Bangkok Adventure: Trip to Ot Tor Kor Market

As I've mentioned in my previous post, we went to Bangkok for vacation with my Mom and my sister.  When in Bangkok, Food and Shopping tops the list of course!  But my Mom is not big on these two things.  So my sister thought that she would enjoy a trip to a local market (one thing that she loves is fruits!).  My sister read about Ot Tor Kor Market in some travel blogs that she came across and it was also recommended by the Hotel's Concierge so off we went!

We (minus Hubby and the kids) left the hotel around 8am.  The Market is around 8 kms away from the hotel, about 30-40 mins ride (depending on the traffic).   

Personally, I was looking forward to it because I love going to local markets because you get to have a feel of being a local.  You can find so many things in Ot Tor Kor Market. . . fresh seafood, vegetables, different kind of fruits, spices, Thai ingredients, cooked food, snacks, etc.  This place is truly a feast for the senses!

Trivia: Did you know that Ot Tor Kor Market is included in CNN's list for 10 of the World's Best Markets?!

I think we enjoyed our trip to the market because it wasn't too crowded.  I would suggest going there in the morning (by 9am) on a weekday.  I can just imagine that weekends can be crazy!  By the way, this place is also near the Chatuchak Market.

There are two words I can use to describe the market. . . CLEAN

and COLORFUL!  

It is a joy to just walk through each aisle and look around and see what they have.

So pretty. . .Makopa Fruit (as what Filipinos call them).
The English name for this fruit is Wax Apple or Java Apple.

Two of my favorite fruits: Mangosteen and Lychees!

I love Santol too!
(Btw, not that I am biased but for me, Philippines has the best mangoes in the whole world!)

The seller told me that the red ones are Jackfruit.

Fruits from other countries are also sold here like these grapes from Australia

and Cherries from the US

I wish we came here for lunch! It was just too early for us to try these, haha

But I had to try these.. . one of my favorite Thai appetizers, Fish Cakes!

We bought a box of these "hopia" (as Filipinos call them) with different fillings
and we loved them that we bought a second box!

We love the crust of this curry puff.

Thai "kakanin"

Thai Snacks - Dried Seafood

It was interesting to see that they put coconut cream (or coconut milk, I'm not sure) in their BBQ.  I know this sounds odd but they were actually good.  You can't taste the coconut at all.

You can say that walking through the market surely works up an appetite!  It does. . .  not because it is tiring but because of the food you see!  Haha!

The market also has a place where you can sit down and eat so if you plan on doing some food tripping, GOOOOO! =)

We did! =)

It was nice having some "girl time" with my Mom and sister in the middle of this market, haha.  You can say that we left with our hearts and tummies, happy and full. =)

Ot Tor Kor Market

Address: 139/4 1, Samsen Nai, Phaya Thai, 

Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10400, Thailand

Bangkok Adventure: Our Hotel - Amari Watergate Bangkok

Hellooooo!!!!  Wowww, can you believe that the year is halfway over?!!!  

Pardon (again!) for the lack of posts since the last one I put up in April.   Things just got busIER leading up to our Princess' last day in school (second week of June). . . leading to our vacation in PHILIPPINES!!! Yep, we went back home for vacation!  Woohoo!  

But I am actually writing this post. . . jetlagged!  Yes, we are back in LA (we arrived last Sunday) and our bodies' rhythm are still in the Pacific time.  So why not turn this jet lag thing into something productive right?!  We even did a grocery run to Walmart at 10pm last night! Haha. . . 

Going back to our family vacation, our itinerary also included a trip to the land of Smiles. . . Bangkok, Thailand!  

We went to Bangkok with my Mom and my sister.  So in picking our choice for our hotel accommodations, we definitely considered my Mom and the 2 kids because we knew they would probably be spending half of the time at the hotel.   We just want to make sure that they would have a comfortable and relaxing place to stay (while we go out shopping, haha!).

Our home away from home was the Amari Watergate Bangkok.  (I have to specify that this is located in Petchburi Road because there are other Amari properties in Bangkok) My sister had several choices for our accommodations but all I can say is she did a good job picking this one!  She picked this one because it is reasonably priced for a 5 star hotel.  Comparing the prices and the other hotels (some are 3 and 4 star hotels), there is just a minimal price difference (around US$40 during our time of booking) which we think is totally worth it.

Since we had some questions and requests (e.g. connecting rooms, airport transfers), my sister just booked our accommodations directly with the hotel.  One thing that I love about them is they reply within an hour in all of our online inquiries.  (It's a good sign right?! Haha)  

We knew it's going to be a great hotel when you step into something like this . . . 

The hotel smelled like a spa (honestly)!

We also appreciate that a hotel staff personally welcomed us by the door and checked us in.  While filling up the forms, they also gave us this . . . 

Cold towels and cold water (it was  refreshingly sweet and was infused with lemongrass)

It was so hot and humid in Bangkok that this little boy did this, haha!

The hotel doesn't have connecting rooms but they were able to give us two rooms that are only a room apart.

The room and bathroom are nice and spacious, the beds and pillows are comfy, fast wi-fi. . . I can stay in this room the whole day!  But one can't really do that because the next best thing about this hotel is its location!  It is located directly across the Platinum Mall (which is one of the popular shopping places to go to in Bangkok, one trip is not enough!) and near the Pratunam Market.   The hotel is also surrounded by everything you might need (Fast food, Money changers, 7-11s and in case you are asking, yes, there is a Starbucks nearby, haha).  There are also night markets across the hotel (Palladium and Platinum) which are not that big but are good enough to go to start your shopping experience (spree! haha) in Bangkok. 

We weren't able to explore the hotel that much but we know that there is a spa, gym and the kids enjoyed the pool. 

There is a part of the pool for toddlers/babies where the water is just 1 foot deep.

We also tried their Breakfast Buffet and there was a lot!  

Kind of overwhelming, haha . . .

But as long as there is bread and cheese. . . I am a happy camper!

This hotel would have been perfect if only there is a train station near the hotel (and better Concierge staff).  Transportation is not a problem though because taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in the area.  The nearest station to the hotel is probably Chit Lom which is a 20 min walk to the hotel.  

Hubby was able to do this (during his Me-time, yep, he had one) and he said that it was a good walk since there was an elevated walkway, he didn't have to go down and walk through the street. The walkway also connects to several department stores and hotels.

We really had an amazing time in our trip!  Considering we were there for 5 days and 4 nights, we still needed more time to explore, taste and see Bangkok!  

And it goes without saying that Amari Watergate will always be our chosen home in this city!

Amari Watergate Bangkok

847 Petchburi Road, Thanon Phaya Thai

Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400

Thailand

Phone +662 653 9000

Please click on this link to go to their website.

Humba Saturday (not Zumba!)

I want to make up for the lack of post in the past few months that I am putting up another post today!  Yayyy!  (I feel productive, haha!)

I've been craving for Pork Humba (also known as the Visayan Adobo) for quite some time now but haven't gotten around cooking it because I'm the only who is fond of it.  The reason why I liked Humba was actually because of the banana blossoms, haha!

But I just have to give in to this craving so I decided to cook it (for myself, Hun!  No sharing! LOL )

So my Saturday morning was spent searching for a Humba recipe.  There are a lot of recipes available online but what made me choose this particular one was because it has tausi (salted black beans, which I love) in it.   It also said it was an "Original Bisaya" Recipe.  I am assuming the author was from the Visayas region, one of the main island groups of Philippines located in the southern part of the country.  So that means he knows what he is talking about, haha!

I had Humba before cooked by our Ate G, who hails from the Southern part of Philippines and I loved (and miss) her Humba!  So I am sure this recipe is a winner!

It looks like a winner, right?!

Guess what, it does taste good too!  If I had it my way, I would like to add more sweetness to it BUT Hubby doesn't like it too sweet so . . . we met halfway (one of the things we have learned in our 9 years of marriage).  

And here's another "Guess what?!!!"

Hubby liked this Humba!!!  Hmph. .  . which means now I got to share! Haha

For the complete recipe, please click on this link.

My personal notes:

1. I did not use star anise because Hubby and I don't really like the taste of it (but the Humba still came out good!).  I am sure using star anise would add another layer of flavor for you.

2. I used brown sugar instead of white which is less sweet. 

3. I used only 3 tbsp of tausi because I was afraid the dish might be too salty.  It's better to underseason while cooking because you can adjust everything (saltiness, sweetness, thickness of the sauce, etc) at the tail end.

Hope you are having a great Saturday like me!

Happy Cooking!

******************************************************************************
Side kuwento: 

My Saturday morning looked like this . . .

Outdoor cooking!

We started cooking outdoors last week after seeing my friend and a cousin do this (two different people).  Funny thing is, they are both from Las Vegas (is this a Vegas thing?  Haha, just kidding!) But you know what, this makes sense.  If you want your home to smell good (no amoy kusina), this is a good thing to do.

So thank you M and Kuya N and M for inspiring me to cook outdoors! =)  

My Favorite Chocolate Sheet Cake Recipe

Hiyeeeee!!!!  I am so glad I am writing a blog post today!

I know, I know, I should be doing a better job managing my blog.  No, I think I should be doing a better job managing my time!

Anyway, life is still the same . . . except the kids seem to have grown up over the last few months and that I have more white hair now, haha!  It is true what they say, they grow up so fast!  You know, I miss them being babies (sniff, sniff). . . ahhh and that baby smell!  (As much as I miss these, I don't see a baby anymore in the future! Haha!)

And speaking of things being "fast", I would like to share with you a cake recipe which I tried the other day.  

It was supposed to be a gift for someone but since it was the first time I tried the recipe, I thought I should taste it first, heehee.  (So yes, you can say I owe her a cake!  Haha!)  

Do you know what I love about this recipe?

1. It is a sheet cake --- you just need a pan to bake it.  I always have disposable cake sheet pans (9" X 13") at home because that means no extra dishes to wash for me, haha!  Aaannnd sheet cakes are the best way to go for potlucks or gifts to family and friends.   

2. You just need a bowl and a wire whisk (yep, no need for an electric mixer!) for this recipe.

3. The recipe is easy, fast and tasty!  I love that it may look simple but is a good chocolate cake!

For the recipe, please click on this link to go to Add a Pinch's blog site.

For the original recipe, the author used chocolate buttercream frosting.  I used a chocolate icing recipe  (given to me by my friend, B) because this icing reminds me of a good old fashioned chocolate cake!  Oh and it's easy to make too, haha!

Trivia:  Ever wondered if there is a difference between a frosting and icing?  Here you go. . .

From www.dailymeal.com

The Williams-Sonoma cookbook Cake states that “icing is generally thinner and glossier,” while its counterpart frosting is “a thick, fluffy mixture, used to coat the outside of a cake.”


For the chocolate icing I used, you need the following:

1 can of condensed milk (14 oz)
1 can of all purpose cream (225 ml / 7.6 fl oz)
1/2 cup of cocoa powder (50 grams)
3 tbsp butter

Just mix everything in a double boiler and stir constantly until everything is well combined.  You would notice that the consistency is a little bit thin.  Let it rest for a few minutes because the icing will thicken up.

If you don't have a double boiler, it is okay (I don't)!  I just improvised for one.  This is exactly what I did ( pls. see photo below).  

Image from www.wikihow.com

Fill the pot with water (half full or less, depending on your pot---I just made sure that the water does not touch the bottom of the bowl) and bring it to a boil.  If it does, adjust heat to make it simmer. Also, please make sure you use a heatproof bowl.


For more details about the double boiler method, please click here.

I hope you enjoy your cake!

Happy Baking and Have a great weekend!

Lifechanging Oven Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Happy Valentine's Day!!! 

Since I missed out on posting anything in the last few months and wasn't able to give you my warmest greetings for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year, well it goes without saying that I am in time (okay a couple of few weeks early) for Valentine's Day! LOL

Now that the Princess is in Kindergarten, life has just been busier.  (And she is just in Kinder! LOL) 

I've mentioned to you in my last post about being a parent classroom volunteer in her school once a week AND I am happy to share with you that I am now doing part time work (I am on call) for the school district! So yep, I guess life just got busier!  And I will tell you more about this in another post (abangan ang susunod na kabanata!)

I haven't been able to try out new recipes as much as I want to but this recipe that I tried a few days ago deserves to be shared.  I tried this recipe out of necessity actually, haha.

My sister in law brought home pints of cherry tomatoes and I don't know what to do with them.  And since they are organic, I had to act fast!  But being the procrastinator that I am (I am putting this AGAIN in my New Year's Resolution!  HAHA), I did wait for a few days and in the process had to throw "let go" (haha) of some of them.

What is the best way (read: fast and easy) to deal with all of these tomatoes?!  ROAST THEM!

And since I love sundried tomatoes, roasting them makes more sense.

There are so many recipes online but I chose to do Rachael Ray's version because it has Balsamic Vinegar in it.  I love balsamic vinegar!  Besides, it's about time to open that bottle of balsamic vinegar which has just been sitting in the pantry, haha!

This recipe is simple, quick, easy to follow, healthy and tastyyyy!!!

LIFE CHANGING.

For the complete recipe, please click on this link

*The original recipe doesn't include garlic but hey, in my book, GARLIC (like butter!) just makes everything better!

*Adjust salt to suit your taste.   

All you need is right here in the picture: Olive Oil, Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Kosher salt and pepper!

Roast them at 425C for 20 minutes or more (if you like them a bit more dried up)

You can enjoy oven roasted tomatoes in different ways!  You can enjoy them as they are, put them in your salad, Bruschetta (with your favorite cheese) or put them in your bowl of pasta (which I did).

Pesto and Oven Roasted Tomatoes are a match made in heaven!

Happy Roasting and Happy Eating!

Easy Cilantro and Lime Chicken Recipe

He-llooooo (singing to the tune of Adele's song, haha)

Can you believe it's October already?!  I love that Fall is already here!  I love this season because first, the weather is cooler and second, I get to watch new TV Shows!!! Woohoo!  (I will be sharing with you list in a different post.)

What's happening in our casa right now?  Well, I volunteered to help out in the Princess' class every Tuesdays (yesterday was my first day) so this is one thing I am excited about every week!  The kids are excited about Trick or Treating and are counting the days until Halloween while Hubby's excitement is all about his Fantasy Basketball Team, haha.

And today I am excited to share with you another recipe which I've tried the other night.  I am happy that the dish exceeded my expectations because honestly, I wasn't sure f I wanted to try it!  Okay, let me clear that up, haha.  I wasn't sure because I'm afraid of trying recipes that are not in my "comfort zone".  I've never tried recipes whose names sound like they belong to a restaurant's menu. . . . something like Cilantro Lime Chicken!

So why did I go for it?  Because I hate wasting food.  You know how you are left with a handful  of an ingredient because you only needed to use a tablespoon of it? Haha.  In this case, I have a bunch of cilantro (from making guacamole) on hand that is enough to use for this recipe.

I remember seeing in my FB feed a recipe for Cilantro Lime Chicken dish so I googled and found this recipe from Suzy of The Mediterranean Dish blog.  It is a simple and easy to follow recipe (plus her dish looked pretty in her blog post! haha)

All I can say is something so simple can actually taste good . . . I will definitely cook it again!

For the full recipe, please click here.

My personal notes:

1. I love Chicken breast but I think for this particular recipe, using chicken thighs would be best.

2. I didn't have dry white wine (as listed in the recipe).  As a substitute, I just used chicken stock and rice wine (1 tbsp of rice wine mixed with 1 cup of chicken stock).

3. I love garlic so I used more than what the recipe called for.

4. I also added 2 tbsps of butter in the dish (while it was simmering) which I've added before putting it in the oven.  (just because butter makes everything better, haha) 

5. You don't have to buy a cast iron pan to make this dish.  But I have to say, I love using this kind of pan because it gives the meat a nice sear and color.  It also made this dish a "one pan plan".  I used the same pan to sear, cook and bake the chicken in.

Hope you like it as much as I do =).  Happy Cooking!