March 27, 2022
10:12 AM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Choco-Nut Brownies with Peanut Glaze
(Nina Daza-Puyat for The Maya Kitchen)

CRAVING for something sweet and chocolate-y but don’t have much time to bake from scratch? Well, there is nothing wrong with using convenience products such as Maya Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix. Just add your own twist to it, and you’ll come up with a really good product.

Cooking expert Nina Daza-Puyat, daughter of the late culinary icon Nora Daza, recently teamed up with her niece and Nora Daza’s granddaughter Isabelle Daza in The Maya Kitchen’s special virtual cook-along called Cook-along with Isabelle Daza.

Aside from Sweet and Sour Pork, whose recipe comes from Nora Daza’s timeless cookbook, Let’s Cook with Nora, which Nina recently updated to include ingredients available today as well as cooking techniques developed in recent years, the aunt-and-niece team baked Choco-Nut Brownies with Peanut Glaze using Maya Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix as base. And it is sooo good!

I “cooked along” with Nina, who is a good friend of mine and colleague in the food publishing industry, and Isabelle, and here’s what I baked. Nina and Isabelle’s recipe calls for a 9×9-inch baking pan. Since I wanted my brownies to be thicker and more like bar cookies, I used a 7×7-inch baking pan and extended baking time a little. I cannot say exactly how many minutes to bake my version, because it really depends on the heat of your oven and if you turn the pan around in the middle of the cooking process to make sure the whole pan bakes evenly. But just have a cake tester on hand, stick it into the center if you think the brownies are done, and if the tester comes out clean, it is done. If it still comes out gooey, continue to bake a few minutes more, or turn off the heat, keep the tray in the oven to cook the brownies in the residual heat a few minutes more, then bring it out and let it cool outside the oven.

For the peanut glaze:
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp. creamy peanut butter
10 pcs. Choc-Nut candies, crumbled

For the brownies:
1 pack Maya Chocolate Fudge Brownie Mix 500g
1/2 cup softened butter
2 eggs
1 Tbsp. water
8-10 pcs. Choc-Nut candies

1. Prepare peanut glaze. Combine heavy cream, peanut butter, and crumbled Choc-Nut in a small saucepan. Stir and press down any solid pieces until melted and sauce is smooth. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes over low heat. Transfer to a bowl to let cool.
2. Preheat oven to 350˚F. Prepare Maya Chocolate Fudge Brownies. Cream butter with eggs and water, then add brownie mix. Stir until well-blended.
3. Spread brownie batter in a 9×9-inch baking pan lined with baking paper. Spoon half of peanut glaze over brownie batter. Take a knife and run it through the glaze, creating a marble effect. Distribute Choco-Nut candy halves on top, Sprinkle crumbled pieces around.
4. Bake in oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool. Cut into squares. Serve with extra peanut glaze.

Posted in Cakes/Pastries, Recipes Tagged , , ,

February 14, 2022
9:46 AM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Romantic dinner at the Poolside of Diamond Hotel Philippines

IT’S Valentine’s Day, and what could be a better time to show your special someone just how much you love him (or her). Here are some suggestions:

ENCHANTING VALENTINE!

Diamond Hotel Philippines encourages you to fall in love on Valentine’s Day with a dreamy urban getaway, intimate dinners and enchanting gift ideas.

Premier King Room

The bedroom of a Premier Executive Suite

Go on a staycation via the hotel’s Make Room for Love packages, with rates starting at Php6,200 net per night, inclusive of Continental set breakfast for two, WiFi access and scheduled use of Health Club facilities. Book via diamondhotel.com, 8528-3000, or email reservations@diamondhotel.com.

You can also have a leisurely Valentine’s Lunch or Dinner Buffet at Corniche for Php3,380 net per person up to February 16, 2022, or savor an 8-course Valentine Set Menu, Japanese style, at Yurakuen Restaurant for Php3,180 net per person, inclusive of a glass of house wine, today, February 14. But if the Poolside seems like the perfect date place for you, go for the 5-course Valentine Set Dinner at Php2,900 net per person, also today. There is also the 4-course Valentine Set Lunch or Dinner with a glass of house wine at the Lobby Lounge for Php3,800 net (already good for two persons).

Valentine Smash Box

For those who prefer to celebrate Valentine’s Day at home, curated Luxury Platters and appetizing Set Menus are available through www.onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Aside from Grazing Boxes, limited-edition sweets are available until February 28. These include Chocolate Gluten-free and Flourless Cake, Strawberry Yuzu Cream Cake, and Valentine Smash Box in pink and red colors.

(Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Blvd. corner Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila, with telephone number (632) 8528-3000 extension 1121.)

FLAVORS OF LOVE

Conrad Manila treats hopeless romantics to well-curated Flavors of Love epicurean feasts among its award-winning restaurants, put together by its culinary team led by new Executive Chef Warren Brown.

Sweet treats from Conrad Manila’s Bru Coffee Bar

Bru Coffee Bar presents a whole range of signature cakes and chocolates meant to be the ideal Valentine’s gift, including favorites such as Strawberry Lychee Cake and Very Berry Tart. Then there is the Valentine’s Hamper, which includes a Smashable Chocolate Heart, heart-shaped macarons and a bottle of Champagne.

Brasserie on 3

Brasserie on 3 has put together an indulgent dinner feast to celebrate romance. The Living Kitchen offers a rich ensemble of gastronomic creations while the couple is treated to Welcome canapés, glasses of Champagne, a rose stem for the lady, and Conrad Manila’s signature Carey the Carabao plush doll.

How about a romantic escapade over breathtaking views of the Manila Bay paired with a sinfully sweet and savory Valentine’s Afternoon Tea at C Lounge?

China Blue by Jereme Leung is Conrad Manila’s Chinese restaurant

China Blue by Jereme Leung offers a memorable Valentine’s feast created by Executive Chinese Chef Eng Yew Khor. It is a luxuriously sensuous 6-course set menu with premium highlights such as Sautéed Lobster with Chili Gravy Sauce, Pan-fried Beef Tenderloin, and Crispy Hainanese Chicken Rice. As an added treat, each lady guest will receive a stem of rose courtesy of the restaurant.

Conrad Spa is a haven for invigorating indulgences

Wind up with a journey to an optimum state of well-being with a Valentine’s Wellness Retreat featuring Apricus Wellness treatments at Conrad Spa? It begins with a Dead Sea salt scrub and Microbiome balancing full body collagen therapy, followed by a Therapeutic immunity boosting oil bath. Couples are treated to a Transdermal microbiome targeted immune-boosting alginate therapy applied through the Touch therapy massage specially designed to invigorate mind and body.

(Conrad Manila is located at Seaside Blvd., Coral Way, Pasay City; with telephone number +632 8833-9999.)

Posted in FoodBiz, Restos Tagged , , , , ,

February 8, 2022
9:44 AM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

The Yee Sang Prosperity Toss
for the Chinese New Year

The Yee Sang Salad of Conrad Hotel Manila’s China Blue by Jereme Leung

COMPARED to the art of enjoying nian gao, or tikoy, the Yee Sang Prosperity Toss is a more recent Chinese New Year tradition. “Invented” in Malaysia, the Prosperity Toss is believed to bring good luck, happiness and, as its name straightforwardly declares, prosperity.

The tradition involves a raw fish, usually salmon, and vegetable salad called Yee Sang (or Yu Sheng), with “Yee” meaning fish and “Sang” meaning liveliness. It also includes a number of condiments and sauces. The ingredients are arranged side by side on a big round platter, while some of the condiments, both dry and wet, are in separate bowls placed strategically around the platter. Each ingredient has its own symbolism.

This Yee Sang Prosperity Toss kit, which is assembled by China Blue by Jereme Leung and comes compliments of Conrad Hotel Manila, lists the usual ingredients found in a traditional Yee Sang platter and what each of them symbolizes:

• Fish – Having things in abundance; always having more than enough.
• Carrots – Good luck is approaching / May good fortune be upon you.
• Green radish – May you always be youthful and vital.
• White radish – May your success roar like the wind and the waves.
• Pomelo – Wish you good luck and good profits.
• Sesame seeds – Peace and safety for all in the family.
• Ground peanuts – May your home be filled with wealth and treasure.

Everyone taking part in the ceremonial tossing gather around the table at an appointed time, each with a pair of chopsticks on hand.
The following condiments and sauces are added to the platter of ingredients as the first step in the prosperity toss:

• Pepper – May you attract wealth and treasures.
• Chinese 5-spice powder – May all good fortune be upon you and your family.
• Fried crisps – May wealth and prosperity be everywhere.
• Peanut oil – May you have prosperity and harmony at home.
• Sesame oil – May wealth pour in from all directions.
• Plum sauce – May your life be sweet like honey.

After adding the condiments and sauces to the main ingredients found on the platter, it is time to toss the salad. Each reveler dips his (or her) pair of chopsticks into the platter of food, lifts some of the ingredients, and tosses it high up in the air, in the process mixing the ingredients and at the same time doing what is said to bring good luck in the new year. The higher the toss, the better! But you’re worried about the mess? Well, this is one time when everyone is allowed to make a big mess.

While tossing, “ceremonial tossers” recite the symbolism of each ingredient until everyone runs out of breath.

Posted in FoodBiz, Restos Tagged , , ,

February 1, 2022
6:10 PM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

The Bellevue Manila’s Phoenix Court
Offers Chinese New Year Set Menus

Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet

THE Bellevue Manila’s famous Chinese restaurant, Phoenix Court, is offering two set menus for Chinese New Year. Available until February 18, 2022, these set menus combine an appetizer and a soup with six main dishes, plus a chilled dessert and Chinese New Year Cake, good for 6 to 8 persons or for 10 to 12 persons.

Hot and Sour Soup

Soya Chicken and Honey Pork

Chinese New Year Set Menu 1 features Roasted Peking Duck (appetizer), Boiled Chicken Soup with Dry Scallops and White Fungus (soup), Steamed Lapu-lapu with Soy Sauce, Baked Tiger Prawns with Garlic and Cheese, Steamed Pork Pata with Sea Moss and Brown Sauce, Poached Chicken with Onion Sauce, Pan-fried Beef Tenderloin Brazilian XO Oyster Sauce, and Fried Rice Seafood and Egg White (main dishes), Chilled Mango Sago Cream, and Deep-fried New Year Cake (desserts), for Php12,800, good for 6 to 8 persons, or for Php17,800, good for 10 to 12 persons.

Pan-fried Egg and Shrimp Onion

Salted Fish Fried Rice

Chinese New Year Set Menu 2 consists of Roasted Peking Duck (appetizer), Braised Crab Meat Soup with Shredded Meat (soup), Steamed Lapu-lapu with Soy Sauce, Deep-fried Whole Prawn with Garlic and Breadcrumbs, Braised Pork Pata with Brown Sauce, Braised Abalone with Sea Cucumber and Mushroom Green Vegetables, Pan-fried Beef Tenderloin with Pepper Chili, and Salted Fish with Chicken and Garlic Fried Rice (main dishes), Chilled Coconut Pudding, and Crispy New Year Cake (desserts), for Php19,000, good for 6 to 8 persons, or for Php24,000, good for 10 to 12 persons.

For smaller groups, four set menus good for 5 are available, with each set priced at Php2,500 net.

Set A: Sweet Corn Soup with Chicken, Pan-fried Egg Fuyong Omelet, Stir-fried Beef with Oyster, Fish Fillet with Ampalaya, Sautéed Bokchoi with Garlic, Yang Chow Fried Rice, and Deep-fried Sesame Balls.

Set B: Braised Wintermelon Soup with Crabmeat, Sweet and Sour Pork, Roasted Crispy Chicken, Braised Fish Fillet with Beancurd, Sautéed Green Vegetables with Garlic, Eggplant with Minced Pork, and Deep-fried Sesame Balls.

Sliced Pork with Oyster Sauce

Chilled Black Gulaman with Lychees

Tikoy, or Nian Gao, in assorted flavors

Set C: Hot and Sour Soup, Soya Chicken and Honey Pork, Sweet and Sour Fish Fillet, Pan-fried Egg and Shrimp Onion, Sliced Pork with Oyster Sauce, Salted Fish Fried Rice, and Chilled Black Gulaman with Lychees.

Set D: Sweet Corn Soup with Asparagus, Homemade Beancurd with Minced Pork, Sautéed Green Vegetables with Garlic, Deep-fried Chicken with Tomato Sauce, Braised Fish Fillet with Onion and Pepper, Stir-fried Efu Noodles with Meat and Mushrooms, and Chilled Black Gulaman with Lychees.

For inquiries or orders, call (631) 8771-8181.

(The Bellevue Manila is locaed at the North Bridgeway, Filinvest City, Alabang, Muntinlupa.)

Posted in FoodBiz, Restos Tagged ,

January 30, 2022
6:06 PM
by: Dolly Dy-Zulueta

Diamond Hotel Ushers In
the Year of the Water Tiger

Chinese Set Menus available at Corniche for the Chinese New Year

IT’S time to usher in the Year of the Water Tiger, and Diamond Hotel Philippines presents itself as the place to be for the grand celebration
Corniche restaurant is all set to serve the exquisite Chinese culinary treasures masterfully created by Chinese Chef Yang Yong. Available until February 6, 2022, the Lunch and Dinner Buffet shall include traditional Chinese New Year favorites and other celebratory dishes for Php3,300 net per person. Among the buffet selections to partake of are Roasted Suckling Pig, Braised Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs, Chinese New Year Pan Cai (an all-in-one dish), Stir-fried Noodles, Steamed Fish with Ginger Soy Sauce, Chinese New Year Yu Sheng, Assorted Dimsum, 3 Kinds of Tikoy, and more.

Roast Suckling Pig with Mantou

Yu Sheng Salad for the Prosperity Toss on Chinese New Year

Diamond Hotel Philippines’ Prosperity Tree for 2022

What’s more: Every Php5,000 minimum spend at Corniche during this period entitles diners to “pick a prize” from the Prosperity Tree.

Chinese Lauriat

Unlimited Dimsum

Diners also have a choice to go for the Chinese Lauriat and Unlimited Dimsum offers of Corniche for the auspicious occasion. Three exciting Chinese Lauriat sets are available for lunch and dinner, with prices starting at Php3,600 net good for six persons. For the Unlimited Dimsum offer, diners may indulge in a rich selection of premium dimsum, each one delicately and skillfully crafted to please even the most discriminating palates, for Php1,088 net per person.

Should you decide to celebrate the auspicious occasion at home, though, you can still enjoy Diamond Hotel food by ordering from the selection of featured Chinese delicacies in the hotel’s online shopping site, onlineshopping.diamondhotel.com. Available are four Lucky Chinese Set Menus, with prices starting from Php2,999 net, all of which come with Yu Sheng Salad for the traditional Prosperity Toss.

Chinese New Year Wealth Fortune Pot

Prosperity platters—Chinese New Year Wealth Fortune Pot, Happiness Yu Sheng, New Year Wealth Roast Suckling Pig with Mantou, and Fortune Cake—are options to bring more fun to the celebration.

For reservations, call 8528-3000 extension 1121 or mobile number 0975-7921473 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Dining guests must be fully vaccinated and other conditions apply.

(Diamond Hotel Philippines is located at Roxas Blvd. corner Dr. J. Quintos St., Manila.)

Posted in FoodBiz Tagged , ,