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! 

Spend a Sweet and Heartwarming Valentine's Day Celebration at Max's

Say hello to the love month as you satiate both your sweet tooth and Filipino food cravings as global brand Max's Restaurant offers both delectably sweet and exciting ways to show your love this February. 

In line with the Valentine celebration, from February 13 to 15, 2015 customers who will be dining at Max's Restaurant with a minimum food purchase of Php1,500 will be receiving a boy of delectable Choco and Caramel bites from Max's Corner Bakery for FREE! 

“Valentine’s Day is such a special occasion for Filipinos. It is during this season that we really go out of our way to show our appreciation for our loved ones. Max’s understands this endearing tradition very well. It inspired us to create the most romantic opportunities for our customers to celebrate Valentine’s,” shared Orlando Villanueva, Max’s Restaurant’s Marketing Manager for Dine-In, Take Out, Delivery, and E-Commerce. 

As if the sweet treats aren't enough, Max's Restaurant also offers a special "Meal for Two"--an intimate all-day feast for couple who'd want to celebrate Valentine's Day while enjoying their favorite "sarap to the bones" chicken along with classic dishes from Max's. Meal for Two creates the perfect date, with a regular half serving of Max’s sarap to the bones Fried Chicken complemented by a savory choice of Sizzling Tofu or Adobong Kangkong, steaming white rice, two glasses of iced tea or any Pepsi softdrink.  This hearty meal is sweetly capped off with delicious Buko Pandan. Sharing an intimate meal with a loved one doesn’t need to be hefty on the pocket too. Max’s Meal for Two is 

only priced at PhP529, or with as much as PhP 191 savings for customers and is available until February 28.

Meanwhile, Max’s Corner Bakery is offering its Love Letter Cookies, Love Birds Cookies, melt-in-your-mouth White Chocolate Butter Cake, a delectably light and fluffy butter cake garnished with milky white chocolate shavings and topped with rich whipped cream and cherry; and yummy Choco Peanut Butter Cake, a rich and moist chocolate cake, filled with premium peanut butter icing and coated with delicious chocolate frosting. There's nothing sweeter and more romantic than sharing these sweet treats from Max's Corner Bakery!

I was able to try the Choco Peanut Butter cake myself and although I'm not really fond of peanut butter, I was surprised to find myself liking it. I love its velvety texture, it tastes like peanut butter, only in cake form. It's not too sweet but rather tastes just right. The chocolate perfectly complements the peanut butter. 

At the end of the day, Valentine’s Day is all about celebrating with the people who are important to us. For Max’s, every season will always be about touching lives and creating memories that warm the heart.” Villanueva said.

C' mon, go ahead and buy your loved one with Max’s Delightful Valentine, or catch Max’s Meal for Two and Max's Corner Bakery's sweet treats for Valentine's anywhere in the Philippines for the entire month of February, available for dine-in, take-out and delivery. Visit your favorite Max’s branch and create the most romantic Valentine celebration for your special loved one.

Learn more about what’s new at Max’s by logging on to www.maxschicken.com. Visit 

www.facebook.com/maxsrestaurant and be the first to know about the coolest offerings from the Filipino’s most loved brand.

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.

 

Marks and Spencer Food Fair at the Eastwood Mall

Sweet delights from Marks and Spencer

It was a Sunday and what better way to spend the day than to head off to the mall and check out Marks and Spencer Food Fair held recently at the Eastwood Mall. There had been a line-up of different activities for mall-goers and foodies to enjoy. There had been coffee tasting, sweets tasting (yes, they had given out free sweet treats like chocolates, gummy bears and worms, hard candies etc), tea time (guests had tea infusion samples and paired them with biscuits and cookies). Too bad, I came in quite late (just about 30 minutes since I decided to walk around 2km from my home to Eastwood City); I wasn’t able to try any Marks and Spencer coffee. So when I came, they were about to sample sweet treats to the guests. TV personality, endorser and foodie host Sam Oh hosted the said event.

The author with TV Personality/host Sam Oh

With fellow blogger Ms. Josie Esquiron

Items on Sale at really low prices from Marks and Spencer

Sweet treats from Marks and Spencer

Marks and Spencer had a wide range of products—from breakfast staples like cereals, mueslix, oatmeal, delightful snacks and crackers, sweets such as candies, chocolates, fruit juices, tomato and pesto based sauces, pasta, coffee, wine—along with a clothing line. Some people may not be aware that they do have other products apart from their apparel, lingerie and toiletries. I had always been a fan of Marks and Spencer’s pesto sauce eversince I stumbled upon its small bottle at Rustan’s Makati almost a decade ago.

Chef Luigi Muhlach at work.

It was delightful to see mall goers, foodies, bloggers and members of the press gather at the Eastwood Mall for the Marks and Spencer Food Fair. But the highlight of the afternoon was the cooking demonstration made by Chef Luigi Muhlach. His surename alone rings a bell, so if you’re wondering if he’s related to actor Aga Muhlach, well, Chef Luigi is Aga’s son with actress Janice De Belen.  But Chef Luigi has made a name for himself in the food industry. He studied culinary at the American Hospitality Academy and has worked under the tutelage of Chef Jessie Sinsioco and he’s now a resident chef at Bellevue Hotel and Resorts.

A bit shy for a Chef Luigi prepares his ingredients.

Chef Luigi Muhlach does his work while Sam Oh looks on.

Fellow blogger Josie Esquiron with Chef Luigi

A plate of Duck Spring rolls with hoisin sauce and Ham sandwich along with a slice of crab cakes.

I loved the Duck Spring Roll and the Mango Cheesecake. I think I’m going to try doing it at home one of these days. I just don’t know if I could do a mango flambé on my own. But it’s certainly worth the try. 

The ham sandwich made by Chef Luigi Muhlach

The Ham Sandwich that Chef Luigi has prepared is also perfect for Kyle’s baon in school. It is healthy but it does not sacrifice its taste. Who would have thought that ham + raspberry conserve + greens will go along well in a single sandwich? It had salty-sweet and somewhat tangy with a hint of bitterness from the alfalfa and arugula perhaps, but it’s perfect. 

Chef Luigi Muhlach's Creamy Pomodoro

Vegetable Curry with bagoong rice

A small slice of Mango Cheesecake flambe

What else can I say but the other dishes are also worth mentioning such as the creamy pomodoro (it tastes exactly as the way my Italian friend does her pomodoro), the vegetable curry is really spicy, perfect for those craving for some hotness on their meals. Fortunately, the bagoong (fermented fish paste) is a good contrast for the spice along with the thin slices of mango on the bed of rice. And last but not the least, the mango cheesecake is definitely just as lovely.

Capping off the night was a wine tasting and lecture from Ms. Chie Gachalian. She had discussed what is ideal to bring during a friends' get-together and for starters, prosecco is the perfect buddy. According to her, it is the prince of wine--very bubbly and light. The more it is dry, the better because that means it is sweeter. It only has about 13 percent alcohol content. 

Wines of the world from Marks and Spencer

Ms. Gachalian also talked about how to properly store wines. She made the audience taste different kinds of wines from prosecco to chardonnay, sauvignon blanc, bordeaux merlot, cabernet sauvignon, pinoit and the port. She taught the audience how to appreciate wines through retro nasal approach: swirl the wine over before swallowing. 

I may not be a drinker, but going to Marks and Spencer Food Fair had taught me a lot of things plus I was able to spend an afternoon while learning a whole lot of new things and gaining a few freebies. 

Experience Marks and Spencer items from food, apparel, sweets, coffee, tea and wines. Visit the branch nearest you. 

Special thanks to Nuffnang for the invites.

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

BAKED: SWEET GOODIES MADE WITH SISTERLY LOVE



Delectable cupcakes from Baked.


BAKED, an up-and-coming online store that sells a selection of delectable treats was born out of necessity and hobby; to become a family bonding activity among sisters and most importantly become an outlet where their passion to eat something healthy, with occasional sweet indulgences of course.

Using natural and fresh ingredients, Baked's culinary team composed of three sisters together with their Mom started the business whipping up mouthwatering baked goodies from their very own kitchen. From cakes, pies, muffins, breads to their best selling cupcakes--everything that they offer are a must-try, with varieties such as Red Velvet, Blackout Chocolate, Coconut Snowball, Dirty Harry, Cookies and Cream--are among the list of many others.

Aside from being pretty to look at, these delicious desserts and pastries make for a sweet way to cap off every meal or a family feast. Chocolate is probably the ultimate dessert, and there's no better place to get your cocoa fix than Baked's.



Sisters behind Baked: Ericka, Richelle and Maricor.


Inspired by the siblings passion in the kitchen, Baked opened last year as a cupcake supplier to a coffee and tea shop. Thanks to their clients' positive feedback, they now sell their heavenly baked goodies online where clients have an option for either pickup or delivery.

Desserts are made using only the finest ingredients and are  guaranteed to be preservative-free, to boot. Security Blanket gets a good case of sugar rush in trying out Baked famous cupcakes. Here's my verdict:
Dirty Harry--Filled with dessicated coconut, Dirty Harry may deceive your eyes for it looks so plain and simple but you'll be in for a surprise upon first bite. It had a perfect balance of choco cream frosting with the natural sweetness of coconut bits--all these exploding textures and flavors in its every bite.

Want to try something new? If your usual chocolate, vanilla and mocha cupcakes doesn't tickle your fancy, Baked's Citrus Burst offers the perfect balance of sweet fresh oranges and butterless fresh cream frosting that's rich and smooth--giving you something new to enjoy. It had that fresh citrusy and tangy zest that'll excite and clean your palate.

Blackout Chocolate in Purple Frosting--The color itself is enough to make me salivate. I love purple. What with rainbow bits sprinkled on top, I know this cupcake looks so enticing. And you can never go wrong because it's filled with buttercream frosting and moisted chocolates on the inside. Finally an indulgent dessert for most chocolate fans. Bringing home a little piece of confectionary heaven with its soft creme ganache type of texture plus it tastes so heavenly. La Dolce Vita in a cupcake! Give in to this sweet temptation. Just thanks God for this gift from heaven.

Baked's cupcakes are flavorful but light. It will make ordinary cupcakes fold in shame. Enjoy the comfort that  Baked cupcakes can bring. Bite into delectable chunks and delight in its creamy goodness with layers of frosting on a soft and moist chiffon cupcake. It's guaranteed to make your day, no matter what! Their rich cupcakes are extremely addictive and impossible to resist, especially for chocolate fans.

You can't help but adore this gooey-lip smacking peanut butter brittle treat that leaves traces of chocolatey mess on your fingers. Coarsely crushed brittles make every chocolate and peanut butter lover smile with this yummy cupcake. No child can resist the crunchyness of its topping and the vibrant colors of the classic candy toppings. The sprinkling of brittle nuts provides an interesting  touch and flavor. You'll love the contrast between sweet and salty.

Baked has been an online buzz for both teens and adults alike. Baked is managed by three sisters namely Richelle, Maricor and Ericka with some help from their Mom. The youngest, Ericka is the brain behind the dainty online business. "It was really her idea. It was her brainchild, even the names of each products," says Maricor, the equally bright middle sister.  Ericka is  actually the one manning behind the kitchen and budding marketer for developing relevant marketing strategies while Maricor have contributed to the progress of Baked in relation to selling and deliveries.

In a span of twelve months, they were able to generate thousands of likes on their Facebook fan page, with consistently growing interaction with their customers. "We're very happy and grateful that people find time to actually post in our Facebook wall," says Maricor of the warm reception from their growing community of food lovers.

With cupcvake stores sprouting like mushrooms, it must be difficult to swim with the current but Baked considers it a challenge. "We're not just cupcakes. We're a bakery and confectionary.We have cupcakes, breads, pies, cookies, pastries and made-to-order cakes as well," claims Maricor.

The three sisters did not study culinary though, but sharing a passion for cooking and baking led them to this business. "Baked was able to make our mark online and the products are based on the ones that we like and the ones we actually bake and eat at home," reveals Maricor.

Baked's business is indeed a reflection of their lifestyle because it's almost an extension of their home. Quality, passion + sisterly love can easily synonimize the tasting as one takes a bite of their classic cupcakes.

For more information and orders, visit http://www.bakedphilippines.wix.com/baked
or LIKE them on facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BakedPhilippines.

Special thanks to Baked sisters Ericka and Maricor.

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