Summer fest (food)

Every year, at the start of summer - this could be sometime between June 20-22 - the kindergarten where my son goes to organizes a Summerfest joined by the kids' families. We would pitch in food, drinks and tokens and then sing and eat - a bonding of sorts. Above would be apple cake, a variation of Apfelstrudel and cinnamon rolls...my favorite but I'd prefer cinnabon.

For this year, it's a bit nostalgic too as one of the pedagogues (Gabi) has to leave for another job. She's been one of the two who tapped my older son's potentials - to send him straight to grade 1 instead of a preparatory class. She recognized the inquiring attitude in him that's why she advised me to say no to preparatory class. She's also the one who requested for some puto. :)

These are the puto I baked, I tried coloring some with pink and they were the first to go when served. I'm sure the kids were the ones who took them. ;) See more puto photos here.

This year, the weather cooperated well, we were able to stay outside without rain or cold winds - it was pure sunshine so we stayed the whole time at the garden, the kids performed a special number about a caterpillar turning to a butterfly. We also gave Gabi potted plants and herbs for her garden! (I want all those that she got lol).

A regular in every summer fest - grilled sausages! Name it we got it! Bratwurst, Käsekrainer, Frankfurters, Berner Würstl and a lot more...but no, we don't have canned Vienna sausage. :D The other pedagogue's husband was kind enough to be in charge of this portable grill...we've been using this for 4 years now.

No rice served...just potato salad, macaroni salad and lots of condiments for the sausages. 

Summer fun! Tomorrow is the last day of school, I'd surely be having lots of time out with the kids! ;)

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Hot!

One Saturday morning during our Pinas vacation, we were at the beach enjoying the waters and the sun. There was rain on Thursday prior so the waters were a bit murky for the kids to dive into on Friday. They settled in the pool and C learned how to swim without the help of water wings. Saturday was fine, so we had the chance to walk by the shore. We originally planned to go to Donsol but circumstances changed our destination to somewhere nearer; Matabungkay in Lian, Batangas.

We also picked up some starfish and hermit crabs. The kids were so curious that we took them home and placed them in an aquarium.

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Brother-in-law and I desperately lit up some coals to grill a few meat. It took us some minutes since the woods around were still wet from the rain. With much blowing and fanning we finally were able to grill porkchops and chicken barbecue too!

“Sunburn is very becoming, but only when it is even - one must be careful not to look like a mixed grill”

-Noel Coward quotes

Probably one of the many things my little boy wouldn't understand yet. :D Despite the sunblock he got a lovely brown for staying under the sun as long as he wanted.

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Yummy Sunday - Grilled selection

On my plate: salmon filets, zucchini, shrimps, grilled and served with teriyaki sauce. There's a new buffet restaurant that opened near our place, Buffet King. It boasts of a lot of fresh seafood selections which will be cooked for you and the price? Only 5,80euros per head, kids 4euros, and my little boy, free!

I'd be posting a full review soon. Happy Sunday!

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Salmon Feast

I used to prefer Tilapia, Bangus and Galunggong (fat, dried ones) over other fishes...Everytime I buy (or order) from the Asia shop, they were always on the list.

But the past year, we started with Salmon cravings from uncooked sushi, to grilled steaks from smoked strips to baked fillets, then it eventually became an all-time favorite!

Here are two of the easiest Salmon recipes I have but I' d be posting more for sure.

Grilled Salmon Teriyaki

Sugar
Sesame oil
Garlic, minced

Ginger, crushed

Soy Sauce

Vinegar

Salmon Steaks

In a shallow dish, combine the first 6 ingredients. Marinate the steaks into the mixture at minimum 1.5 hours. Grill over charcoal (or any griller you have) turning once after 9-12 minutes then cook the other side for another 10 minutes...serve!

Salmon Taco

Smoked Salmon Strips

Lettuce

Taco Wraps

Mayonnaise

Simply put in the ingredients (except mayo) inside the wrapper...yeap, that easy! Heat it up in your bread toaster and your good to go! You can also add onions, tomatoes and other taco stuffing but this simple recipe is enough for me though.

It is the smoked taste of the salmon that I really like, gives this that unique hint of mystery in every bite...(What was that?)

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Side dish: Word for the day

Salmon (n): Lachs (German)

Sake (Japanese)

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