12 Gifts for Christmas

Ilonggos are surely busy preparing for the holidays - where to bring the family for some treats, what’s on the menu for the Noche Buena and what gifts to buy and which goes to whom – the never ending questions of the holiday rush. And you should already have answers to these for Christmas is just around the corner. But don’t fret if you haven’t for I’ll be listing down of my personal favorites as well as the “IN” gastronomic gifts and giveaways for the Yuletide season.

DULGIES' ALFAJORES AND RASPBERRY CHEESECAKE SATINE. Make an impression with these insanely delicious one-of-a-kind cookie treats. The former is a Dulce de Leche filled short bread cookie smothered with confectioner’s sugar while the latter tastes as good as a real cheesecake! (PhP 190/20pieces and PhP160/dozen respectively). Don't forget their heavenly cheeseroll and ensaimada too!

THE CHOCOLATIEST CHOCOLATE CAKE. There are many good tasting chocolate cakes in the city but only Uncle Tom’s could claim being the “chocolatiest”. With a cake that’s all moist and full of real chocolate goodness plus an extra super thick chocolate icing - what more can you ask for? (PhP 150).

UBE HALAYA AND LECHE FLAN. It’s one secret I am willing to give away since sharing is the essence of the season. Rich and creamy, the Ube Halaya can almost be mistaken as ice cream and the Leche Flan is the way it should be – smooth and sweetness is just right (PhP100 each. Call or text Ninen Guyod 0930-218-4384.)

MARIDEL'S SNICKER'S PIE . Forget the chocolate bar and experience indulgence in this melange of assorted nuts, soft nougat and rich chocolate. Among the best sellers at Maridel’s Desserts and Pastries at Plazuela, this pie gives life to the popular choco bar. (PhP830/whole cake)

CHEWIES AND CRUNCHIES. With assorted cookie variants that comes as chewies or crunchies and made with peanuts, pinipig, mango, tsokolate, cashew or combinations, these eye catching boxful of gourmet treats from Mama’s Kitchen will certainly bring colour and flavour to the season. (From PhP90-120)

UBE BRAZO DE MERCEDES. It’s hidden in plain sight among the breads and pastries of Lapaz Bakeshop in Tienda Lapaz. An offshoot from the traditional Brazo de Mercedes, this one has ube haleya filling embraced by an ube hued egg white meringue mix topped with powdered milk. It’s one ube-riffic treat that will surely be a big hit!(PhP22.50/slice)

ASSORTED MINI BUNS. The list seems endless at Daily Buns - pork floss, cheese-pesto, garlic parmesan, pepperoni with cheese, chicken pesto with walnuts, ham and cheese, tuna, ube, mango, coffee, chocolate bun and a lot more. Don’t’ forget to add some Food for the Gods!

TABLEA, BATIROL AND TSOKOLATERA.What’s more desirable than a cup of hot drink to beat the cold December morn? A “Tsokolate Experience”set sold at the Camiña Balay nga Bato in Arevalo is a must buy. It comes with a tablea, batirol and tsokolatera for a good native chocolate treat. (From PhP1,100-1,300. Call 336-3858 or 336-5075)

BOTTLED GOURMET GOODIES. Afrique’s recently launched its range of bottled goodies – all in a stylish bottle perfect as gifts or giveaways for the holidays. Take your pick from Labahita in Oliva, Chorizo Cheese Spread, Adobo Cheese Spread, Smoked Bangus Spread and Quezo de bola Tartufo. (From PhP250-345 each.)

SPECIAL ENSAIMADA. These top of the line ensaymada from Bluejay Coffee not only is a good partner for a cup of coffee but makes perfect giveaways or presents for the holidays. Beat the rush for they usually are sold out! (PhP40 each)

SUPER GOOEY CARAMEL PIE. A home-made specialty from Amular Photography and Café at Plazuela de Iloilomade with a Graham base smothered with very generous amount rich and gooey caramel. It’s the sweetest gift you can give this Christmas, literally. (PhP450/order)

TINAPAYAN CHRISTMAS DELIGHTS. Bring out the child in you or your loved ones and give them this exceptional treat – a Gingerbread House! And indulge in the rich and mildly intoxicating goodness of the Dark Fruit Cake made with high quality fruits, nuts and wine. These are just among the many of Tinapayan’s Christmas Delights for 2011 (PhP895 and PhP450 respectively)

An edited version of this blogpost was published in my column

FLAVORS on THE NEWS TODAY Dec. 16, 2011.

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FLAVOURS OF ILOILO

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