snack – Jellybeans in the City

#YouButterBelieveIt: Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are your new favorite treat!

If you’re a fan of Pinoy-style pastries, you’ve probably heard of Cheese Rolls. These soft and fluffy bread rolls stuffed with cheese have been a favorite among Filipinos for years.

These yummy pastries are made using basically the same dough as another Filipino bakery classic: the ensaymada. The dough is soft, fluffy, and buttery, providing the perfect canvas for the sweet and salty combination of flavors that Cheese Rolls are known for. The cheese filling brings a pop of richness and saltiness in the middle of the sweet and pillowy bread.

The good news is that you may now get your cravings for Cheese Rolls satisfied at Butter Grill.

A perfect complement to Butter Grill’s hotplate specials

Butter Grill has become a trending food court destination, thanks to its delicious Pinoy Hotplate Specials. After enjoying its Butter Sliced Pork, Butter Sliced Beef, Mixed Seafood, Peppered Bangus, Beef Tendon, or Angus Burger Steak, finish off your meal with one of Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls. The sweetness of the pastry and the savory flavors of the hotplate specials complement each other perfectly.

Buttergrill, The Landmark Supermart Foodcenter

Take home a sweet treat

Don’t have time to dine in? No problem. Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also perfect for takeout. Grab a few pieces to enjoy for breakfast, merienda, or as a snack while binge-watching your favorite show on Netflix. Pair them with a mug of brewed coffee or hot chocolate for the ultimate indulgence.

Affordable and accessible

Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls are also affordable, making them a great option for budget-conscious dessert lovers. Each piece costs only Php54.50, so you can indulge without breaking the bank.

Where to find Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls

Ready to try Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls for yourself? Head to the Butter Grill stall at The Landmark’s Supermart Foodcenter along Makati Avenue, Ayala Center, Makati City. Grab a few pieces and see what makes these Pinoy-style pastries so special. #YouDeserveButter when it comes to sweet treats, so go ahead and indulge yourself with Butter Grill’s Cheese Rolls.

Stay updated on its promos and offers by following Butter Grill on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

Check out my previous post about Butter Grill:

Enjoy delish Filipino hotplate your way at Butter Grill, The Landmark

10 tasty trivia about J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw

Chicken isaw is a popular Filipino street food made from chicken intestines. These innards are carefully cleaned, marinated and seasoned with a combination of savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors, then grilled or deep-fried to produce a crunchy exterior and juicy and flavorful interior.

Aside from its unique flavor profile, chicken isaw holds cultural significance in our country, where street food is an integral part of the local culinary scene. It represents the our rich culinary heritage, showcasing the creativity and resourcefulness of Pinoy street food vendors who can turn humble ingredients into delicious and satisfying treats.

Chicken isaw has become a beloved and iconic street food in the Philippines, loved by locals and tourists alike, and its appeal extends beyond just its taste, but also the cultural experience and sense of community that comes with enjoying this flavorful snack.

Now, imagine if you stock up on this snackable treat so you can enjoy it anytime and anywhere.

Thanks to J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw, you can do just that!

Curious about the history of this innovative take on a classic Pinoy snack? Here are ten tasty tidbits of trivia that will further whet your appetite:

Founder Bryan Paul Soriano initially ventured into several other businesses, including a burger shop and a pasta house, before finding success with his crispy chicken isaw concept.
After realizing the challenges of competing in a crowded food park with multiple food stalls, Bryan decided to come up with a unique and on-the-go food concept using chicken isaw, capitalizing on its popularity.

Despite the low cost of making chicken isaw, Bryan invested in good packaging for his product, which drove up his initial capital for the business.
This same packaging, however, made it a highly portable and versatile snack which can be enjoyed practically anywhere: whether as munchies for a movie marathon, a contribution to the office potluck, something to nibble on during game-day or a picnic snack.

J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw offers a variety of flavors to cater to different tastes, including classic (plain), classic with suka (vinegar), BBQ, spicy and salted egg, which contributed to its popularity among customers.
J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw is known for its crispy texture on the outside that gives way to a burst of umami on the inside, making it a delightful treat for food enthusiasts.

J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw has become a beloved Filipino street food, enjoyed by locals and, thanks to international resellers, even foreigners for its delicious taste and convenient on-the-go format.
J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw is now FDA-approved and has a longer shelf-life of eight to nine months.

Bryan’s creative idea of turning humble ingredients like chicken isaw into a crispy and flavorful snack has been a hit, leading to numerous resellers and over 40 distributors of J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw.
Today, J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw holds the distinction of being the first “modern” flavored crispy chicken isaw in the Philippines.

These tidbits of information paint a picture of entrepreneurship, creativity and and success. Lucky for us, Bryan persevered in his business ventures so we now have J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw to snack on.

So stock up on this snackable treat at various specialty food shops in the metro or order online at its Shopee store.

Know more about J’s Crispy Chicken Isaw by following it on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: Product samples were provided to facilitate this feature.

#FoundingFarmers brings healthy snacks good to share!

Hey there momshies!

Want to make the move towards a healthier lifestyle but getting bogged down by the lack of options for healthy yet delicious snacks?

Want to encourage the kiddos to go for more nutritious food but they can’t seem to let go of their favorite chips?

Well, worry no more, momshies! We’ve got an ally right here: Founding Farmers!

Founding Farmers produces and distributes snacks made from 100% real vegetables, prepared through healthy and sustainable processes (cooked at low temperatures with no trans fats!) to retain their intrinsic nutrients while bringing out new dimensions of flavors and texture that will make these veggie snacks appealing to young and old alike!

These munchables are suitable for vegans and vegetarians, good sources of dietary fiber, as well as cholesterol-free.

To enjoy your Founding Farmers vegetable snacks, simply Open, Eat, Enjoy and Repeat!

I’m sure you wouldn’t want to keep these yummies all to yourself, right? The good news is that pretty soon, Founding Farmers snacks will be available in #SharePacks!

At just Php199, these packs are, well, jam-packed with yummy and healthy goodies such as Founding Farmers’ classic flavors.

Okra Crisps. Who would have thought that the slimy okra can turn into a crunchy and tasty treat?

Shiitake Crisps. Go for the ‘shrooms such as this pack of premium shiitaki mushrooms vacuum-fried to retain its natural earthy and umami flavor and its distinctive shape.

Veggie Crisps. Mixed veggies are fun, wouldn’t you say? Mix and match your faves among six veggie variants inside this pack: okra, sweet potato, string bean, carrot, purple sweet potato and pumpkin.

Carrot Crisps. The natural sweetness of carrots takes centerstage with this crunchy snack.

Roasted Shelled Edamame. Your favorite appetizer at Japanese restaurants now comes shelled and roasted, packed in a resealable container so you can enjoy anytime you want.

Munch on these veggie crisps as you indulge in your family movie marathon or take them with you on your next family outing.

Stock up on these goodies so that the next time you tell your kiddos to eat their veggies, they’ll be excited to do so!

Say Hay to a better and healthier way to snack! Know more about Founding Farmers, visit its website or follow it on Facebook and Instagram.

Founding Farmers vegetable snacks are available at leading retail outlets such as The Marketplace, Landers, Robinsons Supermarket, Landmark, NCCC Supermarket, AllDay, Gaisano Countrymall, Unimart, Makati Supermart and Cash & Carry; specialty shops such as the Vegan Grocer, The Blue Kitchen, Echo Store and The Diabetes Store, as well as e-commerce sites such as BeautyMNL, LazMall, ShopeeMall, GrabMart, Pick*A*Roo, FoodPanda and Boozy.

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

#FruitTeaParty at Colobaba Cafe

In these last few days of summer, don’t you sometimes feel the need for ways to relax and refresh yourself as well as a break from the monotony of responsibilities at work and at home?

How about getting together with your pals for a refreshing Fruit Tea Party at Colobaba Cafe?

This fruit tea brand originated from Taiwan and has now spread to over 500 branches worldwide. One of its outlets in the Philippines is located along Timog Avenue in Quezon City.

Here, you and your buddies can relax in the laid back atmosphere as you feast your eyes and sate your tummy on wondrously colorful and refreshing drinks and snacks on offer.

With the reinvigorating blend of fresh fruits and premium Taiwanese tea, Colobaba Cafe’s drinks are high on both taste and nutritional content.

Taking center-stage, of course, is Colobaba Cafe’s Fruit Tea Party (Php298). This is the 1.5-liter version of the Superfruit Tea which is made of Taiwanese tea infused with apple, pineapple, watermelon and calamansi.

If you want to make your fruity drink even healthier, you can always go for a Yogurt Baba (Php188), which is made by blending fresh fruit juice and yogurt. To enjoy this drink, simply shake then gulp it down!

Of course, what would a party be without some delicious food? Colobaba Cafe’s got this covered, thanks to delectable snack offerings.

Snack Pack (Php268). A filling combination of potato fries, chicken chops, chicken popcorn and sausage.

Orange Chicken + Veggies (Php198). A satisfying rice bowl topped with chicken glazed in a sweet and tangy orange sauce, a sunny-side-up egg and vegetables.

Nothing caps a meal quite like some sweet delight, so Colobaba Cafe’s got some treats to give you and your friends your just desserts!

Chocolate Souffle (Php188). Fluffy Japanese style pancakes topped with cheesy cream foam, drizzled with chocolate sauce and sprinkled with crushed Oreos.

Egg Tarts (Php150/pcs | Php200/6pcs). Portuguese-style pastries composed of a flaky and buttery shell housing creamy egg custard.

So take heart, you harried urbanite. Some welcome rest, respite and refreshment await you and your buddies at Colobaba Cafe. Drop by any of its outlets in the metro:

Quezon City: Unit 9 ITC Commercial Complex, Timog Avenue corner Panay Avenue, Quezon City

Manila: Unit 104 The Manila Residence Tower II, Taft Avenue, Manila

Pasay: Magdalena Jalandoni Street, CCP Complex, Pasay City

Don’t have the time to drop by a Colobaba Cafe branch? Have your reinvigorating drinks and re-energizing snacks delivered to you via GrabFood or FoodPanda.

To keep updated on its latest offers and promos, follow Colobaba Cafe on Facebook and Instagram.

Disclosure: I attended a food-tasting held at this restaurant where food items were served at no cost to the attendees.

Sammy’s Weekend Quick Bites

Don’t you just love weekends?

It’s that time when you can wind down and recover from the hectic work days that precede it.

It’s also the time when you can treat yourself and the fam to a few indulgences.

Some of my favorite weekend memories are those I spent with my foodie friends hanging out at Sammy’s, a hidden gem of a restaurant located in Cainta.

There, we enjoyed great Indonesian-inspired dishes, along with a lovely post-meal serenade from Chef Sammy and his wife Dorothy, amidst the restaurant’s beautifully cozy interiors.

Recently, Sammy’s brought food lovers another reason to love weekends: its Weekend Quick Bites!

On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, Sammy’s offers yummy and highly snackable treats to sate our food cravings.

Being a mom to two budding foodies, I decided to have some of these munchies delivered to our home for the fam’s weekend merienda.

Korean Corndogs.

That sausage-on-stick that we love so well as kids got a significant upgrade, thanks to its thick coating of crunchy-on-the-outide, chewy-on-the-inside batter and further jazzed up with various fixins and condiments.

I got the Classic (Php99) for me, the Cheesedog (Php125) for my son, the Mozza (Php130) for my daughter and Overload (Php150) for Hubby.

I barely had time to take pictures of these corndogs as the fam was raring to get at them!

We weren’t able to try the Potato (Php125) but that’s what next orders are for!

Milk Teas.

Of course, we have to have something to drink together with our snacks, right?

Sammy’s has already got that covered with its refreshing milk teas that come in a variety of flavors with yummy and chewy tapioca pearls.

I actually already sampled these milk teas a few months ago when these were launched together with a special offer of a free slice of banana bread for every purchase.

Other milk tea variants available include: Wintermelon (Php65 16oz | Php75 22oz) and Taro (Php65 16oz | Php75 22oz).

Aside Korean Corndogs and Milk Teas, other snackable items included in Sammy’s Weekend Quick Bites are fries, nachos and floats.

Sammy’s makes weekends even better with its Weekend Quick Bites, wouldn’t you agree?

Weekend Quick Bites are available Saturdays and Sundays, from 3pm to 6pm.

Drop by Sammy’s at 14 Raspberry Bend Street, Valley View Executive Subdivision Phase 3, San Juan, Cainta to dine in and snack on these treats.

To enjoy these at home, order by calling +63 939 1483960, and book your delivery via Grab or Lalamove.

Follow Sammy’s on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on its latest offers.

More memorable snacktimes with Lemon Square

What was your idea of a fun snacktime when you were growing up?

It can be winding down at home after an afternoon of playing with our friends, where a refreshing drink and a light repast had been lovingly laid out by our moms.

It can also be the highly anticipated recess where we munch on our baons in between classes.

Or, it might be the late-night munchies with a glass of warm milk that we shared with our parents right before bedtime.

These memorable snacking moments stayed in our memories into adulthood, and we looked forward to the days when we can witness our kiddos enjoying similar moments.

The kids nowadays may be feeling down as they’re stuck at home because of the lockdown. How about cheering them up by sharing a bite or two of these tasty home-style baked treats from Lemon Square?

For thirty-five years, Lemon Square has been a part of every Filipino household, serving up real goodness through affordable and nutritious snack cakes. Its products are also much-loved by nanays throughout the country for their affordability, accessibility and nutritional value.

They can even be used to make more elaborate desserts, saving moms precious time and effort in coming up with unique and show-stopping confections.

Lemon Square continues to expand its product line to provide all family members their own favorite treat:

Lemon Square Signature Cupcakes. An assortment of cupcake flavors (including cream caramel, ube and pandan) to tickle the tastebuds!

Buy it at Lazada

Lemon Square Lava Cake. Aside from its Chocolate variant, this moist cake bar with a yummy cream filling also comes in Creamy Bavarian and Quezo con Ube flavors.

Buy it at Lazada

Lemon Square Whatta Tops. There’s a lotta enjoy with Whatta Tops, from Vanilla, Milky Cheese, Mango Graham to Cookies ‘n Cream flavors to add to your faves.

Buy it at Lazada

Lemon Square Inipit. A light snack made of a filling sandwiched (or “inipit”) between two pieces of chiffon cakes which come in Custard, Pastillas, Pandan, Queso, Chocolate and Lemon flavors.

Buy it at Lazada

Lemon Square Choo Choo Cake Bites. A pocket-sized snack you can chew on while on-the-go, which comes in Choco Vanilla and Cheese Milk variants.

Buy it at Lazada

Lemon Square Fun Square. Who knew being square could be so much fun! Well, if you’re a fun-sized Brownie or a Butterscotch piece that can be eaten alone or paired with ice cream or syrup, then you are definitely a Fun Square!

Buy it at Lazada

With all these snack cake variants, the kiddos can enjoy fun and tasty treats after schoolwork or playtime!

So while the kiddos may not be able to roam out of doors, do bring them fun and unforgettable snacktimes at home with the real goodness of Lemon Square.

Check out my Lazada picks to stock up on these snackable goodies and more.

Click here

Disclosure: This post contains affliliate links..

Snackable baked goodies from Breadtalk, SM East Ortigas

To be honest, my quarantine life has been made so much more bearable by the joys of snacking.

Munching on some sweet or savory pastries in the afternoon after office Zoom meetings or during tutoring sessions with my son help to tide me over until dinnertime, giving me that much-needed energy boost. When my kids and I get a case of the munchies late at night, we also reach for some breads that we pair with our favorite spreads.

Fortunately, there’s a Breadtalk branch in the mall near my home which lets me grab delicious and affordable baked goods whenever I go out for a supply run.

Here, some of my go-to breads and pastries are made fresh everyday. In keeping with safety protocols, it already accepts cashless payments via GCash.

My favorites among its offerings include:

Kick Kick (Php39). Soft pillowy bread split in the middle to give way to a creamy sweet custard.

Rocky Rocky Milk (Php45). Fluffy Danish pastry with milky cream.

Strawberry Rocky (Php45). Rocky Rocky Milk breads halved then split in the middle to hold some tangy and sweet strawberry jam.

Prosperity Polo (Php56). Similar to a Danish pastry, this is topped with a pineapple ring with a creamy sweet custard in the middle.

Earthquake Cheese Toast (Php159). A toasted airy loaf filled with cheese bits.

Almond Frenzy (Php41). A fluffy baked doughnut topped with sliced almonds.

Custard Bun (Php35). Soft milk bread with a rich custard filling in the center.

Baguette (Php62). A long thin and crusty loaf which is a perfect companion for the the Shrimp Gambas I sometimes make for dinner.

Wholemeal Toast (Php109). Fluffy bread which serves as a perfect foil for my son’s favorite tuna spread.

So if you’re looking for savory breads for your sandwiches or to complement your viands, or for sweet pastries for your snack or dessert, drop by a Breadtalk branch near you.

You can also have your orders delivered right to your doorstep via GrabFood.

For the latest updates from Breadtalk, visit its website or follow it on Facebook or Instagram.

This Breadtalk branch is located at Ground Floor, SM City East Ortigas, Ortigas Avenue Extension, Pasig City.

Other Breadtalk branches in the metro are located at:

Quezon City: Eastwood Mall, Robinsons Galleria, Gateway Mall, Robinsons Magnolia, Trinoma Mall, SM City North EDSA The Block, Ayala Malls Cloverleaf, SM City Novaliches, SM City Fairview
Marikina: SM City Marikina
Mandaluyong: SM Megamall, Shangri-la Plaza
San Juan: V Mall Greenhills Shopping Center
Taguig: Uptown Place Mall, Market! Market!, Bonifacio High Street, SM Aura Premiere
Makati: Powerplant Mall, Century City Mall, Ayala Malls Circuit, Glorietta, The Landmark, Ayala North Exchange, Assembly Grounds at The Rise
Manila: Robinsons Place Manila, SM City Manila, Lucky Chinatown Mall
Pasay: SM Mall of Asia
Las Pinas: SM Southmall
Muntinlupa: Alabang Town Center, Festival Mall

Check out my posts on other bakery establishments in the metro:

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!

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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

Buy Now

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:

#SarapKasamaAngPamilya, thanks to Jollibee delivery

There are plenty of reasons why our home-grown fast-food chain Jollibee remains unbeaten by international giants that set up operations here.

For many Pinoys, the tastes and textures from this unassuming restaurant chain that they enjoyed and grew up with continue to hold pride of place in their hearts and palates. From its ice cream sundaes that parents treat their toddlers to, the uniquely Pinoy-style spaghetti that graces birthday celebrations, to the crispy and juicy fried chicken that teenagers on their first dates enjoy, Jollibee has been serving up tasty and affordable fast-food well-suited to Pinoy tastebuds through the years.

The quarantines brought about by the pandemic may have curtailed the busy mealtimes at Jollibee branches frequented by friends and family, but fortunately, they can still enjoying their fast food faves by ordering for delivery.

That’s what I did one lazy Sunday afternoon as the fam was enjoying our individual pursuits: myself binge-watching on Netflix, Hubby monitoring the news on the US elections and the kids cooped up in their rooms. When the delivery arrived, we all came together to grab a bite and catch up.

I treated myself to my favorite snack – a Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog Value Meal (Php83). The Cheesy Classic Jolly Hotdog consists of a juicy and meaty sausage encased in a hotdog bun, topped with special dressing, grated cheese and tomato ketchup. While other iterations of the Jolly Hotdog have been launched over the years, I remain loyal to this original version. The value meal comes with regular Coke and regular fries.

For Hubby, I got an Amazing Aloha Yumburger with Drink (Php109). Considering the man does not like mixing sweets with savory, I’m amazed that this burger made with Jollibee’s Yumburger beef patty topped with a pineapple slice, crispy bacon strips and melted cheese encased in a burger bun would appeal to him.

For the kiddos, I got Peach Mango (Php98 for a three-piece Pies-to-Go set) and two pieces of Buko Pie (Php33/piece). These pocket pies are made with fruit filling encased in puff pastry then deep-fried until the crust turns crispy and golden brown.

For a few precious moments that afternoon, the whole fam took a break and got together to share a bite. #SarapKasamaAngPamilya, indeed!

To have your Jollibee favorites delivered right to your doorstep, call #87000 on your mobile, visit jollibeedelivery.com, or course your orders through GrabFood, FoodPanda or LalaFood.

Download the Grab App and get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Download the LalaFood App and get a free delivery coupon when you use my code: BEINGJMR53.

Snackin’ on de Original Jamaican Pattie

One of my challenges as a work-from-home mommy during quarantine is keeping the fam energized for all the things we need to do at home. Whether these tasks involve Zoom meetings with work colleagues, attending online classes or simply doing our tasks to maintain the household, giving Hubby and kiddos a tasty snack to tide them over between mealtimes is crucial to the continued harmony of our home during quarantine.

One of my go-to snack treats for the fam is the Jamaican Pattie.

As its name implies, this meat-filled pastry came from Jamaica but had roots from among the various cultures present in the country during its colonial period. From the Cornish immigrants came the baked pastry, while the Indian and African laborers contributed the use of cumin, curry and cayenne pepper. Together, these influences have produced a tasty and filling savory dish.

Here in Manila, the Jamaican Pattie was introduced and popularized by de Original Jamaican Pattie Shop & Juice Bar. In these kiosks, the delicious pastries are baked – not fried – fresh everyday.

For the kiddos and myself, the Cheezy Beef Jamaican patties hit the spot while Hubby’s favorite pattie is the Cheezy Pinatubo. The patties’ flaky crust and generous filling make for an enjoyable family snackin’.

Previously, we could only get these patties when we go to malls but since the quarantine, the chain’s kiosks have begun offering their wares for delivery via its official delivery partner Coco Delivery, or through GrabFood and FoodPanda.

Download the Grab App and get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Check out my blog posts on comfort food joints around the metro:

Homeschooling snack break with Goldilocks

Many of us whose kids have just finished the first quarter of blended distance learning all deserve a pat on the back.

Much has been said about the stress experienced by students and teachers in adjusting to learning outside the classroom. But we parents are adjusting, too, right?

Assisting the kiddos with their online classes while also dealing with the challenges of working from can also be stressful.

So if you and your home pupil are still trudging on, bravo! You two deserve a snack break.

The good news is, you won’t have to leave the house nor spend a lot for your indulgence with the little one. Order some of Goldilocks’ tasty and affordable baked goodies from FoodPanda, and they will be delivered right to your doorstep.

Goldilocks has been around since the 1960s, when sisters Milagros, Clarita and their sister-in-law Doris decided to open a bakeshop in Pasong Tamo, Makati. At the suggestion of another sister, Maria Flor, they named their venture Goldilocks after the fairy tale character, to help kids and their moms remember the store name and since it also denoted luck and prosperity.

Decades later, Goldilocks cakes have become part of Pinoy celebrations, from birthdays, office parties or just anytime people decide to get together over their favorite cakes and pastries.

Taking advantage of a Php100 off FoodPanda discount code from EJ of ILoveToEatPH, I took out my phone and ordered some snacks from Goldilocks such as:

Fluffy and Mocha Mamon (Php25). Light and fluffy, these are the Pinoy version of the Sponge Cake.

Butter, Chocolate, Marble, Mocha Marble, Double Dutch and Chiffon Cake Slices (Php29/slice). The same light and airy snack cakes available in a variety of well-loved flavors, which are well-suited for a quick snack or pasalubong.

Egg Pie (Php237). Creamy egg custard baked in a special pie crust with a caramelized top. One of my childhood faves, newly discovered (and much-appreciated) by my little boy.

After snacking on a cake slice along with a mug of hot chocolate, my home student here is buoyed up to tackle his homework.

I’m glad that it’s so easy and affordable to reward him (and myself!) with a tasty treat after all our stress as we adjust to our New Normal.

So momshies, if you’re feeling harassed as you tackle your daily grind while still assisting your kiddos with their home learning, kudos to you. Treat yourself and your home student with these treats from Goldilocks.

To get your hands on these yummy goodies (whether for homeschooling baon or for munchin’ on), just tap away at your FoodPanda app.

Download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

You can also order via Goldilocks’ delivery website.

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

Filling sub sandwiches from Subway

Did you know that the submarine sandwich, also known as the hoagie, hero or grinder, is said to have originated from the Italian-American communities in northeastern US in the early to mid-20th century?

It got its most famous moniker due to its shape: the cylindrical bread roll housing its hearty fillings resembles the shape of a submarine.

Its nickname, the hoagie, came about in Philadelphia in the 1950s when Italian-Americans working at the Hog Island shipyard started putting various meats, cheeses and lettuce between two slices of bread.

Subway, the largest restaurant chain in the world, specializes in subs.

From its beginnings in the Fresno, California in 1978, Subway has steadily conquered the rest of the globe, setting up shops in Asia and even appearing prominently in popular K-Dramas.

Maybe it was its high visibility in his favorite Korean dramas that drove my Hubby to start ordering sandwiches from Subway to be delivered via GrabFood whenever he gets peckish while working from home.

And why would I complain when he so generously orders subs for the rest of the fam so that everyone has something to tide us over until dinnertime.

6″ Italian (Php138). Hubby’s go-to sub is made of spicy pepperoni and salami with crisp veggies and peppers in a toasted bun.

6″ BLT (Php138). One of my mottos is “Bacon makes everything better.” Well, it surely does! Sandwich some bacon slices together with lettuce and tomato in freshly toasted buns and you’ve got a great sub!

6″ Steak and Cheese (Php184). Inspired by the classic Philly hoagie, this sub features lean and tender steak with crisp lettuce, sliced onions and tomatoes and topped with melted cheese in a freshly toasted bun.

6″ Roast Beef (Php184). Lean and tender slices of roast beef with sliced cucumbers, onions, tomatoes and peppers in a freshly toasted bun.

With these tasty and filling subs, the wait for dinner doesn’t seem so long, right?

And with Metro Manila back on moderate enhanced community quarantine (MECQ), we don’t have to leave the safety of our homes to have our subs. We can just have them delivered right to our doorsteps just by ordering from GrabFood, LalaFood or FoodPanda.

Download the Grab App and get a discount on your first food order when you use my code: GRABJELLYBEANS.

Use this link to download the FoodPanda app and get Php100 off your first order.

Download the LalaFood App and get a free delivery coupon when you use my code: BEINGJMR53.

Check out my blog posts on comfort food joints around the metro:

#QuarantineCookbook: Easy Mac ‘n Cheese

Last Sunday morning, in a bid to stop me from buying a mass-produced mac ‘n cheese packet when we went grocery shopping (or probably to flex his cooking muscles yet again!), Hubby promised me that he would make some macaroni and cheese for me and the kids.

Fast-forward to the afternoon of the same day, my Significant Other is bustling about in the kitchen (in between watching scenes from his latest Korean drama binge-fest) to make what was arguably my daughter #ExhibitA’s favorite macaroni dish.

Macaroni and Cheese (affectionately called Mac ‘n Cheese by its aficionados) is a dish of cooked macaroni pasta in cheese sauce (normally cheddar). Traditionally, this dish is baked in an oven as a casserole but it may also be prepared on a stove using a saucepan. Or you can just add water to a packaged mix and zap it in the microwave.

Similar dishes have been around in Europe since the 14th century. Since then, Mac ‘n Cheese have grown in worldwide popularity, even being considered comfort food in the US.

In his valiant effort to provide the fam with a filling snack that Sunday afternoon, Hubby improvised on an existing Mac ‘n Cheese recipe he found online.

Ingredients:

2 cups of uncooked macaroni
4 cups of milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup parmesan
1/4 cup grated processed cheese
2 tbsp butter

Procedure:

In a large pot, bring the milk to a boil.

Add the macaroni into the pot, stirring constantly for about ten minutes until the pasta is al dente. The milk would have been greatly reduced by then.

Turn off the heat, add in the cheddar and mix well.

Then add butter, parmesan and grated cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Serve while hot.

I love how milky and creamy this pasta dish is. And, well, Hubby’s version is way better than the packaged mix. 🙂

Try this recipe out the next time you want a yummy snack or appetizer, or when you need to contribute something hearty to a family potluck and let me know what you think.

Looking for other easy-to-cook dishes to try out while in quarantine? Check out my other kitchen adventures:

Making memorable snacking moments with Lemon Square

Remember simpler times when you were younger – spending sunny afternoons with your friends sharing yummy snacks lovingly prepared by your mom?

Playing outside may not be advisable nowadays, but you can still create memorable snacking moments with your kids and Lemon Square.

For thirty-five years, Lemon Square has been a part of every Filipino household, serving up real goodness through affordable and nutritious snack cakes. Its flagship brand – Lemon Square Cheesecake – has carved its place in every millennial’s childhood as the ultimate comfort merienda that is both tasty and filling.

Mothers also love Lemon Square products for its affordability, accessibility, and nutritional value.

Lemon Square also makes snacking more exciting with its family of brands that cater to every personality and quirk in the family:

Lemon Square Cheesecake: the classic favorite that is siksik with the real goodness of fresh eggs and milk
Lemon Square Whatta Tops: whatta cake, whatta topping, whatta filling! Make snacking more exciting with its moist cake, exciting toppings and creamy filling
Lemon Square Lava Cake: a moist, cream-filled snack bar made with real chocolate and oozing with home-baked quality goodness
Lemon Square Whatta Flakes: light and crisp crackers with a kakaibang feel in the mouth and kakaibang flavors
Lemon Square Cookie Bites: light, crispy, bite-sized, melt-in-your mouth cookies bursting with Lemon Square’s classic flavors: Cheesecake and Chocolate, it will make your quirky kids jump around in joy

So stay home and let Lemon Square be your family’s perfect snacking companion.

Experience Real Goodness, Always.

Quick snack time at Turks, SM North EDSA

So, here’s the deal: I’ve got some Turks GCs and my friends from #SaanSaPH and I are in the mood for a snack.

What to do???

Why, share the wealth and #MakeItATurksDay for everyone, that’s what!

At 10am and waiting for our first foodie meetup for the day, yes, we’re feeling just a wee bit peckish. So, off we went to the Turks stall at the SM North EDSA Foodcourt to get ourselves a small Beef Pita Doner each.

This tasty little snack is made of 100% pure beef, infused with Turks’ signature doner recipe and grilled to juicy goodness, served with freshly cut cucumber, tomatoes and onions, doused in cheese, garlic and hot sauces and wrapped with a slice of cheddar cheese in a warm, freshly baked pita bread.

You might think that there’s only one way to enjoy your Beef Pita Doner, but no! You can have it with all the bells and whistles (that is, all the veggies and sauces it usually comes with) like I did, sans onions, sans the sauces, or just all meat wrapped in the pita. Really, how you enjoy your wrap is your call.

With our hunger pangs chased away by our quick snack, our merry group went about our merry way, merrily tasting, noting and picture-taking what the day had to offer.