Cook and Brew.

I was so ecstatic when I learned that my folks will be coming home for a short 2-weeks vacation on November.  This is in time with my delivery to my second child.  Actually, that’s their primary reason why they’re flying back home.  Considering that my Dad has just consumed his 1 month vacation leave last June, I really find it sweet that they’ll be going home again in a few weeks time just to see their third grandchild.  Now I’m thinking of grandparent presents to give as our way of showing our appreciation and my daughter’s way of saying thanks for their love and fondness of her.

My Mom loves cooking so probably I can give her a Recipe Photobook or a customized Apron that she can don while preparing meals in the kitchen.  I can probably have the words “Best Grandma Cook” printed on it.

Or I can have my kids’ pictures printed and place them in photo frames such as below that can be found at RedEnvelope.

This Family Keepsake Quilt looks very nice, too.

I have recently blogged about my interest with preparing bento snacks for my preschooler.  A friend’s blog entries about her daughter’s bento food which she personally prepares everyday are luring me to try it also.  They’re so appealing and cute and I’m pretty sure that my son will also be delighted to open his lunchbox and see interesting and colorful food characters and shapes.  I just need to secure the necessary bento accessories first like cookie cutters, molders, bento toothpicks and dividers, etc.  My friend advised that I go to Saizen where such affordable items abound.  Luckily, we passed by a Japan Home Center newly opened branch somewhere near Timog Avenue last weekend and I’ve already contracted the husband that we’ll go shopping there one of these days.  I’m hopeful that we’d be able to shop for Bento accessories and who knows even a stainless steel sink that we can replace the one in the kitchen with.

Here are some of my friend’s Bento works.  Bookmark her site (themanicmama.com) as it’s a good source and reference for cool Bento lunch and snack ideas for kids:

You might just be a new iPod Touch owner and while looking for the best Ipod accessories that can enhance your usage, you might also be looking for the best iPhone apps that you can install.  If you’re a cook or a housewife and wish to have something to aid you in your cooking task, here are just some of the best Cooking and Recipe Apps in the market today.  Remember that you can browse for more using iTunes App Store by using the Search button.

Cook’s Illustrated: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/cooks-illustrated/id385674638?mt=8

Epicurious: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/epicurious-recipes-shopping/id312101965?mt=8

Allrecipes.com Dinner Spinner: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/allrecipes-com-dinner-spinner/id299515267?mt=8

We all know that too much of anything is bad.  As in the case of sweets, too much of it can be synonymous to Diabetes risk.  The risk and chances are even higher if this particular sickness runs in the blood.  Meaning, if your folks have it, there’s a huge probability that you have it also.

Chocolates, sodas, candies, cakes – all are heavenly tasting.  But remember that moderation is always the key.  You do not want risking yourself because Diabetes is a life-long ailment that’s very challenging to nurse.  Even though there are meds that can control it, do note also that not all medicines are safe and may even cause harm such in the case of Altos.  This is the reason why Actos lawsuit has been filed by patients in the last few years.  They suffered heart risks conditions such as heart attacks and heart failures after taking this drug.

Pack away your sexy red wig for the mean time and instead, bring out your toque as Del Monte Kitchenomics announces its Culinary Program for this month.  Check out the following cooking sessions and see if it’s something that interest you.  Take note that a number of them is offered for free so frustrated chef wannabes or if you simply want to further your cooking skills, take advantage of this program.

Better Twogether: Parent & Child Cooking Duo
August 13, 10am – 5pm P3,000

A dash of teamwork and a sprinkle of love – that’s how kitchen bonds are formed! So bring your kid and cook twogether now.

Merry Merienda Moments
August 19, 2pm – 4pm FREE

It’s snack time! Call the little ones to create kitchen wonders with Merienda Spaghetti Pack and other exciting recipes!

Popular Chinese Cooking Part II
August 20, 10am – 5pm P2,800

What’s cooking, China? Learn the secrets of authentic Oriental cuisine when you join this exclusive Chinese cooking workshop.

Healthy Sauces
August 25, 2pm – 4pm FREE

The goodness of tomato, all in your dishes. Learn how to whip out kitchen surprises with this nutrients-packed vegetable wonder.

Taste of Thai
August 27, 10am – 5pm P,2800

You don’t have to go far to learn what makes Thai cuisine so unique! Join us in this little culinary journey.

To enroll, simply call the DMK Hotline at 897-7000 to reserve a slot.

All classes will be held at the Del Monte Test Kitchen, GF B3 Bonifacio High Street, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City.

Hands-on classes come with ingredients, materials, recipe handouts, apron, toque and certificate of attendance.