Lemon Water to Lose Weight

To lose weight, I’ve started drinking warm water with a slice of lemon instead of sodas and bottomless ice teas, both of which has tons of sugar in it.  

I learned this from a friend who practices Transcendental Meditation (TM).  According to her gurus, warm water with a slice of lemon is the best meal time beverage because it aids in digestion.  

This was confirmed by Whoopie Goldberg, during a segment on The View, who lost some weight when she started drinking lemon water and Bob Green, Oprah’s personal trainer and author of the book “Best Life Diet”, who also recommends warm water with a slice of lemon to jump start any diet. 

Try this out.  It worked for me and it might work you.  

Coffee Braised Pot Roast with Caramelized Onion

Everybody knows I’m a confirmed javaholic. Although I’ve cut down my intake, I still enjoy a cup or two a day. Thanks to a friend who supplies me "Million Dollar Brew" coffee beans.

Imagine my surprise when I got this recipe from Eating Well Magazine October 1998. Coffee...pot roast...caramelized onion...all my favorites. I just had to try it and I did.

I must say this is one of the best pot roast I’ve done and tasted. (chucking humility out the window)

So here's the recipe:

2 kg beef chuck roast trimmed of fat
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
Freshly ground pepper to taste
4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
2 large onions, halved and thinly sliced (4 cups)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
8 oz strong brewed coffee (I used Starbuck’s Christmas Blend)
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water

Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a Dutch oven or soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and cook, turning from time to time, until well browned on all sides, about 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil to the pot. Add onions, reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often, until softened and golden, 5 to 7 minutes. Add garlic and thyme; cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Stir in coffee and vinegar; bring to a simmer. 

Return the beef to the pot and spoon some onions over it. Cover and braise over very very low fire until fork-tender but not falling apart.

Transfer beef to a cutting board, tent with foil and let rest for about 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, skim fat from the braising liquid; bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the cornstarch mixture and cook, whisking, until the gravy thickens slightly, about 1 minute. Season with pepper. Carve the beef and serve with gravy.

I found the pot roast richer and more flavorful the day after, served with rice, pasta or bread. Delicious.

Turkey Patty Sandwich

My usual breakfast consists of cereal and soymilk, but one morning I had turkey patty sandwich. Found the turkey patty on the table, browned in a non-stick pan brushed with very little oil and decided to rummage thru the refrigerator for my sandwich ingredients. I found whole wheat toasts, mayonnaise, ketchup, lettuce and tomatoes. Smeared one of the toasted wheat bread with mayo and the other with ketchup, this supposedly water-proofs the bread from the damp veges and moist filling. Then piled the turkey patty, lettuce leaves and chopped tomatoes. Voila! Turkey patty sandwich paired with hot french-pressed coffee. Perfect perk-me-upper.

Rumor has it that the “sandwich” was named after John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich. He favored this type of food because it allowed him to continue playing cards while eating.  I agree.  I sometimes go thru work uninterrupted with a sandwich in my hand for lunch. Dinner, on the other hand, I reserve for the enjoyment of food and company. 

To buy whole turkey, frozen cuts and processed turkey meat contact:

Herbest Meat Products
Glenn B. Quizon - 0917-8126429
Prime Quizon - 0917-8833040

Choco Loco Cake

Moist, dense and bitter-sweet, this chocolate cake is so easy to make.  I adapted this recipe from Susan G. Purdy's "The Perfect Cake" cookbook's Marvelous Mud Cake.  Instead of rum, bourbon or cognac, I decided to use Kahlua liquor and the result was delicious.  No frosting need, I just dusted with confectioners sugar and served it with fresh brewed coffee.  Perfect for afternoon tea.

Let me know if you want the recipe.