101

If you get the sauce wrong, it could ruin your whole pizza. The best way to make your own is by mixing plain tinned tomato sauce with the herbs of your choice. Typically this includes oregano, basil, garlic, and salt. A splash of olive oil never hurts. If you like your pizza sauce a little thicker, start with tomato concentrate and thin it out slightly with water until it reaches the desired consistency. You do not need to cook the sauce. Simply mix the ingredients together with a whisk. Equally important as the flavour of the sauce is the amount you use. In most cases, you will need to use much less sauce than you think. Even if you’re a big fan of sauce, be aware that too much can make the crust soggy.

Cheese and Toppings

Fresh mozzarella sliced thinly is the best choice for pizza. You don’t need to cover every centimetre of the pizza with the cheese because it will spread as it melts. Other good cheeses to add include provolone and parmesan. A sprinkling of cheddar can enhance the flavour of toppings such as bacon and meat.

When it comes to toppings, there are a few issues to be aware of. Vegetables that give off a lot of water during cooking like spinach and mushrooms can wreak havoc on the final results, so sauté them first and squeeze out the excess water. If you are using onions, be sure to cut very thin slices. If you’ve rolled your crust out very thin, avoid heavy toppings.

Baking Your Pizza

Pizza must be baked in a very hot oven. You will want it to be at least 220 degrees Celsius. A pizza stone is the ideal vessel for getting the crust just right, but a traditional round metal pizza pan with holes in the bottom will also yield satisfactory results. Be sure to oil the baking sheet first so the crust won’t stick. Never put the pizza in an oven that hasn’t been preheated. Most pizzas will take around ten minutes to cook fully. If you find that the bottom is cooked but you’d like your cheese a little browner, turn on the broiler for a minute or two to deepen the colour. Let the pizza rest for a few minutes before slicing with a pizza wheel cutter.
Author Bio
Michael is a Chef at the Deckhouse Woolwich Restaurant in Sydney, Australia. Coming from an Italian family, he loves making traditional pizzas but also experiments with flavours to create a more modern taste. Michael is currently writing his first cookbook which will feature some of his family’s pizza recipes.

Each and every weekend, people across the country are faced with the same dilemma: should we eat in or out? With some of the best restaurants in the world located here in the UK – and of course an abundance of speedy take-away outlets – it’s a tricky decision.

One of the most persuasive arguments in favour of home cooking is; when crafting a delicious home-cooked meal, you know exactly what goes into the dish. Being able to source and prepare your own fresh ingredients is a major plus – especially if you’re on a diet. Many people also derive great pleasure from cooking at home, and this sense of satisfaction is enough for many of us to do the hard work ourselves.

If, however, you feel like treating yourself and taking a much-needed night off from kitchen duties, there’s an abundance of fantastic restaurants to be found throughout the UK, serving up a variety of cuisine from all over the world.

Visitors or locals in Manchester can head to The Printworks, home to a whole host of different restaurants to suit all budgets, as well as cinemas and nightclubs for a full evening’s entertainment. Alternatively, if you’re looking for inexpensive dining in the capital, take a trip to Moorgate and Liverpool Street in Central London for everything from traditional British pub grub to bitesize sushi portions.

There’s plenty of gastronomic joy to be found in the UK, whether it’s a great curry in London’s Brick Lane, a delicious Chinese in Edinburgh’s Morrison Street, or a French dining experience over in Birmingham’s Corporation Street. And of course, the occasional restaurant meal might introduce you to a whole new dish or style of cuisine, which you can then add to your own kitchen repertoire!

Whether you’re shopping for ingredients or treating yourself to a slap-up restaurant meal, an American Express cashback card is the ideal companion, enabling you to earn cashback on virtually everything you buy.

With the American Express Platinum Cashback Card, you’ll get 5% cashback on all your purchases up to £2000 in your first 3 months, and 1.2% after that, making your dining experience that little bit more affordable. Representative 18.5% APR variable.

If you are someone who truly loves to cook then you appreciate the quality and design of a fine piece of cutlery – things like precision crafted knives and well designed cooking utensils that help to make the work not only easy but fun. It’s enjoyable to browse and learn about good quality cutlery – things like a Wüsthof® or JA Henckels knife set or a piece of Shun cutlery handcrafted in Japan represent centuries of craftsmanship and quality.

Every fine cutlery maker has a story to tell – the JA Henckels brand has been around since 1895 while the Wüsthof company has been family owned and operated since 1814. When looking at such legacies you can easily understand how much has been invested in perfecting the art of crafting a top quality knife. It is a combination of materials, design and craftsmanship that create a truly fine kitchen knife, one that is worthy of passing from one generation to the next.
A good knife is well designed and crafted in such a way that there are no irregularities or rough spots which could harbor germs or breed bacteria. The tang is securely riveted to the handle with seamless joints and there are no gaps and no wiggle room; the knife appears as if it is one solid piece.
Professional chefs consider knives to be perhaps the most critical investment they will make in a career and spend years assembling a portfolio of knives suitable for each and every task. They never immerse their knives in water for any length or time nor do they put any knife in the dishwasher; professionals use a damp cloth to wipe knives clean and then towel them dry before storing each knife.

There are two faces of Marilao (the city side and the provincial laid back atmosphere). SM Marilao lies in the city proper while many subdivisions spanning the provincial road has a laid back atmosphere. I live in the later where there are only few commercial establishments and restos But there is one restaurant in the provincial road that you can visit. It is the sole resto in the area – . They offer Chinese foods, at first I thought that they are costly, but when the food was served I can say that they have a very generous servings. What is good for 2 to3 persons seems to fit in for 4 peeps.

Patrick and I has a date.  Only the 2 of us eating out.

My fave: Cream Dory and Hainanese Chicken. (More Food Pics to follow)
The Food: From a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the highest. It is 3 – nothing spectacular but nothing to rant about. Just your typical Chinese food.
So if you happen to be in Marilao area, you may drop by Yummy Bee

“This event is part of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s commitment to enrich passions, especially passions that are related with the arts,” shares Walden Chu, President of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf. “Needless to say, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf has always supported causes we believe can help improve society, and art does that. Art teaches us that perseverance and patience, and not just skills, are important when it comes to creating beautiful things. And this is something that The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and its employees live by.”

The six-piece set draws inspiration from Tom’s interest in dealing with erratic objects. “Lately, I have been working with mediums that are basically uncontrollable—a lot is left up to serendipity,” Tom said. “I like the idea of surprise, it reminds me of going into the darkroom in the days of analog and watching a print develop for the first time, it was magic. This is the same feeling I get when working with smoke.”

“Brewfinder: Photography Enthusiasm Over Coffee at the CBTL” is the first of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf’s Taste Series, a seven-part pocket event series that highlights the brand’s single-serve system—the CBTL. Borne out of a partnership with the Italian design and espresso-making expertise of Caffitaly, CBTL raises the bar for coffee and tea aficionados by bringing the distinct Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf café experience into your home.

The CBTL. One touch. One perfect cup.