Celebrating the Start of the "BER" Months with a Special Dumpling Lunch

Today, September 1, is the beginning of the "BER" months. The weather forecast for this week here in Northern California is a whole week of 3-Digit temperatures. In other words it is a Heat Wave-first in the history of California as the longest heat wave ever recorded. It is not good news specially for those whose jobs requires them to be outside. However, I am turning this negative news, by being positive and enjoy a special lunch of Pork, Scallop and Shrimp Dumplings with my Chili Sauce ( see photo above). 

I purchased the dumpling on line from 99 Ranch Market-a store that specialized on Asian Foods. With it I purchased my first Vietnamese Pia Cake of Mung bean and durian.

The Pia Cake is similar to the Pinoy Hopia- the durian make it taste great. I will have this for dessert along with my mango sorbet. I purchased other items from 99 Ranch Market including a Live Main Lobster. I had the Lobster dinner last night. Here are some photos:

Besides the Lobster and Pia Cake, I purchased Longanisa(Pinoy sweet sausage)
mango and tempura mix for my okra.

My Lobster Dinner with Sauteed Okra paired with Navarro Chardonnay

Here'a a photo of my cut okra ( 6th harvest)- ready to be sauteed in Bagoong ( Barrio Fiesta brand.
 
Finally, if you live in California, keep cool, stay inside and Hydrate. If you live in the Philippines, May I wish you an advanced Merry Christmas. September 1 is the start of the Christmas season in the Philippines. 

 

The Pleasure of Growing Okra in My Garden

The potted mature okra plants viewed from my Family Room ( 3.5 ft tall)
 

Because of the 3-Digit temperatures here in FO, I have to water them daily-a good exercise for my aching knees.  I also have intense pleasure cooking them with my own recipes. ( see link at bottom of page)

This year, I planted only Okra in my vegetable garden in a wooden pot, because of the drought and space. The previous years, I had ampalaya, chinese eggplants and tomatoes in my backyard vegetable garden.  I planted two varieties of okra-the standard green okra and the red( purple) Okra. I started from seeds ( more than 3 dozens), but due to the bluebirds and squirrels only 7 purple okra and one green variety survived to maturity. I have already harvested more than three dozens okra and had cooked them to my gastronomic delight.  Here are some photos, I took the other day.

A close-up photo showing the yellow flowers

 

Newly harvested young okras for my stew and gumbo recipes. For recipes on okra and dishes read the following:

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2022/08/eleven-ways-to-cook-okra-my-own-okra.html

https://myfavoritepinoydishes.blogspot.com/2022/08/two-okra-dishes-available-on-line-via.html

The latest photo of my okra in bloom. The yellow flower is pretty and complemented with purple stems of the plant with green leaves with purple veins is beautiful to look while seating in my patio every day. 

 

Travel with Me Along My Food Adventures All Over the World

I hope you are not a meat and potato person. I am inviting you to travel with me around the world via your palate. Is your palate adventurous enough to try dishes you are not familiar with? If so, travel with me as we explore dishes from over 95 countries all over the world as well as regional dishes in the US via Shef.com (https://blog.shef.com/our-story)

I enrolled on this on-line food delivery service about 4 months ago. So far I have ordered food prepared by former residents of the Philippines, India, Pakistan, Liberia, Argentina, Brazil, Taiwan, Korea, Japan and regional dishes from New Orleans,Louisiana. I have ordered okra dishes as well as whole fish dishes prepared by a former resident from Southern India. I love them all. 

Here are some photos of the dishes that I have ordered. The Pompano fish is my favorite.

The Empanadas prepared from a former resident of Argentina are my next favorites

 

Last but not least are the Filipino dishes I have ordered from Shef Albert-The mongo dish above as well as the casava cake, and kare-kare below.

 

This Jambalaya Stuffed Pepper is prepared by Shef Brittni- US southern style of cooking

If you like a bell pepper stuffed with busting flavor you should try this Jambalaya rice stuffed oven-roasted bell pepper that's loaded with the flavors of the South. You will enjoy sausages, jumbo shrimp, and delicious chicken in every bite! I promise you won't be disappointed. Main ingredients: Salt, garlic, onion oil, jasmine rice, creole spices, green pepper, red bell pepper, tomato paste, shrimps, Smoked beef sausage, chicken breast, olive oil.

The latest dish I ordered was from a former resident of Liberia, Africa- The Okra Stew with rice, plantain, onion, jalopeno, cucumber and tomatoes as sides.

Again, are you adventurous enough to travel with me with my food adventures via Shef. com. If so let me know. You will receive a $10 discount on your first order and I will get a $10 referral gift, if you sign up with  https://shef.com/refer/davidk35

 

Two Okra Dishes Available from Shef.com

This dish is prepared by Shef Farah formerly from Punjabi, Pakistan. This is in my future order list -Bhindi Masala

1.Bhindi Masala is a very simple dish, yet comforting, healthy, and full of flavors. This is one of my family's favorite dishes at almost every gathering we have. Prepared by sautéing the okra separately in canola oil and then mixed and cooked together with onions, tomatoes, ginger/garlic, green chilies, and spices. Enjoy this with fresh roti. This dish is similar to my own recipe-sauteing okra in either oyster sauce or shrimp paste with vinegar.  Price: $12.99 for 12 oz container.

Prepared by Shef Amelia formerly from Liberia, Africa
 

2. Okra Stew is a smooth and savory stew that would make anyone who is opposed to okra more willing to try this amazing dish. The main three components of this dish are the okra, chicken, and beef. The sides for the meal are three pieces of plantain, a Serrano pepper, sauteed onion, slices of tomatoes, and slices of cucumber. I ordered this dish yesterday. Delivery in 2 days. Price: $15.99 for 8 oz container.

For other recipes read:

https://whyretireinthephilippines.blogspot.com/2022/08/eleven-ways-to-cook-okra-my-own-recipe.html

This is my own recipe-Okra with Pork and Shrimp Paste. I have a variation recipe using oyster sauce.

---

 

 

Eleven Ways to Cook Okra- My Own Recipe

 

This year I am starting to have a bountiful harvest of both standard ( green) okra as well as the purple ( red okra) variety.  I have used them in Filipino dishes, sinigang( soup) and pinakbet( like gumbo) as well as my own recipe by just sauteeing it in onions/garlic and shrimp paste with a trace of rice vinegar. 

Today, I will sauteed the okra in pork binagoongan with also a trace of vinegar. The pork will be shredded and the shrimp paste I will used is the Ginisang Bagoong, Barrio Fiesta Brand. There are several brands of Shrimp Paste from the Philippines, but the only one I like is the Barrio Fiesta. This recipe is my own creation. 

Here are 2 videos on how to cook okra. The first one is very simple-okra sauteed in Oyster sauce. The second video shows 2 creative recipes used by professional cooks. The dishes are served in expensive restaurants. 

I like this easy and simple recipe and used it often, since I always have a bottle of oyster sauce in my pantry.

Here are 11 ways to prepare Okra: https://www.foodandwine.com/vegetables/okra/11-ways-use-okra

1. Gumbo. This Louisiana dish is probably what's given okra its slimy reputation—the vegetable is sliced and simmered so all of its goo leaches out. Believe or not, that goo has a purpose: It thickens the stew into something magical.

2. Quick vegetable stew. Thickly slice okra and cook it briefly with tomatoes so it's tender but not overly slimy.

3. Stuffed peppers. Add okra to a succotash that you stuff into poblanos. The spicy peppers will distract you from any okra textural issues.

4. Pickled. A Bloody Mary must-have, pickled okra has a slight slime factor but so much flavor that you'll hardly think about it.

5. Dipped. For a fun take on crudités, blanch okra then double dip them: First in mayo, then in "sprinkles" like sesame seeds and diced chile.

6. Sautéed. Keep the okra whole and sauté them briefly in oil. Add garlic and lime zest for flavor, and cashews for crunch.

7. Grilled. Grill whole okra until charred, then toss them with a flavorful dressing. (You can also roast them whole for a low-slime effect.)

8. Double fried. Fry thickly sliced okra in oil until soft, then stir-fry with a flavorful sauce.

9. Crispy fried. Coat okra in egg and cornmeal, then fry. The crisp coating will distract you from any little bit of slime.

10. Halved and pan-roasted. Halve okra lengthwise, then char them in a piping hot cast-iron skillet, which will render them nearly slime-free.

11. Julienned and fried. For a truly slimeless okra experience—one that will convert even the most vehement okra hater, make okra the way chef Suvir Saran does: Thinly slice the pods lengthwise, then fry the wispy strands. Even the seeds become crisp.

This is how to freeze okra for later use. Okra is available commercially fresh, frozen or dried. I have never purchased frozen or dried okra. 

 

 

 

My Donation Proposal to the UPV Library Fund in Memory of David E Katague III

I have a Proposal for Donation to the UPV** Library Fund to honor the memory of my son, David E Katague III 

The UPIC Picnic, Bacolod City, 1953. I am sixth second row from the Right

Just recently, I have been in communication with alumni of UPIC*, now residing here in US. Our communication involved my proposed donation to the UP Library Fund for their Archive Section via the UPMASA ( University of the Philippines Medical Alumni Society in America). I have been communicating with Dr. Josefino Ceballos, Dr Nerita Ulep and Dr Silverio Cabellon, as well as with the UPV Librarian, Analiza Linaugo in Miagao, Iloilo. Here is the current status of this proposed donation.  

Dear Dr Katague,

We are overwhelmed with your gesture of support to the UPV Library for the improvement of our service to our constituents and to the public. The amount you are about to donate would greatly aid us to put an Archive Section, in the New Library Building, that would store information for the university.

As previously mentioned, we will properly recognize all donors by engraving, in walls or in brass plates, their names in specific section/area inside the proposed UPV Archives Section.

To honor the memory of your late son, David E. Katague III, we can also engrave his name in a wall or brass plates together with his face, if possible and if it's okay with you.

We will present samples during the Zoom meeting on August 11(EST)/August 12 (PST), so that we may get your comments/suggestions regarding the recognition and appreciation that we could give.

See you at the Zoom meeting. Thank you and God bless you all.

Sincerely,
Analiza Linaugo

My Response:

The memorial proposal sounds perfect with me, Now my question of tax deduction possibility. David B Katague, Ph.D.

My proposed donation is pending and will not be released until a complete assurance and documentation that the donation in memory of my son, David E Katague III will be tax deductible and a Plaque with his name and photo will be installed in the Archive Section Of the Library as his memorial. 

With this development, It reminded me of several photos I have in my album during my two years of college life at UPIC* from 1951-1953. Here are some of the Photos:    

The UP Student Catholic Action, Iloilo Chapter. I was the Chapter President, 1952-1953. I am in the front row, 4th from the Left. Look at those shoes!

The UP Circulo Servantino- Spanish Club with Adviser - Mr. Tim Gensola and Dean Nolasco. I am first in the second row from the Left.

The above 2 photos were taken in front of the 1936-1937 City Hall (UP Visayas Iloilo City Main Building). Formerly Called UPIC, Univ of the Philippines Iloilo College.

Photo Credit: Biermack Arellano

 My other extracurricular activities during my two years, 1951-1953

The UPICSCA Symposium with Catholic Church Dignitaries, Jaro Dioscese, 1952

I am first seated in the front row from the Left. The back row were student members of UPICSCA and symposium participants

I am one of the 2 UPIC alumni who took Honors on the National Board Exams in 1957. 

A Tableau sponsored By UPICSCA- On the christian colonization of the Philippines by Spain( 1521-1898). I was playing a Spanish Friar holding a Cross and a Bible.

* UPIC( Iloilo City) is now a branch of UPV, University of the Philippines Visayas with the main campus in Miagao, Iloilo. For details visit:

**https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_the_Philippines_Visayas

 

 

Seventeen Easy Things To Do When you are Feeling Lonely

Today, the pangs of loneliness attack me. For the last week, I did not have company except for my 2 babies ( Batman & Robin) because my Part time Caretaker ( Cook) had been sick.  Normally when I feel alone, I would call on my two neighbors, just to say Hello.  Or I just walk and enjoy my garden. Lately the presence of my 2 pets really helps me of coping up with living alone in this huge house( 4BR and 2.5BR) with over 2000 sq ft of living space and 3 Wide Screen TV's. Watching Netflix or Prime Video also helps, but today none of the above seems to appease my feeling of being lonely. So, to cope up with this feeling of being alone, I did some Internet Search. I found the following article informative and some of the things listed I have already done or are doing. However, for those millions of us who suffers the pangs of Loneliness every now and then, I suggest you read the following article listed on the bottom of this page. Meanwhile here are some highlights:        

"What is loneliness, exactly? Simply put, "it's the discrepancy between what you have and what you want from your relationships," says Stephanie Cacioppo, PhD, an assistant professor of psychiatry and behavioral neuroscience at the University of Chicago, who specializes in the study of loneliness and social cognition.

It’s not necessarily about being physically surrounded by people—because you might feel especially lonely in a crowd—but about your mentality. When you feel lonely, it’s usually because you aren’t quite satisfied with what you have, whether it’s in that moment or throughout your life, Cacioppo explains. And until you're able to pinpoint and then address what you're dissatisfied with, you'll feel isolated, left out, and in need of companionship.

The upside: Feeling lonely isn't necessarily a bad thing, Cacioppo notes. It's a reminder that something's off about your social environment and that you need to prioritize your happiness.

Chances are, though, you're not too grateful for loneliness while you're experiencing it. In fact, the feeling makes you more likely to interpret reality negatively, which can bring on a ton of self-loathing and self-criticism, she says. The key to turning your mood around? Adjusting your social lens to one that’s more positive". Here are the 17 easy things to do when you feel lonely:

 https://psychiatry.uchicago.edu/news/17-easy-things-do-when-youre-feeling-lonely 

Note: After writing this article, My feeling of loneliness disappear and I am ready to face another 3-digit hot day here in Northern California. Let me know what things do you do to ease your feeling of loneliness once in a while.  

 

What Should Be Inside your Medicine Cabinet

Sometimes, some of us become curious of what other people have in their medicine Cabinet. Most people have their pills stored on it ( not a good idea) such as their tranquilizers, aspirins, sleeping pills etc... Mine is a collection of Men's after shave, cologne and one or two men's perfume ( see photo above). I know my Medicine in the Master Bedroom is not typical, but here's an article what you should have in your medicine cabinet under ideal conditions.

According to Dr. Hare you should have the following 8 items in your Medicine Cabinet.

8 things you need in your medicine cabinet

Which essentials should you have in your medicine cabinet at home? Charmille Hare, D.O., a family medicine physician at Piedmont, shares the key products everyone should keep on hand in case of a minor illness or injury.

1. Pain reliever

Whether you have a headache, menstrual cramps or a pulled muscle, non-prescription pain relievers can come in handy. There are three main categories of pain medication, all of which reduce fever and relieve pain, explains Dr. Hare. You may find one particular variety works best for your needs. The most common over-the-counter pain relievers include:

• Aspirin. Aspirin can cause stomach irritation in some people.
• Anti-inflammatories, like ibuprofen and naproxen (Aleve).
• Acetaminophen, like Tylenol. Too much can affect the liver.

Again, following package directions is crucial, because taking too much of these medications long-term can lead to complications such as stomach irritation and even liver failure.

2. Cough medicine

“For coughs, you can use anything over-the-counter and it will work pretty well,” says Dr. Hare.

If you have a productive cough (i.e., you have mucus in your chest), look for a product with the expectorant guaifenesin, which will help loosen the secretions.

“Then you can actually cough up the mucus you have,” she explains.  

3. Cold medicine

“For colds, over-the-counter medications work very well,” says Dr. Hare.

Decongestants help with congestion associated with the common cold or a virus, while other ingredients help relieve pain and even promote a better night’s sleep.

4. Antihistamines

For allergies, antihistamines can be your best friend. While there are many varieties from which to choose, Dr. Hare recommends paying close attention to the words “non-drowsy.” For daytime use, non-drowsy medication is your best bet, but if your allergies are keeping you from a good night’s rest, a sleep-promoting medication (such as Benadryl) can be beneficial.

5. Digestive aids

For digestive issues, there are three types of at-home medications you can use:

• Tums or Rolaids for mild, food-related heartburn. While they do not provide long-term relief, these quick-release formulas tame symptoms quickly.
• Mylanta or Maalox are helpful for those who have heartburn on a regular basis and are longer-lasting than fast-release chewables like Tums.
• Zantac or Prevacid for long-acting relief. These are recommended for those who suffer from daily heartburn.

If you suffer from chronic heartburn, see your physician. He or she may recommend a regimen of the medications listed above and/or other therapies, particularly if you have an underlying condition causing your symptoms.

6. Ointments and creams

“For itching, burning or irritation of the skin, there are several categories of topical medications you can use,” says Dr. Hare. They include:

• Calamine lotion, an “old favorite” that helps relieve itching and irritation of the skin.
• Topical Benadryl cream if calamine lotion doesn’t alleviate symptoms. This cream blocks histamine, which is a common culprit behind skin itching and irritation.
• Topical steroids, if the previous two creams don’t provide relief. The most common over-the-counter topical steroid is cortisone, which is a low-potency steroid that works very well for itching.

7. Infection prevention

Dr. Hare recommends keeping hydrogen peroxide and an antibiotic ointment on hand for minor cuts and scrapes.

8. Minor burn remedies

For minor burns, she recommends a topical antibiotic, like Neosporin, to prevent infection.

“It’s important to have these things on hand because you never know what could happen,” says Dr. Hare. “Emergencies and illnesses happen all the time and some things don’t require you to rush to a doctor.”

Source:

https://www.piedmont.org/living-better/8-things-you-need-in-your-medicine-cabinet

I have the above 8 things in the house, but not in my medicine cabinet in my bathroom. I also have a First Aid Kit.

Meanwhile enjoy this photo from my album.