Kitchen Confidentials - Salmon Sinigang

In most Filipino kitchens rarely would they run low on onions, garlic, tomatoes or ginger; toyo (soy sauce) and/or patis (fish sauce) - good God I think we have bags of these that would last us the whole month. Not to mention some sort of "sour soup"  (Sinigang) base powder. 

This morning I did an inventory check of the pantry and saw that I was still good with the "usual suspects", the only thing I had to do was find out from my tribe which kind of Sinigang they wanted - beef, pork or fish.

Since it's been a while this is what they requested...

The usual suspects:

1 large onion, sliced
1/2 cup sliced ginger
3 medium tomatoes, chopped into 8 piece wedges each
Tamarind soup base
patis
salt (if needed)


Accessories:


Tamarind leaves, 1 pack (1/2 lb.) 227 g
Okra, 12 pieces
Petchay, 1 bag - cleaned and trimmed of white stalk, green leafy part only
*optional: Banana pepper for spice


The Culprit:

3.5 - 4 lbs. Salmon head + cheeks

Beach/Coastal Theme Mini Cupcake Platter

Running out of party ideas on dessert presentation? Need something not too time consuming, cute, fresh and inexpensive? If you're hosting a beach or coastal theme party and need to give your dessert bar some love... here's how I put this little set up together ---

my own creation for my sister's bridal shower

 

  

What you'll need:

• brown sugar (for sand), the amount depends on the quantity of cupcakes and platter size
• cupcakes (homemade, catered or store bought) topped with Aqua colored icing or any color of your choice
• seashell mold
• white chocolate chips or candy melts 
• food coloring
• small seashells for added decoration
• shallow plastic party platter/tray

What to do:

Follow the instructions on how to make white chocolate candy or refer to other recipes online how to achieve this, just add in a swirl of food coloring before pouring into the mold and allowing to harden. Stick to the color of your motif. This is the only step that will need a little bit of time :)

In a party platter, pour the brown sugar in and spread thoroughly, pack down if you wish. This represents our sand element.*Note: add white sugar if desired to give a more lighter sandy look.

Arrange the mini cupcakes, white chocolate candy shells and real seashells on top of the brown sugar, avoid overcrowding. Set on serving table covered with linen or any material that presents a classic beachy feel.

Other tips:

You may also include a few starfishes, conk shells, tea light candles (consider battery operated ones if there are children around to avoid fire hazard) and such as added decor to your tablescape! A lantern can also give that authentic coastal touch to the overall presentation.

 

Have fun and enjoy the rest of the Summer!

F.O.B. Fridays ~ Korean Inspired BBQ Chicken Drumsticks

It's been a while since I've done F.O.B. posts so here's a dish I prepared for my family yesterday... yup marinade and all!

Refer to my previous post for the marinade recipe:
http://cathyelpedes.blogspot.com/2014/08/korean-inspired-bbq-marinade.html

Ingredients:

2.5 lbs chicken drumsticks
BBQ marinade

• pour bbq marinade in aluminum tray and arrange chicken pieces in it, allow to sit at least 4 hours. For more flavor and best results let marinate overnight.

 
 
• preheat oven to 375° then when ready place the chicken in the oven and let cook for 50 minutes.
• set a separate timer to go off after the first 25 minutes and baste the chicken pieces with its own juice and some of the marinade.
• continue to cook for the remainder of the time.
• when time is up, turn off the oven, remove the chicken and place on counter top covered with a sheet of aluminum foil to tent for 10-15 minutes. 

Cover with foil for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Plate, serve... Enjoy!! 

Korean Inspired BBQ Marinade

Summer to me means BBQ, grilling and quick meals. But if you're a working mother like me it's always practical to have something prepared ahead of time for easy cooking, not to mention something you can make yourself at home instead of buying something ready in a jar just to be stored in the frig for months on end. Here's my recipe on a Filipino BBQ marinade with a twist! The most common components in Asian marinades are soy sauce, sugar and garlic... this here is inspired by the taste of Korean short-ribs, yet still keeping true to the Pinoy flavors.

Ingredients:

1 tbsp garlic, minced or store bought readily minced
1x1 inch piece of ginger
1 medium onion,  diced
1 cup soy sauce
3/4 cup water
1 tbsp sesame seed oil
1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
1/3 cup brown sugar or 1 can (15.25 oz) Crushed Pineapple in 100% juice
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/2 ground black pepper

*Note: good for 2.5-3 lbs of meat

Ingredients

(Before) not only for added sweetness but also a tenderizer

 

(After) then add the rest of the ingredients

Voila!... Ready for any meat!