Pajaro Valley Magazine | Feb. 14, 2020

THE LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE OF THE PAJARO VALLEY

A supplement to The Pajaronian

FEBRUARY 14, 2020

A LOVE THAT LASTS Watsonville couple reflects on 50 years of marriage

MOVIE REVIEW P5 | TRY THIS P6 | THE MIXING BOWL P7

MAGAZINE

21 Brennan St, Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076

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Phone: 831.761.7301

EDITOR’S NOTE

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Cover Story

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Movie Review

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Try This

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Food

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Live Music

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

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t would be very easy for me to say that Valentine’s Day is an overrated holiday and join the gobs of folks that flat out ignore it, speak ill of it or rebel against it. But as a married man, I’m supposed to say that it's the greatest day of the year, only topped by my wedding anniversary.

All joking aside, I don’t hate Valentine’s TONY NUNEZ Day as some people do. I don’t enjoy the inherent shame that comes with being single or without a date on that day.

The grand, pricey displays of affection aren’t great either— social media has made this game of one-upping each other even stranger nowadays.

What I do love about the holiday is what it represents. At its core, Valentine’s Day is about love, and not the “I love this super vegetarian burrito with all my soul,” or “these shoes are the love of my life” kind of love. I mean everlasting love. The type of love that isn’t tested by disagreements, differences or misunderstandings, but, instead, builds and solidifies from those challenges.

The couple on the cover of this week’s magazine is a testament to this type of love: Mas and Marcia Hashimoto, who are celebrating their 50th anniversary this year.

Their love is about understanding, patience and a touch of romance.

Neither held back the other from doing what they wanted. They ran the same track—parallel, as they said—holding hands and supporting one another during their ongoing journey.

To me, that’s what Valentine’s Day is about.

10 Photo Gallery CEO & Executive Editor

Dan Pulcrano Publisher

Jeanie Johnson Managing Editor

Tony Nuñez Contributing Writers

Todd Guild Johanna Miller Sarah Ringler Tarmo Hannula Advertising Account Executives

Tina Chavez Lupita Ortiz Jazmine Ancira Design Director

Kara Brown Design Layout

Hon Truong Cover Photography

Tarmo Hannula

Published by WatsNews, LLC, Watsonville, CA. Entire contents © 2019. All rights reserved.

Reproduction in any form prohibited without publisher’s written permission.

TO PLACE AN AD Email:

tchavez@pajaronian.com Phone:

831.761.7301

Sons & Daughters of Italy Watsonville Lodge #2016

8th Annual Calamari Dinner Saturday, February 15, 2020 Proceeds support the

Andrew Malatesta Agriculture Scholarship To purchase tickets call Janey’ Leonardich 831-722-7958 | Gina Gallucci 831-722-8901

Menu Appetizers Deep-Fried Calamari Fillets Pasta w/Pesto Salad Italian Bread Dessert

Social Hour:

6:00 pm – No-host Bar

Dinner Raffle: 7:00 pm

TICKETS: Adults only $40 Children 6-12 $15

12 Brennan St. Watsonville, CA Hosted by: Janey’ Leonardich Dinner specially prepared by Sal, Dawn, Nick & Luigi

Tickets Sold In Advance ONLY. First Come~ First Sold Limited Seating

NO TICKETS SOLD AT DOOR!!! NO REFUND

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Watsonville Women’s Club

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Watsonville couple looks back on 50 years of marriage

G A LASTIN

M Tarmo Hannula

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Marcia and Mas Hashimoto talk about their upcoming 50th anniversary at their Watsonville home.

Tarmo Hannula

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

DEDICATED

arcia Hashimoto was 16 years old in 1963 when her Buddhist youth group asked 28-yearold Mas Hashimoto to present a slide show of his recent cross-country road trip.

Mas was president of the Young Buddhist Association, and was respected throughout that community. His presentation had an immediate impact on her.

Marcia, whose maiden name was Hoshiyama, said his intelligence – and more importantly his smile – immediately captured her heart.

“I told my girlfriends, ‘Mas Hashimoto is the guy I’m going to marry,’” she said.

Marcia doesn’t think Mas noticed her at that time, but he insists that he did. The first thing he noticed about his future wife, he says, was her eyebrows.

But either way, the two went their separate ways until two years later, when Marcia asked Mas to speak at a Buddhist conference in San Francisco she was helping organize. ➝8

TRUE LOVE This bronze statue, created by Richard

MacDonald, was a gift to the Hashimotos in 2002 for their 32nd anniversary.

MOVIE REVIEW

A heartfelt thrill ride

By JOHANNA MILLER

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STAFF REPORT

C STAFF REPORT

Warner Bros. Pictures

GIRL POWER Actress Margot Robbie (center) as Harley Quinn prepares

for the final battle in “Birds of Prey,” now in theaters.

Sions (Ewan McGregor), a.k.a. Black Mask; Helena Bertinelli (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) who adopts the persona of The Huntress to avenge her family after they were killed; and Dinah Lance (Jumbo Smollett-Bell), The Black Canary, who has the super-ability of hypersonic screams.

The women all have one thing in common: They are underestimated by people (especially the men) around them. And eventually, they find themselves needing to team up to protect a young girl named Cassandra (Ella Jay Basco) from Black Mask and his crew.

“Birds of Prey” is unlike any superhero film of recent years. It is similar to “Deadpool” with its R-rating and snarky first-person point of view, but it also stands on its own as something fresh. The fighting sequences are gritty and real, but playful and creative. The actresses excel at balancing humor with more dramatic moments.

My only qualm with the movie, aside from a few pacing problems, is its villain, Black Mask. The best villains are the ones that are complex, with interesting origin stories. Black Mask is one-dimensional and flat. At times I wondered if his henchman, Victor Zsasz (Chris Messina) would turn out to be the actual mastermind.

That aside, McGregor’s creepy

portrayal was effective enough for everyone in the theater to cheer when he finally met his demise at the hands of Harley and the girls.

“Birds of Prey” has been struggling at the box office, most likely due to poor marketing strategies (Warner Bros. actually changed the film’s name after its disappointing opening weekend).

Despite positive reviews from critics and fans, there will probably not be a sequel.

And that makes me sad, because we need more films like this. There is no doubt that female-led movies can do well, but breaking into the science fiction/superhero genre is another story. Movies like “Wonder Woman” and “Captain Marvel” experienced a good amount of ridicule compared to other (worse) DC and Marvel films.

I hope that Yan and Robbie don’t take to heart the not-so-stellar box office sales, because they definitely created something special with “Birds of Prey.” It signals a shift in its genre and a development for women in film. If only we could get the marketing execs on board, as well.

For now, I will stand strong with my girls.

I’m with Harley.

4/5 stars Runtime: 109 minutes Rating: R (language, violence)

hristian Youth Theatre (CYT) Santa Cruz invites the community to celebrate Valentine’s Day this weekend with a treasured love story.

CYT will present “Cinderella” at Cabrillo College’s Crocker Theatre in Aptos tonight through Sunday.

The magical “dreams-come-true” tale follows a young woman who is forced into a life of servitude by her stepmother and stepsisters but dreams of a better life. After being transformed into a princess with the help of her fairy godmother, Cinderella eventually finds love and marries her prince charming.

The company will be performing Rogers and Hammerstein’s musical version of the story, which was first written for television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews. It was later adapted for the stage, and adapted for television twice more in 1965 and 1997.

CYT’s cast, ages 8-18 have been rehearsing since November for this special Valentine’s Day weekend show, which is directed by CYT Artistic Director Angelic Navarro.

Navarro aims to bring her own flair to the play with her unique vision of the classic tale.

Choreographer Melanie Useldinger (also of Agape Dance Academy) will showcase her expertise by leading numbers such as the famous ballroom waltz. The music of Richard Rodgers will be performed by a live orchestra.

“The team’s impressive backgrounds as directors, choreographers and educators, and their strong sense of camaraderie on stage and dedication to the program [will] bring this classic fairytale alive,” a CYT spokesperson said.

Tickets range from $17 to $30 depending on ticket type and seating choice. Tickets can be purchased at cabrillovapa.com/events.

For information visit cytsantacruz.org.

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

he character of Harley Quinn was initially written to be in a handful of episodes of “Batman: The Animated Series” in the 1990s. But audiences loved her so much that she became a recurring character, with her own backstory. She was eventually written into the DC Batman comics.

Recent movies featuring Harley have not done her justice.

Actress Margot Robbie (The Wolf of Wall Street, I, Tonya), for all her passion and dedication to the character, could only do so much when written as mere eye candy in a pair of short-shorts.

Enter director Cathy Yan, with Robbie co-producing on “Harley Quinn: Birds of Prey.”

An orphaned girl in Gotham City who worked through college and earned a Ph.D., Harley was the psychiatrist of Batman’s nemesis, The Joker. With sympathy for the villain, she develops romantic feelings for him and they start a relationship.

“Birds of Prey” starts right after The Joker ends things with Harley permanently. Suddenly, everyone who Harley has ever wronged sees her as a target. The police, bounty hunters—they all have a bone to pick now that she is “unprotected.”

The film presents Harley as a layered character. She is still goofy— adopting a hyena and naming it Bruce—but also witty and self-aware.

She is reactionary, always making bad calls… but she learns from her mistakes and grows. We finally get to meet the “real” Harley Quinn: without The Joker, someone independent with smarts to boot.

But “Birds of Prey” is not just about Harley. The film features a cast of diverse women: Renee Montoya (Rosie Perez), a cynical police detective who tries to build a case against crime lord Roman

Local CYT presents ‘Cinderella’ musical

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THE BUZZ Fruition Lovers Watsonville’s Fruition Brewing, 918 East Lake Ave., will host a Valentine’s Day event tonight until 9 p.m. Come celebrate with loved ones—or treat yourself— with chocolate, flowers and beverages. The brewery will be releasing a special 4-pack of soft-center chocolates filled with its Olallieberry and Pluerry Double Snack, made by Heritage Chocolates Corralitos. McGinnis Ranch will also have fresh flower bouquets available, and the brewery will be serving up a number of beers, ciders and wine by the glass or bottle. For information visit fruitionbrewing. com or visit their Facebook page.

Cider and Cookie Pairing The Santa Cruz Cider Company, 65 Hangar Way, Watsonville, will be holding a special pairing event Saturday at 1 p.m. Stop by for some unique hard ciders paired with your favorite Girl Scout Cookie flavors— from Samoas to the traditional shortbread Trefoils. Next door the Elkhorn Slough Brewing Company will also be open, and Coastal Foods will be serving up its award-winning New England Style Clam Chowder.

For information call 288-7049 or visit the cidery's Facebook page.

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Redwood Express at Discretion

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A local all-star band, featuring a collection of musicians from bands such as the China Cats, Mud Frog, Rose Bud, Aardvark and Medicine Road will play a free show of rock ’n roll on Wednesday from 6:309:30 p.m. at Discretion Brewing, 2703 41st Ave., Suite A, Soquel.

Redwood Express will roll out several new original songs as well as some slightly obscure gems by the Allman Brothers Band, Little Feat, Lynyrd Skynyrd and more. For information visit the band’s Facebook page.

Clam Chowder Cook-Off The Santa Cruz Clam Chowder Cook-Off returns to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk on Feb. 22 and 23. Come sample clam chowder from amateur chefs (Feb. 22) and professional chefs (Feb. 23) at the country’s largest and longestrunning clam chowder competition.

Purchase a tasting kit ($10 each) and select your favorite Boston and Manhattan chowders to help pick a winner. Each kit includes six taste tickets, a spoon, cup and a ballot.

All proceeds benefit the City of Santa Cruz Parks and Recreation department. For information visit beachboardwalk.com.

TRY THIS A weekly column that celebrates local businesses — especially eateries, watering holes, coffee shops and the like.

FOOD:

FOOD:

Taqueria Tepeque

Pizzeria La Bufala

An unfortunate set of circumstances left me stranded in Capitola on Feb. 9 after high winds toppled wires JOHANNA onto both sides of Hwy. 1, shutting MILLER down the thoroughfare between there and Aptos. I had planned to shop at the Capitola Mall and at Trader Joe’s. But power was out everywhere, transforming the usually bustling hub of mid-county into a ghost town.

Thankfully, the folks at Taqueria Tepeque in the Brown Ranch Shopping Center were brave enough to remain open. With their non-electric stove set up they continued serving cash-only customers who were aimlessly wandering around, trying to figure out what to do until the freeway opened and the power came on.

Initially we bought drinks, but the kind server asked us if we’d like a basket of tortilla chips on the house. As we munched on the chips, we realized how hungry we were—it was lunchtime after all—so we headed back to the counter.

I ordered a Super Quesadilla, with shredded chicken and melted cheese, topped with avocado, shredded lettuce, sour cream and salsa. A simple dish, but done very well. The flour tortilla was cooked perfectly and the salsa had a decent amount of kick.

Because of the wealth of delicious Mexican restaurants in Watsonville, I don’t often stop at one when I’m in other parts of the county. I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed Taqueria Tepeque. I would also like to send a big thank you to the staff, for inviting the community into their restaurant—whether to buy food or just use their bathroom—when everyone else closed up shop.

Taqueria Tepeque, 3555 Clares St. #LL, is open Monday-Saturday 9 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pizzeria La Bufala is in Abbott Square at Cooper and Front streets in Santa Cruz. I enjoyed their relaxed setting TARMO where you can sit at the counter and HANNULA watch the chefs making their pizzas and other dishes. Their classic homemade beef lasagna is a house speciality.

They offer a wealth of wood-fired pizzas, including their Capricciosa with tomato sauce, mozzarella, artichokes, olives, prosciutto and mushrooms, in addition to salads and pastas. Shown here is a simple Italian caprese salad, made of sliced fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, arugula and sweet basil, cucumbers, seasoned with salt and olive oil.

They're at 725 Front St.

DRINK: Cat and Cloud Coffee I recently rode my bicycle to the west side of Santa Cruz to the newest location of Cat and Cloud Coffee on Swift and Ingalls streets. Open and airy with indoor and outdoor seating, the place offered a lot of space to spread out with a book, newspaper or laptop. I ordered a caffe latte in a for here cup because 1) I was planning on enjoying the drink there and 2) I don't like using and wasting paper cups and plastic lids. One of the owners, Jared Truby, was the barista and he brewed up a fantastic latte, complete with a fancy decoration in the foamy topping. If you're on the west side, I would recommend a stop here for a sample of the “newness” going on in that area. A wealth of businesses, from boutiques, tasting rooms and tap rooms to modern furniture stores have sprung up in the area.

THE MIXING BOWL

Tarmo Hannula

The first Filipinos to land on what is now the continental U.S., arrived on Oct. 18, 1587, in Morro Bay, 146 miles south of here. With some Spaniards, they came on the galleon, Nuestra Senora de Esperanza, during the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade era between 1565 and 1815. Landing at Morro Bay, they claimed the land for Spain and were in turn attacked by local indigenous people. After that, a decision was made to forestall Spanish colonization until a later date.

Humba is a traditional pork dish from the Visayas Islands in the Philippines and is defined by fermented black beans mixed with soy sauce, vinegar, bay leaves and black peppercorns.

Although this recipe calls for pork shoulder, the most authentic version uses pork belly, which in Chinese is called “hong ba.”

That is the origin of the name of the recipe. The provocative ➝9

SWEET AND SAVORY Humba is a traditional pork dish from the Visayas Islands in the Philippines.

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SARAH RINGLER

’d say there are few people who wouldn’t be drawn to the allure of sweet and savory slow-cooked pork served alongside a creamy corn and coconut pudding. There is a select population in the Pajaro Valley who will recognize Pork Humba and Maja Blanca Mais, and that is our longtime Filipino community.

Filipinos have a painful history here in the Pajaro Valley. Ninety years ago, in January 1930, they were subjected to five days of violent attacks in an event known

as the Watsonville Riots. The riots were fueled by ignorant anti-immigrant hatred that resulted in the shooting and death of 22-year-old, Fermin Tobera, and injuries for others who were thrown off the Pajaro Bridge, wounded and beaten. The riots also led to an expansion of more violence in Stockton, San Jose, San Francisco and other cities, and a severe drop off in immigration from the Philippines. Sadly, Filipinos were U.S. nationals at the time with the legal right to work in the United States.

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Pork Humba and Maja Blanca Mais

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FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

A LASTING LOVE

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A trip to Japan at the same time precluded his participation, but he agreed to have lunch at the conference, provided his travels allowed it. They did, and the two found themselves seated next to each other.

“That was the beginning,” she said.

What followed was a five-year courtship, which allowed Marcia to attend college and receive her teaching credential.

Receiving a college education was a non-negotiable edict from Marcia’s mother who, having been in an arranged marriage, also had another decree.

“She said, ‘I didn’t have a choice,’” Marcia said. “My mom always said, ‘even though you know that Mas is the one, I want you to date other people. You can have a date with Mas every third week.’”

Their dates often consisted of golf outings, and included Marcia’s father and two brothers. They also attended opera performances in San Francisco.

Marcia honored her mother’s request, but never took the get-togethers seriously.

“I dated other guys, but I always thought, ‘we’re going to be friends because I’m marrying Mas Hashimoto,’” she said.

They were married on July 11, 1970, and celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, with a possible trip to Japan.

Both went on to work as teachers - she in kindergarten at MacQuiddy and Bradley, and he as a history teacher at Watsonville High School.

“We had the same students,” Mas said. “She had them in kindergarten and I’d get them as juniors in high school. So they’d get the Hashimoto treatment.”

They attribute part of their happiness today to living in a city full of lifelong friends, and a community they support as much as it supports them.

Both say they owe the longevity of their marriage to having a shared ideology.

“All the years we’ve been together, we’ve always traveled the same path in life – philosophy, religion, politically, socially,” Marcia said. “We’ve always traveled the same path. And it’s not that one

SAT APTOS ST. BBQ 8059 Aptos St, Aptos

2/15

Pete Madsen, 6 p.m.

SUN

2/16

A.C. Myles, 6 p.m.

MON

2/17

Little Jonny Lawton, 6 p.m.

TUES

2/18

Mojo Mix, 6 p.m.

WED

2/19

Jimmy Dewrance, 6 p.m.

THU

2/20

2/21

Carie & the Soulshakers, Kid Andersen & John 6 p.m.

“Blues” Boyd, 6 p.m.

BLUE LAGOON 923 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Freestyle Cypher Valentine’s Benefit, 8 p.m.

CAPITOLA WINE BAR 115 San Jose Ave, Capitola

Wine & Paint Night!

THE CATALYST NIGHT CLUB 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz THE CATALYST ATRIUM 1011 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

FRI

Dr. Dog: Winter 2020 Tour, 9 p.m.

Little People, 9 p.m.

Nascar Aloe, 9 p.m.

CILANTROS 1934 Main St, Watsonville

Nappy Roots, 9 p.m.

KPIG Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

CORRALITOS CULTURAL CENTER 127 Hames Rd., Corralitos

George Clinton, 8 p.m.

Giant Panda Guerrilla Dub Squad, 9 p.m.

Spoonbill, 9p.m.

KPIG Happy Hour, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Acoustic Open Jam, 3 p.m.

Open Mic Night, 7 p.m.

CORRALITOS GRANGE HALL 165 Little Corral Way, Watsonville THE CREPE PLACE 1134 Soquel Ave., Santa Cruz

The Blank Tapes, 9 p.m.

Funk Night! w/ Space Heater, 9 p.m.

CROW’S NEST 2218 E. Cliff Dr, Santa Cruz

Blue Ocean Rockers, 9:30 p.m.

AFRoWaWa, 7:30 p.m.

THE FISH HOUSE 972 Main St, Watsonville

Bruce Guynn & Big Rain, 8 p.m.

KUUMBWA JAZZ 320-2 Cedar St., Santa Cruz

: White Album White Album Ensemble: Ensemble: Unplugged, Unplugged, 8:00 p.m.

8:00 p.m.

is following the other, we’re just parallel.”

Mas said they never argue about money, a sentiment Marcia echoed.

“We don’t argue, we don’t have disagreements,” she said. “We have opinions about things, but we listen to each other. And if we realize the other person was right, we tell them. You don’t always have to be right.”

And of course, their relationship still has a romantic side.

“He always tells me he loves me every day,” Marcia said. “Every day of our married life he’s always said, ‘I love you,’ so I always say, ‘I love you too.’ And he always gives me a hug, every day.”

Yuji Tojo, 8 p.m.

Circles in the Round, 7:30 p.m.

Kris Delmhorst, 9 p.m.

Soulciter, 9 p.m.

SkyPark, 8 p.m.

Then O’Clock Lunch Band, 9 p.m.

SAT

2/15

SUN

2/16

MON

2/17

TUES

2/18

WED

2/19

THU

2/20

MICHAEL’S ON MAIN 2591 Main St, Soquel

Hawktail, 8:30 p.m.

MOTIV 1209 Pacific Ave, Santa Cruz

Ocean Sako, 9:30 p.m.

MOE’S ALLEY 1535 Commercial Way, Santa Cruz

Sambadá, 9 p.m.

The Gladiators + Droop Lion, 9 p.m.

Son Little, 8 p.m.

Elie Mabanza + Tammi Brown, 8:00 p.m.

PARADISE BEACH 215 Esplanade, Capitola

Live Music, 2 p.m.

Live Music, 2 p.m.

Live Music, 6 p.m.

Live Music, 6 p.m.

An Evening with Chris Botti, 7:30 p.m.

Ani Difranco, 8 p.m.

RIO THEATRE 1205 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz

SEVERINO’S 7500 Old Dominion Ct., Aptos

Hall Pass, 8 p.m.

SANDERLINGS 1 Seascape Resort, Aptos

Jazziz, 7:30 p.m.

SHADOWBROOK 1750 Wharf Rd., Capitola

Joe Ferrara, 6:30

UGLY MUG 4640 Soquel Ave., Soquel

The Nell Robinson & Jim Nunally Band, 7:30 p.m.

Jimmy Agren & Henry Kaiser Band, 2 p.m.

Open Mic Acoustic Jam, Michael Doucet & Sarah Mira Goto + Jackson 7:30 p.m.

Quintana, 7:30 p.m.

Emmer, 7:30 p.m.

The Takeover, 9:30 p.m.

SCMF Dubstep party, 9:30 p.m.

FRI

2/21

Locomotive Breath, 8:30 p.m.

Libation Lab w/Gabe Trevor Williams, Van de Sande, 9:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m.

Don Mcaslin & the Amazing Jazz Geezers, 6 p.m.

Qiensave + Valley Wolf, 9 p.m.

Hot Fuse, 8 p.m.

Sambassa, 7:30 p.m.

Claudio Melega, 7 p.m.

Ken Constable, 6:30 p.m.

mon: Open Mic, 5:30 p.m.

Joe Ferrara, 6:30 p.m.

John Borgman, 7 p.m.

VINOCRUZ 4901 Soquel Dr., Soquel

ZELDA’S 203 Esplanade, Capitola

The Joint Chiefs, 9:30 p.m.

ZIZZO’S COFFEEHOUSE & WINE BAR 3555 Clares St., Capitola

Anthony Arya, Taylor Rae & Lindsey Wall, 7 p.m.

Wildflower and the Bees, 9:30 p.m.

THE MIXING BOWL

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Pork Humba 2 1/2 pounds pork shoulder cut into 1-inch cubes 1/4 cup fermented black beans or Chinese Black Bean Garlic Sauce from the jar 2 dried shitake mushrooms 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup palm or coconut vinegar 1/4 cup soy sauce 2 bay leaves 2 cloves garlic, peeled 1 teaspoon peeled and minced fresh ginger 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 3 tablespoons oyster sauce 3-4 cups beef or chicken stock Put all ingredients in a large pot. Stock should cover with more than an inch over the meat.

Bring mixture to a boil. Skim off foam on the top and discard.

Cover pot and reduce heat to a low simmer. Cook for 2 to 2 1/2 hours until meat is tender.

Remove cover and increase heat to medium-high. Cook for another 30 minutes until you have a thick sauce. Remove bay leaves.

Serve with Maja Blanca Mais

Maja Blanca Mais 3/4 cup canned coconut milk 1/2 cups water 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal 2 tablespoon glutinous rice flour, Mochiko 1/2 teaspoon salt Dash of pepper 1 cup corn kernels ¼ cup sour cream Combine coconut milk, water, sugar, cornmeal, glutinous rice flour, salt, pepper and corn kernels in a large pan. Bring to a simmer over low to medium heat, stirring to keep from burning, for about 10-15 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in sour cream and serve hot.

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

ingredient list, which attracted me to the recipe, and the long preparation yielded worthy results.

The recipe is from “The Filipino-American Kitchen” cookbook by Jennifer M. Aranas, available at the Watsonville Public Library. I highly recommend this cookbook if you’re looking to upgrade your food offerings.

Even if you don’t follow the recipe religiously, you and your eating audience will enjoy the upgrade. Be aware, the Maja Blanca Mais is very rich and with a little more sugar could also be served as a dessert.

Luckily, we have the Oriental Store and Food to Go at 205 East Lake Ave. at the corner of Sudden Street, where you can

buy palm or coconut vinegar and glutinous rice flour. I just had a veggie and chicken lumpia that had been purchased there. They were wonderful. My imaginative friends Vicki and Norma performed an experiment where Vicki fried the frozen lumpia in oil and Norma prepared hers in her new air fryer. Both were great.

Of course, the oil-fried ones had a little more flavor but the 86 percent less fat from the air fryer has a certain advantage too.

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PHOTO GALLERY

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Tarmo Hannula

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Have a recent photo you’d like to share? Send it to us for consideration by emailing it to tnunez@pajaronian.com or mailing it to 21 Brennan St., Suite 14, Watsonville, CA 95076. Please include a brief description of the photo as well as the name of the photographer.

CALM WATERS Pinto Lake is shown with a backdrop of the Santa Cruz Mountains.

BIG SUDS A man is helped by a light breeze in

making a huge bubble on West Cliff Drive in Santa Cruz

Ed Show

PERFECT CATCH Leaves are pinned against a fence at

Pinto Lake Park during Sunday’s wind storm.

Tarmo Hannula

BURST OF PINK Cherry blossom trees bloom on the corner of

Lincoln and Stanford streets in Watsonville.

FEBRUARY 14 - 20, 2020 | PAJARO VALLEY MAGAZINE

Norah Miller

Tarmo Hannula

FROM ABOVE This aerial photo shows the Pajaro River where it meets the Pacific.

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