Two of our favorite foods

When we went to Washington DC, on the way home we stopped by at an Oriental Store owned by a Filipino. We bought veggies, canned foods and cooked foods, too. I saw a frozen squid and bought it. I just cooked it the other day. Here is my version of Adobong Pusit :-)

Adobong Pusit and Boiled Bockchoy

The here is the Bockchoy, which I have boiled and then put a sauteed garlic with soy sauce and oyster sauce mixtures on top of it. My husband and in-laws love it!

Hotdog, anyone?

This is my son showing me his hotdog ready to be eaten. We bought it at the stall near the White House. I just think it is weird that they are allowed to put a stall there. For me it's not apprpriate place and doesn't match the beauty of everything in that area, considering that it is a historical place and attract tourists and travelers alike. Anyway, maybe it is because those are just rolling stall and they can move wherever and whenever they like to.

My Handbag...

What Your Handbag Says About You

You tend to be relaxed throughout the day. You are naturally at peace. You tend to be relaxed but alert. You keep your eye out for anything unusual. You tend to be on high alert. You are very aware of your surroundings. You are a low maintenance person. You can adapt to a variety of situations. You are open and comfortable with who you are. You don't hide anything. You are practical and down to earth. You tend to be a rather reserved and quiet person. What Does Your Handbag Say About You?

Grilled Eggplant Panini

Grilled eggplant is one of life's simpler pleasures: creamy and rich. Look for medium-size, purple eggplants with firm skins and no mushy spots. This end-of-summer treat will be even tastier if you can find the vegetables at a local farmstand--or in your own backyard!

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons reduced-fat mayonnaise
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
8 1/2-inch slices eggplant, (about 1 small)
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
8 slices whole-grain country bread
8 thin slices fresh mozzarella cheese
1/3 cup sliced jarred roasted red peppers
4 thin slices red onion

Directions:
1. Preheat grill to medium-high.
2. Combine mayonnaise and basil in a small bowl. Using 1 tablespoon oil, lightly brush both sides of eggplant and sprinkle each slice with garlic salt. With the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, brush one side of each slice of bread.
3. Grill the eggplant for 6 minutes, turn with a spatula, top with cheese, and continue grilling until the cheese is melted and the eggplant is tender, about 4 minutes more. Toast the bread on the grill, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
4. To assemble sandwiches: Spread basil mayonnaise on four slices of bread. Top with the cheesy eggplant, red peppers, onion and the remaining slices of bread. Cut in half and serve warm.

I have been meaning to make Panini sandwich for me and hubby, but I wanted one that is healthy. I have found this one and made it finally :-). Oh man, it is so good! If you are looking for a healthy altenative for Panini, this is the best! Try it and taste the difference.

Giant Christmas Tree

That was the Giant Christmas Tree outside the White House. People were adoring it. It would be nice if they turned the lights on since it was cloudy the day this pictures was taken.

Here was yours truly...
and then, our son, Jake...at last! he was kind of looking and smiling, too! Nice shot, Mommy :-)