I bought this frozen meal called Tilapia Fillet with Mango Lime Salsa from Costco and it was really good.  Every time we’d go to Costco, I’d always check on the frozen aisle to see if they have it.  It has been months and each time I check, there was nothing.  Because of this, me and my sister attempted to replicate its taste and flavor.  Last Thursday, my sister made it and it turned out good.  The only thing is, Tilapia  fillets are small and I don’t get enough of it.  Today, I went to the grocery store and bought some fresh Salmon (decided to have this instead of Tilapia as it has more meat in it) along with my ingredients for the Mango Lime Salsa.

Try this simple and easy recipe and serve it on your next meal!

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe mango
• 1/4 large onion
• a bunch of fresh cilantro
• 2 Roma tomatoes
• 1 small lime or lemon
• 1 tsp apple cider vinegar (optional)
• 3/4 tsp salt

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It was the day of our 3rd Wedding Anniversary and the snow storm just started.  I woke TS with a breakfast in bed.  It was nothing fancy really.  I only prepared bacon strips, scrambled eggs, bagel with Philadelphia Cream Cheese on it and a glass of orange juice.  I made sure I got up earlier than him so I can somehow surprise him a little bit other than the presents that I already gave him the day before.  Since I made more than enough breakfast for TS, I ended up sharing it with him in bed.

The snow was falling heavily outside.  TS kept on checking on the weather news and made sure it is safe for us to go out without getting stuck along the way.  I had no idea where he is taking me and was totally clueless.  I had been guessing and attempting to squeeze some info from TS but I was unsuccessful.  It was only when we arrived at the Minnesota History Center in St. Paul, MN that I realized that we are going to see the Vatican Splendors!  This is indeed one great gift from TS.  He had not only kept me in touch with my faith but he also brought me to the Vatican without enduring the long and expensive flight.

The Vatican Splendors showcases artworks dating back to the third century.  From the venerated relics (bone fragments) of Saint Peter to items from the election of Pope Benedict XVI, this exhibit comprises one of the largest Vatican collections ever to tour North America. Many items have never before been on public view.  Since pictures are prohibited inside the exhibit, I had my intellectual memory to work its wonders and grasp the splendors in mind.

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While I was in the middle of doing my usual routine as a Mortgage Assistant and learning some new tasks that are handed to me, I suddenly smell something.  I need not to look around to know what it was.  I can instantly identify the yummy aroma of a freshly-cooked french fries.  In a little while, I smelled an inviting chinese food.  This really made me hungry so I emailed Kyeela for lunch.

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Now that it’s holiday season, we are expected to gain a few more pounds from the start of the Halloween candies that stays around for weeks, then there’s the availability of delicious foods on the festive Thanksgiving table.  Add to that account the lazy days of winter where we would rather stay in the couch than involve in some winter sport activities.  And there’s the incessant eating and drinking at Christmas and New Year.

Why is it so easy to gain weight and hard to lose it?  What we can do about this Holiday Gaining is not to pop a diet pill or two in our mouth but to stick to the obvious: watch what you are eating, eat less and do regular exercise.  Balance party food and meals with the other meals.  During the day, eat small meals that would usually include low-fat protein, fruits and vegetables and whole-grain for fiber.  Don’t got to a party hungry.  Just imagine the typical foods served at the party may not always be very healthful.  Other than that,  if you go hungry, you are more likely to overeat.  Consume alcohol in moderation.  Those calories consumed in alcohol are most likely stored as fat.

So, if you don’t want to be sorry after the Holiday Season, follow the tips and you can have a healthful and happy eating!

Make way for the star of the Thanksgiving table – the Turkey! Before the good ol’ bird dominates the table of every household as the main course during the celebration, the Turkey comes in different packages (fresh or frozen, prebasting, prestuffed) and in different sizes.

The turkey can be purchased whole as in traditional manner or in parts, suitable for small families who have the preference of white or dark meat.  Because there are many turkeys available in the market today, you can be sure that you’re getting exactly what you want by reading carefully the label.  Look for the inspection mark by the USDA ( U. S. Department of Agriculture) to make sure that the meat is safe, wholesome and accurately labeled.  You can also use the USDA Grade mark to be certain of its quality.  Turkeys that are grade A are meaty, have a well developed layer of fat in the skin, and are practically free from pinfeathers, bruises, cuts, tears on the breast and legs, and broken bones.

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It is a popular line from Warner Brother’s torch-bearer – Bugs Bunny.  But I am not here to blog about the cartoon character itself.  I am here to write about what’s up for dinner. I have already laid down the clue.  We didn’t have Bugs Bunny  but we had Peter Rabbit in our dinner plate one night.

Dad gave us at least 3 whole pieces and it has been sitting in our fridge for quite sometime.  I have been hesitant to cook it since for me, it is a pet and not meant to be eaten.  But I ran out of meat variety and needed to prep this unless I will have more smoked sausages or bratwursts again.

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Last night, I prepared Spaghetti Meatballs (Beef Balls actually) for dinner. I have no special techniques in preparing it. I Just did the typical and sensible style of cooking the pasta and the sauce. It actually turned out pretty well. I’ve never seen Travis dumped a huge portion of it on his plate. And to prove his satisfaction of the dish, he actually brought some for his lunch at work.

Last night was just an almost perfect performance. I ran short on my estimation on the amount of pasta to cook which leaves me with some leftover cooked spaghetti pasta. I don’t want to throw it away so I just have to figure out a way to use it for my lunch. I just grabbed whatever I can find both in the fridge and in my pantry. And here’s what I came up with…

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Politics is a very sensitive issue. I have been trying to avoid including it in my blog. But my objective for having a blog as a source of information and a place where I store my thoughts and ideals would be put into waste if I will continue to elude from it.

I have no political affiliation.  I can’t say I’m a Republican and I am positive that I am no Democrat.  Each political party has its own good things and bad.  For me, it is just hard to associate myself exclusively in one political party when I am against in some of its views.  I for one is against amnesty which is one of the things that the Democrat Presidential Candidate is fighting for.  I am tired of raging war against other Nations that seemed never-endless.  As never-endless as the support of the Republican Presidential Candidate on the War in Iraq.  Just few of the many views that I have in opposition to each party.

When our Nation’s future seems forlorn, a spark of hope has emerged not from a particular person but from a group of people whose common vision is to to reclaim the America that once stand for Liberty and Freedom.  The group was spearheaded by the 10-time Texas Congressman Dr. Ron Paul.  His message was clear… hear him and the group of people who are eager to take back America and reinstate the Constitution.  It is not just the man… it is the movement!

I may not be an electorate for now.  But I’m getting involved for my future and for the future of my kids (when I have them).  My views and ideals for this country is in synchrony with Dr. Paul and the members of the Campaign for Liberty.

I am asking you to listen to their views, learn from these people and if you agree with their visions for our country, take some time and become a part of making history happen by taking part of this revolution that has just started… Join the Campaign for Liberty now!

I got a message from Travis today saying that he already bought tickets for the Minnesota State Fair this Saturday.  Of course I was ecstatic since this is going to be my first state fair ever!  I have always heard a lot of interesting stories about it… from performing arts, to popular concerts, adventure rides and out of this world foods, this is an occasion that brings everything and everyone together.

Minnesota State Fair is considered as the largest state fair of the nation in terms of average daily attendance though the Texas State Fair runs twice as long and has the largest annual attendance.  The Minnesota State Fair is held in the Fairgrounds located in Falcon Heights, MN which is adjacent to the capital city of St. Paul.  This even is known as “The Great Minnesota Get-Together”.  Many people from different regions come together to take part in the different activities.  Some participate in exhibits and showing off  their livestock, talents and skills.  There are also activities that gets you involved in arts and cooking.  But it is the food (usually on a stick) that draws the crowd above anything else.

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If there’s one reason why I would like to go back and visit The Netherlands soon, it’s gonna be their delicious street food.  Unlike the Philippines, Dutch Street Foods do not consist of bizarre and exotic  dish but  consists of the usual fries topped with special sauces and a variety of their deep fried goodness.  Don’t get me wrong, I do love our street foods and I have my usual cravings for it too.  But today, I just happen to crave for my favorite food from the Netherlands- Patat Oorlog.

The best Patat Oorlog that I have  ever tasted was from Febo.  It is a fast-food place where you can order in the counter fries with your choice of sauce or some other products in their menu.  The other products can be bought from the vending machine inside the place for those people who are always on the go.  Patat Oorlog is simply fries seasoned with salt and their special seasoning ( I still have to find out!) topped with Frite Sauce (mayonaisse) and Sate Sauce (peanut butter sauce).  I always like mine with chopped onions on top of it.  Mmmm… just the thought of it makes my mouth water.

Some people find Fries and Mayo strange.  I’m sure many will find this fries combination stranger.  But once you get to try it, you will love it!  I will have to make my own version here at home until I can go back to the Netherlands once again.