A Girl’s Notebook :)

It’s been a long today. As always office work gave me a lot of work. What more irritating was I wasn’t able to sell any support package! I was really frustrated. The news about the additional item in our kpi made me more eager to look for another company. Hopefully, Bro will bless me and my colleagues. That He will listen to our heart’s desire.

Anyway, Julius and I waited for Des to arrive from our company’s other building. We let our other colleagues, Ramir and Allan to walk ahead of us. I will really miss Ramir’s kakulitan and craziness when I leave.

When Des arrived, we asked Julius to treat us to Starbucks but he refused. Des was didn’t give in asking Julius to treat us and so we landed on Tapa King in Libis. I told Des that I am still full because I ate lunch. Well, it was Julius lunch actually. He was still full with the spaghetti treat of Dadi Kamo. It is his birthday today. I ate enough spag for breakfast that’s why I was hungry during lunch time.

Anyway, since I am not that hungry yet, I ordered Onions and Buffalo wings. I like the Onion rings and its dipping very much! The buffalo wings is good but not that chilly, so I enjoyed it!

Julius ordered Danggit and fruit shake. While Des settled with tapa king meal. I bet she was hungry!

We chatted and really had a nice time. Thanks to Julius for making our day!

Caio!

Christmas will never be complete for Filipinos if we will not participate in the 9-day Novena mass in preparation for Christmas day. Simbang Gabi as we call it here in the Philippines. Though, the mass is being celebrated usually at around 4AM, we still call it Simbang Gabi or MIsa de Gallo in Spanish. The word “gallo“ comes from a Spanish word called rooster.  

The 9-day novena mass starts on December 16 up to December 24. They said that if you will be able to complete the 9-day novena, whatever it is that you pray for will be granted.

When I was young, I really see to it that I will complete the 9-day simbang gabi. I would really felt bad if I miss a day, especially when I am praying for something that I really wanted to have. Due to work reasons, I can no longer complete my simbang gabi. But, I still participate in the mass if I can.

In our parish church, we have 3 schedules for simbang gabi. That is really cool. Everybody will have the time to attend mass, without making work reason as an excuse. Well, that really hit me.. :(  The first schedule is 9:30PM which starts from Dec. 15-23. And, 3:30 AM and 5:00 AM which starts on Dec. 16-24. 

The sacrifice of waking up early and to hear mass will then be benefited by a seasonal Filipino delicacies, Bibingka and Puto Bumbong. Although, these two kakanins are being served from some stores all year round, it is still great to enjoy these kinds of food during the holidays.

Bibingka

Puto Bumbong

As of this writing, it is just about 6 days to go before Christmas. I still have time to attend Simbang Gabi and enjoy bibingka and puto bumbong..

My mom noticed that I have not been busy on my blog lately. Well, I have been busy doing some “tekki stuff” in the past few days that’s why I have not worked on my blog as dedicated as before. Anyway, just to make up with the days I have not updated my journal, I want to share something specially to those “aspirant cooks” out there.

I can cook but not as good as my mother. My mom trusts me in cooking chicken afritada, pork caldereta, bangus relyeno(which I can say my expertise :) ), shanghai rolls and meat balls. I can also cook other “saute” based recipes. I used to use Ajinomoto(i hope I spelled it correctly) Ginisa Flavor Mix to add flavor. Then, I have also tried Knorr Meaty Pang-gisa which is quite good as well. Then, I tried Maggi Magic Sarap. Oh well, it really does “magic” in my recipes!

Even my sisters who are not satisfied with my cooking before are really impressed. I have been cooking dinner for the last 4 days and even a simple meal like Sauted Egglant with ground pork and tofu would really taste delicious.

You bet I am really working on my cooking career

Being a member of Del Monte Kitchenomics(www.kitchenomics.com) they never fail to send me a birthday card and some delicious recipes that they suggest for me to serve my birthday guest. Well, it isn’t my birthday today, I just wanted to share this recipe which actually a good dessert to be served in the coming holidays. It is called, Fruited Angel Cake.

You will need:

2 Cans (130g each) Del Monte Classic Fruit Express, chopped and drained
1 cup Cake Flour
1 ½ cups + 2 tbsp sugar
12 pcs (1 ½ cups) egg whites
1 ½ tsp cream of tartar
¼ tsp iodized salt
1 ½ tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp almond extract

Frosting (optional):
1 cup all-purpose cream, chilled
2 tbsp confectioners’ sugar

Here’s How:
1. Preheat oven to 375*F. Sift together flour and half of sugar. Set aside.
2. Beat egg whites, cream of tartar and salt until foamy. Gradually add remaining sugar, 2 tbsp at a time, beating on high speed until glossy, stiff peaks form. Fold in vanilla and almond extracts.
3. Sprinkle and fold in flour mixture, ¼ cup at a time over egg white mixture. Fold in del Monte Fiesta Fruit Cocktail. Spoon into an ungreased 10” x 4” tube pan.
4. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Invert tube pan on cake rack to cool. If desired, frost sides and top of cake.
5. Frosting: Beat cream until double in volume. Fold in sugar.

This recipe makes 20 servings. It has riboflavin which is essential for production of red blood cells