Panic over rising global rice prices

We have not seen panic over the shortage of food in developed countries for a long time. With the rising rice prices in different countries and the consumers' fear of the shortage of supply of rice, many businesses and households have been stacking up bags and bags of rice.

One of the Chinese restaurants in town told me that their usual supplier has increased the price of rice by threefolds. Walmart is out of supply and they went to Sam's Club in El Paso to stock up. However, due to the panic buying by the consumers, the retailer is restricting the purchase by a few bags of rice per customer.

Rice is a main staple of most Asian countries and the soaring prices of rice have affected many negatively. In Philippines, people are asked not to throw away leftover rice and fast-food restaurants are advised to give half a cup of rice instead of what they normally give to customers with the meals.

The rising price of rice is driven by many factors, including climate and fuel cost. We really need to do something about the fuel cost and how we treat the environment. We are not only killing the earth, we are also driving ourselves nuts.

The typical Philippines food in restaurants

I interviewed the Asian Pacific Islanders' Club at the International Children's Festival on Hollman AFB yesterday. They talked about the type of typical Filipino food people get in restaurants. It's the first mini-interview among the four in the video. Take a look at what they say.

Asian mango pudding recipe

Most Asians love mangoes, especially those from the Philippines. I have a mango pudding recipe that everybody loves. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!

Tips:
The taste of the pudding is largely depends on the quality of the mangoes. Use Philippine mangoes. They are the sweetest and have the best aroma.

Ingredients:
2 mangoes
1.5 tbs gelatin
100g sugar
1.5 cup hot water
1 cup fresh milk
2 egg yolks

Method:
1. Cut the mangoes and blend them with a little fresh milk to form mango puree
2. Mix gelatin & sugar in hot water, stir constantly over a pot of steaming water to form a clear gelatin syrup
3. Beat egg yolks, gradually mix in fresh milk, add gelatin syrup & mango puree, mix well, pour into jelly moulds
4. Chill until set