GawGaw (clothes starch)

I grew up having my clothes starched. I like the feel of crisp, clean clothes. I love to lie in my bed and smell the newly starched beddings.

Sometimes I help Mom use Gawgaw on some of our clothes and linen.

Mix 3 packs of Boston Gawgaw with a cup of water in a basin. Pour boiling water on the mixture, about 1-2 liters, until it changes from milky white to a transparent color and keep stirring it to avoid any lumps. Let cool.

Add water (2 liters for heavy solution, 4 liters for medium and 6 liters for a light solution). Dip clothes in the starch solution and dry under the sun.

Before ironing, sprinkle water on the clothes and roll up. Cover with a large piece of cloth for 30 minutes until evenly moistened.

Enjoy your starched clothes!

Mamang Taho

Everyday the Taho vendor would pass by our house around 8am. He has been selling Taho in our place for more than 5 years now. But I still don't know his name. I just call him Mamang Taho. He would always joke that I am already late for work when he sees me. I leave at 8am to get to Los Baños, Laguna where I work.

Yesterday, my sister and I bought some Taho. I like it with lots of Pearl Sago but not to sweet.

Paksiw na Isda (Fish in Vinegar Sauce)

Almost every week, we have Paksiw na Isda at home.

Dad and I like to have it for breakfast paired with Singangag (Fried Rice).
Dad cooks the Paksiw and I do the Sinangag.

Though Paksiw is easy to cook, It is not really my forte.

Oming's Paksiw na Isda

1/2 k white fish, we used Bisugo (red mullet)
1 medium size Onion
about 1/2 inch Ginger, sliced
4-5 T Vinegar
2-3 pcs Finger Chillies or Siling Haba
1/2 C Water
1 T oil
Salt and Peper to taste

Combine all ingredients in a pan, except the oil. Simmer until
fish is done. Add oil before turning off heat. Serve hot
with Sinangag.

Breakfast: Tortang Talong

One of my comfort food is Tortang Talong (Eggplant Omelette) with Dried Fish. I like having it for breakfast on a rainy day with Garlic Fried Rice and a cup of hot chocolate. Hmmmmm.
It's also easy to make.

Roast 3 medium size eggplants and peel.
Remove the stem. (Normally, the stem is not remove for easy handling).
Season with salt.
Beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl and add the eggplant.
Fry until done.

ChichaJo of 80 Breakfast likes Tortang Talong with some cold catsup.