I should have been at the Manila Memorial Park (MMP) in Sucat, Parañaque City to observe two special events yesterday.
First is the 37th death anniversary of Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino Jr.. Second is my tenth year anniversary as a runner. My running and Ninoy Aquino’s heroism are inseparable episodes of my life. A decade ago, my very first registered run was my own way of honoring the man whose assassination sparked the People Power Revolution of 1986. But yesterday, I was again in absentia. The last time I was at MMP was two years ago.
Translation:
True liberty is not achieved thru a “color.” My being a true Filipino cannot be manifested thru running. Yet today, allow me to celebrate my eighth year as a runner by remembering Ninoy Aquino’s heroism which is being determinedly erased from our history.
Had it been a different circumstance, may be I would be running and visiting my hero’s resting place.
So where was I? I had to do an important errand with my youngest son in tow.
However, I was already planning of turning this day into something exceptional just like the good ol’ days. First in mind was to bake brownies again and make sure that I’d achieve the wholeness and moistness in this retry to be true to the recipe’s title Super Moist Brownies.
The big improvement could be clearly seen and tasted. I just followed my niece’s instruction to change the vegetable oil to butter, and voila, it worked!
With our Friday dessert ready, I had to come up with our viand. Yes, it must be a never-heard dish in the house. Here I come, Google! Hahaha…
My search directed me to Julia Album’s site where I found her Easy Mozzarella Baked Chicken with Tomato Sauce and Mushrooms. Of course I had to check the available ingredients in our fridge before deciding on this recipe. Since we did not have exactly the same ingredients, I just improvised.
For the marinara sauce I found the recipe from Spend with Pennies. I’m thankful that the preparation was easy and quick.
Thankfully the instructions were not complicated. Ha-ha.
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In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion, carrot and garlic. Cook until soft, about 5 minutes.
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Add whole tomatoes (with juice) and gently break apart with the spoon. Stir in remaining ingredients.
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Simmer uncovered on low heat for 20 minutes or until sauce reaches desired consistency.
Once the marinara sauce was cooked, I returned to Julia’s recipe.
Hallelujah! The 25-minute baking was not similar to Waiting for Godot. *echoing e-laughs*
You might have noticed that it’s again a chicken dish. Obviously we’re chicken fans, but we often buy the breast part minus the skin for its low-fat protein. Pork is no longer a part of our meal since it’s a high-protein food and contains varying amounts of fat. Yes, we’re all trying our best to be healthy. And I, being the cook, am responsible for everyone’s well-being.
With these developments in my baking and cooking, my August 21 did still turn out momentous.
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