The value of our old wood-fire oven

It wasn’t long before when our wood-fire oven had become one of our gourmet appliances at home. Withstanding paasage of time, this tool help us not only in preparing our food but also it gives us some of the benefits we need to have an easy life.

The oven help us to conserve energy because unlike modern household gas or electric ovens that provide a nearly constant cooking temperature, our oven is typically heated only once during the firing stage. Meaning after the coals are raked out, the oven gradually cools over a period of hours or even days that it may be used to cook multiple batches.

Though it is quite old, the oven has been our asset to our home and bring our kitchen to life as we go out in all weathers to cook. In some ways, it adds to the flavours of our food and change the way we think about food. We bake amazing bread and added benefit is that you can slow cook anything from vegetables to meats, and you can use them for dehydrating seasonal fruits and vegetables.

These are the benefits that our old wood-fired ovens have:

• ·         Fast heating times and retains heat longer. Up to 24 hours.
• ·         Economical by the use of wood
• ·         Easy to use, clean, little or no maintenance.
• ·         Appropriate for all types of cooking, baking, roasting, BBQ, grilling, smoking, re-heating

Through the years, through the use of wood-fired ovens it gives a distinctve taste and flavor to our every food that is far better to conventional gas or electric ovens. That is how amazing our wood fired ovens. This wood fired oven may seem simple but its complex structure requires a skillfull know-how to make it effectively working.

The delightful of the wood fired oven brings unique characteristic to your home and every activities. There are lots of hardware store that offers low cost wood fire ovens taking you to cook into another level of excitement. Some ovens are customized to choose a wood fire oven or fireplace of your own that is design beyond a skill set.

So if you don’t have yet this kind of helping tool in your kitchen, try this and see all the good things that it may give to your life.

Wood-fired ovwns: The Ultimate Foodie Appiliance for the Home

It would be difficult to describe how we Filipinos loved to eat. When we are in the kitchen, we always find ways on how we are going to prepare our food in a very effective and deleactable way.  One of the often used tools in cooking is the wood-fired oven.

Touted as “the ultimate foodie appliance”, wood-fired oven is a useful tool that gives lots of advantages instead of using gas/electric stove. So racked your brains, tried this tool and see the pleasure of using wood-fired oven as I list some of the benefits that it may give to you.

The ultimate foodie must-have

Having a wood fired oven in your home is the start of a new lifestyle that will give you a traditional cooking styles. Wood-fired ovens or commonly known as wood ovens, are ovens that use wood fuel instead of gas/electricity for cooking. The food is cooked by means of heated chamber after the fire and coals have been swept out.

Nowadays, the use of wood-fird ovens at home is becoming better and more efficiently. A well-designed wood-fired oven offers many benefits over conventional ovens because the unique thing is you can cook multiple batches using the retained heat stored in the mass of the oven dome.

One great benefit of using the wood oven is it produces unique flavor. Only a wood-fired brick oven imparts that unique smoky flavor that cannot be reproduced in a normal kitchen oven. The high temperature produces other flavors not achieved by slow cooking.

Added advantage is that a clay or earthen oven can be heated up to 700 degrees and will radiate the heat evenly over time thus roasting foods that taste better. In fact, you can use them in so many ways that they become a part of your kitchen, often on a daily basis.

No worries because it is possible to buy a cheap woodfired oven from a hardware store. If you want to have these at home there are well made woodfired ovens have been designed to be efficient and long lasting.

Do you know?

In the Philippines, the greatly known as "LA PUGON" is a traditional wood fired oven. It features impressive and effective functions which are enhanced with the use of only heat resistant materials.

It is made ofperfect material, precise engineering and creativity that were painstakingly employed resulting to a finest quality performance of the LA PUGON wood fired oven that will surely bring your cooking experience to the next level.

The Magic of Wood Fired Oven Recipes

In my previous write up, I already discussed the many benefits and advantages of having wood fired oven as one of the gourmet appliances. In one of my article, I have shared how this tool help us and become witness of how delight our kitchen stories.

Today, let me share you how this tool add magic to our dishes. I list some of the recipes that are best cook using the wood fired oven. You will surely love it because it became an extraordinary meal that is full of spices and flavours.

Appetizers

It is quick and easy to prepare. Some of the best appetizers are Ancho Chile Tart, Artichoke Dip, Cumin Flecked Mixed Olives with Goat Cheese, Fire Baked Goat Cheese, Clams Cataplana, Olive Tapenade, Prawns Wrapped with Prosciutto and Basil, Steamed Clams in Thyme Coconut Sauce, Roasted Antipasti Platter, and Wood Stone Drummettes.

Breads

Deliciously decadent breakfast bread such as Bread of Life, Chocolate Hazelnut Breakfast Bread, Fire Cracker, Focaccia, Sweet Italian Bread, Lavash Cracker Bread, Naan Bread, and Pita Bread.

Breakfast

Delectable breakfast including Apple and Vanilla Custard Breakfast Pizza, Benedict Pizza, Breakfast Scones, Dutch Baby, Italian Sweet Bread, Roasted Potatoes O'Brian, almon Breakfast Pizza with Caper Dill Cream Cheese, and Zucchini and Basil Frittata.

Dessert

Elegant desserts are also possible using wood oven. Delicate desserts such as Berry Cardamom Cobbler, Berry Cobbler, Candied Fig Cheesecake with Port Reduction, hocolate Gourmandize, Raspberry Coulis for Gourmandize, Ginger Crème Brulee, Key Lime Cheesecake, Port Poached Pears, Raspberry Peach Crisp, and Vanilla Custard.

Sauces, Marinades & Rubs

Spicy sauce adds a touch of heat to any dish. Best Sauces, Marinades & Rubs such as Buffalo Sauce, Chimichurri, Crumb Topping, Fresca, Fromage Blanc, Garlic Ginger Puree, Indian Mother Sauce, Mustard Seed Seasoning, Pepper Mélange, Pink Sauce, Potlatch Seasoning, Rib Rub, Roasted Fennel Relish, Seafood Bisque, Searing Seasonings, Soy Ginger Marinade, Wood Stone Pizza Sauce, Pale Ale Brine, and Harisa.

Sandwiches

I also challenge you to make sandwiches. Exciting dishes like Roasted Tenderloin Sandwich with Horseradish and Caramelized Onions, Rustic Italian Sandwich, Roasted Turkey Aioli Sandwich, Spicy Pork Sandwich.

Sounds delicious? Actually, there is lot more dishes that are best cook using wood fired oven like pizzas, seafood, and entrees. The use of wood-fired ovens gives a distinctive taste and flavour to our every food that is far better to conventional gas or electric ovens. That is how amazing the wood fired ovens. Not only that, your friends and family will be therefore impressed!

My Father's Pizza Story

Who shall dare to chide me for loving a pizza? Yes, I love it and it is not an ordinary pizza that you think. Would you know the secret? - My father's own style of it.

In my childhood's day, I always lingered in our kitchen with my father. And one of his greatest recipes is the wood oven pizza. Yes, it is a hoary version of cooking pizza using our old wood fired oven.

We all know that using wood fired oven gives lot of benefits. One of the advantages of using it is that the tool adds to the spices and flavours of the pizza. Here are the reasons why my father's pizza is one of the best foods ever.

Fast heating times and retains heat longer.  The baking heat in the oven can be 570 and 660 degrees Fahrenheit. By keeping a continuous small fire happening inside the oven, these temperatures can be maintained that makes a really good pizza. Actually, it is really designed to cook pizzas very quickly and efficient if you need to cook a lot of pizzas!

Delicious crust. The moisture in the dough is thus covered off by means of the heat temperature. This helps prevent flavourful crust that’s fluffy, yet soft and chewy.

Unique flavour. Only a wood-fired brick oven imparts that unique smoky flavor that cannot be reproduced in a normal kitchen oven. The high temperature produces other flavors not achieved by slow cooking.

Crispier toppings. Because of the radiant heat and incessant airflow generated in the oven, vegetable toppings will be crunchier than those pizzas made in the oven. This fast cooking also allows the vitamins and other nutrients in the veggies to remain. In addition, the actual cheese does not burn up but, instead, leads to an appealing color and smoky flavor.

It is the best! I don't think that even I searched the whole world; I would find a pizza that is as delectable and as delicious like my father's wood oven pizza. I am sure after reading this you will definitely try this at your home!

Feed my Sheep – Help Our Fellowmen Being Drowned In Poverty

“A third time he asked him, "Simon son of John, do you love me?" Peter was hurt that Jesus asked the question a third time. He said, "Lord, you know everything. You know that I love you." Jesus said, "Then feed my sheep.” - John 21:17 NIV

What if one day while walking you will see an old beggar suffering for hunger and asking for your help, would you give him something to eat? Or would you just pass by and let the other people help him? Yes, it is not our fault why some of our fellowmen suffering from this situation. But have you ever realized how very blessed you are not even a second you have experienced their life?

It is true that “prayers can move mountains” but sometimes giving a helping hand makes different. John 21:17 is a very inspiring verse that gives me one of the great challenges in my life – to help poor fellowmen in my simple ways.  It is a great reminder to every one of us that if we love and have Jesus Christ in our hearts we must also love each other the way He loves us.

That’s why I am blessed to know that there is Himakas Binuligay Uswag Association Inc, a Non-Profit Organization, that mission’s to help the poor by means of livelihood projects. By this simple way it lessens the poverty problem in our country because it teaches and helps every family to earn and sustain their livelihood in a very simple way.

Like what Jesus Christ had teaches to Peter, let’s feed our poor fellowmen with love and be the hope for these people. Let’s give them smile and make them realized that even they are poor they are very blessed because we are sent by God to answer their prayers.

GODBLESS!

Visit this link for more info of Himakas Binuligay Uswag Association Inc.
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Himakas-Binuligay-Uswag-HBU-Association-Inc/228868147145881

My First Mountain Climb – Mt. Samat in Bataan

On May, 14, 2012, the first day of our trek at Mt. Samat in Bataan, our party was divided into groups of six to seven members. We were told by our leader that those would be our group throughout the camping. There were a series of activities and games lined up and prepared by our coordinators. Everyone was enthusiastic and were having lots of fun running round, laughing and screaming as we did various tasks.  The most challenging event we had was treasure hunting. All the tasks involved were really difficult as you need to accomplish each one before proceeding to the next.

Every morning, each group must have their devotion. After that, we will proceed to the preaching of our Pastor Bantay with the theme of "Come, follow me," Jesus said," and I will make you fishers of men" - Matthew 4:19. The message was divided into two parts since we were going to spend two days at the camping site.

On our third day, we first went to the “Dambana ng Kagitingan” where formal rites were held. We first visited the museum which featured an astonishing collection of items and memorbilia commemorating the struggles of Filipinos and Americans against the Japanese Imperial Army during World War II.

Although I was strarting to feel the fatigue from the past few days, all of it was blown away, when I finally reached the top of the Memorial Cross. The view was so stunning and all I can feel was the fresh breeze. Though it is quite scary for me because I was afraid of heights, by God’s grace I made it to the top and felt that it was all worth it.

My three-day camping trip to Bataan is indeed one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. I love coming back to that place over and over again. The shared moments with my churchmates, the challenges of the hike and the most important was the inspirational message of our pastor during our two days at the camp, all of these taught me a simple message that no matter how hard and tough the situation, you have to stand firm because God is always with you.

My New Year’s Eve Celebration

As the year 2012 has drawn to a close, allow me to share with you the amazing details of how I spent my New Year’s Eve.  For me, it was one of the best and truly memorable celebrations I have ever had because of one thing – my family.

I woke up as early as 5am in the morning, as I was probably too excited to prepare for New Year’s Eve. I started my day with a smile and kisses from my niece. This day is very special to us not only because of the usual merriment but also for the first time all of my family are there and complete to celebrate the New Year. My brother and his family decided to celebrate the New Year with us and it was one of the many great things that happened to me for the New Year.

At exactly 1pm, we went to Sampol Market to buy the necessary things for the preparation. Since there were only 10 of us, just a modest preparation will do. We had spaghetti, pata ng baboy, inihaw na tilapia, round fruits, salad, and we bought drinks plus some Goldilocks products and some Dunkin' Donuts. After the preparation, we all ate together and prepare ourselves for the upcoming event.
As early as the afternoon, our neighbors were already showing how most Filipinos celebrate New Year’s Eve. Some wish to welcome the New Year with fireworks display and firecrackers. Others started their night-long merrymaking involving food, drinks and loud music. Our neighbor assembled the speakers and mobile and then the party started. I spent four hours of happiness and bonding with my family and neighbors while waiting for midnight to come. 

Five, four, three, two, one…Happy New Year! And then came the highlight of the celebration. Children blew their torotots, firecrackers were lit up, people banged on pots and pans, the sound system boomed noisily,  and what I saw were happy people dancing and greeting each other “Happy New Year!” I jumped high in the belief that it will increase my height. Ha ha! Also, I put 700 pesos in my bag because my brother said that it will bring me good luck in 2013.

I received messages from my closest friends and cousins greeting me a merrier and nore prosperous new year. After the fireworks display, I had Media Noche together with my family and some close neighbors. We spent almost an hour of talking with each other, and after that we ended the celebration with smiles and happiness in our hearts.

During the best moments, we must accept that time really passes by too quickly. All we can do is to treasure every second and be better. Another year had passed and another year of chances to change and live life to the fullest. I certainly hope everyone experienced one of the best New Year’s Eves in their lives. Happy 2013!