Fruit Pops

We had several varieties of fruit juices at hand today, and our older daughter really wanted to make fruit pops -- mini popsicles using fruit juices.

So off we went to look for empty ice trays -- we transferred the ice from our heart and star-shaped molds. Then I poured fresh calamansi juice into one tray (the stars), and grape juice into the other (hearts).

The little one then said she had read from her cookbook that we had to put plastic wrap around each tray, after which we would poke toothpicks onto the plastic and into the individual molds. The plastic wrap would then hold the toothpicks upright (hopefully). Nice touch, eh!

After a couple of hours in the freezer, we gently removed the plastic wrap, and voila! Refreshing fruit pops!



Apple-Walnut Loaf

I had just finished making unsweetened applesauce, and I wanted to use it for my apple-walnut loaf (original recipe from Group Recipes).

I substituted half of the required amount of butter with applesauce. To the batter I then added apple chunks and raisins.

Because I increased the proportions from the original recipe, I had enough for one big loaf and two small loaves.

Instead of pecans I used walnuts, which I placed on top of the loaves.

The apple-walnut loaves came out nicely browned. They weren't so sweet though, as I had also reduced the sugar required in the recipe, maybe by a bit too much, haha!

They are still a nice, hefty treat though!

Home-made Applesauce

When I first read that applesauce is a good butter substitute when baking, I was quite interested. However, I always associated applesauce with baby pap. But then I got to thinking that it would be a healthy treat anyway, so why not try making it myself?

And thus the plan was hatched: I would make applesauce, and use it in my apple-walnut loaf later on.

Chopped apples (skin on -- good source of fiber!), water, cinnamon powder, and vanilla were all I needed for the applesauce.

The progression in appearance of the bright, chopped apples from solid chunks into a brownish mush was quite interesting -- chemistry coming into play.

I started with five chopped apples, with around two and a half cups of water. I then let the water boil, and let it continue boiling for ten minutes.

After ten minutes, I turned the heat down, and let it simmer.

I waited until the mixture turned into a mushy, slightly chunky sauce. I thought it would only take thirty minutes, but I ended up having it simmer for about an hour, with occasional peeks to stir the whole thing and try to hasten the process.

Afterwards, I let it cool for several minutes, then pureed the mixture.

The resulting product is a smooth, mild, apple-flavored sauce.

Good for babies, good for baking too!

Fish Fillet Sandwich

I used to think of fish fillet only as ulam. One day, however, when I saw the pan-fried cream dory fillet on the table, I got to thinking: Hmm, what if I used this as a sandwich filling? After all, fish fillet sandwiches in fastfood joints do make an appearance occasionally.

I got two wheat bread slices, slathered one with mustard, and the other with tomato catsup (what can I say -- I'm a catsup girl through and through!). Then I flaked the fish with a fork, put it on top of one slice, and sprinkled onion bits on top for an added crunch.

The result: see for yourself.

Oatmeal-Dried Mango Cookies

Last Tuesday evening I had a hankering to make some oatmeal cookies, to supplement our older daughter's snacks for school. I looked through our cupboard if I had the ingredients, and was in luck!

Soon enough I was happily measuring and mixing. I normally folow baking recipes to the letter, but there are times when I let my instinct guide me -- and this was one of those times.  The recipe called for 3/4 cup white sugar and 1/4 cup brown sugar. I felt that I could reduce this amount, so I made do without 1/4 cup white sugar. And guess what? It tasted fine! Sometimes it does pay to experiment.

In a short time, the chewy cookies were cooling on the rack, just waiting for eager hands to swoop them up!

I love the chewy texture of this cookie, contrasted with the chunks of dried mango and oatmeal bits. This is definitely one of my favorite cookies.

Sunday Afternoon

It's the time after the midday meal when everyone feels full and sated, without feeling the urge to move or go outside to roam around the fluorescent-lit malls. It's peaceful.

I'm currently planning on baking an apple-walnut loaf -- the lower calorie version, using homemade unsweetened applesauce as a substitute for (part of the) butter. And I will be using low-fat butter as well. I hope this will turn out yummy!

Hubby and the two girls are taking a nap. It was no mean feat to convince the kids to give up their weekend cartoon shows and rest. But off they went eventually.  Right now they are all in one bed -- the little angels wanted Papa with them. And so he is with them, in the middle, with two angels flanking him.

For the bounty that has come to our table, for the quiet that has settled in the house, for the endearing picture of the children with their father sleeping peacefully -- these make life more beautiful, and blessed.