first baking attempt

counting down to 2013 is more progressive with this first attempt to bake. since we bought our new oven for Christmas, what more fun to use it to baking. for a muffin recipe turned into a cake, i also made a new twist by adding grated bitter gourd and carrots.

here are the ingredients to my first baking project:

4 cups of flour
8 eggs
8 teaspoons of baking powder
pinch of salt
1 cup of pineapple juice
3 cups of brown sugar
4-5 teaspoons grated bitter gourd and carrots

Directions:
1. preheat oven for 20 mins at 175 degrees.
2. mix the eggs, sugar, pineapple juice well. set aside.
3. mix all dry ingredients together (flour, baking powder, salt) and combine it with the wet ingredients. also add the grated bitter gourd and carrots.
4. put the mixture in the oven and bake for 30 mins or until the top is brown and not burnt. use a toothpick to check if the inside is already baked. serve.

Christmas dessert at Hyatt Hotel

i really love this time of the year. other than merry making, i also got to enjoy the food that i love. in a rare occasion like a business meeting, i'm so grateful to see a valued client and best of all, to treat us for lunch.

Hyatt Hotel and Casino is one place that i love because it is in the middle of the busy streets of Manila. when we had lunch at Market Cafe, i feel so at home with its cozy ambiance and well-lit room. and with the array of food choices, i still stick with my favorite Japanese cuisine with a platter of sushi and a sip of warm miso soup.

mussels, Thai Fried rice, Sinigang na Hipon, season vegetables

after digging into a sumptuous meal, i have to give in to my sweet tooth with the wonderful delights at the center of the buffet. panna cottas, ice cream, cakes are aligned in a manner you cannot decide where to start. but for me, i had chocolates, pandan French macarons, pineapple pie, and ice cream. never mind the calories, just enjoy the Christmas dessert

Market Cafe by Hyatt Hotel and Casino is located at the 3F Hyatt Hotel and Casino, 1588 Pedro Gil Corner MH Del Pilar, Malate, Manila, Philippines. follow them on Twitter @GrandHyattMNL.

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the first food truck market: CUCINA ANDARE

get your gastronomic systems ready for the first food truck market and food bazaar happening at the center of the Makati Business District. this December 14, CUCINA ANDARE will line up specialty and gourmet food trucks, your favorite Mercato Centrale vendors and new and innovative food, drink and pastry vendors from home-based food businesses from around Makati!

CUCINA ANDARE is developed by the same team who made the successful Morning and Midnight Mercato at the Bonifacio Global City. enjoy the buffet of delights while listening to acoustic musical acts.

CUCINA ANDARE is located at Glorietta Park (in front of Glorietta 3, Landmark, Makati Shangri-La Hotel & 6750 Ayala Ave.), Ayala Center, Makati City every Friday, Saturday, Sunday (4pm to 3am) starting this Friday!

BULALO Point and Turo-turo Grill

other than coffee, Cavite is home to a famous beef recipe that warms the body during a cold climate. BULALO, a stew in which beef is thoroughly cooked to its softest cartilage and where bone marrow is everyone's favorite.

in the cold mountain ridge of Tagaytay City, a place is named after the bulalo. BULALO POINT and Turo-turo Grill serves a variety that will hug your cold body in the cold weather in Tagaytay City. as you enjoy the view of the Taal Lake and see the glory of the Taal Volcano, sip into the calming soup of the bulalo.

the bulalo is served in clay pots and the temperature as it is served is just right. you won't burn your lips and tongue as you enjoy the soup and the tender beef. if you want a little heat, chop a cayenne pepper, drizzle with a little fish sauce and squeeze a lemon or calamansi.

in the majestic scenery and the relaxing breeze of Tagaytay City, Bulalo Point serves other meat lover delights like the Crispy Pata and Fried Tawilis for your crunchy cravings. enjoy the food while in al fresco dining inside mini-huts or with a huge crowd on long table setting.

BULALO POINT AND TURO-TURO is found along Tagaytay-Nasugbu Highway in Tagaytay City. it's just a few blocks from Casino Filipino if you're coming from Olivares complex (Nasugbu bound).

know your teas with THOUSAND TEAS

we've known tea as a natural fighter for illnesses like heart diseases and certain cancers. we also know the flavors infused in every bag calms and relaxes the body and increases metabolism. the tea cup you're enjoying right now might have a lot of benefits you didn't know. just check from what tea leaf it came from as THOUSAND TEAS Tea House explains it to us.

teas generally came from Asia in countries with high altitudes like China, India and Japan and some parts of Europe. and they came from different tea leaves to identify with the different strengths. white, green and black teas were taken from different sections of the tea plant and then later infused with flavors like jasmin, peppermint and others.

it was before a drink for the royalty as served in ceremonials. in a short demo, owner Gilbert Jim showed how tea ceremonials were done. little that we knew that the first pour would just be for washes, [haha!] and then each cup will be washed in another cup to wash away dust particles. before you drink it, it already cleans.

THOUSAND TEAS blends also present teas from the plant to your cup. they serve brews of your choice in special pots infusing the flavor in warm water for that relaxing taste. the timeless blends Iron Goddess, Earl Grey, Ceylon, Assam, Oolong, Genmaicha and Flower Green Teas bloom in front of our eyes to soothe your tea preferences.

they also serve bubble teas infused with fruits for the young market who are giving in to their tea cravings and promote tea to a healthy lifestyle. the teas are best consumed with scones or pasta especially made at THOUSAND TEAS.

and for a special gift this Christmas, you can also promote a good drinking lifestyle to your loved ones with the gift packages by THOUSAND TEAS. the Classic and Executive gift sets for only Php 600 and Php 900 for your tea parties.

Classic Tea Gift Set (Php 600)

Executive Tea Gift Set (Php 900)

you can visit THOUSAND TEAS, just below Mezza Residences located at Aurora Blvd. cor. G. Araneta Ave, Quezon City. or call for orders at 708-3919 or email info@thousandteas.ph. visit also their website at www.thousandteas.ph

collecting RISE OF THE GUARDIANS with McDonalds Happy Meal

i really loved the movie RISE OF THE GUARDIANS and we look forward to the merchandise that comes with the movie. and i got even more excited when McDonalds released their Rise of the Guardians toys in every Happy Meal.

of course, the Guardians, North, Tooth, Jack Frost, Sandy and Easter are in their fighting form and they were joined by an Elf. it would be a great idea to collect as many elves as you can so you can put tassels on them and hang them by your Christmas Tree.

The 5 Guardians

Elves in 3 faces

i just ordered the burger Happy Meal since it was the cheapest. but im loving my toys and really, i will collect as much elves as i can. since there is many McDonalds branches near our place, i can just drop in and buy any Happy Meal or order for delivery at 8-6236.

CHEFS' QUARTER dinner

it's good that i found my Chefs' Quarter gift certificate and use it on its last day of validity. so i went there with my mom and brother to avail it and enjoy a feast at the restaurant.

Chefs' Quarter, 3F Atrium, SM Megamall

we ordered Tessie Tomas Salad, named after a Filipino actress, Roasted Chicken and Special Fried rice. and finish it off with Ube Cheesecake for dessert.

Tessie Tomas Salad

this salad is made of greens, goat cheese, stir-fried shrimp, Shitake mushrooms and drizzled with dressing.

Roasted Chicken

chicken roasted to perfection with its juicy meat melts in your mouth. good for around 3-5 people, this bird reminds you of your mother's cooking in a very special occasion.

Special Fried Rice

indeed a very special fried rice, sauteed in bagoong for that smoked flavor and with a kick of long green peppers.

the Ube Cheesecake would be the star of our dinner. with the rich ube cheese custard filling, the crunch of burnt brown sugar and chocolate shavings on top neutralized our stomach and taste buds.

everything costs about Php 1500 in total, inclusive of VAT and 10% service charge.

Green Salad with fruits and Clara Ole

I just found some stuff inside the ref and I had the greatest idea to make it into a salad. something healthy and yummy for breakfast.

Ingredients:

lettuce
croutons
1 mango, cubed
grapes, whole or chopped
Vienna Sausage
Clara Ole Orange You Glad Vinaigrette

Mix all ingredients together. Best served chilled.

food art attack: one thing to do with CLARA OLE Choco Syrup

i was looking for something to eat for late night snack and i found suman inside the refrigerator. i ate two pieces and i felt kinda bored. it's then i remembered eating suman with chocolate fondue in a restaurant. i looked out for CLARA OLE Chocolate Syrup in the ref and went a little creative on the presentation of the suman.

i placed 1 suman on a plate and decorated it with the chocolate syrup. i made the suman into a coconut tree. haha!

it's just so fun to be creative when you have all you need. it is also a great idea to enjoy your food and share it with kids.

CLAW DADDY dinner

here's what we ate for dinner recently. at CLAW DADDY, i almost tried to order the Shell Fish bag but it's too expensive and the food has no variety other than shell fish. we wanted to try salad, main course and dessert. so i ordered Ahi Tuna Salad, Fisherman's Platter and a Pannacota.

Ahi Tuna Salad

a mix of greens, cherry tomatoes, croutons and bite-sized tuna fillets drenched in pepper and drizzled with Parmesan cheese and vinaigrette.

Fisherman's Platter

crispy fried shrimp, calamares, with fries and tuna fillets. and choose among three dips: vinegar, thousand island or tomato catsup.

Pannacota

lunch at HEAT BAR

i am so glad to return at Heat bar and restaurant in EDSA Shangri-la Hotel. the first thing i looked for is the crab.

sushi and sashimi plate

lunch meeting at KUSE

it was a rainy day and we should get to McKinley Hills for a client meeting. so happy to know that we will eat at a Chef's Quarter restaurant, KUSE. it was a cozy place and the chitchat was even sustained with their delicious dishes. here's what i ordered:

Tagalog Steak

Blueberry Cheesecake

anyhow, i love the right cooking for the steak. and the sauce is a great dip for the potato wedges served with it. it was rich in pepper that's why i love it. the right mix of sweet, sour and saltiness is right on the taste buds.

and as a cheesecake fan, the cheesecake is firm and nicely presented.

ASIA OFF THE STREETS in MERCATO on November 9 - 10

an Asian experience coming on the way as Asia Society Philippine Foundation brings different Asian kitchens in one venue. ASIA OFF THE STREETS invites everyone to experience Asian culture at its best on November 9-10 2012 at Midnight Mercato of Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

at a very affordable entrance price of 50 pesos only, you will be able to taste and share culture with other Asian countries. plus, a showdown of different Asian chefs on the 9th of November for that wonderful food experience.

BIG MUNCH for big delights

i was again surprised when another package arrived at my table Monday afternoon. it was as big as the previous one and i eyes got bigger when i saw big snack packs. three 110g BIG MUNCH packs and 6 BIG MUNCH 28g packs in these variants: cheese, black pepper and barbeque. BIG MUNCH is a corn chips snack which made a good timing for break time. immediately, me and my officemates enjoyed a pack.

when cheese and barbeque are regular flavors for snacks, i was really curious to try black pepper. and i really loved it! i could eat the whole 110g by myself. i loved the spiciness and saltiness is just right.

i checked the label and it was made by Prifoods. it sounded relatively new to me and i want to thank them for this surprise.

BIG MUNCH Corn Chips snack is also found in Facebook. visit their page at https://www.facebook.com/BIGMUNCHSnacks

I want CHOCO MUCHO so bad

well, they surprised me! i recently got a huge package delivered here at the office and i was surprised to see what's inside:

i got a lot of CHOCO MUCHO goodies and a cuddly CHOCO MUCHO pillow with it. one thing i've noticed is that it has a new variant - Choco Mucho Cookies and Cream. apart from the four flavors, Milk Chocolate, Dark Chocolate, White Chocolate and Peanut Butter, the Cookies and Cream by Choco Mucho has more crunch with rice crispies covered in white chocolate. and inside is the yummy chocolate cookie center for my chocolate cravings!

and i recently found out that there is an ongoing contest at the www.chocomucho.com.ph where interested participants will upload their photo. i didn't win but i love how Choco Mucho gave a piece of their love to me.

SHRIMP in catsup sauce

cooked something new for lunch today. with a little inspiration with Thai food, i managed to do a very yummy dish.

sorry for the bad pic. this is a leftover already.

Ingredients:
1/4 k shrimp;
2 green chilis, sliced diagonally;
3 tbsp minced ginger;
1 tbsp minced garlic;
1 medium sized onion, minced;
1/2 cup catsup dissolved in
1/2 cup water

salt and black pepper to taste
butter for frying

Procedure:
1. sprinkle salt and pepper to shrimp and fry in butter over medium heat. set aside.
2. saute onion, garlic and ginger. add the shrimp and catsup sauce. simmer for about 5 minutes. add half of chili and simmer more.
3. garnish with remaining chili.

QC-NA 4 Schedule of Activities

with the unfortunate situation held earlier August, the Quezon City Tourism Council has decided to move the QC-NA activities on September 25 - 27 at a new venue, SM Sky Dome at the SM North EDSA.

this is one of a kind culinary festival that not only invites tourists to come to Quezon City, but also experience the diversity of food that QC has to offer. the most-awaited Lechon Parade will take place on the first day and more activities are already lined up for the next 2 days.

SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES
9.25.12
Opening Parade
LA LOMA LECHONEROS & BB PILIPINAS TITLE HOLDERS
OPENING CEREMONIES
11AM
***
PIZZA HUT & DAIRY QUEEN
Pizza & Ice Cream Eating Contest
2PM
***
QC-NA FEATURED CHEFS SHOWDOWN- SESSION 1
TATUNG (Chef Myke Sarthou)
IL DUELLO (Chefs Pierre Tan & Rurik Lavina)
4PM
BARTENDING COMPETITION
Amateur / Student Level
5PM

9.26.12
QC-NA CHEFS SHOWDOWN
Chef Him Uy De Baron (Nomama)
Chef Juan Miguel Adviento (Cucina Juan)
11AM
FOOD OF THE HEROES COMPETITION
(Appetizer * Main Dish * Dessert)
(PROFESSIONAL LEVEL)
130PM
World Class Concepts Corporation
Cooking Demonstration
4PM
KAFFE CAFÉ S QC-NA Signature Blends
Demonstration by
MS. ANJ FERRERIA
5PM

9.27.12
REGIONAL DISH COMPETITION ( STUDENT LEVEL)
PULUTAN
ULAM
PANG HIMAGAS
11AM
QC-NA FEATURED CHEFS SHOWDOWN!
CHEF ED BUGIA
(PINO/PIPINO/BURGER)
ELBA Lifestyle Cooking Demo
Featuring :
Chef Sau Del Rosario
4PM
*********
QC-NA Recognition of Culinary Icons
QC-NA Awarding of the Winners
6PM

McCafe treats

it was a different visit at McDonalds. i usually go there to get a cheeseburger meal and even order a happy meal to get that available toy. but this time, i ordered a Nutty Brazo slice and a Caramel bar at their McCafe section. each piece of dessert costs as low as Php 58 but guarantees to satisfy your sweet tooth.

the Caramel Bar is a soft cake topped with butter. this inch-high cake is not as sweet like other caramel bars or even their caramel sundae. what i love about it is the layer of butter that melts inside your mouth. it's chewy and a surprise of raisin bits invites you to have more.

the Nutty Brazo is still my favorite. unlike the usual Brazo de Mercedes from our local bakeshops, this brazo is not at all too sweet and you won't get tired of the taste. the soft texture of the brazo until it's cream inside is moist and very yummy. it also has little bits of chocolate chips. while outside of the brazo is a cinnamon covering with pieces of crushed nuts to get that crunch. at least you have something to chew on.

each dessert treat is Php 58 and perfect to match with coffee beverages. it's available at the McDonald's branch where the McCafe Bar is present.

epicurean with these cakes

thank you for these tiny gifts of moist and delicious cakes from the makers of Epicurean Cakes. in a generous serving of delight in simple cakes is a surprise to the eyes and pleasurable to our gastronomic desires.
born from the desire of baking and cooking, Epicurean Cakes are made to satisfy sweet cravings in the humility of the baker's home but assures its great taste from the first bite to the last. they come in different varieties like the best-selling Red Velvet Cake, O'Smores Overload, The Mad Rabbit, KitKat Choco Swirl and Campfire Madness. you'll fall in love with every bite especially with the special cream cheese topping on a Red Velvet Cake.

for only Php 35/pc, Epicurean Cakes are baked in the finest ingredients and in the most meticulous procedure, never compromising the taste and quality of each piece. pre-orders are also available for Php 50/pc for any occasion -- great for giveaways!

to know more about Epicurean Cakes and its products, find them on Facebook or you may contact them through the following:

Phone 0917.525.7207
Email epicureancakes@yahoo.com
Website http://epicureancakes.tumblr.com/

Yapatoots' Green Smoothie

a simple healthy beverage that can be taken anytime of the day. rich in vitamins and minerals like potassium from bananas and antioxidants and proteins from malunggay.

Ingredients:

Bananas
Chinese Cabbage
Malunggay leaves
Mangoes
1 cup yogurt

Directions:

1. it's best if you have all your ingredients chilled before the preparation.
2. blend all ingredients together making a puree. amount of ingredients depends upon your taste.
3. add yogurt for more health benefit. serves 4-6 people.

CHEF's QUARTER restaurants now offers catering services

for once i am looking forward to taste the dishes from Wine Bar, Kuse, Uncle Cheffy Beurre Blanc and Old Vine Grille. and i have found them under one roof as they had a grand food tasting event held in 500 Events Pavilion in Mandaluyong City.

the said restaurants are under the management of Chef's Quarter Retaurants with Larry Corte and executive chef Mauro Arjona Jr. and with the continuing success of these restaurants, they have finally offered their services into the catering business for any occasion. and head count is not an issue, they can accommodate and prepare meals from 30 up to 3,000 people!

photo by Lariza Garcia

standard packages for buffet starts at Php 550+ and can go up to Php 1800+ while sit down meals range from Php 750 to Php 2000. and you can customize your meal set according to your preference and budget from the array of samplers you can choose from. with the Chef's Quarter restaurants, you can choose from local Pinoy favorites, to oriental and western cuisines.

photos by Lariza Garcia and Ryan San Juan

for inquiries on catering packages, you may call Chef's Quarter at (02)3813449 / (02)3817716. email them at chefsquarter.cateringservices@gmail.com or visit any of their restaurant branches.

CLAWDADDY's Great American Picnic

be ready to get your hands dirty as you lick the flavor in Claw Daddy's Great American Picnic. indulge in the big feast of seafoods, corn on cobs and shells with the rich flavor of butter, lemon and black pepper. i was very excited myself as i see those plump crabs and juicy clam shells.

as i sat in front of 3 boiling bags, i had nothing to say but just gave in to the invitation of the shrimps, mussels, and clams to put my hands on them. they just had to be opened i think and the delight will be endless. here's a list of boiling bag choices when you will be with your family or friends:

Seafood Boil in a Bag

SEAFOOD BOIL IN A BAG - Php 1495
ALL SHRIMP BOILING BAG - Php 995
SHELLFISH BOILING BAG - Php 995
MARYLAND CRAB BOILING - Php 1495
LOUISIANA CRAB AND SHRIMP BOILING BAG - Php 1495

i even had a sumptuous encounter with buffalo chicken wings with its perfect match, the blue cheese dip. i was just waiting for someone to serve wine but i had my fill already. now i got to have dessert.

there are even better and healthier options to dine at ClawDaddy's. they had this tropical fruit salad which is made up of small watermelon cubes, mango and oranges.

Clawdaddy's Great American Picnic
B6 Bonifacio High Street
Tel # 8564785 / 8564326

Clawdaddy's Osteria Americana
The Ledge Shangri-La Plaza Mall
6365679 / 6374528

Clawdaddy's Osteria Americana
SM Mall of Asia
8613028

Clawdaddy's Great American Picnic
Nuvali, Sta. Rosa, Laguna