Ulam, Tara Kain....

And there are times
that all that we ever wanted
is to sit down
and enjoy what you are eating. . .

Sinigang na hipon sa sampalok with ginger and lemon grass

Adobong manok sa gata at bawang

Buttered shrimp' in lemongrass

#SinigangNaHipon,

#ShrimpSinigang,

#AdobongManok,

#ChickenAdobo,
#ButteredShrimp,
#istariray23foodphotography,

#istariray23photography,

#istariray23foodporn,

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Magic Fruit

The miracle fruit, known scientifically as Synsepalum dulcificum, is a fascinating and unique berry native to West Africa. It derives its name from its remarkable ability to change the perception of taste.

The miracle fruit contains a natural protein called miraculin, which, when consumed, binds to the taste buds on the tongue. This protein alters the sensitivity of the taste buds to sour and acidic flavors, making them taste sweet instead. After consuming the miracle fruit, tart or sour foods that would typically be unappetizing become surprisingly sweet and flavorful. This effect can last for up to an hour, depending on the individual.

The fruit itself is small and red, resembling a cranberry or cherry. It has a mildly sweet taste on its own, but its true magic lies in its ability to transform the taste of other foods. Some popular choices to try after consuming the miracle fruit include lemons, limes, grapefruits, and even vinegar, which all become much sweeter than expected.

The miracle fruit's unique taste-altering properties have made it a novelty and a subject of interest around the world. It is often utilized for flavor-tripping parties or added to certain diets to help reduce sugar intake by making naturally sour foods more enjoyable.

It's worth noting that while the miracle fruit can make sour foods taste sweet, it does not alter the perception of other tastes, such as salty, bitter, or umami flavors. Additionally, the effects can vary slightly from person to person, so individual experiences may differ.

Overall, the miracle fruit is an enchanting and intriguing berry that brings a delightful twist to the way we perceive taste!

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Buttered Shrimp

Buttered Shrimp in lemongrass

 Buttered shrimp with lemongrass is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines the richness of butter, the freshness of lemongrass, and the succulence of shrimp. Lemongrass is commonly used in Asian cuisine for its citrusy aroma and unique taste.

To make buttered shrimp with lemongrass, you start by sautéing minced lemongrass in melted butter until fragrant. This helps infuse the butter with the refreshing flavors of lemongrass. Then, add the shrimp to the pan and cook until they turn pink and are cooked through. The buttery sauce coats the shrimp, making them juicy and flavorful.

This dish is best served hot, garnished with freshly chopped cilantro or spring onions for added freshness. The combination of the butter, lemongrass, and shrimp creates a harmonious blend of flavors that is both comforting and satisfying.

It can be enjoyed as an appetizer, served alongside steamed rice or noodles, or as part of a main course. The tangy and zesty flavor of lemongrass adds a unique twist to traditional buttered shrimp, making it a delightful dish to impress your family and friends with.

Whether you're a seafood lover or simply looking to explore new flavors, buttered shrimp with lemongrass is a delicious option that brings together the best of both worlds.

To cook buttered shrimp with lemongrass, here's a simple recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

- 1 pound of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 stalks of lemongrass, minced
- 4 tablespoons of butter
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- Juice of 1 lemon or lime
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro or spring onions for garnish (optional)

Instructions:

1. Start by preparing the shrimp. Make sure they are cleaned, peeled, and deveined. Pat them dry with a paper towel and set aside.

2. Mince the lemongrass stalks finely. You can remove the tougher outer layers before mincing if desired.

3. In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced lemongrass and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.

4. Add the shrimp to the pan and stir to coat them well in the butter, lemongrass, and garlic mixture. Cook for around 4-6 minutes, or until the shrimp turn pink and are fully cooked through. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Season the shrimp with fish sauce, salt, and pepper according to your taste preferences. You can adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Squeeze the juice of one lemon or lime over the shrimp, giving it a tangy and citrusy flavor. Toss the shrimp gently to evenly distribute the lemon or lime juice.

7. Once the shrimp are cooked and coated in the flavorful butter sauce, remove the pan from heat.

8. You can garnish the buttered shrimp with freshly chopped cilantro or spring onions for added freshness and visual appeal.

9. Serve the buttered shrimp with lemongrass hot as an appetizer or as part of a main course. It pairs well with steamed rice or noodles.

Enjoy your delicious buttered shrimp with lemongrass!


#Shrimp,
#ButteredShrimps,
#ButteredShrimpsInLemonGrass,
#LemonGrass,
#istariray23menu,
#istariray23Recipe,
#istariray23foodphotography

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Kiddos Funny Thoughts 😂

Sharing this 12 July 2019 very epic funny thoughts of our little girls back then,

before COVID-19 and when they started watching YouTube videos.

#kiddosfunnythoughts,
#Kapre,
#Manananggal,
#juicyapple,

#prettyjedi14,
#sweetheart25,
#goprgeousalexa08,
#istariray23,

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Chicken Adobo

 
Adobong manok sa gata at bawang

Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang is a Filipino dish that combines the classic flavors of adobo with the creamy richness of coconut milk and the aromatic goodness of garlic. Adobo is a popular Filipino cooking method that involves marinating meat in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and spices before stewing it until tender.

In this variation, chicken is first marinated in a mixture of vinegar, soy sauce, garlic, and seasonings. Then, it is cooked with coconut milk (gata) and additional garlic (bawang), giving it a unique and flavorful twist. The coconut milk adds a creamy and slightly sweet taste to the dish, complementing the savory flavors of the adobo.

Cooking Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang is relatively simple. After marinating the chicken, it is simmered with the marinade, coconut milk, and garlic until the chicken becomes tender and infused with the flavors of the sauce. The result is a deliciously rich and comforting dish with a perfect balance of tanginess from the vinegar, saltiness from the soy sauce, creaminess from the coconut milk, and a hint of garlic in every bite.

This dish is often served with steamed rice, allowing you to savor the flavorful sauce as it combines with the rice. The combination of tender chicken, creamy coconut milk, and aromatic garlic makes Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang a delightful and satisfying meal that is enjoyed by many Filipinos and food enthusiasts worldwide.

Feel free to experiment with the recipe by adding your favorite vegetables, such as green beans or bell peppers, to enhance the dish's colors and textures. 

Enjoy the harmony of flavors that this unique twist on a classic Filipino dish has to offer!

Here's a simple recipe to cook Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang:

Ingredients:

- 1 kg chicken, cut into serving pieces
- 1 cup coconut milk (gata)
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (bawang)
- 1 teaspoon whole peppercorns
- 2 bay leaves
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Salt, to taste
- Steamed rice, for serving

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl or ziplock bag, combine the chicken, vinegar, soy sauce, minced garlic, peppercorns, and bay leaves. Mix well, ensuring that the chicken is thoroughly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, but it's even better if you can marinate it overnight in the refrigerator.

2. Heat the cooking oil in a large pan or pot over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, reserving the marinade for later. Fry the chicken pieces until they are browned on all sides. This step helps add depth of flavor to the dish.

3. Once the chicken is browned, pour in the reserved marinade. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pan or pot and let it simmer gently for about 30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

4. Pour in the coconut milk (gata) and continue simmering for another 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure that the coconut milk is well incorporated into the sauce.

5. Taste the sauce and season with salt, as needed. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.

6. Remove from heat and transfer the Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang to a serving dish.

7. Serve hot with steamed rice and enjoy!

Remember, cooking times may vary, so make sure to adjust accordingly and check that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Feel free to garnish with chopped spring onions or sliced chili peppers for an added kick.

Enjoy your delicious Chicken Adobo in Gata and Bawang!


#PinoyAdobo,
#FilipinoAdobo,
#ChickenAdobo,
#AdobongManok,
#ChickenAdoboInGataAndBawang,
#AdobongManokSaGataAtBawang,
#istariray23menu,
#istariray23Recipe,
#istariray23foodphotography

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Michaela Bags & Shoes

Love some finds I got today from Michaela Shoe 👟 and Bag store 🏬 in their Baclaran branch.

I could say that they already step up their brand of bags, wallets, and shoes.

Michaela's shoe brand kept on evolving. Their bags and wallets go with the modern trend and prices were competitive.

While this black 🖤 flat ballet shoe is so like me😊 I actually do this to my shoes whenever I feel tired wearing them and if my heel aches when standing or walking for long hours. 

I Love these doll shoes very much and these black 🖤 ballet flat shoes.

#Michaela,#MichaelaShoes,#MichaelaDollShoes,#MichaelaShoesandBags,#MichaelaBaclaranBranch,#istariray23photography,#istariray23,#Shoes,#istariray23moments,

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