Vegan Coffee Butter Almond Ice Cream

I have been reading on equally yummy versions of ice cream that does not require an overdose of eggs, milk and cream, as dictated by the gelato recipe we made the last time. One of the healthy alternatives that made it to my radar was vegan ice cream.  Making vegan ice cream basically means you make ice cream without using milk and eggs. We got some coconut milk and coconut cream and decided to give it a try (for the sake of our cholesterol levels and the risk of diabetes)

We tried it for the Coffee Butter Almond Ice Cream recipe we found. There will always be subtle differences between simple ice cream, gelato, frozen yoghurt etc, but I'm not choosy as long as it satisfies my sweet tooth. This one came out creamy and not too sweet.

VEGAN Coffee Butter Almond Ice Cream

Adapted from the Cusinart Recipe booklet, our minor renditions incorporated to make it vegan

Green Tea Gelato Recipe

Ignorance in bliss, and this never rang more true than when I finally learned how to make gelato ice cream. I remember enjoying eating gelato growing up, and then when I finally made it to Florence I spent all of my allowance tasting different versions of authentic Italian gelato.

Then one day my brother decided to make use of the ice cream maker my mom got me for Christmas to make green tea gelato ice cream. Healthy gelato! Perfect for my blog.

Wrong. I saw the recipe, then my world shattered. It was an end of an era.

They say knowledge is power. The facts (/recipe) is after the jump. No wonder people with very high IQs end up depressed about the world.

PHEW. Doing all that straining and container transfers was physically strenous, so props to gelato makers!

Suzhou 大圆糕 (big round cake) and Suzhou's fish-squirrel specialty

Government girl Ishy and I spent a weekend in Suzhou, where we got a view of a number of imperial gardens and got a taste of Suzhou's street food. Below are some snaps I borrowed from her blog entry:

Ishy and a taste of the 大圆糕 (for the purpose of translation, I'll call it the big round cake)

Paris Baguette

Every once in a while, I try different kinds of dessert to satisfy my food cravings and after an extensive taste test of different cakes in Beijing that spanned 8 months, I found a piece of cake that helped me feel better about cloudy days: Paris Baguette's Tiramisu.

Tiramisu for RMB 18

Dessert by Gabriel

My first guest post! This one is from my brother Gabriel who is currently based in San Francisco. Since he is alone right now staying in a flat, it left him more than ample time to create and concoct meals for himself. In an effort to contribute to my blog, he sent me a photo of this un/healthy dessert that he made.

Ingredients:

1. Strawberry

2. Banana

3. Melted chocolate (random chocolate - melted on the pan with butter)

Pour the melted chocolate on the fruits and freeze for 30 minutes.

P.S. Gabriel is taking baking classes so watch out for more guest posts on his creations! =)

Cangsu @ Lotus Lane

I got a great treat from my good friend Charles who stayed in Beijing for the weekend. We took a walk around Houhai and then settled in the same restaurant where our friend Ramon celebrated his birthday. I missed the peanut slushies there, too!

Peanute Slushie for RMB 39

The Kebab Factory along Burgos Circle

I have been craving - madly craving - for a glass light margarita for a while now. I had a giant disaster in RestoPino, and was not able to enjoy Iguana's tastier version. So the afternoon of the Burgos Circle food hopping, the next stop was whichever place served light alcohol.

We found it in Kebab Factory. Thank you! (Note - business opportunity awaits for entrepreneurs entering Fort area and who will be willing to serve cocktails on brunch/afternoons. Fort is poised to become a high density location and structured to become a self sustaining community. You can sustain the drinks bit!)

Finally, my margarita, on a special order from the bar. On a slender, contoured glass, with fine salt grazing its rim. A cool drink, a light buzz, on a beautiful, sunny afternoon. For Php 150

Baklava - Middle Eastern filo pastry dessert with nuts dipped in honey for Php 150

Mango Kulti - pureed mangoes and a hint of cardamon flavour for Php 150. Frozen treat on a nice afternoon!

Chicken Masti Kebab - tender pieces of chicken marinated and roasted in a Tandoor over for Php 130

My brother and I ate here the last time I flew in Manila. Mid-range Mediterranean restaurant, nothing spectacular, except that Mediterranean food is great in itself. I still prefer Mister Kebab.

The Kebab Factory

Burgos Circle, Fort Bonifacio

Taguig, Philippines

A La Creme in Angeles City, Pampanga

For our last stop for our short Pampanga food trip, we visited the small store of A La Creme to sample their famous Ube cake and Belgian Chocolate Cake.

Ube cake for Php 83. I didn't like this as much but my friend was very much sold on the flavour. Heavier than Red Ribbon's version.

Ube, known in the English language as purple yam, is a violet-colored tuber found extensively in the country. It can also be found across Southeast Asia and India. It is a regular added flavour for desserts or filing for Filipino pastries, breads and cakes.

A La Creme

Alcon Bldg., MacArthur Highway

Angeles City, Pampanga

Philippines

Tel: 63 45 888 2303

Van Marley's Dutchkins! in Xavierville Avenue

Van Marley's is a hole in the wall along Xavierville Avenue, a very small place that satiates very big cravings. Thanks to my friend Bianca who randomly invited me for after dinner dessert and drinks. I also had the opportunity to meet one of the owners, Nachi, who patiently explained to me how they conceptualised the business and lifted it off the ground.

Nachi visited Amsterdam in 2008 and discovered poffertjes, a popular Dutch treat that resembled mini pancakes. They thought about importing this idea to the Philippines, so when he went back to Amsterdam in 2009 and 2010, he devoted the trips to taking notes on the creation of poffertjes and the finalization of their menu and concepts. Upon coming back here, they devoted around 5 months doing taste tests for their product line, with the help of Chef Laudico's consultancy staff. That, and more time to register the business (where in the Philippines, it takes quite some time and energy).

They name Van Marley's is sort of on Dutch origin. The Dutch love the Jamaican culture, and Marley is in reference to Bob Marley. Van Marley's translation is "Of Marley's."

Some items in the menu are not inherent in Dutch culture (like the Drunk Dori and their chicken selections), and that is because Nachi and his business partner Michael knew that they had to offer dishes that were familiar to the Filipino palate but still had a touch of Dutch cuisine.

Flying Dutch Wings for Php 155. I love this! One of my must-haves when I visit Vamas (short for Van Marley's - for the friends in the know). As mentioned above, chicken wings aren't really served in Dutch restaurants, but is well-loved by Filipinos. Instead, to stay consistent with the theme, they incorporated European spices and ingredients on the chicken mix.

Nutella and Praline Sauce Dutchkins for Php 142. Because my point and shoot will never do justice to Dutchkins, thanks to Carlos for lending the photo! But seriously, you have to have this yourself for you to experience the pleasure of having the mini pancake settle on your buds.

On very late evenings, Vamas turns into a a small watering hole where the owners' friends gather. They also sell a bunch of European beers for around Php 120-150 each bottle

Van Marley's

10-A Xavierville Avenue

Loyola Heights, Quezon City

Piazzo Pazzo's Gelato in Rockwell Mall

We spent one afternoon on gelato dessert in Rockwell's Piazzo Pazzo. Gelato is pretty much like ice cream, except that it is made with lower butterfat and sugar content. These balance the water content to act as anti-freeze to prevent gelato from freezing solid, hence the creamy cold treat we enjoy!

Jumbo Ice cream that allowed 20 gelati scoops of any flavor - for Php 310. My gelati requests were peanut cookie marble, menta (mint), and nocciola (hazelnut). Best to eat it as soon as it is set down on the table, because it will be difficult to distinguish flavours once the scoops start melting.

I was fortunate enough to catch three musicians entertaining the Rockwell crowd. I remembered my mother who always encouraged me to take up music, as it will accompany me in my solitude.

Piazzo Pazzo

Basement of Rockwell Power Plant Mall

Rockwell Drive Corner Estrella Street

Rockwell Center , Makati

Philippines

Max Brenner in Greenbelt 5

One warm evening post-dinner, we headed to Max Brenner for our chocolate fix. Max Brenner is actually an Israeli brand founded by two separate persons: Max Fichtman and Oded Brenner. I remember when they first started off in Greenbelt 4, back when I was a high school junior (props to staying this long!), the designs of their walls communicated that Max Brenner was a bald chocolatier, and their male waiters were all bald headed.

The new branch in Greenbelt 5 is well-lit, and looks like a diner which made it conducive to chat with a lot of friends. The new design is a bit divorced from the old interiors where it was darker and had a lot of booths, thus making it more apt for date nights.

Chocolate Fondue - Dark chocolate fondue served with strawberries, bananas, apples, lady fingers, marshmallows and fudge brownies for Php 528

Max Brenner

Greenbelt 5, Legaspi St., Legaspi Village

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel 63 929 486 0234

My first live UAAP ADM - DLSU game and night cap with Cinnabon

I had the pleasure of accompanying my friend Archie to (my first!) Ateneo - De La Salle game last 24 July. It was a great feeling being completely involved in the game for one and a half hours, instead of my usual practice of popping in for a 10 second TV check in a room filled with my family's screams of joy/frustration.

It was a good game, despite our school team's loss (but then, it's the first game I sat through the whole time, so my opinion doesn't hold a lot of water.) Below, my favourite twins, Marion and Martha, interpreted the score.

At the end of the evening, I grabbed dessert with some friends in Cinnabon. I have forgotten how much I loved their rolls! Memories of Sunday morning brunch were evoked as I entered the shop. We had the Choco Cinnamon Roll, Caramel Pecanbon and Cinnabon Classic, still baked to their consistent taste.

It was also great to hear that from starting out as a small bakery in Seattle, and maintaining their conservative product line of buns for 25 years, Cinnabon is expanding to cup cakes! I'm looking forward to their new product offerings.

Cinnabon

18, ADB Ave.

Ortigas Center

Mandaluyong, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel: 632 687 3642

Marta's Cupcakes in Serenda, Manila

I took Matthew to Marta's Cakes to try out their DIY cupcakes.

Do-it-yourself cupcakes for Php 110

Centuries ago, before muffin tins were available, cakes were baked in individual pottery cups, ramekins, or molds. The practice has persisted, so now "cupcake" is the name of any small cake that is about the size of a teacup. Cupcakes are also known as fairy cakes, to describe the size of cakes that may be shared by a group of small fairies. (Source)

Marta's cupcakes were too sweet for my buds, but it tasted just right for Matthew's under developed sense of taste. Read more about children's taste here.

Marta's Cakes

Serendra, Bonifacio High Street

Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City, 1634

Philippines

Tel: 632 8561791

Breadworks Bakeshop in Binondo, Manila

In the middle of Binondo, the fort of Southern Chinese influences, we saw a Western themed bake shop! To cap off our trip, we had some sylvannas as our panghimagas.

To end my first food trip to Binondo, I revisited some history of the place:

The word Binondo came from the word binundok which means mountain or boondocks.

Binondo is the center of commerce and trade for all types of businesses run by Chinese merchants. While Binondo was officially declared by a Spanish Governor in 1954 as a permanent settlement for converted Chinese immigrants, it is said that this district was already a hub of Chinese commerce even before the Spaniards came in 1571.

Prior to Makati, Binondo was the main center for business and finance in Manila for the Chinese, Chinese mestizos and Spanish Filipinos. Before World War II, the banking and financial community which included financial institutions from Britain and the United States were located mostly in Escolta which used to be called the "Wall Street of the Philippines". After the war most of these businesses began to relocate to the newly developing area of Makati.

During the financial crisis of the early 80s, Binondo earned the nickname "Binondo Central Bank" as Chinese businessmen in the district engaged in massive black marketing of US dollars, often dictating the actual Peso-Dollar exchange rate. The term has survived to this day.

Given its rich history and financial significance, Binondo is said to have one of the highest land values in the entire country. (Source)

Sylvannas for Php 28 a piece

Their sylvannas had just the right sweetness, and the meringue is not too hard.

Breadworks

817 Salazar Street

Binondo, Manila

Philippines

Leche Flan Cake from Tsoko.Nut, SM Mall, Makati

Leche flan had its beginnings from Creme Caramel, which is of French origin. Creme Caramel was very popular in dessert menus in Europe, large because of their convenience - restauranteurs are able to prepare a lot in advance and refrigerate them until they are needed.

In the Philippines, our Leche Flan (literally, milk flan) is a Spanish version that placed emphasis on more egg yolks (12 egg yolks in one batch!). It is a staple in all celebrations.

I found another version of the Leche Flan from Tsoko.Nut. They took the caramel top and put it over the (a bit dry) sponge cake.

Leche Flan cake from Tsoko.Nut, Php 55 per slice

Tsoko.Nut Batirol

2/F SM Makati, Ayala Center, EDSA

Makati City, Metro Manila

Philippines

Tel: 632 816 4305

Ziplining and Chocolate Cake from Cookbook Kitchen

I have a bit of acrophobia in me. It is normal to have that fear because evolved adaptation programmed us to associated fall with significant danger. The symptoms of an adrenaline rush kick in: clammy hands, increased heart rate, palpitations, anxiety and digestion on shutdown. But in all my cases of flight or fight, I always choose to fight. The highest I’ve gone so far is over 200 meters high in Macau Tower. The fear never fades, but the resolution to jump becomes stronger.

Ziplining in Circulo Verde places you 30 meters above ground in Superman style for Php 400.

10 second high pitched scream, then I fell silent - It would be really nice if they can landscape the ground beneath us. Murals would be equally ideal. Too many condos and retail shops may destroy the premier city garden positioning. Can they possibly get rid of the factories around area so they can jack up the prices? 30 meters above ground, and my fear of heights was trumped by the vision of the development. I felt the ride was too quick though.

After the ten second adrenaline rush, we had a quiet chat in Cookbook Kitchen with Kittin's Scarlet Cake and a slice of decadent. I love how the caramel tastes with the decadent sponge.

Helen's Chocolate Cake for Php 140

Circulo Verde

Calle Industria, Bagumbayan

Quezon City, Philippines

Cookbook Kitchen

1880-A Building

Eastwood City

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel: 632 709 3593

(Main - and better! - branch is in Mandaluyong)

Mille Fuille from Dexter's Bakeshop

Mille Fuille is a French-originating pastry with a name that literally translated to “thousand sheets.” It is made up of three layers of puff pastry, alternating with two layers of creme (or jam, or whip cream). It probably got its name from the traditional method of preparing puff pastry: it was made in six stages of folding into three. The milfoil (English: a thousand fold) actually comprises of 729 pairs of layers. (Source)

Mille Fuille for Php 50 per slice

Dexter's Bakeshop and Coffeeshop

146 Katipunan Road

St. Ignatius Village

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel: 632 912 0311

Carrot Cake by Homemade Carrot Cake

When I was 11, I spotted a yummy looking carrot cake, and asked my mom if she could buy me a slice. I was a chubby kid, so she told me that I should just skip the slice and opt for real carrots instead.

“The nutrients of the carrot come out when they are cooked, so this cake is healthier than the regular carrots,” I told her with pomp. I got my carrot cake, but considering the sugar and fat used in baking the cake, it was unlikely that the cake was healthier than real carrots.

Homemade Carrot Cake was near my old uni, so it was easy to drive over and grab a slice. It was not a creation that would make my heart melt, but it was just right enough for me to always come back to. The cream thinly enveloped the cake, while the cake was not too sweet. There were better, creamier cakes, but this was one that I always went back to on good, bad, and random days.

Carrot cake slice for Php 55

Homemade Carrot Cake

290 Santolan Road

West Crame, San Juan

(in front of Metrobank and Avida Tower)

Manila, Philippines

Tel: 632 7256246

Deep Dark Classic (!!!) Chocolate Cake

I loved how Chocolat narrated the discovery cacao beans in Native America and how they tied it up with Juliet Binoche's arrival to the town. In Native American cultures, cacao beans were actually used as money, and dark chocolate was consumed as a drink - no milk or creamer! (Source)

Deep Dark Classic Chocolate Cake. Super moist chocolate cake generously draped with satin fudge frosting. Yummmm. Php 65 per slice, Php 265 for 6 inch diameter, and Php 475 for a whole cake.

Chocolat - Deep Dark Chocolate Cakes

Llanar Building

#77 Xavierville Avenue

cor B Gonzales St

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel: 632 928 9304

Death by Tablea Cake

Tablea is a Spanish word-meaning tablet, and tsokolate is a Filipino word-meaning chocolate.Tsokolate is usually associated with a thick hot chocolate specially made from cacao balls.

It is believed that the Spanish persuaded the growing of cacao trees and the developing of the beans into cacao tablets during the mid 17th century. Chocolate was introduced to the Philippines by Spain via the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade. Cultivation and consumption was encouraged by the demand for hot chocolate drinks during breakfast on special occasions. -Source

I loved how they stayed true to the Tablea aesthetics by placing cacao shavings as garnish for the cake. Very moist, not too sweet, perfect with brewed coffee.

Death by Tablea Cake. Chocolate cake with bittersweet icing made with native cacao and condensed milk. Php 75 for a slice, Php 345 for 6 inches, Php 620 for 8 inches.

Chocolat - Deep Dark Chocolate Cakes

Llanar Building

#77 Xavierville Avenue

cor B Gonzales St

Quezon City, Philippines

Tel: 632 928 9304