Crazy For Moshi Manju

Have you ever tried this Korean Cake? It's my favorite stop everytime I'm in Sm Megamall. I always brave the long line just to be able to take home a big box.

The smell of the freshly baked mini cakes will lure you as you walk the basement level of Sm Megamall Bldg. B.

Moshi Manju comes in:

• 24 pcs. (big box) 92php, 
• 15 pcs. (small box) 60php, 
• 8 pcs. 35php. 
• 4 pcs.18php

 It's filled with different flavors like choco fudge, custard, mocha and my favorite, pastillas de leche.

Last Saturday, I was at Sm Megamall but I wasn't able to buy my Moshi Manju because of the shooting incident. The following day, my husband and I went to Sm North Edsa to check some stuff and went to the old building coming from The Block. As we were walking, I smelled something familiar, recognized it immediately and there I saw a stall of Moshi Manju right in front of me. I was so happy. 

My big box of Moshi Manju made me recover a little after what I experienced with the Sm Megamall robbery. You know what's so nice with Moshi Manju SM North? there was no line, well I thought, maybe I'll be given a cold batch. But as always, Moshi Manju cakes are freshly baked, so yes, I got a hot bunch. When my mom visited, she really liked it and we both finished the big box I bought. Next time, I'm going for 2 big boxes ;)

The Nail Guide

One of the things that I don't often get as a stay at home mom is some time to pamper my nails. I do get nail care, but I've lowered my visits to the salon simply because I can't find any spare time that easily. If I can't find time to have my nails done by the expert, it doesn't mean that I'm totally neglecting them. There are ways to keep your fingernails and toenails healthy with simple techniques you can apply at home. At the same time, for those who are into gel nails, solar nails and even fake nails. Such nails like solar or fake nails has made it as a trend. Girls like them because you can customize it according to how you want your nails to look. Please read here for the proper care, application and removal, benefits and history of fake nails. If you're into gel nails and you're clueless on how to remove it without going to the salon, you can find more info here . 

Home applications are way cheaper and it doesn't eat time as much as the moment spent in a salon. I have always wondered what solar nails are. Solar nails are emerging as an amazing and popular form of artificial nails. If you have already used or seen acrylic nails, you will realize that they offer a similar solution. However, if you are looking for better results then you may want to try a new variety that boasts of both, beauty and strength. In their intrinsic form, these nails have the look of a customary French manicure; light pink bases with white ends. Not only do they look smooth, they also feel sturdy. As their name suggests, they are resistant against sun rays and do not get tarnished easily. Once you start using them, you can say good-bye to chipped, discolored nails! If I get a chance to have my nails done, I want to go solar for my nails.

 Let's take sneak a peek at this site on what solar nails are and how can it glam us up with the unique designs and strength that can hold a nice set of fingernails. Anytime an occasion calls in, we're ready.

Gambas Al Ajillo

Anything with shrimps makes an unknown dish or the farthest delicacy my favorite. One of the most delicious shrimp recipe I've tried was Gambas Al Ajillo. I like ordering it to match my cold beer, but I never really tried to cook it until yesterday. My dad delivered some shrimps, I divided them for 2 purposes: Shrimp Sinigang and finally, Gambas Al Ajillo. 

Please take note that what I'm about to share is not the traditional recipe for Gambas Al Ajillo. It's my version, an easier take on this particular dish .

Al Ajillo means: Seasoned with garlic (Spanish- English Translation)

Servings: 2
Ingredients:

• 10 pieces shrimps or prawns (peeled and deveined)
• 1 whole garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp of minced ginger
• 1/2 tsp of chili- garlic sauce
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

How To:

• In a pan, heat olive oil in low fire.
• Add butter and garlic and stir until garlic light brown.
• Add ginger and chili-garlic sauce.
• Stir until everything is mixed evenly.
• Plate once shrimps are all cooked.

Tip: To avoid burning the butter, add a little oil.

Enjoy!

Herbed Chicken Breasts with Eggplant Ensalada

It's been a long time since I posted a recipe. For the past months, I have been concocting recipes and I've also been gathering information for my "future" food business. As much s I want to share everything, the rule of the business world dictates to keep my essentials a secret. But no worries... here's one I'm very open to share. It's healthy and it is easy to prepare.

Chicken breast has always been my favorite part when it comes to chicken dishes. It's meaty, easy to cook, of course it's a bit bland compare to the thigh, leg and wing parts, but chicken breasts are said to be the healthiest.

Servings: 4
Ingredients:

• 4 pieces chicken breast fillet
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 whole garlic (minced)
• 1/2 tsp dried or fresh thyme
• 1/2 tsp dried or fresh rosemary
• 1 cup chopped fresh parsley or basil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 ground black pepper
• 1/2 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

When it comes to herbs, there's no need to worry. You don't have to go fresh all the time, especially here in the Philippines. If I run out of fresh herbs, I turn to dry herbs which is available in all supermarkets. I also suggest tarragon and oregano for this recipe.

Tip#1 Where to buy fresh herbs: S&R, Shopwise, Unimart. Everytime you go out of town, especially somewhere in Laguna and Tagaytay look for herb farms. GOURMET along Aguinaldo Hi-way Tagaytay City.  You can practically ask anyone within town  for others.

How To:

• Mix all the ingredients including the chicken breasts in  bowl.
• Cover and set marination for t least 30 minutes.
• In a dry frying pan, low heat, fry chicken. 1 or 2 chicken at a time. Flip each side every 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Add oil for frying if necessary.

Right now, I'm cutting on rice. I like to match my chicken breasts with my version of Eggplant Ensalada and some fruits on the side. If you're the person on a diet or who is not into rice, or just like me cutting on rice...

Tip#2 Fresh fruits such as apple slices, pears, grapes, watermelon, cantloupe or mandarins can make your dining experience enjoyable with the different mixture of flavors and texture of food.

Enjoy!

Mixed Indulgence Over the Holidays

As always, our holidays became a month- long celebration for me and my family. Often times, we feast on the sweetest and biggest holiday ham, pasta of different types, grilled dishes, salads and desserts. One of the things that made my feasting unique is the line of sweets and a dish that was given and prepared by yours truly. These I call mixed indulgence for I don't usually fill myself with such. But this time around, I feasted, I enjoyed the food I love.

Let's start with my favorite combination of fruit and chocolates.

We gave out some chocolates this Christmas, but not all of it. I made sure to leave a little something-something for us. I  love combining some fresh strawberries with  dark chocolates.

Frankie's version is such a temptation too. He went for a slice or 2 of our favorite Decadent brownies to match some slices of fresh strawberries. With 2 or 3 bites is enough to say that you've indulged yourself. The chocolate and brownies are made from rich cocoa, it perfectly matched the fresh strawberries.

Maybe some of you are already familiar with chocolate rocks/ CHOCO ROCK. It's a combination dark and milk chocolates. I got familiar with these when my dad brought some from his recent trip outside the country. Everytime he travels, he search for something new, most of the time chocolates and candies.

I love it! I sure hope I can find a candy shop here in the Philippines that sell these colorful, delicious rocks.

Of course, Ube and Leche Flan. I used to make leche flans, but with the short amount of time left, I skipped it this year. From work, a co-worker gifted us with some. I knew that something was missing on our holiday table, and yes, these completed our feast.

Lastly, my homemade Lasagna Roll Ups. This was inspired by my love for pasta dishes. I thought to prepare something I haven't done before. This is a no bake dish.  All you'll need is your filling, the traditional white sauce, meat sauce, lots of cheese, then pop it in the microwave.