Gastronomic Delights

Mech Chicken

2006-07-10T15:07:00.000+08:00

My first contri to this site... ENJOY!!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 Whole Chicken

1/2 butter
2 potatoes
2 onions (white)
soysauce
calamansi
Knorr seasoning
salt
pepper
Maggi powder seasoning
olive oil

cream of mushroom

PROCEDURE:

1. Wash the chicken with rock salt and water.

2. Slit the skin and put a mixture of butter, salt and pepper.

3.Using a syrynge, inject the mixture of soy sauce, calamansi and Knorr seasoning into the chicken.

4. Stuff it with potatoes (thinly sliced), onions (cubed) and butter (1tbsp).

5. Then make a mixture of butter, salt, pepper and Maggi powder seasoning and gently massage it to tha whole chicken.

6. Drizzle with olive oil.

7. Cook it using a turbo broiler.

Lechon Paksiw

2005-10-25T21:34:00.000+08:00

short and simple yet delightful

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo lechon, cut into serving pieces
1 cup lechon sauce or 1 bottle Mang Tomas sarsa
1 head garlic, minced
2/3 cup vinegar
1/2 cup water
1 1/2 tbsp. brown sugar
2 pcs. bay leaf
pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Combine ingredients into a thick saucepan.

2. Bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer until pork is tender.

Pochero

2005-10-17T16:29:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo beef round, cut into small cubes
5 pcs. semi ripe saging na saba, peeled and sliced 1/2inch diagonally
3 pcs. potatoes, quartered
1 small pouch tomato sauce
1 small can pork and beans
6 sitaw strings, cut 3inches long
1 small cabbage
2 heads pechay
salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil beef in 4-5 cups water for 1 hour or until tender. Add a pinch of salt.

2. Add tomato sauce, potatoes,saba and sitaw. Simmer until both are tender (about 5-10 minutes). Spoon out vegetables and set aside.

3. Add cabbage, and pechay. Simmer for another 3 minutes. Spoon out and set aside.

3. Empty can of pork and beans into the casserole. Season with salt and pepper. Simmer until broth has become a little thick.

4. Arrange beef and vegetables in a serving bowl and serve hot.

Menudo

2005-09-26T17:57:00.000+08:00

as requested...

INGREDIENTS:

3/4 kilo pork kasim, cut into small cubes
1/4 kilo pork liver, cut into small cubes
1 - 2 pcs potatoes, cut into small cubes
1 large carrots, cut into small cubes
4-5 pcs. garlic
1 pc. onion, chopped
2 pcs. small tomatoes, chopped finely
1 small pouch tomato sauce
salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Saute' garlic, onions, tomatoes and pork cubes. Cover.

2. Add 1 cup water and the tomato sauce. Cover until pork is tender.

3. Add potatoes and carrots. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Add liver and mix well. Cover and wait for another 10 minutes until sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.

Easy Garden Salad with Bacon and Quail Eggs

2005-09-08T18:56:00.000+08:00

colorful and tasty!

INGREDIENTS:

mixed salad greens
1 small carrot, cut into strips
2 tomatoes, quarteres (take away seeds)
10 bacon strips
1 dozen hard-boiled quail eggs
salad spread
tomato ketchup

PROCEDURE:

1. Wash and prepare the salad vegetables.

2. Microwave bacon strips, hard-boil quail eggs.

3. Toss all ingredients. For the dressing, mix 3 tbsps. salad spread and 1 tbsp ketchup.

Chicken ala King

2005-09-04T19:12:00.000+08:00

another specialty...

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo chicken breasts
1 small can button mushrooms
1 small can vienna sausage
20-24 pcs. hard-boiled quail eggs
1 small can green peas
1 large potatoes, cut into small squares
1 large carrots, cut into small squares
1 can evaporated milk
1/4 bar butter
1 head garlic
1 large onion
1 green bell pepper, julienned
2 tbsp all purpose flour
salt ant pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil chicken breasts. Set aside stock. Cut chicken into bite size pieces.

2. In a large pan, heat butter over low fire. Saute' garlic and onions. Add chicken. Sprinkle some salt. Cover for a few minutes, then add mushrooms.

3. Add 1 1 /2 cup chicken stock and bring to a boil. Add 1 can of milk, potatoes, carrots, green peas and sausage. Let stand for 10 minutes.

4. To thicken sauce, mix flour in half a glass of water and pour into the pan while stirring. Add quail eggs. Season with salt and pepper.

Beef Tacos

2005-08-22T15:37:00.000+08:00

taco bell, move ovah! ;)

INGREDIENTS:

12 pcs. taco shells

1/2 kilo ground beef

salt and pepper

1/2 Knorr beef cube

1 box all-purpose cream

5-6 pcs. calamansi

1 head lettuce

4 pcs. tomatoes

1 small bar cheese

hot sauce

PROCEDURE:

1. Heat oil, brown garlic and saute' onions. Add the ground beef. Season with salt, pepper and 1/2 Knorr beef cube.

2. In a big saucer, or a condiment container, empty the all-purpose cream and add in calamansi juice which will yield the sour cream. =)

3. Shred lettuce. Slice tomatoes. Grate cheese. Arrange all taco ingredients in a row or two for easy access. ;)

4. Get one taco shell, add two spoonfus of beef, pour a little hot sauce and sour cream, add letuce, tomatoes and cheese. Top with sour cream and hot sauce. Enjoy!

Barbecue Flavored Pork Chops

2005-08-19T15:40:00.000+08:00

a recipe that's very easy to prepare. perfect for lazy days. *wink*

INGREDIENTS:

1 clove garlic, crushed
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp catsup
1/2 tsp lemon or calamansi extract
1 tbsp sugar
ground pepper
6 pcs pork chop

PROCEDURE:

1. Combine all ingredients except pork.

2. Marinate pork chop for at least 15 mins.

3. Place pork (including marinade) in a pan then cook over medium heat.

4. If half of the marinade dries up, turn meat and cook until dry.

Sausage and Mushrooms

2005-07-30T22:10:00.000+08:00

great for appetizer or pulutan!

INGREDIENTS:

1 can button mushrooms

1 can Purefoods chorizo de bilbao (or any sausage wil do)

2 tbsp. butter

1 pc onion

6 cloves garlic

3- 4 tbsps. oyster sauce

pepper

salt

PROCEDURE:

1. Melt butter over low fire.

2. Saute garlic and onions.

3. Add sausage, salt and pepper and cover for10 minutes.

4. Add drained mushrooms and oyster sauce and cover for another 5 minutes. Serve.

Bangus Belly ala Pobre

2005-07-18T10:57:00.000+08:00

sizzling would be even better! =)

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo bangus belly, cut into serving pieces

1 head garlic

worcestershire sauce

pepper

calamansi juice

cooking oil

PROCEDURE:

1. Marinate bangus belly with worcestershire sauce, pepper, and calamansi juice for a hour.

2. Fry garlic until golden brown. Set aside.

3. Fry bangus belly.

4. Arrange in a serving platter/sizzling plate and top with garlic.

Caldereta

2005-06-25T19:24:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo beef shanks (or 1 kilo spareribs - my fave!)

1 head garlic

1 large onion

3 pcs. large potatoes, quartered

2 large carrots, cut into 1" cubes

1 large pouch tomato sauce

1 small can liver spread

1/2 cup cheese, grated

1 bell pepper, julienned

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil beef until tender. Drain and set aside stock.

2. Saute' garlic and onions in a deep casserole. Add beef. Cover for about 5 minutes.

3. Add in the tomato sauce and 4 cups stock. Let simmer for 10-15 minutes.

4. While waiting, fry potatoes in a pan until the edges are turning golden brown. Set aside.

5. Add the remaining ingredients (except potatoes) and let simmer for another 10 minutes.

6. Add in the potatoes, season with salt and pepper, and you're good to go!

Brocolli with Mushrooms in Oyster Sauce

2005-06-20T09:22:00.000+08:00

(the greens look a little soggy... that's becoz i used frozen brocolli :( )

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 kilo dried shiitake mushrooms

brocolli

1 medium ginger, sliced thinly

butter

5 tbsps. oyster sauce

salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Soak mushrooms in water for about 30 minutes. Drain.

2. Heat butter in a pan over low fire.

3. Saute' ginger.

4. Add in mushrooms and pour oyster sauce. Let stand for 10 minutes

5. Add brocolli. Season with salt and pepper. Wait for another 5 minutes.

6. Top with fried garlic bits and serve hot.

Fish Steak

2005-06-19T11:01:00.000+08:00

a twist in the usual "prito"

INGREDIENTS:

5-6 pcs. cross-cut section of tanigue

1/2 cup soy sauce

3 pcs. calamansi

1 large onion, cut into rings

1/2 beef cubes

olive oil

spring onions, chopped

salt

pepper

garlic powder

PROCEDURE:

1. Marinate 5-6 pcs. cross-cut section of tanigue in salt, pepper, and garlic powder for 1 hour. Pan fry fish. Arrange in a serving platter.

2. Combine soy sauce, calamansi juice, 1/2 beef cubes, and 3/4 cup water.

3. Over high fire, heat olive oil. Saute' onion rings. When onions become transparent, set aside half of it for toppings.

4. Add in the soy mixture and the chili.

5. Add salt and pepper to taste.

6. Pour sauce over fried fish. Top with spring onions and onion rings. Serve hot.

Ginataang Kalabasa

2005-05-17T16:34:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

5 cups kalabasa fruit, cubed
2 cloves garlic, macerated
1 onion, sliced
2 thin slices of ginger
1 cup coconut milk
1 cup sitaw pods, cut 2 inches long
1/4 cup shrimp meat
1 cup coco cream

PROCEDURE:

1. Saute garlic until light brown.

2. Add onions and shrimp.

3. Add ginger, kalabasa and sitaw. Stir in coconut milk.

4. Season to taste then cook until done.

5. Add coco cream.

Pork Picadillo

2005-05-17T16:28:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 kilo ground pork
1 garlic, macerated
1 onion, cut into squares
1 bellpepper, cut into squares
1 potato, cubed
1/2 carrots, cubed
1/2 cup green peas
10 pcs cooked quail eggs
1 pack tomato sauce

PROCEDURE:

1. Saute garlic and onions.

2. Add ground pork and cook until done.

3. Remove excess fat then add carrots, potato, bellpepper and tomato sauce. Cook until vegetables are done.

4. Add green peas and quail eggs.

5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Egg Rolls

2005-05-11T20:41:00.000+08:00

One of my specialties =)

INGREDIENTS:

1 dozen eggs

1 kilo pork tenderloin (lomo)

1 pouch tomato sauce

2 heads garlic

2 onions, chopped

3 tomatoes, chopped

3 potatoes, quartered

1 cup soy sauce

10 pcs calamansi

grated cheese

garlic powder

salt and pepper to taste
cooking oil

string (for wrapping the eggs)

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil eggs for about 15 minutes. Remove shell covering.

2. Slice the lomo thinly.

3. Add around 1 cup of soy sauce, calamansi juice, and pepper and marinate for 1-2 hours.

4. Wrap the hard-boiled eggs with the lomo. Secure with string.

5. In a frying pan, brown egg rolls. Set aside.

6. Fry potatoes. Set aside.

7. Saute' garlic, onions and tomatoes in a deep casserole.

8. Add the egg rolls. Let it simmer for 5 minutes. Then, add tomato sauce and 1 cup water. Season with salt, pepper and garlic powder. Simmer for 20 minutes. Add grated cheese and the potatoes. Simmer for another 5 minutes.

9. Remove from heat and using a kitchen scissors and fork, remove string from around the eggs. Serve and enjoy! =)

Breaded Pork Chops with Mushroom Gravy Sauce

2005-04-18T16:43:00.000+08:00

A "spur of the moment" recipe

INGREDIENTS:

5-6 pcs. pork chops

1 can Campbell's cream of mushroom
1 can button mushrooms sliced diagonally

5 tbsps. all purpose flour

1 cup water

1 egg
butter

1 tbsp. oatmeal

salt and pepper

cooking oil

PROCEDURE:

1. Combine flour, water, egg, oatmeal, salt and pepper.

2. Dip porkchops in the mixture .

3. Fry until golden brown. Arange chops in a wide dish.

4. In a saucepan, melt butter in low fire.

5. Saute' mushrooms. Set aside.

6. Heat cream of mushroom in a pan. Add 1 can of water.

7. Stir until soup thickens. Pour on top of the porkchops. Add the mushrooms.

Mango Float

2005-04-05T08:36:00.000+08:00

Another easy-to-do dessert with the use of the versatile grahams!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pack Graham crackers
3-4 pcs. ripe mangoes
3/4 can condensed milk

1 can Nestle cream
crushed Graham crackers

PROCEDURE:

1. In a rectangular dish, arrange 8-10 pcs. of Graham crackers.

2. Combine cream and condensed milk.

3. Pour about 1/2 of the mixture or until the crackers are fully covered.

4. Slice the mangoes into 3 parts. Set aside the seed part. Scoop mangoes with the use of a drinking glass and slice lengthwise.

5. Arrange sliced mangoes on top of the pan.

6. Make another layer of graham crackers, making sure that the whole dish is covered.

7. Pour remaining milk and cream mixture and add sliced mangoes.

8. Top with crushed grahams. Refrigerate for 2-3 hours before serving.

Mixed Fruits Cup

2005-04-04T14:06:00.000+08:00

This is an easy-to-do recipe which is perfect for these hot, summer days! Refreshingly good!

INGREDIENTS:

1 can fruit cocktail

1 small watermelon

1 melon

3 - 4 pcs. bananas

2 pcs. ripe mangoes

2 pcs. apples

ice cubes

PROCEDURE:

1. Slice fruits into bite-size pieces.

2. Mix fruits with 1 can fruit cocktail. Include syrup.

3. Add ice before serving.

Spicy Spareribs Mechado

2005-04-02T13:47:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo spareribs

1 head garlic, crushed

1 pc. onion, quartered

2 pcs. tomatoes, cut into small cubes

1 tbsp fish sauce (patis)

3 large potatoes, cut into cubes

2 medium carrots, cut into cubes

1 pouch tomato sauce

1-2 tbsp. hot sauce

1 pc. Knorr beef cube

1 pc. bell pepper, julienned

2-3pcs. bay leaf

salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. In a casserole, saute' garlic until brown. Add onions. When onions appear to be transparent, add tomatoes.

2. Add spareribs and fish sauce. Cover for 5 minutes.

3. Add 3 cups water, tomato sauce, bay leaves, beef cube, hot sauce, salt and pepper. Simmer until spareribs are tender.

4. Add in potatoes, carrots and bell pepper. Let stand for another 10 minutes.

Pork Adobo

2005-03-08T10:19:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo pork

1 cup vinegar

1/2 cup soy sauce

1 head garlic

1/2 cup water

1 tablespoon peppercorns

1 tsp. brown sugar

2-3 pcs. bay leaves

cooking oil

garlic for toppings

PROCEDURE:

1. In a deep skillet, brown pork in oil.

2. Add garlic, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, peppercorns, bay leaves and water. Do NOT stir.

3. Bring to a boil, lower the heat and cook for another 15 minutes or until pork becomes tender.

4. Heat oil in another pan. Cook garlic until golden brown. Put on top of the cooked adobo.

Pancit Molo

2005-03-01T09:20:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1/2 kilo chicken breast

1/2 kilo minced pork

1 medium onion finely chopped

1 carrot, finely chopped

spring onions, finely chopped

1/2 tbsp. of finely grated ginger

1 egg

1 pack siomai wrapper

salt

pepper

cooking oil

1 head garlic

1 medium onion, sliced

8 cups meat or chicken broth

PROCEDURE:

1. Boil chicken breast for about 15 minutes. Set aside stock. Tear up chicken to shreds. Set aside.

2. Combine minced pork, carrots, onion, chopped spring onions (save some carrots for the soup and chopped onions for garnishing) and egg. Season with salt and pepper.

3. Put a teaspoonful of the mixture on the center of the siomai wrapper, wet and gather the edges to form the siomai.

4. Heat oil in a casserole. Saute' garlic until golden. Add onions until transparent. Add chicken shreds.

5. Add broth and bring to a boil. Drop the siomai one at a time. Add the remaining chopped carrots. Season the broth with salt and pepper. When the soup boils again, lower heat and cook for another 10 minutes.

Sardines

2005-02-26T11:18:00.000+08:00

This is a recipe i got from my mother. Great for breakfast!!!

INGREDIENTS:

1 kilo small bangus

1 pouch tomato sauce

2 tbsp chili sauce
bay leaf
olive oil

salt and pepper to taste

PROCEDURE:

1. Put 1 kilo small bangus in a pressure cooker. Add enough water to cover the bangus. Add salt and pepper. Cook for about 1 hour.

2. Add tomato sauce, chili sauce, bay leaf and olive oil and cook for another one hour.

Banana Cake

2005-02-17T09:18:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups sifted flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups mashed bananas
2 tablespoons low fat milk
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cups walnuts or cashew nuts, chopped
1/2 cups raisins (optional)
1/2 cup butter or butter substitute
3/4 cup packed brown sugar
1 whole egg
2 egg whites

PROCEDURE:

1. Preheat oven to 325 degree F. Line a 9 x 5-inch loaf pan. Set aside.

2. Sift the flour, baking powder and baking soda together in a sheet of wax paper.

3. In a bowl, combine bananas, milk, water, walnuts and raisins. Set aside.

4. In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar until fluffy. Add the whole egg and whites. Blend well.

5. Add the flour mixture alternately with the bananas. Pour into the pan and bake until done.

6. Cool in the pan then unmold from pan and slice.

TIP:

To lower the fat in baked products, use a butter substitute - a lower calorie product that looks and tastes like butter with less saturated fat and no cholesterol.

- Recipe from Easy Everyday Meals Cookbook

Baked Lasagna

2005-02-15T21:44:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

250g San Remo Instant Lasagna

2 tablespoon vegetable oil
60g ham, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed

1 medium onion, finely chopped
500g minced beef

1 can button mushrooms, thinly sliced

1 carrot, finely chopped
1 stick celery, finely chopped
1 cube Knorr beef cube
1 small can tomato paste

1 pouch tomato sauce
salt, pepper and pinch of nutmeg

2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons plain flour
2 1/2 cups milk
salt, pepper, nutmeg
125g cheese (cubed or grated)

PROCEDURE:

Meat Sauce:

Heat oil in a medium saucepan, add ham and cook for 3 minutes. Set aside.

Saute garlic and onion. Add minced beef until brown. Add ham and mushrooms. Cook for 10 minutes. Add carrots and celery. Stir in tomato paste, water into which beef cube has been dissolved. Add tomato sauce. Season with salt, pepper and nutmeg. Cover and simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Cheese Sauce:

Melt butter in medium saucepan, stir in flour and cook for 2 minutes over low fire. Remove from heat and gradually stir in milk. Return to heat and stir until thick and smooth.
Season with salt and pepper, add cheese and stir over low fire until cheese melts.

Lasagna:

Preheat oven to 180ºC.
Pour meat sauce into base of lightly greased baking dish. Alternate layers of lasagna, meat and cheese sauces, ending with cheese sauce layer. Sprinkle top with grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Bake in oven for 35 - 40 minutes. (Test by pricking with fork) Let stand 5 - 10 minutes before serving.

Fetuccini Alfredo

2005-02-09T01:20:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 pack 500g spinach fetuccini
½ cup butter
2 cups cream
1 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup water
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground pepper
1 can sliced button mushrooms
1 pack cooked bacon

PROCEDURE:

1. Cook the fetuccini noodles according to package instructions.
2. Cut ½ of the cooked bacon into bite size pieces and the remaining half into bits.
2. Mix butter, cream, parmesan cheese, and water in a sauce pan and bring to a boil.
3. Add sliced mushroom and bite size bacons.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add noodles to the sauce.

6. Serve immediately. Top with bacon bits and parmesan cheese.

The Judgment? Look at them...

my satisfied critics

Strawberry Cheesecake (no bake)

2005-01-31T16:07:00.000+08:00

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 pack Philadelphia cream cheese
2 envelopes unflavored Knox gelatine
1 brick chilled Nestle cream
8 tablespoon sugar
1 can Comstock strawberry
3-4 tablespoon hot water/milk

crust:
1 1/2 cup crushed graham crackers
1/2 melted butter

PROCEDURE:

1. Mix crushed grahams and melted butter.

2. Press firmly on a rounded pie plate. Refrigerate pie crust.

3. Whip cream until it doubles up. Slice cream cheese. Add gradually. Add sugar gradually.

4. Dissolve gelatine with hot water or milk. Then add it to the cream and cream cheese mixture.

5. Pour over crust. Chill.

6. Top with strawberries.

ENJOY!!!

Foodies' Blog... an intro

2005-01-31T09:16:00.000+08:00

Welcome to our food blog!!!

Foodies' Blog...from the name itself, is all about food. Both food aficionado, mauie and yax (that's us!) decided to create a blog where they can post anything and everything about food... recipes, pictures, food and resto reviews and many more... So, make yourselves at home and enjoy! =)

Foodies' Profiles

.:yax:.

We are all food-lovers in the family. And it's mainly because of my mom's delicious cooking. Memories of my childhood would include my sister and I helping out in the kitchen, especially when she's baking. I will never forget those times when we will fight over who's gonna lick what's left in the pans and bowls she used in baking cookies or a cake. Or, those countless times that we will fight over the last piece of meat on the dining table. =D

As we grew up, it is but natural that her talent for cooking was imparted to us. Assisting her and constantly looking over her shoulders while she cooks proved to be rewarding. Cooking is definitely my favorite chore in the house. I wouldn't even call it a chore. It's a hobby. I could spend hours just preparing for a dish. Not just preparing meals for the family, but also parties, get-togethers and outings for our tropa. It gives me this satisfaction and fulfillment whenever I would hear compliments for a dish-well-done.

I love and LIVE to eat (and not eat to live - hahaha! =D ). My husband and I love to dine out and try different food and cuisine there is. Goodness! I could go on and on about our favorite food and places to eat. Writing all about it here would somehow be beneficial to many. But hey! Be reminded that I don't claim to be a culinary expert. Heck, I don't even claim to be a food authority. I'm just a certified FOODIE. No doubt about it. =)

----yax! =)

~~~~~~~

.:mauie:.

on cooking - i was taught how to cook by my mom since i was 12. while other kids are out playing in the street, i was in the kitchen learning how to slice, cut, fry, and saute. and for the many years of cooking experience, i think i have become quite good at it. add the fact that i manage the house while my mom is out of the country. i had no choice but to cook our everyday meals. this is how my talent in cooking is put to good use, thus, i can say that i have improved a lot. cooking main dishes and pasta are my forte. i am new at baking and making deserts but i am ready to explore. in fact, i have already started trying out new things in the culinary world. thanks to this cookbook my bro gave me as a gift this christmas. cookbooks are one of my fave things now.

on eating - pizza and pasta are my fave! i'm kinda maarte when it comes to food. i don't want spices like onions, garlic and bellpepper. i only eat dry chicken meat and chicken skin. i don't eat big slices of pork and beef fat..and many more kaartehan. but i like checking out different kinds of dishes. i have yet to try mediterranean, spanish, indian, and greek cuisine...hmm..i can already visualize interesting dishes on the menu that one can't pronounce properly. exciting!

----mauie

~~~~~~~

With that said,

Let's EAT and be merry!!! =)