Frannywanny

If you're familiar with the story of King Midas who's a man that turns everything that he touches into gold, then the Japanese, I believe, are the type that turns everything that they create into something that's super cute and pleasing to the eye. I love how the Japanese gives so much attention to detail that even a regular gift-wrapped item turns into a work of art. Then there's their sushi and sashimi creations that just never fails to wow everyone. It's the precision, the balance and how they continues to achieve perfection no matter what. That said, my heart skipped a beat when I received a beautiful present from Kumori Philippines about a month ago. It's a box of Puffy-O Donuts  and it's available in 3 flavors -- Banana Walnut, Chocolate Caramel and Cheese. I was actually out when this beautiful box arrived so our reliable helper decided to store these in the refrigerator in order to prolong its life. So, as soon as my family and I were ready to...

Sweet dreams are indeed made of these. It's the kind that comes in pretty copper tin cans and when you open it, nope! it's not your grandmother's sewing kit, but a mouthwatering chocolate inception-like cake. It's chocolate over chocolate over chocolate over more chocolate. Don't believe me? Read on...  I first heard about Le Sucre Lab's Chocolate Dream Cake (Php. 475) from @masarapba on Instagram . It's this funny, super duper witty yet completely anonymous Instagram account that gives you the lowdown on the yummiest and not so yummiest food in the metro. You get honest-to-goodness reviews that's written in a really funny tone. I haven't met the person behind this handle yet he/she/it (yes, the account once claimed that it's actually a plant) but I've tried some of the recommended items and I was really impressed with her taste. From Tender Juicy Chick n Cheese Hotdogs to which Paul can't understand why I suddenly came home fr...

What?! Just when I thought we're over the salted egg phase, a big basket filled with bright yellow bags of potato chips suddenly arrived on my door step. I was seriously so surprised to received this as I didn't know a delivery was to be made and I've never seen this specific chip variant ever before. It's the new Oishi Gourmet Picks Potato Chips in ... *dan dan dan dannnn* ...Salted Egg Flavor ! If you remember back when I was still residing in the Lion City, I got into this major salted egg craze starting from that memorable dinner at Irvin's Live Seafood House . Yes, that popular salted egg chips that got the entire region hoarding actually had a full service restaurant before and that's where those chips were born. Two years after that visit, the entire Lion City went Salted Egg crazy! From the traditional liu sha bao (salted egg custard bun) to all sorts of creative salted egg infused dishes from Chicken Cordon Bleu stuffed with Salted Egg, Salted Egg...

Oh man! Since when have I turned into a serial snacker? For the past months, I've been snacking all day long! From chips to cookies to cakes and even to a glass of cold milk. I am forever hungry especially in between feeding the babies so after nourishing them, off I go to the dining room to feed myself. I sure hope that I can maintain this weight even after breastfeeding as I seriously am eating like there's no tomorrow. Anyway, here's the fun part though. Discovering new snacks and goodies along the way. A few months ago, I stumbled upon Milk Box PH  while browsing through Instagram and was instantly lured by their Hokkaido Cake. I messaged them right away and well, what do you know?! I got two boxes of Hokkaido Cakes delivered to my doorstep the very next day which coincidentally were the #AngTwins' 3rd month celebration. Thanks so much R for the very very efficient service. Each box holds 6 cups of Hokkaido Cakes each and it sells for only Php. 380. So what ...

Isn't it amazing how taste can evoke a myriad of emotions? Just like in the movie Ratatouille where one single bite can bring back a lot of memories for a particular person. No matter how far back that memory may have been, there are just moments when one familiar taste can take us back to a certain point in our lives where we have tasted the same thing and together comes a good story to be told. For instance, Paul and I remember growing up enjoying a particular refrigerator pound cake which we would have as an afternoon snack. While we didn't grew up together, it's funny how we have a lot of similar childhood memories most especially when it comes to food. Somehow, it's like we have been living parallel lives from the very beginning. So, when we got this beautiful box from Kumori Philippines , we were so excited to give it a try! One thing that I love about anything Japanese is how they make everything soooo pretty! Look at the box down to the actual product, it...

Here' some good news for all cheese lovers out there. Check out what I recently discovered during my last visit to Manila -- Chizu Cheese Cupcakes! I remember growing up and enjoying homemade cheese cupcakes which is slightly crunchy on top and super soft and moist inside. I just love nibbling on the toasted grated cheese normally spinkled and baked on top. These sells like hotcakes so we normally would get a freshly baked batch every time. Chizu is the modern-age cheese cupcakes which stays super creamy inside and out. These comes in two sizes: Chizu Regulars (Php. 350/12 pieces) are the same size that of a regular cupcake while the Chizu Bites (Php. 150/12 pieces) are so cute and tiny that you can easily pop into your mouth. Be careful though as these babies can get so addicting that before you know it, you've consumed the entire box already! That almost happened to me had it not been for Paul who told me to save some for him too. I wasn't able to ask how many...

Look what I've been munching on lately! I know, I've welcomed the year with a promise to lessen my junk food snacking but I guess it's okay to give in to my monthly craving for yummy munchies once in a while right? Well, as my husband would say, smart snacking is the way to go! We have began choosing chips that are baked, have no trans fat or have lower sodium in it vs. it's less healthy counterparts. What a perfect timing that my friend and fellow blogger R sent over a couple of bags of Herr's during our last visit to Manila! I instantly recognized Herr's as those buckets of cheese curls that we would hoard in S&R! Ohhh I love love love Herr's Cheese Curls! Well, did you know that Herr's is made of pure corn meal and is baked to perfection. I guess this is one of the very few corn products that I can eat without getting sick. It doesn't make use of artificial preservatives/flavoring too! I just love being able to enjoy this without ge...

Have you catch the latest video that has been getting a lot of appearance and exposure 'round the social media channels? It's a funny skit created by Jimmy Fellon (such a talented guy) and Justin Timberlake entitled "Hashtag." This is what is called a hastag -- &gt ; # Show this sign to most of our parents and they'll say it's a number sign. For phone users, they'll say it's the pound sign. For Instagram and Twitter fans, it's definitely called a Hashtag . I'm pretty guilty of using hashtags in most of my Twitter and Instagram captions. An #example would be something as #classic as this in hopes that using #hashtags would make the word #trend . #yeahimcoollikethat #wishing The video made me think of cookies and speaking of #cookies ( hehe okay I'll stop ), let me share with you one discovery that I had during my short visit home. Meet Happy Cookie !

It's Monday and I hope this simple entry will chase all our Manic Monday blues away. :) Last week, a white bag was delivered to our home. I've been working from home for the past days and I've come to accept the fact that it is not as fun and easy as it sounds. Sure, I don't have to wake up extra early to get dressed, prepare my breakfast and to walk 500++ meters to our bus stop + 3 blocks to get to my office building but I still get very preoccupied with the never-ending work load that comes my way. Don't get me wrong, every day I thank my lucky stars for allowing me to land into this new career that I really love. Finally, the line between work and play is starting to get narrower and narrower each day. Going back to the mysterious white bag, while it simply has a red sticker in front, the name alone was enough to elicit a couple of whoops and cheers from the members of our household. Who wouldn't cheer after all when the label says : Kirby's Chicharo...

A day after the incident , I went home feeling under the weather. I guess my resistance suddenly went down and I immediately felt my tonsils acting up again. Well, there was this white paper bag that caught my eye and somehow, it made me smile. Like what I said before, surprising me with food is always ALWAYS a good thing. Thank you Col. Sanders!  I peeked inside and found three red boxes that are quite similar to the kind that we'd use for Mom's chocolate cupcakes. Instead of having cupcakes or any sweet treats inside, KFC filled each box with the new BBQ Shredder Sandwich . Yep, that's the name of the new sandwich. If you ask me, I find using the word 'shredder' a bit off. Those in the corporate world would associate the shredder with trash. We shred all unnecessary documents, we shred all unused forms and memos, we shred all things we have to dispose. I personally wouldn't use the word "shredder" when food is involved. Well, that's me so ...

Here's a new snack discovery! It's amazing how KFC continues to innovate to tickle the taste buds of its wide range of clientele. Who would have thought that you can have more than chicken in KFC ! Recently, they introduced the Mac and Cheese Bites (Php. 49) and luckily, I was given an early sneak peek as I was able to try it before it was officially launched to the public! Thank you Col. Sanders! At first glance, it looked like a risotto ball but as I bit into the crunchy deep-fried covering I enjoyed the creamy and cheesy filling made of macaroni bits, bacon and cheese sauce. Don't expect though that you'll be able to feel and bite into the macaroni as it's pretty mashed up already. It's not so bad only I find the cheese sauce to be a tad too salty for my taste.

It's no secret how much I love eating chips! In fact, it has been my favorite thing to snack on and I would definitely go for a bag of chips over a box of chocolates or a scoop of ice cream any day. For the past months, Oishi has been showering me and my family with a lot of yummy (and crunchy) blessings! Who can ever forget the six foot high box that greeted me as I arrived home from my trip to China ? This was the same box that my niece and nephew happily played in after we got all the bags of chips out. They sent not only one but two boxes filled with an assortment of Oishi goodies! A few weeks after that, I got home to see Mr Pea and Mr Porky smiling back at me . Once again, another delightful surprise from the cool folks from Oishi ! As a marketing practitioner, I strongly believe in the power of product sampling. This is one great way to encourage trial and hopefully will result to purchase and loyalty in the future. However, with thousands of products competing for a ...

It's a common scenario to hear our family discussing what to have for our afternoon snack (merienda) while having lunch! I guess I took after my Kongkong who just loves to snack and who considers this part of his daily dietary requirement. He's an amazing cook so we always enjoy his homemade bihon soup or together, we will visit one of his favorite restaurants along Banawe to have a tall glass of really good halo-halo on a warm summer day. Let me share with you what we have on our snack stash that got us addicted on for days weeks: Happiness in Cupcakes (a.k.a. HIC) specializes in alcoholic-flavored cupcakes that makes a great dessert choice actually for adult parties. I got to admit I don't drink that often but I do appreciate a glass of mojito or a strawberry margarita to end a stressful day. They sell their cupcakes by the dozen (Php. 650) and requires a short lead time of 3 days. We were able to try the following flavors: Car Bombs, Red Hot Choco Peppers, Mojit...

I guess it's no secret that I love to snack! With my growing list of must-try snacks...maybe I should start a blog dedicated to just that. Watchatink? :) Anyway, whenever Paul and I go to the mall, what we normally do really is to EAT! Sure, at times I get to buy a pair of shoes or a new outfit, sometimes we catch a movie but more often than not, we're most likely found at the food court area or along the row the restaurants checking every single one out. Take for example our recent trip to Robinsons Galleria . The initial plan was to pay some bills and to do the grocery. However, we both spotted Masatami , a kiosk outside the supermarket that offers shaved ice desserts. Not the Mais con Yelo type but rather one that looks like a giant snow cone. Paul seemed very interested as he lingered quite long enough checking the menu out. I suddenly remembered receiving a couple of coupons from the owners of Masatami and after checking my bag if I have it, I excitedly waved the two...

Whenever hungry strikes especially during mid-day its so easy to just grab a bag of chips that's within reach. I got to admit I love munching on chips, rings and puffs. Like a little girl, I tend to be very greedy with my bag as I hug it tightly as to give a silent message that screams: "this is ALL MINE!" Paul knows better not to mess with my stash of snacks. That's how much I take my snack seriously. Thus, when I was sent a bag of Angry Puffs sampler cups in four assorted flavors, I happily brought this with me when we went to Tagaytay for a fun weekend getaway with The Food Club. What makes Angry Puffs different from all the puffs out there is that its air-baked not fried. This then gives me more reason to enjoy them in greater quantities. Freshness is their top priority thus they ensure that the puffs that you're enjoying has just been freshly puffed on the spot thereby removing the need for preservatives.

♫ These are a few of my favorite things...♫ Don't you just love afternoon snacks? This is probably the reason why most diets would require one to eat more frequent but small meals. Nibbling on crackers or munching on a fresh fruit is normally what people on a diet would have. However, there are far more interesting and definitely more mouthwatering snack options out there. In China, they have dimsum which when directly translated means "touch the heart". Bite-sized pieces that the Chinese would enjoy with their afternoon cup of tea. In Europe, they have their Afternoon Teas which normally comes with scones and tiny tea sandwiches. Of course, we Filipinos have our own line-up of snacks and it ranges from the very savory pancit (noodles) to sticky kakanins (rice cakes), from all sorts of sweetened skewered fruits to my personal favorite, fishballs and kikiam sold in the street. Yum! Lately, I have two new favorite snacks that I normally would have at least once a wee...

It was during one of our panic Christmas shopping trips one weekend, that Paul and I decided to rest and to head to the Glorietta food court to grab a snack. You see, unlike probably most ladies my age, I no longer enjoy shopping... that much . I'm sure my shopping buddy and college best friend Len couldn't believe her eyes when she reads this as we used to declare that we are part of the "shopping" varsity team back then. Those were the days where most of our long breaks were spent at the mall and we always end up lugging back a couple of shopping bags as we head back to school for our next class. Yes, there was really a time that I, Frannywanny, used to be a shopaholic . Perhaps I grew older and realized that I can no longer keep up with the crazy frantic atmosphere where I get squished and elbowed at as I join the sea of shoppers especially during the weekends or worst, the Holiday rush. The mere thought of it really sends shivers down my spine. This is also one...

Exactly a month ago, I suddenly had this weird midnight craving for my childhood favorite bakery called La Chesca . That prompted a shout out over at Facebook and Twitter asking anyone to give me leads if La Chesca still exists today. This led to friends expressing their love for La Chesca 's specialties namely their Sapin Sapin, Maja Ube / Mais, Egg Pies and of course their homemade Chicken Pie. That truly showed me that I am not alone... I share my love for La Chesca with hundreds of people out there. I never gave up, even asking my Facebook friends to help me find the owners of the bakeshop. Until one day... my Auntie H told me that she knows the owner of La Chesca and I can possibly text her to ask if she still accepts orders. My heart skipped a beat. This is it. I am THIS CLOSE to being able to enjoy my La Chesca favorites again. I wasted no time and texted the owner as soon as I got her number from Auntie H. One day has passed and no reply... my heart sank. Either ...

My friend T has been raving about this delectable Salted Caramel Macaron that was so good it has made her cheat on her diet as she couldn't resist a piece...or two...or maybe three. T has really good taste in food so I figured that those macarons must really be THAT GOOD. So one Sunday, my in-laws decided to have lunch at Burgos Circle and right after, I convinced Paul to cross the street and visit Bar Dolci , a dessert place where my friend T got her favorite macarons from. Actually, I just remembered that I wanted to try Bar Dolci and totally forgot about the macarons at first. As we entered the busy store, I was immediately drawn towards the gelato freezer matched with the glass panels filled with names of Bar Dolci 's gelato fans. The rule is they will put a point beside your name for every purchase of their gelato and after x number of cups, you get a prize. I tried a few such as the Salted Caramel , Ferrero (which was yummy, by the way) and the almost sold out V...

...and the snacking continues! The Food Club celebrates Paul's 30th birthday!!! My husband Paul blew out his 30 birthday candles yesterday! He officially said goodbye to his twenties and gladly welcome the BIG 3-0! Aside from my non-stop teasing; I, together with his family, organized an intimate dinner to celebrate his birthday with our loved ones (his side and mine) and our dear friends a.k.a. The Food Club last Saturday. Despite the short notice, we are really blessed that almost everyone was able to make it. Thanks guys!! ♥ For his birthday, Richard, Irene and Lauren gave Paul a box of Homemade Treasures Ensaymada . It looks really pretty and premium as it's encased in a light brown box and tied with a golden ribbon. Paul normally skips breakfast as he would rather sleep till lunch especially during the weekends. I was surprised when we woke me up early on Sunday and invited me to have breakfast with him. I really wanted to sleep some more but when I remembere...