Torture

June 29, 2009

The War At Home

June 16, 2009

Unknown to us, it was just lying, waiting for the right time. While we went about our daily chores, oblivious, it was gaining strength. We saw some signs of its existence, but we were unaware of how massive it was becoming. One day, it was time for a showdown. It was a fight to the death. Though we were taken by surprise, we were far superior. Its fight was doomed from the start. The battlefield?

  

 After a brief struggle, the enemy showed itself.

 

for size reference, I placed a big jar of Cheez Whiz beside it

Mega Ube was cut into pieces. The next time I saw it, it was sitting placidly on my breakfast plate.

 

ginat-an and fried dried pagutpot/abo

Kalabasa Soup

June 7, 2009

We had guests one night and I was going out of my mind thinking of what to cook. Two hours before dinner, I was told that one of the guests would be a known foodie (in my neck of the woods) and I had to come up with a menu which is easy to cook, won’t take much time to cook (hey I had better things to do) and would not put me to shame.

 

I decided to do a simple kalabasa soup. Nutritious and delicious, it is easy to make. This has also turned into a family favorite and has spawned variations. By the way, after every one was served, the foodie placed the soup beside her and would not let go.

 Kalabasa Soup Recipe

Cut off the top of the kalabasa and scoop out the seeds.  Place in the microwave on high for about 15 minutes until flesh is soft enough to scoop. The shell should remain firm. Scoop out the flesh, put in boiling water together with an onion and a beef cube, until soft. Cool for a bit.  Place in a blender and puree. Return the squash to pot, reheat, adding  a small brick of cream (optional). Add salt and pepper to taste. 

*If not using the kalabasa shell for aesthetic purpose, you can slice the kalabasa into cubes, put in a pot. Add water to cover the kalabasa cubes, and boil along with an onion and a broth cube. Peeling the kalabsa is optional. I have on occasion, added some parsley and mushrooms in the soup, to no detrimental effect. 

** The photo was taken  post dinner as I forgot to take photos before serving.