I gather that once in a while a person gets inspired to make things from something completely unrelated. Like how famed fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi once had a collection inspired by poodles and gourmet cake. Or those cocktail or mocktail’s name’s that were derivatives of anything sexual or 80’s music.
More often than not, the inspiration/s comes in sync with whatever you’re into.
This dish is inspired by two distinct dishes, Thai goong hom pha and Chef Edward Kwon’s rolled chapchae in an episode from him TV show, Edventure in Asia. I, and everyone else who had a taste of this, were very pleased. It’s a snack. Yeah, I’ll say it is.

pansit guisado rolls


Pansit Guisado Tied Rolls
1 1/2 cups fresh pansit miki
1 cup ground beef
1 cup alugbati tops
1 cup shredded carrots
1 cup fresh mung bean sprouts
1 onion,finely chopped
2 cloves garlic,minced
15-20 lumpia wrappers
extra long strangs of miki for tying the rolls
oil for deep frying
side:
simple salad
apple slices with sliced leeks dressed with simple soy vinaigrette
In a pan, saute onion and garlic over medium heat, add beef. Cook until beef turns brown. Add vegetbales and stir fry until soft enough but still crunchy. Set aside to cool.
To assemble please prepare a small saucer with cold water (for dabbing).
In a flat wide plate, place a single piece of lumpia wrapper. Place a tablespoon (less if you have a smaller wrapper) about an inch away from the center. Lift the part nearest to you to carefully yet tightly cover the filling. Fold the left and right side in then continue rolling until fully wrapped. Dab the ends of the wrapper to seal. Carefully straighten out a strand or two of pansit miki then tie it around the wrapped pansit guisado rolls just before transferring to a clean dry plate.
Deep fry.
Serve while still crisp.
I wanted to make my own lumpia wrapper however out of my numerous tries I’ve only succeeded once and I’ve totally forgotten how I managed to do so.
***

birds dig this


The other day I went to see my brother who currently studies and lives in another city to bring him fresh sheets, allowance and some good news. On my way there as I waited for my ride, two teeny-tiny-birds were happily hopping to and fro the sidewalk. They were clearly looking for something to eat. One of them found a remainder of what looked like a boiled peanut that she painstakingly tried to pick with her little beak only to bullied by her “colleague” who ultimately failed as well. then off they flew and moved on. Their conversation was quite amusing. I just thought it was ridiculous. I’m starting to think I’m some sort of animal whisperer.
That idea came to me one day when a flock of birds granted my earnest request. You see, we live in a community that is nestled nicely in a place where mountains, rivers, trees and rice farmers happily coexist. That kind of temperate climate allowed us to maintain a nice recently landscaped front lawn. The former residents of our old garden recently reclaimed their homes in every palm tree, shrub or such that would secure a nest.
the thing is all I ever see are those tiny black and maroon with pearl colored beaks. I got bored looking and listening to their uniform chirping one day and commented, in a mild voice, that I need to see a variation.
Then, voila, few days later a black and sunflower-yellow bird started o live amongst them. Now, tell me, for my edification, isn’t that a successful communication?