Pepper Rice

There is this new restaurant at our local mall called Pepper Lunch. It has been a long time that the four of us siblings went out together. 

This wonderful event happened when my sister asked our brother to fetch her at a party. One of her kids is left at our house. We decided then to all go together to fetch her since she wants to go out for coffee as well.

The coffee thing turned out to be a late dinner for us. She didn't get to eat much at the party and our younger sister wants to eat a full meal. 

So we decided to try this new restaurant. The food really is great even if it is quite pricey. It has a unique type of serving their dish -- in a sizzling plate with all the component of the dish on it. 

This is what my brother and I ordered. Since I am quite full already, we just shared this meal together.

It's funny how time flies and how this night did us all a little good. To have some time together, just us four siblings and our niece and nephew along with us. No husband or boyfriends....

It brought back happy memories to me. I realized that it's been almost 2 years that me and my younger sister are at war with each other. We try to be civil nowadays but it is just so hard to be back to the way things were.....

They say that good food brings people together. It is so true... For a few hours, it seems that things are back to normal....

Gizzard BBQ

Gizzard is an organ found in the digestive tract.

In the Philippines, gizzard is a common street food. Usually cooked in barbeque type. However, gizzards that are sold along the street are hard to chew.

I made my own gizzard barbeque and not only is it chewable but tasty as well, if I may say so myself.

Gizzard in Tagalog is known as baticolon.

Pancit Canton

I always love eating pancit canton. Especially those karenderia type that is salty and the taste of sweet pepper is strong.

I have finally mastered cooking pancit canton. Karenderia type style. LoL!!!

Gulami

I have tried gulami before at a local restaurant. Since tasting that dish, it has been a quite addictive dish for me for some time.

Gulami is a beef broth soup with noodles. What makes this exceptionally good is its distinct taste of tangy and spiciness incorporated in the soup. Noodles and beef are added to this dish.

Gulami is originally a Chinese dish that is usually served during cold rainy days. Because it is a "hot" soup, it always warms the body and soul when eating this dish.

Nowadays, gulami is served at local restaurants. Some partake this as a snack while others partake this as part of their meal. Gulami is paired either with rice or bread.

My attempt to make gulami and I finally did get the right taste and texture on my second attempt.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish appetizer dish was first introduced to me by my uncle who came from China. His business is repacking frozen goods such as sea cucumber, jellyfish, shark's fin, pork tendons, beef tendons, and supplying them to the supermarket.

It was during one of our potlucks that he contributed this dish. I was hesitant to try this at first because the jellyfish as we know is a stinger. But it was not and it actually tastes good that it got me craving this dish from time to time.

So I decided to learn it. However, with family friction, I was not able to ask for this recipe. With the help of the internet, I searched for recipes online. I choose a recipe that has the ingredients closest to the dish my uncle made.

Sesame oil, sesame seed, chili oi, and salt to taste.

Luckily, I got it right! I can now have jellyfish appetizer anytime I want to.

Mashed Potato

I like eating mashed potato but I do not like the process of making them.

You boil the potatoes till tender then mash them to super fine texture. Season them with salt, butter and pepper. After these are done, my arms are aching already and I feel too tired to eat.

However, I discovered from the grocery, mashed potatoes the easy way. Nowadays, with technology, comes laziness...hahaha.... Mashed potatoes are now processed. They come in a box. Very easy to prepare as well and it definitely tastes just as good as natural potatoes.

By just adding hot water, salt and pepper, I can have mashed potatoes in just 5 minutes.

Imbao

Imbao is the term for the Filipino dish clam soup.

Imbao is a shell type sea delicacy that is very rampant in the Philippines. It has its own distinctive sweet taste that even without any seasoning, it sure tastes yummy. The imbao meat may taste a little bit gooey especially if the imbao is a little bit large. This is very rich in iodine.

To cook imbao, submerge the shells in hot water. This will allow the shells to emit sands. In a wok, sauteed ginger, onions, tomatoes in hot oil. Add the imbao. Stirring occasionally until imbao opens up. Add water for its soup. Let simmer.

Optional addition can be the morning glory vegetable or raddish. If sourness is preferred for this soup, sinigang mix is added.

Imbao is usually served in barbeque restaurants. This is always a dish paired with grilled pork or fish, kinilaw, and seaweed salad.