The Magic of December: A Feast for Food Lovers
December as the final month of the year, is synonymous with gatherings and togetherness. It’s a time when family and friends unite to share meals, fostering a strong sense of community and joy around the table.
As someone who loves food, I find that December turns every day into a celebration, where food is a way to connect, to celebrate, and to create memories.
Week 1
The first week of the holiday season often begins with a strong commitment to eating healthier. In my case, I set intentions to make nutritious choices, even with all the festive treats around.
(Sauteed Green Beans with Ground Beef)
This is a popular and simple Filipino dish typically features green beans (sitaw) sauteed with ground meat, along with garlic, onions, and sometimes tomatoes.
(Cucumber with Mayo)
Cucumber with mayo is a simple and tasty dish that brings together the crunch of fresh cucumbers and the creaminess of mayonnaise.
If yuo want to loose weight like me, Cucumbers are a great choice. They low in calories and packed with water, making them great for staying hydrated and managing weight.
(More cucumbers, mayo, scrambled egg, and luncheon meat)
The parties and year end celebrations already started around this time. Glad to have some alternative to most of the food served. BTW, the photo used here was from my @Actifit post here
Week 2
As the holiday season continues into the second week, I stand firm to my commitment to healthier eating. I’m focused on making nutritious choices, even with the tempting festive treats all around me.
(Carrots and Chayote Sticks)
Why Chayote?
Chayote is a nutritious vegetable rich in essential nutrients. Its low carbohydrate and high fiber content help regulate blood sugar, making it beneficial for those with diabetes, while its antioxidants support heart health by improving blood flow and lowering cholesterol levels. Additionally, chayote's anti-inflammatory properties may protect the liver and reduce the risk of chronic diseases, making it a versatile and healthy addition to a balanced diet especially in this festive season.
The dish pictured above is called a "fish tinola". We call the fish here "Lapu-lapu". I think it's grouper fish in English. This was my dinner on December 13. I cooked it with Batwan and ginger.
For those not familiar wit Batwan. Batwan, also known as Batuan or Garcinia binucao, is a fruit native to the Philippines, particularly found in the islands of Negros and Panay. It is a sour fruit commonly used as a souring agent in traditional Ilonggo dishes, such as sinigang and KBL (kadyos, baboy, langka). The fruit is green when unripe and turns yellow when mature, offering a unique flavor that differs from other souring agents like tamarind source
(Sauteed Oyster Mushroom with Garlic and Onion)
This sauteed oyster mushroom dish is quick to prepare and healthy at the same time.
Week 3: Eating Out
As the holiday season progresses, I find myself giving in to the overwhelming temptations of festive treats and rich foods. Despite my initial commitment to healthier eating, the abundance of delicious options makes it hard to resist.
I can't quite remember the name of this Korean dish, but I do recall that it includes ramyeon, which are the noodles commonly used in Korean cuisine.
(Lemon Chicken?)
One of the challenges I often encounter when it comes to food is that I forget the names of different dishes. This can be frustrating, especially when I'm trying to describe something I love or want to order at a restaurant. Sometimes, I remember the flavors or ingredients, but the name just slips my mind.
(Special Fried Rice)
(Kansi)
Kansi is a traditional Filipino beef soup made with beef shank and bone marrow, simmered until tender. What makes kansi special is its unique sour flavor, which comes from batwan, a local fruit that adds a tangy taste to the broth.
(Chicken Inasal)
Chicken inasal is a type of grilled chicken that is marinated and then cooked over charcoal, giving it a distinct smoky flavor. The term "inasal" translates to "roasted" or "char-grilled" in English.
Week 4
As I reach the fourth week of the holiday season, I realize that my initial commitment to healthier eating has faced overwhelming temptations along the way. The festive treats and rich foods have made it challenging for me to stick to my goals.
(Fish Crackers)
(Burgers and Sodas, No fries this time)
I feel guilty about my eating spree in the fourth week. During this time, I indulged in a lot of food, and while it was enjoyable at the moment, I can't help but think about how it might affect my health. I know that it's okay to treat myself occasionally, but I worry that I went overboard this time.
Eating Out with Family
I was excited to participate in the December Eating Out Challenge, but unfortunately, I accidentally got my receipt wet, and now the important details are all smudged and unreadable.
We had lunch at Kenny Rogers Roasters, where we enjoyed their delicious roasted chicken along with some simple side dishes. Instead of soda, we opted for water easing off the guilt a little.
(Taking some pictures inside while waiting for the food)
Finally, our lunch was served...
Discovering a Great Place for Dinner
We spent some time at the mall browsing through many items we didn’t really need. When dinner time arrived, we decided to explore some new places we had never visited before.
A friend of mine recommended a particular restaurant located in Talisay City, which is right next to Bacolod City.
Yam's Food Place
You won't have any trouble finding your way there for the first time. Yam's Food Place is conveniently located right next to the Talisay City Hall. Just a heads up, they also have another branch inside a nearby subdivision.
I’ve attached a map (courtesy of @worldmappin) for your convenience in case you decide to visit one of these days.
The food choices are excellent, and you’ll definitely get more value for your money. They offer what we refer to as a "lutong-bahay" flavor and atmosphere, creating a warm and homey dining experience.
I wasn’t able to take any photos of the restaurant's facade because it was raining heavily during our visit.
(We only had the Hawaiian Pizza because the Pepperoni was sold out)
I also tried their Shawarma Wrap, and it was delicious! The wrap was filled with tender, flavorful meat, fresh vegetables, and a tasty sauce that brought everything together.
Halo-halo Ho ho ho The halo-halo was absolutely amazing! I highly recommend trying it if you get the chance!
Farewell 2024
As 2024 comes to a close, it’s a reminder that all things eventually come to an end. This year has been filled with experiences, challenges, and memories that have shaped us.
While it’s bittersweet to say goodbye to the moments we’ve cherished, it also opens the door to new beginnings and opportunities in the year ahead.
I don’t have a fireplace for my reflections, so I took a moment to reflect while grilling yellowfin tuna. The process of cooking allowed me to pause and think, enjoying the sizzling sounds and the delicious aroma as the fish cooked. It was a peaceful experience that gave me time to gather my thoughts.
I hope you had a wonderful 2024, and I pray that 2025 brings you even more amazing experiences and opportunities. Thank you for taking the time to read my post.
Note: All photos were taken with my mobile phone. Some of these images have already been shared in my Actifit posts, but I’ve reuploaded them here to align with the theme of this blog.