Sacile Carnevale

It's Carnevale Season here in Italy!

Even though we are not going to be able to make to the ones in Venice, 

We went to the ones here in our town. 

Every town has one on different days which was so nice.

There was a lot of kids there.

In costume!

Feels like Halloween for American's.

Lots of fun creative boats. 

It was really fun!

Lots of dancing, music. 

oh... Lots and lots of Confetti!

Like, really lots of them.

Such a fun first experience of Carnivale.

I will definitely come back next year!

Chicken Tinola

I am so glad you all liked my Sinigang Recipe ( Pork Sinigang )

Especially on winter days and those days that we are not feeling good dish like these are perfect.

Yesterday I made this dish and it was perfect.

We are just finally recovering from Flu and this is just comforting.

Another Classic Filipino dish, It definitely felt like I am back to Motherland in every bite.

Let me know what you guys think!

Chicken Tinola

Ingredients

• 1 lb. boneless chicken breast, chopped
• 5 cups chicken broth or stock
• 3 pieces chayote, peeled, seed removed, and sliced into wedges
• 2 tablespoons ginger, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 2 cups Spinach
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• Fish sauce to taste
• 2 tablespoons cooking oil

Instructions

1. Heat the cooking oil in a cooking pot.
2. When the oil becomes hot, sauté the ginger, garlic and onion
3. Once the onion is soft, put-in the chopped chicken. Cook for 3 minutes.
4. Pour-in the chicken broth. Let boil and then simmer for 20 to 25 minutes.
5. Add the chayote wedges. Cook for 5 minutes.
6. Put-in the hot pepper and/or malunggay leaves.
7. Add the ground black pepper and fish sauce. Stir.
8. Transfer to a serving bowl.Serve with rice.

Enjoy!

Ginataang Bilo Bilo

Being here in Italy,  Especially Northern Part of Italy.

It's hard to find a good Asian Store.

Making Filipino food has been a challenge, there's always something 

missing on my Ingredient.

That's why I rarely make some.

But, Food is the best cure when I feel Home sick.

So... even if the ingredients are not complete I'll still take it.

Tonight, I made this dish.

It's definitely been a while.

I can't remember the last time I had some of this.

So happy to be able make some to cure the "Home Sickness" 

It actually turned out almost the same as the original recipe. 

The same way my mama makes it. :)

Ginataang Bilo Bilo 

(Glutinous Rice Balls with Coconut Milk)

Ingredients

• 2 cups glutinous rice flour 
• 1 cup tapioca pearls
• 2 cans coconut milk
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup sugar
• 4 ripe plantains (sliced)
• 2 large sweet potato sliced into small cubes
• 1 cup of sliced jack fruit  (optional)

Instructions

How to make bilo bilo

• Slowly mix the 1 cup of water into the flour and form them into small dough balls. Add more water if needed.
• In batches, cook rice balls in boiling water for about 6-8 minutes or until they float to the top.
• Set rice balls aside. 

To Cook the Tapioca:

• Strain the tapioca.
• Drop them into the same pot where you cooked the rice balls and let it boil.
• Simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes until they are soft and translucent, strain then set aside. 

*Tip: soak them in cold water when set aside so they don't stick together.

To make the Ginataang Bilo Bilo:

• Mix 1 can of coconut milk and  water in a large saucepan/pot and bring to a boil.
• Add sweet potatoes and cook for about 15 minutes under low heat.
• Add tapioca, sugar and rice balls into the pot, simmer for 10 minutes
• Add plantains and sliced jack fruit,(optional) let it cook for 5 minutes or until tender.
• Add remaining can of coconut milk, bring to a boil then remove from heat.
• Serve warm or chilled

Enjoy!

Talk less, Do more.

"Talk less,
    Do more."

Piancavallo

Couple of weekends ago, We finally got to go to Piancavallo!

Everyday we always see the beautiful view of the mountains,

and it's so nice to finally go there.

It's definitely beautiful!

It was mainly for the kids.

Since if its snowing where we live, it doesn't really stick.

But, in Piancavallo there's snow!

The kids had a great time.

Of course, I did too!

But, first.

Sledding fun. 

Trying to warm up after sledding for couple of hours.

While waiting for the Skating rink to open back up.

I don't think I'll ever get used to Riposo.

But, you know waiting this way is not that bad. :)

It was so hard.. but fun!

So beautiful here.

What a fun day.

We will definitely come back.

Ciao!

Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage

This baked beans recipe is the recipe I've been craving for.

It's a perfect side dish. 

The sweetness and thickness is just right with any main dish you are making. 

And.. if you are like me, this would be perfect with rice!!! :)

Let me know what you guys think!

Baked Beans with Smoked Sausage 

Ingredients         

• 2 slices bacon, chopped into 1/2-inch pieces
• 1 sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 pound smoked sausage, sliced, I use kielbasa
• 3 (16-ounces) cans pork and beans
• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/4 cup molasses
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce.

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. In a Pan cook bacon until crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate.
3. Add onion to bacon drippings and cook until soft.
4. Add garlic and smoked sausage and cook until sausage is browned.
5. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bring to a simmer. Place Dutch oven, uncovered, in oven and cook for 45 to 55 minutes, until thick.

Enjoy!

Tri Colored Italian Pasta Salad

Yesterday we had a wonderful dinner at home.

It's definitely been a while.

I love trying all of the delicious food Italy can offer but cooking at home

is still the best. 

I have been craving for this Pasta Salad.

Fresh ingredients, light dressing is all I needed.

Definitely easy to make, I highly recommend!

Ingredients

• 1 16 oz box of tri color pasta , cooked
• 1 cup canned mushrooms
• 1 cup cucumber
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, cut in half
• 2 cups of olives , cut in half
• 2 roasted red peppers , cut in half (we use jarred)
• 2 cups Italian Dressing
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a large bowl pour in the pasta.
2. Add in all of the ingredients and dressing.
3. Season with salt and pepper 
4. Mix ingredients together and then place into the refrigerator for 3 hours or overnight.
5. Serve as desired.

I also made our favorite meatball recipe.

I will never get tired of this meatballs. 

I don't think I can make this recipe any better.

(Homemade BBQ Meatballs)

I hope you are all having a good weekend.

Ciao!

You.

"Attract what you expect.
  Reflect what you desire,
  Become what you respect,
 Mirror what you admire."

Fun, Fun night!

Last Week was my friend's Birthday.

Her husband decided to do a Surprise Birthday party for her.

Of course we couldn't miss it!

I'm so glad that it turned out really well, She didn't had any idea.

It was a little hard for me to keep it especially that I see her at the gym!

Anyways, we all went to a restaurant close to her house.

..And oh my god!

It was the best Seafood Restaurant I've ever been to!

This Calamari was so good.

If you guys notice I like to order this at every Seafood Restaurant.

Honestly this was the best!

This Seafood Pasta that can share with 3-4 person was 

really good too. 

Like, really really good.

I had 2 plates.

Their Seafood just tasted so fresh and seasoned so good.

The restaurant is called Due Lune by the way.

If you are in Aviano area you have to try this restaurant.

Reservation is needed though, this place is always so so packed that you need it.

You can't just show up and get a table.

I also had my first Limoncello shots!

Yum!

After the dinner, we went back to their house and then after a little bit.

We went to a Pub close to her house.

Just us ladies.

It was so much fun.

Lots of drinks, music and little bit of dancing.

Love these ladies. 

What an amazing weekend with my love, my boys and friends.

Couldn't ask for something better.

xo

-Jen

Girls Night.

Hello everyone!

Wow, It's definitely been a while since I blogged

How are you all doing?

2018 has been good for you all?

My 2018 has been so good so far.

Lots of changes and in a good way. 

It's been over a year of living in Italy and loving every minute.

I have been more out and about than I used to.

I like it, instead of sitting on my computer or phone all day.

Anyways, I had the best night last weekend.

Me and my Girlfriends had a Girls night.

Movie, Drinks and Food!

I had a great time.

I love my boys but this mommy definitely need to have days like this.

More often as much as possible. :)

We went to see Jumanji and it was so much fun!

One of those movies that is good to see in the movie theater.

Spritz while waiting for the movie..

Still love this drink and of course, Prosecco!

After the movie we went to Old wild west.

Restaurant outside the mall which is right across the movie theater.

It was already pretty late after the movie so we didn't go anywhere else further.

This restaurant has an American touch so if you are craving for that,

 this is the perfect restaurant to go.

I had steak Salad.

This was so good.

Of course, We didn't skip dessert!

Relaxing, fun night with the Girls.

Ciao!

New year, New chances.

365 new days,

365 new chances.

I wish you an amazing New Year!