So.. the chosen topic to launch this blog will be our Media Noche menu! We have followed a pretty traditional pattern to welcome the coming of the New Year (every year) .. like most Filipinos, we stay up and wait for the clocks to strike 12... my brother does the fireworks and firecrackers, we stand by to do all the sparklers and non-explosive stuff (Except for Hanna, who hates the noise and prefers to stay inside the house) . Then we all partake of the food !!!
We also observe several "pamahiins" (beliefs) when it comes to New Year's food. I will try and eplain some of them
For this year, we're having:
(1) Pancit Malabon ni Nanay - store bought, Binan, Laguna. This has been a favorite food order item of the family, although nobody wants to admit it! Pancit or noodles (prepared in many different ways) in Filipino celebrations, is believed to symbolize "long life"
(2) Nila's Puto Binan (bilog) -store bought, Binan, Laguna. Have you ever tried Puto Binan? Binan is really known for its rice cakes with shredded egg and cheese on top. Puto Binan is prepared by the "Bilao" , then folded and put into boxes. You can also order Puto Binan not prepared by the "bilao" but by the cups ... making it easier to serve and eat. Again, the circle/ round shaped puto symbolizes eternity, or long life.
(3) Kutsinta -store bought also from Nila's , Binan, Laguna. still "bilog" , it is a flour based sticky treat and a regular Pinoy handaan fare. Aside from its round shape, the stickyness symbolizes a family that, well, sticks together. Hehe.
(4) 12 different kinds of round fruits - just read somewhere that it's lucky. I have yet to check what my brother got.. hmmm there's suha, grapes, indian mangoes, chico, kiwi, ponkan, kyat-kyat, apples, pears.. ahhh what else???
(5) Pork Liempo Barbeque - ummm no symbolism here. Just added some meat on the menu. This one I cooked myself -- no picture tho!
Our small family wishes you a fun filled, accident free , New Year! Toot!( blast from my torotot!)
