The Kitchen Explorer

Not a lot of people likes ampalaya (bitter gourd/bitter melon). I have to admit that I originally don't eat this vegetable. How did I end up liking it? We have a garden in front of our house and one of the vegetables that was planted was this variety of ampalaya that wasn't bitter. The seeds were just given to us. The fruit was light green in color. I was surprised when my mom cooked it and told us to give it a try. I was skeptical but when I took a bite, it was indeed not bitter at all and that's how I started eating this vegetable that a lot of people dislike. Ampalaya is perfect to be made into a kinilaw, atchara, and even stuff it with meat. I have noticed that if the skin of the ampalaya is smoother or not too wrinkly, it is less bitter. What I also do, that I have learned from my aunt, is rub the ampalaya slices in salt and then rinse with water before cooking. This helps a lot in lessening the bitterness. Sauteed bitter melon is a quick and easy dish you can make...

Today is one of those days when people become extra sweet. People go out of their way to give flowers, chocolates, stuffed toys or whatever their special someone's favorite food is. Restaurants are packed with people out on a date. Girls make an effort to look prettier. That's what Valentine's day effect is to almost everyone. For others, it's extra special and more meaningful to make their own gifts and chocolate cupcakes are one of those things you can whip up even at the last minute.  Hearts and flower toppers or made into a bouquet, you'll never go wrong with this one. I have a simple recipe for you - chocolatey and you only need one bowl. Valentine's or not, these can easily become a favorite both of the young and young at heart. This has been my go-to recipe for chocolate cupcakes. YOU WILL NEED: 1 cup granulated sugar 3/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all purpose flour 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 cup granulated sugar ¾ teaspoon baking ...

Ever wonder how chili oil in restaurants are made? Let me show you how simple it can be. You can make this at home and never buy again. Ever. This can level up any dish while adding some kick to it. They can be given as gifts, too. Just add tags and ribbons to your jars and viola! Homemade gift that anyone would love. This is great for dumplings, soups, noodles, and just about any dish. Just remember to use a clean and dry spoon to get some from the jar and keep in the fridge to make it last for as long as six months. I love using it for mixed seafood with chili garlic sauce. This chili oil uses Sichuan peppercorns and chili flakes and other aromatics. It's not complicated to make so if you're someone who likes hot and spicy food and just prefer homemade instead of store brought, this is perfect for you. YOU WILL NEED: 1 ½ cups canola oil (any oil that won't set in the fridge and has neutral taste) 5 pieces star anise 1 piece cinnamon bark/stick 2...

One of the most common fruits that is readily available in our homes are bananas. They are sweet and very nutritious. There are a lot of ways to serve them to our family and one of them is by turning them into banana breads. They are perfect for breakfast or snacks. You can have a variety of toppings too. Some prefer the classic plain one while others love them with nuts, dried fruit, or chocolate. This banana loaf is seriously moist and delicious! Now, who wouldn't want a slice or two of that? This banana bread recipe is so simple that, even if you don't know how to bake, you can make it with confidence. The ingredients are very common, too, that you most likely have them in your kitchen. Give this a try and let me know how it turns out for you. YOU WILL NEED: 1 ½ cups all purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¼ teaspoon salt 1 cup bananas, mashed 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 stick of butter, melted ½ cup brown sugar ½ cup gran...