Meat will always be part of every Filipino’s family meal. To ensure our family and loved ones get the best meal on their plates, a reliable and good supplier of fresh produce, especially meats, must be your top priority.
Fresh meats can be bought from the wet market, local grocery, or meat stores, but due to the pandemic, these can now be conveniently bought online and directly delivered to the safety of our homes.
It is practical to buy meat based on your household needs and storage areas such as refrigerator and freezer availability and capacity. Living in a tropical country, fresh meat is highly perishable if left out for too long in the heat. This needs to be stored properly to maintain its freshness, keep it safe from bacteria growth, and prevent unnecessary spoilage.
When the meat reaches our houses, we either cook it directly or store it in the refrigerator if it’s going to be cooked soon. If the meat will not be used immediately, it is recommended to freeze the meat right away to extend its shelf life. This is one of the best ways to preserve its freshness, but we need to do it properly.
It is advisable to wash them using running water to remove physical impurities and to cut the meat based on the recipes in mind. Portion the meats and pack them in separate containers based on the recipe and cooking schedule. This will prevent thawing a large amount of meat and refreezing some parts, which can cause spoilage or bacteria to grow.
Not sure whether to keep your meats in the refrigerator or the freezer? A good rule of thumb is that your freezer is ideal for longer storage. As for your refrigerator, you can set down your meats here if you intend to cook them immediately after buying them. This is also where you will place your meats when you need to defrost or thaw them overnight so that they’re ready to cook the next day.
Refrigerator and Freezer? Check. Clean Meat? Check. Now, where can you store them? You can use foil, plastic wrap, and airtight containers to store frozen meat. Airtight containers prevent freezer burn, which is when meat develops white, dried-out patches as air comes into contact with the meat surface. Freezer burn is a condition we don’t want our meat to be in; it means drying or loss of moisture and palatability of the meat.
Once it’s clean and properly packed, you can now freeze your meat. Remember not to overload the freezer and the refrigerator, as cool air cannot flow properly, and uniform cooling will not be achieved.
Keep in mind that you can generally freeze meats for up to 4 months or even more, but this will all depend on what type of meat you will store. However, to stay on the safe side, one thing every meat lover should practice is to always look at the expiration dates or sell-by dates listed on the pack.
Practicing proper storage and freezing of meat keeps it safe for family consumption. This gives you the confidence to prepare safe and quality dishes for your loved ones.
Reference:
Tools and Tips for Freezing Food so Nothing Goes to Waste. May 6, 2020. WireCutter. New York Times. Retrieved May 19, 2022
Summer is finally here! We Filipinos beat the heat by hitting the beach or going on a summer outing like having a picnic in a park or a place with a beautiful view. Summer is always an excellent opportunity to go out with your family and friends and bond over good food.
Proper planning makes this memorable experience pleasant for everyone. Scout the best location that can accommodate you and your family, and even your pets if you are planning to bring them. Make necessary arrangements beforehand and inquire about the availability of materials or equipment that you need to have the best summer cookout.
Now comes the fun part—planning the menu. Think first of the main dishes, then of the other food items such as seasonal fruits, desserts, chips, sandwiches, salads, and drinks. At a cookout, meat is essential in every Filipino’s table, so make sure you only get the freshest and the best of quality available in the market.
Grilled and barbecued meats are a must in every summer cookout. It’s easy finger food to cook and eat, and its charred and smokey flavors always takes us back to our fond childhood memories. Don’t forget to include that sweet and savory chicken and pork barbecue on your list!
You can marinate the pork and chicken beforehand to get maximum flavor. Whether the marinade is homemade or store-bought, you surely can’t go wrong with this as your main dish. It’s sure to please everyone in the group, from young to old.
As with any Filipino gathering, carbohydrates is an essential part of the meal. Apart from the classic, heaping, warm bowl of rice, try adding grilled sweetcorn and potatoes as these also go well with barbecued meat too. Blanch the sweetcorn at home, and wrap the sliced potatoes in tin foil. Grill them together with the meat to reduce the cooking time. Slather on some butter and additional toppings for more flavor.
Cookouts are a lot of fun, but can also be a lot of work! To lighten the load, you can carry along with you some pre-made side dishes that retain their texture and quality at room temperature and don’t spoil easily. Bringing fruits that are in season are also a good side dish or dessert to the meal. Pack them using easy-to-handle and transport food containers. Lastly, don’t forget to stay hydrated, and stay cool with your drinks! You can opt to bring a cooler to store the meats, beverages, fruits, and other foods that are ready to cook or serve.
It will also be handy to bring the necessary utensils and other materials like disposable plates, utensils, and trash bags for the clean up. Lastly, delegate the tasks among the members of the family to make everything easier.
Don’t forget to list what to prepare before going on that exciting trip and cookout! Remember that food, drinks, and especially fresh and quality meats are part of what will make your trip exciting and unforgettable.
References:
10 Tips for a Fantastic Family Cookout. All Things Mamma. June 18, 2020. Retrieved April 1, 2022
How to Prep for a Cookout when the Barbecue is far from your Backyard. July 23, 2019. The Philadelphia Inquirer. Retrieved April 1, 2022
How to Host the Ultimate Outdoor Family Cookout. May 22, 2017. Martin’s Famous Potato Rolls and Bread. Retrieved April 1, 2022
Preparing and eating meals at home for the whole family creates a bonding opportunity. It ensures that each family member consumes healthy meals and that each dish is served with love–from meticulously choosing the meat down to the ingredients used. Because meals are prepared at home, you can ensure that these are made healthier, and tastier to meet the family’s taste palate.
Family members that need to follow restricted or special diets can also benefit from home-prepared meals. To ensure that meals are nutritious and healthy, it is essential to include the primary food groups: carbohydrates, for a source of energy, protein for strong muscles, and of course some fruits and greens for our vitamins and minerals. Examples of energy-rich foods are rice, bread, pasta, and root crops, while good protein sources are pork, beef, chicken, eggs, fish, and shellfish. Meanwhile, fruits and vegetables contain vitamins and minerals.
Excellent meal preparation starts with good meal planning. Usually, meal plans are done weekly. Planning saves time, money, and stress as you know what to prepare daily. Because rice is a staple in a typical Filipino diet, make sure your pantry is well-stocked. If you are looking for a healthier rice option, you can incorporate whole grains into your diet, such as brown rice or pigmented rice, into your meal. Do not forget to adjust the water to rice ratio and refer to the packaging when cooking this nutritious rice. You can also prepare root crops such as sweet potatoes, cassava, or potatoes as snacks for the kids. Steamed or air-fried root crops are an excellent addition to the healthy snacks the whole family can enjoy.
A protein-rich food is an essential part of the meal. Pork, beef, chicken, eggs, and fish provide protein to the human body for growth and development. Protein is vital in all stages of life, from children to older family members. Buy meat from your trusted supplier to ensure freshness and quality. Remember to buy meat parts that best match the recipe you plan to cook for your family.
For a whole week’s meat supply, portion them before storing them in the freezer. If you have kids at home, prepare the meat in bite-size pieces. You can use any cooking method that your family loves for meat preparation.
Include fruits and vegetables in each meal as much as possible; whether it’s an appetizer, side dish, with a meat dish, or dessert, there are countless ways to incorporate these healthy additions into your meal. Serve seasonal fruits and vegetables as they are cheaper and have high nutritional value.
Meal preparation for the family takes time and effort but it need not be stressful and could be fun as long as you have a good meal plan made with fresh and quality ingredients in place.
References:
Planning Meals for a Family. April 20, 2020. Home and Garden Information Center. Retrieved March 7, 2022
Is Brown Rice Good For You? May 23, 2018. Healthline. Retrieved March 7, 2022
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Known as one of the happiest places on earth, the Philippines is well-known for extravagant feasts during the holiday season.
With the Filipino’s rich gastronomic culture and strong family ties, it’s no surprise that we spare no expense when it comes to picking excellent dishes that each family member will enjoy.
This article will give you a brief overview of the top Filipino dishes to serve during the holiday season.
Add these to your menu and let your celebration be extra sweet, warm, and delightful!
Cochinillo, commonly known as Roast Suckling Pig, is a traditional Spanish dish famous in the historic city of Segovia.
The Cochinillo has succulent meat, tender and crispy skin, a thin layer of fat, and is flavorful inside. Suckling pigs are typically smaller, about one-third than the standard pig size.
In Spain, local chefs use a plate instead of a knife to show how delicate and off the bone this dish is – the main reason why it melts in your mouth!
Cochinillo is a perfect centerpiece to rule your holiday table. Cochinillo is festive. It means a glorious celebration. And when our family knows about having Cochinillo at the table, no doubt everyone puts a smile on their faces, starts giggling, and shifts to an instant holiday feel!
Lechon Kawali is one of the most excellent and all-time favorite pork dishes around the world during the holiday season. Its name was derived from the traditional cooking pan used to cook it – wok or Kawali.
It is a pork belly or liempo deep-fried to golden perfection – crunchy on the outside (especially when a little blistered) and moist inside. Lechon Kawali’s interchanging layer of meat and fat blends perfectly upon biting, making it juicer and tastier. No wonder every family member always looks for it at the table during holidays.
To fully enjoy it, serve it with cane vinegar, liver sauce, and mayo dip with plenty of onions and cucumbers on the side.
Like Cochinillio, Celebration Ham is very popular as a holiday centerpiece, especially during Christmas.
The Christmas Ham, also known as Yule Ham, came from an English tradition specifically from Germans who wanted to appease Freyr, the God of fertility, harvest, and boars. As Christianity spread worldwide, Christmas influences us, including Celebration Ham as a staple dish during holidays.
Today, Celebration Hams has various flavors such as Hickory-smoked, Honey-cured, and Sugar-cured.
There are plenty of ways on how to relish it – make thin slices while reminiscing, chatting, and having a toast of wine, top it with Queso De Bola, or stuff your pandesal and ensaymada with it. For leftovers, make thin slices or bites and pair it with Sinangag, Egg, Black Coffee, and have an extended merry day!
As Filipino culture is heavily influenced by Spanish culture, Paella, a classic rice dish from Spain, is another addition to your holiday menu.
The dish consists of vegetables, protein, and arborio rice, a staple for most Filipino dishes. It is a classic favorite at Christmas parties, family reunions, and other holiday celebrations because of its beautiful aroma, which is only enhanced because it’s scooped out of a communal pan for consumption around the table with the family.
There are several Paella varieties such as Chicken Paella, Seafood Paella, or Mixed Paella (a combination of seafood, meats, and vegetables).
Make this coming Christmas extra special with this iconic rice dish – nutritious, grand, and refreshing from all the meat dishes dominating the season!
Who says spaghetti gets all the fun? Alternating layers of flat and wide noodles with lean ground beef — lasagna is known as a tasty favorite for most Filipino families.
Lasagna is a classic holiday-time meal, not only in the Philippines but also in other countries. It is a simple yet popular pasta meal characterized by a series of layers with homemade meat sauce and a combination of ingredients like ricotta cheese mixture.
Contrary to popular belief, you do not need expensive ingredients to serve it. The ingredients are almost the same as classic Filipino-style spaghetti, except for the lasagne pasta. Simply combine ground beef and tomato sauce, and you’re good to go.
Most Filipino kids remember holiday Lasagna as a traditional Christmas Eve dinner growing up, primarily because it is great to serve at a holiday buffet party — slice it up in serving portions and let guests help themselves.
Filipino holiday celebrations are not complete without meat as a key ingredient like the list above.
Many believe that meat symbolizes wealth and prosperity, but beyond that, it shadows beautiful relationships with our loved ones!
To achieve healthy, safe, and more sumptuous meat dishes, always pick fresh and high-quality meat.
Visit your trusted meat shop in the Philippines today because you deserve a splendid and memorable holiday season!
