Cutty

During this period of social distancing, I try to support small home-based businesses.  I try them out at least once.  If I like it, I try my best to be really supportive.  Here are my 2 favorites: Risa's Homemade Cakes .  I must have ordered their chocolate cake 5 times.  It is so simple yet so delicious.  It is the chocolate cake from my childhood.  It is very affordable too.  I can actually make myself a good chocolate cake too. But, enjoy cakes more if I didn't have to make them.   Tetcha's Mediterranean Grilled Chicken .  This is a neighbor's business that I supported several times.  We order from them if I don't feel like making a meal.  I recently discovered a recipe that makes a close copy of Tetcha's grilled chicken.  It is easier to buy.   What made me like them more was the ease of transaction.  I place an order via FB or Viber then I pay via mobile banking.  My order will be ready for d...

I still believe that mangoes are seasonal.   This is the time when mangoes are at their sweetest.  I grab the chance to buy in bulk when it is cheap.  Last week, I was able to get 20 kgs of the Guimaras variety.  It was still unripe when we brought the them home.  But, I took care of them and waited until it is time to enjoy them.  The time has come. In the past weeks of the lockdown, I've made mango ice candy and mango jelly.  This week I am experimenting on a new cake flavor:  Mango Creme Brulee cake.  It is my take on the famed creme brulee cake but with juicy mangoes. It is assembled now and cooling in the chiller.  Here is a section of the cake.  It needs more mangoes, more custard and a more stable whipped filling. Yes, I also need to do the brulee part better.  I can't wait to have my own blow torch. I've also made a refreshing mango-chia seed pudding.  We prefer it as dessert.  It is one way for...