My Ginataang bayabas (guava in coconut milk)

We drove to Arcadia in Desoto County Florida last Thursday. It was a good break for me and got a chance to see the little town we will call home few months from now. Many of my friends ask me why we are leaving the upbeat, classy life of the Palm Beaches to this sleepy, laid back, country like Town of Desoto County. Not much choice eh, Greg will start managing a big solar project in that area. What is a little sacrifice if it would mean the construction of the world's largest photovoltaic solar facility?

The place may seem country like but I saw many things I think I like. Among them are the beautiful old houses in the center of the town. I could imagine myself living in one of those, sitting by the outside porch and having grilled anything with wine at dinner. Besides the town is so small you'll be able to see it in 5 minutes. Who needs a car to go to the grocery, the one mall, and the bank? And more importantly, it is just like the Philippines, guavas grow everywhere. Hmmm, I think I already like it there.

While Greg went to inspect the site for the DeSoto next generation solar energy center, I was busy climbing the guava trees. I took home a bagful of guavas and cook the over ripe in coconut milk which I served for dinner as desert. Here is the recipe which I have altered a bit from the original recipe:

1 cup chopped guava, seed discarded

1 small can corn kernel

1 can coconut milk

¼ cup sugar

Pinch of salt

Dash of nutmeg

In a pan, combine everything and cook for about 10 minutes or until the coconut becomes creamy. Let cool. I added pieces of manadarin oranges just before serving. This is intended as a desert and you may want to adjust the sugar if you dont want it that sweet.

Staying young

I was watching Oprah the other day where they were airing the 2nd part of the episode "You staying young". I am not a regular viewer of this show as I have an irregular work schedule but was lucky enough to catch the 1st part about a week ago or so. Dr Memet Oz discussed the factors that contribute to premature aging and what we can do to reverse it. There are so many factors to consider like: diet, lifestyle, the environment, the chemicals you use to clean your house. It will take me 2 episodes of Oprah to share so I will just share you one thing that I think will be very interesting to you. The special blend that will make you healthy and look younger. I believe strongly in the saying "what you eat is what you are".

Here is an anti-aging drink recomended by Dr Oz which Oprah describes as "tastes everything fresh".

1 cucumber
1 cup spinach
1 apple
1 lime
1 lemon
celery
half ginger

blend together and you have a refreshing drink that will counter the clock of your life.

Enjoy!

Pancake from scratch

Since it is Sunday today, Greg dominates the kitchen. He knows that I love pancakes with yogurt and assorted fruits but he prefers an uncomplicated life so he grabs a box of ready mix pancakes. It was equally deliciously and we both enjoyed every bite of it. But I want a little complication, here's my way of doing it:

Pancake from Scratch one cup flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt (optional) one egg (optional) 1 cup milk 1 teaspoon melted butter or oil Sift dry ingredients together, beat egg and add to flour mix, add milk and butter or oil. Mix well. Cook in hot frying pan, as soon as the pancakes bubble, flip to other side to brown. Serve with Vermont Maple Syrup, butter or top with your favorite fruits. (If you are looking for a supplier of fresh Vermont Maple syrup, SHAKER MOUNTAIN FARMS in Vermont has grade A Maple syrup to supply your needs. Ask me for details.)

Have a glorious Sunday everyone.

My epicurean site

My husband Greg inspired me to make this website. He encouraged me to document my recipes because most of the time I couldn't duplicate the dish when I try to make another one. I try to make every meal a unique experience and I feel so fortunate enough to have a husband who appreciates my epicurean experiments. He gave me a rating of "restaurant quality" home cooking with a unique combination of Asian and tropical touch, afterall who else will patronize my own product except my husband?

Here is a site to feature all my recipes and experiments. I will encourage exchanges of recipes and welcome to my epicurean site.