Cook and Brew.

Now that the Christmas is near, I’m pretty sure that many are already making a shopping list. For many, this is a challenging task because it’s indeed hard to come up with a new and unique gift that fits and will surely please the recipient. In this regard, going for food gourmet and baked goodies such as cookie baskets is a smart and I believe, the safest choice. Regardless of gender, this will surely be a hit as everyone eats. Even if the recipient doesn’t have a sweet tooth, there will be food items and gourmet that will still please their palate.

Happy Halloween! Th last couple of days were surely the time when you had attended Halloween parties and Trick or Treat event (for the kids). So what costume did you wear to spook and scare your friends? Were you the type who donned a scary devilish outfit? Or were you the type who decided to be humorous and wore funny outfits like a human cord cover? Or were you the type who made your friends salivate by wearing food costumes? Speaking of food costumes, If I were to attend a party tonight, I’ll come in with this outfit:

When you search for restaurants to try or need to know the contact details of a certain food establishment, do you still turn to those old, thick Yellow Pages or directories that telecoms and phone companies provide? I don’t anymore. There’s the internet and google anyway where I can just key in my resto keyword search and voila…the most accurate information I need is readily provided. There are also food websites and restaurant directories that are most helpful and reliable. Exclusive foodie networks are even established just like those physicians-only online group such as the Doximity. Dr. Stanley Ling MD is a member of this group wherein he can collaborate with his fellow doctors in the US and share, discuss and seek information about a patient’s case he currently handles. Through this group, he may ask referrals for doctors who specializes in a field his patient may need. Truly, the internet has been a great resource for all kinds of research works not just related to food but in every industry and field.

Halloween is almost here so no wonder costumes and props for kids and adults abound in mall racks these days.  I bet you might have even bought your kids’ preferred Halloween getup by now just in time for their Trick or Treating activities by the month end.  Halloween is most anticipated by kids because it is during this time when they can portray their favorite character by wearing a costume, gobble on lots of sweet Halloween treats and just have fun joining spooky, exciting activities.  For babies, well, they may be too young to join the activities but they can certainly join in the fun by dressing up in cute baby costumes or in super hero outfits just like these:

These baby items personalized for free can be ordered via PersonalCreations.com.

Now if you’re planning to hold a Halloween party for your kid and his playmates, these Halloween party food and knick knacks will all surely be an instant hit.

I can’t wait for dinner tonight.  While drafting our weekly menu planner last Saturday, I chanced upon a blog post in my Google Reader featuring the recipe of Juicy Pork Chop Inihaw.  The husband right away approved my recommendation but suggested that instead of the regular pork chop we grill, why not use spareribs this time.  I will be marinating in a while so that the meat has ample time to absorb the mixture until it’ll be grilled later this afternoon.

Here’s the tweaked recipe I adapted:

Ingredients for the marinade:

4 pcs of spareribs

1 Tbsp garlic, crushed

1/2 tsp whole black peppercorn, crushed

1 Tbsp brown sugar

5 Tbsp Worcestershire Sauce

Tomato Ketchup (Not a clawfoot tub full of ketchup but just 10 Tbsp will do)

10 Tbsp pineapple Juice

1/2 tsp salt

Procedure

1.      Marinate spareribs in garlic, crushed black pepper corn, brown sugar, Worcestershire Sauce, Tomato Ketchup, pineapple juice and salt for an hour in the refrigerator.

2.      Grill till done. Serve with hot steamed rice and your preferred dip.  In our case, we’ll be having vinegar seasoned with lots of fresh garlic, onions, chili and pepper.

Picture grabbed from food24.com.