It's incredible how certain sights, sounds and fragrances/scents can transport you back to a certain time and place. The senses can bring you back to a special moment in time. I find food has a way of doing this. Every now and then, I'll have a dish that reminds me of simpler times. I relive childhood memories where my Filipino side of the family would gather together for a … [Read more...]
McCormick’s #OnlineCookOff Recipe Contest
The aroma of Menudo or Afritada always brings me back to my childhood and to my grandparents' kitchen. There's nothing like good 'ol home cooking -- the stuff that sticks to your ribs, fills your belly, and warms your heart. Filipino food is so special to me because not only are those family recipes part of my roots, but because they evoke memories of childhood and happy … [Read more...]
For the love of good food!
Every now and then, we meet people we connect with through shared passions, hobbies, and interests. Most of you already know how much I love cooking and entertaining. When I discovered there was another food blogger on Manitoulin Island, I was so excited! Oh, and she's not just another food blogger! She's also a fellow Food Bloggers of Canada blogger! I became a member in … [Read more...]
Embutido ~ #Filipino Meatloaf
When I think of comfort food, I think of my aunt's Embutido. All of my mom's sisters are amazing cooks, but my Tita Fely makes the best traditional Filipino dishes. Actually, my grandparents were fantastic cooks as well when they were still alive. My grandfather made the best Caldereta and Lengua Estofada. Everyone would bring a dish and we'd share a meal at one of my … [Read more...]
Get Creative in the Kitchen & WIN with McCormick #onlinecookoff! {GIVEAWAY}
Growing up, Filipino food has been a big part of my life. My mom's family is from the Philippines and food has always played a big role in reminding us of our roots, keeping traditions alive, and most of all, giving us the opportunity to share a meal together as a family. Being in a busy kitchen buzzing with my mom and her sisters sitting around the table, filling and rolling … [Read more...]
Are you a Foodie? Love Filipino Food? Enter the McCormick’s Online Cook-Off Contest for a Chance to Win $2000!
Cooking and entertaining are two of my biggest passions. I especially love hosting dinner parties where I serve dishes from my cultural background. Filipino food on Manitoulin Island? Why, yes! My husband and five year old request Filipino food on a weekly basis! Some of their favourites are Filipino BBQ, Caldereta, Chicken Adobo, Pork Adobo, Sinigang, Tortang Talong, … [Read more...]
The Nesting Dolls
The soft light of the sun filtering through the filmy white curtains in our temporary room caused Little One to stir in the morning. Our morning routine while in San Jose would be getting up early, having a Filipino breakfast prepared by great-lola's helpers, showering, and getting ready for our commute to a neighbouring city to visit great-lola in the hospital.At the time, my … [Read more...]
Monday Musings: Sometimes She Cries
**WARNING** Not my usual happy, light, fun post :)It's been just a few months since my grandmother passed away and so far I've been holding things together just fine. Things are busy, life must go on, and there's a little person who needs me to function like a normal human being. It just hits me sometimes though. It comes in waves. The overwhelming sense of loss and the … [Read more...]
60 Things About My Mother
On Saturday, my Mom turned 60. In honour of her milestone birthday, we threw her a 60s themed birthday bash. I still cannot believe my Mom is 60. She doesn't look a day over 40! In keeping with our "Today I Ate a Rainbow" theme in our family, I wanted to have a psychedelic food display! Check out this amazing cake that The Cake Lady made! How fitting for this hippie birthday … [Read more...]
Wordless Wednesday – Filipino Adventures
If you've got a Wordless Wednesday post you'd like to share, we'd love to pop by and check it out! … [Read more...]
I want to Smile, but My Heart aches
Friends always tell me how lucky I am to be close to my family. It's true. I come from a very closely knit family. I attribute this to my grandmother, who was the glue that bound our family together.A devout Catholic, fabulous wife, a school principal, a caring mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, "Mommy" (affectionately called by all) was the most wonderful woman I … [Read more...]
Happy Mother’s Day
The women in my family all have a strong presence in my life. All my aunts treated all us kids as their own. It is really great coming from such a tight-knit family. My grandmother, the matriarch of the family was like the supreme mom figure in our lives. She took care of us when our parents were working. She taught us about our roots. She taught us to love one another and to … [Read more...]
I’m Back…and I don’t know how I’m supposed to feel right now.
Before I begin telling you about the bittersweet trip to the Philippines Little One and I went on, I would like to announce the winner of our Wholly Guacamole and Beanitos #CANsnack giveaway!Congratulations to Tina L. entry #4 I like to try the Chipotle BBQ Black Bean Beanitos (have not tried before). I love the Wholly Guacamole products. My favorite is the Spicy dip.You will … [Read more...]
Missing in Action – Filipino Adventures: Part 1
This is my second trip to the Philippines, and once again, it's not a pleasure trip. I wish circumstances were different. This time, we're here because my grandmother (Lola) is in Intensive Care.I packed up my three year old for her first international trip, and off we went. The flight was long, but Little One fared well. She was such a great traveler.As soon as we got to … [Read more...]
Making Menudo!
...and not the 1970s/1980s Puerto Rican boy band! I'm talkin' that classic Filipino dish. Dishes like Menudo, Caldereta, Afritada, Adobo and Sinigang remind me of my childhood and hanging out in my grandparents' kitchen while my grandparents cooked up traditional fare and told us stories about life in the Philippines. Outside of the family, I really had no connections to my … [Read more...]