The Workshop Bespoke Bakery

     There's always room for dessert, sounds cliche but if you have a sweet tooth this will always be something new. If you're like me, I presume that you're always excited to see new dessert offerings from different coffee shops and restaurants in the metro.

     Dessert lovers, unite! Rising culinary stars Chef Miko Aspiras and Chef Kristine Lotilla have elevated the Filipino dessert experience in a new level. Presenting, The Workshop Bespoke Bakery- latest offering to the Metro Manila food scene located within the Le Petit Soufflé restaurant in the Mega Fashion Hall. Sharing a short information after the jump!

The Workshop Bespoke Bakery

Feature: Alaska #BelatedMothersDay and Pambawi Milk Bread Recipe

     Last Mother's day, Alaska sent me a humongous basket containing their products. I was shocked because it's not the usual package. It was packaged in a super usable basket and came with Te Amo Floristeria custom preserved arrangement. Alaska surely knows how to make Mother's day extra especial with their blogger mail.

     To celebrate National #BelatedMothersDay, Alaska made an online film starring a mother who works as a spa attendant.She comes home to a surprise the day after Mother’sDay. Families with busy moms can celebrate National #BelatedMothersDay by preparing their mom a simple dish using Alaska Sweetened Condensed Milk or Alaska Evaporated Milk. Sharing with you simple recipe from Alaska after the jump!

Feature: Alaska #BelatedMothersDay and Pambawi Milk Bread Recipe

Cake Boss is in Town!

     Baking runs in the family. We have a bakeshop before and the feeling of waking up to the aroma of bread inside the oven is something to look forward to every day. We sell different kinds of bread and pastries plus yummy cakes too. But it's ironic that even though I grew up in a family of bakers, I don't know how to make bread, cake, or pastry. That having said, have you ever imagined baking alongside Chef Buddy Valastro from the popular American reality TV show Cake Boss? 

     Baking with Chef Buddy may seem to be a dream but the possibility of having your own Cake Boss baking and decorating tools, designed and patterned with those that are being used in the popular TV show, is now within your arm’s reach. More information on Cake Boss and their products below :)

Cake Boss is in Town!
Seen in photo are actor/chef and event host Steven Silva together with cookbook author, pastry chef and culinary teacher Chef Dorothy Ferreria of Dorothy’s Cooking School during Cake Boss “Bake Like the Boss” baking demo

The Maya Kitchen's Bake Magic Together

     Who here loves baking? I have a confession to make, my family runs a bakery and that's our bread and butter. My father is from Batangas and his relatives are also in the bakeshop industry. Isn't it ironic that I don't know how to bake? Well, I really do think because we run a bakery for almost 30 years and I wasn't able to knead a dough even once.

     I have five siblings, three girls and two boys. I'm the only daughter who doesn't know how to bake nor cook. Poor me but learning never stops right? That's why when The Maya Kitchen invited me to attend a baking class I excitedly said yes. After all, I'll be attending the class with my youngest sister Krystel who loves baking and my son Kenzo joined us too. I have to start em young, right? No need to ask because it runs in his blood. Highlights of our baking session and photos of our finished products after the jump!

The Maya Kitchen's Bake Magic Together
Kath, Kenzo, and my sister Krystel

Boulangerie22 x Pokemon Go

     Hello dearies! This prolly is the sweetest and cutest blog post I have to date. I'm so excited to share with you this news from Boulangerie22. Are you a fan of Pokemon? Pokemon Go, perhaps? With the Pokémon Go craze not letting up any time soon, Boulangerie22 decided to give you the best treats to fuel your duels, and keep you running long enough to catch the rarest creatures.

      Boulangerie 22 is a bakery and dessert cafe serving specialty cakes in various flavors. From our wide array of cakes, now they also joined the Pokemon Craze by offering Pokemon Macarons and Cakes like Jigglypuff Strawberry Cake, Snorlax Peanut Butter Chocolate Cake, and Pikachu Chocolate Cake. Believe them when they say, they're so good, because I'm pretty sure you want to eat 'em all! See these cute offerings from Boulangerie22 after the jump!

Boulangerie22 x Pokemon Go

Books and Borders Cafe Eastwood Now Open

     The coffee place where you can read your favorite book, sip your favorite drink, and savor hearty meals opened its third branch in the busy city of Eastwood. Formally opened its doors last November 26, 2016, Book & Borders promises great food, awesome drinks, and hours of fun reading.

     Book & Borders Cafe in Eastwood City promises to give residents, office workers, students, and shoppers a new venue to dine and unwind after a tiring day. The much needed "me time" is not only confined in spas and other known venues available for relaxation but also in a coffee shop that allows each guest to read a book while sipping their favorite drink and eat to their heart's content. Highlights of Book & Borders Cafe in Eastwood City opening below :)

Books and Borders Cafe Eastwood Now Open

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open

     Hello dearies! Last week, I was invited to the store opening and blessing of Book & Borders Cafe's second branch in Mckinley Hill, BGC. Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is the newest read.sip.dine destination in the heart of Mckinley where coffee and book lovers will surely frequent to and enjoy the relax ambiance while reading their favorite book and sipping their favorite drinks.

     The latest themed café in Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City, Book & Borders will be one of newest destination and popular hangouts for book, coffee, pasta, and cake lovers in the metro. Book & Borders puts itself in a class of its own, distinguishing itself as a haven for people who want to enjoy a more relaxed afternoon, sipping their favorite brew and immersed in their favorite books. Highlights of the event below :)

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

     According to cafe owner Kristine Simisim, you can relish the quiet, tucked in your little corner where you can enjoy your coffee or tea and of course indulge in book worms' favorite pastime-reading. The cozy and relaxed ambiance will surely make you and your book lover friend enjoy every visit at Book & Borders Cafe. There's a big book shelf upon entering the cafe where you can read best-selling books, premium reading materials, and other literary pieces.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!

Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany offers the following:

• Extensive selection of books, from the classics to contemporary bestsellers that you can read for free and enjoy them at your leisure. 
• The library is free and open for all, and for a better reading experience, customers are invited to use the book stands available at the café. 
• But the bestsellers are not only limited to the books on the shelves, you can find them on the menu as well. 
• Do indulge your sweet tooth with scrumptious varieties of cakes and squares. 
• For something more filling, the menu also offers delicious pastas and sandwiches.
• Indulge in their famous brewed coffee and cold coffee-concoctions.
• They also offer an array refreshing smoothies, calming teas and juices. 

     “I’m so ecstatic that there’s finally a place for people like us. It’s cozy and inviting, and you won’t get too distracted like in crowded cafes. ‘Books + coffee’ spells the perfect afternoon,” shares Kapuso artist and budding poet Benjamin Alves. 

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
 At the grand opening of Book & Borders Tuscany, from left to right; Benjamin Alves, Michael Lao, Karylle Tatlonghari-Yuzon, Kristine Joyce Simisim and Chef Dennis Apostol

    “What I love about Book & Borders is that there’s always something new to discover because they constantly update their library. So even if you just want to browse, all the recent best sellers are on the shelves,” shares Karylle, a self-proclaimed bookworm and travel books collector. 

    Aside from Book & Borders bestseller: Queso de Bola Cake, Truffle Mushroom Pasta, Tuyo Pasta and Beef Pastrami Panini, there are new dishes added to the menu to satisfy those hungry fangs. They now serve hearty rice dishes plus additional pasta and cake variants. Below are some of the newest food offerings at Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany branch.

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Barbeque Liempo
Bottom: Tamarind Lemongrass Chicken

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Chicken Parmigiana Au Gratin with Creamy Pesto
Bottom: Seafood Aligue Carbonara

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Shrimp Salad in Ciabatta Sandwich

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Ginger Raspberry Iced Tea

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Top: Carrot Cake
Bottom: Chocolate Cake

Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany Now Open!
Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany wants to say thank you to Alessi housewares and kitchen utensil company from Italy.

    Thank you so much Book and Borders Cafe Tuscany for having me. You can 'Read.Sip.Dine' in this library inspired cafe anytime you want at the heart of Mckinley Hill.

     Book & Borders Cafe Tuscany is located RC-RCM and RD-RDM Building 5, Tuscany Estates, Mckinley Hill, Bonifacio Global City. You may call them on (0932) 871 7856 for more details.

For more news and updates on Book and Borders Cafe:

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Good Times!~

Red Ribbon launches limited edition Rocky Road Cake

     Hello dearies! What if the classic and all-time favorite flavor of ice cream is now in a delicious treat that will surely tickle your taste buds. Are you ready to have a slice of rocky road cake? Yes, this all-time favorite flavor is now available in Red Ribbon. It's making a comeback but for a limited time only.

     When guests are expected at home, serving a heavenly chocolate cake appears to be a sure crowd pleaser. Red Ribbon—one of the country’s biggest bakeshops—is bringing back one of its best-selling round chocolate cake that’s sure to delight your family and friends. Red Ribbon’s Rocky Road Cake is now making a grand comeback, carrying with it more delicious toppings that will definitely add more texture and flavor to the family’s time.

Red Ribbon launches limited edition Rocky Road Cake

     The Rocky Road Cake is made of three layers of rich chocolate cake with choco-cream filling, topped with fluffy white cream rosettes, chocolate kisses, soft, white marshmallows and chocolate drizzles. 

     What makes the Rocky Road Cake even more special this year compared last year is the addition of Red Ribbon’s signature brownies. These chewy brownie bits are topped along with the cake’s other toppings, giving the cake a more moist and chewy texture. Additional sprinkles of cashews and marshmallows are sandwiched in between the cake’s layers, creating a perfect combination of sweetness, softness and crunchiness from the inside and out.

     “Social media has made catching up with friends and families very different from before,” said Zinnia Rivera, general manager of Red Ribbon. “But we, at Red Ribbon, believe that nothing can replace person-to-person interaction between families and friends. We want them to share sweet moments like they never did before.”

     The Rocky Road Cake is available in all its stores from October 1 to January 31, 2016 for only P585 for regular-sized round cake and P375 for junior-sized cakes. According to Rivera, the limited edition cake is a perfect sweet course for families who want to serve a delightful and hearty dessert.

   

     Rivera said, “Nothing can be better than good company and good food. With the Rocky Road Cake served on the table, there’s no better way to share special moments than a delightful treat that bursts with chocolatey goodness.”

     Red Ribbon is one of the fastest growing bakeshop chains in the country that serves great-tasting cakes, breads and pastries, bringing back memories of joy and togetherness, family and home. In every Filipino celebration, whether it’s an every day family gathering or a grand feast, Red Ribbon will continue to make each moment sweeter to people of all ages.

     She concluded, “Every moment spent with your loved ones is a moment worth celebrating. At Red Ribbon, we can give you, your family and your friends more reasons to celebrate everyday through sweet and delightful confections—and our Rocky Road Cake is the perfect decadent dessert that will make each moment even sweeter.”

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae: a new twist to my favorite Peach Mango Pie!

     Why there's always room for dessert? For a sweet tooth like me, there's always plenty of room for desserts! Anything sweet will always have a special place in my tummy! Hahaha! One of my favorite desserts is peach mango pie from Jollibee. I can't count how many times I've eaten this simple but filling item from Jollibee. It's my default order when I don't know what to get when my son craves for Jollibee and I need to bring him there for his snack.

     Nothing is as comforting as the warm sweet filling of mangoes and peaches wrapped in the crispy crust of the Peach Mango Pie or the sweet creamy texture of the classic Vanilla Sundae – both Filipino favorites that have always been part of every langhap-sarap Jollibee experience.

Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae: a new twist to my favorite Peach Mango Pie!

     Since its introduction, the peach mango pie has always been the top choice for Filipinos when it comes to desserts. The Vanilla Sundae, also a favorite among Filipinos, especially kids, has been paired with hot chocolate fudge and strawberry syrup, among others. 

     This time, Jollibee has decided to mix these two well-loved desserts, bringing a whole new flavor for everyone to experience – the Jollibee Peach Mango Sundae. The creamy texture of vanilla sundae topped with bits and pieces of peaches and mangoes brings out flavors that are both nostalgic and fresh.

     The Peach Mango Sundae is the ultimate dessert for Filipinos who can’t have enough of their sweet tooth fix with the peach mango filling and Jollibee’s classic sundae. It is best enjoyed with your favorite Jollibee meal.

     At only P29 each for ala carte and P20 as mini sundae add-on for value meals, the Peach Mango Sundae is now available at your favorite Jollibee store nationwide.

The Origins of Chocolates

     Hi dearies! Are you a chocolate lover? Do you like milk, white, or dark choc? I presume you already know Villa del Conte Chocolates. If not, here's a brief introduction and history on chocolates and Villa del Conte.

     Chocolates are truly a delightful indulgence enjoyed by many around the world. Everyone has their favorite chocolate confection, but many do not know the history of this luscious, sweet temptation.

    This well-loved treat actually dates back three or even four millennia ago in a Pre-Columbian Mexico setting. And according to Pace University, it all started with a fermented drink by the Mayans and Aztecs called Xocoatl from the beans of the cocoa tree.

     The Aztecs found it to be an invigorating drink and aphrodisiac. Some even believed that every cacao bean comes with mystical and spiritual qualities, and these qualities made the drink reserved for rulers, warriors and nobles. 

     In the 1500s, the chocolate’s symbolism of wealth and power continued in Europe, when the Spanish conquistadors returned home with cacao instead of gold and silver. Soon it became a royal favorite in Europe and was still served as a beverage, only combined with sugar to counter its bitterness. 

     Three centuries after, the first chocolate mold was introduced in England, but did not instantly become popular because of its bitter taste. It wasn’t until a renowned Swiss chocolatier named Daniel Peter, experimented with various flavors and ingredients was the strong taste of cacao balanced. After several tries, a chocolate with a rich texture and sweet taste was finally achieved by combining cacao with one of their most abundant products at that time—milk. 

     This marked the creation of chocolates as we know today. Its popularity has spurred a rising number of chocolate artisans from various parts of the world to incorporate their own traditions and secret recipes in creating their signature takes on chocolates. 

     One chocolatier from a small, idyllic town nestled in the heart of Padova, Italy called Villa del Conte stood out because of his exceptional recipe—Nazzareno Cattapan. Eventually, his exceptional recipe was bestowed to following generations, and preserving this legacy today is the third-generation chocolate connoisseur, Enrico Nazzareno. Using only handpicked cacao beans, shaped by a unique process, one can easily notice and taste the masterpiece of authentic Italian tradition.

The Origins of Chocolates

     From Italy, these artisanal chocolates reached the beautiful archipelago of the Philippines; and today, you can blissfully indulge in their luscious creations, including Praline Balls, Praline Sticks, Ovicinis, Domes, Truffles, and Neapolitans. 

Visit Villa Del Conte stores at Shangri-La Plaza Mall, SM Megamall, Greenbelt 5, Alabang Town Center, Robinsons Magnolia, or Resorts World Manila. For bulk orders of Villa del Conte chocolates, please contact 893-2575 or 621-6101. 

To know more about Villa del Conte visit http://www.villadelcontecioccolato.com/ 

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