My Christmas Wish

I’ve always wanted to have someone to think about, someone to dream about, because when I don’t it’s like there’s nothing there. I know I don’t need someone to make me happy, and I should know that I must love myself more before loving someone else, but let me tell you this, though I’m not [...]

Thoughts of a Blood Donor

(This is a poem I read in a pamphlet about blood donation… I’ve thought of sharing this with you.) I gave my blood, Christ gave His. I gave a pint. He gave all. The needle is small and sharp. the nails were large and dull. The cot is soft and restful. The cross, rough and [...]

Friendly Reminders Before and After Donating Blood

Before Donating Blood: * Have enough rest and sleep. * No alcohol and medicine intake for at least 24 hours. * Eat light meals, avoid fatty acids. * Maintain a healthy body. * Drink plenty of fluids like water and juice. After Donating Blood: * Increase fluid intake like water and juice. * Avoid stooping [...]

Blood Donation and Its Benefits

Blood is a vital fluid. It is important treatment of: * accidents * hemorrhages * burns * anemia * major operations * bleeding after childbirth * leukemias * thalassemias * bleeding diathesis * hemolytic disease of the new born Do you know that: * Blood has no substitute. * Blood cannot be manufactured in any [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 8 – SUBSTITUTING INGREDIENTS

* If you’re cooking lumpia, you can substitute garbanzos with patani seeds. * Cubed potatoes can be substituted by white kamote or sweet potatoes. * For sinigang dish, sampaloc (tamarind) fruits can be replaced by green mangoes, calamansi juice or kamias fruit. * Instead of using commercial lumpia or wonton wrapper, you can use home-made [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 7 – PROPER CHICKEN STORAGE

Fresh, raw chicken can be stored in its original wrap for up to two days in the coldest part of the refrigerator. However, freeze chicken immediately if you do not plant to use it within two days after purchasing. You can freeze most chicken in its original packaging safely for up to two months; if [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 6 – INSPECTING CHICKEN

Physically inspect the chicken before purchasing. Its skin should be creamy white to deep yellow; meat should never look gray or pasty. Odors could signal spoilage. If you notice a strong, unpleasant odor after opening a package of chicken, leave it open on the counter for a few minutes. Sometimes oxidation takes place inside the [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 5 – HANDLING CHICKEN

When handling raw chicken, you must keep everything that comes in contact with it clean. Raw chicken must be rinsed and patted dry with paper towels before cooking; cutting boards and knives must be washed in hot sudsy water after using and hands must be scrubbed thoroughly before and after handling. Why? Raw chicken can [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 4 – EXTRACTING COCONUT

* Have the coconuts grated. Squeeze until the meat is well extracted. * Strain the pulp out of the milk and set aside. This is called the “kakang gata” or first extraction. * Add another cup of water in the pulp (depending on how many cups the recipe requires), and repeat the process. This is [...]

COOKING TIP NO. 3 – BOILING, SIMMERING, STEAMING

* Steam potatoes whenever possible to conserve nutrients. If you have to boil them, add 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice to the water to make potatoes snowy white. Add a little milk in which cauliflower is cooked to retain whiteness. * Add a grated quarter of small onion and a dash of sugar to [...]