Mga Lutong Bahay ni Chef Ed

By Chef Ed Dychauco

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

IT'S been quite a while since I did a culinary show here in Cagayan de Oro City. And if I am not mistaken, that was way back in 2008, entitled "Culinary Fusion with Chef Ed Part 4." Since then, I have traveled around Mindanao (Malaybalay, Dipolog, Ozamis, etc.) for the succeeding Culinary Fusion Activities.

Aside from the culinary shows that I have been doing, I am also busy with culinary classes that have brought me to HRM schools like Dipolog Medical Center in Zamboanga del Norte and St. Columban College in Pagadian City recently.

Most of the classes that I am asked to handle ranges from basic cooking techniques to baking breads, cakes and pastries, and to cake and cupcake decorating. I always believe that the students should learn very well the basics before going on to a higher degree of learning for a better understanding and applications of each area learned.

For the past culinary shows, I have included different type of cuisines and almost always tried to simplify everything using readily available ingredients and equipment in the market. I am also not a proponent of artificial flavorings, colorings or additives because I would always like my food to be "real" as much as possible. However, there are times that one should be using them to enhance or prolong the food's shelf-life which I can agree but to a minimum. We are actually blessed with so much and most of them are just within reach, so why use something synthetic, which can be harmful to our bodies?

There are fresh vegetables, meat and fish, fruits and so much more that again, we can make use of. And hopefully, this should be the trend now. Heard of "organic" produce?

For this particular event, I would be showcasing delicious straightforward and uncomplicated Filipino recipes and dishes with a twist that would entice everyone to try, whether for the family or business. Entitled "Mga Lutong Bahay ni Chef Ed (Culinary Seminar Part 1), I hope to upgrade and uplift the basic standards of preparing well-loved Pinoy dishes to a level where even beginners can do at home.

In this busy world, I always wanted to make use of recipes that would evoke childhood memories. Those that make us remember and savor the dishes we use to enjoy while we were growing up. And mostly, these are our comfort food like adobo, lugaw, caldereta, pinakbet, pancit and many more.

Aside from the easy-to-do dishes, I would also include a few all time favorite snacks and kakanins which are again gaining much popularity among the foodies. I remember as a child waking up in the morning with Hot Sikwate (hot chocolate) paired with pandesal. And if we are lucky, it will be bibingka, puto or suman of any variety! We eat these kakanins anytime of the day, either for snacks or even as desserts. Who cannot forget suman with sweet mangoes and thick chocolate to go with it?

Mga Lutong Bahay ni Chef Ed will be held on October 30, 2010 at Tita Fannie's Restaurant located along Corrales Avenue. Seminar starts at 2:00 pm and include recipe hand-outs, certificate, meals, food-tasting, freebies and gift packs to the lucky attendees. Tickets are available at Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop and at Tita Fannies Liempo & Chicken Haus. You can also call or text 0917-717-0785 for tickets. Proceeds of this show will be for the feeding project of Kagayhaan Eagles Club.

This event is organized by Papa Ardie's Concept and brought to you by Tita Fannies Liempo & Chicken Haus, Link2Print Digital Creations, Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop, Kagayhaan Eagles Club, Peotraco Food Ingredients and Beryl's Chocolates. Minor sponsors include Ororama Superstore, Mervin & Catalina Carretas, Pack & Go Travel and Tours, 1st Rafting Adventure, D & G Realty (courtesy of Medard Gaa), DXN Furog Service Center, Body Treats Spa, DLA Naturals and Zamboanga Carrageenan Manufacturing Corporation, (Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com, email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on October 28, 2010.

Congee, Arroz Caldo, Lugaw

Chef Ed Dychauco, RN.

Any one in any part of the Philippines, or even abroad would definitely have tasted or eaten this particular “dish” that is so popular, from the poorest of the poor to the riches of the rich.

I should know. Because I grew up eating this many times, especially when I am sick. So many a times, I am served this hot dish whenever I don’t feel like eating. I saw this being served also to my family members and relative when they don’t feel good. I could very well say that this is our counterpart for the very well-liked chicken soup in the United States.

Congee or lugaw or arroz caldo, whatever it is called is a staple among the Filipinos. Why? Because it can be prepared & served in a variety of ways. The simplest would be just the mixture of water & rice with a little salt for taste. The rice is cooked with a lot of water until it is soft and sometimes, mushy in consistency. Then, served hot.

However, as it evolved, many other exotic & interesting ingredients are added or can be added to make the porridge or lugaw more appealing to the taste buds. Some would add ginger for flavor (which I find very soothing to the throat!) and chicken pieces that is sautéed before adding the rice & the liquid. This is one dish I can still remember very well.

I underwent surgery in Connecticut many years ago due to diverticulitis (an inflamed out pouching (diverticula) of the colon). And the first solid food I got from my co-employees was a “get-well soon” card, a mylar balloon & a big nice warm cup of delicious chicken soup, what else! And when I went home to my Kumpare Nowell Emano & Kumare Cherrie Caylo-Emano’s house for recuperation, my kumpare made a big bowl of lugaw, complete with ginger & chicken! And that started my love affair with ginger flavored lugaw!

On the other hand, in most Chinese families, we eat plain lugaw (meaning it was cooked with water & rice only!) with what became a favorite of mine…”Bahoo” (meat floss). This meat floss is full of flavor and makes the lugaw taste so much better. Bahoo is basically dried, flaked meat which comes in 4 different varieties (pork, beef, chicken & fish). Incidentally, I also sell “Bahoo” in my shop.

Having been brought up in a typical Chinese manner, it is not unusual for me to see the elders enjoying lugaw with salted eggs, soy pork or chicken, pickled vegetables, and youtiao, (fried bread just like the shakoy we have).

When I went to mainland China with my dad & relatives way back in the early 90’s, I saw most Chinese people eating a big bowl of congee with some picked vegetables, either during the early morning as breakfast (which is what we got most of the time in the hotels), lunch or dinner. No wonder I didn’t see any obese people there. Maybe this would be a good way of slimming!

Back here in the Philippines, I see congee being served with scallions or fried garlic. And instead of the usual water, a tastier broth is used to add taste & flavor. It goes very well with tokwa’t baboy (tofu & pork), goto (beef tripe), and other meat products that is served with soy sauce, calamansi & patis.

Then we have arroz caldo (which is actually Spanish-influenced) using saffron & black pepper, on top of the ginger & scallion. This is yellowish in color as compared to the plain white color of the lugaw. It is also often eaten with other meat products.

All over Asian countries, they have their own version of the congee, especially those rice-eating countries.it is just prepared “their” way with the addition of what is more suitable to their tastebuds and what is traditional to their cuisine.

Now, how do we cook this comforting food? It is so easy that anybody can prepare this dish the way they wanted it done. But personally, to simplify this dish, I would just boil a lot of water with the rice and add some bouillon cube or powder plus some black pepper (I like it spicy!) and of course, some chicken or pork or beef slices for accompaniment. And Voila! I have a complete meal already. And the good thing about this is that I can refrigerate the left-over and heat it up the following day without much fuss in the kitchen!

And of course, this would really be an exceptionally and exciting dish during this rainy season of the year! Again, having some meat floss (Bahoo) to go with the congee or lugaw would make this a remarkable comfort food for people of all ages, be it for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks! And maybe, help us lose some weight, too!

Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com

published in sunstar cdo Ocotber 29, 2010

Thieves, Robbers, Burglar et al…..

Chef Ed Dychauco, RN

It’ll never happen to me… I told myself. I am careful. I try to be very careful. And vigilant. But sad to say it happened. And not only once, not twice but a few more times in the last few years.

I practically spent more than 30 years of my life here in Cagayan de Oro City (better known as the City of Golden Friendship!) and way back in the 70’s, it was totally different. I can still vividly remember houses with doors wide open, large windows (minus the grills), gates ajar and yet, it was so safe. Nobody bothers anybody. Almost everyone knew everyone and was a friend in one way or the other. It was such a peaceful existence then.

In stores and shops, movie theatres and any public places anyone can enter the premises without being searched, being scrutinized. Without being humiliated. There was respect. There was dignity. It was safe.

Why am I writing this piece, instead of my usual food finds, activities and the like? Beause I am angry. I am extremely furious. I am very disappointed. I feel devastated and exploited, abused, violated and manipulated against my will. And I am sure a lot of people will agree with me or at least, can relate well with what I am going through at this time.

I lost several cellphones already to thieves. Once, I left it in the taxi cab. After which I tried to call my phone. It rang but after the 2^nd call, it went dead… lesson learned? Make sure you check everything before you get out of the cab. Although it was a cheap cellphone (I don’t even want to buy another one after I lost my 2^nd China-made cp!) I think it is what is IN the cp that is important…the contacts, the numbers. Another lesson learned? Make a hard or soft copy of the numbers and contacts. Keep them in a safe place.

The other time I lost my cp was when 2 guys (one about 8-10 years old, the other about 17-18 year old) came to the shop pretending to buy some foodstuff. Since they were talking in a different dialect that I don’t understand, I really didn’t mind them. They were somewhat arguing… maybe to distract our attention (a modus operandi perhaps?). And when they left the shop, my cp went out with them. And when I called, they just gave a swishing and giggling sound! The nerve! Lesson learned? Keep “valuable” items away from prying eyes!

Then last Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at exactly 8pm, my HP laptop was stolen from my shop. It was my very first laptop which I paid in 6 months installment plan with my hard-earned money. I thought having a laptop will help me in my business, in my keeping abreast with what’s going on in the society. And it did, until that fateful night. I never thought of buying a laptop for flaunting purposes. I bought it because I have to. I need to. That’s where I get to write my articles for my regular contributions to our local newspapers here in CDOC like SunStar CdO, Mindanao Goldstar Daily, News Express, and The Daily Corridor.

But after losing them to 2 guys (not again!), one about 15 and the other about 18-20 year old, I had the incident blottered at the OKK in Divisoria. I called up also to inform the police about the incident. A patrol car with about 4 uniformed policemen came to the shop in less than 5 minutes (that was fast!) and they said they’ll drive around to check. That was the last I heard of them. No updates whatsoever since.

As to the OKK report, I went to ask them 3 times already. They said they’ll call us for any updates. But it has been 6 days now and I haven’t heard from them since. And because of the blotter report, the robbery was televised over TV Patrol the following night, Thursday and simultaneously over MOR radio station. Friends of mine as far as Bohol heard the news. People from around the city heard the news, too. I got calls, text messages and emails from concerned friends & acquaintances regarding the robbery. It was really awful. It was devastating. What can I say? I can just offer this to God. But I still firmly believe there was just no acceptable purpose for HIM to have the laptop stolen!

I informed my Kumpare who is also in the Police force for help. Another frantic call also to an NBI friend. And I am still in a limbo. Waiting & hoping for my laptop to be returned in one piece!

Upon my own investigation, I found out that these 2 guys have been hanging around the vicinity of the shop for sometime and has been peeping inside. And as soon as they find the right timing, that piece of item was gone… faster as lighting as they say. Lesson learned? Be weary of “strangers”, even if they are properly dressed (anyway, these 2 guys were wearing shorts and shirts). Lesson learned? Don’t leave the premises unattended. And maybe, install CCTV cameras!

Incidentally, my next door neighbor (ink refilling shop) was robbed of a bag pack containing a laptop & some cash less than a month ago in front of many customers by 2 well dressed guys! Another holdup/robbery incident happened to my other neighbor (computer shop) a week after. Prior to these incidents, my other neighbor (jewelry shop) was robbed, too. Looks like the area where we are located is not getting any safer! Actually, long before I transferred to this new location a few years ago, many robberies, hold up, snatching occurrences has been heard of already. And I guess it is not only within our vicinity, but other places, too. Shouldn’t the police or the government do something about this? Can we just let this untoward incidents happen?

Questions. Why would people steal? Is it due to poverty? Is it due to greed? Is it due to loss of respect to people & property? Is it due to psychological incapacity? Do they still believe in God?

And what happen afterwards? I am very sure they don’t keep the item(s) they robbed. They would either a.) sell it cheap (that is why one should be careful when buying cheap goods. It might be stolen and the buyer can be in big trouble!), b.) trade it with something, or c.) pawn them (as in going to a pawnshop for cash). Whatever it is, I wonder if this ever happen to them, how would they feel? Won’t they feel the same way?

And then what? Would that make them happier? Better off? Richer? I am urging our government, the police force, and to all concern citizens of the city (so-called City of Golden Friendship) to help make our place a place where we can have peace, trust, love & happiness just like the way it used to be.

As of this writing, I still have not gotten my item back. Nor do I have any idea what the authorities has done.

Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com

published on sunstar cdo october 14, 2010

September Bridal Fairs, Birthdays & Cooking Demo!

Chef Ed Dychauco, RN

“I’ll see you in September, when Summer is gone!”... an old love song that i enjoy listening over & over again. Good rhythm, melody and most of all, the meaningful lyrics. Ah! September! My favourite and the best month of the year! Well, except for December, January, February, March, April, May and the rest of the months!

Recently, two exciting & fun-filled Bridal Fairs were presented in the two major malls here in Cagayan de Oro City. Several photographers, videographers, cake makers, event stylists, floral artists, fashion designers, and other wedding related suppliers all over the Philippines joined the said activity. And in both events, i was asked to put on 2 similar but different methods on “Sinful & Luscious Desserts” culinary demonstrations. And trying to minimize costs, i tried to simplify things by using basic items and turning them into really mouth-watering sweet treats for everyone to try, whether at home for the family or for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.

Using simple store-bought or personally prepared baked items like doughnuts, shakoy, cupcakes, cream puff shells, and fruits like bananas, i turned these simple items into yummy & delectable desserts by adding or filling them with melted dark, luscious chocolates, chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, crème patisserie, whipped cream, assorted & colourful sprinkles & toppings. And in doing so, it was amazing to see how simple finds can be turned into great desserts without hurting your pocket!

September is also a month where many of my relatives, friends and loved ones are celebrating their special day.

My college nursing classmate, Dahlia Alcarde of Kauswagan flew all the way from Vallejo, California to celebrate her golden year with us! Together with 2 of my other college classmates, Ms. Yayang Salvo-Gamos (Nurse Supervisor) and Ms. Girley Poblacion-Benitez (retired Lieutenant Colonel of the AFP), we decided to join hand and have a get-together birthday party last Saturday. It was a very intimate but pleasurable soiree because we get to talk about our enjoyable and glorious “past”. We had so much fun, laughter & food of course, which i personally prepared for the group! My classmates included: Ms. Joy Argayoso-Villegas (JCA Realty), Ms. Nenita Chua (Chua-Abalo Optical), Ms Florina Fabe-Dy (Nurse II), Ms. Lydia Pahuyo-Gamboa (Clincal Instructor), and our only nurse-doctor in the batch, Dr. Noeme Calvo-Requilme (Chief of Hospital, Ua-o District Hospital, Bukidnon). We sorely missed the presence of Ms. Ruth Artango-Casino (Nurse Supervisor) and many others who are either based abroad or out of town.

My youngest daughter and my wife also turned a year older this month. No fun fare, only a simple dinner with the family. But one thing is sure, we go to church first thing in the morning, light candles and to say our prayers of thanks to the Lord Almighty for all the blessings received and the many more blessings to come.

My aunt, Mrs. Adelfa Sia, the charming wife of my Uncle, Councilor Juan Sia turned 70 on the 27^th and had a big celebration with her close friends and family at the family-owned Sentro 1850 Restaurant.

And since we share the same birth date with my aunt, i always end up joining her party instead!

The other day, i got a call from Ms. Jenny Carpio, owner of Brainpoint Advertising in Manila, representing the marketing arm for McCormick Philippines asking me if i can do the honour of presenting their newest product in the market, McCormick Buffalo Wings Seasoning Mix through a culinary demonstration in Butuan City & Cagayan de Oro City. How can i turn down an activity i enjoy most?

So, after their (Jenny & her staff: Rhenz Carpio Jr (operations manager), Alvin Mendoza & Rose Ann de la Cruz (coordinators) and Angelo Alvarez (product merchandiser) early arrival from Manila Tuesday, i was picked up and we went straight to Butuan City for the afternoon launching of the newest & exciting craze to hit the town! It was a 3-hour drive and since everybody seem to be tired from their early morning flight (i was told they left their abode 2am!) at about 4am and me, having attended a dinner party the night before, we just snoozed all the way.

After setting up the stage at Gaisano Mall, we had a quick lunch. The activity started shortly after 1:30pm and was attended by many eager shoppers & diners. 3 recipes were done: the simple basic Buffalo Wings Strips, Chicken Popper Penne Salad & Roast Beef Pasta. Aside from the free tasting of the finished products, recipes and flyers were distributed. Lucky participants also went home with McCormick gift packs.

We did the same thing again Wednesday, but this time at Gaisano City Mall’s Activity Center here in the city. Mr. Gabby, Gaisano’s Mall Manager was around to give us moral support. The activity area was filled with enthusiastic participants who also got their share of our delicious cooked dishes and prizes.

I would like to thank Ms. Jenny for her trust in inviting me (through Ms. Arlene Macasusi) and her staff for making this demonstration stress-free for me. Hoping for more culinary endeavours adventures with you guys in the very near future! And of course, McCormick for the truly wonderful experience! Truly the best in the world market when it comes to spices, pre-mixes and more!

Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com

published on sunstar cdo september 30, 2010

Chinese Moon Cake Festival 2010

Chef Ed Dychauco, RN

On the 15^th day of August every year on the Chinese Lunar Calendar, which falls on the 22^nd of September this year, it is said to have the biggest & roundest full moon of the year, which is a sign of abundance. And once again, people from the Chinese community all over the world will be celebrating “Zhong Qiu Jie” (Mid-Autumn Festival).

Like the Western “Thanksgiving” celebration, the Harvest Moon is a day for family reunions. In other parts of the world, children and adults as well enjoy the sight of the Full Moon by staying outside their house, while some would even parade multi-colored lanterns along the streets, hence also known as “Lantern Festival”. As for “lovers”, it is a night that is full of romance while moon-gazing!

This exhilarating festival dates back to the Tang Dynasty in 618 A.D. and like many other celebrations, there are exciting ancient histories & legends surrounding or closely associated with it. However, in this modern world, people are more thrilled in the “game” associated with this festival than any other things. Aside of course, from the fun, camaraderie & bonding with family members & friends.

Traditionally, relatives & friends also give “Special” moon cakes as presents. Packaged nicely and quite expensive, these delicious hopia are made of lotus seed paste, red bean paste, black bean paste with salted egg yolks, representing the full moon. Some would also have nuts & seeds in them like pumpkin, sesame or watermelon seeds, almond, peanuts and walnuts. Chinese characters are also imprinted on top for longevity or harmony. Moon cakes are considered a delicacy. Producing them is labor-intensive, that is why most people prefer to buy them than making it themselves.

I grew up in a typical Chinese family in Chinatown, Manila and in doing, we always celebrate this festivity by playing the dice game with Moon cakes as prizes. Whoever get to win the 1^st prize is considered to be lucky and would have a great & fruitful year ahead.

It is the time of the year where “Hopia” maker make the most money because of this festivity. Since I come from a big family, we would normally have two sets of moon cake for the dice game, one for the “elderly” (meaning those who are married) and one for the “kids” (children & singles).

As the years passed, the traditional hopia as prizes evolved into more practical items like school supplies. However, we would also have other “special” food items as prizes. And as we play, we would also start devouring our edible “winnings”.

Usually, we kick start it with a sumptuous dinner of fresh Chinese Lumpia (a very delicious & nutritious meal by itself!). But since kids would normally eat less of the “veggies”, an array of meat, chicken and other mouth-watering dishes would also be served. Technically, the hopia becomes our “dessert” as we drink tea with it while playing.

And since we live in the heart of Chinatown where tall buildings covers the moon, we would just imagine and therefore, celebrate it in the dining table and enjoy the food, the game & the laughter instead.

When I moved here to CDO, we continue the tradition of getting together & playing. But this time, we have to have our moon cakes shipped from Manila. We also have a second set for the kids which they enjoy tremendously. We also get to see the full moon from our windows! A much better view than the one in Manila I should say!

I also get to enjoy this yearly celebration with my family with the Misamis Oriental Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Inc (MOFCCCI). In fact, everyone looks forward to this event since this is one-of-a-kind of festivity where one not only get to have fun, but to bring home lots of “prizes” (if one is lucky)!

I was born on this “special day” many, many years ago. That is why I always look forward to this occasion because it seems like everyone is celebrating my Chinese Lunar Natal Day! And that makes me very special! In fact, my Chinese name is “Zhong Qiu”, which literally means, Mid-Autumn!

Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com

published on sunstar cdo sept.22,2010