Organizing Our Kitchen

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Last Sunday I got a chance to finally reorganize our kitchen. This is the before photo:

And this is the after photo.

Just did some organizations of our kitchen utensils.

This is the kitchen knife holder/organizer Daddy A made years ago.

These are our plates and bowls I organize using a stainless dish organizer. By the way, that board rack was installed by Daddy A too. Such a handy man right?

I bought these plastic basket to hold the cooking utensils.

Even if our kitchen is not a modern one and also far from my dream kitchen, I make sure it is clean and organize.

We bought this rack years ago to hold our kitchen appliances like the oven and airfryer.

In the middle layer, here's where I put our canned goods, condiments, seasonings and other kitchen stuff. I always dream of a kitchen pantry and I will make I will have that in our dream kitchen soon.

In this layer, I organize the chopping boards and the pan lids or covers. I used an old dish organizer.

And this our overhead cabinet. This is where I put those glasswares gifted on our wedding 12 years ago. See the different glasses on the top left most? I just can't give them away, haha. Also, this is where I put out lunch jars and boxes, and our excess plates and bowls for visitors.

Below the cabinet, you can see the pans hanging.

So that's how I organize our kitchen. It may not be as modern as those you see in cooking show but it's clean and organize. And we cook great meals too. Check our Home Cooked Meals blog.

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How to Make Gyoza with Your Kids

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One my son's favorite food is Gyoza. When I first made it, it's an instant hit to him. So whenever I cooked Gyoza, he's so excited that he volunteers to help me.

Since we are in community quarantine and most of us are staying at home with our kids, it's great time to let your kids help you in the kitchen. Here's how to make Gyoza.

Start by making the Gyoza fillings. Check out this easy Gyoza recipe.

Let the Gyoza fillings cool before wrapping it. To make the wrapping easier, you can buy this dumpling maker mold. Bought this one at Shopee for less than 50 pesos.

It weighs so light and looks not sturdy. But actually it's a great help. All you have to do is put the dumpling wrapper on top of it then put the fillings like this.

After filling in, press the dumpling maker.

And that's it.

Now you have Gyoza ready for frying.

Here's crispy Gyoza just as my son like it.

Also, I found this video that we made. I posted it at my son's Youtube Channel. please watch and subscribe, thanks!

Cooking is just one way of killing boredom during this time when we can't go out. It's also a way to teach your kids home chores and give them a break from gadgets, computer and television. Just make sure everything is safe for them in the kitchen.

Keep safe everyone.

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DIY Disinfectant Solution to Fight Coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

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Because of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, there's a run-out of alcohol and hand sanitizer in the market. Although, hand washing is still the best recommendation in helping to stop the spread of coronavirus disease, alcohol and sanitizer are handy first aid that we can bring anywhere we go.

But don't worry because there are lots of alternatives that we can make and use as effective as alcohol. 

Here's a DIY Disinfectation Solution:

For disinfecting areas: *mix 9 glasses of clean water + 1 glass of Zonrox (Clorox).

If there is no liquid Zonrox (Clorox): mix 1 tablespoon of chlorine powder + 2 liters water 

For disinfecting your hands: get 1 glass from the above mixture* then add 9 glasses of water

If there is no liquid Zonrox (Clorox): 1 tablespoon of chlorine powder + 20 liters water

(Source of formulation: DOH-RITM)

For easy sharing I made this:

Remember, do not hoard because you are taking other's chance to buy for their own protection. When that happen, you are not helping to stop the spread of coronavirus disease. Not only for alcohol, but also for food supply. The Government assured that there will be enough stock for everyone. So please stop hoarding!

Stay safe everyone!

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Four Easy Holiday Recipes Using the Samsung Smart Oven

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The convenience of quick fixes such as food deliveries and instant dishes has made families choose that over home-cooked meals. It’s tempting to just take the easy route and go for something fast, especially during the holidays when Filipinos are juggling many things at once.

One of the most important parts of Christmas in the Philippines is Noche Buena. Those preparing the Christmas Eve feast will want to prepare special food for their loved ones, but may find the idea of cooking several dishes intimidating.

Samsung developed the Smart Oven for those who want to enjoy healthy and delicious meals, which can be prepared for any type of occasion. Designed as an all-in-one kitchen partner, it works as a convection oven and a microwave that can be used for baking, grilling, slim frying, defrosting, steaming, and even making yogurt. It’s a do-it-all device that can whip up something special for Noche Buena.

Below are some recipes that families can enjoy with the Samsung Smart Oven:

1. Baked Baby Back Ribs with Coleslaw

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 60 minutes

Ingredients:

1 kg. baby back ribs, cut into 3-rib portions

1 sachet 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 pc. small onion, minced

1 pc. small red chili, sliced

1 cup water

2 tbsp. soy sauce

2 tbsp. tomato catsup

2 tbsp. brown sugar

1 tbsp. peanut butter

1 tbsp. chopped parsley

Coleslaw:

1 cup shredded cabbage

1 cup shredded red cabbage

½ cup shredded carrot

½ tsp. fine salt

⅛ tsp. freshly ground pepper

¼ cup Nestle All-Purpose Cream

2 tbsp. mayonnaise

1 tbsp. lemon juice

Directions:

1. Season ribs with Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place meat side down on a deep baking pan.

2. Mix garlic, onion, chili, water, soy sauce, tomato catsup, sugar, and peanut butter. Pour into the pan and mix well with pork.

3. Bake on high rack using Microwave + Grill Mode. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Microwave + Grill. Set at 600W for 60 minutes. After 45 minutes, flip and continue to cook for the remaining 15 minutes.

4. Prepare slaw by mixing cabbage, carrot, salt, pepper, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, mayonnaise, and lemon juice. Mix well and refrigerate.

5. Brush pork with the reduced sauce, transfer on a serving plate and garnish with parsley. Serve with cabbage slaw.

2. Parmesan Crusted Baked Salmon

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Ingredients:

1 pc. lemon

¼ cup breadcrumbs

1 tbsp. minced parsley

2 tbsp. parmesan cheese

1 tbsp. olive oil

½ bar cream cheese

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream

¼ cup water

1 clove garlic, minced

1 tbsp. sliced spring onion

⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg

1 ½ sachets 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap

½ kg. skinless salmon fillet

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 can corn kernels, drained and rinsed

2 pcs. red and green pepper, diced

Directions:

1. Cut lemon in half lengthwise. Cut half of the lemon into wedges and set aside. Zest and juice the other half of the lemon. Mix lemon zest, breadcrumbs, parsley, parmesan cheese, and olive oil.

2. Combine cream cheese, Nestle All-Purpose Cream, water, garlic, spring onion, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Mix until smooth.

3. Season salmon with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap and pepper. Place salmon on a Crusty Plate. Spread ½ cup of the sauce on top. Gently press the breadcrumb mixture. Mix corn and bell peppers and season with ½ sachet of Maggi Magic Sarap. Place around the fish.

4. Cook salmon on low rack using the Healthy Cooking Mode.

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking. Set program code to 3-4 (Grilled Salmon Steaks). Select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A9 (Grilled Salmon Fillets) and select Serving Size. After beep sounds, press start to continue.

5. Transfer on a serving plate and serve with the cream sauce and lemon wedges.

3. Chicken Parmigiana with Roasted Tomato Sauce

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. boneless and skinless chicken breast

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ cup all-purpose flour

2 pcs. eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 tbsp. olive oil

2 tbsp. chopped basil

1 cup grated mozzarella

Roasted tomato sauce:

¼ kg. tomatoes, halved lengthwise

4 cloves garlic, crushed

1 pc. onion, cut into wedges

½ small can anchovies

2 tbsp. butter, diced

1 sachet 8g Maggi Magic Sarap

¼ tsp. freshly ground pepper

1 tsp. brown sugar

1 tsp. Italian herb seasoning

Directions:

1. Season chicken with Maggi Magic Sarap. Coat with flour, dip in egg, and coat well with breadcrumbs. Set aside.

2. Prepare the roasted sauce by spreading tomato, garlic, onion, anchovies, and butter on Crusty Plate. Season with Maggi Magic Sarap, pepper, sugar, and Italian herb seasoning. Cook vegetables on Crusty Plate on high rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Microwave + Grill function. Set at 600W for 10 minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A-13 (Roast Vegetables). Select serving size.

3. Puree vegetables using a blender. Adjust consistency with water. Set aside.

4. Drizzle chicken with olive oil and cook on Crusty Plate on low rack using the respective modes:

For MC32K: Select Healthy Cooking button. Set program code to 3-1 (Chicken Breasts). Select serving size and set cooking time to nine minutes.

For MC35J: Cook using Auto Cook Mode. Select Auto. Set program code to A8 (Grilled Chicken Breasts). Select serving size. Turn over as the beep sounds. Press start to continue.

5. Remove from the oven. Top with tomato sauce, basil, and cheese. Continue to cook chicken using Hot Blast mode.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 200°C for three minutes.

6. Transfer into a serving plate and serve with more tomato sauce.

4. Easy Baked Apple Cobbler

Yield: 4 servings

Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

4 pcs. gala apples, peeled and sliced

½ tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ cup brown sugar

1 tbsp. cornstarch

2 tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

⅛ tsp. fine salt

Toppings:

½ cup all-purpose flour

¾ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. fine salt

¼ cup sugar

6 tbsp. Nestle All-Purpose Cream

1 tbsp. sugar for topping

Whipped Cream (optional):

1 pack 125ml Nestle All-Purpose Cream, chilled

⅓ cup condensed milk

Directions:

1. Mix apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, cornstarch, butter, and salt. Divide into 4 ramekins.

2. Bake apples using Hot Blast Mode. Stir the mixture to make sure all apple slices are evenly coated with the sauce. Set aside.

For both MC32K and MC35J: Select Hot Blast. Set to 180°C for 10 minutes.

3. Whip Nestle All-Purpose Cream until it thickens. Whisk in condensed milk. Refrigerate until use.

4. Sift flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Stir in the whipped Nestle All-Purpose Cream. Mix until dough is formed. Divide into 4 portions.

5. Cover each ramekin with dough and sprinkle each with sugar. Bake using respective modes and set aside to cool:

MC32K: Select Hot Blast button. Set to 180°C for 25 minutes.

MC35J: Bake using Convection Mode. Select the Convection button. Set to 180°C for 30 minutes.

6. Top Apple Cobbler with whipped cream if desired.

Note: Recipe includes automatic pre-heating once baking details are entered in the oven.

Pair the Smart Oven with Samsung’s lineup of refrigerators, which are packed with innovative technologies such as SPACEMAX technology that has thinner walls compared to traditional refrigerators, and  FlexZone technology that preserves the optimal freshness of different kinds of food. This makes it the perfect holiday companion to ensure food is properly stored during gatherings and Noche Buena.

Get the Do It All Cookbook upon purchase of MC32 and MC35 Samsung Smart Oven. This recipe book is a collection of 35 easy to follow, tasty, and healthy recipes that anyone can do. Offer is valid until December 31, 2019.

Know more details on Samsung’s Smart Oven and newest refrigerator models by liking SamsungPH on Facebook or visit https://www.samsung.com/ph/cooking-appliances/microwave-ovens/ and https://www.samsung.com/ph/refrigerators/

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Five Factors for Achieving Healthy Weight Loss

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photo source: ISTOCK/NENSURIA

Weight management is one of the main components of a healthy lifestyle. Over time, it is easy for excess calorie consumption or a lack of exercise to start to show up on your body as extra pounds. Today, you can find many different weight loss plans available that all claim to help you get fit, yet there are some simple strategies that have always been known to work. Incorporating these five factors into your lifestyle helps you drop the extra weight and enjoy having more energy that helps you stay on track with your goals.

Develop a Balanced Diet Plan

The decision to lose weight may make you feel like you need to skip meals or avoid eating specific foods. Unfortunately, this strategy can backfire by causing you to feel deprived, and skipping meals can affect your metabolism. Instead, develop a balanced diet that highlights low-calorie fruits and vegetables along with a proper portion of protein to help you reduce calories and fat consumption.

Live an Addiction-Free Lifestyle

Alcoholic beverages are known for being high in empty calories that do very little to fuel your body. Dealing with hangovers or using drugs can also cause you to have no energy or interest in exercise. When you have an addiction, entering rehab for prescription drugs and alcohol abuse gives you a firm foundation upon which you can begin to start your weight loss journey. You’ll feel better and even learn strategies that increase your motivation for weight loss.

Adopt a Positive Perspective on Exercise

During your life, it is possible that you developed negative ideas about what exercise is all about. Whether you still shudder about your high school coach making you run laps or you just don’t like to sweat, you need to know that workouts shouldn’t be stressful. Try a fun form of exercise, such as swimming or hula hooping, to find a workout that you get excited about.

Get Proper Sleep at Night

Sleep is another factor that influences your ability to lose weight. While you rest, your body makes repairs and generates energy that stimulates your metabolism. Without enough sleep, you can also feel just as bad as if you were hungover. This can cause you to skimp on your workouts or turn to unhealthy foods for energy. Make sleep a priority in your life. Set an alarm for bedtime if you need to, and create a comfortable sleep environment. You may even need to store your smartphone in the other room while sleep, but waking up feeling refreshed enough to exercise is worth it.

Invite Others Along on Your Weight Loss Journey

Losing weight is not something that you have to do alone. Tell others about your goals to help establish accountability. You can also talk to a professional counselor about any addictions or problems you have about food or other substances that affect your weight. Finally, invite some friends to join you in exercise and other physical activities such as group workout classes or a pick-up basketball game that helps you transform fitness into a fun part of your life.

Weight loss takes time to happen at measurable levels. However, you can tell that you are making progress just by taking note of how much better you feel while you wait for the scale to reflect the pounds that you drop. The decision to eat better, avoid addictions and exercise more helps enjoy more energy and confidence that shows every time you look in the mirror.

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