Sushi Sunday - Every now and then

Sushi is not one of Jeff's favorite but he would be willing to take me there so I can get my craving of fish, raw fish.  Last month we met our friends from Kelowna for lunch at Blue Tail Sushi on Hwy 97 in Kelowna.  Although we have not tried any other Sushi restaurant in Kelowna or Vernon, I can say that this one is pretty good.  Their service is excellent and the menu is quite a variety.  So you are probably wondering what Jeff orders when he takes me there.  The first time he ordered their fish and chips which of course is cooked fish but the chips are like shredded sweet potatoes that were fried and so crispy but not a lot.  The second time we went for lunch, of course, he orders the same thing because he already knows what it's like.  I guess I did too but this time with one less item.  The last time I ordered an appetizer of lobster, small pieces served like tempura with a nice sauce.  It was too much with the order of the sashimi lunch menu.  The lunch order comes with a bowl of miso soup served regular or spicy.  Then a salad and a crab fried rice also available in regular or spicy.  The sashimi (just slices of raw fish) had five different variety of fish that was so so yummy.  This might be a once a month lunch date that we can do every time we are in Kelowna.  Of course, it all depends of what the weather is like and of course road conditions.

Supersize Saturday - One huge zucchini

It was too bad I forgot to take a photo of this huge zucchini that our neighbor gave to us. By the time I remembered it, I had already cut it in half.

This is the smaller half, the other bigger half I started shredding.

It yielded two and half cups which was perfect for the bread I was making.

Two loaves of double chocolate zucchini bread. Of course I shared one loaf with our neighbors.

Now it was time to do something with the second half of the zucchini.  Again I peeled it, cut it, put them in my food processor and it resulted to about the same amount, 2.5 cups.  I search for a crisps recipe. This is the result.  Noticed there's only 3 left, as we ate them for dinner and the rest of the crisps, I shared them with my other neighbor.  And he said, "they were soooh good.  When I shared the photo with my daughter, she wanted the recipe so she can try them.  A very healthy side with only a couple of ingredients.

Meager Monday - Fend for yourself

Not even sure if I picked the right word for today's post.  But I don't think I have use this one so I will go with it.  The topic of today is really about food and our simple retired life.  Every now and then, after we have used up all our leftovers, I would say to my hubby "o.k. for lunch today, you will have to fend for yourself".  It makes it fun because we try to look for items we can make for lunch without having a big fuss.  At times will be as simple as my grilled cheese sandwich while he would have crackers with peanut butter sprinkled with sugar (Whaaat!!!).  Some days we have our home made soup that actually begins with some Ramen noodles aka cup-a-noodle.  What we add to it is completely up to us or depending on what is available.  And the results are shown below.

My soup with shrimp and baby bok choy.

Jeff's soup with ham, peas and corn.

Sourdough Saturday - Breads and more

It has been a while since I stopped by the Farmer's Market near us.  They have been there all year round each and every Saturday.  We had some down time one weekend so we decided to stop by.  The fruits and vegetables look really great but not really cheap.  The two booths that I checked was the bread and the other was the orchids. We did a little taste test of their Vegan banana and the peanut butter chocolate chip cookies. The other bread that we ended up buying was their Sourdough Bread.  My MIL's favorite bread is sourdough.  We decided to check out another aisle and that's when I saw all the beautiful orchids.  I miss my orchid that my next door neighbor gave me a couple of years ago.  She ended up with it again because I couldn't take it with us.  Back to breads and more.  Last Tuesday after my lunch with one of my golf girlfriend, we decided to stop by a new bakery and I did remember to take photos.  We were going to try one of their cakes but opted on just trying the sample. OMG the frosting was too sweet it hurt our teeth.  We crossed the street and had ice cream instead.  Now here's all the photos of the breads and more.

Minions Monday - It's so cute, it's a must

Who wouldn't like the minions?  Whatever age you are, it's very hard not to like these characters.  After watching Despicable me 1 and 2 and the Minions movie,  I cannot help but

get one of those character.  Sometime ago, I saw them at Target and I bought Kevin who says a bunch of words that you can't hardly understand but yet still funny.  It was so funny that  included him in the outgoing message on our home phone.  Remember last Christmas when we made our Minions nativity.  Enough said, I guess you get it.  Last Sunday when my MIL came for our Sunday dinner, she brought something special.  So again, I share it with you.

They are blueberry cupcakes with yellow frosting and black licorice for the hair and lips.

#1 LPGA golfer Lydia KO has the minion golf club cover.  I want one.

This is Kevin and this cover is for a driver and available at Amazon.  I wonder if I can make it!

Wasteful Wednesday - Buffet and big portions

What do you notice when you eat out either at a Buffet or regular restaurants?  Plates that are left with food either the portion was way too much for one to eat or the eyes are bigger than the stomach - specially when it's those all you can eat.  During our weekend get away, I started noticing all of the above.  People piling their big plate with so much food that you think they are feeding a whole table.  I notice some small plate and bowl which was just perfect for me.  It took me a few times to get full, but I made sure I only took a small amount and finish them.  I was telling a friend that there are restaurant in Canada, all you can eat Sushi, except if you waste the food, ie ordering and not finishing it, you will get charged.  It's too bad restaurant can have some portion in their menu like, mini, regular or large (for those who want more).  They can also adjust their prices.  When Jeff and I go out, most of the time we end up just sharing a meal because one order of anything is way too much food for me.  I think as I get older, I seem to eat less and less.  Although I have to admit, that when I saw

an Oyster Bar in Reno,  I asked Jeff if we can stop there for an appetizers.  I finished a dozen of raw oysters in less than 15 minutes.  Some photos to share from this weekend.

Tuesday lunch at Ariake Sushi- BBQ Eel sushi - one of my favorite.

Sunday dinner - Tilapia with sweet peppers, fennel, lime, coconut tequila salsa.

Tiramisu - Jeff's dessert at the Atlantis Casino in Reno

 

Smoothie Saturday - Very Berry

What am I going to do with all these berries (blue, black and straw) that was leftover from the mother's day brunch.  They were still in great shape but I cannot keep up since I can only eat 1/2 cup of fruit per meal.  This morning I decided to sort out these berries and some other fruits.  Of course if you are thinking of making something you have not tried, you have to go to the Food Network site.  I did and although I took some of their ideas the rest was mine and actually turned out very berry yummy.  It's a combination of blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, ice, water, mixed berry juice, hypnotic and Soho (lychee liquor) and a dash of sugar.  The end result is two beer mug full of this very berry smoothie for adults.

The next thing I made was the Puff Wheat Square that I have featured before.  When my daughter noticed it, she suggested that I post the recipe for it.  I couldn't find the recipe that my sister gave me which I used the last time.  So again using the Food Network, I found the Ooey gooey Chocolatey Puff Wheat Square.  The only difference is that I like adding pecans to the squares. It makes the square healthier with the chopped nuts.  You really need to try making this so easy and very yummy snack.  I use the Golden Puff Wheat cereal from big lots. It cost only $2.00 for the big bag. 

 

Tasty Tuesday - Mofongo

As weather gets warmer and nicer, we try to enjoy the outdoors.  On the way home from our road trip this past Saturday, we stop by for some dinner in the downtown of Santa Rosa, California.  This is the home of Guy Fieri of tripple D.  Although we did not eat at one of his restaurants (we have been to at least three of them), we were in their heart of downtown.  We wanted to try the Russian River Brewing Company but when we drove by the line up was at least a half a block.  We decided to just park somewhere and walk around to see where it takes us.  The first street corner we cross we saw a place called El Coqui - a Puerto Rican cuisine.  As soon as we entered we were immediately seated, pure luck.  Anyway there were so many things in the menu I wanted to try but of course I can only eat a small amount.

Jeff found a nice prawns in garlic dinner and I opted to try a couple of appetizers.  One of them is called Mofongo.  I have seen this dish featured on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.  So I had to try it.  It's plantain mashed up and deep fried.  Inside there's a surprise and I chose the chicharones (crispy pork rind).  The other item was their empanadilla.  Both were so delicious and bursting with flavor.  The only issue was that it was very heavy and my stomach felt so full and I had a mild cramp all the way home.  I guess it was too rich for my tummy.

Empanadilla

Mofongo

Garlic shrimp with black beans, yellow rice and sweet plantain.

Fruit Friday - A different marmalade

When Jeff came home yesterday from his mother's house, he brought some more lemons and oranges.  The produce are from my MIL's tree.  Since we cannot keep up eating these fruits, it was time to make another batch of marmalade.  I really enjoyed making my first batch.  It turned out really good that it was good enough to give some away.  I only kept one for myself so that is why I am making another batch.  This time I am being spontaneous and creative.  This is my own recipe of Orange, Lemon and Pineapple marmalade.  I started last night and realized I did not have enough jars for the finished product.  We ended up doing a last minute trip to Target to buy a dozen mason jars.  I was happy to see that they jars I got had some fruit design on the front which is a perfect container for my marmalade.  My sister saw my post about the marmalade and it's appropriate for me to send her a sample.  It's just too bad that it's a little expensive to send packages in Canada.  Even when the box is small and it's not heavy, it would still be over $10 for the package.  Most of the packages that I have sent usually is more expensive than the contents.  Anyway, the jars have been filled and the lid just popped.  Now that I know how to make jams and marmalade, I will have enough supply for this year.

Marmalade Monday - I did it

At the end of each day I try to think of what I have accomplished.  Usually I would have done something that makes me feel that my day was not wasted.  If for some reason I end up with nothing, I would try and do something small and still feel good about my day.  This is one of those days.  I was watching TV and looked at the time and realized I have not done anything that counts.  Since Jeff just got back from his mom's place and brought some fresh oranges and lemons from her tree, I considered doing something with it.  A few days ago while watching the Barefoot Contessa make this orange marmalade.  I immediately looked up the recipe and sure enough I was making the exact same recipe.  There was a lot of boiling, simmering and waiting.  But finally it was ready and I did the taste test.  OMG it takes like a marmalade.  The recipe resulted in 8 small mason jars and it looks really good.  So far I have given four to my friends and maybe two more to other friends and keep two.  This was a good day.

 

 

Tasty Tuesday - It has been a while

It has been seven years since I visited my sister who lives in western part of Canada.  While visiting she suggested that we try some of the foods that I have been craving or have not tried for a while.  I took some photos to share for this post.  Most of them are not the best choice but I thought that life is too short now to have them at least once after seven years, right.

Only available at KFC in Canada

Spicy poutine from McDonalds - not even close as a poutine

Pancit Palabok from a filipino restaurant - not even close to my sister's cooking.

KFC Poutine - it's ok but not as good as the ones they sell in Ottawa or Montreal

Frosted Friday - Sugar fix

Around 930 in the evening, I  sometimes get this craving for something sweet.  Jeff usually would offer to get me a small scoop of ice cream or half of a klondike bar.  But when it's a doughnut that I am interesting in getting, Jeff would offer to drive me to the 24 hour donut place near our home.  It doesn't happen often but sometimes I would crave for something so different and then I am in the kitchen trying to find if I have all the ingredients to make that special something for my sugar fix.  On Monday night, it started with wanting a doughnut but I did not want Jeff to go out.  Then I thought maybe I can make those Louisiana Beignets only to find out that I would need dry yeast.  This is something that I can not comfortable in using and it's really out of my league.  I continued to search and I ended up making what my mom use to call it when we were little.  Bunuelos, similar to a donut hole, it's round and I seem to recall that it was easy to make.  What I found is a recipe for a Mexican Bunuelos which I thought was close enough.  I had all the ingredients and so I proceeded to make these small ball of dough that will be deep fried and sprinkled with powdered sugar or cinnamon and sugar mix.  After tasting each style, there was no question that it needed some filling.  Only thing I have available was a jar of Dulce de Leche.  It was a success and it was yummy.  

Bunuelos with powdered sugar, cinnamon sugar and Dulce de Leche filled.

Misubi Monday - Trying a new eating place

Whenever I get together with my friend Katrina, we would always want to try something new.  Last Saturday we finally were able to see each other and I picked the restaurant this time.  It was located in a shopping plaza called The Plant.  This is the same plaza where Guy Fieri's restaurant called Johnny Garlic is located.  Of course this is a great place for lunch and dinner and happy hour.  Almost forgot, the new place is called Burnt Rice.  I had the chance to check the menu prior to going there.  This time I remembered to take some photos of our meal and even our drink.  It is not a very big place but it perfect for small groups.  The service was great from the beginning to the end.  If you are ever in the San Jose area, you have to try this place.

Grape Soju Drink (Katrina) and Arrogant Bastard (my beer)

Pork Belly Misubi

Salt and Pepper Shrimp

Glass noodle with veggies

After our lunch we realized that we should have ordered one of the Burnt Rice entree because that is what we choose this place for lunch.  Oh bother, we will have to go back and try what they are famous for - Burnt Rice.

Wasteful Wednesday - Just enough

Almost everyone in the USA will be celebrating thanksgiving tomorrow and for some they will just have enough.  Others will have too much and a few might not have any.  This prompted me to post about wasting so much food.  If you ever go to one of those buffet places, you can see how much people waste as you watch them leave food that they couldn't finish because they took too much.  It is also the same for some people who you invite for dinner and they take a lot of food on their first round thinking there won't be any left for them.  Most of these people leave food on their plate.  I think most of us grew up in a home where you were told to only take what you can finish and if there's still food left on the table, you ask permission to have seconds.  Now a days children and adults have a bad habit of not finishing their food on their plate.  I believe they have forgotten that saying about thinking of the less fortunate to does not even have three meals a day but maybe just one.  So tomorrow when you are having your thanksgiving dinner, start with a small portion and if you are still hungry take another small portion.  A lot of restaurants provide such a big portion of their meals that Jeff and I find it best to split a meal.  Unless you are dining at a very fancy place where you get a small portion for a higher price, then people seem to finish everything on their plate.  Well, that's my take on eating, caring, and just simple etiquette.

Small appetizers

Big turkey dinner plate

 

Satisfied Saturday - More simple foods from Texas

Sometimes even simple food from some small town is just as tasty as the food from the bigger restaurants.  Here's some of the not so popular places we stopped by to get lunch along our tour of Texas.

LONGHORN CAFE - chicken strips, fries and white gravy from the children's menu.

You might want to read this just for fun.

BIG 6 BBQ - Pulled pork with deep fried okra and potato salad.

BIG 6 BBQ - Ribs, beans and potato salad.

This is the BIG 6 BBQ (family owned-located in Kerens, Texas)

Special Saturday - A different breakfast

What makes a breakfast special?  It's when you order something that is not in the Menu and they can accommodate that request.  I've actually never tried it before but the last time I went with my friend Nikki for our weekly breakfast get together, I thought I would try it. The idea was from my cousin who was out with us last month for breakfast.  You are probably wondering how special this breakfast was.  This time I remembered to take a photo.

Linguica, over easy egg, rice pilaf and small bowl of fruit.

Some weekends they have something different from the regular menu - their specials!!  The other favorite of mine is the Chicken Waffle with white gravy on the side.  There are three pieces of crispy fried chicken, the nice thick waffle and syrup, and the country gravy which is white gravy.  It's probably not the healthiest one on the menu, but once a year for breakfast is not bad, right?

This is not from Country Inn Cafe but it's similar as the gravy is on the side and not on top.

Trying Tuesday - Something different

Since moving to San Jose area, we have been checking out some of the mexican restaurants in and around the city.  So far we a few favorites and of course we are willing to try other new places as well.  But the past weekend after my our library sale, my MIL, Jeff and I decided to go back to our #1 pick - Casa Teresa.  I have been so curious about one of the dishes that is only available on the weekend, it's called Menudo.  Growing up in Manila, we had a similar dish, actually the same name but I did not think the ingredients were the same.

I knew that one day I would like to try it and that was the day.  So I ordered it and it only came in one size - one big bowl of Menudo.  What's in it, you might ask?  Tripe, hominy in a tomato broth.  This is accompanied with a choice of corn or flour tortilla.  Also a side of fresh onions, chile peppers, oregano and lime.  There was no going back, the dish arrived and instead of tortilla, I asked for a side dish of their rice.  I added a little bit of each of the side dish and squeeze half a lime.  I was extremely surprised of the taste and I have to admit that I like it specially when it's a bit spicy and limey.  Don't be bothered by how it looks.

A truly authenthic mexican dish.

Seafood Saturday - I see food differently

Someone once told me that he was on a seafood diet - "I see food and I eat them".  I thought it was funny as it was the first time I heard it.  Then one day I saw the Red Lobster commercial and the chef said "I see food differently".  As for me, I just love Seafood and I don't think there's a seafood that I don't like or have not tried.  Here are some of my favorites in their different categories.

• Fish: Sea Bass, Snapper, Halibut, Swordfish, Tuna
• Shellfish: Lobster, crab, shrimp, oyster, mussels, clams
• Seafood dishes: Bouillabaisse, Cioppino, Paella, Salt & Pepper Shrimp
• Soups: Lobster bisque, Tom yum, hot and sour shrimp
• Sushi: BBQ eel, tuna, yellow tail, 

And here are some of the places I've had some of my favorite dishes.

• Best Sea Bass ever - Lima, Peru
• Best Steamed Whole Lobster - Montreal, Quebec
• Best Bouillabaisse - Manila, Philippines
• Best Alaskan King Crab - Whitehorse, Yukon
• Best Salt and Pepper Shrimp - Mississauga, Ontario

Are you a seafood lover?  What are your favorites and where have you tried them?

 

Wholesome Wednesday - A variety of different meals

As promised from my yesterday's blog, I am posting all the photos of our meals during our weekend trip.  Unfortunately we only took photos from the St. Ores restaurant.  We had a couple of great lunch from different restaurant and also a good dinner at Cove Azul in Gualala.

Saturday breakfast in a basket.

Butternut squash soup as our first course on Jeff's birthday

Tomato salad. Everything on this plate Jeff does not like, but he ate it anyway

Roasted wild boar with apple and pear latkes and baked apple - Jeff's entree

Venison served on waffle with huckleberry and maple syrup - My entree

Home made Jack Daniel's ice cream with roasted pecans and chocolate caramel.

The above meals were from the St. Ores restaurant.  They were good meals but a little pricy for us specially when the venison had a very gamey taste.  The wild boar was a little tough and not much flavor.  The salad was just a bit too tiny and not much taste.  The best part of the meal was the dessert which was not even free.  We thought they would at least throw that in for free because it was Jeff's birthday.  At the end of our meal, the waitress whispered happy birthday to Jeff.  Tomorrow will be more of the scenic photos of our trip.