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

Merry month of May festivities

By Ed Dychauco, RN

THE month of May is almost over, yet people are still enjoying the merry month of summer here in the Philippines. Most of us look forward to summer because it is at this time that we get to relax, to enjoy nature, to travel with our loved ones, or just to do nothing.

However, I also found out that summer is also a time when parent has to even work more in preparation on for the coming school years’ tuition fees. I, for one, have to make sure that I have enough finances for the coming school year.

At any rate, let’s ponder and recall with much reverence on the things that happen during the month of May which have changed our lives.

First, we have Flores de Mayo which I think is losing its essence and importance because I barely hear people talk about it nowadays. This tradition goes back many, many years ago and as far as I remember, used to be a part of our Catholic lives while growing up in a small community. Having spent several years and countless summers in Mambajao, Camiguin as a child, I saw this custom and practice evolved right before my eyes and in doing so, made my summer more exciting and meaningful.

In the mid or late afternoon, kids dressed up in their best carries fresh flowers (usually roses, bougainvillas, kalachuchi, gumamela, lirio, santan and sometimes, orchids) to offer to the Blessed Virgin Mary. They are also taught how to pray the rosary, and other prayers. Usually, headed by nuns or lay people, catechism is also included in the afternoon “classes”. I believe this to be a very good start and lay a solid foundation for kids to know more about God and religion.

As a grand finale for this month, we would have lovely ladies and gentlemen joining “Santa Cruzan”, which is normally held at the last day of the month (if it falls on a weekend). It is usually an honor to be hailed as “Reyna Elena”. I can’t remember the names and titles of the many other “sagalas” but i surely remember taking part of this during my younger days in Mambajao, as one of the lady’s escort. And if I am not mistaken, that was the first and last. My niece was also the “Rose of May” during the festivities.

Fiestas! Where in the Philippines would celebrate the month of May without fiestas? And I am sure everybody would agree with me that Bohol would be one of the places with the most fiestas during this month. Fiesta is celebrated in honour of the feast day of a particular Catholic saint. And as tradition would have it, we celebrate to give respect to them by attending the Holy Procession & Holy Mass. Aside from the 2 or 3 days non-stop celebration of food! For the past many years, it have dwindled to only one day, instead of a “ante, desperas and fiesta proper” as I recall.

I remember having attended several Holy Masses during my childhood years in Camiguin with my maternal Grandma, Maria Tuante de Sia and my mom, Pacita which is usually held at 9 or 10 in the am or 4 or 5 in the afternoon in the several barrios that we visited. After which, we would be brought to the houses of our friends for a sumptuous lunch or dinner which would include of course, a crispy, tender suckling pig as the main course. There would be other mouth-watering dishes like humba, afritada, hamonada, dinuguan, pancit, lumpia, embotido, sinugba, barbque, macaroni salad, sotanghon, fried chicken, fruit salad, buko salad, suman, puto, bibingka, kutchinta, leche flan, torta and of course, the authentic pastel. Of course, there are variations to the menu, but this is what I have observed to the regular “mainstays”.

And not only that, we also get to bring home more foods which can last for a couple of days! If we don’t get to visit them, they would send us a kilo or more of fresh pork, torta (made the “old” way) and again, pastel which we would enjoy tremendously. How I wish we can bring back the times!

During the month of May, we take pleasure in travelling to nearby towns and barrios. Since I grew up in Manila, I would always look forward to going home to Camiguin during summer. Aside of course from the fiestas that I get to attend when I am there, I also look forward to going and spending time in the unspoiled beaches and virgin forests, waterfalls, hot and cold springs. There I get to eat the freshest catch of the days from the bountiful seas and the freshest vegetables and many tropical fruits that abound. It was a time to really relax and enjoy the fresh sea air or the cool mountain air while sipping freshly picked buko from the trees!

Now, many have changed. We no longer see the things we grew up with except probably in the movies or just plainly reminisce them with family and friends. Kids now attend to summer classes in arts or the like. They travel abroad for further trainings or updates to be competitive. Parents spend so much to make sure their kids are at par or much better than others. Question: when do we stop to become aggressive and just live life to the fullest with simple needs and less stress?

Life has become fast-paced. There’s so much traffic and pollution. There are just so much stressors in our lives. We rarely even see our married family members or friends. We even hardly talk to them. What a shame. Guess this is what we call “globalization”.

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

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on May 27, 2010.

http://74.124.194.219/cagayan-de-oro/merry-month-may-festivities

Wofex Visayas 2010 Chef

Ed Dychauco, RN

Pots and Pans

ONE annual event I wouldn't dare miss is Wofex (World Food Exposition). This is a yearly affair that takes place in three major cities in the Philippines. Wofex is held at the World Trade Center in Manila in the month of August, Wofex Visayas at Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) in April and Wofex Mindanao in the month of June, at the Bangko Sentral in Davao City.

I was invited to conduct a demonstration by the Premier Events Plus Group, Inc. which is skilfully chaired by the youthful-looking Mr. Joel Pascual and his two equally pretty "angels", Ms. Ria and Ms. Chari. This year, the event took place from April 15-18 at CICC. I flew to Cebu on the third day instead of the usual first day because of prior commitments. Besides, my demo was scheduled on Saturday, April 17 in the afternoon.

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CICC was packed with so much people who are either in the food industry or planning to be in it. This year was a lot better than last year (although I attended only the first day) in terms of exhibitors, participants and activities. It was also held back to back with the Dairy Congress on the second floor of the center. I also got to meet Ms. Wilma of Highland Fresh manning the booth, whom I haven't seen for ages.

Entitled "Simply Blooming Edibles...An Exciting Introduction To Basic Gumpaste Flower-Making", the live "hands-on" demo was well-attended by several baking and cake decorating enthusiasts. The basic fundamentals and major discussion was on the making of Philippines gumpaste (the medium for making sugar flowers), the things to consider like preparation, storage, coloring, etc.

Bringing with me several basic flower cutters and moulders, the participants eagerly had their share of fun in creating their own "edibles". They were also taught to make flowers "free-hand", meaning without the use of cutters. Several variations and varieties of daisies were made. Other flowers include: calla lily, gerbera, Easter lily, assorted leaves and roses.

Nino Tello Lazo of Darling Food Products was also invited to do a demo on Basic Meat Processing in the afternoon of April 18th. With him was his beautiful wife, Lourissa who actually served as our "official photographer" during our presentation. A short lecture on the "ingredients" was done prior to the actual Chorizo, Longganisa and Tocino-making. Freshly cooked processed meats as mentioned were also delightfully tasted by the participants.

After my demo, I was able to take time to visit the booths. I also get to meet suppliers and friends from the industry. I had a good time talking with them, tasting their products...for free of course! Again, it was an eye-opener for new me to see new trends, products & services in the culinary industry.

I would like to thank Mr. Tony of Sinmag Bakery Machine Corporation for the new baking equipment and utensils, Mr Jack of Equilibrium Intertrade Corporation for the delicious coffee, Mr. Marvin of Virginia Foods for the Hungarian Sausage and Hotdogs, Ms. Ria and Ms. Chari for making my short stay in Cebu remarkably enjoyable and also for the fantastic "token of appreciation"!

Of course, I would also like to thank all our "official" drivers and tour guides (friends of Nino and my new found friends): Mr. Jude del Rio of Judphilan Corporation who picked us up at the airport and treated us to a hearty and delicious breakfast at Inaputi, a restaurant located at Cebu Business Park, Mr. Tata Yap of Aromatise Corporation who pampered us to a sumptuous late lunch at the newly-opened Classic Savoury Restaurant(a restaurant we frequently dine with my family in Manila during my younger days) in SM Mall, Mr Roel Gallo, and my Kumpadre, Mr Dave Ong and his sister, Gracie for the many exciting dinners and sinful-desserts treats (will feature my food finds and escapades in my future write-ups) and Ninong Samson Ong for making my stay always a memorable one at their abode.

And last but not the least, to Mr. Pascual and his staff for believing in me and inviting me to participate in this prestigious event. See you in Davao City!

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

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on April 23, 2010.

http://74.124.194.219/cagayan-de-oro/wofex-visayas-2010-chef

My Food Trip in Cebu City

By Ed Dychauco, RN

I WAS in Cebu City last week for Wofex Visayas where I did a Gum Paste Flower Making demonstration at Cebu International Convention Center.

While I was there, I had the opportunity of visiting and took the pleasure of treating myself to quite a few new restaurants and food shops. And this is from a lot of my “sponsors”. And by sponsors, I mean my “new-found friends” (Thanks to Nino Lazo of Darling Foods) and my Kumpare, Dave Ong and sister, Gracie.

After our (Nino and wife, Lourizza) arrival in Cebu, we was treated to “Ilaputi”, a cozy restaurant at the Cebu Business Park. I ordered Chinese Chicken Jambalaya, a big bowl of rice mixed with Hungarian Sausage & Chicken slices. It tasted so good that I consumed the whole bowl while chatting with Mr. Jude Del Rio of Judphilan Corporation, who was our host that morning. The others had the usual breakfast fare, cornsilog and hamsilog.

We were treated to the newly-opened “Classic Savory Restaurant” at SM Mall. It was truly a blast from the past! I used to frequent Savory Restaurant along Escolta St. in Manila when I was a kid. It was there where we had our very special meals during very special occasions like birthday celebrations. I can still recall the times when we would go there for the BEST Fried Chicken in town! It was always a big treat for us. When I saw the black and white picture collage of the “old Manila” on the wall, I just have to take some photos, for posterity sake. It really brought back a lot of pleasant and wholesome childhood memories. What about the food? What can I say? The chicken tasted like the chicken I remembered. The noodles? Just great! Again, this late lunch was a treat from Mr. Tata Yap of Aromatise Corporation.

The following food trips were made possibly by my good looking Kumpadre and his equally beautiful sister. First stop was at a restaurant that serves native foods, Tsiboom and is located at the Parkmall, just across Cebu International Convention Center. We had pinakbet, bicol express, sizzling bangus and baby back ribs. A very satisfying meal indeed!

The following night, we decided to have Pizza and Pasta at Giuseppe, a well-known Italian Restaurant that serves real authentic foods, made the Italian way. The pizza and the pasta were so good that I forgot to write down the names of the two dishes. Thin crust with lots of Prosciutto, sausage and mozzarella cheese that practically melts in your mouth! Just writing about this is making my mouth water!

What is “real” food without desserts? Well, we visited La Marea Pastry Shop and Lavazza Café and had our share of their ice cream-topped brownie dessert. Just delicious. Another yummy dessert was the very famous “Razon’s” Halo-halo which is conveniently located across SM Mall. I can’t believe they only have three major ingredients in the mixture: macapuno, banana and leche flan. At first glance, I wasn’t really impressed with it because it looks so “bare” and I had the mistake of eating the leche flan which was on top of the thinly crushed ice. I was given a few more slices by Ms. Emilie de Vera, the owner and was told to include the leche flan in the mixture. So, I did. It was delightful & heavenly! Not too sweet, just right! I can have more if not for my bulging “tummy”!

After all these good food finds, it was time to relax. And we just had that at Thewi Spa, a traditional Thai Massage and Spa Center. The back massage was really soothing for my tired and aching muscles and did wonders to my system.

Coming home after four short days would not be complete without “pasalubongs” from the Queen City of the South: Titays Rosquillos, Shamrocks Otap, and La Fortuna’s Masi! I have to pay excess luggage for all of these but it paid off when I saw how my family enjoyed all of these goodies!

For all the good times we shared and the times to be shared in the very near future, I would like to thank my Ninong Samson Ong, Kumpadre Dave and Gracie for a wonderful time again. And looking forward to our “eating”sessions ahead!

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

Published in the Sun.Star Cagayan de Oro newspaper on April 29, 2010.

http://74.124.194.219/cagayan-de-oro/my-food-trip-cebu-city

50 golden years of baking

By Chef Ed Dychauco

Thursday, February 4, 2010

WITH the advent of modern technology, we also find ourselves modernizing and updating in the latest trends and developments in the culinary world. In baking, we have definitely come a long way from the 60's up to the present, roughly 50 years now.

I started baking with my sister, the late Gloria Dychauco, in the 60's when I was still very young. And as far as I can remember, we used a manually hand-held mixer. And mind you, not the electric hand-held mixer but the one that we have to use our both hands to create foams for the cake batter and icing. What a very tedious process it is! And takes ages to bet I tell you! But again, we were able to come up with cakes & frostings that are unequalled in taste and maybe, in simple presentations then.

We also use a lot of "wooden" spoon in our mixing! And following recipes, we have to count the number of times in beating or folding to "achieve" the proper mixture! Whew! That was how the recipes' procedure says. And being new & inexperienced in this field, do we have a choice?

Then came the hand-held mixers (hurray!), which made our lives so much easier and effortless! We continue to use this wonderful technology today but it does not perform effectively as the heavy-duty mixers when it comes to mixing a large or complicated batch of dough. This I always tell my customers and students in my baking and cake decorating class: if you really love baking and intend go into this kind of business, invest in a good heavy-duty mixer and save time for other activities rather than spending in cheap hand-held mixers that would wear out sooner than expected, which in the long run would cost you more.

Believe me, I've been there myself. Aside from the fact that your hands would start to quiver even before you start baking or decorating! You wouldn't want to have "zigzag" designs in all of your cakes, would you?

We started baking in that little green stovetop oven with a "thermostat" control in the front glass window (which I still get to see being sold in some supermarkets!) with our tube pans using our gas stove. I also noticed small pizza entrepreneurs using this until now. Larger ovens were quite expensive during those times.

Then came the bigger, more spacious gas ovens which were built to bake a layer of 12" x 9" cakes, or a tray of cookies or muffins. We were having a great time baking almost weekly and trying new recipes when they come out in newspapers! It doesn't matter whether it came out right or not, as long as it goes straight into our tummy!

Recipe books were rare commodities and having one was really fun and exciting! That is why whenever a recipe comes out in the daily papers, we would cut, clip and save them in our folders. We keep them like precious items and in fact, I still have some in my possession. Most of the recipes have been transferred to my computer for safekeeping, though. And when time and money permits, we would try to bake them and enjoy the goodies with everyone in the family. It was surely a treat for all of us.

Culinary classes were unheard of before although I am sure they were available to the more "elite" ones. I remember some radio stations teaching cooking and baking on air. And we would listen on our "battery-operated transistor radio". That would probably be tough to do today. But during those times, we would pick up our pens and start to jot down everything we hear. And try to duplicate it later in the kitchen. We didn't get a television set till the late 60's. There were very few "segments" on baking and cooking then. So there was really nothing on TV to watch.

Ingredients before were also hard to find. There were no shops that sell bakery ingredients and accessories to "small" time home bakers. We can only buy them in grocery stores. And maybe in Divisoria (I practically grew up in Manila). And they don't even carry everything we need. That is why sometime, we have to forego a certain recipe we wanted to work on until we can buy them elsewhere. As neophytes, we don't know how to "substitute" ingredients.

Fast forward to this day.

Presently, a lot of homemakers still use the electric hand-held mixers and so with the stove-top ovens in their kitchen but more have invested in the more modern oven which they have used in making cakes and pastries for their families and friends. It does make our lives so much simpler and easier.

Recipe books are now plentiful. Culinary TV shows and classes are everywhere. There are TV culinary shows in many stations. In fact, one can even find recipes in newspapers, magazines, books, CD's and DVD's. And of course, who would forget the Internet? The search for the best ultimate recipe one wants is practically endless. Aren't we lucky?

Ingredients like flour, sugar, eggs, baking powder, cocoa powder and many other basic and hard-to-find ingredients can now be bought in supermarkets, bakery specialty stores, and even in your friendly neighborhood stores! Either you want it in small quantities or in large scales, they can be purchased easily.
I know of many people who know how to bake. I have taught countless of eager students in baking and with utmost humility, they have been very successful in their endeavor. Many join my classes with no prior experience at all while the others, attends my classes for new updates and recipes. Here, they get to find new friends who are willing to share and exchange ideas.

I personally would suggest to aspiring bakers to start with simple recipes and techniques in baking before going into the more intricate art of fancy baking. Enjoy and put your heart in it! Start with something easy like cookies, brownies and bars and cupcakes. Then gradually get into the more complex cakes and elaborate pies and pastries.

And lastly, invest in good and high quality baking equipment and accessories that would give you years of enjoyment and pleasure. It also saves you a lot of money in the long run this way! Aside from a heavy duty mixer and a thermostat-controlled oven, invest in good wire whisk, spatula, scraper, calibrated and ups and spoons, baking tins, rolling pins, mixing bowls and cooling racks as a start. Use also the finest ingredients if you want your baked products to come out smelling and tasting good! This, I assure you would make your family and friends yearn for more of your baked goodies!

Happy Baking and Happy Eating! Enjoy! (Website: www.potsnpans1976.multiply.com email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/50-golden-years-baking

Funny ways to say I love You on a Chinese New Year!

By Chef Ed Dychauco

Thursday, February 11, 2010

NOW that I have caught all your attention, I would like to greet all of our dear readers a very warm, loving and affectionate Happy Valentine*s Day and a very prosperous, harmonious and lucky Chinese New Year!

It is remarkable to celebrate two huge and immense occasions in one day. And we are very lucky this year because we are not only celebrating Hearts Day on February 14 but also the Chinese Lunar Year of the Tiger!

I don’t remember having these two great occasions celebrated in one day until this year. I just hope that there will be overflowing love from everyone since we are starting another great year. And as the song goes, “What the world needs now, is love, sweet love!”

How do we say I Love You (Wo Ai Nee in Mandarin) on this special day? I believe that love should come from the heart. Make sure we mean it when we say these three simple but very meaningful words. We should show our loving and caring side to the people we love and adore. Be it to your boyfriend, girlfriend, grandparents, parents, brothers or sisters, teachers, relatives or even, friends.

On this special and auspicious day, here are some funny, clever ways that can brighten and cheer up your special someone. And even make him/her laugh out loud (LOL)!

a. Start the day with a cheerful burgundy, crimson, scarlet, cherry or red note that says “I Love You!” posted on an area where it can be seen right away, like the cabinet door, refrigerator or mirror. Better yet, include that sweet note in your “breakfast in bed” scheme with a red rose or a bunch of roses. Use chopsticks for that “Chinese” feel! Cover the tray with a velvety red cloth for added excitement and thrill. Sprinkle red rose petals on the floor leading to the breakfast table that has an “Asian” theme.

b. Send her a bouquet of flowers she likes very much. It doesn’t have to be red roses. It can be red mums, red gerberas, red orchids, or any other red flowers. Artificial flowers will last...forever! Give him something or saying something special in return. Like a kiss or a hug. Or maybe something unforgettable (like saying “Wo Ai Nee”)

c. Treat him/her to a special meal (Chinese meal will be great! Especially if it’s “Eat All You Can!” so you’d have your money’s worth!) where both of you can spend “quality” time. It can be in his/her favourite restaurant, diner, turo-turo or even the beach or mountain where there is “unlimited rice and drinks”, too. Have some wine, coffee or iced Chinese tea.

d. Give a special item that he/she adores. A red stuffed toy, a red candy bar, a layer of red-colored cake, a heart-shaped cookie, a piece of gold or gold-like jewelry, or an “Ang Pao, a red envelope with a lot of money inside.” Anything as long as it is meaningful and red! See? So valentine and yet so “Chinese”!

e. Go on a short day trip wearing red (Chiongsam for the women?) and enjoy the scenery bringing with you a “surprise”. Remember, Hearts Day and Chinese New Year’s Day fall on a Sunday this year! So better have a day off or else...

f. Go to a mall and watch the “Dragon Dance” and be enthralled & enchanted by the skills and dexterity of the dragon dancers while holding hands. Sometime they also visit the neighborhood. So if you happen to be in the vicinity, go watch it together. And if you feel generous, these dancers accept “Ang pao”.

g. Go shopping for good luck charms (this is the year of the metal tiger), watch a Chinese movie or better yet, buy or rent a Chinese-themed DVD (Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger, perhaps?) and watch it together in your own abode decorated with red lamps munching on Chinese delicacies like “kiamoy, water melon or squash seeds, champoy, etc.” Or listen to authentic “Chinese” love songs for that oriental love theme & mood.

h. Hold her hands. Hug her. Kiss her. And make sure she wears “red” lipstick so you’ll end up having lipstick marks all over! Wouldn’t that be great? What a show off!

i. If you are more on family ties, why not prepare the authentic Fresh Chinese Lumpia? This is good for your health, remember. Take the pleasure of being with your love one and his/her family on this exceptional day. Get to know your partner’s family.

j. End the day with a big bang! Have some colourful and noisy fireworks (to drive out “evil” spirits as they say)! And if you’re afraid or scared of getting hurt because of the explosions, well, think of something that can be done safely. Oh, come on, think of something!!!

k. But most of all have fun. It is the start of a new year and what a better way to say I love you in a very special but funny and out-of-this-world way!

On a serious note, giving love on this special day doesn’t have to be expensive. One need not spend so much on anything. There are so many affordable items that can be bought in the malls or stores. Better yet, give your love one something edible. Something he/she will enjoy alone or together. Like a layer of heart-shaped cake, heart-shaped cookie, or rose or heart-shaped chocolate candy.

This Valentine/New Year, Pots & Pans Home Bake & Coffee Shop offers a “good for 2” Chocolate Moist cake or Mini Black Forest Cake at P85.00. Heart-shaped cookies with Valentine messages start at P15.00 and up depending on the sizes. Dark, luscious and mouth-watering Chocolate candies on a stick starts at P12.00. Other heart shaped or valentine-themed cakes can range from P150.00 and up. On the spot message can also be written on the cake. One can also have their cake customized to their liking depending on their budget (pre-order only). A nice idea is to give her a very personalized Edible Image (Photo Cake) with your “love” photo or a dozen of chocolate cupcakes decorated with roses!

Tikoy (sweet sticky rice cake), another delicious Chinese delicacy is also being sold at very affordable prices. Because Tikoy is sweet and sticky, it is said to bring good luck and good family ties, especially when given to you. If it can do wonder for the family, then why not your special one? But I am sure buying one for oneself serves the same purpose. And since it is Valentine & Chinese New Year, why not give both instead?

Tikoy can be eaten as it is, sliced pieces fried in oil, coated with scrambled eggs or wrapped in lumpia wrapper. To make your Tikoy more special, it can be prepared in this manner: put a slice of Tikoy with a slice of langka (jackfruit), a dab of ube jam, chopped nuts or pieces of corn kernel before wrapping. Then fry as usual. With a crunchy wrapper & a soft & chewy filling inside, it is just delightful! What a delectable treat! Savor it with a cup of hot tea, plain or flavored. Coffee also goes well with Tikoy, if you prefer it that way.

Take time to relax and enjoy it with friends, family and loved-ones and have fun. Remember, these two special occasions rarely happens together and on a Sunday at that! So, make it a point to take pleasure in appreciating what life has to offer! Start the New Year right! Give love and be loved all year round!

Kung Hei Fat Chuy! (in Mandarin). Kiong Hee Huat Chai! (in Fookien)

(Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com , website: www.potsnpans1976.multiply.com)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/funny-ways-say-i-love-you-chinese-new-year