The Geisha

The Geisha. 

Little Mui Mui

I saw this pretty Japanese girl over the net and gave me the idea to create Mui Mui.

windblown

 

Made her using black ballpen and paper only.  I imagined her hair was blown by a soft wind and she was really enjoying every moment of it.

The Beauty of Nature

I love sunrises and sunsets.  The beauty of blending colors takes me in reverie. Sunrise always reminds me of how to start a brand new day as I watched it appear over the horizon, rays of light shining down upon me and reminding me of what life will offer me for that day.  As I wait for the sunset to come, which for me is the colorful time of the day, the beauty of colors and the mood that it embraces me while watching the dramatic changes in lighting really makes me appreciate the art of nature.

Took this impromptu shot while passing CAVITEX using my mobile phone... I just love the blending of colors.

SWEET RIDE: HERBY: The People's Car

http://cars.sulit.com.ph.

Here is my Volkswagen Beetle 1975 named Herby. 

I have been using this for almost seven years after I acquired it in 2004.  This car has been very useful to me as well as to my family and friends.  Although it is already 36 years old, it still drives as if it is still in its prime.  It can still go along with those brand new cars in EDSA with no sweat.   

 

I use this car to do errands like groceries and bringing my kid to school, out of town gimmicks, etc.  It also played a big part during my son’s 1^st birthday as the mascot Herbie and will be using it again this coming July for my second son's 1st birthday but with a different theme.

Lastly, the most important use of this car to me right now is being my delivery transportation for my cakes and cupcakes business and really, this precious doesn’t let me down.

And that is so"SULIT" for me.

Good Food: Pork Sisig

When I was doing the grocery last week, I bought two cans of ready to eat sisig from the canned goods shelves.  I was really having the moment of craving for that food but I don’t have time to go out to buy one and my taste was looking for the unusual tang of the in house sisig of my cousin.  I would barge inside their house every time I would know he was cooking some.  Just the thought of it makes my mouth drool.  I wonder when will he cook that food again?

But tonight, I decided to do some improvised sisig of my own.  I took one can of that ready to eat sisig and sliced some onions.  I was about to cook it when my husband surprised me a plastic full of that foodie.  He told me it was given by one of his friends and that I should re-heat it instead of cooking some canned food.  I added one whole onion and put some pepper and salt to it to taste.

I would not discuss the health benefits of sisig as I know there is none.  The cholesterol overload food has no valuable nutrients as other people were telling but really this one is satisfying my mouth's craving.  Well, eating this dish in moderation will not harm you at all.

Its Friday night but my husband and I chose to stay at home.  We grabbed some beer and made the re-heated pork sisig our "pulutan".  I don't have much time to go out since I become a mother of two.  Well I thought, we don't need fancy restaurants, waiters to attend our needs and bright lights just to feel the ambiance of a cool dining place.  As long as we have each other and a plenty of nice conversation, even without the sisig would be fine. 

I don't have my own recipe for this.  I need to ask my cousin if he will share his special recipe which makes the whole Barangay hungry for it.

Event: 25th Year Anniversary of People Power EDSA Revolution

I don’t have knowledge about the coup that happened last 1986 which started the popular People Power Revolution.  I was seven years old and was in first grade when it happened and don’t know what was going on around me.  I don’t have the knowledge about Martial law and coup d’ etat, too.  All I can remember, there were lots of helicopters on air, the people that was beginning to build up in EDSA and my parents told me to stay indoors because of what might happen outside.  I don’t have much to do since the classes were suspended.  I was frustrated then because my favorite cartoon show on tv was replaced by news all day.  I remembered seeing tanks on the streets, lots of army people wearing camouflage and nuns walking hand in hand holding rosaries.   I don’t know the meaning of what was happening back then.

Twenty five years later, I am watching the news and saw lots of people in EDSA.  But this time, to celebrate the successful People Power Revolution for its twenty fifth year anniversary.  This time, the tanks are for reenactment of what was happened in 1986.  Lots of people are wearing yellow which is the themed color of the event, lots of people reminisce what took place.  Familiar faces attended the grand affair and even the kids that were born after the revolution are also present to participate.  This time, the people are not fighting for democracy but celebrating the freedom that they got after risking their lives in front of the tanks and army people.  

I was seven years old then and now, I already have two kids.  The true meaning of EDSA Revolution is clear with me now.  I understand how we got our independence and the people who were willing to risk their lives just to end the regime of the dictator.   EDSA Revolution gave new hope for the Filipino people.  It was twenty five years ago but the celebration that is happening right now in EDSA keeps the memory of the peaceful revolution alive.  

 

Every year, celebration has been done to commemorate the People Power.  And every year, I keep on seeing the faces that they said made the peaceful revolution possible.  But for me the unsung heroes of the revolution were those cigarette vendors, the nuns whose only arsenal was rosary, the journalists and other ordinary people who made extra ordinary efforts.

* Photos taken from google images

Good Life: Sofitel's Spiral Buffet

2011 Valentine’s Day, my family had a date at Sofitel Hotel Manila’s Spiral Buffet.   Spiral is one of Manila’s fashionable and expensive buffet eatery with different international food selections; American, Italian, Thai, Chinese, Japanese and not to mention the mouth – watering dessert station.  You need to have a reservation though because when we got there, there were lots of people swarming all over the place.  Couples, families, friends name it.  We also heard that the price of the Spiral buffet got doubled to a P4,200 because of Valentine’s day.  Whew!  

 

I am not fond of soups but when I was able to taste the Tong yang soup (don’t know if this is the right name), wow. It was heaven.  I love the milky taste with a bite of spiciness inside your mouth.   I immediately went to the Japanese cuisine area and binged myself with tempura, California maki and tuna sashimi.  The buffet tables were encumbered of foods that my mind cannot decide what to eat first.

It was Valentines and their dessert table was overloaded with sweet treats like cotton candy, gummy bears, gummy worms, chocolate fountain which you can choose from white or dark chocolate, cakes, pastries and more.  My son munches over with tons of candies.  Well, I know it’s bad for his teeth but it’s just for the night.  

Sofitel's Spiral has this stylish ambiance that all you can think about is to munch over for the good food.  The dining tables were set below the famous Spiral staircase which they got its name.  You can sit beside the window overlooking at the pool where you can relax your mind while having a tasty champagne.  The service was superb.  Their staff were all over the place to attend to your every needs.  You will never see your glass half empty.  The food stations were always full as well.  The sultry voice of the singer serenading you while you are eating heaven sent foods is definitely a fantastic treat.

Expensive food?  Yes.  The satisfaction that you'll get?  Priceless.

Sweet Treat: Gooey Revel Bars

I was thinking of a gift for our friends last Christmas without spending too much.  Then it hit me, why would I spent money if I can make our own gifts.  It would lessen my spending during the holiday season, at the same time, it would be more personalized.

I decided to make revel bars.  I don't know why they are named like that :) but really they are yummy and very scrumptious to the taste.  Wow, I am drooling as am writing this.

The incredible taste of the fudgy, dark chocolate filling sandwiched between the good for the heart and yummy oatmeal layers that will keep you asking for more.  I also mix with the chocolate filling some crushed walnuts, sliced almond nuts and chocolate chips for a crunchy bite.  Once it is in your mouth, you can feel the nuts rolling inside your mouth mixing with the gooey dark chocolate filling.  I prefer this bar partnered with hot coffee or sometimes hot chocolate (sweetness!)

All i can say is...YUMMY. 

CHOCOLATE REVEL BARS

1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips

1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 tablespoons butter or margarine

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

3 cups quick-cooking oats

2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking soda

1 1/2 teaspoons salt - divided use

1 cup butter or margarine

2 cups brown sugar, packed

2 large eggs

4 teaspoons vanilla - divided use

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan; set aside.
2. In a saucepan over low heat, melt the chocolate chips with the sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoons butter and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, stirring often. Remove from heat and stir in walnuts and the remaining 2 teaspoons vanilla. Set aside to cool slightly
3. In a medium bowl whisk together oats, flour, baking soda and 1 teaspoon salt; set aside.
4. In a large mixing bowl, cream 1 cup butter and brown sugar together with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; add eggs and 2 teaspoons vanilla and beat until well mixed. Stir in oat/flour mixture until just combined.
5. Reserve 1/3 of the oat mixture and press the remaining 2/3 into prepared baking pan; spread chocolate mixture over dough layer. Crumble remaining 1/3 oat mixture evenly over the chocolate layer.
6. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool on wire rack and cut into bars.

Makes about 1 1/2 dozen bars.

recipe from http://www.cooksrecipes.com/bar/chocolate-revel-bars-recipe.html

Sweet Treat: Chocolate Coffee Cupcakes with mocha buttercream frosting

I have a love - hate relationship with coffee.
I love it when I wanted to experience the bitterness and sweetness that it brings.  I often consumed my coffee with dessert or sometimes, I just drink it alone. 
Now, here comes the hate part.
I hate coffee because every time I drink it, I always had an upset stomach.  I don't know why but well, I just forget the discomfort that it brings me, I would still drink coffee.
Good thing, I made some experimenting during my baking session.  I made these dark chocolate coffee cupcakes and topped it with mocha buttercream frosting.

Recipe for the Chocolate coffee cupcakes

1 cup all purpose flour
1 cup sugar
1 egg
1/4 cup butter
1/4 cup coffee granules
1/2 cup hot water
1//4 cup milk
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tbsp. baking powder
 1/2 cup chocolate chip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Beat softened butter, add the sugar and mix.  Combine the egg and mix until fluffy.  In a separate bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, salt and baking powder.  Mix all the dry ingredients then mix with the butter mixture.  Put the hot water in another bowl then dilute the coffee granules.  Once diluted, mix with the batter together with the milk and put the chocolate chips.

Serves 12 3oz. size cupcakes

For the mocha frosting.

1 cup butter
4 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup coffee granules

Beat the softened butter, add the powdered sugar.  Mix the water and coffee then add to butter and powdered sugar.  If the buttercream icing is still dry, add some teaspoon of milk.

Yummy treats that made my day complete.

Purple and Orange themed Wedding

Planning a wedding is a challenging experience for the soon to be husband and wife.  There’s the tiring supplier hunting and meeting with them until they find the ones that would fit for their taste.  I know most of the couples that I met were looking for affordable packages for their wedding cake.  Of course, who doesn’t? At the same time, they wanted it to be memorable and delectable that even after the wedding, their visitors would still talk about it.

The couple, well I only talked to the groom about what they want for their wedding cake.  He just wanted to incorporate their color motif to the cake which are purple and orange and purple as the dominant color.  I made two sets of cake, one is for the top of the five layered cupcake stand and the other one is two tiered cake for the cake cutting ceremony.  I also made 200 pieces of vanilla - walnut flavored cupcakes (I made the cupcakes itself colored purple and orange) topped with vanilla buttercream frosting with the same color.  I also put royal icing flowers and white edible beads as toppers of the cupcakes.

I set up the cakes and cupcakes two hours before their wedding and after this, I know the couple really liked their wedding cakes and cupcakes.  I am so glad to be part of that memorable event of their lives.

more images at www.fairycupcakes.multiply.com

Tinkerbell Themed Birthday Cake

It was my second time to create a Tinkerbell themed cake.  My client saw my first work and requested that she wanted a cake for her daughter's first birthday to be like that one so I didn't let her down.

The three tiered cake which the bottom of the cake was the edible part. The client requested a vanilla - walnut flavored cake filled with vanilla buttercream icing and the middle and top tier to be mock cake.  I covered the cake with fondant icing which I made from scratch (I make all of my cakes, fillings and icings from scratch) and decorated with flowers, leaves and butterflies made of royal icing. 

The number 1 on top of the cake is made of styro which I covered with pink fondant.  The fairies were non edible plastic toys which I put also on the top of the cake for decoration.

 I also made dozen vanilla - walnut flavored cupcakes topped with chocolate buttercream and royal icing pink flowers.  I also made Tinkerbell toppers for the cupcakes to match the themed birthday.

My client loved the cake of her daughter and told me it really made the birthday of her daughter.

More images from www.fairycupcakes.multiply.com

Alice in Wonderland Birthday Themed Cake

Last January 29, 2011 I created a cake that has an Alice and Wonderland theme.  This was requested by the parents of the birthday celebrant Lia.  It was Lia's 1st birthday and her parents wanted a memorable party for her.
The party was held at Decagon, Silver City in Pasig.

  

Ms. K (Lia's mom) wanted the cake to be five tiered Alice in Wonderland inspired.  She just ordered the cake and I made free chocolate flavored cupcakes with topper that says "Eat Me"

Ms. K told me that she loved the idea of the red hearts that's why I put those evenly on the cake.

With the name of the celebrant on top of cake.

You can visit my website at www.fairycupcakes.multiply.com for more images.

Buffalo Wings and Pasta for dinner

After several weeks of being busy cramming with client orders, I had the time to cook for my husband again.  My dad cooks at home when I am busy with work.  And since, I don't have orders to fulfill this day, I told Eric (my husband) that I cook Buffalo wings and Pasta for dinner.  He promised to be home early and he did.  It was only fifteen past six and he was already knocking on our door.

I had this recipe even when I am still single, and up to now, it never failed to wow Eric.  He loved it and almost ate the entire serving.

 These wings are coated with flour, pepper and salt.  Deep fried and then mixed with my special buffalo sauce.  I served these with fresh celery, carrots and dip.  I made the dip from mayonnaise and fresh milk with pepper.  Tasty!

 The pasta.  Yummy.  Even my kid loved it.

BUFFALO WINGS
- half kilo chicken wings (cleaned)
- 2 tbsp. all purpose flour
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. iodized salt
- 1/2 cup cooking oil (I like my chicken wings deep fried)
- fresh celery and carrots
FOR THE BUFFALO SAUCE
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
-  1 bottle Tabasco Sauce
-  Pepper and Salt to taste
How to cook.
- coat chicken wings to mixed all purpose flour, pepper and salt.  Deep fry then remove.  Put on paper towel to remove excess oil.  Set aside.
- For the Buffalo sauce, melt butter, add the garlic powder, tabasco sauce and salt and pepper.  Wait until thick then pour over the fried chicken wings.
-ENJOY.