The Poconos - Day 2

We woke up a little late this AM, had some bagels and donuts for breakfast. Their coffee taste really good by the way. :)

Then we're off to Shuman Point for a hike. It's a 3-mile hiking trail but it felt way much longer that having made a lot of stops just enjoying nature and taking pictures.

We also saw Lake Wallenpaupack. What a view! It's really breathtaking. The leaves in different colors were very pretty. You know what... I almost forgot that the lake is right across East Shore Lodging. Perhaps we'll go back there tomorrow for more pictures.

Next was Triple W Stable... horseback riding. Yay! It was our first time and I had a blast. Felt scared in the beginning but not after you get the hang of it. Something happened not long after we left the stable. Didn't really see it, I just heard the woman screamed and when I turned IFC's horse was kicking her horse and it started going crazy. She decided to go back to the stable. We all went back with her and eventually joined another group. All I can is I can't get over it and I'm definitely going to do it again.

Dinner was at Ehrhardts. Service was very good. Food was excellent... every single one and I mean everything. We used the voucher that came with our Outdoor Weekend Package from East Shore Lodging.

Well, tomorrow's another day to look forward to.

Trip to the Pocono Mountains, PA

It's our 5th wedding anniversary last October 1st. For reasons I can no longer remember, we were just not able to celebrate our past anniversaries. IFC asked me what gift do I want and I said just take me out on a trip. We decided to go to the Poconos where it's known for its great fall foliage. We arrived at East Shore Lodging in Hawley, PA around 845pm. The trip wasn't that bad although we hit traffic somewhere in the Bronx going to the George Washington Bridge. It was drizzling a little bit. Thought we couldn't make it in time to check in. Anyway, we're already settled. I have nothing but good things to say about East Shore so far. I'm definitely impressed with the place... simple, nothing really fancy but feels like you're just at home. The room is big - 2 side tables with lamps, a big recliner seat, a small dining set, a ref, a microwave, tv of course, etc. The furnitures are kind of antique. Everything is clean. Call it funny but I was actually looking for dust earlier. Lol. There is also a wide selection of books. I'll probably take pictures tomorrow so I can post them.

Pilipinas 2010

Can't believe it's been almost 6 months since my last post. I keep saying that I'll be better but I just can't find the time.

Anyway, we went home to the Philippines for a 2 week vacation. We had a blast! It's great to have spent some time with family and friends. Met my nephew Biboy for the very first time. He is so cute and definitely not cranky. We had his Christening the day after we arrived. A lot of relatives came. Also met some friends from Castrol (now BP) and college buddies from St. Paul. We also went to visit Adoy and Lanie in Cebu. Thanks to both for being very good hosts. Definitely enjoyed our stay and won't think twice in going back. Loved the food... fresh seafoods at very affordable prices. We also had the chance to go to Bohol for a day trip. Took a lot of pictures but I must say didn't really enjoy with the weather being so humid and hot. Had lunch at Loboc River Cruise. The 2 things I regret... Nanay was hospitalized for almost 3 days and I wasn't able to visit Tatay's grave in Laur. I'm just glad Nanay recovered instantly. Oh and before I forget, went back to Korean Airlines. All I can say is they're still the best! Customer Service is just outstanding.

Happy Easter!

IFC's friend was supposed to come today... well that wasn't even sure in the first place. Anyway, he probably ended up working over time.

I tried some new recipes from Campbell's again... the pork roast came out good actually. I baked it for 3 hours and put it in a grilling pan to brown a little. Couldn't wait for the sauce to dry. The lasagna is kind of bland... guess the salt and pepper I added weren't enough. I also made mashed potato and corn on the side.





Apricot Glazed Pork Roast
1 can (10 1/2 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Chicken Broth
1 jar (18 ounces) apricot preserves
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)
2 tablespoons Dijon-style mustard
1 boneless pork loin roast (about 4 pounds)

1. Stir the broth, preserves, onion and mustard in a 3 1/2-quart slow cooker. Add the pork to the cooker, cutting to fit, if needed, and turn to coat.
2. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 to 9 hours* or until the pork is fork-tender.
3. *Or on HIGH for 4 to 5 hours.
4. Serving Suggestion: Serve with Idahoan® Original Mashed Potatoes and steamed broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. For dessert serve apple-cranberry crisp.

RECIPE TIPS
•Tip: For thicker sauce, mix 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 2 tablespoons water in a small bowl until smooth. Remove the pork from the cooker. Stir the cornstarch mixture in the cooker. Cover and cook on HIGH for 10 minutes or until the mixture boils and thickens.

Beef and Mushroom Lasagna
1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/4 cup milk
1 pound ground beef
2 cups Prego® Fresh Mushroom Italian Sauce
9 cooked lasagna noodles
1 cup shredded Italian-blend or mozzarella cheese

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the soup and milk in a small bowl until the mixture is smooth.
2. Cook the beef in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it's well browned, stirring often to separate meat. Pour off any fat. Stir in the Italian sauce.
3. Layer half the beef mixture, 3 lasagna noodles and 1 cup soup mixture in a 2-quart shallow baking dish. Top with 3 lasagna noodles, remaining beef mixture, remaining noodles and remaining soup mixture. Sprinkle with the cheese. Cover the baking dish.
4. Bake for 30 minutes or until the lasagna is hot. Uncover the baking dish.
5. Heat the broiler. Broil 4 inches from the heat for 2 minutes or until the cheese is golden brown. Let stand for 10 minutes.

Simple yet Delicious!

Pancakes for breakfast, canned tuna for lunch... I was like what else could we be eating for supper! I just didn't know what to prepare until I realized I bought tilapia fillets the other day.

And so, I thawed 4 fillets, sprinkled them with Mrs. Dash original blend seasoning mixed with plain bread crumbs, and baked them for 40 mins. Then, served with a few pieces of brocolli florets and a slice of lemon on the side. IFC liked it and that's all that matters. :)

Being Good Friday and all!

I'm off today in observance of Good Friday. IFC had to go to work though. Anyway, I was able to get that much needed rest... overslept I must say. :) And since it's a "no meat" day, I tried this great recipe from Campbell's. This is so easy to make not to mention that I have always liked white sauce on pasta. The only improvisation that I made was add salt and pepper. You should give it a try!

Classic Tuna Noodle Casserole

1 can (10 3/4 ounces) Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Celery Soup (Regular or 98% Fat Free)
1/2 cup milk
1 cup Birds Eye® Sweet Garden Peas
2 tablespoons chopped pimientos
2 cans (about 6 ounces each) tuna, drained
2 cups medium egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

1. Heat the oven to 400°F. Stir the soup, milk, peas, pimientos, if desired, tuna and noodles in a 1 1/2-quart baking dish. Stir the bread crumbs and butter in a small bowl.
2. Bake the tuna mixture for 20 minutes or until hot and bubbling. Stir the tuna mixture. Sprinkle with the bread crumb mixture.
3. Bake for 5 minutes or until the bread crumb mixture is golden brown.
4. Serving Suggestion: Serve with your favorite vegetable combination. For dessert serve ice cream.
5. Ingredient Note: To melt the butter, remove the wrapper and place the butter into a microwavable cup. Cover and microwave on HIGH for 30 seconds.
6. Easy Substitution: Substitute Campbell's® Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup for the Cream of Celery.

Happy Birthday, Sweetie!

It's IFC's birthday today and we went to a Japanese Seafood Buffet Restaurant named Minado. The food was good. We're really stuffed. Going back? Oh yes!