Maximized Family Fun In Vancouver

By: Sarah

 

Five days of fun, packed with family reunion, good food, and enjoyable experiences in Vancouver, Canada. I’m always an anxious flyer, but this four-hour flight was pleasant, no turbulence…smooth ride from take off to touch down. It took a while to gather all luggage but the immigration process was, surprisingly, a breeze; just stand in front of the kiosk/machine, look at the camera, wait for the printout, and it’s done. No further inspection; free to exit the airport — kudos to the airport management.

My Vancouver-bound pasalubong “soft, moist and cheesy ensaymadas” never fail to make an impression. Apple Basinang Roldan remarked, “The Best Ensaymada…Ever!!!” We stayed this time with family members, and we were really well taken care of. Million thanks to, hope I don’t miss anyone hehe: Abdi Yucel, Nene Dheseree, kids Efe, Mete, Ege, Emre, Nong David, Nang Cora, Apple, Anthony, Tofie, and yes Bebing Cherry. Can’t wait to enjoy summer with them all in August.

Few highlights that we enjoyed, being first timers in Vancouver. Shopping galore at nearby Metro Town. I love malls, so we had to spend time at another huge mall — Brentwood Mall. Downtown Vancouver, making lovely memories, snapshots, and experiencing Vancouver like both a local and a tourist. A stroll to Gastown, a popular tourist destination, with a wide variety of shops, restaurants and cafes. And we joined hundreds waiting to hear the famous Steam Clock, powered by steam and chimes every 15 minutes, chiming. Downtown Vancouver is a great place to explore and experience. We met more Pinoys and Pinays during our joint birthday celebration (same birthday, Dheseree and I) at the park. Pork and Beef barbecues, cakes and cheesecakes, kakanin, eat all you can! They sure know how to party in Vancouver.

FRESH CALAMANSI MUFFINS WITH CALAMANSI DRIZZLE

When life gives you calamansi, make calamansi muffins. Not just ordinary muffins…big muffin tops and dense but moist interiors. No mixer required, it’s perfect for beginners. Yield: 16 standard size muffins

For the muffins:
3 cups (375 grams) all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
1/3 cup sour cream
1/3 cup (80 ml) vegetable oil
1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted (stick of butter has a marking for 1/3 cup)
1/3 cup fresh calamansi juice
2/3 cup (158 ml) milk
1/2 teaspoon orange extract
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the calamansi drizzle topping:
1 cup powdered sugar
3 tablespoons fresh calamansi juice

Preheat oven to 425 F. Line standard size muffin tins with paper liners. Sift together the dry ingredients: flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Whisk together to combine. Set aside.

Whisk the wet ingredients together until combined: sugar, eggs, sour cream, melted butter, vegetable oil, milk, calamansi juice, extracts. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, mixing until just combined. Don’t overmix. Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cup liners (almost all the way to the top). Bake for 5 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350 F and continue to bake for an additional 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin comes out clean.

Allow the muffins to cool for 10 minutes, transfer to wire rack to cool completely. Prepare the drizzle topping: Mix powdered sugar and calamansi juice until it’s slightly runny. Drizzle the glaze on top of the muffins.

CREAMY BEEF CALDERETA CASSEROLE

Can feed the whole army…it’s pasta, great for summer picnics! 16 oz large elbow macaroni, cooked in salted water, until al-dente and drained

Sauce:
2 lbs lean ground beef (or cooked till fork tender beef cuts), sauteed in oil with diced onion and minced garlic
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced
tomatoes, undrained
2 cups reserved pasta water
2 Knorr beef cubes
2 cups heavy cream
1 pack Mama Sita
Caldereta seasoning
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Bring to a boil, then simmer and cook for 7 minutes or until sauce has thickened slightly. Add the cooked pasta and stir to combine, until pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Last words: “Talent might make you good, but it’s your ATTITUDE
and WORK ETHIC that will make you great.” And everyday…smile, show up, succeed. Sun’s out, Fun’s out…Summer fun, indeed, has begun!