How to turn your Kale into a yummy drink

Kale is a leafy food that makes wonders to your body. Considered wonder food by nutritionists and food experts, kale has benefits that include lots of vitamins, antioxidants, boost immune system, reduces the risk of heart disease among others. However, some people especially kids do not tend to eat leafy vegetables just because they don't like it. Here is a tip which can help you turn your supply of kale into something yummy and perfect to start the day.

You need:
1 bag of kale (I usually prefer the organic ones and bought from Nurture Wellness Village. It costs around Php 180 for about 1 kilo)
1/2 cup of chocolate powder, any powdered chocolate will do
1 cup of water
honey, to taste - optional

Remember to wash the kale thoroughly Remove the kale leaves from the stalk and combine all ingredients into a blender until the leaves are completely disintegrated or liquefied. This mixture can produce up to 4 glasses and best served when chilled.

There are also other options that you can use to substitute chocolate with kale. You can use fruits like mango, strawberry, pineapples and more. There is no vegetable aftertaste too.

But if you are on the go and have less time to prepare this recipe from scratch, there is also O'kale Chocolate drink from Nurture Wellness Village.

SM City Masinag Food Crawl: InasaLaing

When it was InasaLaing's turn to serve us food during the Food Crawl last Feb 10, I didn't know that they were really serving Inasal and Laing in one plate. Thanks to the brainchild of a young entrepreneur who developed the dish combination herself.

Since I was starting to feel bloated from the past Food Court tenants, I need to try it again for myself if they can still live up to expectations.

Their laing can stand on its own and for me could sell in plastic containers. However when we tried it for the second time, the laing is no longer as creamy as they were served before. I usually add vinegar to this to add acidity to the dish.

When our Chicken Inasal and BBQ orders came which come with rice, laing and their own mix of condiments, we think that the meat and chicken were too charred but hoping it will be cooked well. The chicken is too dry and yes, you have to dip it in the sauce so you can get some flavor.

Same goes with the BBQ. The meat is burnt and made it too dry. Hope they can marinade it more for better taste.

InasaLaing is located at 3F Food Court, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Chica's

If you're in for some high-cholesterol and extra rice intake, grab a plate at Chica's at the Food Court of SM City Masinag.  They have the best pulutan dishes that is so sinful and deserve an ice cold drink that anyone could ask for.

The crunchy chicharong bulaklak, crispy pork and pork gizzard perfectly match the vinegar acidity that goes with it. Ask for extra rice topped with toasted garlic to maintain the balance of your meal (slightly).

But there's a "healthier" alternative for those who doesn't eat pork wants to maintain their diet. They also serve fried tofu on the side which you can also enjoy.

Chica's is located at the 3F, Food Court, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.

brunch at RUSTIC MORNINGS

A bright Sunday morning when I immediately got out of bed and washed to catch the 11am meeting with friends in a place called Rustic Mornings in Marikina. A humble home converted into a restaurant with great ambiance with both al fresco and dine-in facilities that can accommodate small groups and families.

It was my very first visit to the restaurant and they jokingly asked how come I was never ever get to come to the place when I was the one most accessible to it. I just ignored and looked at the menu beside me and hailed the waiter for a blueberry pancake, some sliced kiwi and roasted almonds on the side.

As it arrived, butter melts down the pancake and the blueberry syrup drips down the side which made it look more appetizing. I thought that they are just toppings but the batter also has blueberries in it. I drizzled over the maple syrup and began to enjoy the rich and creamy pancake for my brunch. One slice of kiwi at a time and crunch on some toasted almonds made the blueberry pancake more interesting.

Finishing it with matcha latte and then I'm ready to take an afternoon nap.
 
RUSTIC MORNINGS is located at 11 I. Mendoza St., San Roque, Marikina City.

SM City Masinag Food Crawl: Potato Corner

Have you ever had the crave for fries and you like it fast and freshly cooked? Potato Corner is one of my favorite places to go to to satisfy my cravings and have that finger-smacking moment anytime I want.

Potato Corner Wasabi and Cheese (Large)

When going to SM City Masinag, I always go up to the Food Court and buy a cup or tub of fries from Potato Corner. Whether it's Large to the Tetra size, it seems like it's never enough for me. Did you know that they have a secret flavor? Aside from Cheese, BBQ, Sour Cream and Wasabi, they have the new Ranch flavor that is a combination of Cheese and Sour Cream shaken into a tub.

Are you also fond of watching how they prepare your favorite fries?

Potato Corner is located at 3F Food Court, SM City Masinag, Marcos Hiway, Antipolo City.