* How to feed the unexpected

[Kano]

How to feed the unexpected



Manila Bulletin December 22, 2010

Christmas is the most stressful time of the year; interaction with family, housecleaning, budgeting, gift purchasing, cooking and serving sometimes become too much to bear. On top of all these are surprise guests, welcome or not.

It is very Filipino to make everyone feel at home, especially during the Yuletide season, when all sorts of people suddenly appear. A friend one has not heard from for years, a family member's girlfriend, a son's classmates, husband's single officemates; these are lonely souls who have nowhere else to go. It is not in keeping with the spirit of the season to turn them away, to refuse them a meal on Christmas Eve or Christmas day.

That's why one should always be prepared to feed more people than are on the family's guest list. It's easy when one is ready with a few basic ingredients in the fridge and pantry.

DEVILLED EGGS — Cut 6 hard boiled eggs in half lengthwise, scoop out the yolks but leave the white halves intact. Mash the yolks and mix well with 2 tbsp regular mustard, 3 tbsp mayonnaise, a pinch of salt and ground black pepper. Carefully mound 1 tbsp back on each egg white half. Sprinkle with paprika and garnish with parsley or sliced olives.

TUNA CHEESE MELT — On pandesal or burger bun halves, spread a layer of canned tuna or mackerel in natural oil mashed with chopped onions. Top with grated cheese and microwave until melted, or brown in a toaster oven.

MONTE CRISTO TRIANGLES — Layer sliced ham (or lechon meat, shredded chicken, cooked fish) and cheese on ordinary white sliced bread. Dip in egg scrambled with milk. Drain and brown both sides in butter or olive oil. Serve sliced into quarters or triangle halves.

STIR-FRY NOODLES — Boil dried noodles in water for the required length, drain and rinse in cold water to retain texture. Meantime, stir-fry garlic, onion, bits of lechon, lechon manok, fish fillet, whatever else from the buffet. Add vegetables (carrot, cabbage, zucchini, red pepper, green beans, celery, green onions, pechay) and enough oyster sauce to moisten. Pour in the cooked noodles and season to taste with soy sauce, ground pepper, chili garlic sauce and sesame oil. Garnish with strands of fried scrambled eggs.