Friday, September 10, 2010

Quick Watermelon Cooler

Watermelons are among the classic road stand fruits that are often taken for granted. They are richly-delicious but sometimes they just go to waste because they are so large. Making use of your leftover watermelon slices by cooling them will delight your whole family with this fresh, tangy summer sipper.

  • Ingredients:
  • 8 cups watermelon cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups ginger ale
  • 1/3 cup water
  • 1 can frozen limeade concentrate
  • Preparation:

Procedure:

  • Right after slicing watermelon, arrange cubes in single layer in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag, and freeze for 6-8 hours.
  • Place half each of watermelon, ginger ale, water, and limeade concentrate in a pitcher and process with a stick blender until smooth. In a separate pitcher, repeat procedure with the remaining half of ingredients then stir all mixtures together.
  • Serve immediately.
Get that cool watermelon sip!

Monday, September 6, 2010

Traditional Buko Pandan Drink Recipe


Ingredients
  • 5 pieces Pandan leaves
  • 1 cup unflavored gelatin
  • 1 cup condensed milk
  • 1 cup grated buko (coconut) meat
Procedure

Cook unflavored gelatin until fully diluted. Directions are found at the back of the pack. Add the Pandan leaves. Cool to set.
When gelatin has cooled down, cut into cubes. Mix the buko water and condensed milk well. Add the grated buko and gelatin cubes. Transfer to your favorite glass and add ice cubes. Serve cold.

Asian Cool "Buko Pandan" Juice


Buko Pandan juice is a popular Filipino dessert drink made using young coconut and Screwpine leaves (locally known as “Pandan”). It has a close resemblance to another rich coconut dessert called Buko Salad (fresh coconut salad) with the same texture and dairy ingredients involved. The green gelatin "Pandan" flavor and aroma gives the distinction.

I never thought I could make my own Pandan drink. I couldn't find fresh Pandan leaves in my area, so I simply bought Pandan flavored gelatin instead, and mixed it up with hot water and put it in the fridge until it had set. I then sliced the gelatin (or locally called gulaman) into small cubes and place in a pitcher. I added some fresh coconut water (buko juice), fresh strips of buko meat, added some milk and some sugar to taste. You can add more milk if you desire. I chilled it until cold, poured over a tall glass and added some ice cubes. It was surprisingly very refreshing! I was not even sure if I had the right ingredients.

If cookies are a great way to spend the day, perhaps a pitcher of cold Buko Pandan Juice is a perfect way to cool your day as well. So get up and chill your own Buko Pandan milky juice and make one coco-fun and coco-filled summer day.



Wednesday, September 1, 2010

A Colorful Family Summer


A warm sunny day with the bright blue skies, a light breeze blowing through the air, hamburgers sizzling on the grill, cold sodas and lemonades, happy people sharing jokes, and kids running around in exciting fun... all these are compliments of a relaxed afternoon enjoying the great outdoors!

A thirst quenching homemade lemonade drink comes second to sweet tea, the southern favorite. If you live in the south or have ever visited, you most likely have had tried this southern beverage favorite. If you missed out you have come to the right place to get a second chance...your cookout!

Fresh fruits combined in a large bowl are perfect when served chilled. Let your fruit salad fill your day with colors. They're not just healthy, but kid and adult friendly as well. And of course, your barbecue! Make your barbecuing as healthy as can be by using lean cuts of meat. With light and flavorful sauces served with good-for-you salads and veggies, that can be an awesome treat!
While dreaming of summertime cookouts, it is best to keep things simple. After all what matters is whether you enjoy your outdoors.