Kitchen Masterpieces: Fudges & Brownies

It has been a tradition for me to create baked and refrigerated goodies for Christmas. I can’t think of any other gift to give out to my friends and colleagues other than these goodies. I’d like to believe that a present personally made is much better than a store bought one. Also, I feel that most people love to eat sweets; children love sweets and chocolates and so are we.

Here’s what I baked for 2011; Recipe included (for those who are interested to try)

                Choco-Cherry Fudge

Preparation time: 15 minutes + cooling

Total Cooking time: 35-40 minutes

Ingredients:

125g dark chocolate

125g butter

2 eggs

½ cup powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla essence

1 cup plain flour

½ teaspoon baking powder

¼ cup cherry syrup

Macchiato cherries

Procedure:

1.    Preheat the oven to modern 180 degrees Celsius (350 F)

2.    Brush an 8 x 12 baking pan with melted butter. Line the base with baking paper extending over the two long sides.

3.    Chop and melt the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4.    Add the sugar until it is completely dissolved. Stir in the cherry syrup and remove from the heat. Beat in the eggs, chopped cherries and a pinch of salt, add the vanilla and fold in the sifted flour and baking powder.

5.    Bake for 20-25 minutes and allow to cool in the tin before cutting into squares. (can be decorated with chocolate bits and cherries)

      Fruits and Oatmeal Fudge Brownies

    Preparation time: 20 mins + refrigeration

    Total Cooking time: 50 – 55 minutes

    Ingredients:

    150g dark chocolate

    200g butter

    4 eggs

    1 cup powdered sugar

    1 teaspoon vanilla essence

    1 ½ cup plain flour

    ¼ cup cocoa powder

    ½ cup oatmeal

    ¼ cup fruits (may consist of but not limited to: cherries, peaches, apricots)

      (for my recipe I used Quaker Oats Fruits and nuts)

Procedure:

1.       Preheat the oven to modern 180 degrees Celsius (350 F)

2.       Brush an 8 x 12 baking pan with melted butter. Line the base with baking paper extending over the two long sides.

3.       Chop and melt the butter and chocolate in a large heatproof bowl over a pan of simmering water, stirring occasionally. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

4.       Beat the eggs, powdered sugar and vanilla essence together with a wire whisk until combined.

5.       Sift the flour and cocoa powder together then combine it with the oatmeal.

6.       Add the chocolate mixture on the egg mixture then pour over to the dry ingredients. Stir until well combined. (do not over mix)

7.       Pour into the tin and bake for 40-50 minutes. Allow to cool completely in the tin, refrigerate for 2-3 hours until firm. Cut into Small squares. (can be decorated with icing or oats on top)

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Christmas Promo Fare

For those planning to take a vacation early next year, here's a good airfare deal from Philippine Airlines via Mango Tours.

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Gastronomic Cravings* Zong: Dining Redefined

Last night, Ria and I spent almost half an hour thinking where to eat; surprisingly our gastronomic cravings brought us to Zong, a chinesse restaurant located at The Fort Strip in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.  At first we were hesitant to dine but when we saw that they had a relaxing place, (not to mention that we were the only customers dining at that time) we decided to give it a try.

Here’s what we ordered:

Deep Fried Prawn and Peach Roll (P188). Deep Fried prawns with sliced peaches wrapped in rice paper; served with a piquant sweet vanilla flavored mayonnaise.

 Yang Chow Fried Rice (P288). A whole meal in one plate, fried rice topped with vegetables, meat and seafood.

Roasted Chicken (P300). A roasted chicken brushed with a red bean sauce that gave an extra flavor kick not only to the skin but seeped throughout the whole chicken.

Zong is a Chinese restaurant infused with a modern, wide, relaxed and spacious interior.  Offering wide array of savory Chinese recipes, Zong is dedicated to serve MSG free dishes that guests can appreciate and enjoy time and time again.

MY RATING:

FOOD: 8/10

AMBIANCE: 6/10

SERVICE: 6/10

PRICE: 7/10

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Promo Airfares for 11.11.11

credits to photo owner http://lightworkers.org/

I really don't understand why this 11.11.11 is making a big fuss. I know that it is a once in a lifetime event (like all the other dates) but that doesn't mean that a wish made on this day will be granted. Weird but some people believe so. Yeah some wishes MIGHT  but most likely, you  will have to work for it to happen. Besides, there are a lot things that happens or exist only once and yet no wish could ever make it happen or take it back. Your virginity for instance; no matter how many times you wish for it you couldn't bring it back (that's if you lost it already).

But the great thing about this 11.11.11 commotion is that some business establishments take this rare opportunity  to increase their sales through either launching a new product or offering irresistible promos. Restaurant, boutiques, spa's and even airlines to name some . Having said that, here are some great 11.11.11 airfare specials. For those who wasn't able to catch my first AirPhil Express promo post, now's the chance to book your travels for next  year.

Grab Cebu Pacific's P11 promo airfare for any domestic and international destination

• Quoted fares are one way. Limited availability. Fares are non-refundable.
• Fares are exclusive of government fees, taxes and fuel surcharges.
• Flight changes must be made more than 24 hours before scheduled time of departure.
• At time of booking, pre-purchase your baggage allowance to save time and money at check-in.
• CAB approved terms and conditions of carriage apply and are available online.

For your bookings, you may call

Tel: +632-702-0888

 If in case there ain't no slot available, try Calling Zest Air for their P11 promo fare

• Inclusive of fare and 12% VAT
• Fare is exclusive of fuel surcharge, ASF and YQ 12% VAT
• Limited seats only

For your bookings, you may call

Tel: +632-855-3333

Don't let these promo fares just slip away; if you did, just be sure to visit this blogsite for promo updates. 

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Cake & Coffee All You Can!

It has been a month since an officemate showed me a promotional flyer of a coffee shop. Written in bold white letters, it clearly says Unlimited Coffee and Cake for P150. Being a marketing professional who handled promotions for two years, I immediately looked for restrictions; a promo condition most likely written in small text concealed by an interesting image. Unfortunately or should I say luckily, I wasn’t able to find any. Still not convinced, I searched the internet but just got the same information.

Having a fascination on pastries and sweets, I excitedly told my friends about the promo.  We decided to give it a try but for some reasons we couldn’t find a branch nearby. So to speak, we ended up having our dinner on a favorite restaurant in Greenhills, San Juan.

Much to my surprise, I incidentally found a branch of The Coffee Beanery on Edsa Shangrila mall few weeks after. Without a second thought, i enthusiastically phoned my friend and told her about the good news.  I waited for her to finish her job and the rest is history…

For those who have a sweet tooth, this is definitely a must-try.

No frills, just order your first cup of coffee and a slice of any cake on display then you’re on to a delectable treat. If you are on the mood of trying a different cake, feel free to do so; just be sure to finish first what is on your plate.

Sugar and creamer are available for those who are not a fan of pure brewed coffee.

A heavenly slice of luscious cake and a steaming cup of coffee of your choice will surely make you feel like a kid in a candy store.

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AirPhil Express Promo Fare 2012

Are you traveler?  Whatever your answer may be, now is the best time to book your flights bound to any of these Visayas destinations. Grab this whooping Piso (1php) Fare from AirPhil Express.

*Tax and surcharges are not included

Don't let this rare opportunity pass you by. Hurry! Selling period is till tomorrow November 3, 2011 only.




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Sale ALERT!

Thinking on where to spend your weekend payday? Why not start completing your gifts for your loved ones. Get your cards and wallet ready for this weekend Sale Schedule.

First stop, visit SM megamall in Mandaluyong and take advantage of its Mega 3-day Sale

And if you can’t find what you like, head on to Robinson’s Galleria or any Robinson's Mall for their Giant Sale.

For sure there’s something for every member of the family or friend at these malls.

This is definitely a good time to jumpstart your Christmas shopping tradition. ^_^

Let's Get Physical...

T

his morning, I woke up early (alright not so early) and decided to give myself a jumpstart on a healthy living. I realized that convincing yourself to go for a jog isn’t really hard at all; what’s difficult is to force yourself to get off that bed most especially if you are still enjoying a nice vivid dream. Luckily, I managed to push myself to wake-up and hit that morning shower. I got my running shoes on and made my way to AFP Grandstand in Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.

I started my warm-up exercise with few stretches and a brisk walk for the first 200 meters. The environment is as inviting as it looks like. The misty cool wind, green trees and plants, colorful flowers and the entertaining sound produced by chirping small birds ignited the fire with excitement to go for a jog.

Generally, I did not intend to lose weight; I just wanted to eliminate these stomach fats I gained from months of pigging-out. Most importantly, I believe that doing so will improve my over-all health. 

As I walked towards the asphalt made tracks, I immediately noticed that those jogging lanes are equipped with lights; Side tracks lights that illuminate the path of those who decide to perform their physical routine by dusk or dawn.

The entire place is also filled with lush green trees, plants and grass which provide visitors an ample fresh air. Moreover, it offers joggers and runners the tranquility they need to focus on improving their overall health and physique.  

The Jogging trail is painted with kilometer markings to guide everyone on how far they have jogged. Running paths are also painted with white lines that serve as lane guides for runners.

After an hour of jogging, running and brisk walking, I felt totally exhausted. I found myself almost dripping wet, sitting in one of the benches as I grasp for air.

I grabbed my water bottle to invigorate but much to my surprise, i found it empty.  Luckily, there are drinking fountains available for those who would want to rehydrate and quench their thirst. I walked my way to one of those and refilled my water bottle whilst buying some time to recuperate. 

Generally, it was a fun and strenuous activity. I am looking forward to do that more often, hopefully with a company of a family or friend. For sure I would be getting muscle pains any moment now but who cares, it was all worth it!

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Death, as we know it...

W

hen people die, family, friends and colleagues grieves. It is innate to mankind to mourn for the lost of a loved one; but a day or two shall pass and each life will go back to normal as if nothing happened. Depending on how deep the relationship had been built, some may recover for weeks, some for months, years while other will just go on with their lives the day after the burial. It’s a great thing that some people can just go back to normal couple of days or months after such events; this may mean that they have moved on and that they believe that the deceased has already reunited with the creator above.  On the other hand, some, or mostly families of the person departed find it hard to let go and move ahead. Losing someone who has been directly part of your life is really an excruciating experience. I am not getting sympathy but I have also lost a couple of friends and family members; I know how it feels to wake up one day not seeing that person as you used to be, and I know some of you also do.

 Let’s see it the other way around; if you’ll be on your deathbed for sure you want to be given that much attention and want to be remembered when you died. Unfortunately, there are some people who just wouldn’t care. This is the sad truth that everyone will experience in the future. Your boss, your childhood playmates and even your friends will surely be sad upon hearing your demise; but that’s the least thing they could do. They will be back on track as if nothing happened in no time.

On a lighter note, enjoy life. As an old saying goes “Live life to the fullest”. Make every hour of your life count. Most importantly, share it and be a blessing to everyone; with this, for sure you have made a mark and will always be remembered.

TO ALL DEPARTED SOULS, TO MY BROTHER, GRANDPARENTS AND TO GOOD FRIENDS RAMONA VILLARISCO-MANGALAO and ANDREA OCAMPO, YOU WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED, MAY YOU REST IN PEACE!

[credits to photo owner]

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Euphoria

(noun) :a feeling of happiness, confidence, or well-being sometimes exaggerated in pathological states as mania.

As a gruesome day at the school or office stresses us, having a food or an activity we loved to do is a sure fire way to calm down our senses. People have different ways to unwind and relax. For some, going out at night could be a great avenue to release stress, celebrate life and meet new people. Some choose to pig out on restaurants, belt out on ktv bars, rush for a midnight movie or spend the night splurging on bars and clubs.

As for me, I prefer to have the best of all worlds. I love to hang out and have a serene memorable moments with my friends over dinner or movie.  I believed that a nice conversation with the people you value is one way to kick out those bad vibes.

Being consumed by euphoria makes some of us temporarily forget or get totally relieved from the stresses of work and life. For some time, i prefer to get drowned by flashing lights while strutting my stuff on clubs.

 The dancing warm colored lights, upbeat sounds and the glamorous people clothed in cocktail dresses and polo makes up the party atmosphere on  these  social havens. For me, the loud danceable music on these clubs seems to be a hailing sound that echoes on my ears like a lullaby on a baby sleeping. I can say that whether you are alone or with the company of friends, these places might bring you to a temporary bliss. Not to mention that a drink or two of your favorite cocktail drink might complete the night.

Just don’t overdose yourself or you’ll end up waking up with a headache. on the other side, meeting new acquaintances or casual hookups is a common sight on these places.

With the effect of alcohol on the body giving it an indescribable heat and confidence , it provides a feeling of greatness and acceptance. Dancing and chatting with total strangers may or may not prosper into a good relationship outside the party premises. Everyone must always remember that the reason why we went these places is to enjoy, relax and have a clean fun. It is nice to meet a new person from time to time but just be sure not to get carried away by that feeling. Most importantly, we must not forget to set and follow our limitations.

The Choice is Yours'

         

      Life is short; A popular saying among our folks. Ever since I was a child, I always hear about this but never did I really know what it really meant. For the past few days I have been lingering on that thought. Well, indeed it is short; so short that it can even end in the most subtle way as you are reading this.

But technically, life isn’t really short. It just so happen that we do not really know when it’s going to end, that we wouldn’t be able to prepare ourselves and the people around us for it. Living your life for 20 to 40 years is long enough, that’s if you are satisfied on how you spent it.

As this is so true to most of us, what should we do about it? Should we enjoy life to the fullest and get reckless on our actions? Or stand up and make our own mark that the future generations will remember?

The choice is ours!

Summer Lovin'

   

      You know its summer when, temperature rises to 34 degrees Celsius and the wind gets dry. For kids, it is the time for “no more classes, no exams and no need to wake up early”. With these, it’s definitely the time for vacation. A season far away from the rigorous demands of work and busy life. Summer has arrived.

      Summer has always been associated with sun, sand and swimsuits. And with it is the occasional tan, as a proof that one had a great time basking under the scorching heat of the sun. Hitting the beach will require a lot of confidence, that’s if you are tinkering on the idea of wearing your stunning swimsuit. Confidence is all you will ever need especially if you are not blessed with a 36.24.36 figure or a well-chiseled body with 6 packs abs. But don’t forget that the most important thing is to enjoy the place, the activities and the good conversation you had with either a family or friend.

Please also visit: http://blog.mangotours.com/

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ALL OR NOTHING

   As anguish and disappointment lingers on my very deep; that few could love thy man to which they keep, without hesitations, restrictions and conditions: and would not indulge into another’s affection.

    Who would be brave to take the helm of this so called-junk? , a relationship where affluence inflects. Where he is totally willing to provide an outright love and sacrifice despite of this henious incontentment that corrupts her partner’s core.

   Living a life fabricated by fantasy and extravagance where she tramples the efforts of he who though can not provide everything still stive to do so. This is the unreasonable qualification that blinds the eye of she who truly finds love.

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A CAT IN A LION'S LAIR

 

 Isn’t obscure that a cat in a lions lair would actually survive? In worse case, that would definitely be pathetic. It would sound to as the first one is trying to succumb his fate,(embracing death). But the possibilty of survival could still be feasible, only if it could muster enough nerve to endure and face the consequences with learning the paradigm on living of its prey. Finding ways to live better and developing oneself to attain expected growth.

    Definitely it is different among the others but that doesn’t expound that the latter abilities is limited only to their race.

  One day will come, and the cat (in his Deceitful physique) would rise above the rest to prove that anything is impossible to someone who is determined and has faith. (as Me: the cat)

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PLAYIN S'CUPID

excerpts

It was a very beautiful morning; the sun shone brightly, reflecting through my window as if waking me up to welcome the day with a wide smile on my lips. I thought it was a fantasy but i realized it was for real. I hoped that it would never end, its as if the cuddly morning angels struck me with a bow. I prayed that i would wake up the same feeling everyday but then again; i know it was far from reality.

   The day came and the thing that it thought that exist banished or should i say never ceased to exist. And that was the day the cupid turns into S’ cupid, coz i realized i was so stupid. Sooo …Stupid that i believed everything happened was for real, that you r real ; and now, i know that beautiful mornings is not really beautiful till the sun set.

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CYCLE (LOVE AND BUSINESS)

Love and Business has a lot in common.  In product life cyle

First the Introductory stage, this is where the product is introduced to its target market in the reason of gaining its loyalty. Whereas in love, one would intoduce himself and do special things to attract the other.

Next the Growth stage. In business, the market are now more familiar with the product and its benefits. In love partners meet and got the chance to know each other more intimately. They are now more comfortable to each other, sharing laughter and special memories.

Then comes Maturity. In businness, products bring more profit, competitors are also staring to emerge. In love, This is the most sweetest part. Partners are more attached to each other having one as a part of his/her life. This is also the stage where partners are experiencing troubles. Relationship also becomes shaky at this times.

Lastly the saddest part. Decline. In love this is where all crashes down for whatsoever reason. Where all the the things and memories put into waste . Others may survive and revive, some may lose.

At the end one would decide whether to venture into another business/product or just accept  that its not their line. whatever decision one will make , for sure he/he has learned something and this experience had mad him/her stronger.

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DREALITY

Excerpts (March 25, 2008)

For the most part of that night i persuaded myself it was a nightmare, I bit myself and screamed in a passionate desire to awake. I beat the ground with my hands, and got up and sat down again, and wandered here and there, and again sat down.

But still nothin’s change, it was after all a reality, a truth to which i am compelled to face and overcome, to accept and move on. A present that has become my past, a past which would somehow contributes to detemine my future.

Moving on isn’t easy especially after a heavy rain had ruined all your dreams; almost destroyed your foundations and brought famine of strength into your heart. For theres not always a rainbow to share luminous light especially when the dark clouds of the rain had met the dark of the night.

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PREMONITION

It was a peaceful night: insects buzzed and chirped as though dancing on a gleamy light of the moon, with the cool waters of mist glinting through the windows, a short distance on my room. The wind outside sighed in the treetops, and the gentle rain shower creak and rustled above our rooftop, cold and alive in the middle of the night.


It was then until i was awakened from my slumber of a sudden call, hearing your hoarse voice weeping over a nightmare, foreseeing a day from which u saw me trampling over our years of relationship, leaving u behind.


As the clock past few more minutes, you have learned to succumb your fears; holding on to a faith that i would never leave u nor forsake u and that dreams do happen the other way around: I smiled and agreed. You believed that i wholeheartedly love u and that i longed to have u as my partner till the end of time, Silence fills the air, a tear drop from my eyes then i thought yes it was just a dream:but some dreams do come true.

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A DIARY

01.03.11 Excerpts

Fresh start. This was a common phrase we usually hear on New Year’s Day. Indeed it was a fresh start for most of us, but not all of us. Everyone wanted to change things in their lives hoping to make it better. I confess to be one of them, although this year, what happened was much more of a same old brand new rather than a fresh start. Nothing is new except for one thing, I found myself scribbling on the keyboard squeezing out my literary juices to come up with something. Hmm… I hope I can do this more often. And what keeps me motivated? I was in a jeepney with several high school students on my way home few minutes ago. It was nice reminiscing the past seeing those young people talk about their school stuffs; but I felt a little pain. I regret those times that I haven’t took advantage of my youth. I could have done better. So I started this to remind me of my past and guide me the where I am going.

It was really hard to start a new one because life is difficult and unfair, that’s your reason if you are one of those dumb lazy people where I happened to be. Sad but true. No matter how eager you are to start if you are scared of what you may encounter in the long run, you will certainly not succeed. It is as if walking in a dark room, you cannot see anything but you just have to push through. Overcome your fear or be devoured by it. As long as you know where you are heading to, with pure faith and strength you will surely be victorious. Well, easy for me to say yet I still cannot do it.

The past year was one of those hard times where I am struggling to achieve my goals. And the ending? Several breakthroughs but overall DEFEATED. It may sound too dramatic but life is dramatic. Everyone has its own story. Ending might be similar but the ways and process to attain it differs. I know this wouldn’t be an easy battle. I just wish writing this would ignite what I have inside to bring all my aspirations and dreams to reality. I hope I can win this time.

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