Fear Not

It is always a delight spending time with our friend, Karen Espiritu, she is such a God-fearing woman filled with love and wisdom.  We were so encouraged when she shared her learning experiences with regards to love, relationships and decisions.  It really spoke deeply to our hearts and we convinced her to contribute her story to My Doolally as we believe that it would touch the hearts of many.  Here it goes:

Time flies by fast. And it seems to speed up once we get older. When I was younger, I felt like infinity was in front of me. Now, while the future is still so exciting, I’ve realized the importance of seizing each day or that famous phrase carpe diem. Many of us like the thought of “seizing each day” but how many of us actually do? I’m grateful to God for my life, but looking back, there were opportunities and moments I could have seized.

What stopped me?

What stops all of us?

The F-word: Fear.

And many times, I find myself asking the questions: Did I make the right decision? Could I have done things differently?  Should I have stepped out more? Should I have given it a try? I guess you can say these questions aren’t worth dwelling on; the past is past after all. But I’m writing this not so much for myself but to encourage those of you who are younger to be wise and smart and educated, but at the same time be free and brave.

Growing up, I found myself setting boundaries and rules in my life. I did this because I felt I needed to protect myself. When I was in high school, I made my first rule: No boyfriend until I graduated college. Then my second rule was to never say “I love you” to anyone until I was married. Then my third rule was never to show too much affection and hold back so that in the end, when things don't work out, I wont be at the losing end. Sounds smart right?

Well, it would have been, if I hadn’t made the rules out of fear. Rules are great, they protect us in fact, but when the rules are powered by fear, they become more like bars in a cage. Looking back, because of fear, I approached relationships like a competition I didn’t want to lose. I wasn’t going to fall first. I wasn’t going to give too much.  The fear of getting hurt, fear of being rejected, of someone else having the last laugh was always in my mind.  While I was bound by all these boundaries and self-infested rules, I found myself getting frustrated more and more. The boundaries that I thought were there to protect me ended up holding me back.

It was not just in relationships that I put strict boundaries. I found myself applying this in every aspect of my life. In my finances, I would make it a point to restrict myself from spending and enjoying the fruits of my labor because I had monetary goals.  With my family, when issues and problems would arise, I would bail out and not acknowledge that there were issues. Instead, I would paint this perfect picture in my mind of what my family should be and made myself believe that the picture I painted was what was real. With friends, I always made sure that all my actions were done in a way that people would have nothing bad to say about me.

It was all about rules, rules, and more rules. In the course of trying to protect myself, I found myself getting more miserable as the days went by. I wasn't enjoying life to the fullest. I wasn't enjoying the freedom God had given me to love and give freely. Things would get tiring and frustrating. The relationships, that actually were hopeful looking back, didn’t last when things wouldn’t turn out a certain way. I never went too far with the men I dated, they probably were frustrated by the kind of relationship we were in.

I just want to be clear that it’s not the rules or boundaries that hold us back. It’s fear. We need standards, but these need to be coming from faith that as long as we’re obeying God, we’re free to explore this life He gave us.

I realized that finding true freedom is when you learn to give freely and love freely, without expecting anything in return and true freedom is learning to trust God through the hurts and pains. It involves taking risks so that you can find out what’s on the other side of the fence. It is learning to be true to your feelings and showing them. It is knowing how to stand up again when you fall. Its accepting things as they are and realizing that experiences and relationships help define who you are.

That’s what I’m doing today, living to the fullest, trusting God more, fearing less.

 I have learned to see things through the eyes of trust. Trusting that my heart is in the hands of God. That my future, He holds safely in His hands, and that His will is to prosper and not to harm me. So why hold back when I can let go and let God?

Again, saving, being friendly, protecting myself, these are all great things. Please don’t get me wrong. I believe boundaries are not just good, they’re important. I’m simply pointing out that our boundaries should not be powered by fear. Like my friend likes to say, “The goal of life is not ‘don’t get hurt’. The goal of life is to glorify God by achieving our purpose.”

Let’s enjoy the freedom that God has given us. While we must respect boundaries, the Bible says that they have fallen for us in pleasant places. We have a delightful inheritance. (Psalm 16:6)

There Is No Place Like Home

“There is no place like home.” - Dorothy, The Wizard of Oz

Support the Stage Moms!
I love it when we women get together to do good. Not only do we have a natural instinct to care for others, we also have the creativity and detail-orientedness to help others excellently. That's why I admire what my fellow mommy, Mia Lauchengco, along with her friends, are doing in sponsoring the September 2, 2012 showing of the Wizard of Oz by Repertory Philippines. The recent flood left a lot of victims whose homes are still underwater so proceeds will be given to the Red Cross and Angel Brigade who are still conducting relief work.

From Repertory Philippines

You can get in touch with Mia at 09175334206 for more details.

It's a good way to enjoy a fun play and teach your kids how to give to those who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances. I like to volunteer or give when I get the chance, and I've seen how well my kids respond when they realise they can help others. I encourage you to make this a part of your regular activities with them.


Speaking of Home…
the word "home" means different things for different people. For some, it's a gigantic mansion, for others, it's something simpler. For me and my kids, home is my parent's house, which has been great for us during our years of transition. Among my life's many blessings, having parents who have been so kind, patient, and generous towards me is one of the most meaningful. I'm so grateful that my kids are able to spend a lot of time with their grandparents, and I've learned to appreciate the many simple things being with them has done for us.

Inside my parents' house is the room I grew up in. This has become "our home within a home". Other than the kitchen, where I bake and where the kids work to be near me, my bedroom (I should say "our bedroom" since my kids and I share the space) is where we have some of the best memories. It's here that I wake up next to my beautiful kids peacefully sleeping. It's here that we get ready for another wonderful day of challenge and growth. It's here, at the end of each day, that we get together to talk about what we're grateful for, write on our journals, and pray. Finally, it is here where we lie down to rest and read a story before we sleep.

I have so many beautiful memories in our "home". This experience has taught me that it isn't the size of the space that makes a home beautiful, but that the space is filled with the people you treasure. For me and my kids, our moments here are priceless, and I'm happy to see them gratefully thanking God every night for their blessings.

Like many other dreaming girls, I like to go on Pinterest and Instagram, and check out beautiful rooms, incredible furniture, nice clothes, and for my work, amazing cake and cupcake designs. While admiring these things, I sometimes can't help but wonder if I'll ever have my dream home, or even just my dream kitchen, or if I'll be able to have that wallpaper, or that French couch, or those clothes in my wardrobe. It can be discouraging sometimes to know that realistically these things are beyond me.

Then I look around my room, at the three faces that mean most to me, and I'm reminded that I am incredibly blessed. I wouldn't trade my treasures for anything, and once again I am content. I guess it really is about how we look at things. While we can add so many things to our shopping lists, we already have something great, because when we really look at what's amazing, there really is no place like home.

A Friend Loves at All Times

I've always known the importance of friends. I think most people do. Ask anyone if they value their friends, and the the likely answer is, "Yes. Of course!" I can't say I'm the most sociable person in the world (I'm actually quite shy when it comes to meeting new people), but among the things that are important to me, what I value most are my relationships - especially the relationships that help me become better.

The older I get, the more I realize that there really is no need to strive with friends. Why should one have to prove that she is cool, popular, and accepted? Shouldn't friends be with you no matter what? I have to admit, my own insecurities and fears had me trying to live the way I thought others would approve of, and in a world of so many different metrics of worth, the harder I tried to gain people's acceptance, the more confused I became about who I really was. I was drifting further away from the real me.

As I realized this, I started to pray for true friends. What is a true friend? People who will help me become a better version of myself, as another true friend likes to put it. These are people who accept and love me at my best and worst. People who know my flaws, my weaknesses, and shortcomings yet never take advantage of me or reject me.

Then I realized that my prayer was already answered. The One I was praying to was my answer as well. God had always been all of that. He was and is a true friend. It was only when I learned to accept the love of God did I learn what true friendship was.

I realized that had I made friendship about me, about what kind of person would be good for me. I had a selfish motive. Now I understand that friendships are gifts and blessings. I'm so blessed that God has answered my prayer, by first being my ever-present friend, and by sending people into my life to walk with me. When you see friendship as a gift, you won't take it for granted because you know that if you don't take care of this relationship, you'll lose it. 

Friendship is a gift. It is freely given. The recipient is free to accept it or reject it. He is free to value it or neglect it. You don't expect anything in return, you offer your friendship because it is a decision or even better, a delight. It works both ways, you can't force your hand on it. Many times, it will be rejected but the freedom to choose is part of what you offer. But don't worry too much about rejection, because if you're valuing what God values, you're bound to find others who think the same.

Friendship also means shared life. It just naturally falls into place. True friendship is purposeful and constant. My closest friends and I share common interests in food, music, culture, books. But what really keeps us close is that we also share the same values and standards. It is at this place where it can flourish, it cannot possibly survive in a rigid controlled imposed environment. There will always be differences but there is depth of love and acceptance. I guess this also means that not everyone is going to be your friend. I've learned that that is ok. Not all relationships are meant to last.

Friendships also shape us. Like my friend said, "Surround yourself with people who will bring out the best version of yourself." I think he got that from a book. A true friend encourages and strengthens you to improve and advance. It won't hinder you from being your best. It won't drag you down. Similarly we should bring out the best in our friends lives.

Dinner with some friends

A few of my friends and I gather once a week to enjoy a nice dinner, study God's word, and pray together. It's one of the activities I look forward to every week. Very recently, one of the guys, I won't say who, but he crossfits the most (Haha!), politely expressed concern over the quality of our sharing and prayer and laid-out a few rules including: "No gadgets", "Be on time" and "Be polite". I was so encouraged to see everyone's reaction to his message. No one was defensive, people actually acknowledged they were guilty of specific things, and thanked him for pointing things out. We would never have had these reactions if we didn't share one important thing: our primary relationship is with God. When 3 or more gather to worship Him, He truly is there (Matthew 18:20). He is our friend at all times.

Wakeboarding

I always like trying out new activities or sports.  I previously posted my experience in surfing and just recently, I tried out wakeboarding for the first time.  Several friends have been asking me to try it out for some time already but I was always too lazy to take a long drive to check it out.  My friend, Karen, told me that there was a newly opened wake park in Nuvali, which was just an hour drive away from the city.  She has been wakeboarding already for years and wanted to try to get at it again, since it was a lot more convenient now.  I decided to join her and give it a shot.

With Karen

True enough, it only took an hour to get to Republ1c Wakepark.  It is a really nice place.  It's clean, has great ambiance, friendly staff, yummy food and most importantly awesome facilities.  It has the formula of having a great time doing an addicting activity.

Beginner

Since it was my first time, I went to the area for beginners.  It was basically a man-made lake with electric cables pulling you.  They let you use a helmet, wakevest and wakeboard.  Believe me, it was tougher than it looked!  You basically have to engage your upper body and arms.  You have to know how to properly position your weight and stance.  I was only able to last more than half way of the length of the lake.  It was however, really addicting and the staff were really patient in teaching me the techniques.

See Karen go!

Overall, I really had a great time.  We only went for 3 hours but I would say that it was well-spent.  Wakeboarding isn't something that you can just learn in one session.  It takes determination and lots of practice.  As I observed the more advanced wakeboarders, I can't help but be impressed on how they're able to do different stunts.  Evidently, it took a lot of effort and perseverance on their part.  I would like to get more into the activity when time permits!  

Is Your Kitchen Cooking-Ready?

When I first started cooking for my family, my kitchen wasn't really that well-equipped. I only had a stove with oven, a few pots and pans, kitchen tools, and other (sorry to say) useless stuff that I inherited from family members and friends. Through the years, I acquired and also let go of a lot of kitchen gadgets and appliances. It's through experience that I learned what really are necessary and what are just decorative "tools" in the kitchen. But now there are books and lists froms sites that are helpful to dress your kitchen up whether you're a newbie cooking for one, new bride or a hardcore chef.

The MARTHA STEWART'S HOMEKEEPING HANDBOOK: The Essential Guide to Caring for Everything in Your Home was very helpful for me. It has a comprehensive list of the things that you'll need in the kitchen. This is perfect for someone who really cooks. It has a whole chapter on KITCHEN, from choosing the right pots and pans, the perfect kitchen tools, and even kitchen appliances.

I altered Martha Stewart's list a bit based on my needs. This list is not THE perfect list for everyone. For me, these are my basic tools.

I found a site that has even a short list, perfect for newbies. Check it out here in Your First Kitchen: 5 Guides to Help You Set Up Your Kitchen With the Best Basics.

I'm sure there are more basic lists than these two that I showed. The bottom line is that it's better to be equipped with the right tools and maximize their use than get stuck with gadgets that won't really be useful for the kind of cook that you are.

Creative Toys

I came across this article from Forbes.com by Steve Vassallo about Legos. (You can read the whole article here: Parents: Buy Kids' Legos but Throw Away the Instructions.) The title was very catchy. It really made me give it a second look and I was taken aback. Why would you throw away the instructions? If you did, you wouldn't be able to create the Lego set. 

But that is exactly what the author wrote, "Your children won't be able to replicate the Star Wars space ship. But, without a roadmap, they may find a way to build a better one." And I realized that that's exactly what my boys do. They love building their Legos to form the licensed set but after a few days, they take them apart and make new creations. Sometimes it drives me nuts just thinking of all the lost parts of their Lego set because they assemble and disassemble the original set over and over. But it's when they do this that they create the most unique, most imaginative creations. They should have the freehand to build whatever they want. This is when their creativity and resourcefulness are born. 

1. Lego

Lego encourages creativity, especially the big tub of loose Lego pieces. The kids have to use their imagination to start their creation from scratch. My kids would first build their Lego with the instructions on hand but a few days after, they would build totally new creations using their imagination.

Some of their own playsets!
Can you see the slide that goes from building to another? cool right?

The boys' version of The Batmobile

They have all sorts of lego sets but the automobiles or the playsets they come up with on their own are the ones that really wow me. One of the dream jobs of both my sons is to be a Lego Builder. They said that it would be quite like heaven to sit down in a room full of all sorts of Legos and tinker with them and build new structures the whole day. 

2. Zoob

Zoob is a building set with a difference—the pieces move after kids put them together. So kids can play with their ZOOB creations, instead of just looking at them. ZOOB pieces snap, click, and pop together to form joints that rotate, limbs that extend, axles that spin, and lots more. Kids can create simple models in minutes, or get absorbed and spend hours at a time. There's no limit to what they can build: from animals to aliens, from dinosaurs to DNA. (from http://www.infinitoy.com/zoob/zoob125.shtml)


The pieces come in a small plastic box like the picture below for easy clean-up. You can build anything as far as where your imagination can take you.

Zoob Dude

Zoob Giraffe

*images from http://www.infinitoy.com/zoob/

3. Tinkertoy

The construction toy that's been a favorite for generations! This TINKERTOY set features easy-fitting, durable, real wood and plastic pieces for creating all kinds of great designs! Build structures using the enclosed design guide or use your imagination to make lots of new and different creations! Includes 48 rods, 20 spools, 8 connector clips, 2 flags, 10 end caps, 6 couplings, 2 tubes, 1 length of string, face plate, 2 robot arms, 2 rail holders and design guide. (from http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=8EC3F54A-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4:en_US)

I remember when my kids had a playdate with my friend's son and they had so much fun playing and building for hours. My son Lucas especially enjoyed it because he liked that there were screws and tubes and couplings and all sorts of construction things.

*images from http://www.hasbro.com/playskool/en_US/shop/details.cfm?R=8EC3F54A-6D40-1014-8BF0-9EFBF894F9D4:en_US

4. Melissa & Doug Wooden Blocks

I remember when my boys were younger and I would pick them up from school. They would take so long coming out from their classroom because the teachers said that they were still busy playing. They loved these wooden blocks. I'm not sure if the ones they used in their school was this brand, but it kinda looked like this. 

Wooden Architecture
(the boys in the picture aren't my kids FYI...hehe!)

*image from http://www.amazon.com/Melissa-Doug-60-Piece-Standard-Blocks/dp/B00008W72D/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=toys-and-games&qid=1273443343&sr=8-1&tag=toyrevandnew-20 

I remember I would leave them for a bit to play with these blocks and when I would come back, they would have great structures like the picture above. It would leave me in awe, seeing their massive creations. But I realized that with the right things to play with, or right art materials, or right tools, or even the right ingredients, you can help your kids unleash their creativity and resourcefulness.

5. Play-Doh or other Clay Art

Clay is something my kids never tire of. Even as toddlers, my boys would spend hours and hours creating things to play with. I remember I got them the different food sets from Play-Doh and that was when they first got into food and cooking/baking. They "put up" a mini restaurant in our den. They even made a menu, an order form, and an open/closed sign. Everything in the menu would be made by them from scratch using clay. I was their biggest customer. We even had a cash register and play money to make it seem like a real restaurant. 

The Play-Doh set that started it all

Play-Doh Barbeque Playset

This was Tali's first Play-Doh Cake Making set

*images from:

http://www.toysrus.com/product/prodpop.jsp?LargeImageURL=http%3A//TRUS.imageg.net/graphics/product_images/pTRU1-2789401dt.jpg&displayTab=enh&productId=2264867&totCount=0

http://www.hasbro.com/playdoh2/en_US/shop/browse/Play-Doh/_/N-1rZ77Zgt/No-20

http://www.littlewhiz.com/pd-play-doh-barbecue-playset.cfm

Now, it's my little girl's turn. Her godmother gave her a Little Cake Dough set for her birthday and she hasn't stopped creating cakes for everyone.

My kids used to ask me for any new toy they see in any toy store. They have A LOT of toys, sad to say. I realized that a lot of money was spent buying toys that were disposable. A disposable toy for me is something that can't be played with or used over and over. Now I'm more conscious of only getting them toys, even if they're a bit pricey, that will enhance their creativity and will not limit their play. I agree very much with what Steve Vassallo said about imagination.

What we need, above all, is the spark of imagination. The passion for tinkering. The hunger for exploration. The realization, even at age 10, that you can create real, tangible things if you think about it long enough, and work at it hard enough. Albert Einstein once said that he was “enough of an artist to draw freely on [his] imagination” which he valued even above knowledge. “Knowledge is limited,” he explained.  “Imagination encircles the world.”

My son Lucas' favorite quote
(especially when he's being reminded to do
homework first before playing Lego) 

*image from Pinterest.com

Coconut in All Its Glory

The Philippines has an abundance of coconut.  The fruit has been quickly gaining popularity all over the world because of its numerous uses and health benefits.

Coconut Water.  This is one of the most light and refreshing drinks ever!  It has been branded as a natural sports drink.  Coconut water doesn't contain any fat, cholesterol and is low in calories.  It is rich in potassium and electrolytes providing quick hydration to replenish the water and salt your body loses when you do sports or work out.

Coconut water also provides a remedy for kidney stones and urinary tract infections.  It helps cleanse and flush your system.  It is also said to lower cholesterol and provide healthy skin.

Fresh Coconut Juice

I personally love taking it fresh from the shell.  It is now conveniently available in bottles, cans and tetra packs.

Some popular brands in tetra packaging: Vita Coco, Zico and O.N.E.

Coconut Meat.  The white fleshy meat of the coconut is used to make delicious desserts like Buko Pandan or Halo Halo.  It can also be blended to make shakes.  According to Livestrong, one cup of coconut meat contains 7.2g of fiber.  It is also rich in manganese which supports our body's immune and nervous system.

Halo Halo

Coconut Milk.  This is a staple in a lot of Asian food recipes.  Coconut milk is used to make curry, pies, desserts, sweet drinks among a few.  Coconut milk is also commonly used as a hair treatment and skin moisturizer.  It conditions the hair and hydrates the skin.  It also has anti-fungal and anti-bacterial purposes for wounds and infections.

Coconut Milk

Coconut milk can be bought freshly grated and squeezed from vendors or it is readily available in cans.

Desicated Coconut.  These are dried coconut flakes commonly used for baking.  My favorite treats that uses this as an ingredient are mochi, granola bars and macaroons.

Coconut Macaroons

Virgin Coconut Oil.  I'm pretty sure you've heard of the wonders of Virgin Coconut Oil, there are tons of benefits and uses.  In the article "Is Virgin Coconut Oil Healthy?" of Livestrong, it states:

"Virgin coconut oil is healthful. It will not raise your LDL, or bad cholesterol, and it will not contribute to obesity so long as you are not exceeding your caloric requirements. Dr. Bowden reports that coconut oil is full of antioxidants that help destroy free radicals that can attack your cells, damage your DNA and create oxidative stress. Coconut oil can also help your body better absorb amino acids and minerals such as calcium and magnesium."

Virgin Coconut Oil

VCO can be used for cooking, baking and flavoring.  It is be used directly to the skin as an oil cleanser or as skin products like soaps, shampoos, lotions and massage oils.  You can also use it for oil pulling.

Coconut Sap or Coconut Sugar.  This is a great healthy substitute for refined sugar.  It is high in mineral, potassium, magnesium and zinc.  This is a safe sweetener for diabetics.  I use this in place of regular sugar when I take my coffee and when I bake some goodies.

Coco Sap from Natural Health Ph

Coconut in all its forms are readily available, affordable and healthy.  There are countless possibilities for its various forms!  

Why I Love the Bible

Growing up in a Christian family and studying at a Christian school, I was taught that I had to read the Bible.  In school, I had to memorize verses as part of the academic requirements.  We also needed to read a chapter a day and write down what we learned in our Bible journal for us to pass our Bible subject.  I remember cramming my Bible journal by finishing a month’s work during recess time.  I was so happy there was a Life Application Bible at home so I could just copy the “applications” of each verses (re-worded of course) without reading the chapter.  I knew the Bible was important, maybe even necessary but I really didn’t get it.  I’ve been taught about those people in the Bible and the lessons so why do I still need to read the long version in this thick book with little prints.  Besides, didn’t church and school choose the important verses for us already?

Then I met some Christians who actually read the Bible on a regular basis, and I thought maybe to be a good Christian I had to do the same.  So I tried, and followed their goal to finish the Bible in a year.  So I started with Genesis 1, then the next day Genesis 2, then Genesis 3, continuing maybe for a week then forgetting all about it after.  Then the following year I’d make the same goal, stopping again in Genesis 5.  It became a frustrating cycle and I concluded that the Bible was just too boring!

It was only when I started being part of a Bible Study group did I develop the discipline of reading the Bible daily.  I didn’t get it at once but I saw how the people in the group really loved the word of God.  It wasn’t something religious for them but it was something they really delighted on.  It was also encouraging because we would constantly share God's word to each other and remind each other to have our personal devotions.  So I was thrilled when I got past Genesis 5, and before I knew it I had finished the entire Bible.  Then I'd start over, and finish it again and again.  

Reading the Bible for me is a day-to-day experience, it isn’t just a religious act.  It refreshes the soul.  I cannot recount all the experiences I’ve had as I read God’s word and how it has deepened my relationship with Him.  I really wouldn’t have gone this far if not for His word.  There are a lot of times when I am faced with situations and I would remember what the Bible says about it and I would know what to do.  There would be times when I would ask God something and He would remind me of His word.  Had I not the read the Bible I wouldn’t know these things.  It never ceases to amaze me how indeed “living and active” God’s word is.  Reading the Bible is such a delight that we can never outgrow.  

Crepes Galore!!!

One thing my kids and I love are crepes. We love eating them and we love making them. I recently taught my boys this easy recipe that I got online. They prepare and mix the ingredients and I cook them, while they think of the fillings we can put inside.

Basic Crepe (from All Recipes)

1 cup all-purpose flour
2 eggs
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup water
1/4 tsp. salt
2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour and the eggs. Gradually add in the milk and water, stirring to combine.

2. Add the salt and butter; beat until smooth.

3. Melt a little butter on a non-stick pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the pan, using a 1/4 cup for each crepe. Tilt the pan with a circular motion so that the batter coats the surface evenly.

4. Cook the crepe for about 2 minutes, until the bottom is light brown. Loosen with a spatula, turn and cook the other side.

After cooking the crepes, we put different fillings inside. One had strawberry jam. One had butter & sugar. One had my favorite, Nutella. These are so easy to make. This is definitely something your older kids can do on their own. And they can be as creative as they want with the fillings.

Clockwise from top left: Strawberry crepe, 
Butter & Sugar crepe, Nutella crepe

Natalia is ready to try all!!!

You can also try adding savory fillings. One of my favorites from Cafe Breton (our favorite crepe place) is the Ham, Bechamel and Mushroom Crepe. There's also a yummy one called Dracula, which has a tomato, cheese, and garlic filling. But basically you can put anything that you want inside. It can be a breakfast crepe, a dessert crepe, or a savoury crepe.

And if you're ambitious, you can even make a crepe cake by stacking the crepes on top of each other with a pastry cream filling in between crepe. This is something I will try very soon! 

photo from www.marthastewart.com

Check out this recipe from Martha Stewart: 

Meyer Lemon Crepe Cake

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups whole milk, room temperature
3 large eggs, room temperature
1/2 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
6 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, melted, plus more, melted, for pan
Meyer Lemon Curd Mousse
1/4 cup heavy cream, whipped
Candied Meyer Lemons, optional

• 
  
• Whisk together flour, sugar, and salt. Whisk together milk, eggs, and vanilla. Gradually pour milk mixture into flour mixture, whisking until smooth. Whisk in butter. Pour through a fine sieve into an airtight container; discard lumps. Refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight.

1. Lightly coat a 6-inch crepe pan or nonstick skillet with butter. Heat over medium heat until just starting to smoke. Remove from heat; pour about 2 tablespoons batter into center. Swirl to cover bottom. Reduce heat to medium-low; return pan to heat. Cook until edges are golden and center is dry, about 30 seconds per side.
2. Slide crepe onto an overturned plate. Repeat with remaining batter, coating pan with butter as needed, and stacking crepes. Let cool.
3. Place 1 crepe on a flat serving dish. Spread about 1/4 cup lemon curd mousse onto crepe. Top with 1 crepe. Continue layering crepes and mousse. (Use 15 crepes, ending with a crepe on top.) Refrigerate until firm, about 1 hour.
4. Top crepe cake with whipped cream and 3 or 4 candied lemon slices

Meyer Lemon Curd Mousse

1 tsp. unflavored gelatin (from one 1/4-ounce envelope)

1 Tbsp. cold water

4 large eggs plus 6 large yolks

1 cup sugar

1 Tbsp. plus 2 tsp. finely grated Meyer lemon zest (from 2 lemons), plus 3/4 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (from 5 to 6 lemons)

6 Tbsp. cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

1 cup heavy cream, whipped

Directions

1. Sprinkle gelatin over water; let stand until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Whisk together eggs and yolks in a heavy small saucepan. Whisk in sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium-low heat, until mixture is thick enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon, 8 to 10 minutes.
3. Remove pan from heat; add gelatin, stirring constantly, until gelatin dissolves and mixture is slightly cool. Add butter, a few pieces at a time, stirring after each addition, until smooth.
4. Strain through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing with a rubber spatula to remove as much curd as possible; discard any undissolved bits of gelatin and egg. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto surface of curd to prevent a skin from forming, and refrigerate until set, at least 2 hours or overnight. Stir curd, and gently fold in whipped cream. Refrigerate for 1 hour. Stir before using.

Graham Crackers

My nieces and nephew love to cook and bake.  We usually make cupcakes and brownies.  I wanted to try something new and fun.  Since my nephew loved graham crackers, he asked if we could make some.  After doing some research, I found out that it was really easy to make.  

I was able to purchase some cute cookie cutters in Saizen for only Php 99 for a set of 3!  It was perfect for the three of them.

Here's the recipe I used from Bless This Mess:

Ingredients: 

2 1/4 cups whole wheat flour
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cinnamon
3 tbsp honey
1/4 cup water
1/2 cup butter, melted 

Place all your dry ingredients in the bowl of your mixer and combine.  Add all of the wet ingredients and mix with the cooke paddle attachment until everything comes together.  The dough isn't sticky and is moderately greasy. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Divide the dough in half and roll out on a floured surface.  Roll to about 1/4 inch thick.  You can treat the dough like a sugar cookie dough and cut out shapes or you can use a pizza cutter and cut out squares.  Place the cut out crackers on a parchment paper lined cookie sheet, prick them with a fork, and bake for 8-12 minutes until the edges just slightly darken.  They will harden up more as they cool.  Store in an air tight container.

The kids had a blast making it!  They loved mixing the ingredients, rolling the dough and cutting the shapes.  They were also delighted by how yummy it tasted and wanted to sell it in their school bazaar and give it as gifts for Christmas!