I am currently considering Missouri as a friend of mine just shared how great place it really is. They just had their Branson vacations and you can just tell from their faces how much they enjoyed it. They also have kids tagged along and they too loved it – happily telling stories about the rides and all. They were able to watch different musicals and also visited one of the theme parks there and as usual, kids loved the latter more, while adults loved both.

I am currently in the process of convincing hubby to have this break and hopefully he gives in to the idea earlier, before we have our 2nd baby at least.

The show has been running in the United Kingdom since 1999 and I believe it’s worth watching. Reviews are great and most says that it’s an awesome performance from start to finish. We’ve already been canvassing around for the theater tickets and hopefully see it before the end of the year, but if not then maybe we can wait until the arrival of my in-laws.

Just before Ramadan started, my dear friend based in Dubai visited us and among the many pasalubongs she gave us, only this pack of dates is left for me to capture. All the chocolates were gone in no time. Thanks Mareng Jo!

She said that Muslims take dates while fasting. I thought they are not allowed to take in anything until sunset, but I learned that their beloved Prophet used to break his fast with dates, that is why many Muslims eat dates during Ramadan. I haven’t tried them yet, though. Now I’ll go and grab a piece.

I don’t know why, but grandma’s recipes are unique that no matter how I try to copy them, they still don’t taste the same. Every time I try, hubby’s comment is “Uhhmm… Just a little bit more, mum and you’re close to getting it right.” Indeed, nothing’s compared to the original. Oh, how I’m missing her… I miss her cooking and I miss ringing her every time I need the step-by-step guide while I cook her version of caldereta, menudo, chopsuey and a lot more. She’s so patient to me that no matter how many times I call her, she gives the instructions as clearly as she could.

Nay, your legacy will continue until the last generation of our family. I love you so much and I’m missing you so badly… ;-(

Dialing is easier than cooking, so hubby gave in and ordered these yummy Chinese dishes from our favorite Chinese Take-Away called Rice & Chips located in Hither Green, London.

It’s our Nth time to order from them and this has been our favorite ever since: Szechuan Beef, King Prawn with Pineapple and House Mixed Seafood with Crispy Noodles. They have a very good customer service and always on time. And because we are only 3, these covered our 3 consecutive meals. And the free prawn crackers is always a hit!

The mainstays of Italian cooking – garlic, olive oil, pasta, lemon, butter and white wine, are typically all intact in American Italian food. However, many spices common in, say, Sardina, such as saffron, are hard to come by in the states. Americans are also more likely to enjoy Italian-inspired cooking in settings other than pure Italian restaurants. For instance, fast-food joints sling pizzas bearing only a vague resemblance to their Italian counterparts, and sometimes a steakhouse may serve beefy cuts alongside delicate Italian sauces.

Many American dishes with Italian names share little with their authentic counterparts. For instance, in America, “Panini” has come to mean virtually any bread served with an Italian style meal.

Italian tradition dictates strict adherence to certain ingredients and cooking regulations. Sometimes, cultural traditions regarding the preparation of food are enforced by law in Italy! It’s hard to imagine a restaurant owner in the U.S. being arrested over an improperly prepared hamburger. Then again, Italians do consume significantly less fast food from cheap, greasy places, so there may be something to their seemingly bizarre food laws. It’s a shame that all Italian imports in the U.S. are not made to the same exacting standards.

Food is an essential part of Italian culture, revered and respected. To this day, Italians look with disdain at tourists who dare walk and eat at the same time. While there’s much to be said for Americanized Italian food, perhaps such cuisine is still best enjoyed the Italian way – in a relaxed setting, with many friends, family and much wine.

Food Suppliers

The first is having a food supplier that you can trust. If the food you receive at your restaurant is already contaminated, you can’t do anything to make it safe to eat.

Keep the Food Cold

When you receive food from your supplier, be sure that cold food stays cold and frozen food stays frozen. This involves using commercial refrigeration that is kept below 41 degrees Fahrenheit for all refrigerated foods and 0 degrees or below for frozen. If any refrigerated food is left out for more than two hours, it should be tossed rather than taking any chances.

Cook Food Thoroughly

This is essential for meat that is more likely to contain harmful bacteria that is not killed if it’s not cooked at the right temperature. Each meat has an optimal temperature: For roasts, fish, and steaks, it’s 145 degrees. For poultry, the meat must reach at least 165 in the innermost part of the cut. For ground meat, it must reach 155 degrees.

Avoid Cross-Contamination

Cross contamination most likely occurs when cooked meat or fresh foods are prepared in the same location as uncooked meats. The bacteria from the uncooked meat is contaminated on the other food that either already has been cooked or will not be cooked.

Food Handling Safety

Be sure that all your employees have been educated by a government food handling course and have received his or her food handling permit. Most states require this, but even if yours doesn’t, require it of all employees who will be preparing food or handling food.

I’ve seen some tiger direct coupons and I would love to use those soon. Hubby and I have been thinking of buying a digital compact camera because it’s always handy and really reliable. Hopefully we can find the right model for us and buy it in a much affordable price.

see???

INGREDIENTS:

1/4 cup cocoa

1 cup sugar (adjust sugar to your liking)

1/2 cup rice grains

water, casserole half-filled

milk (optional)

METHOD:

1. Mix together the cocoa and sugar.

2. Boil the rice in water until soft, broken and sticky, about 30-40 minutes.

3. Add in the cocoa-sugar mixture and mix well. Let boil for another 2-3 minutes.

4. Serve with or without evaporated/fresh milk.