Hearts and Bells Special Cakes for Special Events, Binondo Manila

Baking runs through my veins, so I was pretty psyched up when I've found out about Hearts and Bells--high-quality special cakes made for special occasions. Although I don't have a sweet tooth, I sometimes feel the need to have my sugar fix. Since Christmas is just around the corner, since I came across Hearts and Bells, I figured their products will be a great gift and giveaway goodies for your loved ones and friends. 

What is it about Hearts and Bells that made it so special? A simple bakeshop that produces one of the most lovely looking cakes and divinely luscious special customized cakes, Hearts and Bells wants to share its gift not just in the culinary field, but also in design in general. Hearts and Bells has been delighting its clienteles with its freshly baked and handmade cakes since it was established way back in 1997. With its overwhelming selection of gourmet specialty cakes and sketching service for personalized and customized cakes as well as handmade cake toppers, you can never go wrong with Hearts and Bells specialty cakes.

What do I love about them? Their cakes are available in six different flavors, namely; Tropical Carrot Cake, Devil's Food Chocolate, Rosy Red Velvet, Heavenly Vanilla, Mocha Espresso and Banana Nut and Chocochip. So basically, as a consumer, you have more options to choose from.  Having tried their specialty cakes, I'd have to say that Hearts and Bells' are soft and fluffy. They're not that sweet too. The filling blended well with its chiffon or pound base cake. There's butter flavor in the mouthfeel. Cake decoration wise, they can do anything from simple yet elegant to something totally fabulous! Price is pretty reasonable too.

Hearts and Bells are also made-to-order cakes. It has no preservatives and best consume within 3 days from the date of purchase. Best eaten at your own pace, undistracted and slowly with a cup of your favorite arabica coffee or warm tea. Taste is unadulterated. And for someone who knows a thing or two about baking, I know that Hearts and Bells do not scrimp on their ingredients. I could not find words to describe it. But once the candles were blown out, expect Hearts and Bells special cakes to be gone in minutes. Yes, and I am not exaggerating here, I am speaking from experience. 

I love Hearts and Bells' Mango Cake. Every bite is a whole mouth full of cake, making the price worth it as they are definitely full of flavor. They aren't overly sweet and doesn't make one feel disgusted ("umay" in the vernacular) even after eating a lot. You know how some cakes are either too hard or too fluffy and the toppings are almost non-existent? Hearts and Bells are far from those ordinary cakes I've mentioned. Here, even the toppings are so flavorful that you will savor them with every bite. Their Mango Cake is very deceiving because it looks like a very simple cake on the outside. The outside is a bit firm. The inside is a bit moist and cakey, just perfect. But then again, don't be fooled by its looks. Hearts and Bells Mango cake is one that will WOW your family and friends. This will certainly knock your socks off! It's very light and delicately sweet. Absolutely divine! 

I believe that Hearts and Bells deserves to have some recognition. They do well to go out of their comfort zone and experiment with trendy flavors and cool cake designs you that you can imagine. Hearts and Bells' quality cakes are also impeccable, quantity is delectable and delight is just phenomenal! Hearts and Bells knows exactly what is good when it comes to baked goodies. I simply can't get enough of their Mango cake. My goodness. I haven't tried everything yet but I love everything I've tried so far. Their frap bars, butterscotch and cream cheese bars are also the best! I know they do more damage to my waistline but I can't help but chomp up with all their awesome baked treats. 

Nowadays, they also offer Desserts Buffet spread which cater to kids and will definitely satiate anyone with sweet tooth. With several theme parties, the dessert buffet can be arranged depending on the party theme. Sink your teeth in soft marshmallows, chocolate wafer sticks, milk powder sticks, frosted butter cookies, sour candy jellies, gummy bears, cherry flavored gum balls, yema balls, cake pops, mini cup cakes, gourmet bars, and even Hearts and Bells' chocolate, custard, caramel and mango cakes to go with it. Fill your guests' stomach with splendid and mouthwatering sweet feast. 

Hearts and Bells also have other pastries to choose from, they have banana loaf, cream cheese bar, frappuccino bar, butterscotch bar--among many others. 

Hearts and Bells does not only focus on their cake design but on the taste as well. They assure quality both visually and on its palatability. When one mentions the brand Hearts and Bells, then you must know you're special because they carefully crafted confection catering to kindred hearts in love or just about crazy with cakes or anything sweet.

I only wish I had known them then when I had my birthday bash. My cake then wasn't this good. Well, I guess I just have to find my groom first so that I can have another spectacular cake for my wedding day from Hearts and Bells. 

If you find yourself salivating, simply lusting for sweets, Call Hearts and Bells--you can never go wrong. 

Hearts and Bells is located at 934 Alvarado Street, Binondo, Manila

Call (02) 242-0599/ 244-0255

0917-537-9388/ 0922-866-9777

Connect with them through Facebook: www.facebook.com/heartsnbells

Instagram: @heartsnbells

Email: heartsnbells@gmail.com

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for is post. Opinions expressed are my own. 

RECIPE: Century Tuna Vienna Sausage Corndogs

I've always liked eating corndogs as a kid. At parties, this is what my Mom would usually prepare. But nowadays I find them too expensive for Php50 per stick. Fifty bucks will already buy you a decent rice meal at your favorite fast food joint. So why in the world will you buy a corndog when you can buy an entire meal with the same amount? That's why I'm really grateful that Century Culinary Circle from the makers Century Tuna brand came up with awesome healthy recipes including my childhood favorite corndogs with a twist. Here, I am sharing them with you. Enjoy and just like me, relive your childhood favorite food! 

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Village Tavern is an international franchise, owned and operated by The Bistro Group. Village Tavern brings North Carolina's vibrant vibe. Unbeknownst to many, Village Tavern was established way back in 1984 and it was a franchise from The Bistro Group. The restaurant was under Bistro Group's executive chef Josh Boutwood.  As you enter the restaurant, you'll feel right at home with the well-lit, classy ambiance and red booth comfy chairs and cushions. 

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"In this lifetime, you will only have one body and if you are what you eat, then eat right and eat well. The Wholesome Table is here to help you do exactly that," says the paper tray which you can find along with similar statements adorning their walls. The Wholesome Table claims to be Antibiotic-free and Nitrate-free. They are unprocessed, raw, fresh, organic, cold-pressed and superfood. They have the farm-to-plate concept. Conceptualized by health advocate couple Bianca Araneta-Elizalde and Juan Elizalde, The WholesomeTable uses local and organic ingredients without sacrificing the flavors. Elizalde's goal is to make sure her customers get a delightful dining experience at her restaurant sans any guilt feeling later. 

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HEALTHY RECIPE FOR HOLIDAY LEFTOVERS

With the approaching holiday, I'm sure most of us have been planning what dishes to serve our guests or what special meals should we prepare for the traditional Christmas eve dinner. But have you ever thought what you can make out of the usual leftover foods after Christmas? Well, here's another healthy recipe for holiday makeovers courtesy from our friends at the Century Culinary Circle called Century Tuna Risotto Balls.

Yes, you can still make something fabulous out of food leftovers such as rice. And apart from good 'ole sinangag or fried rice, they could be made extra special by coming up with risotto balls! Here, I am sharing with you the recipe so that you can do this delicious, nutritious and healthy recipe with your holiday leftovers. Your family will love this even a day after their sumptuous holiday dinner. Just make sure that the rice isn't spoiled yet before doing this to avoid possible food poisoning. But this Risotto balls are really winners when it comes to taste. 

RECIPE: Century Tuna Risotto Balls

Ingredients:

1 Tablespoon oil

1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper

1/4 cup onions

2-180 grams Century Tuna Flakes in Oil, drained

2 cups cooked rice

1 tablespoon chicken powder

1/4 white wine

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup flour

2 eggs

1 cup breadcrumbs

Marinara Sauce:

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup minced garlice

2 cups chunky tomato sauce (canned diced tomatoes with tomato sauce)

1 teaspoon dried basil

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon pepper

Procedure: 

In a pan, sauté bell pepper and onions until caramelized. Add the tuna and stir to break chunks. Add cooked rice, chicken powder and white wine. Set aside. Let cool. 

Mix in Parmesan cheese and form into small balls. Dredge in flour, egg and breadcrumbs, then deep fry into golden brown. 

For the Marinara sauce: In a pan, heat olive oil. Sauté garlic and tomatoes. Allow to simmer until thick. Add salt and pepper. Lastly add basil leaves and remove from fire. 

Makes 28 balls. 

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Tired of the same old boring dishes you have made at home? It's time to try and experiment on new dishes that your families will surely love. Here's another healthy holiday alternative from the Cenutry Culinary Circles. This time, we'd be cooking something different, and it's no longer made from tuna--but from Bangus (Milkfish). We're going to use Century Gourmet Bangus Fillet Spanish Style for this recipe. Yes, and the Spanish name of our dish came from its Spanish-style Bangus itself. So get your cooking pans and ingredients ready and let's cook this healthier alternative to Spanish dish called "Callos". This is healthier because we'll be using fish that's rich in Omega-3 (good for the heart) rather than the old Callos recipe using ox tripe. Try this dish and you'll never regret doing it. 

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RECIPE: Century Tuna Baked Ziti

It's now the month of November! This early, have you made up your mind on what dishes to prepare for the Christmas Eve? Well, let me share you a very simple yet healthy recipe which you can use fir the coming holiday season. It's called Century Tuna Baked Ziti! Your family and evn your kids will surely love this awesome dish!  

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Something is indeed brewing at the soon-to-be-opened Brew Haus Pub and Eatery. How can it not be? It'll soon be one of the coolest hangouts in the Metro, that's for sure. It's got something for everyone. They're going to have excellent craft beers, fine wines, bespoke cocktails and irresistible comfort foods! Executive Chef Carlo Miguel invited foodies to get a glimpse or a sneak peek of what he'd be preparing once Brew Haus Pub and Eatery opens. So guys, brace yourselves for the foodie drool! 

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