Friday, January 13, 2012

Ham, Potato and Cauliflower Un-Omelette



I love omelettes. All you need is an egg or two, add a few choice ingredients
and voila, you have a quick, delicious and filling meal. Unfortunately, we haven't
had omelettes in a long time due to family food allergies.

I dubbed this the Un-Omelette because someone looked at the ingredients then 
asked, "Are you preparing an omelette?" I weakly replied, "Sort of"…  Admittedly, 
I created this dish because we were finally down to our last batch of holiday ham. 
Plus, we had this bowl of cauliflower that was taking days to finish. Oh what a relief
to have consumed all the holiday food, with nothing gone to waste. 


Ham, Potatoes and Cauliflower Un-Omelette

* 2 potatoes, diced
* 2 tablespoons olive oil
* 1/2 medium white onion, chopped
* 6 slices ham, cut to bite size pieces
*1/3 cup cauliflower, chopped
* 1/4 cup milk
* grated or sliced cheese

- Place potatoes in a pan. Add water just enough for potatoes to get covered. 
Boil until half done. Set aside the half-done potatoes including its boiling liquid.
- In the same pan, add the olive oil. Add the onions and saute until translucent.
Add the ham and saute for a few minutes.
- Add the cauliflower, the potatoes and the boiling liquid. Cover and cook until 
the vegetables are cooked. Add water as needed.
- Pour in the milk and add the cheese. Stir for 1 more minute. Season with salt 
and pepper if necessary.
Serves 4-5


I was quite happy with how this turned out. I'm considering creating more
Un-Omelette combinations. I think it's important that you pre-boil the potatoes. 
The boiling liquid helps thicken the sauce. I also skipped the salt, I felt the 
ham and cheese had enough salt for the entire dish. No, the ham was not the 
salted kind; I just prefer my dishes low sodium style.


I sometimes get asked about what goes in our kitchen. Foodie Fridays is a
peek at what gets served at our dining table.

Monday, January 9, 2012

It's Time to CONNECT!


My 2012 officially started today. We've been on vacation mode for a few weeks now.
Spending the holidays in our new home was a great way to end 2011. Yes 2011 was
a good year for us. As for 2012, it's going to be better!

Instead of the usual New Year's Resolutions, I've decided to welcome 2012 with a
theme: CONNECT

I wish I had some witty acronym on hand. Unfortunately, Creating Opportunities
Now by Networking, Executing, Creating and Trying doesn't exactly work wonders
for me. lol.

In case you missed it, I am now faced with the challenge of creating a new life in
a new country. One month into this new life and I already know that my life is no
longer what it used to be.

Hence the need to CONNECT.

1. Connect to the One Above
Sadly, I'm having a case of "Martha, Martha, you are anxious and worried about
many things...." My prayer time has taken a backseat to all the things that need
doing. I definitely need to block off more quiet time. Lately, my prayer has been:
Lord, guide me that I may be a source of blessing to my family and to all whom I
encounter.

2. Connect Within
I know it's only been one month but I'm already longing for some me time. Since
the move, little M and I have been inseparable. No daycare for now. It's been great
as I get to see him grow. But it does have it's tiring moments. And, I have yet to
resume my VA work. I intend to do a shifting of sorts --- do errands and take care
of M during the day. Then do VA work at night. I know it's doable; I did get the
idea from a mom who works part time in the evenings with a bank.

3. Connect to those Beside Me
Okay, I know this sounds cheesy, but all whom we love, regardless of age, need
our time and attention. I am consciously trying not to let every day life get in
the way of BEING there for H and little M.

4. Connect Back
A few months before I left, an expat's wife commented that the price one pays
for living overseas is the possibility of returning home then discovering that one
is already out of touch with the people that stayed on back home. I am truly
grateful that technology has made it easier for H and I to reach out to people:
Skype, FB, email, sms, etc are all there for us to use.

5. Connect Anew
New country = new experiences = new relationships. It doesn't get simpler
than that.


I'd like to end by saying Thank You for being a part of this Pinay Mom's 2011
Adventures. I hope we continue to journey together in 2012! An abundance
of blessings to you and the ones you love!