A Yellow Cake Recipe: Sweet Easy Treat for Valentine's Day with Midea

A sweet treat that comes from the heart

Whip up an easy treat this Valentine’s Day with Midea

Press release: 

The season of hearts is just around the bend and with it is the start of the trademark clamor that comes with celebrating it. After all, coming up with a meaningful way to express your love, whether it is for a significant other, a friend or family member, requires careful planning and perfect execution.

Thinking of how to surprise your loved ones on the sweetest day of the year can be stressful on its own. For those who want to stray from the usual Valentines fanfare, creativity is a big must if you want to try something unique and memorable to impress them.

This Valentine’s Day, why not create a special treat right at your very home? Rather than flowers and chocolates, a homemade gift that you spent time and effort on can mean so much more.

Yummy Magazine and KitchenAid MasterClass with Chef Penk Ching + shared recipes

I had recently been lucky to be invited to an exclusive event organized by Yummy Magazine and Kitchen Aid held at Rustan's Cubao in Gateway Mall. Yummy in partnership with Kitchenaid held Yummy x KitchenAid Masterclass cooking demo with no less than the pastry master herself, Chef Penk Ching! 

Discover Delight with Jack ‘n Jill Mallow Puff’s Vendo Machine

Jack ‘n Jill Mallow Puff recently launched their new Puff and Post Vendo Machine which accepts social currency (i.e a Facebook post) in exchange for a box of Jack ‘n Jill Mallow Puff.

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. 

Get the Limited Edition Krispy Kreme Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Doughnuts

I've been such an avid fan of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles as a kid. I knew those turtles named after Renaissance art icons by heart and the colors they've known for: Leonardo (blue), Donatello (purple), Raphael (red) and Michelangelo (orange). I'm no stranger to the names Splinter, April O' Neil and Shredder either. All the characters I've mentioned above made my childhood memorable and special. So when I've heard that Krispy Kreme releases a limited edition Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles special doughnuts which had my favorite cartoon characters on them, I really got excited! Krispy Kreme in partnership with Columbia Pictures' Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Movie launches these awesome doughnut pieces with the faces of our favorite characters: Leo, Donnie, Ralph and Mickey. Eating delicious Krispy Kreme doughnuts had never looked so cute! 

I remember having figure toys as well as other memorabilia of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Too bad, some of them have been lost due to the flooding brought about by typhoon Ondoy several years ago. I'm now thirty-something but I haven't stopped being a fan of these turtles. I even had my fingernails designed with these lovable turtles. So when I got an invite to attend Krispy Kreme's special blocked screening of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' 2014 Movie, I said yes right away! 

The movie was fantastic! It has a lot of action scenes right away so there was no room for dull and boring moments unlike other films I've seen. Although personally if I had a choice, I would've chosen another actress to essay the role of TV reporter April O' Neal rather than Megan Fox. She wasn't exactly a "damsel in distress" in the said film, but I still believe the role she has played was probably given more justice if it had been given to someone else. I was even surprised to see another Hollywood icon, Whoopi Goldberg in the film doing a cameo role as April's boss. Seeing the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles come to life on the silver screen not only has allowed me to reminisce my childhood but it had also given me the chance to re-introduce the well-loved characters of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to my beloved Kyle.

Well, Kyle basically knew who they were since I've already passed on my remaining Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles toys to him. He had also seen their mascot counterparts at events held by his favorite cable channel, Nickelodeon.  However, seeing these totally awesome turtles in a movie was something new to him. Kyle began to understand each turtle's backstory, how they got these superpowers, their mutation, who had saved them and their connection with TV reporter April O' Neal. He even had his own favorite turtle now--Kyle loved Donatello for his brilliance on gadgets and anything techie related. For me, I had always been a Mickey fan for he's the one responsible for bringing the house down each time with amazing punchlines and he's the funniest/naughtiest of them all. 

Kyle and I went home that night filled with happy thoughts as we talked about Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles some more such as our favorite scenes from the film etc. And it's nice to do those things as we munched on our Donatello and Raphael designed face doughnuts from Krispy Kreme's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles limited edition doughnuts. 

So Mommies, what are you waiting for? Get those cute Krispy Kreme Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles doughnuts now while they last. Krispy Kreme TMNT Doughnuts will only be available for a limited time, so you guys better be hurry before they're gone! Don't worry about it being colored green and all. Krispy Kreme's TMNT Doughnuts had that same sweetness of Krispy Kreme's Original Glazed doughnuts but with a few distinction--it had that crispy candy-icing on top (from the TMNT mask) which made eating Krispy Kreme's TMNT Doughnuts even more exciting and fun for kids and those kids-at-heart to eat! 

Grab those Krispy Kreme TMNT Doughnut boxes now at your favorite Krispy Kreme store before they're gone and be ready to scream for Cowabunga! 

Xoxo,

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Krispy Kreme Celebrates 77th Anniversary with a Php77 Half Dozen Original Glazed Doughnut Blowout!

If you're a fan of Krispy Kreme doughnuts just like my nephew Kyle, then you'd surely be happy to know that Krispy Kreme Philippines will be cutting off the price of half dozen Original Glazed doughnuts as they celebrate their 77th year anniversary. Your favorite original glazed doughnuts will be sold at Php77 per half dozen ONLY on JULY 14 from store opening until 7pm in all Krispy Kreme stores except NAIA and SM Mall of Asia. Maximum of two boxes per customer only. And you've got to show a print screen/screen grab or print out of the poster/picture above which you can find in Krispy Kreme's Social Media accounts like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

So guys, mark that date: July 14, Monday and drop by the nearest Krispy Kreme branch nearest you for some freshly baked, sweet original glazed donuts at a very low price! 

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

Jack ‘n Jill Big Bang offers explosive fun with two new flavors

Our favorite chocolate snack as a kid has two new exciting flavors out in the market today. Remember Big Bang Chocolate bars from Jack n' Jill? There are two new flavors to choose from inspired by all-time popular desserts, Jack ‘n Jill’s Big Bang puts-in a distinctive fruity twist to its well-loved chocolate snack as it offers two new variants –Big Bang Banana Split and Big Bang Blueberry & Cheese.

 

Big Bang Banana Split delights the palate as it combines yummy banana split-flavored nougat with crunchy choco cookie balls, wrapped with creamy milk chocolate.

 

Big Bang Blueberry & Cheese, on the other hand, tempts the taste buds with its delicious blend of lush blueberry and cheese-flavored nougat and crispy rice puffs all enrobed in silky smooth chocolate. Both variants are now available at leading supermarkets, groceries, and convenience stores nationwide.

 

Alaska Crema Merry Food Bazaar

Alaska Crema recently held the Merry Crema Food Bazaar at the Eastwood Mall Open Park  where 24 unique homebased and online businesses got the chance to showcase their bestselling goodies and were able to compete for the yummiest dessert creations. The Eastwood Open area was turned into Sweet City as young and old alike indulged into everything sweet and nice as everyone sampled all the delectable treats on display. I'm not much of a sweet tooth but I knew pretty much it was truly a delightful experience to check out what each food booths had to offer. Name it, they have it--from sweets to savory to whatnots. There have been a whole lot of treats that foodies and dessert aficionados had to enjoy. 

We also spotted actress/entrepreneur Bettina Carlos who was then so busy manning her very own food booth called Baked Bites with Dulce de Leche Pecan Cheesecake and Nutella Rocks cupcakes as their best selling items. Chocoholics feasted on different kinds of chocolates--from native Malagos cacao, mint chocolates, milk chocolates to dark one and caramel--every sweet tooth had surely been well satiated. For those looking for something different, there's puto bumbong and bibingka, siopao, cakes and polvoron, even crispy and tasty lechon! 

Speaking of lechon, it was the first time I saw a chocolate cake that cooked actually be mistaken for a lechon de leche because it actually looked like one. Nothing But C's really put a creative spin on our fiesta staple food. We also adored the polvoron that looked like little cupcakes with cute character designs on top such as Minions, Hello Kitty, Christmas Tree, Angels etc. They looked so good to look at, it's easy to forget they're really edible and were meant to be eaten!

Alaska Crema even had an on stage games and program so there's practically no dull moment. The event was hosted by popular radio dynamic duo of Chico and Delamar. It was also graced by pop rock singer Yeng Constantino who sang Christmas songs as well as her current hit single Chinito to the delight of the audience. The Intervoices Chorale also wowed the audience with heartwarming Christmas songs. Lucky guests and participants of the fun games went home with awesome Alaska Crema gift packs as prizes. 

It was indeed a merry event as Alaska Crema has inspired everyone to put creative twists to old time favorites and classic desserts/viands, thereby making the holiday feasts extra special. 

Security Blanket wishes to thank Mikki Abrazado and Alaska Crema. 

Unique Christmas Gift Ideas from Mrs. Fields

Catch the perfect gift for the merriest of seasons with Mrs. Fields. Mrs.Fields elevates the traditional Christmas gift giving to a whole new level of luxury with a treasure trove of awesome Mrs. Fields cookies, as well as a fine selection of personalized huge cookies. Gift givers who prefer to put an extra touch may customize their messages or dedication (they can even put in their company logo for giveaways) on giant cookie cake. Just place your order at least three days in advance for an affordable, stress-free gifts that'll surely make the receiver happy with your unique gift. 

Fill your Christmas table with a lavish spread of Mrs. Fields festive goodies in special Christmas gift packaging, each elegantly presented in totally cute gift box or tin cans. 

Mrs. Fields has a vast array of tin cans and Christmas-inspired boxes too so you can choose what catches your fancy. Mrs. Fields has a fine selection of bakery delights, pastries, gingerbread style lollies, brownie nibblers and other holiday goodies meant to satisfy your discerning sweet tooth. Nothing beats eating cookies with abandon. It's such a great feeling knowing we are doing it like Cookie Monster, the role model for many cookie makers and eaters. 

Visit Mrs. Fields branch nearest you. Visit www.mrs.fields.com.ph for more information. Like them on Facebook, and follow them on Instagram @mrsfieldsph

Gavino's Japanese Donuts: A Delightful Twist for Donut Lovers

Don't let its unique shape fool you. Gavino's Japanese Donuts may looked like cute flower rings to begin with, but let it be known that it's made up of honest-to-goodness Japanese inspired Mochi Rings and Balls made from premium ingredients. With unique flavors such as Green Tea Cheesecake (a Must-Try), Pork Floss (which was so good, it had the savory flavor that's so addicting), Parmesan Glazed, Strawberry Gummy, Triple Chocolate,M and M's, Hazelnut and Choco Almond to name a few--you can never go wrong with Gavino's Japanese Donuts! 

An interesting twist to the classic donuts, the last time I remember getting this excited over a reinvention was when I've tried an artisanal ice cream, and I must say, I was incredibly pleased with the marriage of chewy and doughy donuts filled with various flavors, both sweet and savory. In fact, I can't say I've tried anything like it, which is reason enough for Gavino's to earn top marks from me. Oh, and don't forget to order Mochi Balls as well. Mochi Balls come in Bavarian, Red Velvet, Peanut Butter, Chocolate, Hazelnut, Green Tea, Strawberry, Swiss Mocha, Choco Lava flavors. There are also exciting and unique flavors that will piqued your interest such asThe Venetian, Red Velvet Pistachio and Black Forest. Hmm...with loads of interesting flavors to choose from sold at very reasonable prices, you won't be afraid to come over to try the rest of their Gavino's Japanese Donuts flavors again and again. 

The best thing about Gavino's Japanese Donuts, although they are a bit chewy, they are not tough. So you don't have to worry, it's not the rubbery kind. And even if you put them inside the fridge overnight, they'd still taste just as good and chewy as the first time you've bought them. 

Get your Gavino's Japanese Donuts fix at the following locations: 

Il Terrazo Timog, Unimart, Robinsons Galleria, Robinsons Place Manila, Rustans Katipunan, Landmark Trinoma, Lucky Chinatown Mall, SM Southmall and SM Megamall. 

For orders, call 477-9275/414-4491

Email: gavinosdonuts@yahoo.com

Disclaimer: I am not compensated for this post. Opinions expressed are 100% my own.