MANILA, Philippines — Richard Gomez loves to eat just like any other Filipino, but Christmas servings often have him remembering the women in his life, particularly his wife Lucy Torres, their daughter Juliana, and his late grandmother Lydia.
The actor-politician admitted to being nostalgic during Christmastime, especially as it reminds him of his time with his late lola.
“When September comes around, she already starts preparing her fruitcakes so that they are ready and delicious by Christmastime," Richard recalled. "I remember going with her to Quiapo to buy the ingredients in bulk. She would really make a lot and sell them or give them away to family and friends."
The Leyte's 4th district representative added that when Lydia passed away, his aunt would be the one to continue the family's fruitcake tradition, one that he still anticipates and considers delicious.
Other than fruitcakes, Richard said he also remembers his grandmother for her Binagoongan na Baboy and Brain Omelette with Onion Leeks.
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These days, Richard nurtures his love for Christmas with Lucy and Juliana. Lucy is particularly invested in everything else apart from food, which he often handles himself.
“Lucy really likes to set up the house. Right after Halloween, naka-set up na 'yung Christmas tree namin sa bahay and it's really Lucy who prepares all the gifts. She would spend sleepless nights preparing gifts for people," Richard shared.
Some of their Noche Buena dishes are staples like Queso de Bola and holiday ham, while some special servings include Sinigang, Richard's own Callos or Beef Bourguignon, and Juliana's pastries such as cookies, bread and bagels.
For newbies, he advised investing in good kitchen equipment and to start with the simplest dishes. “A simple ginisa, adobo, or a simple bistek. You can also do fried fish and make a sauce using tomatoes and capers. When they are more comfortable, they can level up."
He also advised choosing good ingredients like Doña Elena Olive Oil. “I use it in my callos and in my pasta dishes like Aglio e Olio, which is a really good beginner’s dish. It’s just Doña Elena Olive Oil, garlic, pepper, and some cheese. Simple as that!”
Doña Elena is rich in good fats and antioxidants from a combination of hojiblanca and picual olives. A nutritious source of 80% monounsaturated oleic acids, with vitamins E, K, and A that helps to lower bad cholesterol, it also makes a delicious replacement for butter, mayonnaise, and margarine. It is available in Pure, Extra Virgin, and Pomace is conveniently available in 250 ml, 500 ml, 1 Liter, and 5 Liter PET bottle sizes. Available in all groceries and supermarkets nationwide, you can also purchase at Fly Ace Corporation Official Lazada Store , Fly Ace Corporation Official Shopee Store or at Ace Market Website.
“We’d really spend a lot of time chatting [in the kitchen]. That’s why I make sure our kitchen is conducive for us to have fun and spend time together," said Richard. “Parang ang sarap ng feeling when you see them enjoying the food that you cooked, lalo na 'pag nauubos."
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