Humba

Ingredients:

• 1/2 kilo pork, cubed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon salt
  
• 1/4 bay leaf
  
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon oil
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1/4 cup vinegar
  
• 1/2 tablespoon tausi (optional)

1. Combine all ingredients in a deep skillet.
2. Simmer over medium heat until pork is tender.

This happens to be a fave of our young child to eat at a popular Chinese restaurant in town! Soon I hope to try cooking this at home and we will see if our child likes it as much.

Chocolates

Chocolates are truly such delicious temptations that most people could not resist giving in to. I would love to get Chocolate Gifts whether they be bring home treats from people like my sister or even hubby's office mates coming home from their travel and trips abroad, birthday gift, or gifts from my dear hubby during special days like our anniversary or whatever the occasion, the giving and receiving of gifts particularly chocolates will be an exciting affair.

I remember one Christmas, my sister who works abroad sent us chocolates during Christmas and I could still remember the joy and happiness in the faces of my nephew and nieces when they saw it. Of course the other family members were also delighted to get those chocolates just like any chocolate lover in this world.

The merry month of December which is the season of Christmas and gift giving is just about a month away. I am really sure the kids will be excited to receive gifts and not to be left behind are the kids at heart. I know you would be thinking of the season’s must-have Christmas Presents for all people on your gift list this year whether they have been naughty or nice. You know that even those not expecting a gift for Christmas from you will be truly delighted to get something like that comes out of the blue, for no good reason – just because it's Christmas!

Just look at these chocolates and tell me if you could resist buying these delicious tempting chocolates. They make great Corporate Christmas Gifts too this holiday season which companies could give away to their clients or employees during this Christmas from gorgeous Stocking Fillers and stunning boxed chocolates to blissful family hampers. These chocolates from Hotel Chocolat are a must-have for a chocolate lover in me! They have special offers too that you should not miss!

Tuna Salad Special

Ingredients:

• 1 cup tuna flakes, drained
• 2 cups pineapple tidbits, drained
• 1/2 cup salted peanuts, chopped
• 1 cup shredded lettuce or cabbage
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• salt and pepper to taste
  
• whole lettuce leaves to line serving platter (optional)

1. Toss together tuna, pineapple tidbits, peanuts, shredded lettuce/cabbage, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
2. Sprinkle grated cheese on top.
3. Chill, then serve on lettuce leaves if desired.
   

Calamares

Ingredients:

• 1 kilo squid, cleaned and cut into rings
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup flour
• 3 tablespoons water
• 1 small onion, chopped finely
• 1 clove garlic, chopped finely
• Salt and pepper
  
• Oil for frying

For sour-cream dip:

• 1/2 cup sour cream
  
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 5 cloves garlic, chopped finely
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
  

1. Season squid with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. Put beaten eggs in a bowl. Add flour and 3 tablespoons water, then mix to make a smooth batter. Add onion and garlic.
3. Dip squid into the batter. Deep fry for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown. Drain.
   
4. Serve with sour-cream dip.
5. To make dip: Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic, salt and sugar in a bowl. Mix well.
   

Ginataang Santol with Pork

Ingredients:

• 10 pieces santol,peeled
• 1/4 kilo pork (kasim), cubed
  
• 1 piece red bell pepper, sliced into thin strips
• coconut milk
  
• garlic
  

1. Soak shredded santol in water for 30 minutes.
2. Drain and squeeze out remaining water.
3. Saute onion and garlic.
4. Add tender pork and cook until meat is tender.
   
5. Add santol.
6. Pour in coconut milk and boil for 10 minutes.
7. Stir constantly to prevent coconut from clotting.
8. Add bell pepper when most almost done.

If you want a spicier dish, use a few thin slices of red chili pepper instead of bell pepper.