There’s No Secret About What Makes Little Rosie’s Spicy

People always ask what makes Little Rosie’s Spicy Filipino Dressing & Marinade Spicy?  The answer is simple – we use crushed red pepper flakes made from cayenne peppers. The end result with the other ingredients is a perfect fusion of sweet and spicy. Often times I have customers that don’t like spicy flavors but end up loving this combination since it’s not too hot like a tabasco or habanero flavor. My favorite way of using this dressing still remains on a simple salad with  red onion, mixed greens and goat or feta cheese though I have customers that swear by using this as a marinade for beef, pork or chicken. If things are a little dull right now for your palette, I recommend spicing things up! Savor every bite and have a lovely weekend. xoxo

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Food for the Body,Mind and Soul

I spend most of my time obsessing over food and fashion but I also need to mention my new found passion for Sumit Hot Yoga as a part of my daily routine – this practice is literally ‘hot stuff’.  Sumits Yoga was created by Sumit Banerjee based on his own years of experience practicing and teaching various yoga styles including Bikram and Vinyasa. The class integrates the core principles of traditional hot Bikram yoga and power flow which is Ashtanga inspired. 90 minutes a day on the mat in the 100 degree room stretching, moving and meditating to upbeat music is the best gift I could give to myself.  On the mat you leave what you don’t want and embrace what you love. Aside from the physical benefits, my practice has helped get my life back and redirected me to a life I want to create. So put down the blackberry, shut down your computer, turn off the T.V. and find your happy place….

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Just Can’t Get Enough: Fiddyment Farms Pistachios

I said it once and I’ll say it again – I LOVE pistachios from Fiddyment Farms! The sampler of the different flavors was delicious though I’ve landed on my favorite, the Lemon flavored. After feasting on these delicious bites the past few months, I have to confirm that all pistachios are not created equal. You can find cheaper versions on the market but I’ve probably tried them and they’re just not as tasty and fresh. If you’re gonna snack these are guilt-free healthy treat..though they still have calories, every bite is worth it. This is one treat that will never go out of style for me:) xoxo

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Lemon: The Essential Ingredient


This isn’t really ‘hot stuff’ or earth shattering but sometimes we need to be reminded of the simple delights in life.  Cheap, plentiful and so uncomplicated to use, the lemon is an essential ingredient a foodie shouldn’t be without.  Sliced in a glass of water, juiced for homemade lemonade, zested for a lemon tart, drizzled over meat, chicken and seafood the uses are just countless. If you’re looking to add twist to a drink or meal don’t overlook one of the simplest solutions………

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Filipino Garlic Peanuts+Lime+White Tequila = Perfect Snack

Snacking is one of my strengths and I’m constantly obsessed with putting together the perfect flavor combinations for my cravings. This is a recipe for Filipino style garlic peanuts my mom has been making forever – it’s so simple and delicious I had to share.  I added a little twist to this based on my love for Mexican cooking and it always seems to satisfy.

Ingredients:
-10 peeled garlic cloves
-1/2 cup vegetable oil
-2-2/3 cups skinned raw peanuts
-1/2 tsp  sea salt or 2 tsps of chili garlic sauce *found in Asian sections of most grocery stores
-one lime cut into wedges

Preparation:
-Smash garlic with l and break into small pieces
-In wok or skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat; stir-fry garlic until golden brown, about 1 minute. Drain in sieve over heatproof bowl; set garlic aside and return oil to pan to reheat until hot.
-Stir-fry raw peanuts just until slightly darkened, about 6 minutes. Drain in metal colander or sieve over heatproof bowl; discard oil.
-Add garlic and salt or chili garlic sauce to hot peanuts; mix well.
-Let cool to room temperature.
-Garnish with lime wedges and serve with chilled white Tequila.

Masarap xoxoxo

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Crack in a Jar: Chile Colonial Crunch

Day 12 of my healthy cleanse called Clean by Dr. Alejandro Junger… Aside from the health benefits, I’ve been motivated to become more creative with my cooking and use of spices. Surfing the internet last week for inspiration I came across this ‘Hot Crunchy Condiment’ from Chile Colonial. A perfect blend of garlic, onion, chile de arbol and oil is just addicting. At the stage in my cleanse I can only imagine how delicious this would be on pastas, pizza,etc…but in the meantime I’ve enjoyed this on cucumbers and just straight from the jar – definitely worth the shipping fee…….this stuff is smoking’! xoxo

 

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Journey to The Homeland

My mom left yesterday to journey back to her homeland, The Philippines. This is a picture of the entry way to the house she grew up in Bohol.  What’s really cool about this, her family still owns the house and it’s a national landmark. Unfortunately I couldn’t join her because of all the work that still needs to be done to get on the market in Arizona. Though it’s been a long time since I’ve been back, I still have fond memories of family, food and friendly people of the Philippines. I have to say I’m grateful for my culture and all I have learned from it. Everyone knows a Filipino here in the States but I feel there’s so much opportunity to build awareness of the culture and give something to the younger generations to connect with. This year is the time for Little Rosie’s to shine and branch out to other Filipino Americans and people who have a love for the culture. With hard work and heart open we will be reaching out for more to come. Namaste and best wishes for making 2012 an amazing year…xoxo

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Filipino Comfort: Garlic Fried Rice

There’s something so comforting about rice to me – like mac & cheese or pasta to many people.  I like to eat this as a side dish or just main course, however I do not use chopsticks like the Asian stereotype.  I use a spoon and fork to scoop as much up in true Filipino fashion. This recipe is from my mom and couldn’t  be easier – you just can’t go wrong with anything garlic.

Garlic Fried Rice -serves 1
Ingredients:
-1 cup of day old cooked white rice (jasmine is my favorite), fluffed with a fork
-5-6 cloves garlic, sliced or chopped
-1 egg
-1-2 tbsp canola oil or oil left over in pan from frying 4 pieces of bacon (my favorite)
-salt & pepper to taste

Directions:
-Heat a non-stick frying pan over low to medium heat.
-Beat egg lightly and scramble. Set aside.
-In the same pan, add oil (or use existing oil from bacon) and garlic. Stir until garlic is lightly browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Set aside some of the garlic and leave the rest in pan.
-Add rice, salt, pepper and egg. Keep stirring, breaking up the rice in the pan.
-Serve hot, topped with crispy garlic chips.

Side note: feel free to add chopped chicken, meat or shrimp to make a meal. Garnish with lime wedges and chopped green onion. The options are limitless so go for it and enjoy! Masarp – xoxo

 

 

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2012 – Welcoming a New Year

2011 was a trying year to say the least, so I’m leaving all the bad and embracing all the good things that I’ve learned.  My anticipation for 2012 with all the promise and new adventures is almost unbearable. I’m working hard to enter the Arizona Farm Markets and look forward to meeting new people and making new friends.  Thank you for your support and have a wonderful year. xoxo

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Back to Basics – Little Rosie’s Signature Salad

Like most people during the holidays, I’ve been over indulging in cake, cookies,etc…However, I am still mindful of eating healthy. To balance all the goodies, the simple green salad with Little Rosie’s is still my ‘go to’ healthy treat. I love that this is healthy and oh so satisfying. Of course salad can be anything you like but it’s helpful to know the perfect combination.

Ingredients:
-2 cups mixed greens
-2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese * I prefer Bulgarian feta if available
-2 tablespoons chopped almonds

-1/4 cup of thinly sliced red onion
-Little Rosie’s Filipino or Spicy Filipino Dressing to taste

Directions:
-Mix all ingredients and serve with garlic bread

This is satisfying as a meal – taste and enjoy!! xoxo

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