Family gatherings are best celebrated together. For most of us, family celebrations mean technology – skype or face time! In short, distance always intervenes with our gusto to be together under one roof. Nonetheless, technology is that one single bridge that enables us to feel the warmth of each other’s love – all across the globe!
Everyday must be a reason to celebrate – a birthday, anniversary, winning moment or for simply being able to live another beautiful day with everything you need (and more) in life. With food as an inevitable requirement in our expression of appreciation and love, let me break down some simple recipes that are not only tried and tested but will surely make any celebration one to remember.
Sparkling Juice
Choose your desired juice flavor – mango, orange, strawberry and grape – and mix according to package instruction. You can also use readymade juices. Once done, pour over ice cube trays and freeze. Pour sparkling water (I used M&S Blood Orange Sparkling Water or any flavor you like) in chilled pitcher or individual glass. Add ice cubes and see the colors change as the cubes melt. If you do not have any sparkling flavored water, you can use any white soda or even plain water.
Colorful Puto Cheese
This is one of the easiest foods to make. With its versatility, you can add about anything you wish – from sweet fillings to savories, the possibility is endless. Here, all you need is a pack of store bought Puto mix or even a Pancake mix. Do as instructed. To make it more playful, separate in batches and squeeze in desired food colors. Pour in mini molds and top with cheese. Steam and serve. You can also add flavorings – vanilla, buko pandan, ube, chocolates and others.
Chicken Macaroni Cups
My mom makes the best macaroni salad – and yes, I am biased! No, this is not her recipe; I have not been able to ask her for it. Cook elbow macaroni according to package. Drain and set aside. In a dry bowl, add your elbow macaroni, mayonnaise, condense milk, raisins (soaked in hot water and drained), drain pineapple chunks, grated cheese and some ground white pepper. Mix thoroughly but do not overdo – you might mash the shells. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving over lettuce cups. Top with more grated cheese before serving. You can add some carrots and celery for that added crunch.
Camaron Rebosado
Batches of hot camaron is best made with beer batter! In a bowl, mix all-purpose flour, an egg,1/2 cup of beer (any alcoholic beverage of your choice) salt, garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper. Mix to incorporate and avoid lumps. Meanwhile, devein and remove shells of shrimps but keep the tail. Use bigger sized shrimps to have more body on your dish. Dunk shrimps in batter and repeat until done. Line in tray and place inside refrigerator for 5 minutes. Dunk again and deep fry until golden brown. You can just dump them twice in ago but I want to stick and have more flavor so I pop them inside the ref. Serve with store bought chili sauce or homemade mayo-garlic sauce (mayonnaise, minced garlic, garlic powder, salt and black pepper).
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Happy birthday to my mischievous nephew, Datu Ansel Raees Norman Sinsuat Zainal. To our dearly Mommy, we miss you and we know you are having a party with the angels. To everyone who is celebrating today, cheers!
Be a part of Davao’s Thursday habit! Send me your recipes, questions, suggestions and comments and be featured. Email me at leebay457@yahoo.com (subject: Royal Chef) or tag me on instagram (herroyalheiress) for your delicious pics!
