Christmas Squares Cookies by Kumori Japanese Bakery Philippines

One of the many food that I associate with Christmas season is cookies. Is that weird? Not really, right? Come the first of Christmas month, piles of cookies would slowly gather in my pantry. None of which are baked by me because while I am confident that I can cook a feast that could feed a Village, baking is not really one of my strongest suits since I hate following instruction to a T. So really, I am not complaining.

Some of these are given by baker friends who banks on the idea that I could honestly give criticism without battling an eyelash which they appreciate, some are gifts, while some are lined up for a blog or magazine feature. This year, I got this Christmas Squares Cookies by Kumori Philippines.

It was actually a gift from the kindly people at Relish Group tucked in a cute Christmas-themed paper bag alongside an equally cute personalized key chain. Relish Group as you may have known is the people behind Osaka Osho, Wee Nam Kee, Kumori, and other food businesses in Manila. But this gift, I find good and fit for a blog feature, so here we are.

Holiday Ham Premium Boneless Hind Leg and Danes Cheese Ball

Christmas is just around the corner and you still have not decided on what ham and queso de bola you are going to serve to your loved ones this season, may I suggest Holiday Ham and Danes Cheese Ball? Ham and queso de bola during Noche Buena and even Media Noche are just some of the traditions most Filipino Families adhere to. 

Since these things are something that we will share to our loved ones good quality and reasonable pricing must be our top priority. In this regard, Holiday Ham and Danes Cheese Ball fit the bill.

Our family is one of those who religiously follows this delicious tradition. But remember how we also practice our family tradition of having not less than 12 dishes every Noche Buena and Media Noche to represent all 12 months of the previous and the incoming year? It can be pretty heavy on the pocket so yeah, we really appreciate those brands we trust which we can get at reasonable price. 

Snapshots and Good Eats at City Savor PH Food Fair

I feel like I have been spending way too much time working on some of my freelance projects that I am literally dreaming about my blog screaming at me out of neglect. I know it's weird, but you get the point. So last weekend I decided to get out and do something I could blog about just to kick start my drive to blog again and face my backlogs, hence the visit to City Savor Food Fair. 

City Savor is a Manila food fair happening in three consecutive weekends that features concessionaires that offer food perfect for the holidays. The guys behind City Savor is the same people behind Valero Eat St.

The first leg, which I was able to attend to happened at the Sapphire Bloc in Ortigas. The next will be held at The Signa Designer Residences, Makati and The Trion Tower BGC on December 12 and 19 respectively.

Serenitea Yuletide Offerings: Planner, Chocolate Drinks, and Jumbo Cups #ILoveSerenitea

Good things come in three, and this season, Serenitea offers three exciting treats for all of us; Serenitea Planner, Toblerone Chocolate-infused Drinks, and Jumbo Cups promo. Surely these things are great reason to make this Yuletide Season with Serenitea extra special.

These treats you can have for yourself, or you can have as a gift for your loved ones who also loves their Christmas be filled with Serenitea moments.

If like me, you are also I fan of Serenitea, I am guessing you would love to know more about these treats, so, read on.

A Love Letter to Chocolate Chip Army Cookies

Oh Chocolate Chip Army Cookies, how can I even begin to tell you how much your impeccable awesomeness blew me away? Perhaps by a salute? How about declaring you as one of the best cookies I have ever eaten in my years of food blogging?  I couldn’t think of any other ways right now but I am well aware that you deserve more than that.

A bite into your handcrafted cookies made me feel like I can battle the craziness of this world. It made me feel like I can soldier things out because at the end of the day, I can count on your downright deliciousness which can calm my nerves. You made me a cookie soldier.

It is so mighty courageous of you to join the food delivery landscape in Manila with only your cookies as your weapon in the midst of food delivery infested battle field. What is more courageous is the fact that you have even built a camp of your own where cookie soldiers like us may visit you and dine in. 

Chowking Chunky Asado Siopao #BuksanParaMalaman

Have you tried Chowking's Chunky Asado Siopao yet? I have. It was very timely as I have been craving for really good siopao these past few weeks. I have my own recipe for Asado siopao but I am always pressed for time hence, a visit in my kitchen remains rarity these days. And I have not found any good place in our area that sells good siopao as of yet.

Little did I know, Chowking has this Chunky Asado Siopao which would somehow satisfy the mean cravings.

So how chunky is Chowking's Chunky Asado Siopao? Their official hashtag says it all, #BuksanParaMalaman. And that's what I did.

Salad in a Jar by Healthy Monsters PH

Healthy Monsters PH is a healthy meal delivery service in Manila that specializes in salad in a jar and cold-pressed healthy juices. I was thought this technique of putting your salad veggies in a jar if you want it to last longer than usual by some vegan friends way back and little did I know, there is already a business that offers it. 

Healthy Monsters PH uses locally sourced organic ingredients for their salads and the thing that I find most noteworthy is the fact that they made they own salad dressings.

Despite my undying love for meat, dealing with veggies has never been a problem for me. I grew up in the mountain, we plant our own veggies back home, I grew up loving salads. So this one, I am happy to share with you since it's right up my alley.

San Marino Tuna Laing: A New Healthy and Delicious Treat from San Marino

Tuna Laing is the new product of San Marino, a brand known for creating healthy and great tasting products. I have always loved San Marino products especially their Corned Tuna and the Blue Mackerel Steak in Tomato Sauce. These two are mainstays in my pantry. When I do not have time to cook and prepare viands, I could always count on San Marino.
 

Now that they have introduced San Marino Tuna Laing, I am super stoked to try it out.

Laing is one of my favorite viands.  It is healthy and delicious so, regardless if it is devoid of the usual meat which I love, I am still all for it. The thing is, Laing is not really easy to cook because of the preparation it entails. So when craving for Laing hit me, I still have to wait when I finally have time to cook or when I have time to visit a restaurant that serves the dish. 

TESCO Affordable British Favorites at SM Markets: Top 10 Must-Try TESCO Products #TESCOatSMMarkets @SMMarkets

This year, TESCO, a long-established UK brand considered as "Affordable British Favorites" is finally made available here in the Philippines all thanks to SM Markets. This partnership between Tesco and SM provides a great chance for Filipinos to experience British products at an affordable price. 

Relatives and friends from the UK send me some food and lifestyle products carried by Tesco but I am thankful that today, I can even buy it myself since they are now available in SM Supermarkets, SM Hypermarkets, and Savemore.

Considered as the largest retailer and purveyor of Britain’s favorite food and lifestyle brand, Tesco carries a whole lot of products to choose from. I have tried several of these items and I cannot count how many have satisfied me. I'll be dishing out more about Tesco products in future blog posts, but for now, let's narrow it down to Top 10.

Nutcracker Peanut Butter

A group of young entrepreneur sent bottles of Nutcracker Peanut Butter for me to try. I am all for supporting local entrepreneur especially those who have just started so I gladly accepted the proposal to try these homemade flavored peanut butters and give my opinion about it.

These young business owners behind Nutcracker Manila hails from University of Santo Tomas and I can feel their excitement in having people try their product. Their enthusiasm is contagious and I salute their brave move to go into business.

I may have mentioned before here on the blog that I am very picky when it comes to peanut butter. I am pretty loyal to my favorite brand if pressed to make a decision. But I am not closing my door to trying out new brands and sharing my thoughts on it here at YedyLicious.

J.CO Donuts and Coffee Philippines: Halloween Donuts #HalloweenWithJco

This Halloween, J.CO Philippines is giving us reasons to celebrate by introducing their Halloween Donuts. With two flavors namely Trapped in a Web Donut and Nutty Dracula Donut, it's going to be a frightful Halloween this year - as J.CO Philippines aptly put it.

J.Co is known to dish out delightfully interesting flavors in their arsenal of donuts. These two new flavors are just some of them.

So what exactly these two flavors are all about, you ask. 

Salted Caramel Cupcake by Dishanel

I have already written about Dishanel's cookies and cupcakes before but after having a taste of her Salted Caramel Cupcake, I knew a repeat appearance here on the blog was called for. A box of these babies was delivered to our house one day as a gift because someone in the family was celebrating a birthday. 

I was not asked to blog about this. Yet, I don't think I could quiet my conscience knowing that I have found a little gem of a cupcake and did not even bother to share it here at YedyLicious. So I am giving this one a go.

And I am giving several other blog posts a go in due course because past celebrations were made all the more special with Dishanel's creations (think customized cake which is actually the specialty of Dishanel). We will get there, you'll see. In the meantime, this Salted Caramel Cupcake.

The Max's Classic Chicken Burger #ChickenLove

Max's Classic Chicken Burger is the latest addition to the menu of Max's Restaurant in line with their 70th years in the business. Max's Restaurant is known as the home of the ever famous Sarap to the Bones Pinoy Fried Chicken. Their staying power in the business which started way back 1945 is a proof that all these years, despite the many competitors that come and go, they are still on top of their game.

Just like all of their other dishes, Max's Classic Chicken Burger is poised to satisfy people's palate with its impeccable taste and dare I say, charm.

Chicken Burger is not really a foreign concept at Max's menu. I remember enjoying it several times when dining at Max's - it was one of my favorites as a matter of fact. But its current version is way way better than its predecessor. For one, it now boasts of 2 chicken burger patties which make it more satisfying.

The Cookie Bar Manila, Kapitolyo Pasig: Cookie Shots and More

Our visit at the Cookie Bar Manila in Kapitolyo, Pasig City happened after the feast we had at Lee Hak Korean Buffet. I am not really aware of this pastry shop until my friend Gio mentioned about their Cookie Shots. I was not aware that we already have cookie shots in Manila. So off we went.

Cookie Shots, popularized by Dominique Ansel is basically a chocolate chip cookie in a cup form filled with milk.

I was still full from the buffet feast we had so honestly, I couldn't care less about having a dessert. But Gio was very adamant in trying out the cookie shots so despite the degree of satiety I was dealing with, I just let them drag me into their mission - to locate the Cookie Bar.

Swift Premium Corned Beef: Slow-Cooked and Cured to Perfection #MmmTakesTime

Recently I got a package filled with Swift Premium Corned Beef for me to try. It is said that it boasts of slow-cooked and cured to perfection process that makes the beef not just downright tender but impressively flavorful as well. Sounds promising.

I live in the mountain and slow cooking is pretty much common here not just to wile away time but to ensure the quality and flavor of food as well. So it is safe to say that although not religiously, it is still something I advocate.  So I have high hopes not to mention expectation for this product. 

Honestly, this is my first time to try Swift brand for my corned beef fix. I have few favorites and my family is pretty much loyal to the local brand we have been using. But as with some things in life, it wouldn't hurt to try something new - as a matter of fact, it can be rewarding at times.

Uncle Tetsu Signature Cheese Tart and Cheese Tart Baked with Oreo @UncleTetsuPH

Signature Cheese Tart and Cheese Tart Baked with Oreo - these are the two new products of Uncle Tetsu Sweet Shop. Known for its delicious Japanese Cheesecake, Uncle Tetsu has been making a wave in other Asian countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, and China. Upon opening its store in the Philippines, it immediately captured the hearts of many with its own version of Japanese Cheesecake and other products.

With the introduction of their Signature Cheese Tart and Cheese Tart Baked with Oreo, Uncle Tetsu is on a roll in making a mark in Manila's Food Scene.

If you are a fan of Japanese Cheesecake like I am, chances are you have probably heard if not tasted Uncle Tetsu. With several branches within the Metro, it is really impossible to miss this awesome store especially that most of their branches is always crowded with people wanting to get their hands on their product. 

The Original Cookie Sticks: Happiness In a Form of Sticks

The Cookie Sticks is a new food business concept specializing in well-loved cookies with a different treatment. Instead of the usual round flat shape, Cookie Sticks features a modern twist to a classic - cookies in a form of stick. 

Established by Marc and Tina, a couple that hails from Marikina City, The Original Cookie Sticks aims to provide a new way to enjoy an old-time favorite. A very apt accompaniment to cookies in stick form, Grissini or Breadsticks is also one of the products that The Original Cookie Sticks is known for.

Currently, The Original Cookie Sticks has three branches; SM Megamall, SM Fairview, SM Southmall, Malanday Marikina, and a distributor at The District Ayala Northpoint Mall in Talisay Negros Occidental.  I got to visit their SM Megamall branch recently to try their products and while I haven't opened my stash yet, I was already impressed by the look of their kiosk.

KFC CHIZZA No Crust Pizza by KFC Philippines: Chicken + Pizza = #KFChizza

KFC Chizza (#KFChizza) is KFC Philippines' newest product to hit the market today. A combination of two most well-loved food chicken and pizza, KFC Chizza features KFC chicken fillet topped with pizza sauce, pepperoni, bell peppers, pineapple tidbits, and melted cheese. This no crust pizza boasts of the finger lickin' good flavor known for KFC and the amazing goodness of pizza all in one - it's crazy, and I love it!

KFC Chizza will be officially launched on July 8, but it is currently being rolled out today, July 3 up to tomorrow July 4 on selected KFC branches, albeit in limited servings only as a preview of the product.

If you are the type who is always torn between having chicken or pizza, KFC Chizza might be is the answer. I should know, because sometimes, there is this cosmic torment dictating I cannot have both so I am grateful to KFC Philippines for coming up with such great product.

The Spice Lab PH: Seafood Chili Garlic with Sausage and Mushroom

This Seafood Chili Garlic with Sausage and Mushroom of The Spice Lab PH and I, are in some kind of a happy relationship. Surprising to say since there are countless of times that I mentioned here at YedyLicious that I never fancy spicy food that much. Until recently.

I guess the timing is just perfect. I am finally outgrowing my aversion to spicy food. Some say it has something to do with maturity of the palate, others considered the usually cold weather to where I am residing right now. While I am not sure of the reason for the change in preference, what I am sure of is that I am having a grand time with my bottle of Seafood Chili Garlic from The Spice Lab PH.

The Spice Lab PH is newly established local food brand which specializes in hand crafted sauces. Their current product list includes Premium XO Sauce, Original Seafood Chili Garlic, Seafood Chili Garlic w/ Lemongrass, and Seafood Chili Garlic w/ Sausage & Mushroom. 

Tea Confections by Serenitea

Serenitea Chocolate Bars, Serenitea Candy Bits, Serenitea Tea Jams, and Serenitea Tea Bags - these are the things that comprised Tea Confections line by Serenitea. As a leading homegrown milk tea brand in the Philippines, Serenitea is known for its innovation that aims to provide something new and exciting to its patrons.

This time, Serenitea aims to give a Different Kind of Tea Experience.

As a Serenitea fan myself, I find pleasure in the idea of enjoying Serenitea's flavors in various form aside from the ever famous milk tea. That is why I am excited to share with you these new products which I am sure you will also love.