Philippine Newspapers - Philippine Asian News Today

The much awaited celebra­tion of the holiday season is just around the corner. And what would be the best way to avoid the holiday ‘rush’ is to have a pencil and paper handy to make a list of things to do and buy. For some, an excel file listings of names and addresses of people to send holi­day cheers and gifts is yearly task to accomplish. For busy moms, an extra time to plan and prepare for family get-together is something to look into. In addition to the Christ­mas celebration called Noche Buena, a night of fun, exchange gifts, eating and drinking, family tradition of enjoying the season, pre-holiday celebration within the extended network like civic/religious organization, social clubs, offices etc. is a must! Food takes the center stage when planning a get-together. A traditional homemade Ham; Roasted Turkey; Roast Beef/Pork are just some of the specialty dishes that make a delightful holi­day buffet menu spread.If you’ve not been dreaming of an extra special holiday celebra­tion in past, this year is the best! Bring extra holiday cheer to your family and friends this season by being a smart party planner. Plan something different, straight from your heart, straight from your kitchen. Here are some planning tips to help you navigate your way to a stress-free holiday celebration.

Make an inventory list of the food stored in your cupboard and freezers. You don’t like to store them for another year, do you? Plan a menu around this stuff be­fore buying. You can use them for your unplanned ‘potluck’ dish­es, it saves you some cash.

Ask family members about a dish that one would like to eat. It is also a good opportunity to as­sign task of helping you prepare that dish. Saves you time!In addition to traditional reci­pes, consider planning a menu that includes variety of flavor and color; nutritionally balance; excitement in texture. Some Filipino dishes can be prepared and cook even 2 days before the party. Examples of these dishes are : Morcon, Embotido, Ham­monado.

Once the menu has been finalized, assign task to specific person in-charge. A shopping list of ingredients and other party needs should be included. Identify perishable items. These items should be bought on the day itself to keep fresh and provide space in your refrigerator. Have a sealed tote box handy for your drinks to store in your pa­tio. It will keep them cold on a chilly weather. Saves refrigerator space for your refrigerated des­serts. Plan games and entertain­ment program. Have Fun! Still thinking of what to give your kids’ teacher, neighbor and postman?

Here’ s a special cookie recipe shared by Terry Charbonneau, a parishioner of Our Lady of Lourdes, Laval Street, Coquitlam. Incidentally, Our Lady of Lourdes Parish will be celebrating its 100 years in February, 2009.

CRANBERRY COCONUT MUFFIN
2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup granulated sugar
¾ cups sweetened coconut 1 tablespoon baking powder
1 tablespoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon salt
1-¼ cups buttermilk
¼ cup vegetable oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 cup dried cranberries, chopped
Procedure:
Combine well flour, sugar, ½ cup coconut, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Set aside.
Wisk butter milk, eggs, oil and vanilla. Stir in flour mixture.
Fold-in cranberry. Spoon unto greased or lined muffin pans and sprinkle the rest of the coconut.
Bake at preheated 400 degrees F oven for about 20 minutes.
Cool, pack in colored cel­lophane and seal with red and green ribbons.

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