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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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Hi! Here is where I share my thoughts on yoga, cooking, crafting, raising a special child, exploring, eating, playing, and living in Manila.
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Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has Waterside @solaireresort’s BBQ Brunch Buffet has all the southern fixings and more.

Grilled and smoked meats. Seafood and mixed drinks. Fried chicken and fish and chips. Starters include fresh salads, corn bread, nachos and more. But the kicker comes in the form of a Make Your Own Milkshake bar, and YES, you can order it spiked with your favorite liquor! 

Waterside is only one of quite a few restaurants that you can enjoy  beautiful weekend brunches with your favorite person, the fam bam, or your friends. 

Check out www.mommanmanila.com to see the full menu and what Nino and I enjoyed most.
Creating food together is one of our love language Creating food together is one of our love languages. We flow in the kitchen. I get excited and move too fast, and she grounds me, and slows things down. We can move around one another while still staying in sync. In our own kitchen, there is music that guides us and sets the tone for the meal. Gelli would be in the mix, the boys will set the table, someone makes dessert, and maybe @manila.gent  makes a drink. 

When we prepare our table together there is so much that goes into the process and the ingredients. This mindful movement brings me so much joy when we are all together.

Even more so when we attend classes together to learn new dishes too.  @themayakitchen1 has regular classes offering cooks of all abilities to learn something new when preparing meals for for our families.

Check out my new article on @rappler for @kitchen143 where Gia and I learned from Chef @cocoyventura a few new Pinoy dishes that will definitely be on rotation for #TeamGellibean.

Link in my profile: 

https://www.rappler.com/life-and-style/food-drinks/kitchen-143-learning-lovelokal-the-maya-kitchens-cooking-classes/
Crispy Pata. Is there anything better than perfec Crispy Pata.

Is there anything better than perfectly brined crispy fried pork? 

@manila.gent and I visited @viicsrestaurantph for simple Pinoy fare that hit the spot. Admittedly, after moving here so many years ago, I took a while to warm up to this dish that is one of Nino’s (and my mom’s) favorites. But every once in a while-I won’t feel guilty about indulging in this deep fried treat.

Happy to learn that we can also order for when Mom arrives through @foodpanda_ph too!
The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their The @admiralhotelmanila M-Gallery has opened their doors! @manila.gent and I were privileged to visit the hotel on Friday night with some new friends and we were both so excited to explore some new digs in Manila.

Looking forward to bringing the family back soon!
We were a little early for therapy this morning, s We were a little early for therapy this morning, so @gelliaventajado got to spend a little time with @grace_loedin!

@thevanguardacademyph is still open for enrollment in their summer program, and has a full staff for all therapies and interventions. We really love her school and all of the faculty and staff. It makes a huge difference when you have confidence in the people you leave your child with for learning!
Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappl Whipped Feta #Recipe up on @kitchen143 over @rappler now!

Link in my profile!

https://www.rappler.com/nation/kitchen-143-dreaming-greece-try-making-easy-whipped-feta-dip/
Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGu Thinking about the day I got off the plane in LaGuardia, was picked up by one of my dearest friends and spent the entire day at the beach just catching up on LIFE.

It was a breezy day. Overcast. A little chilly to be in a suit, but it was perfect to catch up with my girl Candy. Sometimes, if you have chosen your friends well, you can pick up where you left off, as if no time has passed at all. 

Just like I did, sitting in that beach chair, feeling the mist of the Atlantic Ocean, and watching the seagulls pick and the seaweed.

Thank you Candy! For the friendship, for dropping everything to come and pick me up. Drive me around and have dinner with me and Fayth. 

Wishing I was sitting on this beach with you right now!!!
Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of ma Eggs Benny with BBQ Pulled Pork was just one of many dishes that we enjoyed during #SundayBrunch at Waterside in @solaireresort .

From cornbread, to mom’s potato salad, melt in your mouth whisky cured short ribs, homemade sausages and more. This #BrunchBuffet had @manila.gent and I rolling each other out the door!

Hard to choose which was our favorite from the feast that was set before us!

Brunch is inclusive of some delicious drinks, some Southern smoked and BBQ Fare, and a most colorful sweet dessert buffet by way of Milkshake Bar!
Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy Movie Night at home with the big screen made easy by @lumosprojector_ph!

Summer Lovin’ ain’t over for #TeamGellibean. Hop on over to www.mommanmanila.com to read my full review on how easy this #homeprojector is to use when you want to watch your favorite family film!!

Gelli and I have watched Sharkboy and Lavagirl, Grease, and BTS Videos. Up next? The Sound of Music! 

Want to have your own #LUMOSRAYProjectoe delivered to your home? Stay tuned for an upcoming giveaway, too!

Link in my profile!

https://www.mommanmanila.com/lumos-ray-projector-review/
Missing my @migaventajado The short time I had w Missing my @migaventajado 

The short time I had with this guy in Florida was definitely something I will look back on. Wish we had more time to explore and do some fun things on our own.

Gah. How is this kid 20 years old already?
I remember when he was little and he loved peanut butter, chicken nuggets, Kylie Minogue, and sitting on my lap. He was squishy, in tune with my feelings, and I was always worried that he might have an asthma attack in his sleep so I would nebulize him every few hours. He always looked at new experiences with gratitude and wonder, much how he did while we were in FL together.😍

Praying he continues to strengthen his faith as he grows. 🙏🏻👨🏻🙌🏻

Miss you Miggy!
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