It's a #HappyHoliDANES with Danes Cheese Ball

Remember last time when I blogged about Danes Cheese Ball? Remember when I shared with you the story of our family's tradition of preparing 12 or more dishes to represent prosperity for the next 12 months? Remember the recipe I made using Danes Cheese Ball as my contribution to this tradition one Christmas season?

Yes, it's the time of the year again. And just like previous #holiDANES of the past years, we are not without our favorite, Danes Cheese Ball. 

There are a lot of things that represent Christmas time - the most joyous season of the year. One of my favorites has always been cheese ball and one of the brands that is always present in our pantry is Danes Cheese Ball.

Newly Revamped Reyal Roasted Chicken, Ang Litson Manok na Mas Masarap 'Pag May Sauce!

For the past years, players in rotisserie market and roasted chicken industry here in our country which claims to offer the best litson manok or roasted chicken, come and go, but there are few that manage to stay in the game to this day. I have few favorites and one of them is Reyal Litson Manok known for its tagline, "Mas masarap 'pag may sauce." 

While I am also a fan of the other Filipino roasted chicken brand which claims that their roasted chicken is "Masarap kahit walang sauce," Reyal's roasted chicken with its signature sauce has its own delicious charm I adore. They are sister brand under Bounty Agro Ventures, by the way. 

Reyal Litson Manok is already on its second year and to this day, and in line with this, they have recently made a rebranding to further capture the hearts of many Filipinos. 

Rustic Mornings' Breakfast Baskets

Christmas is just around the corner and if you are already running out of gift ideas, may I interest you with Rustic Mornings by Isabelo's Breakfast Basket? This specially crafted products can be a perfect gift to your friends and loved ones this holiday season. It can also be a perfect addition to your pantry for a satisfying breakfast you know you deserve.

Rustic Mornings by Isabelo Garden is a famous garden restaurant that serves all-day breakfast/brunch specialties located at Marikina City. They are famous for their charming place and one of the well-loved items on their menu is their Original Buttermilk Pancake that goes perfectly well with their Breakfast Blend coffee.

 
Thankfully, we can now take home Rustic Mornings’ Original Buttermilk Pancake Mix, Rustic Mornings’ Classic Pancake Syrup, and Rustic Morning’s Breakfast Blend Coffee and enjoy it freshly made at the comfort of our home. And as mentioned, it can be a perfect gift too. 

California Raisins Recipes by Chef Michael "Miko" Aspiras

Holiday season is upon us and I know some of us are already preparing gifts for our loved ones. While it is ideal to give gifts that are memorable and have the power to last, edible gifts are also something we can consider. After all, good food made with love and care are always bound to be remembered, right?

Chef Miko Aspiras of the famous and well-loved Le Petit Souffle and Scout Honor, shared with us two recipes using California Raisins. These recipes can be a good edible gift idea and a great addition to your Noche Buena Spread this coming Christmas. 

What makes it special is the use of California Raisins which makes the creations all the more delicious and healthy at the same time.  fat-free and cholesterol-free and low in sodium. Since it has its innate sweetness, you can lower the amount of refined sugar you would normally use on your recipes.

McDonald's Secret Menu Philippines #McDoSecretMenu

McDonald's Secret Menu is finally out at all McDo Philippines stores nationwide. You won't find any promotional ads in any of McDo stores or McDo Social Media channels about this not-so-secret McDo Secret Menu. In order for you to have access to McDo Secret Menu, you just have to ask McDo's friendly cashier crew then you will be presented with the list of choices.

McDonald's Secret Menu is available nationwide from 10:30am to 4:30am for dine-in, take-out, drive thru, and McDelivery via hotline 8-6236 (8-McDo).

I was on an out-of-town trip the previous days and during visits to various rest stops where there's McDo stores, I noticed that most of the diners were happily enjoying selections from McDo Secret Menu. Indeed the secret is out. So, it's time for you to indulge too, yeah? Yes.

What's on McDonald's Secret Menu? Here are Some Hints! #McDoSecretMenu

I am going to let you in on a little secret. Well, okay it's not really little because it's McDonald's we are talking about here. So, scratch that. I am going to let you in on a big secret here. It's about McDo Secret Menu.

Secret Menu? At McDonald's? I know. I know. Interesting, right? I have been itching to spill this since I got the news. I figured some hints will do for now. So, hear me out.

UPDATE: Read My McDo Secret Menu Review Here

Starting November 17, 2017 (That's tomorrow kids, mark thy calendars!) McDonald's Philippines will launch its Secret Menu. It will be available from 10am to 4:30am for dine-in, take-out, drive-thru, or McDelivery at all McDonald's store nationwide. 

I am guessing most of us love almost everything on McDo's menu. But sometimes, there's that inevitable hankering for something new.

Quirks PH Novelties and Curiosities' Awesome Deals on Its 8th Year Anniversary

Quirks PH Novelties and Curiosities, home of extraordinary novelty items and best unique gifts here in Manila Philippines is celebrating its 8th year this month. To celebrate, they are currently running a month-long awesome deals. Holiday season is just around the corner and if you are looking into shopping for gifts as early as now, today is a perfect time to visit Quirks.

Quirks houses several unique stuff which are perfect for those who loves something unique and fun. I personally love Quirks and it is my go-to place whenever I am buying gifts for my loved ones and friends who enjoys adorable gift items as much as I do. 

Currently, Quirks has branches located at Power Plant Mall, SM Megamall, SM Aura, U.P. Town Center, and SM North EDSA. Their 8th Year celebration is a good reason to visit the branch near you because for sure, you would not want to miss on the special deals they have now.

5-Day Meal Plan with US Potato #USPotatoPowerPH

Regular readers of this blog know how much I love US Potatoes whether it is fresh, frozen, or dehydrated. Over the  years, I have shared several recipes here on the blog using US Potatoes. To this day, I am still a believer. I  rely on US Potato if I want to create and eat something good and nutritious.

I’m working my way to a much healthier me- starting with quitting my smoking habit (which I’ve done for almost a year now), being mindful on the food that I consume, and exercise daily.

Quitting smoking entails gaining weight for some and that includes me. That is why recently, I have come up with a simple way to manage my food intake. I am not too crazy about getting thin because truth is, I am at peace with my body structure. What I am concerned about is being healthy. I don't mind being plump, I just want to be healthy.

McDonald's McSpicy is Back with the New Garlic Parmesan McSpicy #McSpicy

Today, I woke up with a good news that my favorite McSpicy is finally back and tagging along in its resurgence is the new Garlic Parmesan McSpicy. I don't know about you, but McSpicy, although at times elusive, is on top of the list of my favorite grubs at McDonald's menu. Funny thing is, I find the new Garlic Parmesan McSpicy impressive enough it quickly becomes a tough competitor on the top spot.

Now there's a catch - McSpicy and Garlic Parmesan McSpicy are available for limited time only. Sad, I know. But all the more reason to make the most out of its limited time.

Make the most of its limited time, hell yeah I did. Upon receiving boxes upon boxes of McSpicy and Garlic Parmesan McSpicy via McDelivery, I quickly finished two - one of each variant - in one go. Cleared two boxes and hid under the pretense that I am doing it for the blog. Truth is, I miss McSpicy - big time. 

Red Door Kitchen Food Delivery Service

Red Door Kitchen is one of food delivery services in Manila. They specializes in home cooked meals perfect for family gatherings and parties like noodles, viands, and cakes. People behind Red Door Kitchen comprised of group of friends who are passionate about good quality food and have the desire to share their tested recipes through Red Door Kitchen.

Most of the inquiries I am getting from readers of this blog include home food delivery services I can recommend. I have written quite a few in the past and I figured it's time to add something new to the list.

I agreed to try Red Door Kitchen food delivery service one weekend to check out the food they offer and the quality of their service. 

Loving Weekends with McDonald's PH McDelivery #LoveWeekendzzz #McDelivery

Weekend is upon us and you know what I love most about weekends? It’s staying all day at home doing whatever that tickles my fancy. For instance, basking in the glory of finishing three thick books in a row, catching up on my favorite American TV series, gulping a 16-episode Asian drama in one go, or cleaning my room by throwing accumulated shits in the hope to successfully lead a minimalist lifestyle.

Funny thing is, most of the people who gets to know me cannot believe that I am homebody to the core. It puzzles people that being single and relatively young - as I have been told, I rarely go out. It puzzles them that the idea of staying at home after work week excites the hell out of me. 

Also, since I am a blogger with freelance job as a stylist and moonlights as a photographer, people have this preconceived notion that there is never a weekend when I am not out to look for adventure and new things to try. 

KFC Salted Egg Yolk Chicken

I first heard about KFC Salted Egg Yolk Chicken, a new product of KFC Philippines, couple of months ago when it was said to be on a pilot test-run. That time, it was only available on very limited KFC store branches. I tried to search for those near my place to no avail. I was nowhere near the chosen stores, I figured.

Then yesterday, I read from KFC Philippines' Facebook page their announcement about the availability of KFC Salted Egg Yolk Chicken. 

In contrast to the sneaky way KFC Philippines inserted this elusive product on their menu on its test run, this time, it was a legit announcement that KFC Salted Egg Yolk Chicken is now available for everyone to enjoy.

Jollibee Choco Mallow Pie

Jollibee Choco Mallow Pie is back and internet is going crazy about it. But while it's announcement has been shared on Facebook numerous times, people are skeptic about it thinking that it might be one of those false news circulating. Some friends and readers of this blog even sent me emails just to confirm if the news is indeed true when it started popping on their news feed since last May 8. 

So I went to the nearest Jollibee branch last Monday to check if the buzz was true. Upon confirming, I sent a group reply to those who have asked and now I am writing about it because quite honestly, it was the first time that I have tried this Choco Mallow Pie by Jollibee.

 

I might be living under the rock in the past because I cannot, for the love of all things yummy, remember that there ever was a Choco Mallow Pie at Jollibee. Perhaps because I am and still a loyalist of their Peach Mango Pie? I am not sure. I did an online research about the Choco Mallow Pie in the past and even that yields no result save for some forum that says it was no good.

KFC Sisig Rice Bowl and KFC Sisig Burrito

KFC Sisig Rice Bowl and KFC Sisig Burrito - these two new delicious offerings from KFC Philippines could be your reason why you should go and visit KFC branch near you, pronto. Especially if you are a fan of what I believe as one of the best Filipino dishes ever known to mankind, Sisig. And especially if you are one KFC fan who is mad crazy about the awesomeness of their rice bowls and sandwich wraps.

I am a fan of both - KFC and Sisig. Safe to say that I am digging these new KFC grubs.

As I was informed when I was first introduced to KFC Sisig, it is really hard to resist so just give in. And gave in, I did. I am happy happy to report and I personally like it.  The distinct sisig flavor was spot-on while the crisp chicken bites were delight to the bite.

Figures of Beans Coffee: Welcome to the Coffee Revolution

With the proliferation of coffee shops everywhere, there are plethora of coffee options that we, coffee lovers have seem endless. But I'll let you in on a little secret. While I have my favorite coffee shops that I frequent to whenever I go out, at the end of the day, I am still all crazy bout brewing my own coffee at home.

For some of us coffee enthusiasts, brewing your own perfect cup of coffee is the dream.  So when I was introduced to Figures of Beans coffee recently, I was elated. I have my favorite brands, but it is always a pleasure to meet new ones.

Figures of Beans is an online shop that sells whole beans and ground coffee of different kinds. So if you are also into brewing your own coffee or interested in starting this kind of caffeinated love affair, then this might be for you. 

Salted Egg Chips of Yummies by M

I have my own salted egg potato chips recipe so I have not really jumped into the quest for finding the best salted egg chips in Manila. Yet, I could say that I have tried quite a handful of salted egg chips brands available in the Philippine market since the trend started. Some were good, while others sadly fell short.

The recent one I have tried was the Salted Egg Chips of Yummies by M. And no beating around the bush here - it's amazing. Hands down, it was the best store-bought salted egg chips I have tasted to date.

So what makes this salted egg chips special? Glad you asked.

Suy Foods Halal Certified Longganisa, Tocino, and Chicken Food Products

I was recently introduced to Suy Foods products and I got a bit excited because one of readers' requests that I have been getting these days is review and features about Halal certified food products in Manila. Yes, Suy Foods longganisa, tocino, and chicken products you will be seeing in this post fit the bill, I am happy to report. 

Not only Suy Foods products are Halal certified, I deem they are also a tad healthier option for those who craves for the usual longganisa and tocino but are trying to dodge pork on their diet. As Suy Foods tag line goes, "It's all about Chicken!"

Halal food, I believe is no longer a foreign concept these days. For those who do not share the same beliefs though, it is guaranteed that you can still enjoy products of Suy Foods especially if you favor chicken over any other meat. 

Holiday Ham by CDO Premium

Christmas is upon us and just like the previous year, I am once again writing about Holiday Ham by CDO Premium, one of my favorite Christmas hams available in the market. Having all the legit reasons to indulge on all those glorious good food, isn't it only proper to choose what is the best for our family?

In terms of reasonable price and good quality, I must say that Holiday Ham by CDO Premium fits the bill. A perfect match for CDO Premium Holiday Ham you asked? Danes Cheese Ball of course.

As mentioned, I have already written about these two delicious tandem - CDO Premium Holiday Ham and Danes Cheese Ball. And I am happy to report that to this day, this combination is still a holiday staple in our household. A brand which I still believe in. 

Kumori Matcha Signature Cheese Tart

I sort of knew it was bound to happen, the creation of Kumori Matcha Cheese Tart. It is fortunate that whatever creation that Kumori Philippines put their hands on, it always ends up crawling its way to our hearts and tummy. And whether we admit it or not, we are destined to love it. 

The combination of universally appreciated cheese and  matcha, which popularity is very apparent these days more than ever, is not very unlikely. As a matter of fact, it can be one of the best combination there is if the one to judge is a matcha believer such as myself. 

I may have mentioned this here on the blog that I have deep affinity for matcha. This appreciation started years back when I was forced to ditch coffee for a while to avoid reflux which to this day I still believe was brought by the stress disguised as college thesis defense. While I refused to believe that coffee was the culprit, my love affair with matcha blossomed from then on. 

Easy Bruschetta Recipe with Filippo Berio Olive Oil, Classic Pesto, and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto

This recipe for bruschetta using Filippo Berio Olive Oil, Classic Pesto, and Sun Dried Tomato Pesto is so easy you can whip it up in no time. This is my go to recipe when I need to instantly come up with delicious grub for spontaneous party, unexpected visitors, or if I am just simply craving for what I consider a taste of sunshine in my palate.

I have quite a number of recipes in my arsenal using Filippo Berio products. Yet for today, I am going for the easiest but downright delicious nonetheless.

There are several olive oils and ready-made pesto in the market today but Filippo Berio is one of those which I have come to trust. In terms of quality and value for money, I don’t see any reason why I shouldn’t have it as staple in my pantry.