Back From Vacation... Again!

I'm back from my vacation... again! :) This time vacation's really over. My next vacation is not so soon... maybe middle of next year. I did some baking during my vacation. I made some chocolate chip cookies, red velvet cupcakes and carrot cupcakes. I even searched for some more recipes online at Food Network, but was not able to do them anymore. I got some pictures of the red velvet cupcakes I made... I'll upload them once my sister sends me the pictures.

Hubby and I arrived in Singapore yesterday after lunch. I'm really surprised that he was able to keep the house clean. Good thing he's also a bit OC like me hihihi! Although the house needs a little more cleaning 'round the corners and a little sweep here and there. Other than that, everything's fine. The dinnerware are still neatly stacked in the cabinet and the silver flatware are all in the drawer.

Now that I'm back, I started cleaning the house this morning and did the laundry. Still thinking if I'll iron some clothes today. Later I will be cooking chicken adobo... that is if hubby and I won't go out to watch a movie tonight.

P.S.
There will be changes in my blogs soon. One of these changes is I've removed Entrecard from my blogs. Visit my other blog Journal of Thoughts for more info on this.

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Wine and Dine

When we were in the US, our friends brought us to Door County, Wisconsin. It's full of B&Bs and some outdoor activities. There were some shops where you can try/taste some of the stuffs they're selling. These includes cheese, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, cherry preserves and wine. We tried all except the wine tasting. I bought some of the cherry salsa... they were yummy! Hubby's now so addicted to it, he's eating chips everyday since we got back.

Speaking of wine, Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel here in Singapore is having a wine and dine gala event called the The Grand Mercure Roxy Wine and Dine, Gala Event. There will be food and wine served during the event. To tease your tastebuds, some of the food that will be served during the event includes

Jia Wei Deluxe Combination
A perfect way to begin your exquisite culinary experience, this Jia Wei Chinese Restaurant signature is an appetising and colourful dish of bite-sized lobster paste roll, smoked duck, seafood dumpling, wasabi prawn and marinated octopus.


Steamed Cod Fish with Special Sauce
Steamed to perfection while retaining its texture and original flavour, the cod fish – specially flown-in from Norway – is bathed in an appetising special sauce made from a variety of vegetables.

On the other hand, some of the wine collections includes
FAMILLE CASTEL, Sauvignon Blanc from Gascogne, France
Fresh and liveky with green highlights and aromas of tomato leaf, aspargus, exotic fruit and lychee. Ideal for drinking on its own or with grilled fish and shellfish.
BASCAND, Pinot Noir from Waipara, New Zealand
Bright berry fruits overlay a complexity derived from old aged vines and intelligent use of oak. Deep, boldly- colored with a big plum and vanilla aromas.

If you're in Singapore and you're planning to stay in a hotel soon, complete The Grand Mercure Roxy Survey and you can book a weekend special accommodation package at Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel. Readers will also be automatically entering a lucky draw to win a weekend staycation at Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel with 3 dining vouchers at the award-winning Chinese restaurant, Jia Wei.

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Rice Vinegar - A Splash Goes A Long Way

I chanced upon a recipe that requires rice vinegar. I’ve never used rice vinegar in a dish before. The only vinegar I’ve used is the vinegar usually sold in the Philippines, which is cane vinegar. Rice vinegar is completely different with cane vinegar, even in use, so this is totally new to me.

While doing my research on rice vinegars, I realized that sushi rice is mixed with rice vinegar. Another thing I discovered is that rice vinegar is usually used in Asian cuisines.

I chanced upon a website of a certain brand of rice vinegar called Mizkan. It is the distributor of Nakano Rice Vinegar. Mizkan has several flavors of rice vinegar, with each flavor for different purposes. With the flavors they have available like Original Seasoned, Roasted Garlic, Basil & Oregano, Red Pepper, Balsamic Blend, and Italian Herb, you’re definitely not limited to Asian food.

Rice vinegar is the perfect for the health-conscious because it is a healthy alternative to salad dressing, sour cream or butter.

How do you use rice vinegar in dishes? Splash a bit on green vegetables and sliced tomatoes for a simple salad, use it as marinate for grilled chicken, sprinkle some as an added flavor to your favorite pasta recipe, baked potatoes, or hot vegetables.

Check out Mizkan’s website and join the NAKANO Splash Recipe Club for more Splash Tips and free recipes. You'll discover how a splash of rice vinegar goes a long way.

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