~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