We have a lot of blankets. They have been accumulating since Rebecca was born, and while I’ve made a solid effort to declutter every now and then, somehow, we still have a huge pile. It’s almost as if they multiply when I’m not looking — a never ending stream of baby blankets, throws, and flannels that have found permanent residence in our home.
This mountain of blankets has become a treasure trove for Sarah, who has taken full advantage of the abundance to build an ever-evolving blanket fort. It started innocently enough on our sofa — a haphazard creation of pillows, blankets draped over the big pillows, and the occasional rogue stuffed animal poking out. She camped out there for a few weeks, proudly calling it her “house,” until I finally had to evict her. I simply couldn’t stand the constant sight of the living room looking like a makeshift campsite anymore.
Undeterred, Sarah relocated her fortress to her bedroom. She and Rebecca share a double-decker bunk bed, with Sarah sleeping on the bottom bunk, and for a while, the fort found a new home there. But as with all great architects, Sarah wasn’t satisfied. The bedroom setup didn’t quite capture the magic she was looking for.
Eventually, she moved her hideout behind the sofa, finding the perfect base for her creation: their old stroller. Yes, the very stroller that has long outlived its original purpose. Sarah has long since graduated from needing it, but it has stubbornly remained in our home, repurposed as a convenient dumping ground for bags, jackets, and anything else the kids shed when they get home from school. And now, it has taken on yet another role — as a key support beam for Sarah’s fort.
Sarah has fully embraced her new hidden nook. She disappears inside with her phone or Switch, happily gaming away in her little sanctuary. When her screen time is up, she’ll emerge, loudly announce that she is hungry, grab a snack, then slip back into her hideout to listen to her favorite podcast. It’s become her personal retreat — a cozy, quiet corner all her own, shielded by layers of blankets and the sturdy frame of a long-retired stroller.
And while I know I really should get rid of that stroller — it’s just taking up space, after all — a part of me hesitates. There’s something endearing about Sarah’s creativity, about the way she’s transformed everyday objects into her own special world. For now, the stroller stays, and so does the fort.
And when she pops out from her fort to ask for a snack, this is one that I’ve made for them a few times — palitaw. It was introduced by my friend, Jaja, when she visited us from the UK. She cleverly marketed it as “Philippine Mochi,” and the girls were instantly curious. Since Jaja had them help her make it a couple of times, the girls now feel like they know better than me! Also, when my mom, their Lola Tess, told Sarah that it is called Inday-inday in Hiligaynon, she was thrilled — especially since I call her Inday!
INDAY-INDAY
Note: just remember the ratio – by volume, is 2 parts rice flour to 1 part water or a 1:1 ratio by weight, then you are all set!
For the rice cakes:
1 cup (120 g) glutinous rice flour
½ cup (120 ml) water
To coat the rice cakes:
½ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup brown sugar
2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
2 tbsp crushed peanuts (optional)
1. In a small mixing bowl, combine the glutinous rice flour and water. Mix and knead until you get a pliable dough. It shouldn’t be sticky and should feel like Play-Doh in consistency.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
3. Line a plate with baking paper. Scoop 1-tablespoon portions of dough, roll into balls, and flatten into discs. Set aside.
4. Place the shredded coconut in a bowl.
5. Drop the dough discs one by one into the boiling water. Once they float, remove them with a slotted spoon and drop them into the shredded coconut. Coat well.
6. Arrange the coated rice cakes on a plate and sprinkle with brown sugar, sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts, if using.
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container. Warm briefly in the microwave before eating.
These little treats are chewy, sweet, and a perfect quick bite between adventures in a blanket fort.*
