American Show of Force

Not in Mindanao but right here in Metro Manila. It was an "invasion" of sorts, which was much more welcome, specially by those who manage the kitchen in every household. "America the Bountiful" was introduced by the U. S. Department of Agriculture in coordination with its partners (mostly manufacturers, exporters and importers) in a series of activities focusing on the country’s rich agricultural and food resources, which have definitely influenced the tastes and flavors of many cuisines around the world.

To start with there was "The Great American Food Show 2002" where delegations from the US, regional offices like Singapore and local importers and distributors including Sysu International and Fly Ace Corporation set up booths highlighting their respective products. A lot of the food stuff are new, but many of them are now available in Rustan’s and SM supermarkets.

With the on-going problem that the Philippines is encountering with Australia which might lead to non-availability of meat from that country, we welcome the seeming interest of US companies in this segment of the food industry. Needless to say, a good cook is as good as the ingredients he/she uses.

There is that unique savory taste of US beef and that is due to the fact that their cattle are corn-fed. The government does regular thorough inspections at meat plants. Noting that health-consciousness has crept into our lifestyle, America has responded with leaner meat, getting rid of at least 50 percent fat content. That means meat can very well be part of a balanced diet. The pork industry recently introduced "enhanced pork", deep marinated or basted meat processed in a formula of water and phosphate, occasionally with seasonings. Shades of our tocino? As indicated in their flyer, pork can be imaginatively cut. Ask your butcher–he might be more creative than you ever thought.

Tyson chicken is a brand familiar to those who go to S&R. The company has a long list of cuts, even chicken feet, to suit everyone’s need and fancy. Chicken also has from 15 to 20 percent less fat. Chicken is a most versatile food. It goes well with fruits and vegetables and, using your own innovative talent, you can change its taste by using a variety of spices and seasonings, even fruit juices.

We have this recipe where we marinate chicken parts in orange juice, soy sauce and ground pepper plus peach preserves. You can substitute grape juice and Old Orchard in PET bottles is ideal for this. Add a little Miller’s pure honey. Who has not heard of Washington apples? Aside from red, there is also a pink variety called the Pink Lady. Apples are no longer only to munch on or for baking. There are a lot of dishes which use apples to enhance flavors.

After doing business for more than a hundred years, McCormick is what seasoning is all about. It is interesting that its founder’s motto was "Make the best, someone will buy it". And yes, we have been buying it. The latest is an extensive line of spices in PET bottles, ideal for people who cook a lot. They are very convenient when one is in a hurry or does not have any help.

American food products, needless to say, include such yummy snacks as chips, cookies and mashed potatoes. Soon to be introduced in local markets is the Guiltless Gourmet baked not fried items labeled ‘sinfully delicious low fat food’–original baked tortilla chips, dips and salsas, vari-flavored crackers. Flavorite is a brand of cookies (Flav—O!) which is said to be better than the popular Oreos. Joseph’s sugar-free cookies includes Pecan Shortbread, Chocolate Walnut and Peanut Butter.

We have always used raisins and prunes in cooking, but we just found out that prunes, outside from being a good laxative, is also a source of fiber.

To cap our American food adventure, we had a sip of the intensely rich Corbett Canyon California Syrah 1999 as we looked at the New Look collection of Franzia wines meant for the new century. Catch these American food products at the Glorietta, in supermarkets or sample the food, US style, in many participating restaurants. Have a good American meal!!!

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Lydia D. Castillo’s e-mail address: [email protected]