Ultimate Guilty Pleasure: Snacks

Mama’s Praline Turtle Cake

This chocolate cake is different from the ordinary one because of the ingredients. For this Praline Turtle Cake, Mom used the following:

1/2 cup butter, 1 cup brown sugar, 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk, 1 cup chopped pecans (but Mom used cashew nuts instead), 2 cups all purpose flour, 3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa, 2 cups granulated sugar, 1 1/2 tsp baking soda, 1 1/2 baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 2 eggs, 1 cup sour cream, 1/2 canola oil, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp white vinegar. Mom used ganache chocolate for the frosting.

Toryano’s Bontee Toasted Siopao

Mom found out about this siopao when she once went to Toryano’s Chicken Haus in Bangkal to buy dinner. This is not your ordinary siopao, because it’s not steamed. Instead, it’s baked or should I say, toasted in a brick oven. I like this because of the crunch. This siopao is stuffed with egg and shredded chicken. Each box contains 8 pieces. I also heard the owners are planning to expand their market for this product all over the country.

My Cheesy Hotdog Sandwich

I’ve been experimenting a lot in the kitchen lately, and a few days ago I figured I make my own spread. I used a slice of Queso de Bola, hotdog, butter and McCormick’s Spicy Italian Blend to taste.

First I melted the cheese in a heated pan with butter, then I added the hotdog and spicy blend, and voila! It’s ready. I suggest you serve it while hot. I know you think it looks disgusting because of the presentation, but it tastes good. I got the idea from Cheese Whiz’s cheese spread hotdog flavor.

Oatmeal and Coffee w/ Cinnamon

This combination is perfect for my cold afternoon snacks. I’ve always loved oatmeals, and I can’t think of any other brand that I trust other than Quaker. I’ve gotten so used to that blonde man with a hat. Of course this carbo meal wouldn’t be complete without a hot cup of coffee with cinnamon (to add aroma). Don’t put too much of the latter cause it might destroy the taste of the coffee. I should know.

Nissin Cup Noodles

I love Noodles, and the only local noodle brand that got my taste is Nissin. I don’t like Quickchow, Payless or even Knorr. I don’t know what’s with Nissin Cup Noodles that makes me so fond of it. Maybe it’s because of the memory that goes along with this meal.

This actually reminds me of my boyfriend. We were in a long distance relationship during our first few months of being a couple; and whenever we call each other, I used to eat this all the time. This was also the first food that we ate together. I remember it was Beef flavor. Sweet!

Oishi Manju’s Baked Korean Cake

I’ve been a fan of this baked Korean cake since I was nine years old. I can still recall the first time I bought a box of these delicious treat was also the first time I went to the mall without my parents.

My Mom was in the hospital that time, and my Papa was still at work. My sister and I were asked to buy some food at the mall nearby. We bought fried chicken and of course, Oishi Manju. I don’t know if my Mom remembers this, but it’s very vivid in my memory.

Oatmeal Cookies

Oatmeal cookies are really one of the best cookies in the whole world. It’s healthy and tasty. When I discovered that Quaker came up with the idea of having oat cookies, I almost jumped for joy. Well, that’s an exaggerated statement but I was close to doing it. Anyway, my favorite flavor is Apple & Cinnamon. I also liked Alman’s Oatmeal Cookies and Oatmeal Brownies. Isn’t it obvious that I’m a big oatmeal fan?

Chocolate Everything

MARS Celebrations Chocolate (Left-Above), Ritter Sport Alpine Milk Chocolate (Right-Above), Café Demitasse’ Chocolate Chip Cookies (Left-Below) and Dolcetto’s Premium Wafer Rolls (Right-Below).

Even now that I’m already an adult, I still find every mall’s chocolate section very enchanting. It’s like I’m in a cloud nine whenever I pass by this area. Why, because chocolates have been my most wanted snack of all time. I find comfort in it whenever I feel that a negative vibe is getting into my system. Chocolates give me a certain delight that no other snack can. One more thing, chocolates always bring out the child in me.

Hard & Soft Candies

I love Willy Wonka and Trolli candies big time. Actually, all the candies sold in Candy Corner are likeable. Maybe you find it weird that I consider candies as snacks. Yes, it really is but sometimes I just want something to munch on like Nerds, Gobstopper, Runts and some soft candies like gummy worms (and other creatures).

However, I can slowly sense the ill effect of candies on my teeth. I’ve been having sensitivity pain lately, and I guess it’s a sign that I should start getting rid of it. Thanks to SENSODYNE for being my partner against tooth ache.

Chicken Goodness

Grilled Chicken from Penong’s (above), Fried Chicken from Loleng’s Mountain Resort (left-below) and Chicken Fillet from McDonald’s (right-below).

Who says rice meals can’t be considered as snacks? I call it heavy snacks. Whenever I’m famished and I couldn’t wait for the main meal any longer, I always resort to chicken meals. I’m a huge lover of fried or grilled chicken, but I love the first one the most. Maybe if I’m allergic to it, I’d still eat it anyway. I just can’t live without chicken!

What do you usually nibble for snacks?

What I Just Learned From STS Class

STS means Science Technology and Society (MST 4). This is a subject wherein we're expected "to understand and appreciate the character and functions of science and technology and their interrelationships with society from a historical perspective; to be able to anticipate and comprehend the impacts and implications of scientific and technological developments to structure of societies and to day-to-day living; and lastly, to understand the key role of science and technology in social equity." - Prof. Verna Marie Monsanto-Hearne.

Before I go on with the things I would like to share to you, I want you to watch this heart-wrenching video of Judson Levasheff who suffered from Krabbe Disease. See how inspiring his life is to everyone.

"Krabbe disease is a rare, genetic, incurable, terminal disorder. It is one of several known leukodystrophies: genetic diseases that progressively destroy the white matter of the brain." Read more about this desolating sickness here. If want to learn more things about Judson's life, this is the site you must visit -- The Story of Judson.

Upon watching this video, I couldn't help but shed some tears. Judson remained bubbly despite his condition. You see, every parent wants a healthy and normal child. It's just sad to know that a smart kid like Jud only lived for a short while in this world. I would like to see it in a positive light because if I were Jud's parent, I wouldn't want him to suffer any longer even though it means losing him forever. My happy memories of him will forever be in my heart and mind.

This sad truth leads me to what I've just learned from my STS class. The last reporter talked about Genetic Testing. It is a DNA-based test that identifies changes in chromosomes, genes and proteins. Furthermore, Ixion Biotech explains that genetic tests are done to examine the DNA molecules themselves. Scientists try to find modified and mutated sequences in the DNA to explain the different diseases and conditions. We may wish to be tested if:

There is a family history of one specific disease.

They show symptoms of a genetic disorder,

They are concerned about passing on a genetic problem to their children.

There are also five types of Genetic Testing: (1) Carrier Screening for couples (2) Prenatal Screening for the fetus (3) Forensics/Identity Screening (4) Late On-set Disorder for adult diseases and the most important, (5) the Newborn Screening for infants. We've found out that there is actually an "Act Promulgating a comprehensive policy and a national system for ensuring newborn screening" here in the Philippines, and it's called Republic Act No. 9288 or The Newborn Screening System Law. This video will explain to us "what newborn screening is, its purpose, the test procedure, and what parents need to do if retesting is necessary." This video is a property of March of Dimes.

Newborn Screening (NBS) should be practiced for every newborn within three days of his birth to know what has to be done if in case the infant has certain harmful or potentially fatal disorders like in Jud's case, the Krabbe Disease. This test involves sticking the foot of the child for blood. With this blood test, doctors can often tell whether newborns have certain conditions that could eventually cause problems. Babies need to undergo NBS for five main disorders, namely: Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency, Congenital Hypothyroidism, Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia, Galactosemia and Phenylketonuria. Check out how these diseases can affect the babies normal processes and functions here.

Spoken like a geek? Thanks to these virtual references:

http://www.lbl.gov/Education/ELSI/genetic-testing.html

http://kidshealth.org/parent/system/medical/genetics.html

http://www.doh.gov.ph/ra/ra9288

http://www.babycenter.com.ph/baby/newborn/newbornscreening/

This is my take on Genetic Testing. I firmly believe in this test's promise to help predict risks of future diseases and to assist in choosing the proper medication or diagnosis. It is also an integral part of everyone's health care. However, in a third world country like the Philippines, I think Genetic Testing is still a hype of the rich. If we talk about the present time, only the well-off families can afford this. How about the financially disadvantaged? We all know that scientific tests require huge amount of money. They're way too costly, as they may also need re-testing if necessary. The impoverished ones also have the right for a healthy life, and monetary constraints shouldn't get in the way. My point? Affordable genetic tests should be supported by our government. Needless to say, they must also ensure the safety and quality of Genetic Testing. With that, I rest my case. Bow.

The visuals used in this post are not intended for copyright infringement.

I'm 21 And Loving It

NOTE: I posted this last month June 9, 2011. I don't know why the post date moved to July 7, 2011. Blogger's acting weird all over again.

It's my second day of being an adult. I'm finally 21! Honestly I feel happy reaching this age, because that would mean I'm already very near to my dreams! My gratitude goes out to all those who greeted me via Facebook, Twitter and SMS. I feel so overwhelmed reading your messages. I also want to thank my mother for making my birthday special despite some monetary constraints we're having. I know you have a lot of concerns in mind, but you still managed to make me happy. Thank you for the undying love, Mama! I want to thank my God, most especially, for giving me another year to live. I hope I can fulfill all my duties as His follower. I know He is always there to guide me all the way.

Mom treated me and my sisters at Pizza Hut in SM last night for a little celebration. Papa wasn't able to come with us because of work, and it was also his boss' birthday. He was invited, I think. We took only a few shots because Mom doesn't like photo sessions when dining. It's kind of rude to do that, but that's what bloggers fondly do. Right? Also, I want to apologize for the noisy texture of these photos. I just used my sister's 2.2 MP Nokia ExpressMusic cellphone. Here are our pictures: 

 

Gray is the new black: Thanks for this pair of Chelsea flats, Mom!

We ordered Cream of Mushroom Soup, Combo Platter, Cheesy Sausage Pops, Lasagna and Bolognese with Meat Balls. As usual, everything doesn't look just as good as they were in the Menu. Pictures indeed are deceiving. I enjoyed the meal, except for the coffee flavored bolognese. It didn't please my appetite at all. Sorry Pizza Hut, but I suggest you have to work on your red sauced pastas. I've tried it a number of times already, and they're just not good as what I expect. It's a cliche, but I know there's always room for improvement. And oh, I also bought my much loved Willy Wonka (Nerds, Runts and Gobstopper) candies at Candy Store. Hello again, tooth ache! I couldn't find the regular and large boxes of Nerds even at the Dep't Store and Supermarket. They only have the mini Nerds. Why's that?

Again, thank you all for greeting me! They made me very happy! I know it was just online, but I really appreciate it that you exerted effort on typing the words, "Happy Birthday Kat!" :-)

Some Random Possessions

I'm lost for words at the moment, but I badly want to update my blog. Have you felt that way before as well? It's like I want to say something, but I don't know what to say. Weird, eh? So to grant my desire of badly wanting to post something without forcing myself to think or speak, I've thought of posting some photos of my possessions. No, this is not my Mystique Shutterbug series. This is just a random blog entry.

World Cup Memorabilias from TESCO England.

My favorite tea brand. I love it so much!

 Foot and Body Lotion plus Foot Polish all from The Body Shop.

Paganini Hair Care Collection.

Vintage bag my Mom bought for me.

One of my favorite blings. My Mom bought this from a thrift shop.

Katrina's Secret bag. I love this because of the brand.

Versus Red Jeans for Woman by Versace. I love this scent!

A few of my book collection. Wanna borrow some?

Willy Wonka's NERDS. This is my comfort candy!

My most favorite among all of these is the Paganini Hair Care Collection, because it was given to me as a Valentine gift from my boyfriend. I totally appreciate his effort on knowing what I really needed that time. My comb got broken so he gave me this set, instead of something that is not that beneficial for me. It's not expensive, but it's definitely of great value. What do you like most among those things I've posted?

PS: I wish I can get back to writing lengthier posts soon.

Mystic Nerd

Image courtesy of Natalie Dee

According to WiseGeek, a contraction is a written form in which a number of words are combined into a new word. They are usually represented with an apostrophe to replace the omitted letters that join the words together. Examples: don’t for do not, you're for you are, it’s for it is.

I know this sounds a little nerdy and weird, but what will happen if contractions were not thought of by those brilliant minds? Let's sing this song Hot 'n Cold by Katy Perry without contractions.

"Cause you are hot and you are cold,

You are yes and you are no

You are in and you are out

You are up and you are down

You are wrong when it is right

It is black when it is white

We fight, we break up

We kiss and make up

You do not really want to stay, no

Cause you do not really want to go on..."

Everything will sound longer and absurd if there would be no contractions. Let us thank our grammarian friends for initiating its usage.

I'm corny. Throw rocks at me!

Til my next geeky thoughts, folks!

Having Myself a Time

Credits to Billie Holiday for this blog post's title. I know this is pretty late but I still want to share you something I did last week. I had a date with myself, cause my exclusive date was still out of town. How 'bout that? Some may find it boring, but I actually had fun, it's just that I felt awkward taking pictures of myself. But I had to do it, cause I always want to recall the moment that I gave myself a special time to unwind and pig out without the presence of those people I'm used to be with. I felt like I was Liz Gilbert of Eat Pray Love. Haha!

I went to SM to window shop and eat. I actually hate window shopping cause I just get depressed after feasting my eyes with the things I crave the most. I know you know how hard it is to just look, and not to have what you want. It holds true for everything. But what can I do, I didn't have that much money to purchase those new collections of Parisian shoes I found. I know those loafers can wait 'til summer. But I commend SM for marketing exclusive brands like Parisian Shoes & Bags, Glam Bags and What Women Want Accessories especially for budgetarians like me.

Because I haven't visited Pizza Hut for a long time already, I decided to have lunch there. I was all alone but my solitude didn't hinder me from being a shutterbug, a camwhore as what Ms. Z calls it. So, here are the trigger finger's photos. Please spare me of your embarrassing smirks and guffaws. Haha!

Caesar's Salad

Creamy Carbonara

Self-timer: I couldn't smile. LOL!

Can't think of a caption. :-D

My comfort candy from Candy Corner.

More absurd photos in my Multiply site. Let me leave you with this beautiful song I deem is appropriate for my solitary gastronomic trip. Got that from Eat Pray Love's Official soundtrack. Buon ascolto!

To download, click here.

The video in this post is not intended for copyright infringement.