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California Raisins

When Gia was younger, she had this preschool teacher named Mrs. Brennan. She was the sweetest little woman who was so good at inspiring the little ones to learn. Her voice was high pitched and when she would get excited, it became even higher, often times sending the kids into an equally exhilarated state about the lesson at hand. 

Because I have always enjoyed packing lunch and snacks for the kids, even back then, I packed Gia’s snacks in her little lunchbox complete with juice boxes that featured her favorite Sesame Street characters. I remember when I ran out of juice boxes one day, I asked Mrs. Brennan if she could just give Gia water from the tap (yes, we drank water from the tap in NY) because I had yet to go food shopping. 

She quickly agreed and said that she will be sure to give Gia “God’s Juice,” at snack time. 

Nature’s Candy

I giggled and quickly agreed that water was in fact “God’s Juice,” and thought about what I usually packed in her snack box at that time. The little Sun Maid mini boxes that accompanied her snacks were a staple, and I quickly adapted to calling them “Nature’s Candy,” after hearing Mrs. Brennan refer to water as “God’s Juice.”

These were a snack staple for my (big) little girl when she was in Mrs. Brennan’s preschool class.

Fast forward to today, and Gia cannot stand raisins in her food, but tolerates them in trail mix or if they are covered in dark chocolate.

Luckily, my other “little” girl, Gelli, absolutely LOVES “Nature’s Candy” in any way she can have them. She loves them in her snack box (I still pack the little red Sun Maid boxes.) she loves them in her cereal, and in her trail mix too. In fact, lots of times she just asks for California Raisins and peanuts as an afternoon snack.

Actually, come to think of it, if we want to apply “Nature’s Candy” to ANY kind of dried fruit, we can. I just have a special affinity for California Raisins because it’s also a brand that I grew up with.

Naturally Sweet

In fact, even just the mention of California Raisins reminds me of this:

This was the commercial that was released in 1988 and yes, it harks back to my own childhood, where I would lay down on the floor with my feet up on the wall, watching tv on a huge box in the family room…all of which I have fond memories…

Healthy and Versatile

All of which, I pleasantly looked back on after attending the California Raisins event today at at Ikomai and Tochi. 

Chef James Antolin teamed up with Dr. Klaus Tenbergen to showcase exactly how nutritious and versatile this dried fruit is by incorporating raisins into the whole lunch menu, and by showing us two super easy vegan recipes where our sweet little treat shines.

Gyoza

From Wasabi Salad that was topped with a Crispy Raisin Fruit Leather, to Roasted Salmon, Gyoza, and Garlic Chahan, our entire lunch menu included California Raisins in ways that I had not yet imagined would work! 

Garlic Chahan

I was pleasantly surprised with the way Japanese food could be prepared using an ingredient not usually found in Japanese cuisine.

Vegan Raisin Cake

But because I am always looking for new ways to get my family to enjoy healthier alternatives to sweets, I was really looking forward to the vegan demonstrations that husband wife team Klaus and Priscilla would share.

Healthy Options

I was surprised to learn that California Raisins are:

  • naturally high in fiber (which means they are great for digestion)
  • rich in calcium, iron, and maganese
  • high in potassium
  • rich in natural sugars 

So here is something I will definitely make for the kids’ lunchboxes very soon:

Easy Coconut California Raisin Bites are packed with energy and fiber. I can see myself even adding some additional items for added texture, like chopped cashews, or even peanuts. It’s good to know that these can stay in the ref for about a week.

And this is something that I can encourage the kids to make when we are at Mama’s place (because she has a microwave) because they love baking and this mug cake is super easy.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Mug Cake was so super easy to throw together and perfect for when the kids bring surprise friends over after school. Plus they can make it on their own because it’s throwing all the ingredients in one bowl and popping it in the microwave!

It truly was a treat to leave Ikomai and Tochi with a newfound inspiration in the kitchen!

So in honor of my new found inspiration, and of my childhood, Gia’s childhood, and the childhood that Gelli is enjoying with her own little red boxes of California Raisins in HER lunchbox, I will share a very ADULT like VEGAN recipe that reminds me of Autumn in New York.

There aren’t many things that I long for, now that we have been living in Manila for more than 12 years. In fact, I have slowly seen almost everything that I love and miss about New York (except for my family) become available here in various grocery stores and even through online purchases. 

If you like the flavors, scents, and the feel of Autumn, (like I do) then you must try this deliciously healthy salad which evokes all the earthy feels of leaves changing, crisp weather, and wearing cool fall sweaters while sipping on warm apple cider. 

[yumprint-recipe id=’40’]https://calraisins.org/
https://www.facebook.com/californiaraisins
https://twitter.com/LoveYourRaisins
https://www.instagram.com/LoveYourRaisins/

 

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It’s December 1st! Is there anything more delic It’s December 1st!

Is there anything more delicious than the smell of Christmas and the new found freedom as we anticipate celebrating the holidays with our families again?

@festivalmall has hosted a series of musical shows since November 5th that include Ace Banzuelo and Silent Sanctuary. Check out Michael Pangilinan on December 10th, too!

With Santa visiting, Christmas parties, arts and crafts and lots of promos, you can even enter for a chance to win a Toyota Fortuner!

Best of all-I love it when the places we know give purpose to their celebrations. Thank you #FestivalMall for partnering with @dsapi1  this holiday season. 

Thank you for sharing all the different ways we can celebrate the holidays with you!

#tistheseason #seasonofgiving #downsyndromeawareness #aintnothingdownaboutit #upsyndrome
I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Th I have always been intimidated by Cornish Hens. Through this learning exercise with @usapeecphl, I have learned a bit more about these little birds that have bigger breast parts, and thank you Chef @ivoryyat for showing me how easy it is to prepare Greek Lemon Roasted Cornish Hens with Roasted Potatoes.
 
Clean and fresh flavors are perfect for these smaller birds that are rich in protein with zero carbs. Try the recipe in the comments section. I’m sure you’d enjoy it as much as I did!
 
Interested in U.S. Cornish Hens? You can buy them in stores near you. #CornishHen #USCornishHen #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ad
@gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @pura @gi.aventajado and I played with some of the @puratosph products that they sent over the other day. Ready to use Bavarian Cream made these Cream Puffs easier than ever. I think we have to figure out how to temper our couverture better…

#workinprogress #wasdelicious #giabaked #puratosph #gavinosph #anyonecanbake
@mommymundo always has a way of bringing together @mommymundo always has a way of bringing together just what we need, no matter the time of year. Loving these photos of my first boy that were snapped @expomom.

Anyone else thinking about #HolidayPhotos? I am not one of those moms that has it all together before Christmas. It’s usually a mad dash for us at the end of the year, but if it’s anything that the past few years has taught me, it’s that the little things are what makes the Christmas special.

Many of us haven’t been together with the extended family or even our immediate family in so long. That means it’s the perfect time to document.

@nextbymetrophoto will be hosting one last Christmas Marathon family photo shoot before the end of year. Check them out or shoot them a message. They have some cute set-ups.
****GIVEAWAY ALERT*** 10 things I LOVE about @sed ****GIVEAWAY ALERT***

10 things I LOVE about @sedahotels listed here and on FB!

1. Each property has a Signature Dish. If you can’t make it to Bacolod, you can still enjoy Chicken Inasal in any of their properties.

2. Clean Design. So easy to work and play in a space that is light, modern, and clean in design. 

3. Beautiful views. Every chance I got, I would sit outside at @straightupatseda. 

4. Spacious Rooms and Residence Stays. Staying in the Three Bedroom Premier was perfect for our family. 

5. Attentive Service. Everyone was pleasant and accommodating.

6. Centrally Located. If you are thinking of fun things to do in Makati and want a home base, Seda Residences Makati is near a few of the museums, parks, and malls.

7. Work with ease. Internet service is uninterrupted. Meeting rooms are available and easy to book.

8. Relax and Play. From mid-day tubbies with Gelli to, taking advantage of the pool, or the children’s room, the little girl had more than enough things to keep her busy!

9. #FamilyTime. Spending an extended amount of time outside our own space led to laughter, fun conversations, and opportunities to try new things. We were comfortable and rested in the space we were in, which meant more opportunities for us to connect.

10. Homegrown with a Purpose. A Filipino brand that understands the importance of both work and travel, each property is important to the city & province location. Environmentally aware by adopting Mayumi, a Philippine Bald Eagle. 🦅

Want to win your own staycation at #SedaResidencesMakati?

Up for grabs is one night in a ONE BEDROOM DELUXE for two persons with breakfast!

Here’s how to enter to win:
1) Follow @sedahotels 
2) Follow @mommanmanila & @kitchen143 
3) Tag a friend (or more) who love(s) staycations too!
4) Comment why you should win this staycation treat!

Plus points for people who share this post in stories and the winner will be announced on December 6th.
Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work. Thankful for work that doesn’t feel like work.

@kitchen143 is something I really do love. Sharing a little bit of my kitchen with viewers and followers brings me joy. Even better when I get to work with chefs whom I can learn from and friends who like to spend time in the kitchen too!

#Thanksgiving
Thankful for the gift of music. Wish I caught mor Thankful for the gift of music.

Wish I caught more mini moments from We Will Rock You.

Such a great musical!

@sedahotels 
#sedaresidencesmakati 
#sedaat10
Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. @gelliaventajado j Thankful for @bestbuddies_ph. 

@gelliaventajado joined our family and led me to @bestbuddies. 

Thankful for all the ambassadors who were able to spend time with us. And for @smlpeeps  and @asurionphcareers for helping make magic happen on Saturday afternoon for #Friendsgiving.

#Thanksgiving #bestbuddiesph
Thankful for women who share their faith with me. Thankful for women who share their faith with me. 

#Thanksgiving
Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at Is there anything better than a stuffed turkey at this time of year? Whole turkeys require serious commitment to cook. #IYKYK But because U.S. Poultry is now available here in the Philippines, that also means preparing turkey is a tad bit easier.
 
Frozen U.S. turkey products are available and ready to cook for people who want to dabble with flavors for this bigger bird but aren't sure how.
 
Thank you to Chef @ivoryyat for putting together a medley of my favorite fall flavors. This combination of apples, sweet potatoes, and maple syrup perfectly compliment  the roasted turkey leg and remind me of flavors and scenes from back in New York. 
 
@usapeecphl l has the highest standards that follow USDA requirements which are certified safe before shipping to the Philippines. Get them in stores near you. 

#ad #Turkey #USTurkey #Thanksgiving #PoultryPerfection #CookingWithUSPoultry #USPoultry #USAPEECPHL #ServeTurkey #EatTurkey
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