My Mantra

"....... whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things."
Philippians 4:8

I was on the verge of feeling depressed so I tinkered  with the computer and chanced upon this quote from the bible.  Right away I decided to make it my mantra.

Now I find the dust on my window sill becomes helpful because it is a reason for me to stand up and "exercise" lol.... 

I look at those browning petals and they remind me that  plants, like us, need to drink....

I enjoy looking at the disorderliness in my rooms cuz it reminds me that there is still tomorrow ...

I think of those plants around me and admire how, in spite of the harsh winds they never fail to show their blooms and fruits every year...

I always think of those who fought and are fighting for us, how their bravery pulls us through...

and...

I never fail to think and picture the faces of my grandkids, smiling or not, for I believe that there is nothing  more admirable...

a.l.o.p.a.d. XX

www.howtonestforless.com

a.l.o.p.a.d. XIX

Ginataang Munggo

This dish is generally served as dessert.  It is made of sweet glutinous rice, coconut cream (milk) and toasted mung beans and of course, sugar.  I remember eating this as meryenda after school.  I always prefer mine with more sauce (sabaw) by pouring extra coco cream in my bowl to the chagrin of my cousins!

My Mom

I never knew you, Inay.  You were taken from me  before I knew how to remember.  But thanks to all the women who filled your place in my life: Ate Baby, my cousins, my aunties,  your cousins and even your friends, for they nourished me with their beautiful, sweet, endearing memories of you.

When that time comes that we will meet again, I will fill you with stories and more stories about your great- grandchildren Jacob, Joshua, Mathew and Daniel, and another one on the way he/she has no name yet.  Oh, they are a handful but so lovable!  I will tell you so many things about your grandsons Lester, Patrick and Jet, how they grew up to be fine young men and husbands.  You will be very proud of them.  (on this I know you will congratulate me, lol......), and your granddaughters-in-law who keep the boys grounded.  And of course, your son-in-law, Edgar, who, after all these years never gave up on me even if I could be the most stubborn, hard-headed wife on earth!  (I didn't get that gene from you, did I?)

Oh, Inay, I won't let you sleep. We will talk no end. We will be catching up on those times that I miss your voice, your smile, your touch, your love.

But for now, rest, Inay, until we meet again!

Happy Mother's Day

My Gift to All Mothers of the World

EASY CHICKEN / DUMPLING CASSEROLE

Hmmm, this looks easy, I thought to myself as I read the recipe. Let me try. Do not stir, it emphasized.  That's perfect for me.  So I started looking for ingredients.  Ah, all that I have to buy is the roasted chicken. Great!!!  But wait, I don't have dried sage, but I have a plant. Why not!  What?  Chicken broth?  Wait a minute, I remember boiling and making a stock out of that ham bone. So, no problem, no problem at all...
Grated cheddar will be good at the bottom, too... maybe next time.
BTW, I didn't add salt (original recipe calls for 1 tsp) anymore thinking that the ingredients already had enough salt in them.

Hubby gave a big thumbs up. What more do I need lol....

This dish is inspired by a recipe that a FB and FT friend posted, Ms. Ruth Jones from Atlanta, Georgia.

Ingredients:

1/2 stick butter, melted
meat from one store bought roasted chicken, flaked
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp minced fresh sage
2 cups Bisquick
1 cup evaporated milk plus 1 cup water
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 cups home made broth**
1 tablespoon chicken seasoning granules

Procedure:
Note:: do not stir after pouring each layer, please.

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt butter in a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Spread evenly at the bottom  and the sides of the pan.
3. Spread the flaked chicken over butter.
4. Mix sage and pepper and sprinkle on top of chicken.
5. In a small bow, beat lightly Bisquick and milk/water  mixture. (leaving small lumps is okay).
6. Slowly pour mixture over chicken.
7. Whisk together the soup, broth and granules.
8. Pour mixture over the Bisquick layer.
9. With a fork, poke at several places, but do not stir. (I do this to distribute soup to the bottom)++
10. Bake until top is golden brown, approx. 40-45 minutes.
11. Enjoy!

** used broth made out of left over bones and meat.....
++thought of this step as I was scooping my portion ...

 2. Melt butter in a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Spread evenly at the bottom  and the sides of the pan.

 3. Spread the flaked chicken over butter.

 5. In a small bow, beat lightly Bisquick and milk/water  mixture. (leaving small lumps is okay).

 7. Whisk together the soup, broth and granules.

8. Pour mixture over the Bisquick layer.

 10. Bake until top is golden brown, approx. 40-45 minutes.

 11. Enjoy!