Christmas Recipes

What comes to mind when you think of Philippine Christmas? Food! That’s what. In our family, we always have ham and queso de bola as centerpieces for holiday dinners.

This year, I decided to be frugal that’s why I won’t have queso de bola. However, I will definitely serve ham because we got one as a giveaway from Phil. Navy. Besides, it is economical and I can stretch it to several meals from a main course. I’m talking about ham barbecue, ham sandwich, ham omelet, and so on. Ham can essentially star in any meal.

Since it’s going to be a busy day tomorrow, I already have prepared and studied the recipes that I’m going to cook for the first time.

Ham Barbecue

1/2 kilo ham (cubed)
1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup barbecue marinade
2/3 cup pineapple juice
1 tbsp cornstarch (dissolved in 2 tbsp water)
1 cup pineapple tidbits
1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper

Place the ham in a greased slow cooker. In a large bowl, combine all other ingredients; pour over ham and stir well. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Serve on buns.

Chicken Macaroni Salad

400g macaroni noodles
2 pieces medium sized carrots
1 big chicken breast
500 ml of mayonnaise
1 can (836 g) pineapple chunks or tidbits
1 big white onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup sweet pickle relish
3 hardboiled eggs, diced
1 cup diced cheddar cheese
1/2 cup raisins
Salt and pepper to taste

Cook macaroni noodles according to package cooking instructions. In a pot, boil carrots in water for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked. Drain carrots and let cool. Peal skin then dice. Boil chicken breast in water with salt. Drain chicken breast, then shred in 1 inch lengths Drain pineapple chunks or tidbits. Combine all ingredients while adding salt and pepper, to taste. Refrigerate, and then serve.

Fried Calamares

3/4 kg calamares (squid)
1/2 kg flour
1 liter olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

Remove the squid heads, tentacles, ink bags, fins and skin. Wash them thoroughly under running water, drain them and slice them into rings. Salt, dredge in the flour, and shake them one by one to remove excess flour. Fry them in plenty of hot oil until they begin to turn golden brown. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!