Gel Jose

Recipe: Mini Blueberry Cheesecakes

Cheesecakes are a decadent pleasure. Rich, creamy and delightfully sinful, cheesecakes have been around probably for as long as the phrase “the land of milk and honey” have been in use.

For my DIY desserts, I gravitated towards mini cheesecakes since baking time is shorter and there is less chance for uneven cooking of the filling.

Here is a tried-and-tested recipe of Mini Blueberry Cheesecake that I prepared for my family last New Year.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

2 cups crushed graham crackers
1 stick of butter, melted
3 tbsp white sugar

For the filling:

2 225g bars of Magnolia Cream Cheese at room temperature
1 cup white sugar
2 large eggs
1 cup all purpose cream
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/2 tsp fine salt
1 595g blueberry filling

Procedure:

Pre-heat oven to 175-deg C and line muffin pans with paper cups

To make the crust:

In a bowl, combine graham cracker crumbs, sugar and melted butter.
Press 1/2 tbsp of the crumb mixture onto the bottom of the muffin cups. Set aside.

To make the filling:

Beat cream cheese at lowest setting until smooth and fluffy.
Gradually add sugar and salt while beating.
Add eggs one at a time until incorporated then add vanilla extract and cream. Mix well.
Allow cheesecake batter to rest for 10 minutes to remove air bubbles formed during the mixing process.
Scoop cheesecake batter into prepared crust and bake for 20-25 minutes or until sides are firm but center is slightly jiggly.
Remove cheesecakes from the oven, let them cool then refrigerate overnight.
Serve with chilled blueberry filling.

Note: You can replace the blueberry filling with red cherry filling.

Recipe: Frozen Mocha Cheesecake

My mom discovered the recipe for Frozen Mocha Cheesecake several decades ago and it has become a family favorite. We whip it up every year, particularly during special occasions and clan get-togethers. I decided to make it in time for our New Year’s Eve celebration tonight.

The original recipe is closer to this, but over the years, we have changed some ingredients depending on what is easily available or cheaper to buy.

Ingredients:

For the crust:

30 pcs Hi-Ro chocolate biscuits, crushed (remove white filling prior to pounding with mortar and pestle) (Note: You can buy pre-crushed chocolate biscuits in some baking supply stores but these are usually available per kilo.)
1 100g stick Dari Creme butter, softened
2 tbsp white sugar

For the filling:

2 225g packs Magnolia Cream Cheese, softened
1 300ml can Alaska sweetened condensed milk
2/3 cup Clara Ole chocolate syrup
1 tbsp Blend 45 instant coffee dissolved in 1 tsp hot water
1 250ml Alaska Crema All Purpose Cream (you can use whipping cream as a more indulgent – or expensive – alternative)

Procedure:

Combine all crust ingredients and press into the bottom of a 9-in spring form pan. Set aside.
In a large bowl, beat cream cheese until smooth. Add in condensed milk, chocolate syrup and dissolved coffee.
In another bowl, whip all purpose cream until fluffy. Fold into the cream cheese mixture until evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into the crust. Sprinkle some crushed chocolate biscuits on top as garnish.
Put into the freezer for 6 hours until set.

Enjoy!

DIY Gift: Hot Chocolate on a Stick

Every holiday season brings the same struggle: what to give to all of the family’s relatives, friends and co-workers for Christmas that will be unique, can be useful to or enjoyed by the recipient, and won’t go over the family’s gift budget?

Last year, we gave out over 100 bags of Chocolate Chip Cookies which my daughter and I baked and packed as our gifts. Thankfully, I know a baking supplies store nearby so I was able to save considerably on ingredients.

This year, while surfing through Pinterest, I discovered a new gift idea: Hot Chocolate on a Stick!

The recipe below is further simplified from the one I found on Pinterest, but still quite yummy! Best of all, ingredients and tools are easy and cheap to come by, thanks the nearby baking supplies store.

Ingredients:

2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/4 tsp peppermint oit
15 large marshmallows
additional milk chocolate chips and candy sprinkles as garnish

You will also need:

Coffee stirrers or plastic straws to serve as sticks
Individual plastic wrappers
Gift ribbons
Gift labels

Procedure:

Melt the semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave. (Medium high power for 30 secs and High power for 15 secs; resulting melted chocolate should be thick and have a nice sheen)
Mix in the the peppermint oil.
Pour the mixture into 2 tbsp chocolate molds (I used a small ice cream scoop to measure out and pour the mixture into small puto molds)
Spear each marshmallow with a plastic straw then placed it in the middle of each mold
Place in the refrigerator for 5 hours or until set.

I wrapped these with individual food-grade plastic wrappers decorated with red satin ribbons. I included a tbsp of milk chocolate chips and 1/8tbsp of candy sprinkles per package as garnishes. The label should indicate that the hot chocolate on a stick should be stirred into a cup of hot milk until the chocolate is melted.

This recipe yields 15 sticks.

Why we should donate blood

I joined the Red Cross Youth org in my university during my college years. While I handled several projects for the org, I never got around to donating blood. At the time, I was afraid of the needles used, the sight of blood or the medical team sometimes had trouble locating the blood vessel in my arm optimal for blood extraction.

I started donating blood a few years ago. The employees’ union at my office had a bloodletting activity and, as a show of support and with some friendly competition among my coworkers, I joined those donating blood. It was fairly painless plus the union officers even gave me a mug and a shirt as a souvenir.

Since then, health and schedule permitting, I have tried to regularly donate blood at a nearby hospital. I even brought my husband with me once and we made the experience into a bonding activity. On my next donation this December, I plan to bring my eldest daughter so I can instill the habit in her as well.

My reason for donating blood is that it’s one of the easiest ways I can contribute to someone’s life. One pint of blood can be broken down into three components – red blood cells, plasma and platelets – thereby possibly saving up to three lives.

And don’t worry about your donation going to waste. There’s actually a lot of demand for donated blood. Yours may even reach the farthest areas in the country, and may help save lives in far-flung provinces.

Given the demands on my time and resources, I can’t contribute much to charity or volunteer at my chosen causes. Giving blood, however, simply involves a trip to the hospital and a few minutes at the blood bank, or some time away from my desk during the office’s blood donation drive.

Blood donation also affords me several health benefits:

A free mini-physical that checks my pulse and blood pressure as well as a free blood analysis that checks for the presence of infectious diseases.
Prevents hemachromatosis, a health condition brought about by too much iron in the blood. By maintaining healthy iron levels in the blood, the risk of certain cancers, liver and heart ailments are also minimized.
It helps in weight loss. Every donation burns around 650 calories, which to me is the equivalent to three hours at the treadmill.
It also stimulates production of new blood cells further contributing to the maintenance of good health.

To be eligible to donate, I needed to be the following:

In good health. You should be feeling well at the time of donation.
Between 16 to 65 years of age. If below 18, you will need your parent’s consent to be able to donate.
Weighing at least 110 pounds.
Having a normal blood pressure, between 90 and 160 mmHg (systolic), 60 and 100 mmHg (diastolic)
Able to pass the physical and health history assessments that will be conducted immediately before the donation.

After the procedure, I was given refreshments (usually a snack and a juice box which I should consume before leaving the donor area), and these reminders:

Rest and remain in the area for 15 minutes.
Increase fluid intake for the next 24 hours.
No smoking within the next 3 hours and no alcoholic beverages for the next 24 hours.
No strong pressure or heavy lifting on the donating arm for the next 24 hours to avoid bruising.
No strenuous activity or hazardous work for the next few hours.

Blood donation is a way for me to give of myself. It is my gift of life to whoever has the urgent need for it.

If you want to donate blood, check out the Red Cross website for more information.

A quiet and restful getaway at La Luz Resort

To escape the stress of work and city living, Hubby and I took our little boy to La Luz Beach Resort in Batangas during the All Saints Day break.

As soon as we arrived, I felt an immediate sense of tranquility. This small resort, nestled farther away from the bustling bigger resorts, offers a serene and restful family-friendly getaway that’s perfect for us city folks seeking a break from our hectic routines. The resort’s commitment to maintaining a natural environment is evident as soon as you step onto the grounds. Existing trees have been preserved, and new ones planted, creating a lush and green sanctuary that complements its location adjacent to a marine sanctuary.

One of the standout features of La Luz is its dedication to environmental preservation. A swimming ban during low tide protects the nearby coral reefs, ensuring that the marine ecosystem remains undisturbed. This resort truly feels like a nature preserve. Plus, for those who can’t bear to leave their furry friends behind, La Luz is pet-friendly, allowing dogs on the premises.

The resort’s amenities are clean and well-appointed. Our room, furnished with local bamboo pieces, exuded a rustic charm while still providing modern comforts. Though there were no TVs, the strong air conditioning and robust free WiFi signal ensured we remained comfortable and connected. This absence of TVs encouraged us to disconnect and enjoy our surroundings, which was a refreshing change.

Dining at La Luz is a delightful experience. Meals are served buffet-style in the pavilion, and while bringing outside food is prohibited, the mandatory food package is well worth it. Each overnight guest is treated to a series of meals that include lunch upon arrival, an afternoon snack, dinner, and breakfast the next day. The variety and quality of the food exceeded our expectations, making every meal a pleasant part of our stay.

The beach, though a bit rocky, is clean and the water is wonderfully clear. For those seeking adventure, La Luz offers a range of activities for an additional fee, including helmet diving, disco boat rides, flying fish, kayaking, banana boat rides, jet skiing, snorkeling, and even a separate bonfire. These activities provide plenty of options for fun and excitement, ensuring that every member of the family finds something to enjoy.

Our visit to La Luz Beach Resort was a quick getaway that left us feeling rejuvenated and eager to return. Despite some rough patches on the road leading to the resort, the journey was worth it. The resort’s peaceful ambiance, excellent service, and commitment to environmental preservation make it a standout destination for anyone looking to unwind and reconnect with nature.

For more information, you can visit La Luz Beach Resort’s website or contact them directly via landline at 02-806 7667 or 02-806 7581, or mobile at 0916-370-4017, 0927-805-3484, 0920-603-8814, or 0998-338-7111. You can also email them at customerservice@laluzbeachresort.com.

Quick and Easy Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe

Ever since Hubby got me a convection oven, I have been scouring the net for baking and roasting recipes so I can maximize my new toy. This weekend, I decided to bake my family’s all-time favorite: chocolate chip cookies. I tweaked some items in the recipe I found (I added walnuts and tweaked the ratio of brown to white sugar).

Ingredients:

2 cups softened unsalted butter
2 cups brown sugar
2 cups white sugar
4 large eggs
1 tbsp vanilla extract
5 cups all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking soda
4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped walnuts

Procedure:

Pre-heat oven to 190-deg C.
In a large bowl, mix together butter, brown sugar and white sugar until well-combined.
Mix in eggs and vanilla.
Fold in flour and baking soda until mixture forms a smooth dough.
Fold in chocolate chips and walnuts until evenly distributed.
Scoop the dough into balls into a baking tray lined with butterred wax paper. Bake for 12 minutes.

Yields 96 4-inch cookies.

A Quick Walk Around the Picnic Grove Eco-Trail, Tagaytay

I went on a solo adventure by walking along the eco-trail in one of Tagaytay’s most famous tourist spots, Picnic Grove. It’s a 500-meter trail surrounded by lush vegetation and scenic views. I took advantage of the cool early afternoon breezes (unheard-of back in Manila), armed with my comfy rubber shoes and my iPhone to track my steps and to provide me with some tunes (via my Spotify Emo Trip playlist) while I go on my walk.

Entrance fee is only Php50, quite affordable, so there are actually a lot of other tourists taking in the sights and chilling practically anywhere. The were lots of stairs (some quite narrow), stones steps and even a wooden bridge! There are a few wide gaps in between some of the wood slats in the bridge which triggered my acrophobia but I was eventually able to conquer it and walk over to the other side (looking quite pathetic as I was holding on to the railings for dear life). The views were worth it, though.

The trail winds around the grove passing by the cottages and the zipline and cable car stations. When you reach the end of the trail, you can buy souvenirs or plants from the many shops there.

Next time, I swear I will prance across that wooden bridge!

Hungry after wandering? Check out Jaytee’s for some hearty eats with the family or barkada.

Hiking Around Snoqualmie Falls, WA

When my husband and I visited my brother in Seattle last summer, he took us to one of Washington State’s most popular scenic attractions: Snoqualmie Falls. It’s waters cascade down to the Snoqualmie River, most of which are diverted to power plants.

We hiked down to the viewing deck and later down to the river’s stony edge, following the trail that’s really meant for people much more physically fit than me. The view of Snoqualmie Falls from the viewing deck and the adventure trek at the river were well worth it though.

Now, if only the hike back up wasn’t twice as hard.

Snoqualmie Falls is located east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington.

A Quick Getaway to Bahay Bakasyunan

I mentioned in a previous post that during a recent stay in Bahay Bakasyunan, our family caught sight of the Pililla Wind Farm. Bahay Bakasyunan has become a family favorite for hassle-free out-of-town trips as it is more easily accessible to people like us who reside east of Manila.

It is a sprawling resort in Tanay, with amazing views of the Sierra Madre Mountains and the Laguna de Bay. It has accommodations that can house pairs or large groups. Use of its various swimming pools (3 infinity pools near the main office and 2 near the cottages) is part of the accommodations package but the more adventurous family members can engage in ziplining, ATV rides (like my son!), wall climbing and more.

If you’re planning to stay at Bahay Bakasyunan anytime soon, here are some tips to make your stay even more enjoyable:

Be prepared to be disconnected. Mobile data signals are spotty at best and totally non-existent in some areas.
Provide the waiters in the dining room a list of your preferred meals (refer to their menus) at least 2 hours prior to dining. Use the order slips at the reception. That way, your food will be waiting for you when you get to the dining room.
Try to get up early to see the view in the morning.

Let me know what other places are great for quick getaways near the Metro.

Bahay Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center is located at Sitio Balimbing, Barangay Plaza Aldea, Tanay, Rizal. For reservations, call:

Landline: 02 7064509
Mobile: 0917 5755116, 0998 9942513, 0917 8303438

(We learned that other guests were able to secure discounts from deal sites like Agoda or Expedia but we haven’t tried booking from those yet.)

Know more about Bahay Bakasyunan Resort and Conference Center here.

Exploring the Pililla Wind Farm

During our family’s stay in Bahay Bakasyunan in Tanay earlier this year, we were able to catch sight of a row of windmills near the shores of Laguna de Bay. These are some of the 27 windmills of Pililla Wind Farm in Rizal, operated by Alternergy and helps serve the need of Metro Manila for renewable energy.

The family took advantage of the holiday break and headed over to Brgy Halayhayin in Pililla, Rizal to see these structures up close. Aside from the windmills, we also saw the glittering expanse of Laguna de Bay.