Yummy recipe: Chicken Cordon Bleu

It's been awhile since my last post. I got busy baking cookies for breastfeeding moms and making our weekly menus at home. That's my role - I do the weekly menus and make desserts. I also encourage you mommies to do your weekly menus. It will not only help save you time when doing your grocery, but it will also let you stick to your budget. Plus, it will guide your helpers as to what to feed your kids.

Unlike other moms who have to rush home from work to cook dinner, I am lucky because I married a professional chef. That said, I usually tell my husband what I want for dinner and he does it for me. That means an overwhelming culinary experience of about six years (four years in college and two in culinary school) into my plate.

For every new recipe, my husband Chef Jon usually performs a mini demo to our staff so our cook can re-create them when they appear on the weekly menu. Here's a sample.

Monday:

Breakfast (B): Oatmeal with milk and banana

Lunch (L): Kiwi, Beef Afritada with potatoes, Fried Chicken, Brown Rice

Dinner (D): Ebi Tempura, Beef Gyudon, Cabbage Salad with Sesame Miso dressing, Miso Soup, Brown Rice

Tuesday:

B: Open-faced sandwich with caramelized onions and cream cheese and orange wedges

L: Kiwi, Beef Soup, Grilled Bangus Belly wrapped in banana leaves, Green beans and Brown Rice

D: Avocado, Egg Ampalaya, Chicken Cordon Blue and Calamares, Brown Rice

Wednesday:

B: Orange wedges, Corned beef and Brown Fried Rice

L: Papaya, Beef Sinigang and Brown Rice

D: Ripe Mango, Fresh Mushroom soup, Roast Tamarind Chicken, Steamed Broccoli, Fried Dory, Brown Rice

Thursday:

B: Oatmeal with milk and Papaya

L: Banana, Pork Ribs Nilaga with pechay, Fried Galunggong and Eggplant Torta, Brown Rice

D: Pears, Nilaga Soup, Korean Beef Stew, Grilled Shrimps, Steamed vegetable (beans, sayote and cauliflower)

Friday:

B: Apple, Club Sandwich (Ham, Egg and Chicken Spread), Hot Choco

L: Atis, Beef soup with Malungay, Fried Pampano, Pinoy ensalada (Bagoong with tomatoes and onions), Steamed Okra, Brown Rice

D: Dragon Fruit, Chicken Tinola with Malungay, Baked Pork Ribs, Brown Rice

Saturday

B: Pomelo, Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese Sandwich

L: Lunch at Mameng's

D: Dinner Date

Sunday:

B: Papaya and Pancit Canton with Egg

L: Lunch at Ama's house

D: Family dinner

I often post pictures of our dinners at Instagram (follow me @raquelchua) and most of my followers ask me for recipes so I am sharing you one on this blog: Chicken Cordon Bleu by Chef Jon.

Ingredients:

4 pcs chicken leg quarter, deboned

4 slices cooked sweet ham

4 long strips Quickmelt cheese (We love Magnolia Quickmelt Cheese)*

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp ground black pepper

2 pc eggs, beaten

1 1/2 cup Japanese breadcrumbs

cooking oil for deep-frying

*If you don't like Quickmelt cheese you may use pasteurized cheese (I love Quez-O Cheese)

toothpicks

Procedure:
Place boneless chicken skin side down on a chopping board. Place 1 ham per chicken then a strip of cheese. Roll chicken into a log then seal the ends with 3-4 toothpicks per chicken.

Prepare 3 bowls or plate for your breading.

1st bowl: Combine flour with salt and pepper.

2nd bowl: Place egg and whisk until well beaten.

3rd bowl: Place Japanese bread crumbs.

Dredge the chicken onto the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then completely coat with Japanese breadcrumbs.

After drenching in eggs, coat the chicken with breadcrumbs.

Pre-heat oil for deep-frying. Preheat oven to 350F. When the oil is hot, deep fry chicken until the crumbs are golden brown. How will you know if the oil is ready? Sprinkle some breadcrumbs in the oil. If it bubbles, it’s ready for deep-frying.

Place them in paper towels so it can absorb the excess oil. Then put the chicken onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.

Bake in the oven for 20 minutes (325F) or until the chicken is fully cooked with an internal temperature of at least 165F.

Remove the chicken and let it rest on a chopping board, about 5 minutes. Slice chicken into thin rounds and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Hint: if you are using boneless chicken breast fillet, there is no need to cook inside the oven. Skip the oven part as they quickly cook during deep-frying. Boneless leg quarters are far thicker so they need to be finished off inside the oven. If you don't own an oven, you can continue cooking by oil.

Happy cooking mommies!

- Mommy Raquel

Upscaling used containers

Upscaling or upgrading used containers that you have at home is not only a fun activity that you can share with the kids, but it is also an opportunity to teach them how to contribute to the environment by recycling and avoiding unnecessary waste.


Those are two great reasons to get into upscaling in the first place even though those weren't my primary reasons for deciding to decorate a used plastic container that has been keeping Caitlin's tea set for months.


My initial thought was only to cover up the container to make it more appealing so I got a purple cloth, ribbon, garter, matching thread and brought out my machine for an hour of sewing. And in another container, I simply put paper stickers and a few scrapbooking decors and glued them on the box.


The results were better looking boxes for Caitlin's toys.


Earlier, I also put ribbons around a used sardines bottle and converted it into a hair clip container.


With more toys and other children's stuff piling up in the house, it's a challenge to keep everything tidy everyday and containers - big and small - always come in handy to keep some toy parts together or just hide away all the mess.


I am sure there are a lot of used stuff lying around in your house that - with a little imagination - could turn out to be something else more beautiful.


Happy upscaling!


- Mommy Smiley



A used cookie container.

Putting cover on a used container.

Decorating a used box with stickers and craft materials.

Stacking them.

Making use of an old cookie container.

A box to put away some of her toys.



Hair clip organizer.

Another view.

Lactation cookies giveaway winners

The results are in and we are happy to announce the five winners of a week’s supply of Mama Chow’s lactation cookies baked fresh by pastry chef Raquel Chua of Ginquelrus and co-blogger of Everyday Mommy Diary.

Mama Chow’s lactation cookies are packed with commonly used galactagogues such as oats, flaxseed, and fenugreek. Galactagogues are any substance believed to increase breastmilk supply.

These cookies are great for sharing – even for those who are not nursing such as your spouse or another child in the house. For breastfeeding moms, just take three to four lactation cookies a day. Results vary on individuals. Direct feed your child whenever you can to stimulate more milk supply.

The winners are:

Melody L. Liwanag

Leira Bhagwani Pagaspas

Dyann Alon-Alon

Roxi Roman-Santiago

Jennie Lyn Cuyco

Congratulations, you have been e-mailed for instructions on how to claim your prize. Thank you for joining Mama Chow’s lactation cookies giveaway!

Join Mama Chow's lactation cookies giveaway

It has been a blessing to be able to breastfeed my first son since birth and up until now that he's beyond one. But my experience is not without its difficulties.

I also experienced low milk supply during the times that I had to be away from Sam for work. At least, that was how I felt when I was able to pump less and less milk for storage in the freezer. So when I stumbled upon a lactation cookie recipe, I lost no time to try it out and even refine it to my own taste and liking. I gave away some to my other breastfeeding mommy friends and much to my surprise, they not only loved the taste, but the cookies also helped increase their milk supply.

So in much the same way that my own lactation cookie recipe helped me when I needed to pump more breastmilk for my son, I hope these cookies will also aid in your breastfeeding journey.

That said, I am donating one week supply of lactation cookies to five breastfeeding mommies who have been so kind-hearted at giving some of their pumped breastmilk to those in need at the social network Human Milk for Human Babies - Philippines.

Mama Chow's Oatmeal Lactation Cookies

 

But not only that, I am also giving away for free another weeklong supply of lactation cookies to five breastfeeding mommies who are struggling with their milk supply.

Mama Chow's Oatmeal Lactation Cookies are packed individually.

How to get the lactation cookies for free:

1. You must be a member and a breastmilk donor of Human Milk for Human Babies to avail of the weeklong suppy of Mama Chow's lactation cookies for breastmilk donors.

2. Look for the giveaway icon on this blog or go to Everyday Mommy Diary on facebook, look for our giveaway through Rafflecopter, and join.

You may get the giveaway widget here to share and post to friends who may need boosting of their breastmilk supply: http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/share-code/Y2Y3NjAzZWIxYzY1OTYzNWFmN2EyZjA4MDQwMWFlOjE=/

I send these cookies with love and hope that more mommies will endeavor to provide what's best for their babies: breastmilk. And also the thought that however difficult breastfeeding may be for some, pray to endure because breast is still best.


- Mommy Raquel


NB: take three to four lactation cookies a day. Results vary on individuals. Direct feed your child whenever you can to stimulate more milk supply.

How to reach Mama Chow:
{P} 211.9066
{M} 0917.3220926
{E} mamachows@gmail.com
to view mama chows menu click here menu
{F} like us on FACEBOOK click here

Sew, mommy, sew

Sewing has become a therapy. Here's a recent project to add color to our living room.


- Mommy Smiley

Our living room.

The then (left) and now (right).

The finished products.

Beginning homeschooling

Caitlin participating in an afternoon of Kindermusik with Teachermama Mariel at the Medela House during a get-together of homeschooling families.

- Mommy Smiley

The homeschooled kids with their parents.

Happy Father's Day!

Baba,
Thank you for always playing with me.
Thank you for giving up your coffee days to spend the afternoon with me.
Thank you for changing my diaper (even with my poop.)
Thank you for giving me Saturday bathtime. I enjoy them 'cause mommy is strict.
Thank you for waking up very early to catch the morning sun with me.
Thank you for shopping (your past time) clothes for me.
Thank you for doing grocery every Sunday so mommy can have more time with me.
Thank you for making gourmet foods for me. I enjoy all of them.
Thank you for supporting mommy with breastfeeding. You know what's best for me.
Thank you for co-sleeping with me, so mommy can sleep well during the night.
I love you baba! ----Saffron

To our loving Baba, thank you for being a hands-on dad to our Saffron. We love you!
Enjoy your day off today. =]

- Mommy Raquel

UPDATED: Shopping list before giving birth

I have put together my own list of things to buy or have for babies, mommies, and daddies before or shortly after the little one arrives. These items were very useful to me as a breastfeeding mom, and also as someone who practiced ge-lai after birth. Take a look at my list:

Must-have list for babies:

1.   8 pieces one-sided tops (White is best not only because it’s unisex but also because you can see if any ants or other insects have crawled to your babies’ clothes.)

2.   8 pieces pajamas (Those with garters at the bottom are better.)

3.   8 pieces briefs or panties

4.   8 pieces shorts or skirts (For going-out).

5.   8-10 pieces frogsuits (If you will practice ge-lai, buy 12-15 pieces of frogsuits. You won’t be able to use the one-sided tops especially if your air-conditioning is on 24/7. My favorite brand is So-En bebe (size 0). I like this brand because it has a hood so you need not get a separate cap for your baby.)

Mothercare frogsuits with built-in hand covers and socks.

6. 8 pieces baby caps (Be sure to get the smallest cap that you could find. The smallest ones are best for a tiny new born’s head. I bought one that’s too big for Sam. It almost covered his nose. Mothercare sells new baby caps. But do check your baby’s head and see what fits him or her best.)

7. 8 pairs of mittens (I think garterized mittens are better than those with strings. If you do get those with strings, just be careful not to tie them too tight around your baby’s wrist. Also, buy them in plain colors. Mothercare also sells frog suits for new baby and sizes 1-3 months have built-in hand covers.)

8. 8-10 sets of bibs (I prefer those that come in Velcro, but like the mittens, if you do get the ones with strings, just be careful not to tie them too tight.)

9. 20-30 pieces of lampins (I used two different colors of lampins. One was in plain white while the other had a blue pipping on it so in case one falls off, I know which one is dirty.)

10. Baby towels (I love baby towels because they are not rough and they could serve as a swaddling cloth too.)

11. Diapers (Sam’s been on Momy Poko ever since. Momy Poko’s more expensive than other brands, but for us, it suited our baby well. Check out what’s ok for your baby too. EQ and Pampers are more affordable, although they also have an “active line” promising more absorption which also cost more.)

~~Clothe Diapers are also available, clothe are more earth friendly and more economical in the long run. You just have be dedicated to using cloth and must learn how to use it, wash it and know the do's and don'ts once you know it. it will just be a breeze and big savings.

12. Baby bag (I insist on getting a knapsack type of baby bag. I asked one from my sister and she got me one from Goodbaby. I love knapsacks because you free your hands when carrying them. My husband insisted on getting a more “sosyal” baby bag. He got me a green messenger lassig bag, but it’s too big for me and for the yaya. The bag is just sitting inside our cabinet while the Goodbaby knapsack served its purpose. We only changed it when it became too small for our baby’s needs. We are now using badabadaboo’s big kid backpack called Alexander.)

Must-have list for mommies:

1. Breast pump (I am using Medela Swing pump. I got it directly from Medela House where I had the time to fit the right shield for my breast size.)

Medela Swing is very helpful to me. If you have more budget, go for the Medela Freestyle.

If you are pumping your milk, buy 80 ml containers for storage. I use this to store breastmilk, baby food, other snacks such as nuts, yogurt melts, and cookies. 

2. Medela Lanolin (My pediatrician adviced me to get Medela Lanolin as this will help soften my nipples and prevent soreness. I swear by this product. I did not experience any cracked nipples while breastfeeding. There were times when I felt sore, but after rubbing the lanolin, it was all gone. If you can’t get this, spread some breastmilk on your nipples.)

I swear this will help your nipples.

3. Jogging pants and t-shirts (These were my outfits during my one-month ge-lai. I recommend the longsleeve-shirts and undershirts from Spoiled. I still use them up to now as I breastfeed my son in public. I just wish that they have more fashionable designs.)

4. Breast pads (I love Mothercare and Pigeon breastpads. Do not buy too many because you don’t know if that brand suits you. Breastpads are like feminine napkins. You either like the cottony feel or not. Take advantage of the free giveaways and try them on. You may also want to buy the cloth breastpads when you feel irritated by the pads.)

 For some reason, these are always sold-out.

Pigeon is more readily available. You can get them in all baby stores and even in SM Hypermarkets.

5. Maternity bra (I love Mothercare maternity bras. I got myself the simple ones packed in twos for home use and those with pads for going out. For night time, I use Mothercare tube bra.)

6. Mamaway Sando Bra (I love Mamaway’s Sando Bra. It is a sando which has a built-in padded bra. It lets me wear my regular clothes and breastfeed my child without fear of public exposure at the same time.)

I super love this Nursing Tank top from Mamaway. I got the black so it won't discolor. I can also see myself using this even when I am done with breastfeeding. The bra-top is also padded! 

7. Maternity panty (I got mine from Mothercare. What I like about it is the belly support. Before I had my Mamamway Sando Bra, I use this to cover my belly while nursing in public.)

Other useful stuff to have:

1.  Night light

2.  Muji socks (Because it can cover your every toe!)

3.  Dr. Palmers Organic stretch mark lotions (If you have red scratch marks, this lotion will help ligthen them.)

My two bffs. I swear by these products. They made my tummy flawless! 

You may want to check out my previous post: Stretch marks-free on our pre-natal shoot and beyond

4. Disposable gloves (Use it when eating and washing down under. For those who will undergo ge-lai.)

5. Vegetable supplements (This is also for those who will go through ge-lai since you won’t be allowed to eat vegetables and you need nutrients for breastfeeding.)

6. Pigeon wipes (We don’t wash Sam’s butt with water when he poops or when we change his diapers. We use wipes instead. So far, it suits him. No rashes yet.)

Some tips:

1. Before going home after birth from the hospital, ask the nurse to teach you how to bathe your child.

My son on his Tummy Tub

~~I highly recommend Tummy Tub for bathing your child. You can get this at any Rustan's or at Mothercare. To read more about the my Tummy Tub experience Click here

2. If you will be breastfeeding your baby, get your nursing wear at Medela House. You’ll need this when you go out with your baby. Usually, you will come back for a check-up after a week.

3. Don't buy burping pads. Trust the more versatile lampin.

4. If you plan to breastfeed, your doctor may advice you to pump some milk. Make sure that your equipment has been sterilized before using it.

Must-have list for daddies (when packing for the hospital):

• shirts
• pants/shorts
• jacket
• personal effects
• camera
• cash/ATM
• water
• candy
• phone

~~ Mommy Raquel