Cooking with Truffle Is NOT Complicated

I'm a Truffle buff and I'm not afraid to cook with it. I'm also the first one in line to have dishes with it, because for the fun part, I'm crazy obsessed with it. 

Cooking for it must be a mystery for most people, but let me tell you a simple rule. If you are cooking with truffle, use the black variety. If you are using it for a salad or finishing something like soups or dishes, use the white kind because it doesn't need heat for the flavor to permeate. With that in mind, the good people over at UMBRIA are suggesting two new dishes which you can serve your family and friends. Let's introduce these two recipes and get straight to business.

 Beef Mushroom Sandwich

Ingredients: 30 grams Sukiyaki Cut Beef, 50 grams Portabella Mushrooms, a table spoon of soy sauce, Mayonnaise, a good crusty bread, Umbria Truffle Oil and Worcestershire Sauce.

Marinate the beef with soy and Worcestershire sauce (overnight if possible) but 30 mins would do. Cook it with butter, mushrooms, season with salt and black pepper. Put mayo on bread, when beef caramelizes, add mushrooms. Salt to taste, then finish the beef with a little Umbria Truffle oil after placing it on top of bread. Remember, a little goes a long way.

 Potato Leek Soup with Truffle

Ingredients: 3 Medium sized potatoes, 35 grams of leeks, 750ml chicken or vegetable stock, 125 ml of Cream, White Pepper, Umbria Truffle Oil

Peel potatoes and cut into slices, chop up leeks and saute on hot pan with butter. When leeks become wilted, add potatoes, stir it in til it crumbles. Add broth, salt and pepper to taste. Put it into a blender or use an immersion blender if you have one. Add in cream, mix thoroughly (not to boil so it gets creamy). Put a few fresh leeks on top, crunchy bacon (if you have it) and about a half teaspoon of Umbria Truffle Oil. Put this on the side of the sandwich we prepared earlier, and it's a meal you'll love for sure!

Make sure you enjoy your time at home and prepare food for them, your family and friends will surely love it because the one who prepared it is YOU. Truffle is NOT complicated, think of it as perfume when you're about to go out on a date, but you're just putting it on a plate. Umbria is distributed in the Philippines by Dygen Food Ventures Inc. which is under Dyna Drug Corporation. It's available at https://goodwill.market/ which you can order online with.

Trust me on the truffle.

Paymaya Launches PAYMAYA MALL

Mark Dee Head of Growth and Marketing Partnerships

Something big happened this morning as cashless payment king Paymaya just announced something innovative that will happen in their app. They call it Paymaya Mall. This one stop shop will place all their partner merchant stores in one place so if you need to buy anything, you can visit their sites through the app and pay for it digitally.

Mark Dee says "Over the past year, we have seen millions of Filipinos do online shopping despite the quarantine. The regular groceris, essentials, food and drinks have been on top of the list. Even malls and shops have closed and online market places have sprouted and ecommerce are being utilized for businesses to run. Paymaya has been there for payment systems, today, we're proud to present to you the Paymaya Mall. We're bringing your favorite merchants together in one place so you get the convenience straight to your phones. We are now bringing our merchant partners to 28 Million Paymaya users nationwide. You can get the best value with cashless transactions using the app. Food, retail, sport, groceries, fashion, and now it's easier to browse and see which merchants and stores already cater to Paymaya as their payment system nationwide. There are no extra costs in being part of the Paymaya Mall for our partners. Our mission has always been financial inclusion for all. The experience is super enhanced with what Paymaya can only offer."

Maya (their official mascot) showed us several brands including McDonalds Philippines, Mercury Drug, Landers, Goldilocks, Rose Pharmacy, and a whole lot more. Merchants don't have to pay a fee to be included here, which means it is a good thing for businesses. Since it's Chinese New Year, Paymaya is starting it right with a P880 cashback on purchases in the PayMaya Mall. If you spend Php 300 using your PayMaya mobile number, you get 20% cashback of up to P88 per transaction. And you can do this 10 times but only til March 15, 2021. If you do it all, you'll get Php 880 in in cashbacks. Isn't that huge? Well, that's not all, because they've got 500 off your first Pick.A.Roo order if you enter the code PAYMAYAROO on the app. Aside from that, you can enjoy 12% off on Rustans purchases, a 5% discount on Boozy (they've got tons of drinks) among other perks inside the mall.

As the country's leading financial provider, this is one way to push for cashless payments in the country. These merchants must be exposed with their 28Million customers that Paymaya also has online and this positions them as the most rewarding finance related app and brand in the country. Delivery fees will still be in the merchant partners and can be paid in the Paymaya app.

This is the most rewarding payment system today as they have Balik Bayad which returns part of your payments instantly. There are several offers and discounts which you can also get today, if you have not seen it yet, you better check the app and go visit the Paymaya Mall.

Serving Your 24hr Wing Fix at Chix R US - Wings and Things

 

I've been craving for wings after the holidays and yes, I've found a place that does it 24/7. I work at night so if I skipped dinner and need to eat at these hours, I need them to deliver at my house without any worries. They're a pretty new brand, but I had to have my wing fix because I haven't had this for a long time because of obvious reasons, we're all under lock down because of the pandemic.

 

 

The brand sports a very happy rooster, so that's assuring. Their selling point? Variety. They don't actually just sell wings, they have other things on the menu like Chicken Tenders and Karaage. I like my wings just the way it is but if you've got family members that prefer things without bones, the Tenders and the Karaage is a mighty good alternative.

 

For the chicken Tenders, they got it on Salted Egg flavor. If you're more on the protein intake, you'll be glad they have tenders so you don't have to fuzz about having to remove bones on your chicken piece. It has a nice spicy kick. Prepare a bit of drink of course to loosen the lips. Chicken and beer sounds like a good idea. Size is about the length of a breast slice, comes in several pieces too. They have it in 6-12-18 and 24 for this cut, same as the wings.

 

My Karaage came in on a Korean Glazed flavor. It's crispy breaded chicken balls rolled in a very Asian inspired sauce. It has that soy gingery flavor, pretty legit. I would suggest you get this or the original, I think you get to appreciate it more in those flavors. But again, that's just my preference. If you would like it in other flavors, they've got Teriyaki, Honey Garlic, Garlic Parmesan, Buffalo (another favorite of mine), Buffalo Extreme (for the stronger kind LOL), Peri Peri, Alabama White and Honey Sriracha. This comes in 5-10-15 and 20 piece packages.

If you fancy wings like I do, I got the Whiskey Barbecue. It's got that sweet savory thing on it, I'd honestly have it as is. But you know what, you can actually have it with rice too. They also had it delivered hot that I couldn't touch it initially, but after a few minutes, it was good and they also got me plastic gloves so I could chow down immediately.  I finished it in a flash and yes, I actually wanted seconds. Though I think I could really have it on other days because now, I know how accessible it is. 

Apart from the chicken, they've also got dips for it like Bleu Cheese, Sriracha Mayo or Garlic Aioli. They also have Spaghetti, Carbonara, or sides of thick cut or curly fries, mashed potatoes, coleslaw and mozzarella sticks. See what I told you about variety? Well if that ain't enough, they're very affordable too. So if you're craving for wings anytime of the day, go call them at 0922 879 9264 or their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/ChixRUs. 

Now go get that wing fix now! It's pretty good.

You Can Now Order via Jollibee App

Oh yes it is true, there exists a brand new spanking Jollibee app which you can download via App Store and Google Play. The well loved largest fast food chain in the country knows how we all need to adjust to the "new normal". Taking convenience to new heights the app can locate the nearest branch and give you access to the full menu as if you're there.

They also will have exclusive promos via coupons and deals, plus payment options through PesoPay and honor discounts for Senior Citizens and PWD. So for those who would love their Jollibee Chickenjoy, Jolly Hotdog, Jolly Spaghetti and Peach Mango Pie fix, you can all get it here.

For busy people, you can also have food delivery scheduled so you can get it fresh, hot and fast. I'm off to get my Spicy Chickenjoy so I'm gonna stop here. For you, go download the new Jollibee App on the App Store and Google Play, try it out. 

Now where can I wish to get that Champ back? Hahahah 😄 if that isn't your cup of tea, go to the web and order via JollibeeDelivery.com because they made that nice too!

Order Food and Pay with PayMaya

Hi cellmates! How's life being at home for quarantine? I know it's hard so I'm teaching you how to make things easy. You see, I always order food online and today is one of those days.

My fam and I was craving for Siopao and yes, the one we're looking for is Kowloon House which is quite near my place in West Avenue. They were totally closed during the past few months and when they got back in business, I immediately had to have my Jumbo Pao, several Bola Bola Pao, Asado Pao, Sausage Pao and Beef Siomai. Of course, I also had to have the hotsauce with it.

To get it, I had to use my Grab food app and use my virtual PayMaya card to pay for it. It makes your purchases online secure and yes, you can even use PayMaya QR if you plan to do take outs by scanning QR codes in store. This time though I wanted to be ultra safe, and paid for Grab Pay credits using my PayMaya, after a few flicks of a finger, the order was placed and the driver went on his way. He informed me he was on the way after a few minutes, I had my Siopao on my doorstep in no time at all!

Aside from that, you can easily donate to causes like this one for COVID19 patients and frontliners. All you gotta do is download it, load up, connect your bank even, and pay for it the cashless way via PayMaya. You can use my code KUMAGCOWPYMY so you can get more out of it! :)

Let me know your PayMaya story!

Healthy Roast Chicken from Liam's Farm To Table

Tired washing the dishes, pots and pans so what better way to get some needed rest by ordering roast chicken. What makes this Liam's Farm to Table viand special is that it's organic, it's fresh, no anti biotics was used so you get that natural chicken flavor you deserve.

It comes in three flavors, Liam's Orginal BBQ Chicken, Portugese Grilled Chicken and Chicken Inasal Liam's Style. They herbs they use permeate to the chicken because they're never frozen and I liken it to those you get in hotels and restaurants. They have different sauces available too like the roasted chicken gravy, peri peri, inasal and little atchara. I like the Peri-Peri and Inasal the most. To order, just call 09563946899.

If you're the type that want something for later, you can heat it up in the oven or play around with it. You don't need to put much effort because it already has flavor, and I like it. I like it a lot! If you're around QC or nearby areas, give them a call to get your own roast chicken fix! I already had mine. Their branch is located in Sct. Lozcano near the Tomas Morato area.

Let's eat!

Worry Free Holiday Dinners from Chef Laudico GUEVARRA’S

I know this holiday season is getting you all crazy. Everyone is just in panic mode because you haven’t done your groceries, you haven’t gone over or done your Christmas shopping, and oh... you haven’t prepared your menu yet for Christmas eve Noche Buena and Media Noche for New Year. I’m here to tell you about a fix for that, because no other than Chef Rolando Laudico and  Chef Jac Laudico is whipping out their favorites for your Christmas feast!

Only Guevarra’s has been able to put a lot of effort on Filipino food done the right way. Ones that are au naturelle, strictly enforcing no MSG to food, making everything from scratch with only the best ingredients. I have had the opportunity of experiencing that during my birthday weekend as I had a lot of people at home. I didn’t want to tire mom as she’s been working hard these past few days putting up our Christmas Tree and ornaments so our home looks ready. How can you not love this scrumptious, Pork Bellychon.

This came to my house fresh, piping hot from the oven, all still crispy and yes, it’s made of dreams! It’s got the right amount of spice, hints of lemon grass and definitely not salty. The Lechon Sauce was sent on a separate tray which I prepped on separate bowls so everyone on the table would have a share. I put in a few teaspoons full of chili because I like it spicy! I sliced off the meat, it was already all boneless so I didn’t need to do so much. All you have to do is out white rice on a plate and serve! They know how to do lechon, and this one had crispy candy like skin, plus flavorful meat that permeated all throughout the length of the pork. If I could only have this everyday and not get wide, I would gladly do so! Oh and the rest of the lechon became good Lechon Paksiw made by my Mom the next day! (Make sure you consume this as soon as it gets to your home, you wouldn’t want cold lechon right?!)

A birthday wouldn’t be complete without cake. I am quite simple to please and yes, my favorite flavor is mocha. Their version is not overly sweet which I adore! I am trying to cut down on sugar so these days when I can, I can’t let a slice pass! I hurriedly put this on a cake display and had it for dessert. The mocha buttercream made me close my eyes a few times, I love you Chef Jac! Hehe! I have fed a little over 8 people and still had more food the next day. We didn’t even have to cook, we just ordered it off Chef Laudico Guevarra’s, and it became Handaan Kahit Saan!

Now it’s your turn to make your lunch, dinners all hassle free. Time your deliveries in parties so you get it fresh, hot and fast. Mom had a grand time without worrying much about the menu because everything in Guevarra’s have always been so good! They also have Beef Kaldereta, Kare Kare, Roasted Chicken Sinampalukan, Party Spaghetti, Pansit in different forms, cakes in different flavors, so just sit and just enjoy the holidays! 

These guys know what they’re doing, and it’s so good! Call them via 027051811, 027051874, 09173112222. Never worry about Christmas dinner again!

Order Fresh Seafood Everyday at FreshOnline.PH

Jed Marcaida of Jump Digital PH and Ms. Eleen Kee of FreshOnline.PH

Well not yet that is, but real soon. A few days ago, I was invited to a small luncheon and launch of a new website called FreshOnline.PH. Honestly, I didn't really know what it was about - but I figured the word fresh and the logo itself (which I saw during the event) was pretty much self explanatory. The business is a startup owned and operated by Ms. Eleen Kee, a Malaysian national who told us about how she grew up in a small fishing village where everyone (albeit having average income) had food on the table - all fresh as it's caught the same day from the sea. She lived in Manila and the Philippines for quite a while now and she was taken aback to see most of Manila's seafood supply either come from far flung provinces, imported frozen and not kept quite well. The quality is also a bit questionable which was surprising as we are an archipelago. There's no existing entity that would even dare to deliver fresh seafood to every home and we all depend on what's in the morning spread of the local wet market or several groceries who have them on the fridge. They want to change all that, create a new scene with FreshOnline.PH.

FreshOnline.ph is going to offer premium seafood items that is hard to find in regular stores in the Philippines and offer them fresh, without concern that much on the price. They'll make this affordable, easy to order online, delivered to your doorstep the next day. They've built a facility in Navotas to house all these products and have them kept in refrigeration units that would ultimately make the products as good as the day they caught it.

This is Smoked Norwegian Salmon, same thing they use in hotels for those hors d'oeuvres you love with sour cream and capers. These would be sliced thinly, rolled up on top of a canape and be served elegantly on your table. This is the concept they want you to have when it's available online. Something that you almost don't have to do so much processing of, just have it sliced and served.

This is the same quality Mackarel found in Japanese restaurants, now imagine how you can have this too in your own home. Put it on top of a Japanese rice, put it into a roll and have it for lunch or dinner. FreshOnline.PH eventually also wants you to bring the habit of having only the freshest seafood and might in the future even teach you how to cook it, as fresh as it is.

Our Southeast Asian neighbors usually just steam and put a little flavor on them, a thing that would keep the flavor and original sweetness intact. They want us to experience that same feeling too. They'll include this lobster on their site, but never priced like those in Boracay.

This one's the Boston Lobster, hard to find in the Philippines but will be available through FreshOnline.PH. The sheer color of it excites me. Now think of how your lunch or dinner table would look like now that this is going to be easy to get here!

I like this one the most. This is Scallops with the Gihod still attached. They call this Sashimi scallops which is found in deeper parts of the ocean. They're bigger, which you can sear on a hot pan and serve with different sauces. It's sweet, naturally and you'll get this delivered to your doorstep, can pay for it through card, other payment systems available soon.

I had this for lunch a few days ago. It's quality was just different. I haven't had Adobo Squid that good in a long time.

You must buy this, I see this in hotels served fresh even mixed in on salads. Imagine just taking this out of the wrap and cooking it because it's prewashed and processed already. Now that's going to be a very good place to start when FreshOnline.PH comes live.

Jump Digital and FreshOnline.PH already signed off to make this online seafood e-store available for you very soon. When it gets launched I'll tell you on my social media channels. You can follow them on the channels below too. So stay tuned!

For more information about their products:

FreshOnline.Ph

Like them on Facebook


Visit their official website

http://freshonline.ph/