Celebrating Motherhood

I miss my mama.

It doesn't matter how old I am, having my mom beside me (or just thinking about her when I seem like a million miles away) never fails to bring warmth and joy to me... her embrace is like a solace, a haven for me to always feel safe and for me to return to when I seek comfort.

Happy Mother's Day to my Mama... whose love transcends time and distance.  She has taught me lessons of love and faith, keeping me grounded, serving as a guiding voice throughout my journey of motherhood. Her daily trips to the market to get the best and the freshest food nourished me.  Memories of going with her to the market I sort through my mind like love letters from home, touching my heart. Even as I call her today from half a world away, I try to convey my love for her and my wish to be closer to her.

To Mama Bernie, my fabulous mother-in-law, her penchant for life and beauty inspires me.  Her meticulous and organized approach to family's parties and events have served as templates when I host my own. Her elaborate spread during family get togethers is something we all look forward to.  It is from her where  I learned how to celebrate life's happy occasions.   Every time I do my plating and styling, I hear her in my head saying: "this is half the battle in wining the hearts of people to love the food you serve".

  

Thank you to Mommy Dory, who played an enormous influence in our marriage, and who continues to serve as a source of wisdom and inspiration.  She was my Wikipedia of  cooking traditional Filipino recipes.  Her memory lives on in every dish that comes from my kitchen and the joy we partake in sharing God's blessings.

Thank you to my wonderful kids who have made me a proud mom.  Their achievements are highly commendable.  Although I can't take credit for it, it makes me cherish the sweet fruits of the sacrifices planted throughout these years.  Preparing home cooked meals is a passion for me because of their constant appreciation... the hugs and kisses they freely gave with every meal is uplifting and truly fulfilling.  I admit that I miss them so much, especially today, as I miss how they pamper me and do all the work in the kitchen (albeit in their own chaotic manner).... I cherish those moments and it never fails to touch my heart.

To all the moms... please stand up, as I gently place my hand behind you... as you deserve a pat on the back... For the home cook- moms, may  you continue to find the inspiration and the joys of cooking at home.  Now if you don't cook,  I hope you find the encouragement to do so and allow yourself to make mistakes in the kitchen but hopefully along the way you will enjoy the fruits of your labor at home. 

A VERY HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY.... Cheers!

For mother's day, I am sharing with you a beef stew that is one of my family's "special" dish.  I hope your family will enjoy too.  

BEEF KALDARETA (BEEF STEW)

2-3 lbs beef (cubed)

2 cans of tomato sauce

1 small can of tomato paste

2 tbsps liver pate
green olives
pineapple chunks
green bell pepper
Olive oil or butter
Bay leaf
black pepper

2 pcs. potatoes (wedged)

2 pcs carrots, sliced

2 cups beef stock

1 large lemon

3 tbsp soy sauce

Procedure:

Marinate the beef overnight with soy sauce, lemon and pepper.  (You could also shorten this part... marinate it for 30 minutes instead and it should be fine.).  

In a pan, brown the potatoes and carrots.  Set aside.   You could use the same saucepan to saute the beef with garlic, onions.  Add black pepper and bay leaf.  Cook beef to almost dry.  Add tomato sauce and tomato paste and soup stock Cook it on low fire until tender.  Add soup stock or water if the meat is not tender yet.

Add green olives, pineapple and green bell peppers.  Thicken the sauce using liver pate.  Add about 2 tbsp of olive oil to enhance the taste.  You could also use butter if you prefer so. 


This will surely give your family a reason to squeeze you tight... and I'm pretty sure, nothing beats that feeling in the world.. Enjoy!