Weekend Retrospective

Weekends are the only time I can spend exclusive quality time with the kids and maybe fit in a few recipe trials. Not a good combo if I'm on my own obviously. And this weekend was Dinagyang, too.

No, I didn't go out to watch the festivities but this little girl did.

I thought I'd be able to try some recipes while they were out but I underestimated the capacity of the youngest to prolong taking her nap.

By the time I got to cooking it was late afternoon already. Made some bread (from this recipe) and converted a third of the dough into cinnamon buns which I reheated for breakfast this morning.

I eyeballed the cinnamon sugar and butter mixture so no definitive recipe for these yet. It still needs a bit of work. Although it's sticky cinnamon sugar is gooey enough the dough was a bit dry. Still yummy and great with coffee, I have to say!

Blue for Breakfast

Time to revive this blog.... material seems to be an issue but then I remembered that I'd originally thought of using this to record my cooking/baking adventures. Been having a bit of those lately so why not?

Yesterday morning I made these blueberry crumb bars (adapted from an AllRecipe's recipe) and today it's breakfast. A day in the fridge hasn't hurt it at all.


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Blueberry Crumb Bars

2 1/2 cups flour
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp cinnamon
1 cup sugar
1 cup oats (quick cooking)
1 cup butter, cubed and chilled
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 can blueberry pie filling

1. Pre-heat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly oil a 13x9 or 12x12 pan.
2. Combine (sift/whisk/fork)  flour with baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Mix in sugar and oats.
3. Cut butter into the flour mixture until sandy.
4. Mix in eggs. Crumb mixture will hold when you squeeze in your hand.
5. Press half of the crumbs into the prepared pan. Spread pie filling over top and lightly pat remaining crumb mixture over it.
6. Bake foe 40-50 minutes or until top is lightly golden (sides will brown earlier so watch out).

The original recipe did call for 4 cups of fresh blueberries but since they're not available in my part of the hemisphere I have to make do with canned substitute.

I'm thinking of subbing the berries with other fruits. I'll let you know how that goes.

^

Ode to a Friend

 



This is just too beautiful not to share...

 

The Year of the Metal Rabbit

It's 2011... and once again I face new opportunities and challenges. The past year has been productive and truly wonderful. I am glad to say that my prayer has been a light. But, it's still the same prayer I offer for 2011 with a few additions.

Let me feel my fears and doubts with utmost realization

that I may step into the next moment with clarity.

I open my self to the possibilities of this year

and offer all efforts to the attainment of peace and harmony.

Let me face both success and failure with a clean heart

and remember that the ultimate measure

is my contribution to other's happiness.

Photo by Victor Nuno, Enlighting Hope

In a vacation to Bohol last year, we visited Baclayon Church and offered a candle prayer. I lighted a red candle for life, courage, and passion. May we all have the three for the new year.

my prayer for 2010

"Whatever joy there is in this world
All comes from desiring others to be happy,
And whatever suffering there is in this world,
All comes from desiring myself to be happy. "
-Shantideva

Photo by Victor Nuno, Birth

Let me face this new year with love and compassion,
ever mindful of my thoughts, words, and deeds;
on guard against greed, anger, and ignorance.
Let me look back in remembrance of the people,
places, and opportunities of the past year
that have helped me become a better person.
Let me rejoice in gratitude for the coming of the new year
with all its blessings and challenges.
I open myself to its abundance,
welcoming change and the many chances
whereby I may continue to be of help to others
in any aspect that I am able.
Let me have the strength to continue my practice,
with the grace of those around me,
offering its fruits to the well-being and happiness of every being.