~Star Bread~

I have been longing a bread that taste just like what we have back home. Since starbread is one of my favorite bread - - I never stopped searching recipe that resembles its taste. It was two weeks ago when I got bored and thought maybe its time to try making the bread.

I was thrilled and happy that I finally got the taste of the bread that I remembered back home. I could say, I nailed it! hahahaha! 

Starbread Recipe:

2 cups bread flour

2 cups all purpose flour  plus 1/2 for dusting.

1 tsp. iodize salt

3/4 sugar

1/4 c. butter (melted) plus more brushing

2 eggs

1 yolk

1 cup fresh milk or (Evaporated milk)

3 tps. active dry yeast.

1/4 cup. powedered milk.

-Dissolve yeast in a warm milk , then sprinkle with a pinch of the sugar; set aside, undisturbed, until foamy, about 5 -10 minutes. 

-Whisk the melted butter, egg yolk, eggs, into the yeast mixture until well combined.

- In a large bowl, whisk the flour, powdered milk,  the remaining sugar, and salt. Make a well in the center, then add the yeast mixture and stir with a wooden spoon to make a thick and slightly sticky dough. Turn out onto a floured surface and knead until soft and elastic, about 6 minutes. Shape into a ball. 

-Brush a large bowl with butter. Add the dough, turning to coat lightly with the butter. Cover with plastic wrap and let rise at room temperature until the dough is doubled in size, about 1 hour, 30 minutes. 

-Punch dough down. Turn onto a floured surface and knead briefly to release excess air;  

-Make golf-ball size pieces of the dough into round bun shapes and place rolls in a greased cookie pan/sheet. Let rise for 30 minutes.

- Using a kitchen scissor make  X cut on top of each dough. then brush with melted butter. 

Bake in a preheated 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes.

~Lechon Kawali~ (Crispy Fried Pork Belly)

 It was a going away party of my friends when I first made lechon kawali. I never thought it turned out well for it was my first attempt , but it did. From then on, this recipe always be in my table when ever party comes. Not hard to do,,, just put all the ingredients and boil the meat until tender, then fry it, then boom! Done. :-) ♥

~ Lechon Kawali ~  ( Crispy Fried Pork Belly)

Ingredients:
2 lbs. Pork belly
1 tbsp. Salt
1 tbsp Whole pepper corn
6 pieces Dried bay leaves
8 cups Water
¼ Vinegar
1 Medium onion
4 cloves crushed garlic
MSG (optional)
Cooking Oil

Instructions:
- Combine all ingredients in a pot and bring to a boil until the meat is tender but not overcooked. (Make sure to cover the meat with water).
- Drain the water and remove the pork from the pot.
- Let the meat cool down for a few minutes.
- Heat oil in a pan in a medium fire.
- Slowly put the pork in a hot oil and cook for 5-10 minutes until golden brown or the skin is crisp.
- Flip the meat and cook the opposite side for another 5-10 minutes or until done.
- Let it cool down and cut the meat in the desired size. Enjoy!

~Sesame Balls~

My own version of sesame balls with chunky peanut butter filling. You can add any fillings you desire into the sesame balls. This is a very easy and simple recipe to make. A good snacks and good to go with coffee or tea.

Sesame balls:

Ingredients:
3 cups cup glutinous rice flour
¾ cup sugar
1 cup water (include the water for small dough)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup roasted white sesame seeds (Store bought)
½ cup chunky peanut butter for filling
water for dipping
more glutinous rice flour for dusting
oil for frying.

Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, take ¼ cup glutinous rice flour out and mix a little bit of water at a time. Knead until smooth and form into a ball.

2. In a pot bring some water to boil and then cook the small dough for around 2 to 3 minutes and once cooked soak it in a cold water to cool down.

3. In a large bowl, mix the rest of the flour with sugar and baking powder. And then add the cooked dough in. Break it with hand and slowly stir in water. Continue kneading until smooth dough.

4.  Shape the dough into a long log and then divide into equal portions. Shape each portion into a round ball.

5. Shape the small glutinous rice balls into a bowl and then wrap around the filling (peanut butter) in. Seal completely and shape into a around ball again.

6. Prepare two bowls: one with clean water and the other with sesame. Take one ball with one hand, quick dip with water and then roll the ball in to the sesame bowl with another hand. Make sure the balls are covered with sesame seeds.

7. Heat enough oil in a deep fryer to at lest cover the sesame balls.
 Slowly add the sesame balls once the oil is ready and cook until slightly golden brown.

8. Cool it down and Enjoy!

~Kitchen Herbs~

When I was 5-6 years old as I remember , we have herb plants that my late father was fond of; it was placed close to the kitchen.

Kitchen herbs give aroma to the house and are very convenient when you cook. You can just pick them fresh and they give good flavors to your cooking. Oregano, Mint, Rosemary, Turmeric, Green onions, Lemon grass are some kitchen herbs that are easy to take care and will give a great look and smell in the kitchen.

Oregano

Turmeric

                                     

Lemon Grass

 Onions

 Rosemary

Mint

~Shrimp Fried Rice~

I thought of making my own version of Fried Rice that doesn't have too much stuff in it. My kids  freak out if they see too many veggies , so I made one to cater their tastes. It was a big hit and they instantly loved it.

~Shrimp Fried Rice~

Ingredients:
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoons sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 tablespoons butter
1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 teasppon onion powder
1/4 up carrots diced
1/2 cup frozen peas
3 cups cooked rice ( left over rice)
2 eggs

　
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger powder, black pepper and onion powder; set aside.
2. Heat the butter in a large skillet or wok over medium high heat. Add the garlic and cook until a little brown, then add the shrimp, stirring occasionally, until pink or cook about 2-3 minutes;
3. Stir in carrots, and peas, cook and stirring constantly, until vegetables are tender,
4. Add the rice in, and the soy sauce mixture. Blend it well, until heated through, about 2 minutes.
5. Push the rice mixture to one side of the pan/wok.
6. Cook the eggs in the empthy side of the pan/wok , stirring occasionally, when the egg is cooked, stir in with the rice mixture until well blended.

Serve immediately.

~Merry Christmas~

From our Home to Yours - - Merry Christmas♥♥♥

~Hello December~

Hello December - I can't wait for the blessings you bring :-)