ensaimada – Jellybeans in the City

Sweet Christmas celebrations with Red Ribbon’s Holiday Cakes

Christmas is nearly here and with it comes all sorts of happy celebrations. From the office potluck, barkada get-togethers and family gatherings, parties give people the opportunity to come together to catch up and toast to the past year’s happenings.

No celebration will be considered complete without a show-stopping cake that will serve as dessert and the sweet punctuation to the meal.

Fortunately, Red Ribbon has – not one, not two, but three! – Holiday Cakes to mark these special celebrations.

Black Forest

A beautiful confection made with layers of liquor-moistened chocolate sponge cake, sweetened whipped cream and maraschino cherries, topped with chocolate curls and chocolate shavings.

Did you know that the Black Forest Cake was not directly named after the Black Forest mountain range in Southwestern Germany? Instead, the cake’s name was derived from the specialty liquor of that region, known as Schwarzwälder Kirsch(wasser), which is distilled from tart cherries.

White Forest

One of the most welcome piece of news I’ve received lately is that Red Ribbon’s White Forest Cake is now available!

Inspired by the Black Forest Cake, it is made with layers of white chiffon cake, sweetened whipped cream frosting and maraschino cherries, decorated with white chocolate swirls and white chocolate shavings.

It’s a delicately elegant and sweet treat that’s sure to enchant everyone at the table!

Christmas Chocolate Dedication Cake

This is the holiday cake that (quite literally!) sends a message.

This dessert is made with light chocolate chiffon cake filled and covered with rich fudgy chocolate icing, then decorated colorful sugar candy toppings. This cake can also be personalized with a special message.

Ensaimada Gift Box

Aside from specialty cakes, wow your party guests with varied flavors of that classic Pinoy pastry: the ensaymada.

This merienda favorite goes well with the post-meal coffee or hot chocolate that everyone would enjoy to unwind after the frenetic party activities.

With a Red Red Ribbon’s Ensaimada Gift Box at your holiday spread, your guests can enjoy three variants of this pillowy and buttery treat: Cheesy, Ube and Choco Caramel!

Red Ribbon Bakeshop Holiday Cakes and pastries are a must for any holiday gathering.

Order now via the Red Ribbon app, the Red Ribbon delivery website, Red Ribbon on Facebook Messenger, or by calling the #87777 hotline. You may also place your order via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Happy holiday eating, foodies!

Check out my previous posts about Red Ribbon:

Red Ribbon Caramel Cake — Red Ribbon cakes for your everyday cravings

Red Ribbon Coffee Caramel Crunch — #SweetDelight: Red Ribbon’s Caramel Crunch Cake is back!

Sweet dads deserve sweet chocolatey treats from Red Ribbon this Father’s Day

Red Ribbon Chocolate Heaven — Red Ribbon brings a taste of the divine with its new Chocolate Heaven Cake

Red Ribbon, Lucky Gold Plaza — Sweet snacktimes with Red Ribbon Bakeshop

The Jelly List: Yummy national flavors to stoke your Pinoy Pride via GrabFood

With the Philippine Independence Day just around the corner, it’s definitely time to look back on some of the things that we can be proud of as a nation.

Being a foodie, I consider the sheer wondrous variety and flavor of Filipino cuisine as a definite achievement. Using our local ingredients and culinary traditions from our forbears as well as influences from foreigners and we produced a highly diverse, down-home yet flavorful array of dishes that are close to our hearts and appeal to our tastebuds.

Despite enjoying Filipino food in our hapag-kainan at home, we also go out and dine at Filipino restaurants because we simply can’t get enough of these flavors and we appreciate the unique spins that local chefs apply to our classic dishes.

And with the restrictions on dining out still in effect because of the pandemic, we are lucky that we can still have our Pinoy food cravings satisfied by our suking Filipino restaurants by having our favorite dishes delivered via GrabFood.

Check out latest #JellyList of Filipino dishes that you can enjoy at home:

Bulalong Lugaw by Soleras

The hearty rice porridge which serves as our go-to comfort food during rainy days just got a decadent makeover with the addition of hefty pieces of beef shanks (complete with bone marrow!).

Dessert lovers’ paradise at Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries, Santolan

Friends and family know that I’m a sweet tooth.

I would scour food halls, parks, malls and shopping centers in search for sugary treats. And sometimes, I would find something that the mere thought of which gives me a sugar high.

How about sweet confections at par with those you can find in a Parisienne cafe or New York hotel, but easily accessible and affordably priced? Think it’s good to be true?

Well, as I’ve discovered together with my East-based foodie friends, Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries, is the place to be in Pasig if you want to indulge in delectable desserts masterfully whipped up by a Paris-trained pastry chef.

Upon her retirement, Chef Amy Carr decided to bring her extensive experience in cakes and pastries by helping her daughter Lucelle and son-in-law Martin Tan set up a cafe along Amang Rodriguez Avenue in Santolan, Pasig.

Enter its doors and you will be ensconced in a cozy haven with a cosmopolitan feel. Comfortable chairs and low tables make for seating that encourages intimate conversations or restful solitude. Tasteful wall and shelf decor give the space an posh yet welcoming atmosphere. And for those who need to be always online, whether for work, study or social media, the place provides many power outlets for gadget charging as well as free WiFi.

For me and my foodie buddies, Coffee Time’s raison d’etre is its well-curated selection of cakes and baked goodies, all made from scratch by Chef Amy using premium ingredients. Check out a sampling of sweets that we were treated to when we visited the cafe:

Blueberry Cheesecake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). New York-style cheesecake topped with sweetened blueberries.

Choco Salted Caramel (Php150/slice | Php1,200/whole). Rich chocolate cake layered with salted caramel and covered with a luscious chocolate frosting.

Tiramisu (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Did you know that the name Italian word tiramisu translates to “cheer me up?” Well, this confection made of espresso-dipped chiffon cake layered with mascarpone cheese-based mixture and topped with powdered cocoa is sure to give your day a boost.

Sans Rival (Php165/slice | Php1,500). A homegrown dessert, this confection made of buttercream, meringue and cashew nuts layered on top of each other really is without rival.

Strawberry Shortcake (Php160/slice | Php1,300/whole). Light sponge cake layered with strawberry and vanilla cream and topped with fresh strawberries, this cake blew us foodies away with its delicious taste and lovely mouthfeel.

French Macarons (Php65/piece | Php320/box). These dainty and colorful meringue-based confections are bigger than the ones you’ll find in other dessert shops. Buy a piece, a box or two, for yourself or to give as a gift.

Cheese Drops (Php45/piece). A kiss-shaped dollop of cheesecake coated with s thick layer of chocolate, it makes for a bite-sized enjoyment!

Ensaimada con Queso de Bola (Php70/piece). Our favorite merienda pastry is given more flavor by the incorporation of Pato queso de bola (Edam Cheese).

Oatmeal Walnut Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php60/piece). The classic chocolate chip cookie is made heartier by the addition of oatmeal and chopped walnuts.

Red Velvet Muffin (Php55/piece). Despite its bright red color, red velvet muffins are actually rich in chocolate flavor. Topped with buttercream icing, these are quite filling yet not too sweet, perfect for pairing with black coffee.

Choco Chip Muffin (Php60). Everyone’s favorite cookie now in muffin form.

Partner these sweets with coffee- or non-coffee-based drinks offered at the store such as:

Flavored Lattes: Salted Caramel Mocha (Php90/8 oz | Php100/12oz) and Red Velvet (Php115/8oz | Php125/12oz).

Coffee or Cream Frappes: Salted Caramel Popcorn (Php150/16oz), Matcha (Php150/16oz) and Strawberry Cream (Php170/16oz)

No time to drop by the cafe? If you live in nearby Pasig or Marikina areas, call +63 920 9490391 to have your sweets delivered.

We foodies had such a sweet time which was one big sugar high, thanks to Chef Amy, Lucelle, Martin and the sweet folks of Coffee Time Cakes and Pastries!

Coffee Time Cakes & Pastries is located at 50 Amang Rodriguez Avenue (across South Supermarket), Santolan, Pasig City, open daily from 7am to 9pm. For inquiries and delivery requests, call +63 920 9490391.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I attended a foodie meet-up held in this restaurant. All the food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.

Check out my reviews of other dessert places in the metro:

Delicious Holiday Food Finds at Ilustrado

Make your holiday gatherings and gift giving more special with unique and delicious finds from Ilustrado Restaurant.

Ilustrado’s Holiday Tienda offers something for everyone. The cheese lover will surely love homemade cheese wheels in Boursin, Pimiento (a sure kids’ favourite!), Spicy Cheese – Edam with garlic and spices, varieties. You cannot go wrong with bottled Atsara, Bagoong, Moringga Pesto, Gourmet Tuyo and Chimichurri.

Tea Cookies come in boxes of 12 cookies in flavors of Double Chocolate, Coconut, Matcha Chocolate, Peanut Butter and Snickerdoodles. Brownies come in boxes of 4 bars with Cashew, S’mores, Salted Caramel, Pretzel and Cream Cheese flavors. Ready to serve for a party are Cake Squares in a box with these delectable selections – Baked Cheesecake, Chocolate Fudge and Sans Rival. Cheese Pimiento Wreath and Quezo de Bola Ensaimada Tree are both unique, festive and appetizing.

A new addition to their lineup are fun Artisan Holiday Boxes dubbed “Christmas Morning” – a selection of cookies, brownies, loose leaf tea and tablea chocolate while “Holiday Cheer” is a Graze Box with Jamon Serrano, Chorizo, Stuffed Lychee with Roquefort and Pistachio, Chorizo Puffs, Spicy Cheeseball, Boursin Cheeseball, Chocolate Dipped Dried Mangoes, Crostini and Pretzels, Mandarin Oranges, Marinated Tomatoes and Olives. These are the perfect hostess gifts to bring to a party or as gifts in themselves to those you hold dear.

To spruce up your Noche Buena table, choose from a long list of mouthwatering selections: the stellar Twice Cooked Angus Beef Short Plate is a must order along with Adobong Bagnet with Taba ng Talangka, Callos Madrilena, Kalderetang Kambing, Lengua con Setas, Hamon de Hacienda, Stuffed Chicken Ilustrado (ala Relleno), Pineapple Glazed Leg of Ham and U.S. Prime Rib.

Your meal will not be complete without Ilustrado’s Signature Paella. Choose from Paella Ilustrado (Meat and Seafood), Paella Marinara (All Seafood), Paella Negra (Squid Ink)or Paella Bacalao.

Those who like pasta and noodles can pick from Classic Carbonara, Espanyola (Spanish Sardines, sun-dried tomatoes in extra virgin olive oil) Filipino Spaghetti, Ilustrado (Shrimp, olive oil, Paprika) Machito (Tenderloin Bits and Mushroom) Palabok with Bagnet and Pata Pancit.

To know more offerings and other details visit Ilustrado at ‪744 General Luna Road‬, Intramuros, Manila (‪527-3674‬, ‪527-2345‬); Café Ilustrado, 4th Level SM Makati (‪818-6760‬) or Pasteleria Ilustrado, 2nd level, Alabang Town Center (‪0919-845-9503‬) or email caterings@ilustradorestaurant.com.ph or log on to www.facebook.com/ilustradorestaurant/.

Disclosure: Menu details and images provided by Ilustrado Restaurant in a recent press release.

Check out my previous post about Ilustrado Restaurant’s Degustation Menu here.

A bounty of sweetness: Sugarhouse’ 2018 Christmas Catalogue

With the holidays almost upon us, it is definitely the time for sharing the gifts of the season to our loved ones: good cheer, warm wishes and, of course, sweetness.

And since we’re talking about sweetness, if you find yourself at a Sugarhouse store, you’re at the right place.

Sugarhouse has been around since the 80s, opening a small cake store at Anza Street in Makati. Today, Sugarhouse has four full dine-in outlets serving full meals along with cakes and pastries; two semi-dine-in stores serving selected menu items along with baked goodies, and a kiosk dedicated to cakes and pastries.

Sugarhouse recently launched its 2018 Christmas Catalog, giving us a bounty of options to spread sweetness during the holidays.

During a Blogger Event hosted by Sugarhouse Marketing Consultant Jeffrey De Real Rusios at the Sugarhouse outlet in Glorietta, I checked out the goodies included in the catalog together with fellow bloggers and got some ideas for spreading smiles and satisfied tummies this Christmas:

Bring a light and fluffy Taisan (Php180 whole loaf), a hearty Banana Loaf (Php180/midi loaf; Php400/big loaf), or a zesty Orange Raisin Loaf (Php210/midi loaf; Php500/big loaf) to share during family gatherings and celebrations.

Contribute a box of Food for the Gods (Php240/box of 4 bars; Php480/box of 8 bars) to the office potluck and help chase away the office blues of your workmates.

Chillaxin’ at home over the holiday break? Enjoy a cup of of your favorite espresso brew paired with a sweet-salty Quezo de Bola Ensaimada (Php68/pc) with your special someone.

The Noche Buena feast may be alredy quite filling but there should always be room for dessert! Cap it with a decadently creamy Leche Flan (Php130) or a piece of the perennial Christmas favorite: Fruitcake (Php450/loaf).

And when the kiddies knock on your door on Christmas morning, treat them to some Polvoron (Php180/box of 6; Php350/box of 12) or Salted Caramel Chocolate Popcorn (Php90/pack; Php215/jar).

These sweet treats are sure to be a hit among those who are near-and-dear to you this Christmas. Do check them out at your nearest Sugarhouse outlet!

This Sugarhouse branch is located at 3rd Floor, Glorietta 2, Ayala Center, Makati City. For inquiries, call +63 2 2457180 or +63 923 2717732. In fact, if you want to customize a holiday gift pack, just ask Store Head Liza Oafericua to help you put together a winning combo of goodies.

Other Sugarhouse branches are located at Santolan Town Plaza and at Greenhills Shopping Center in San Juan, at Dela Rosa Carpark 1 and at Powerplant Mall in Makati, at SM San Lazaro in Manila and at SM Megamall in Mandaluyong.

Disclosure: Together with other food bloggers, I was invited to attend a Blogger Event held in this restaurant. Food items mentioned here were served to allow us to sample the fare and were not paid for by the attendees, including myself.