Meatless meals during Lent

Home cooks need not worry about serving meatless meals during the Lenten period. The waters of the Philippines abound with seafood that find their way to markets and supermarkets. We simply need to anticipate an increase in their selling prices – basically because of climate change and, of course, the more convenient excuse is the natural hike in price during the Lenten Season because of increased demand.

Anyway, the biggest shock is that salmon heads are now sold at P320 a kilo, while it was at P192 before. They make good sinigang, coupled with prawns. The blend of flavors enhances the taste of the dish. Now for prawns – if you want the really big ones – you need to budget at least P400 for half a kilo. There are the smaller ones tagged at less than P600 a kilo. Pang-gisa (for sautéing) shrimps go for more than P400 a kilo. Apahap (seabass), rarely found in the market, is best to steam Chinese-style. They command the moderate price of P400 a kilo, depending on where you buy it. To cook, marinate in a little oil, light soy sauce, leeks and celery with a few drops of sesame oil. Lapu-lapu, at more than P500 a kilo, is good for sarciado.

Bangus, depending on the size, goes from P140 to P160 a kilo. A much welcome way of cooking bangus in our household is simply to fry it and serve with a dipping sauce of light soy sauce and juice of calamansi. Tilapia now costs P120 a kilo; get the small ones to fry until crispy. Of course, there are the “lesser” fish – alumahan, sapsap, etc. which are actually good for paksiw and pinangat. They’re tasty as well.

Now, if moms have not planned summer activities for their young daughters and sons, baking is one worthwhile and entertaining activity to consider. Sometime ago the young mother behind Shopaholics introduced the Smart Planet Donut and Cupcake Mini Oven. They thrilled our young apo B and her friends. Today the company has more to offer – gadgets under the brand Delish Treats. For less than P2,500, one can get the Mini Cupcake Maker, spatula, timer, measuring cups and spoons. A good deal really. They even give decorating tips. Other products include turntable stand, pop stand, silicon mats and gloves, oven rack stand. For inquiries – go to www.shopaholic.com.ph and email shopaholicforkids@gmail.

com. Make your kids enjoy the break, inspire them to bake. Happy Sunday to all!