57th ANNIVERSARY LUNCH

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I believe in perfect timing—always in God’s time!

Just yesterday, I was wondering, “When was the last time Jim and I actually went out—just the two of us?” I couldn’t remember! And then today, out of the blue, he says, “Let’s have lunch out.” Well… isn’t that perfect timing? 

Off we went to The Olive Tree, the very same place where we had that farewell lunch for my sister-in-law.  Clearly, something stuck—those delicious Mediterranean dishes. 

I recall there’s that unforgettable beef taco basket—huge, indulgent, and gloriously dripping with cheese all over the board. I’ve always loved cheese, give me cheese and crackers—or better yet, sourdough—and I’m already a happy girl. Add good company, and it becomes a feast.

So today felt like a little wink from above… a simple lunch, a sweet surprise, and a reminder that sometimes, the best moments arrive right on cue—with a side of cheese.

CLASSIC RED WINE BRAISED BEEF CHOPS

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Lately, we’ve been enjoying quite a lot of beef dishes, and I found myself wanting to try something beyond my usual cooking repertoire. While browsing through Google, I came across a braised beef recipe loaded with onions, something we both absolutely love.

I used two pounds of boneless beef chops, cut into moderate strips. Along with bacon, I seared the beef over high heat until beautifully browned, then set it aside.

Using the same cast-iron pan, I sautéed garlic and onions, then added 70 grams of tomato paste, bay leaves, and a teaspoon each of thyme and oregano. 

I deglazed the pan with a cup of red Merlot, which helped balance the richness of the beef while giving the dish a distinct depth of flavor.

Next came three cups of beef broth, and the meat simmered gently until tender, which took about two hours. Ten minutes before the dish was done, I added mini onions and a tablespoon of cornstarch to slightly thicken the sauce.

For the sides, I deep-fried slices of carrots, potatoes, and pumpkin.

And just like that, the dish was done — hearty, rich, and truly comforting.

GOODBYE LUNCH FOR MY SISTER IN LAW

They say all good things must come to an end—and as much as we wish it weren’t so, it proved true for our dear sister-in-law Teresita’s visit from California.

From the moment she arrived, her days were happily spoken for. Her thoughtful hosts—her nephew and his wife—made sure she saw the best of what our side of the world could offer. There were visits filled with laughter at my sister’s home, warm reunions at my niece’s, and a memorable drive up to Antipolo, where the air felt lighter and the views stretched endlessly.

Of course, we couldn’t resist a side trip to the much-talked-about Dean & Deluca Cafe Antipolo—perched in the mountains, offering not just food, but a feast for the senses with its sweeping vistas

And then, before we quite realized it, her last day arrived.

With her usual warmth, Teresita gathered us once more—this time for a farewell lunch at The Olive Tree Cafe. 

Around the table, Mediterranean dishes were shared, but more than that, so were stories, laughter, and heartfelt words. Each of us, in our own way, tried to capture what her visit had meant—how it filled our days with something extra special.

The hardest part, as always, was the goodbye.

But somehow, the joy of the past days softened the moment. Hugs lingered a little longer, smiles carried a promise, and in between it all, she assured us she would return next year.

And just like that, we held on—not to the goodbye, but to the beautiful certainty of another hello.

CHICKEN AND PANCAKES FOR BRUNCH

Inspired by the classic chicken and waffles I enjoyed at Dean & DeLuca Cafe last week, I couldn’t resist recreating it at home—this time with pancakes for a cozy brunch twist. Same comforting flavors, just a slightly softer, fluffier partner to that crispy chicken.

The Chicken (the real star!)

Debone 3 pieces of chicken thighs and marinate for at least an hour—or better yet, overnight—for deeper flavor in a mixture of:

• ¾ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup milk
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ tsp each of salt, onion powder, and garlic powder

Before frying, dredge the chicken in:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¼ cup cornstarch
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp pepper
• ½ tsp each of salt, onion powder, and garlic powder

 

Let the coated chicken rest for about an hour—this little step makes a difference, helping the crust cling better and fry up beautifully crisp.

Deep fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown and irresistibly crunchy. Drain on a wire rack to keep that crispiness intact.

Fried chicken draining

Pancakes (or waffles, if you prefer)

Use your family’s favorite recipe—the one that already brings smiles to the table. After all, this dish is as much about comfort as it is about flavor.

To serve

Stack your warm pancakes, top with that crispy chicken, and if you’re feeling indulgent, a drizzle of maple syrup ties everything together in the most delightful way.

A simple dish, but one that feels like a little celebration on a plate.

CHICKEN & PINEAPPLE WITH PRUNES: MY VALENTINE DISH

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This is my mother-in-law’s recipe, one I remember as wonderfully delicious even though I had forgotten the details. Thankfully, my husband came to the rescue and reminded me of the most important rule: the pineapple and prunes must stay whole.

Two thighs from a large chicken, prunes, pineapple tidbits with their juice, onions, garlic, 125 ml cream, and 2 tablespoons of fish sauce all came together into one truly yummy dish.

FAMILY VALENTINE LUNCH

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The sun came out just in time, as if it knew the garden was about to host our family lunch. 🌿 It turned into such a joyful gathering over simple favorites — pizza and chicken, my grandson’s must-have meal whenever he visits.

I added a little extra love to the table: my caldereta (one of my son’s favorites), a Thai mango salad made from mangoes picked from my own tree, and a fresh tomato-cucumber-romaine salad tossed in homemade lemon-strawberry dressing.

Because my grandson loves chicken so much, my daughter arrived with a dozen servings of crunchy 24 Chicken — another big hit for him.

The table quickly filled with stories, laughter, and endless catching up. Beneath the cheerful noise, though, was the quiet warmth of love circling around us. Moments like this make being together truly unforgettable. 

MY VERSION OF CHICKEN SANDWICH FILLING

I had a sudden craving for a chicken sandwich… so of course, I made it extra special. 

Two cups of boiled, shredded chicken breast got cozy with chopped olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried cranberries, and pickle relish. Then came the creamy magic— all-purpose cream, a little mayo, and a happy mix of grated cheddar and parmesan.

Creamy, tangy, a little sweet, and very satisfying. One bite in and this was no ordinary sandwich—this was a mood. 😊​