Dumplings (Jiaozi)

Normally, when we go out to eat in Chinese restaurants, what do we normally order? I personally go for the potstickers that are described as a fancy, looking fried dough with a meaty filing, served with soy sauce on the side. This pocket-like cuisine can also be prepared with a batter, pastry, or even leaves. It can be served with or without any designated filling. Popular fillings include Chinese cabbage, pork with celery, lamb with spring onion, or leeks with eggs. So what am I referring to? Dumplings, of course.

Although dumplings are incorporated in many British, Irish, Italian, and Scandinavian cuisines, it is one of the most common Asian cuisines that people consume. The definition derives from two categories: one sweet and one savory. The “sweet” definition is prepared with sweetened dough and filled with the fruit of your choice. Very common in the United States, dumplings are prepared as a tart with apples and are later baked to perfection. The “savory” approach is prepared with dough and minced meat and vegetable as its fillings, which is then cooked in boiling water or fried. Meats that are normally incorporated in this dish are pork, beef, shrimp and fish. However, among the variations of how dumplings are prepared, people don’t realize the significance of a typical Chinese dumpling.

Among the many assortments of dumplings, the Chinese dumplings are the most favorable. Dumplings are very important to the Chinese culture. Its history dates back in the ancient times when the Chinese first created the Jiaozi, or dumplings. The ingredients frequently used are meat and vegetable fillings and are very essential to holidays celebrated in Northern China. The Spring Festival is an important event, in which the Chinese prefer to eat dumplings to indicate their good fortunes for the New Year. Since the shape of Chinese dumplings is similar to ancient Chinese gold or silver bars, they symbolize wealth. Traditionally, the whole family gets involved when making dumplings during New Year's Eve. In most cases, they may hide coins in one of the dumplings and whoever stumbles upon it will have a good fortune in the New Year. Never hesitate to try a “lucky” dumpling.

Halo-Halo

When taking a vacation in the Philippines, you would most likely encounter many halo-halo stands this is because it is one of Philippines’ most iconic summer treats. Its condiments represent a diverse essence of the Philippine culture and its people. The term “halo-halo” derives from the meaning “mix-mix”, which is properly labeled considering the various mixtures incorporated in the dessert. This sweet concoction consists of a combination of shaved ice, evaporated milk, and preserved beans or fruits. The most commonly used ingredients are coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), prounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), and topped with ice cream. Halo-Halo is a very versatile dessert since you can create several versions with your own desired ingredients. Not only is it very pleasing to eat, but it is efficient to make.

Filipinos tend to make it a hobby to prepare this refreshing treat on any given occasion, but it is commonly eaten during the hot summer weather. It is usually served in a tall, clear glass that exhibits its colorful contents, or a simple bowl that can be easily consumed. Although the halo-halo can be prepared in any arrangement, Filipinos layer their condiments at the very bottom while filling the rest of the glass with shaved ice. Once the shaved ice is placed, evaporated milk is drizzled on top with a scoop of ice cream to heighten the surface of the dessert. Although regular milk is frequently used in American desserts, evaporated milk or condensed milk is used as another alternative in the Philippines considering its tropical climate.

Halo-Halo is also closely associated with the Filipino culture for its distinct and richly diverse characteristic. This refreshing concoction can be found in mostly any type of Filipino restaurant such as Goldilocks, Chow King, and Jollibee. Traditionally, it is eaten with a spoon and is mixed until all the appalling flavors combine. Once the ice has melted, it can be approached as a regular ice cold drink. Halo-Halo is a great refreshment to cool off on a hot summer day. The versatility of this dessert establishes a pleasing knowledge of the Philippine culture and what we consider our version of “ice cream.”

Information vs. Manipulation

Our society has been exposed to such negative advertisement throughout the years. I, personally, believe that advertising takes a more manipulative approach when it comes to informing their viewers. Among the logical fallacies, advertising appeals to people’s emotions since they tend to take a much liberal approach when showcasing their product. Once we think about it, they are not selling their product, rather manipulating their audience to false information. Most products are often bought and are often futile.

Children specifically are fooled and convinced by ads in general. The advertising industry wouldn’t be concerned if possibly harmful items are being bought by minorities. Many statistics show that there are many more ads for children than there are for adults. For instance, toy ads primarily allure children to buying violent video games that are not necessary for simple entertainment. Children are being used as the focal point for intense advertising since advertisers seek to acquire billions of dollars from their beloved parents. Marketing techniques have surely taken a toll on desperate promotion.

Although advertisements are quite hard to disregard, there are certain methods in which people can act cautiously when it comes to advertising persuasion. For example, when viewing billboards, infomercials, or just ads in general, try to picture yourself with or without the product and carefully determine if this product is necessary for your physiological needs. To prevent telemarketers from calling your house, you could do one of the following: Hang up on them, pretend they got the wrong number, or even speak a different language. No matter what we choose to do, it’s always good to take precautions when we are being fooled by useless ads.

If you happen to like a certain product and are considering purchasing it, it is best to do extensive research on its pros and cons. Something that could be helpful is exploring submitted reviews and ratings online from other past customers. Another approach is if you know someone that has used the product before, make sure to get their input as well. No matter what we do advertising is and will always be relatively deceiving in our eyes.

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Brownies

Baking has been one of my favorite hobbies since I was a little girl and one of the most common recipes that I enjoy making are brownies. This sweet dessert is every chocolate lover’s dream. Depending on the density of the batter, the brownie may turn out fudgy or cakey. I usually prefer mine fudgy because it complements the sweetness of the chocolate. There are several toppings that you can incorporate to make your brownie look presentable. Nuts are occasionally used to top off these sweet creations. An additional scoop of ice cream creates a well-known dessert called hot fudge brownie sundae, drizzled with hot fudge and whipped cream. Brownies are often accompanied by a glass of milk.

So what is all the fuss about this cake-like recipe? This discovery was believed to be founded in America, but the origin of the brownie remains unsolved. Several myths provide a mixed review on its original inventor and its location. Some even say that this creation was made accidently. Until then, we are still uncertain as to where brownies are originally created. This chocolaty delight is technically classified as a cookie bar that obtained its name from its brown color, thus the name “brownie.” But why is it identified as an American treat? Considering its efficient structure to be eaten without utensils is one reason why Americans crave for brownies. Typically, many people perceive America as the capital country of chocolate devotion. Hence, the influence of chocolate in America brought about the creation of brownies.

But why do we find this concoction so irresistibly satisfying for the sweet tooth? Well, it’s practically the perfect alternative for a cookie. Brownies can be formed in several molds, unlike a cookie. You can either prepare it as one big square or cut it into individual slices, or maybe mold into a cupcake shape. There are many ways to bake a typical brownie batter, and yet it is very simple to prepare. I normally use a store bought mixture and add water, oil, and egg. Bake it in the oven for 45 minutes and you’re ready to dig in. It’s the perfect dessert to end a satisfying meal.

Good “Pho” You

Pho, or beef noodle soup, is a famous Vietnamese cuisine that is made of white rice noodles, beef broth, and a variation of beef flanks, steaks, and briskets. Green chilies and limes are frequently used as condiments. But this recipe can be made with different types of condiments such as onion, egg noodles, or seafood. From a first glimpse, I hesitated to try this modern dish because it consisted of ingredients that were unusual to our everyday meal. I became so curious with the soup and what excitement it had to offer. Surprisingly, ever since that day, this became one of my favorite comfort food. My pho dish wouldn’t be complete without bean sprouts and hoisin sauce to give it more zest.

Pho originated in Northern Vietnam during the 1880s. The soup was influenced by Chinese (where rice noodles were imported) and French (popularized red meat) cooking. The combination of the two cultures ignited the Vietnamese to create their own personal dish. It was also said that the term “pho” was derived from the French soup “pot au feu.” Pho became widely known for its variations of preparing the dish. In the North, it is traditionally prepared in a rather simpler mixture with fewer ingredients. The Southern style, however, is an intricate adaptation because it offers more ingredients and evolved to what is commonly served today.

This international craze has brought such significance to the Vietnamese culture. For instance, pho is commonly eaten with chopsticks and a spoon. The noodles are picked up with chopsticks and placed onto the spoon. The noodles are then dipped into the soup and are topped off with meat. This is typical technique in which Vietnamese consume their pho. This simple dish is usually eaten during any time of the day: breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Unlike American restaurants, pho restaurants try to keep their cultural values into practice by not bringing the customer’s bill to the table because it signifies rude actions. In most cases, every table has hot sauce, hoisin sauce, and other utensils that would accommodate how you would like your pho prepared. That’s what I love about trying new cuisines because eating in the restaurants offer a broad appreciation for their cultural differences.

Guppy’s Teahouse

Have you ever been in a restaurant filled with vibrant colors and exotic decorations filling the room? Well, I recommend the perfect place, Guppy’s Teahouse, considering its fun and adventurous setting. Not only does this teahouse offer you a picturesque surrounding, but it also presents unique choices of desired entrees. Their menu offers a variety of house special teas, noodles, brick toast, and their famous popcorn chicken and shaved ice. The shaved ice is probably the most popular choice in the menu because it is served in a big bowl filled with ice and a choice of fruity goodness, drizzled along with condensed milk to top it off. What makes this place so interesting is the fact that you get to eat popcorn chicken with a barbecue stick. Pretty clever to refrain from washing too many utensils.

Guppy’s has a very versatile and comforting menu that can accommodate the likeness of young children to older adults. Unlike most restaurants, Guppy’s grabs the younger crowd’s attention with its sweet condiments condensed milk, fruits, and ice cream. It’s basically every child’s fantasy. The adults, on the other hand, are gladly satisfied with a more conservative option with the salad, fried rice, and fish filets. I love the idea that Guppy’s caters to a much younger generation and doesn’t focus primarily on the older. Not only that, but the restaurant’s availability is convenient for late night meals until 1:00 a.m.

Every Thursday night, my friends and I schedule dinner at this local hot spot. It’s the simplicity of the restaurant that many teenagers often rave about. Just the fact that you can walk in with a group of friends and split a 20 dollar Guppy special is what makes this place so convenient for “low-income” students. The price for a meal is quite reasonable. You can save a lot of money and still consume a meal that’s not too pricey. Its beautiful atmosphere attains the jungle appeal with a clubbing environment that is certainly praised by many teens. Plants hanging on the ceilings, lighted umbrellas, and a playlist of the hottest jams can never disappoint any customer.

Overall, this is a great place to socialize with a group of friends and treat yourself with a bowl of shaved ice perfection.

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Valentine Dinner at Olive Garden

Valentine’s Day is a day where every couple celebrates their height of love. My valentine’s day was quite romantic; I received a bouquet of red roses and a bear, and then my boyfriend took me out to eat in Olive Garden, one of my favorite Italian restaurants. Like any regular holiday, the restaurant was packed with rambling families and cuddling lovers. The aroma of the room was filled with authentic inspired Italian recipes. It was a joy to experience the diversity of people crammed into this little area waiting to be seated. As they called my boyfriend and I to be seated, I took a glimpse of all the various orders and maybe decide on a possible entrée.

Once I observed every dish on the menu, one dish stood out from the rest, it was called Four Cheese Stuffed Mezzaluna with Shrimp. The name itself shrieked out with great satisfaction. My boyfriend ordered the Seafood Alfredo, which was one of Olive Garden’s finest recipes. Along with our main entrée we ordered Smoked Mozarella Fonduta, an oven-baked smoked mozzarella served with Tuscan bread, salad and bread sticks, and for dessert Torta di Chocolate, a warm double chocolate cake served with vanilla sauce and fresh strawberries. Every Italian kitchen had few essential ingredients was freshly made to perfection, which deliver the freshness of their food. I chose to order a pasta dish because I knew it was the perfect essence of an Italian dinner. Pasta was the pride of Olive Garden.

Once the pasta arrived, I couldn’t wait to simply indulge this carefully prepared dish. Cutting my first slice of pasta was a sensation with the cheese oozing and the shrimp bursting with flavor. The combination of the shrimp and pasta gratified my appetite for seafood. It was terrific. The sauce was cooked to excellence and the cheese was out of this world. There is something about Italian cuisine that is very pleasing. I think it’s quite interesting that each dish is designated with a fancy term. People don’t realize the significance of the name of the dish because we tend to overlook it and satisfy our hunger instead. Overall, the perfect Valentine dinner was accomplished in an ordinary Italian restaurant, Olive Garden.

Turon (deep-fried banana rolls)

Have you ever noticed these fried looking rolls in Filipino restaurants? I’m sure everyone is a fan of international cuisine and turon (similar to an eggroll), or deep-fried banana rolls, is no exception, especially with its sweet, crunchy coating. There are a variety of snacks that the Philippine culture brought about, but turon became one of its most symbolic treats. Although many of you may be unfamiliar with this tasteful snack, it is a must to give it a try. Turon can be enjoyed at anytime of the day, but we traditionally prepare it as a dessert or a noontime snack. I, personally, fell in love with this treat at a very young age because my parents would cook it very often. As a little girl I would watch carefully as my dad prepared this recipe. I was so curious with what ingredients were used to make this mouthwatering treat.
Ingredients used to make turon have originated from different parts of the world. The history of plantains can be traced to as early as 500 B.C. It is of South East Asian origin, mostly in Malaysia and now Indonesia. Plantains have made its way around the world and are eaten boiled, baked, or fried. Spring roll wrappers, or lumpia wrappers ( as we Filipinos refer to it), is a type of asian noodle wrapper that is paper thin, used to wrap different types of fillings, which are then deep-fried. They are sold in several dozen in packages with and can be and can vary in size or shape. The wrappers can be bought in many Asian markets and are located in the freezer section.
Many Filipino restaurants and bakery shops sell this sweet treat. Turon can be sold in restaurants such as Nanay Gloria and Bahay Kubo, or any restaurant that serve Philippine cuisine. Bakery shops like United Bakery also sell these freshly made snacks.
Turon is a great snack to simply munch on when you’re craving for something sweet and crispy. With the contrast of the crunchy coating and soft bananas, you can never go wrong with this delectable treat.

EGGcellent !!!

Longing for eggs? It's a simple craving that people of all ages like to enjoy on a daily basis, whether it's for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Such an element can be found in supermarkets around the world. This frequently used ingredient can be incorporated with any meal you desire such as: soup, salad, bread, or even as a beverage. Breakfast isn’t the only time egg is valued, but after a mouthwatering entrée our sweet tooth kicks in with dessert. One example would be for baking circumstances, when you mix a dry batter with egg and other ingredients. So what is it about eggs that tend to be very addicting? For one, it is very convenient and easy to cook. There are certain methods in which you can cook a typical egg: fry, boil, scramble, or poach (cooking it in vinegar and water). I, personally, like my eggs scrambled because I’m not such a big fan of the yolk.

People don’t realize the significance of a particular egg to our daily appetite. It has been a common delight for everyone around the world. In certain parts of the country, egg has its variation in taste, size, and name. For instance, an infamous duck egg called balut originated in the Philippine islands. It is a typical afternoon snack in which Filipinos eat along with salt and vinegar.

But people don’t realize its disadvantages to our health. For instance a single yolk contains an unessential amount of cholesterol. Although it satisfies our taste buds, we are blinded with the fact that it is efficient to include in our traditional recipes. My mom would always tell me to lessen my consumption of egg. At first, I couldn’t resist to such a captivating element. Needless to say, it was all I ever had for a breakfast meal since it was quick and simple to prepare. Little did I know it would drastically change my healthy diet to a careless eating habit. But on the bright side, egg wasn’t purely unhealthy. The white part, fortunately, contains a lot of proteins which is beneficial to our body.

So before we go to Denny’s or IHOP and satisfy our taste buds, think about the egg that you’ve been craving for and its health benefits and disadvantages. Remember, the lesser the better.