SUMMER PUNCH

A light, refreshing tea and citrus drink spiced with fragrant apples.

4 cups water
2 1/2 tbsp. instant tea
1 1/2 cup sugar
2 cup orange juice
1/4 cup calamansi juice
4 cans clear soft drinks(sprite)
diced apples(optional)
ice cubes

How to Prepare:

• In a large sauce pan boil water. Dissolve tea in water. Stir in sugar, orange juice, calamansi juice and soft drinks. Let cool a few minutes. Transfer to a punch bowl and add diced apples and ice cubes. Stir well then serve.
  

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SQUID BALLS WITH MUSHROOMS

I tried this simple yet tasty recipe of FOOD MAGAZINE. It can be served as a main dish with rice or as topping for pancit canton.

Ingredients:

2 tbsp. cooking oil
1/4 cup chopped onion
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1 cup button mushrooms, drained and halved
2 heaping cups squid balls, halved
3/4 cup water
3 tbsp. oyster sauce
1/3 cup chopped celery stalks
salt to taste

How to Prepare:

• In a large pan, heat oil and saute onion and garlic over medium heat.
• Add mushrooms and squid balls. Stir in water, oyster sauce and celery. Lower heat and simmer 10 minutes; squid balls will become enlarged.
• Season with salt to taste. Serve warm.
  

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MEALS FOR BOX

Attention, busy moms! I have yummy lunch box meals you can make ahead of time.

TUNA POTATO PATTIES

Ingredients:
3/4 kilo potato (boiled and peeled)
2 cans tuna in water (drained)
1/2 cup cream
1 cup flour
2 eggs beaten
1 cup breadcrumbs
oil for frying

How to Prepare:

1. In a bowl, mash the potatoes. Add the tuna and cream. Mix until well combined.
2. Season with some salt and pepper. Form into patties and freeze for 10 minutes.
3. Dredge patties in flour, dip in beaten eggs, and then coat with breadcrumbs.
4. Chill for another 10 to 15 minutes before frying in hot oil.

note: you can replace the tuna with cooked chicken, ground beef, or ham.
you can prepare the patties the day before, wrapping them and keeping them in the freezer. Just fry when needed so they are freshly cooked and crisp.

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SUPER FOODS THAT ARE SUPER CHEAP

Easily available, these will give you more health benefits than you can imagine.


TOMATOES















This Mediterranean diet's secret weapon is a source of vitamins C and E, is rich in potassium, and contains lycopene, which has disease-fighting antioxidants. It is best to cook the tomatoes with olive oil and before other ingredients. Tomatoes protect you against heart disease and lowers your risk of strokes, so continue whipping up afritada and caldereta, as well as marinara and pomodoro pasta sauces.

GARLIC















One of the most common ingredients in Pinoy cooking, garlic is also one of the oldest foods in the world. When garlic is crushed or chopped, a chemical called allicin is released. This encourages the elimination of cholesterol from the body, which is good for us Filipinos-- we love garlic and we use it for a lot of our dishes.

ORANGES

Oranges are a source of vitamin C, beta carotene, folic acid, fiber, and 60 flavonoids that strengthen capillary walls. Best eaten fresh and raw. Fresh OJ is beneficial for heart disease, high blood pressure, and fluid retention. Its peelings can lower bad cholesterol levels.

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