This may be too late for those who plan way ahead, but in case some of you need assistance in completing your Christmas lists, here are a few suggestions.
Ham – this is always a much welcome gift. Who could refuse a leg of ham? Josefina’s (tel. 514-4468/0917-844-8160) selection includes Chinese style leg, six kilos apiece at P650 a kilo, Christmas ham, one kilo and up, P450 a kilo and American, one kilo and up, P320 per kg. The Kalamunda house in Silang, Cavite, has a boneless leg of ham, using either Australian at P1200 a kilo or American for P900 a kilo. There’s also long-time favorite, Fiesta from Purefoods, readily available in all supermarkets.
Queso de Bola – perfect partner of ham for Noche Buena and other holiday meals. Locally produced, Anchor and Magnolia, are nearly half the price of imported Piña and Pato. For the less discriminating, get the local at less than P300 for a ball of 500 kgs.
Paté – pure delight! The Miguels produce this very well and package each jar in attractively elegant indigo blue boxes, P400 each. With bread, P450. They are made either of duck or chicken liver. Chicken liver paté from the Private Kitchen (909-3075) is in a ceramic jar and can be presented with crackers, cheese, fruits and wine. From P450 up.
Cookies and other sweets – most practical and easy to handle. The soft and chewy selection of Marlene Sogono (850-7703) consists of brownies in three variants, food for the gods, and ube-filled or plain. Lately she has been experimenting on a new cookie with oatmeal and dessicated coconut. We will check if this is now available and will pass on the info. Conti’s has equally yummy brownies in small and big boxes. No one should miss their fabulous cakes and pies.
Five-star food, piece de resistance on any holiday table – from Swiss Inn, orders for roasted butterball turkey can be made through 0918-9991010. Stuffing consists of chorizo, bread, raisins, mushrooms, nuts and olives. It comes with cranberry sauce. This is good for 12 to 15 people and costs P5,000. Free delivery in Makati and Alabang areas. Three days’ notice is advised. The Private Kitchen paella done with real saffron and Spanish chorizo, good for about 10 people, is priced at P5,000.
Hampers – carried by practically all supermarkets and hotels. They can be pre-packaged or individually assembled. Invariably, they may contain canned goods (local and imported), fruits, dips, sauces, chocolate, ham, cheese and wine. Depending on the contents, they cost from P750 to P7,000 plus. Rustan’s, Shopwise and SM are good sources.
Bazaar goodies – look into as many pre-holiday bazaars as you can go to. Food entrepreneurs at bazaars offer an extensive selection of food items, from coffee beans to pre-cooked food. Pastry products abound. Pay attention, however, to expiry dates, which must be indicated on all labels.
Finally, check on your neighbors – some of them might be producing the food gifts you need.
The latest addition to the Selecta Gold ice cream series is Vanilla Almond by Chef Ariel Manuel, the man behind Lolo Dad’s. He has a long record of culinary citations, including serving as captain of the international award-winning Les Toques Blanches Philippine Culinary Team, Manila’s Best Kept Restaurant Secrets Award and Best International Cuisine. His Selecta Gold is a mouth-watering masterpiece, loaded with roasted almonds, lavished with ribbons of golden caramel fudge and laced with extra vanilla ice cream. It is the fourth among the group who have concocted temptingly rich ice cream delights – Jay Gamboa with Berry Strawberry, Rolando Laudico with Chocolate Truffles and Sau del Rosario’s Hazelnut Brownie. Get a cup, fill it with Selecta Gold, that can’t harm the weight watchers, so much.
Have a good holiday plan, spend wisely and take it leisurely.
E-mail comments and questions to: lydia_d_castillo@yahoo.com.