product review – Page 3 – Jellybeans in the City

Guiltless snacking with Mom’s Haus of Mushroom

Spending all this time at home and going on TV binge-watching sprees sure do give us quite an appetite, doesn’t it?

If the thought of stuffing your face with junk food fills you with dread, you’re in luck! You won’t have to wallow in guilt when you indulge your snack cravings with treats from Mom’s Haus of Mushroom.

These appetizing treats are produced by Food For Thought Live Well Together Corp., a social enterprise that seeks to address unemployment in the countryside by providing jobs and optimizing the local agriculture.

It produces extremely snackable crispy mushroom chips, perfect for munching on while watching your favorite TV series, to fill the tummy with something delish in-between meals or a show-stopping addition to an appetizer spread.

These crispy mushroom chips are all made with wholesome and natural ingredients: freshly picked mushrooms, vegetable oil, wheat flour, egg whites and spices, onion, vinegar and natural flavorings (salted egg, garlic and chili). These chips are baked to yummy crispiness and are available in 25g and 100g packs in several flavors, which include:

Original. The honest-to-goodness taste of mushroom in every piece!

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Garlic. A well-balanced nutty mushroom flavor with a hint of garlicky spice.

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Salted Egg. The earthy taste of mushroom refined with the richness of salted egg.

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Chili. Want your snack with a bit of a spicy kick? Well, this one’s for you!

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So be bold and have good eats without the guilt. Stock up on Mom’s Haus of Mushroom Crispy Mushroom Chips today!

For more deets on Mom’s Haus of Mushroom, its products and its social enterprise initiatives, check out its website or follow it on Facebook, Instagram or Youtube.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Chicken Galantina by Fira’s Kitchen

If you haven’t encountered the dish called Chicken Galantina yet, you’re missing on quite a lot!

This delectable dish is made with a deboned chicken stuffed with ground pork, hard-boiled egg and sausages with some pickle relish and spices which is then baked until cooked.

Its origins go all the way back to France with a dish called galantine which employs basically the same method and similar ingredients. Its name may have been derived from its elaborate preparation and presentation: deboning a chicken, after all, is pretty difficult and time-consuming, and the finished dish is lavishly decorated before serving. This leads to a spread of food on the table that is urbane and sophisticated – therefore gallant.

Given the effort that goes into making this dish, it usually makes an appearance during special occasions or holiday feasts.

I remember my mom trying her hand at making this dish back when I was young and I could attest to the difficulty and care needed in making it. No wonder then, that despite the appeal of the dish among our family members, Mom rarely ventured into making this dish since then.

To my reckoning, it’s been years since the last time I had a taste of Chicken Galantina, while my kiddos have yet to acquaint themselves with it.

As luck would have it, the family of my honorary daughter – my real daughter #ExhibitA’s BFF – sent a whole Chicken Galantina from Fira’s Kitchen to us.

Established in the early 2000s, Fira’s Kitchen specializes in Chicken Galantina, making use of a family recipe that had been passed down through generations.

Honorary Daughter and her mom swear by it, and I have to say that I agree.

From its flavorful browned skin to the succulent chicken meat and delicious stuffing – thankfully not overflowing with raisins! – it is a welcome highlight at our dinner table.

It came with its special gravy which my kiddos consumed quite liberally but I quite prefer my Chicken Galantina portion without it.

The remarkable thing about this dish is that it can be enjoyed hot or cold, so what few leftovers we had conveniently became sandwich fillings for our midnight snack.

Fira’s Kitchen sells its Whole Chicken Galantina with Gravy for Php850. Galantina Rolls (a version of the Chicken Galantina rolled in chicken breast) and Chicken Embutina (the same Chicken Galantina recipe but in embotido-style) are also available for Php150 and Php180, respectively.

To order, call +63 927 5192810 or send a message via Facebook or Instagram.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Yummy homemade apple pie for the apple of your eye

Literary goddess Jane Austen was said to have uttered, “Good apple pies are a considerable part of our domestic happiness.”

I certainly cannot refute the truth behind Ms. Austen’s words.

Apple pies – good ones! – do bring about feelings of happiness and contentment.

This much-loved dessert actually originated in England, influenced by culinary traditions from France, the Netherlands and the Ottoman Empire from as early as the 1390s. It made its way to the New World thanks to the European settlers. It grew in popularity and was eventually included in America’s first cookbook, American Cookery, by Amelia Simmons in 1796.

Over the years, it has become ingrained into American culture, hence the saying “as American as apple pie.”

It has also made its way to this country, where dessert lovers can now enjoy it in the comforts of their own home by ordering from enterprising home bakers.

One such entrepreneur is Mark David Antonio, who started baking apple pies at the start of this year to practice baking and earn a bit of money.

As apple pie is his favorite dessert, he infused it with his favorite elements: a buttery and flaky crust, a sweetly-spiced apple filling and a crumbly streusel topping. Together, these made for an apple pie perfect for any occasion: a show-stopping contribution to a potluck, a delightful gift to a sweet tooth, or a satisfying cap to a wonderful meal.

It’s best served warm from the oven. You will also be treated to the wonderful apple pie aroma wafting to your nostrils as the pie re-heats in the oven, giving you a heady sense anticipation.

You may or may not choose to top it with a dollop of vanilla ice cream to have it ala mode (I didn’t because I couldn’t wait to bite into my slice).

It’s also quite affordable at just Php550, so no need to think twice in treating yourself and the apple of your eye to this decadent delight.

Just order from Mark by texting +63 956 8674914 or +63 921 4813262. You can also send him a message via Facebook. Payments via GCash and BPI are accepted. This can be delivered to anywhere in the metro, with delivery fee shouldered by the buyer.

Let this sweet treat add to your domestic bliss today!

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Classic kakanin from Ka Mely’s Bibingka

So much of my childhood merienda memories involve kakanin – native delicacies usually made with glutinous rice, sugar and coconut milk.

You would think that we would have run out of ideas on what to make with kakanin at some point, but, no. We Pinoys have a extensive plethora of snacks or desserts that fall under this category.

After doing a bit of grocery shopping with Hubby, I happened upon a stand selling products from Ka Mely’s Bibingka, Atbp.

This Cainta-based food business got its start when the Alcantara family matriarch Amelia – also known as Ka Mely – decided to expand her Bibingka-selling business to include the production of native delicacies. Today, it is a well-established food manufacturer with three physical stores as well as regular resellers.

I had the idea of introducing kakanin the kiddos for our afternoon snack, so I brought home:

Bibingka (Php180 for small). The rice cake made with sticky glutinous rice topped with caramelized sugar and coconut cream.

Suman sa Ibos (Php10/pc). The most prevalent suman variant which is usually unsweetened and wrapped in palm leaves. I have two ways to enjoy this suman: one is at room temperature and dipped in sugar, another is lightly fried in vegetable oil until the outside is slightly crispy but the inside is still chewy, then slathered with butter and sprinkled with sugar.

Suman sa Lihiya (Php25/pc). A suman variant which is made with lye-treated glutinous rice which is usually served doused with latik, or caramelized coconut milk.

Sure these snacks are practically all carbs but they made for a good intro for my kids for the wonders of Filipino delicacies!

While I got my kakanin from a kiosk, you can have your kakanin delivered to your home by ordering from Ka Mely’s Bibingka, Atbp on Facebook or Instagram or calling +63 2 85155467, +63 917 8533766 or +63 908 8876992. Payments via BDO bank transfer, GCash or COD (via pabili service) are accepted. Ka Mely’s Bibingka Atbp products are delivered from Cainta, Rizal to anywhere in the metro.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Celebrate Carrot Cake Day with this treat from Inang Charing

Did you know that Carrot Cake Day falls on February 3?

On this day, the world celebrates one of our favorite cakes which happens to have a lively and storied history.

Food historians posit that the carrot cake originated from the carrot puddings eaten by Europeans in the Middle Ages. During this time, sugar and sweeteners were quite expensive so bakers used carrots as substitutes for sugar.

In 1814, a recipe for “Gateau de Carrottes” was included first included in the book L’art du cuisinier by Antoine Beauvilliers, former chef to Louis XVI which was soon copied in competitor cookbooks until an English translation came out in 1824. Thanks to these written works, the recipe for this delectable was handed down through generations and traveled across continents so we foodies can enjoy it.

Here in the metro, the carrot cake remains a foodie favorite and many local bakers have put their own spin on it.

One such baker is Mylene Capili who operates the online bakeshop Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries. Having named her business as a tribute to her beloved grandmother, she applies modern takes to the classic dessert favorites that her store offers.

Her Carrot Cake (Php395 for sampler | Php545 for 8×8 square pan | Php1,245 for family-size 10×12 pan), for instance, like many modern iterations of the dessert, is made with freshly grated carrots incorporated into a moist and sweetly spiced cake topped with a thick layer of cream cheese frosting and beautifully garnished with grated carrots and chopped walnuts.

It’s a showstopper of a dessert, definitely, and a perfect sweet treat for Carrot Cake Day.

Couple this with an order of premium Cookies (Php180 for box of three | Php355 for box of six) made with decadent Belgian chocolate. From the Classic Chocolate Chip (made with dark and semi-sweet Belgian chocolates) to the Aurum (made with white and golden Belgian chocolates topped with almond slices and Maldon sea salt flakes, these are tasty ways to indulge your sweet cravings anytime you want.

So go ahead. Find reasons to celebrate such as Carrot Cake Day and treat your loved ones to lovingly crafted desserts from Inang Charing Cakes and Pastries.

Order now via Facebook or Instagram with a three-day lead time and pay via GCash or BPI bank deposit a day before your preferred pickup or delivery date.

Disclosure: Items featured here were received as gifts.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa for quick relief from sore throat and coughing

Momshies, there are times when we really need to speak out.

Whether it’s when we’re demonstrating our competency at work, teaching our children for school or for life, or when we assert ourselves to get what we need for our family, we need to make sure that we make ourselves heard and we get our message across.

Sometimes, though, an itchy throat gets in the way.

Imagine: just when you are about to make your pitch in an online meeting, you’re suddenly overcome with a fit of coughing or a hoarse voice. Not only will these stop you from speaking up but they are also especially alarming to hear nowadays with the ongoing panic over the pandemic, right?

Well here’s a remedy that singers and voice talents swear by: Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa.

It is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that helps relieve throat, cough and voice problems.

This heritage brand has been around for quite some time. As legend has it, the mother of Yang Chin, provincial commander in the Qing dynasty (more than 400 years ago) suffered from a chronic cough. She was cured by a remedy concocted by physician Dr. Ip Tin-See out of fifteen herbs. The remedy proved so effective that the commander built a factory to mass produce it. Through the years, generations have grown to trust only Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa.

It even carries this touching history in its very name: “Nin Jiom” which translates to “in memory of my mother,” and “Pei Pa Koa” which means “loquat syrup.” If you also look carefully at its logo, you will see that it depicts a son dutifully serving his elderly mother.

Today’s modern formulation contains sixteen powerful herbs and honey which all work together to expel phlegm, soothe the throat, relieve coughing and hoarseness. Its core cough relief ingredient, Chuan Bei, is especially harvested in sustainable and pollution-free conditions from its own cultivated farm in Tibet.

When taken, its thick and cool syrup goes smoothly down your throat. You will be able to feel its soothing effects almost instantly.

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa may be taken three times a day or as prescribed by a doctor. Adults (over 12 years old) may take one tablespoon (15ml), kids from seven to twelve years old may take 2/3 tablespoon (10ml) while kids below seven years old may take 1/3 tablespoon (5ml) per dose. You can also dilute it in warm water and take it for throat and voice maintenance.

So, momshies, if a sore or itchy throat, or an irritating cough hinders you from saying your piece, you know what to do.

Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa is available in three sizes – 300ml, 150ml and 75ml. You can buy it at leading drugstores as well as at Shopee and Lazada.

For more information, follow Nin Jiom Pei Pa Koa on Facebook.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature article

3 reasons to sate your sweet cravings with a Cheesecake Jar from Chi’s Cake

For many of us dessert lovers, biting into a decadent cheesecake is sublime pleasure.

The rich creaminess and the sweet-tart flavor dynamic of the filling, the buttery taste of its graham cracker crust and the flavor accents added by its toppings are enough to get us hooked!

Sometimes, though, we get a craving for cheesecake but buying an entire cake might be more than what our refrigerator or tummy can accommodate.

The perfect solution for those instances?

A cheesecake jar from Chi’s Cake!

This online bakeshop, run by former It business analyst turned full-time mom Siri Andres, had its start by offering uniquely flavored no-bake cheesecakes – as whole cakes or in cups – which have been reviewed as not being too sweet (perfect for those who get overwhelmed too much sweetness in their desserts).

During the quarantine, it introduced a new way to enjoy its sweet creations: in jars!

Here are three reasons why a Chi’s Cake cheesecake jar may just be your kind of sweet treat.

1. It introduces you to new flavors.

Chi’s Cake’s cheesecakes are no run-of-the-mill desserts. These are handcrafted creations that come in unusual variants. Luckily, these variants are also available as handy cheesecake jars.

The Carrot Cinnamon Cheesecake, for example, is Chi’s Cake’s claim to fame. A creamy, melt in your mouth carrot-infused cheesecake on a bed of buttery crust and topped with caramelized walnuts, this confection is what started the business.

The Pecan Pie Cheesecake, on the other hand, is a to-die-for dessert which consist of a crust made with crushed digestive biscuits and a delectable cream filling topped with candied pecans.

Are you craving for a taste right about now?

2. It is sized just right for you.

If you find a whole 9-inch cheesecake too overwhelming (for your ref space or your tummy), then a cheesecake jar fits the bill quite nicely.

At 220 grams, it is just enough to sate your craving, perfect for a quick sweet snack time or for munching on during a Netflix binge.

3. It’s perfect for e-parties.

Zoom parties have taken the place of real-life gatherings due to the pandemic. To have a real party feel, it’s best for everyone to partake of the same food, right?

Why not send everyone a cheesecake jar? And then wait for the compliments to come in.

To order your Chi’s Cake cheesecake jars, fill up this order form. Chi’s Cake delivers within Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna and Cavite (delivery fee to be shouldered by the buyer). Payments via GCash and Metrobank are accepted.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Home-baked goodies worth the calories… Baked by Rina

Most of my friends already know my mantra when it comes to food: in Tagalog, it goes – “nasasayang lang ang calories pag hindi ka nasarapan.”

The reasoning behind this is that if I have to spend an extra thirty minutes to an hour on the treadmill just to burn off those calories I consumed anyway, the food better be worth it. (Truth be told: I haven’t been on the treadmill as often as I should but the principle still applies.)

During a recent Zoom party with former officemates, I won a box of empanadas from online bakeshop Baked by Rina.

Rina is one of my former bosses. Beneath the fierce, tough love and go-getter exterior she displayed in the workplace, my teammates and I all knew she’s a softie at heart.

That softer side comes to the surface when she brings to the office some items she baked for us to share.

Fast forward a few years and Rina has since moved forward to more creative pursuits: among them are the crafting of preserved flower arrangements for Stories & Blossoms and the creation of goodies baked with love for Baked by Rina.

This venture grew out of the ever-increasing demand for Rina’s baked treats, first within her circle of friends, then on to their friends until she decided to share her creations to a wider network of foodies through her online store. Her offerings include the classic desserts often requested by her family and friends during special occasions or when they have a particular craving.

Last weekend, to the fam’s utter delight, my empanadas arrived accompanied by other treats from Baked by Rina. These were all certified by the Jellybeans family as well worth the calories.

Check out these baked goodies:

Baked Empanadas (Php550/box). Savory chicken and chicken asado filling wrapped in a flaky crust and baked to a beautiful golden brown. A hit with Hubby for his midnight snacking.

Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (Php250/tub). Sweet chewy nibbles of oatmeal cookies studded with fruity raisins.

Chocolate Chip Cookies (Php325/tub). Little bites of classic chocolate chip cookies best enjoyed when bitten into after dunking in full cream milk. My son’s favorite since he had his first taste of it a year ago and its appeal to him has not waned!

Banana Loaf with Walnuts and Raisins (Php350). A fragrant and moist banana loaf studded with chopped walnuts and raisins. My daughter loved its taste and texture!

Dutch Apple Pie (Php1,400). This is my absolute favorite kind of apple pie: a sweetly spiced apple filling on top of a flaky crust and topped with a slightly crunchy and buttery streusel. It’s great on its own but it’s best enjoyed hot and topped with vanilla ice cream.

With each bite of bite of these sweet treats Baked by Rina, you know these are worth all the calories.

So give yourself and your fam a treat and order some baked goodies today!

Check out Baked by Rina on Facebook to see the complete list of available goodies. To order, send a message via Facebook Messenger or call +63 917 5014934 at least two days before delivery date. Payments via Metrobank or BPI bank transfers and via GCash are accepted. Baked by Rina delivers from Quezon City to anywhere in the metro and nearby cities via Grab, Lalamove and Mr. Speedy (delivery fee charged to buyer).

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.

Check out my blog posts on other small enterprises and startups in the food business:

Tell your tales with Stories and Blossoms’ preserved flower arrangements

Have you ever heard the phrase “say it with flowers?”

This saying is attributed to Boston adman Major Patrick O’Keefe who came up with the slogan during a discussion with former President of the Society of American Florists. While brainstorming on possible slogans for the organization, Penn was said to have remarked “There is nothing you can’t say with flowers – when you send flowers, it says everything,” to which O’Keefe exclaimed “That’s it!”

For ages, meaning have been attributed to flowers. From the Ottoman Empire’s obsession with tulips to the Victorian era’s interest in floriography, up to the present day’s penchant for using blossoms in home decor, flowers have been used to send messages to their recipients.

Imagine what you can say with preserved flowers instead. If you haven’t yet considered preserved flowers to beautify your home or to give as gifts, here are ways they trump fresh-cut flowers.

1. They last longer.

The thing with flowers is they tend not to last that long. While fresh-cut flowers can generally last for a week or two, preserved flowers can stay around for up to three years. You won’t have to worry about your home accent or present wilting away too soon.

2. They cost less.

Fresh cut flower arrangements for delivery usually start at Php700 but preserved flower arrangements can cost as low as half this amount.

3. They require little maintenance.

Since the preserved flowers are dried, they do not require water to maintain them. Given our climate, you would just need to keep them from dust and moisture so you can enjoy them for a long time.

4. They don’t trigger pollen-based allergies.

If you’ve always loved the beauty of floral arrangements but get a case of the sniffles every time you’re near them, preserved flowers is the solution to your problem. Preserved flowers no longer have pollen so those who suffer from allergies to this substance can enjoy them safely.

More and more, it seems that preserved flowers are well-suited to today’s minimalist trends in gift-giving and home decor.

Online flower shop Stories & Blossoms captures not just the needs of times but also the stories behind every emotion, celebration and milestone that call for its tasteful preserved flower arrangements.

Through the artful combinations of colors, textures and sizes of different blooms, it helps evoke feelings, memories and thoughts.

Take this Stories & Blossoms creation – called “Little Black Dress” – a 26-inch tall arrangement that incorporates the Pantone colors of 2021 – Illuminating Yellow and Ultimate Grey – as well as my favorite color, Black. This imbued a combined sense of brightness, serenity and hope to my home. It also became an eye-catching and elegant centerpiece for my dining table.

You too can capture and tell your tales with preserved flowers. Just shop online at Stories & Blossoms’ website. Arrangements are priced starting at Php299. To know more about its newest arrangement creations and offers, like and follow Stories & Blossoms on Facebook or call +63 967 5099050.

Disclosure: A product sample was provided to facilitate this feature article.

Quick pain relief with White Flower

I’m no snowflake.

In fact, I pride myself on being a low-maintenance kind of girl, a koboy, in fact.

But sometimes, there are those aches and pains that stop me from having a happy and productive day.

Blame it on today’s busy and overwhelming pace of living, or, yes, my age, but lately, I can succumb to those twinges and sniffles that get in the way of what I have set out to do.

I guess I’m not as tough as I thought I was.

Well, some wise ladies have clued me in on their tried-and-tested home remedy: White Flower Embrocation.

A nifty bottle of this liniment provides a quick dose of much-needed relief for those who get knocked-down by life’s little discomforts.

Yes, being a legacy brand, White Flower has been around for quite a while. That’s just a testament to its efficacy.

Just by performing three basic steps – ipatak (apply a few drops to the palms and rub together), langhapin (breathe in the soothing vapor) and ihagod (massage onto the aching area) – generations have benefited from its pain-fighting qualities against ailments such as:

Headaches. Don’t you just hate it when your head begins to throb when you get tired or stressed? There are times that call for you powering through your headache to deliver your work task or fulfill responsibilities at home. To give yourself some quick relief from these kinds of headaches, apply two to three drops onto your palm and gently rub your palms together, deeply inhale the vapor and massage the oil onto your temples in a circular motion. Be sure to avoid contact with your eyes!

Muscle Pain. My good intentions of having a more active lifestyle are being curtailed by those muscle aches from overexertion or tension. With the anti-inflammatory qualities of its lavender and eucalyptus essential oils, White Flower is the solution to pain caused by muscle swelling. To get your quick relief from muscle pain, apply two to three drops onto your palms or directly on the skin, then massage the oil into the sore area.

Colds. When my Vitamin C intake was not enough to stop the onset of the sniffles, I have no choice but to just ride it out. Fortunately, White Flower’s soothing and refreshing vapors can help ease the discomforts caused by sinusitis and nasal congestion. Place two to three drops on a handkerchief, then inhale the soothing vapors. My mom taught me to do suob (steam inhalation) for even faster relief: drop a bit of the oil into a basin of hot water, drape a towel over your head and inhale the steam. For a more comfortable sleep, apply a few drops on your pillow at bedtime. Not only will you have a more pleasant slumber, your pillow will also smell fresh and minty!

White Flower also provides relief from travel sickness and insect bites. Just remember the three-step action: ipatak, langhapin and ihagod!

With a bottle of White Flower Embrocation in my bag, I can go back to being my usual tough and koboy self. After all, pain relief is just a few drops away.

What’s your home remedy for pain relief?

To get your own stash of White Flower Embrocation, order now from Shopee or Lazada.

White Flower Embrocation is a blend of six essential oils – peppermint, wintergreen, camphor, eucalyptus, menthol and lavender, all known for their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is manufactured by Hoe Hin Pak Fah Yeow Mfg., Ltd. in Hong kong, and imported, packed and distributed by Jelma Philippines.

For more information on White Flower Embrocation, visit its website.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature article.