Sweet and Sour Pork

I am trying to think of what to cook this weekend and decided to try this recipe out. I know when we were growing up as kids, this was one of the dishes my mom and helpers prepare. My sister and I never liked it as a child because of the pineapple chunks. Of course, growing up made me over come this. But I don't think my sister ever did. (^-^)

1/2 lb. pork
1 egg yolk (or the whole egg beaten)
7 tbsp. and 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch
1/2 tbsp. soy sauce
1/2 medium onions, chopped
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1 small bell pepper, chopped
1/2 tsp. garlic, chopped
3 tbsps. sugar
4 tbsps. water
2 tbsps. pineapple juice
2 tbsps. white vinegar
2 tbsps. ketchup
1/2 tsp. salt

Mix the 3 tbsps. sugar, 3 tbsps. water, 2 tbsps. pineapple juice, vinegar, ketchup and 1/2 tsp. salt.
Cut the meat into 2/3" cubes and slightly tenderize meat. Cut the meat into bite-size pieces. Mix meat with egg yolk, 1 tbsp. cornstarch and soy sauce. Dredge meat in 6 tbsps. cornstarch then deep fry the meat for 3 minutes. Remove from the oil and reheat the oil until very hot but not smoking. Refry the pork for 30 seconds. Remove and drain out excess oil and set aside.

Heat the wok with 1 tbsp. oil. Stir-fry the bell pepper and add 1 tbsp. water. Remove and drain. Add 3 tbsps. oil; stir-fry garlic until fragrant. Add the onions and pineapple; stir-fry briefly then add the sugar mixture. When the mixture begins to boil, add 1 tbsp. water mixed with 1 1/2 tsp. cornstarch. Add the fried meat and toss lightly.

Notes: Pork may be substituted with beef or chicken or a combination of meats. The pineapple may be substituted with fresh tomato or bite-size pieces of carrot. If using fresh tomato, omit the 2 tbsps. pineapple juice and increase the white vinegar to 3 tbsps.

Ondoy's Mark

Hi folks,
It has been a while since I last posted. I am not sure if you were aware but we were struck by strong typhoons a few weeks back. Our home was submerged in flood water and we had to take care of Ondoy's and Pepeng's remembrance. Honestly, I am no stranger to floods. The previous residence we had is known to be submerged in flood water even the slightest rain. I am thankful though that despite this experience my family are safe and well.

So what about the others who were far more affected than me? Some have evacuated their homes and took shelter in local school ground and evacuation centers. Others have gone back to their homes the soonest the water has recided and began reconstruction. While others seeked shelter amongst relatives and near by friends. Auto service centers are now jam packed with job orders. Supply for food has increased since many crops have been damaged by the last typhoon. Many lives have been lost too. Politicians and local government officials are trying to help together with the private sectors and local communities in bringing back "normalcy" in their respective areas.

I hope and pray as the days progress, things would become better for all of us.

For those who are interested in helping, you may coordinate with the following organizations:

De La Salle University

Go to: 2401 De La Salle, Taft Avenue, Manila. Enter south gate near McDonald's, people at the registration center will entertain you.

Hotline: 524-4611 local 128; 523-6158; 526-5612

UP College of Arts and Letters

Go to: College of Arts and Letters (CAL)
University of the Philippines, Diliman, Quezon City

Hotline: 09296454102 (Prof. Roselle Pineda)

Miriam Quiambao and World Vision Development Foundation

Go to: One Orchard Road Building in Eastwood or at the World Vision office at 389 Quezon Avenue, corner West 6th St., Quezon City

Hotline: 0917-8623209

Philippine Army

Go to: Philippine Army Gym inside Fort Bonifacio, Makati or General Head Quarter’s Gym in Camp Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo, EDSA, Quezon City

Hotline: 892-3417 (direct line), 845-9555 (trunkline) local. 6464 and 6466

Ateneo de Manila University Disaster Response Group

Go to: Ateneo de Manila University, Loyola Heights , Quezon City, Manuel V. Pangilinan Building Center for Student Leadership Lobby, University Dorm Cervini Hall

Hotlines: 09089977166, 09178952792, 4266001 local 5050

Citizens Disaster Response Center (CDRC)

Go To: 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City.

Hotlines: 9299820, 9299822