Readers React

We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our readers, particularly those who take the time to e-mail us with their views, suggestions or asking for clarification, addresses etc. We find this exchange of information as a healthy sign that people are really aware of what is happening around, food-wise most specially. Be assured that we have tried and will continue to answer all queries quickly, in the course going into more research about materials that readers are interested in.

Our piece on Vegetable Patches got an unusual number of pros and cons, more specifically a suggestion from a reader to adopt a two-meal-a-day habit. A gentleman wrote that our body needs ample nourishment, thus this might be unhealthy. We agree; economizing on food may not be the best for us, health-wise, since in the end we might spend more on medicine and possible hospitalization. An overseas reader, on the other hand, someone nearing his 60th year, attests to his good health after deciding to take only one big meal a day, at dinnertime! He has trimmed down to his healthy weight, has no alarming cholesterol count nor does he worry about high blood pressure. And he feels great. Amid all this, what can we conclude? Guess it depends on one’s physical condition and definitely, do not do anything without your physician’s advise.

We received information from an official of Leisure Farms regarding vegetable patches. It seems that farming is indeed catching on. We noted several groups getting into this and succeeding in convincing people to raise their own vegetables with the prospect even of becoming commercial. Located in Lemery, Batangas, Leisure Farms has a 1,200 sq. meter green house which they purchased from Netafim. This serves as their demo farm for lot owners. They also have the buro-buro system of composting. Our reader says if importation goes on unabated, a lot of farmers may be put out of work. The solution? To encourage small- to medium-size farming (either hydroponics, organic or traditional) for which the company will offer assistance, even providing owners with a market, when they produce enough commercial harvest.

We have become e-mail pals with the big man at Killion Merchandising and am happy that he shared with us the basics of preparing gulaman as dessert, something that is tasty at minimal cost. They carry the Shamrock Crystal Clear Gulaman in small satches. It is clear, unflavored and unsweetened jelly similar to a more popular brand but a lot cheaper and more makunat. Needless to say this can be used as topping for crema de fruta, as ingredient for buco pandan salad, almond and/or coffee jelly, cathedral windows, etc. One’s choice of flavoring can be added (using McCormick, Neco or boiled pandan, etc.) plus sugar. To make almond jelly, you need to dissolve one packet in two cups of water and two cups of fresh milk, sugar and almond extract (to be added after taking the mixture from fire) to taste. Boil and then pour into a mould. Let set for 30 minutes or put in refrigerator.

Give your Christmas table that extra zing. Lovely and colorful Yuletide table napkins (Bibo brand) are available at the Makati Supermarket in Alabang. There are at least six different designs. You can even use this as top wrap for bottled sauces and dips which you plan to give as presents.

At Makro in Sucat, there are rolls of Christmas wrappers from P99 per. With enough patience, you can find matching gift tags from P34.50 per pack of 40 pieces. Christmas decors are a bargain in this outlet, ranging from single, long-stemmed vibrantly red poinsettias to wreaths and lighted stars.

The National Book store chain has one of the most reasonably priced "ready-to-wear trees", meaning you can buy them as is, fully trimmed with lights. They deliver as well. Enjoy your Christmas preparation!

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