Sibuyas Republic

Rains have come. Soil have been saturated by the much needed water. Thank Heavens, at least, we’re free from watering the plants. The dry season has brought the plants to almost lifeless. Even if we need to water them two times a day.

Yes, rain’s such a relief. Even to the weather. Somehow, it has doused out the hotness particularly during daytime. Unbearable summer it has become, really. That, even in the mid-morning I couldn’t stay longer in the kitchen. I always loved to cook. But, hated the heat. So, I asked the good husband to install exhaust fan in the kitchen to suck out the heat from the inside. Now, the ceiling fan and the exhaust fan worked together to cool the kitchen.

And, to add more glory to my cooking session, the husband had also fix his cool dave murray strat and hang it to the corner near the kitchen area. He said that he could play some of my favorite music while I do my cooking.

Sounds great isn’t it? There’s nothing better than working in a nice environment. Plus, getting all the chances to be together and bonded – him, playing his music and me, doing what I love to do.

As promised, here’s another mango treat this super hot, hot summer. MANGO POPSICLES. Nothing fancy. Nothing artificial. All-natural. Just like these ripe mangoes.

For the recipe, it’s as simple as making fruity smoothie.

What you need.

2 medium ripe mangoes

half teaspoon sugar (optional)

heavy cream or yoghurt

dash of cinnamon

1 cup orange juice (or lemon juice)

small plastic cups for molds (store bought, 25 pesos for 50pcs)

popsicle sticks (store bought, 10 pesos for a A LOT)

Preparation.

• Slice the mangoes. Discard seed.

• Separate the flesh pulp from the skin.

• Place in a blender. Add all the ingredients.

• Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes.

•  Fill up each cup to almost full.
• Insert the popsicle stick. The density of the smoothie will hold up the sticks in place.
• Freeze for 4-6 hours.

Lick it!

Enjoy the freshness of fruits that are in abundance these summer months. You can make popsicles out of strawberry, watermelon (thumbs up), dragon fruit (though, the fruit’s a little pricey these days), pineapple. There’s too many fruits available in your fruit vendor.

You can even combine few fruits to make one delicious popsicle flavor. And, who knows popsicles can even be enjoyed by those who are trying to lose weight.

These tips might be useful in preparing delicious and equally nutritious popsicles without feeling the guilt.

• Use only fresh fruits when making popsicles. Avoid fruit juices as it may contain some form of sugars.
• Use low-fat yogurt or skimmed milk in order to be worry-free from fats.
• Incorporate the addition of edible herbs like mint and some citrus peels like lemon and orange zests. It’ll add flavor and tang to the popsicles.

Why deprive yourself from eating delicious desserts when you can enjoy the best of both worlds. Savor the fruity coolness of popsicles this summer without having to worry about your waist. If kids can enjoy them, YOU CAN!

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Summer means lots of fiestas, lots of family events, too…and, what else can it be?…fooodiesss!!! Last Sunday, we had been to my mother’s town in Rizal, Nueva Ecija, where they celebrated the annual fiesta. We had the luxury of taking home (“pabalot”) suman muryekos. Yay, it was temptingly delish!!!!

Then, Wednesday, it was my mother-in-law’s first death anniversary, it was a potluck event. It was foodie galore as again. Sister-in-law treated us with a whole “lechon”, while I had prepared these pork menudo and chicken a la king…

photo taken using a cellphone

Then, today, as my boys finished their assigned task, painting and pulling out weeds in the backyard, I treated them with a full plate (this plate’s for the voracious chubby lad^_^) -pancit from my sis-in-law, left-over apple/banana crepe, and deli sandwich. All carbs high…I know…what-the-___ – we loved to EAT here!!!

Summer days, busy days…it’s irritatingly getting hotter each day…but, it is still FUN TO EAT!

Isn’t it?

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