A note from Trixie

I got this note from Trixie written on the whiteboard in my baking kitchen. I am so inspired as my "Christmas bake rush" starts tomorrow!

Flowers for me

I got home today and found a pleasant surprise in the bathroom. Trixie picked these flowers from our garden and arranged them so nicely. She makes everything beautiful.

Batboy Brenzie

Brenzie had a post-halloween party at Kindermusik. He came as Batboy!....Dandandandandandan..... Batboy!

Sumilon in Trixie's eyes

We recently had a most relaxing and refreshing vacation at Sumilon Island in Cebu. Trixie brought her Vtech Kidizoom camera (her birthday gift last month) and I was amazed that she took such pretty photos of the island. (Nasulit na ang camera!)

Chicken Katsudon

Description:
This is my take on the popular Japanese rice bowl. I usually make the breaded chicken tenders for Trixie's packed lunch to school (we call it chicken nuggets) then the plenty leftovers become transformed to Katsudon for dinner. This is a delicious meal on its own; serve it with pickled Japanese ginger- the pink one, for a nice kick!

Ingredients:
1 kilo chicken tenders or skinless breast fillets (if using breast fillets, cut into strips)

For the breading:
Flour, seasoned with salt and pepper
1 Egg, beaten
Japanese bread crumbs

For the Katsudon Mixture:
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup mirin
2 cups water

3 large Shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced (or 8 small ones)
1 medium carrot, cut into strips
1/2 onion, sliced
1 onion leek, white part cut into strips
2 eggs, beaten


Directions:
Making the breaded chicken:
Place flour, egg and breadcrumbs in three separate bowls.
Coat the chicken fillets in flour, then dip in the egg, then coat with breadcrumbs. Do this procedure for all the chicken fillets.
Fry the chicken pieces until golden brown. Set aside.
(You have now made chicken nuggets!)

In a small stock pot, mix together soy sauce, mirin and water.
Let boil. Add in mushrooms, carrots, onions and leeks.
Let simmer until the vegetables are halfway cooked.
Increase fire in stove then add in breaded chicken pieces, letting them soak in the sauce.
Pour in beaten eggs on top of chicken then let cook quickly just until the egg sets.
Turn off heat; serve on top of rice in bowls.

Happy Birthday, Brenzie!

Today is Brenzie's 3rd birthday.  Since my birthday early this month, we've been talking a lot about birthdays.  This was our conversation  two days ago while he was taking a bath:

Brenzie:  Can you give me a surprise?

Me:  I'll give you a surprise on your birthday.

Brenzie:  Birth....day?

Me:  It's the day you were born.

Brenzie: Burn?

Me:  Born.

Brenzie: Burn?

Me:  Born.

Brenzie: Born?

Me:  Yes.

Brenzie: Oh.  You chose me?

Me:  Ummm.... No.  God chose you.

Brenzie:  Okay.

When he woke up this morning, I greeted him a happy birthday, and then I asked him, "What is a birthday?"  He answered, "Cupcakes!"

I rest my case. 

 

Photo at right:  We celebrated his birthday at Kindermusik today.  He is holding his favorite chocolate banana cupcake.

 

My Fair Little Trixie

When Trixie woke up today, the first thing she asked me was, "Am I six na?"  I said yes and she gave a small giggly smile.  She only turned six, but somehow, the daily transformation from a little kid to my fair little lady always surprise me.  Instead of the usual kiddie-favorite chocolate cupcakes for her birthday, she insisted on vanilla cake with purple frosting (she wanted mint purple frosting but later compromised).  For her birthday gifts, she wanted roller skates and jewelry (but I didn't oblige to those wishes... not yet). Last year, she wanted high heels.  I even caught her daydreaming yesterday and I asked her what she was thinking about.  She said she was thinking of what dress to wear to school for her birthday.  She truly is quite a gem and I am very proud of her.  She is my little artist, my sweet ballerina, my darling daughter. 

Photo at right:  Trixie slipped out of her class today and gave me this.  I might have given her a wonderful birthday party in school, but she gave me the best gift ever.