Have you seen your dream kitchen?

We decided to eat out a couple of days back and of course, because it was a spur of the moment thing, we had to wait for a table. Fortunately, like most places, they had a selection of magazines you can browse through ranging from fashion to entertainment to home and garden. Absentmindedly, I picked up a copy of one of the latter types and lo and behold... I saw my dream kitchen.

A couple of years back, when hubby and I decided to move out, our first investment was a lot. As soon as the first payment in series of many was made, we started planning for our house. We never really finalized it until now, but I remember him telling me, that once we start designing it, I get complete control over the kitchen.

Since then, every time we'd go to a builder's depot, I would start looking around for stainless steel kitchen sink sets. That's one thing I told hubby I wanted, to have a grayscale kitchen, almost everything in stainless steel or in shades of black and white. I also started window shopping for a black or white kitchen pantry cabinet, like that of Nigella's. I absolutely love her pantry cabinet, and what's inside it.

Also, I wanted one of those nooks. I personally haven't been to a kitchen with a nook but I love how cozy it looks when I watch cooking shows. It seems so comfortable eating a quick bite in those cozy little nooks, with their cozy kitchen chair pads.

Looking at these types of magazines make me so giddy with excitement especially because we're planning on having our house designed by next year, and I get total control over MY kitchen. I have a lot plans with my kitchen, especially since I have a little girl already (who turned 2 today). I dream of baking and cooking with her, and sharing lots of mommy-daughter bonding and stories.

How about you? Have you seen your dream kitchen? Or are you already living in it?

South Invasion

Don't you just love Facebook?

Finally, Fish & Co.'s "There's Meat to our Name" Promo hits the south. This time, the first 25 responders win free dinners to their branch at the Alabang Town Center. I don't know if I made it to the first 25, but I'm hoping I did since I've been very curious about their line of food.

I'm not much of a fish lover, thus the reluctance to eat there. But I've seen pictures of MEAT everywhere from them that I know I just might love them too :)

Let's wait and see if I qualified. If not, then... we shall still see. Who knows, my next blog may be my first experience in Fish & Co. on the 23rd. What a great birthday treat to my little girl who's turning 2 on Friday.


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Pork Menudo (minus the liver)

This is my mom's recipe and I'm so happy it turned out great (or maybe I'm just used to her cooking). I never learned to eat liver so I used liver spread instead.

Pork Menudo
3/4 kilo pork rump, cut into strips approx 1 inch by 1/2 inch, washed and drained
1/2 head of big garlic, crushed
1 big red onion, minced

6 small tomatoes, sliced
2-3 small boxes of Sun Maid raisins, approx 300-400 grams
2-3 pieces bay/laurel leaves
1 small pack tomato sauce
1 can liver spread (or 1/2 if a toddler will eat with you)
2 medium carrots, diced
3 medium potatoes, diced

1. In medium sized skillet (there will be a bit of sauce in the end), saute garlic and onions. When onions have caramelized, add tomatoes and saute to soften. Crush tomatoes when soft to add flavor. When all the tomatoes have been crushed, add raisins and saute for about 2 minutes on medium heat.
2. Add pork and sear for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the pork changes it's pinkish color to white, cover and simmer on low heat.
3. When pork is half-cooked, add tomato sauce. You can put 1/2 cup of hot water in the pack to rinse the remaining sauce, it will also thin the sauce a little. Add liver spread. You can put the 1 can in it if you want. I just used half because I have a toddler who doesn't like the taste of liver much.
4. Season with salt and pepper, or add soy sauce to adjust saltiness.
5. Add potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes until they are tender.
6. Serve hot, preferably over cooked rice.
7. Enjoy!

Will post picture tomorrow. Waiting for hubby to come home so I can use his lappy.