Three Food Catering Tips for the Perfect Office Party

Unless you’re blowing the budget on a corporate retreat, the food is likely going to be the centerpiece of your next office party. Whether you’re planning a working dinner or a friendly summer barbeque, you want to make sure you get the food right. Hiring professional food catering in Eugene is one way to do that.

If you’ve never worked with professional caterers before, follow these three tips to ensure your next office event is a successful one.

1.Plan Quality Portions

The first thing to decide is how much food you’ll be ordering. To do that, you’ll have to consider the likely size of individual portions.” Because most office parties are a “thank you” to employees or customers, you’ll want to be generous with portions.

For example, if you’re serving meat as a main course, plan on one-quarter to one-thirds pound per person. If you’ll also include hors d’oeuvres, anticipate that people will sample between four and six per person.

Follow similar portion sizes for vegetarian or gluten-free options.

2.Consider Desserts

If you’re having a full-course dinner, don’t skimp on dessert. This is especially true if you’re planning a Christmas party, which traditionally relies on rich dessert options ranging from sugar cookies to mince pies.

Even if you aren’t throwing a Christmas party, desserts are always welcome. If you’re throwing a themed party, this is another great chance to shine. For example, Mexican food can be complemented with flan, fried ice cream, and churros.

3.Tip Accordingly

Of course, your employees aren’t the only people you should be considering. You’ll also want to behave right to your caterer. Do so by leaving an appropriate tip.

Generally, you should tip about $1 per mile for a delivery fee. This is especially true considering modern gas prices. If your caterer delivered an especially large order requiring multiple trips, tip as high as 15 or 20 percent of the food’s cost.

Finding Quality Catering Services

Talk with your office manager about past caterers, or ask for recommendations from friends or family. If you have a favorite restaurant, ask if they do catering. If any of these options fail to produce results, seek out local listings for food catering in Eugene online.

With the proper care and attention, you’ll ensure your next office party is a success and that you, your employees, and your caterer will walk away satisfied.

Three Reasons Why You Should Hire a Catering Company

Putting on a party is an overwhelming experience. There are so many things to think about. You have to decorate, make invitations, and plan entertainment. With all that on your mind, the last thing that you want to think about is the food. If you have a big event coming up, consider Columbus catering. Here are three reasons why you should turn the food over to the professionals.

They Know How to Keep Food Safe

Did you know that it only takes meat two hours to spoil if left at the wrong temperature? If you don’t want to walk around your big event with a food thermometer, then you should leave it up to the professionals. Caterers have all kinds of ways to keep food safe. They have heated pans to keep food warm and dishes that are made to keep food cool. It could be a huge expense for you to purchase all of the equipment that you need to keep the food safe. If you consider how much it would cost to buy everything a caterer uses, then you probably could hire a caterer three times before you actually paid for all the equipment.

They Gauge the Right Amount of Food

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to feed a crowd of 100 people? It seems like a huge amount of food. A caterer is trained to know how much food is required to feed a large group of people. You know up front how much the food will cost, and you know that everyone will get their fill. That’s worth the extra money that you would pay for a caterer.

Peace of Mind

Social gatherings like weddings, graduations, and birthdays are wonderful events to sit and visit and be with loved ones. If you are providing food for an event, it can be very difficult to be stuck inside a kitchen when you could be reminiscing with friends. Why not let someone else take care of the food so that you can concentrate on enjoying the event?

If you have a big event coming up, hiring a Columbus catering company can give you safer food and the proper amount of food as well. When all is said and done, it’s the peace of mind that you will feel as you can spend time with friends and family that makes catering worth every penny.

How to Choose the Right Catering Options

If you are planning a party or special event, then quality catering in Fort Worth can help relieve you of a great deal of stress. By carefully choosing the right catering services, you can help make your event truly memorable for you and your guests. Consider the following when you are searching for the right catering options:

• How much service do you need? Some catering companies offer complete service, including setup, cleanup, and table service. Other caterers offer take out or delivery services if you only need food and nothing more. Once you know what you need, you can find the right catering services or package for your event.

• What is your budget? This is the most important consideration. Let your catering company of choice know what your budget is upfront so that they can inform you of which options are available to you. 

• How large will your party be? This will help you better determine how much food you need.

• What type of food service options would work for your party? For instance, you can choose from sit-down dining, buffet, barbeque, and more dining options.

• Do you have a particular theme or event style in mind? If you want to stick to a theme, let your caterer know. They can usually accommodate the theme and formality of the event.

• Do you have any vegetarians or picky eaters in your party? Choosing the ideal menu can take some time and it is important that you know if any of your guests have special dietary needs or allergies. Many caterers also offer vegetarian, vegan, and other specialized menu options for picky eaters. Offering meatless options can usually appeal to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians alike.

• Do you need rental options? If you need tables, chairs, silverware, linen, etc., let your caterer know. Oftentimes, they can provide affordable, convenient rental options to save you time, money, and frustration.

Most importantly, make sure to choose catering in Fort Worth that offers personalized service. This will ensure that they can meet your expectations.

Achieve Your Once in a Lifetime Fishing Experience

There are some things in life that are a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You hope that getting married is one of those, becoming a parent for the first time, achieving a goal or dream, and having that fun experience that you never thought you would be able to have. Those experiences vary widely from person to person; if the once-in-a-lifetime experience happens to be catching that big, elusive fish, then you need to go big or go home by going Kona fishing.

Choose Hawaii

Why choose fishing in Hawaii? Why not? It is Hawaii for Pete’s sake! Besides the fact that you would be enjoying a tropical paradise, some of the best fishing is found around the islands of Hawaii. Just like the people know where to find paradise, the fish do as well. Some of the fish you can find off the coast of Kona include the following:

• Marlin

• Tuna

• Mahi Mahi

• Ono

• Ahi

• Spearfish

• Aku

• Tombo

• Many more

Just the Facts

Although you can get caught up in the excitement of the paradise islands, the perfect weather, and the sheer joy of Kona fishing, you must think logically about the whole experience. You need to get an idea of what this once-in-a-lifetime experience is going to cost. How many bones do you need to save up? You will be saving up too because this is on your bucket list. From your research, you have learned what a reasonable price is for a fishing experience in Hawaii. The charters are usually broken up into a full day, three-quarter day, and half-day. A fair price for a full day would run you around $950. A fair price for a three-quarter day would be about $750. Finally, a fair price for a half-day would cost you about $550. Keep in mind the fact that you can probably find something cheaper, but it may cost you the captain’s experience, a hoopty boat, and a disappointing fishing trip. If you go with a reasonable, well-established charter company, your dreams of catching the big one will most likely be realized.

Goodbye Google Reader

Last March 13, 2013 Google announce that they will have spring cleaning and starting July 1, 2013 no more Google Reader.

“We launched Google Reader in 2005 in an effort to make it easy for people to discover and keep tabs on their favorite websites. While the product has a loyal following, over the years usage has declined. So, on July 1, 2013, we will retire Google Reader. Users and developers interested in RSS alternatives can export their data, including their subscriptions, with Google Takeout over the course of the next four months.”

If you’ve been following this blog via RSS feed or GFC (Google Friend Connect), you will no longer receive any update starting July 1, 2013. So if you still want to be updated, you can follow me on my Facebook Page, Twitter Page or Bloglovin.

I had Bloglovin for two years already but I’m not really active in using it but now I’m starting to import my RSS subscriptions from Google Reader to Bloglovin so I can still read and follow other blogs.

http://www.bloglovin.com/import/reader.

Grateful

After so many months of waiting, I felt so relieved last Friday. My husband took RCDD (Registered Communications Distribution Designer) exam last June 21 and he passed it. We’re so thankful to God for giving him wisdom because I know that the exam was not easy. FYI: As of now, there are only 5 persons (including my hubby) in the Philippines who have this title. (insert yabang here). I’m just a proud wife. 

Honestly, I was so nervous last Friday and I was praying hard that he will pass the exam. I have faith in my husband’s capacity but of course I’m the type of person na laging may “what if”. What if hindi pumasa, I don’t know how I will comfort him because I witnessed his effort while working and reviewing for RCDD exam. He always wakes up early so he can study before going to work and study again after work. Even on weekends, he stays in our living room para tahimik daw, maingay kasi kami mag-aral mag-ina. Hehehe! #di siya makaconcentrate.

There are times that I will say to him na “You’re so near, yet so far”. Kasi nga kahit kasama naman siya, busy siya sa pagreview. That is why I’m grateful that he passed the exam, tapos na ang busy-busyhan niya. He now has time for us. So we went to Tagaytay last Sunday, he visited Our Lady of Lourdes Church again to give thanks. He always drop buy in Candle Chapel. 

Then we went to Max’s Tagaytay for merienda before going home. We avail the affordable max’s merienda mixes again but this time iba na yung nasa menu. 

First Week of School

At last first week of school was over and I could take a rest this weekend. My body is still adjusting with our schedules, tutor + school + household chores + blogging. I know this week has been very busy and stressful but I’m not complaining because I know in time I could adjust.

Back to my normal routine, I was waiting in school again because I can’t entrust my son in school service alone and I don’t want to go home because I’m saving my fare. #paranoidandkuripot.

I was reunited with my mommy friends in school and we had nonstop chatting about summer vacation. Most of our kids took swimming lessons, one kid enrolled in karate lesson and one kid took piano lesson. I guess piano lesson is the least summer activity that I will enroll Ethan because I couldn’t even afford cheap yamaha dgx 640 at WWBW.  Admit it, piano is so expensive plus you have to pay extra for the recital and the venue is in Alabang Country Club #social.

One kid still continues his swimming lesson and my mommy friend is convincing me to enroll my son too because the swimming class is every Saturday only. I love the idea but I don’t want to stress Ethan so much and I have to check my budget first.

Today is Friday and time for the assignment. 

Personalized Koozies

If you have been reading my other blog which is Michi’s Home Sweet Home, you are aware that I love DIY (Do It Yourself) stuff. It is something that I do to save money or to add a personal touch in anything that I do or give.

But if there is something that I want and I know that I cannot do it on my own I always hire company or services that personalized things at an affordable price just like my wedding souvenirs.

As of now, I’m searching for ideas for my son’s 5^th birthday. I know that it is still three months away but it is really my habit to plan in advance. My son wanted Mickey Mouse Clubhouse theme and I’m glad that there are so many ideas all over the internet.

While searching for ideas I found personalized koozies, you can view site here, honestly, I’m only familiar with coaster so I really have no idea about koozie so I consulted google again and here’s what I found.

Koozie is a foam or fabric device that is designed to insulate a can or bottle beverage from heat using both external infrared sources and conduction. But now, it is also made from open cell foam, polyester, and neoprene. It can reduce the warm of the beverage up to fifty percent. In addition, it is also used to easily identify the owner of the beverage.

Aside from insulating the beverage, it is now being used as a marketing tool. The company realized that koozies are affordable means of advertising or promoting a service or product. It can also be used as giveaways in weddings, schools, shows, events and product launch.

There are websites like Custom Koozy that offer a designer tool that allows you to customize your own koozies. You can add text, images, and personal designs. Koozies are also available in different sizes and colors so choices are not limited. They do not require minimum order so even you have a small party or event, you can still order.

Actually, I found this product so cute but I can’t bring softdrinks in my son’s school party so I have to make something like this again. 

Back Pain

I’m pretty sure that almost everyone experienced back pain. Whenever I feel back pain, I always ask my husband to massage my back but there are times that it didn’t work so I have to rely on pain relief ointment or patches. Sometimes it works.

Now that I’m in 30 I always feel back pain but it is still tolerable so I know it is nothing serious. I’m not sure if it is a sign of aging or it is because I don’t have an active healthy lifestyle.

My normal wake up time is past 5AM but today I woke up at 3AM and I can’t sleep anymore. My husband cellphone alarms at 4:30 in the morning and he was shocked that I was already awake. I told him that I can’t sleep and experiencing back pain. I even suggested that I think we need to buy a new mattress or pillow top. He just laughed. I have no idea when it is the right time to replace mattress but we’ve been using our bed for 7 years already.

I was surfing the net a while ago, checking different online store who sell mattresses and I can’t decide which one I will buy if ever we have the budget. There are foam mattress, memory foam, latex mattress, and even custom mattress.

I can’t believe that mattress is so expensive and bed frame is not yet included. Well, you really have to invest if you want a sound sleep. But as of now, I’m happy with my pain reliever patches. 

Father's Day at Contis

We went to Valenzuela and Victoria, Laguna last Saturday so we were so dead tired the following day. My husband decided not to celebrate father’s day and wanted to stay home but I told him we will just buy cake.

Mango Shake P80

He agreed so we went to Nuvali at 5PM just to buy a cake. Anyare! We took early dinner instead of buying a cake. We love Contis and we always order our favorite Lengua Estofado P295, Grilled Pork Chops P285, Bananalicious Pie P90 and Sanrival P90.

separate bowl for garlic rice

My husband and son shared on the grilled pork chop, Ethan prefers pork than lengua. =) So after finishing my food I have no more room for desserts. Pero hindi ako papayag pinilit ko pa rin magdessert. Sayang! Naorder na!

Mabuhay Miles Shall No Longer Expire

I was so happy when I received this email update from Mabuhay Miles.

“Good News!! Miles shall NO longer expire for active members.

Who is an active member? Active members are those with the following valid Mabuhay Miles activities, within two (2) consecutive years, starting 01 January 2014 - 31 December 2015.

Earning flight Miles on PAL/PAL Express or code-share partners

Conversion of credit card rewards points earned from Mabuhay Miles program partner banks

Mileage accrual from hotels/resorts, car rentals, and other lifestyle partners

Flight and non-flight mileage redemptions

Buy Miles, Transfer Miles, and Bonus Miles transactions

Reinstatement of Expired Miles

Don’t worry!! If you have Miles scheduled to expire between 01 June 2013 to 31 December 2013. Miles will no longer expire and will be carried over to the first review period on 01 January 2014 - 31 December 2015.”

Yehey! No mileage expiry. I hope all reward points have no expiration date kasi sayang talaga if you cannot use it. I experienced this last year, I was not able to use my miles because we have no plans to travel yet. 

DIY Scratchpad

Green living is part of my lifestyle ever since I was a kid. I’m a fan of 3 R’s which is "reduce, reuse, and recycle" so making a scratch pad is one of my things. I always reuse papers because I know that we need to help in saving trees.

Making a scratchpad is not difficult so if you have spare time you can do this. Like yesterday, it was a holiday so I got my folder where I keep used papers and started making scratchpad. I saw the old calling card of my husband and put some padding glue too.

What do I need:

Used paper

Scissors or Cutter

Padding Glue

Clamp

For calling card, I just put clamp and padding glue.

For used paper, fold and cut the paper according to your preference.

Arrange the paper, put clamp and padding glue.

Let it dry for a few hours. 

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Pap Smear

I kept on coming back to my OB-Gyne last month because of UTI and I took advantage those visits and I undergo Papanicolaou test a.k.a pap smear, cervical smear, smear test or pap test. Pap smear is a screening test for cervical cancer so it is a must for women to take this test to detect cervical cancer early. 

I started taking this test one year after I gave birth. Honestly, I’m not really comfortable with Pap smear or any test that will expose my private part but whether I like it or not, I have to do it. Anyway, it will only take a few minutes of exposure. =)

There are two types of test; Conventional Pap and Liquid Based Cytology, I always choose the latter because according to my OB-Gyne it is more accurate. Though this is more expensive P1,500 per test but not yearly so my next pap test is on year 2015.

I got my result after one week and thank God everything is normal but there is a note “benign smear with moderate inflammation and reparative changes.” So I need vaginal suppository for 7 days.

If you’re planning to take Pap smear, remember that no intercourse two days before the test and no menstrual period during the test. 

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

How to Save Tips: Buy in Bulk

Buying in bulk can really help you in saving money so most of the time I buy products in bigger sizes like soap, cooking oil, shampoo, toothpaste or any stuff that we normally use at home.

Last Saturday, we went to a Sports Warehouse because my BIL (brother-in-law) was looking for rubber shoes. Besides the Sports Warehouse is a factory that produces cotton buds so I bought this for P50 only.

Yesterday I put the cotton buds in a sandwich bag, 150 pieces per bag. I really counted these cotton buds, 726 of cotton buds for P50. #bigsavings.

My husband went home from office and he saw this sandwich bag and he asked me.

Hubby: Hon, magbebenta ka na rin ng cotton buds.

Me: Oo, bili ka sa kin. =)

A repost from my old blog Michi's Home Sweet Home

Tootsie’s Tagaytay

We always see Tootsie’s whenever we visit Tagaytay. It is hard to miss the restaurant because it is situated along the Hi-way. Like I said, we went to Tagaytay last Wednesday without definite destination so my husband just drove from Tagaytay Rotonda up to the market looking for a place to eat then he drove back to Rotonda and we settled in Tootsie’s Tagaytay. #weirdnamin.

Actually, it was our first time in Tootsie’s. It was Wednesday so the place was not crowded, only three tables were occupied including our table. Without looking at the menu, I already told my husband that I want Lengua. My husband ordered Rice P45 (per cup), Bulalo P460 and Lengua P495.

may laman yan sa loob. =)

cute!

I’ve been reading a lot of good reviews about Tootsie’s Lengua so I want to try it. Not to mention I really love lengua estofado so I was so disappointed when I tasted my order. It is not my type, I dislike olives and I can really taste the olives. The taste is not that bad but I wanted a creamy lengua. Bulalo is just ok. The food is good for 2-3 persons so we take-out our leftover.

In fairness, the service was fast.

Tootsie’s Tagaytay Restaurant

J.Abad santos cor Aguinaldo Hi-way

Silang, Crossing West, Tagaytay City

Tel. (046) 483 4629 09178668743

Instagram: Disappearing Comments

Last month I registered in Instagram and still learning about it. My first dilemma is I can’t connect the IG in my Facebook account even I allowed it in my privacy settings. I don’t know how to solve this.

Then just this week, I noticed that my comments were disappearing. It was successfully posted then when I browsed the IG again, I noticed that my comments were gone. It is so impossible that I deleted my own comments. I consulted the Google and I found out that I’m not alone but the sad part is there’s no solution even you reinstall the Instagram.

It’s so annoying that I can’t comment, react or interact so like na lang ng like ang peg ko. =(

Healthy Living

I always mention that I’m trying my best to practice healthy living but as usual I always fail. I can’t stick to it and let me quote.

“Dear Diet,

Things just aren’t going to work between us. It’s not me, it’s you. You’re tasteless, boring and I can’t stop cheating on you.”

I’m not really following a diet plan but I try to reduce my meat and sweet intake but it is not working. I still can’t live with vegetables and fish alone.

Second, I’m too lazy to exercise. Last year, two of my winnings are related to healthy living which are One-week Unlimited Yoga (P1,200) and 1 Drop-in Anti-gravity (P1,500). 

I was looking at www.yogaaccessories.com yoga mats, checking for the price, color, and other stuff but I decided to give out my winnings because I know I can’t do yoga yet and the location is too far.

My supposed to be running routine every weekend did not happen too and I haven’t bought my running shoes yet. Yes, I know I have so many excuses. But lately, I’ve been hearing positive comments from my husband that I look slim already. I don’t know if it is a joke or what because I still feel that I’m fat.

Then I just realized, I’ve been walking every day for 15 minutes from house to tutorial class then back to the house. That's six weeks already and indeed there are real benefits in walking. 

5 Deliciously Simple Sauces to Serve With Chicken

The delicious beauty of chicken is that it pairs so easily with a myriad of flavors and can be prepared in so many different ways.  On its own, however, it can be a bit boring and drab.  Yet you can easily spice up your chicken with simple sauces that rejuvenate it from the mundane to the fabulous.  The following easy-to-prepare sauces will pep up your chicken for meals that are perfect to serve any night or even when entertaining company.

Adorée This Veloute Sauce

Veloute sauce is an easy sauce inspired by France.  It is so easy and requires the humblest of ingredients: flour, butter, and chicken broth.  While two cups of chicken broth are brought to a boil in one pan, take another and melt two tablespoons of butter.  Add three tablespoons of flour and whisk into a roux—this should take no more than thirty seconds.  Remove from heat.  Add the hot broth and stir.  It’s ready to transform your chicken into a savory French meal.  

Chicken with Italian Red Sauce

A can of inexpensive diced tomatoes and a can of stewed tomatoes and you are halfway to making a great Italian chicken dish.  In a large pan, sauté some garlic and onion in about two tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil.  You can also add fresh mushrooms or green peppers if you like.  Add your cans of tomatoes along with their juice and simmer.  While simmering, add spices to taste like oregano, basil, or simply some Italian seasoning.  You can vary the recipe by adding black olives or other tasty ingredients.  Then add your chicken—boneless breasts or bone-in pieces are fine in either case; though boneless cook up much more quickly.  Serve with pasta or crusty garlic bread. 

Sweet (Seconds Please) Garlic Sauce

So delicious, this sauce is perfectly easy for any night of the week.  In a sauté pan, heat two tablespoons of olive oil and add four cloves of minced garlic.  Turn off the heat and add four tablespoons of brown sugar.  Season four chicken breasts to taste and coat with the mixture before baking in a 450-degree oven for about twenty-five minutes uncovered. 

White Wine-Dijon-Sage Sauce

This lovely sauce will transform any boneless chicken breast into an elegant entre.  If you have four breasts, cut them in half and dredge through flour to coat each.  Heat two tablespoons of butter and about a ¼ cup of olive oil in a large skillet.  When the pan is hot enough, add the chicken pieces and cook through.  Then remove the chicken to prepare the sauce.  Add two tablespoons of flour and stir into a roux.  Add one cup of chicken broth (stock is richer so feel free to upgrade), a half tablespoon of Dijon mustard, a cup and a half of white wine (try Chardonnay), and some fresh sage to taste.  As soon as the sauce is heated through and thickens, spoon it atop the chicken and serve. 

Spicy Orange

This sauce will zip up any boring chicken dish and is simple to prepare.  In a saucepan, add one cup of chicken broth, 1/3 teaspoon of ground ginger (or a little goes a long way), three tablespoons of orange marmalade, two tablespoons of soy sauce, two teaspoons of lemon juice.  Stir the mixture until it thickens and is completely heated through and serve over chicken.

You’ll love these sauces for their great taste but will love them just as much for their convenience.  So adaptable, you can even add other ingredients to make them your own signature sauces! 

Peter Richardson enjoys cooking and finding new recipes that his family of 4 will enjoy. He shares his cooking ideas with like-minded people by blogging. See here for chicken breast recipes. 

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake + The Best Frosting

Chocolate Buttermilk Cake is the first cake that I’ve ever made. Since it’s been years since the last time I made a cake, I decided to use this recipe even my husband just wanted a banana cake. =)

Sharing to you the recipe that I’ve got from a magazine long long time ago.

2 cups all purpose flour

1 cup unsweetened cocoa

1 ½ tsp baking soda

Salt

1 ½ cups buttermilk

2 tsp vanilla extract

1 ¾ cups granulated sugar

¾ cup butter, softened

3 large eggs

Choice of frosting

1. Preheat Oven to 350F. Grease two 9-inch round cake pans. Line bottoms of pans with waxed paper. Grease waxed paper, dust with cocoa, shaking out excess. (In my case, I used 1 9-inch round cake pan and the rest I put it in muffin tray for the cupcake)

2. On a sheet of waxed paper, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, and ¾ tsp salt. In 2-cup liquid measuring cup, mix buttermilk and vanilla; Set aside.

3. In large bowl with mixer on low speed, beat sugar and butter until blended. Increase speed to high; beat 3 minutes or until creamy. Occasionally scraping bowl with rubber spatula. Reduce speed to low; add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.

4. Beat in flour mixture alternately with buttermilk mixture just until blended. Beginning and ending with flour mixture. Scraping bowl occasionally.

5. Pour batter into prepared pans. Bake 30-35minutes or until toothpick inserted in center of cake comes out clean. Cool in pans on wire racks 10 minutes. Invert cakes onto racks to cool completely. Carefully remove and discard waxed paper.

6. Assemble cake. Place 1 cake layer. Rounded side down on cake plate with narrow metal spatula, spread 2/3 cup frosting over layer. Top with second layer, rounded side up. Spread remaining frosting over side and top of cake.

For the frosting, I copy The Best Frosting Recipe from Tasty Kitchen site 

At first, I was hesitant to try this because there’s flour in the recipe and no powdered sugar but I took the risk and the result was good. The only thing that I dislike is, the frosting is not that stiff, I don’t know if I should beat it for so long to make it stiff but I like it because it is not overly sweet.

5 tbsp flour

1 cup milk

1 tsp vanilla

1 cup butter

1 cup granulated sugar (not powdered sugar)

Bake your favorite chocolate cake and let it cool.

In a small saucepan, whisk flour into milk and heat, stirring constantly, until it thickens. You want it to be very thick, thicker than cake mix, more like a brownie mix is. Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature. (If I’m in a hurry, I place the saucepan over ice in the sink for about 10 minutes or so until the mixture cools.) It must be completely cool before you use it in the next step. Stir in vanilla.

While the mixture is cooling, cream the butter and sugar together until light and fluffy. You don’t want any sugar graininess left. Then add the completely cooled milk/flour/vanilla mixture and beat the living daylights out of it. If it looks separated, you haven’t beaten it enough! Beat it until it all combines and resembles whipped cream.

Birthday

It was my husband’s birthday yesterday and as usual he has no plan on how to celebrate his birthday. I always ask him what his plan for his birthday and pabago-bago ng isip. After two months, he filed one vacation leave so I became busy searching for place or restaurant where we could celebrate his birthday. But none of my plan materialized because he needs to renew his driver’s license and Wednesday is coding day.

So what happened yesterday? When my son woke up we gave our surprise DIY card. 

Ethan: Surpise! Happy Birthday!

Daddy: Thank you! Did you make this?

Ethan: Yes.

Daddy: Where’s my gift?

Ethan: Effort.

Daddy: Where’s my cake?

Ethan: We’ll buy cake.

(Dami hinahanap ng birthday celebrant)

Then I prepared “Baked Eggs” for breakfast. 

My husband and son went to tutorial class and after one hour we ate lunch already. Then my husband went to LTO to renew his license and we became busy baking Chocolate Buttemilk Cake and Cupcake + Best Frosting. Akala kasi ni hubby wala kami cake for him. Honestly, it’s been years since the last time I made a cake so super effort talaga ito. It took me more than two hours to finish everything and here’s the result. (bawal ang negative comment. Hehehe!)

It may not look good but it is yummy. I put all the candles and my son dumped the chocolate chips. We’ve been waiting for my husband at natutunaw na icing so I placed it inside the fridge at 48yrs siya sa LTO.

When my husband came. S-U-R-P-R-I-S-E!

After the blowing event off we went to Tagaytay with no definite destination and we ended up in Tootsie’s Tagaytay for our dinner.