We are so happy that so many people are getting involved in spreading the health message here in the Philippines. One particular effort is being done in Valencia City, Bukidnon, where a couple runs a health food store / restaurant. Aside from their desire to share the health message to people, it was mainly built to cater to the needs of their patients who needed healthy options in their diet.
Wanting to take the step further, the couple, Dr. Elvin and Diane Tecson, also envision their place to be a light and center of health knowledge. A place where people can learn how to be healthy without spending too much. One of the first steps they made was to provide free health lectures to the community. Nested in a prime spot in the city, these health lectures will greatly benefit many people within the area.
Davin and I are so happy to work with them on this venture. Every Sunday, we will be giving these health lectures as well as provide a simple cooking demonstration to cap the weekly event. Here are some pictures of the first lecture and demo we did last Sunday:
You might be wondering what I cooked. Since they wanted something super simple, I made spaghetti and meatballs. Here’s the recipe:
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 medium-sized onions, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, diced
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp sage
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp taco seasoning (optional)
- 1 tsp kala namak (optional)
- 1 tsp mushroom seasoning (optional)
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 4 cups rolled oats
- 2 tbsp vital wheat gluten
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts, roasted (optional)
- Put 4 cups of water in a sauce pot. Mix in soy sauce, onions, garlic, cumin, sage, smoked paprika, salt, taco seasoning, kala namak and mushroom seasoning. Bring to a full boil.
- Add oats and stir gently until all liquid is absorbed. Turn the stove to lowest heat possible and continue to stir until the oats are completely cooked and has become very mushy. Sprinkle vital wheat gluten and chopped walnuts. Mix until all ingredients all well incorporated.
- Rest the pot in a basin with cool water. Let cool for 15-20 minutes.
- Using an ice cream scoop, dig into the oat mixture and gently place the mixture in your hands. Form into meatballs and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes at 350 degrees.
- At this point the meatballs are done and can be used with the spaghetti. Use with your favorite pasta and tomato sauce. Or, you can fry for added taste and crunchy exterior and use on meatball subs. Leftovers may keep in the freezer for a month.
