Exciting things to do and eat on a rainy day

By Chef Ed Dychauco, RN

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

I LIKE rain. I love it when it rains. The weather is cool and wet. Life seems to be in a standstill. The environment is quiet and people appear to be in a calm mood. Nobody is in a hurry.

Especially if one is at home and has nothing to do except to just bundle up and take time slowly. This, I think, is the best time to indulge in our comfort zone, cleaning up, reading a book, enjoying the company of our loved ones -- be it watching a movie, having some coffee or tea with some sandwiches or cooking our favorite meals that everyone would enjoy.

For a typical home, there are always things to do. To clean up or to rearrange. It's a never ending thing. Especially if you have kids around. But look at it this way, you're getting your exercise in some way. Not bad, huh?

You can also ask your children to help you in some household chores, a better way of training them for the future. Simple tasks like sweeping the floor, folding linens or chopping vegetables. A hands-on experience, indeed. What about listening to your favorite music while doing all these? Wouldn't that be wonderful?

What about taking out "history"? I am sure we all have old photographs in our cabinets. Take them out. Show them to your family. It would be a nice way of tracing roots and getting to know your ancestors. Besides, having a laugh or two would surely perk up your time with everyone!

For little kids, why not teach them how to read or write? Or draw? Or do some art works? It is always exciting to come up with unique, one-of-a-kind artistic work that parents and kids do together. Play a game (but not the one in the computer) and have fun!

Growing up, we have our favorite dishes that bring back so many childhood memories. It could be a very simple dish or an elaborate cuisine prepared at home or store-bought. Whatever it is, it would always linger in our minds and in so many ways, we also get to teach the next generation. Then, what is good for the rainy days?

For starters, soups! That chunky and hearty chicken-macaroni soup would do wonder for us. What about that hot Sotanghon soup? Lomi? Misua? The list can go on. And for sure, arroz caldo, lugaw and mami would be some of our favorites that can warm us during those chilly days and nights.

Have you noticed that even on a hot weather we still take in hot meals? So, what's wrong with ice cream, halo halo, or even maiz con hielo, on these typical days? I would love to dig on my favorite ice cream topped with chocolates and nuts!

The other day I was craving for binignit and I was so happy that I took the time to prepare it. Hot or cold, I love it either way! But I like my binignit very thick and with lots of banana, langka and sago. What about you?

Hot or cold sandwiches go well with soups. Particularly roast beef or pork sandwiches. Try it with minestrone, or even just plain lugaw. I can imagine myself doing it right now in the comfort of my dining table. Having friends around would always do the trick, too!

Just a few ideas here. But enjoying the company of your loved ones, be it family members or friends, on those rainy days or nights would surely be a good bonding time -- one that would be cherished forever. And how often do we do these, by the way? We are always on the run. But again, why not stop and smell the roses?

Enjoy life! (Website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com; email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on January 20, 2011.