Cutty

We've been Internet-deprived for the past 6 days.  After numerous visits and calls to PLDT, nothing has been restored.  I've been nice and I've been mean. We just wasted a total of 5 hours on phone plus 3 hours of waiting in line.  Take note that this has nothing to do with the sub-marine maintenance this weekend.   Without this service, we really have limited entertainment. During this time, we've relied on my husband's corporate mobile data service.  It has allowed our children to attend school when needed.  I was able to download my KDrama episodes and Enola.  Apart from these, we were mostly offline.  My Globe Mobile Data service has been really sporadic, not really reliable. It was a disappointment. Thankfully, we were able to find a back-up and had it installed in 3 days. I would have wanted it earlier, but, no dice.   So what have we learned from this experience? 1)  It is important to have a back-up knowing that we...

During this period of social distancing, I try to support small home-based businesses.  I try them out at least once.  If I like it, I try my best to be really supportive.  Here are my 2 favorites: Risa's Homemade Cakes .  I must have ordered their chocolate cake 5 times.  It is so simple yet so delicious.  It is the chocolate cake from my childhood.  It is very affordable too.  I can actually make myself a good chocolate cake too. But, enjoy cakes more if I didn't have to make them.   Tetcha's Mediterranean Grilled Chicken .  This is a neighbor's business that I supported several times.  We order from them if I don't feel like making a meal.  I recently discovered a recipe that makes a close copy of Tetcha's grilled chicken.  It is easier to buy.   What made me like them more was the ease of transaction.  I place an order via FB or Viber then I pay via mobile banking.  My order will be ready for d...

This cake is the latest craze during this pandemic, especially now that everyone is a home baker.  Being a baker myself, I also gave in, upon my husband's request.  I wanted to know what the fuss was about. I haven't tried the authentic one. But I searched all over for the most authentic recipe I could find. Based on what I've seen, these are the major differences:  the burnt top and sides, the sloping top layer, the custardy flavor and the absence of crust. I've seen a lot of hacks.  Some people baked it with crust.  Some people just torch the top layer to create that burnt top.  Some use NY-style cheesecake recipe.  But that isn't being true to the origin of this cake. Using the proper method is important because the flavor component of the burnt cheese produces a nice contrast to the custardy cake.  There is a toasty, nutty flavor produced by the burnt top.  The color of the baking paper is also a dead giveaway.  When yo...

Travel and Food are some of the things that kept me going during this time of ECQ.  I took train rides across cities, rode on cruise ships and tasted Glühwein in this dreadful humid summer, thanks to Youtube.  I have familiarized myself with the world map too.  I now have a mental list of the next few destinations I am targeting.  Here they are in no particular order. Santorini.  I'd like to see the deep blue colors of the Mediterranean Sea.  I do not look forward to the heat and the crowds.  But, I want to see the breath-taking view it is known for. German Christmas Markets.  I am eyeing Hanover and Hamburg.  I have been dreaming of Christmas markets for 2 years now.  But, Christmas is the busiest time for most of us that I can't imagine how I can unload my responsibilities on an unsuspecting person. Istanbul.  I would love to be in the middle of the Turkish market, see the mosques and taste the traditional Turkish break...

I still believe that mangoes are seasonal.   This is the time when mangoes are at their sweetest.  I grab the chance to buy in bulk when it is cheap.  Last week, I was able to get 20 kgs of the Guimaras variety.  It was still unripe when we brought the them home.  But, I took care of them and waited until it is time to enjoy them.  The time has come. In the past weeks of the lockdown, I've made mango ice candy and mango jelly.  This week I am experimenting on a new cake flavor:  Mango Creme Brulee cake.  It is my take on the famed creme brulee cake but with juicy mangoes. It is assembled now and cooling in the chiller.  Here is a section of the cake.  It needs more mangoes, more custard and a more stable whipped filling. Yes, I also need to do the brulee part better.  I can't wait to have my own blow torch. I've also made a refreshing mango-chia seed pudding.  We prefer it as dessert.  It is one way for...

They've loosened the reins.  The roads are more crowded now.  There are lot more people roaming around the metro.  These people may be carriers of the veerus.  I may have let my guard down a bit.  But, I am more cautious now.  I am refraining from ordering cooked food.  We can't be too sure.  My menu has also gone back to beginning of ECQ.  To make things easier in the kitchen, I've employed a cuisine theme per day.  This will help break up the monotony of Pinoy food.  Last Saturday, we had Japanese food.  I made Beef Sukiyaki and Salmon Teriyaki.  Last Sunday was Korean food.  I prepared Bibimbap plus a few banchan dishes.  I am proud of this Bibimbap even if it doesn't look too appetizing. Last night was Mexican-inspired with tacos and nachos.  I would have prepared margaritas but it gets lonely when you are drinking alone.  I miss my drinking buddies.  We'll probably have Italian f...

We are on the 4th week.  I am not complaining.  There are news of extending the ECQ and I am all for it.  In fact, we've decided that even if the lockdown were lifted, we'd still stay put at home.  There are still a lot of infected people out there who haven't been tested.  Especially now that we are hearing about how much it costs to stay in the hospital, more people will be inclined to just go about it on their own and roam around the city with no care. More food establishments opening up. I do not know how they are staffing their stores without public transportation. But, I hope we’d have a chance to satisfy our cravings. I need my iced mocha fix.  I am still craving for Korean Banchan (?). I just hope I can get the ingredients so I can recreate these dishes at home. But, with people becoming more mobile, won’t the threat of the virus be more intensified? I've been busy baking.  I was able to get my supplies before the Holy Week and was able to ...