Penny Angeles-Tan, Author at Slvrdlphn.com

Love Takes Time … Purefoods Ready to Eat Meals

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 24, 2021 | Food & Beverage

The concept of ready to eat meals is not new to us, another name for it is “frozen dinners”. The difference, I suppose is that while most frozen dinners as we see them in foreign movies are full meals made for one person alone, Purefoods Ready to Eat meals are made for families.

But this is also a reflection of how Filipinos enjoy sharing meals with family or friends. I know of very few Filipinos who cook full meals for just one person. We always tend to cook so much that we are eating the same thing for an additional meal or two. 😀

Purefoods Ready to Eat variants

At present, there are a total of nine (9) variants … each one a standard Filipino dish and (as the packaging says) it has already been slow-cooked to give us, the consumers, the softest, juiciest, most delicious viands in minutes what would usually take us so much time to prepare … because “love takes time”.

I was able to get every variant (except the beef caldereta which I just photoshopped in the picture above to complete the set) and I will try to cook and review each one every day. In our house, there are quite a few people so I have to really think about what I will cook every day and how to stretch it, given how expensive meat and vegetables are.

Also, I am quite handy in the kitchen so I will quite likely do more than just put these babies in the pan, heat, and serve. 🙂 Watch out for what I cook up in the coming days.

Purefoods Ready to Eat viands are available at http://themall.sanmiguelfoods.com and at some supermarkets and groceries. Prices vary depending on the viand you purchase.

2021 Mantra: Finally Breaking Free from Itch. Yes, I Can

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 24, 2021 | Health and Wellness

2020 has revealed a lot of things that most people haven’t given much attention to before. It’s crazy how from one year you never knew you’ve been embarrassing yourself in front of people by just scratching your scalp repeatedly because of scalp itch and dandruff. Now, we have a name for this – itch-uations. How does it feel to finally be in terms with the fact that you’ve been having itch-uations even before it was a thing? Embarrassing, right?

That one time you were on a video conference call to present and all eyes were on you. Remember that last meeting with your crush? Oh, and that meetup that you recently did with your friends.

Do you know what those moments all had in common? You were scratching your scalp, subtly yet it’s still noticeable. Itch Nakakahiya!

But it’s time to forget all those awkward itch-uations. Leave them all behind and look forward to big moments without the itch. Because you can free yourself from itch with every use of Head & Shoulders!

As the world’s #1 shampoo, Head & Shoulders products are clinically proven to help fight and protect the scalp against scalp germs that cause dandruff. Formulated with active ingredients to fight the causes of dandruff and itch, and with continuous use, you can be sure that dandruff is not going to turn up anytime soon. You’re sure to start 2021 dandruff-free, itch-free, and free from the subtle yet long-lasting embarrassment of itch-uations.

And now it’s time to embrace your past itch-uations because you’re not alone in this fight against dandruff and itch. Here’s a much-needed push for motivation! Let’s hear it from the many people who’ve dealt with itch-uations just like you, and their promises for a cleaner, dandruff, and itch-free scalp.

Cole shared that his scalp went through a lot last 2020 — awkward brushing, dandruff problems, and on top of that finding the right shampoo was also a struggle. But, lo and behold, Head and Shoulders came to her scalp’s rescue which made her commit to dandruff-free and clean hair.

Check more of these scalp defining moments and testimonials in the comments section of the Head & Shoulders Philippines Facebook and Instagram posts.

Here’s a shocker — itch-uations are actually very common, and you’re not the only one dealing with them. So, stop letting your past haunt you because Head & Shoulders got your scalp covered and to save you from the embarrassment of possible itch-uations. Here’s to dandruff and itch-free new year with every use of Head & Shoulders!

Don’t let your scalp waiting, checkout Head & Shoulders now via Lazada or Shopee.

Tofu ala Bistek Recipe

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 23, 2021 | Bon Appetit

Someone once asked me if we (the family) have considered going vegan and I told them that my family will eat anything I prepare (so they say) so it often depends on what I end up cooking.

Lately, I’ve been trying out different ways to cook tofu, as those of you who follow my blog can tell. 😀 My latest attempt is a dish I like to call Tofu ala Bistek. Bistek is the Filipino word for Beef Steak. The process is not quite the same but the end result is.

Tofu ala Bistek is best served with warm rice. Enjoy!

Notes:

Cutting up the tofu into strips was my choice because I wanted to make sure the marinade would really seep in and I wanted it to look like meat slices.
Using pancake syrup adds that little bit of sweetness the dish needs but you could try using sugar or honey, I suppose. Feel free to experiment!
You can marinate the tofu for less than an hour, of course, but note that it will be more flavorful the longer you keep it in the marinade.
I wouldn’t suggest marinating it overnight as the tofu might crumble or become too salty. I cannot be sure of this, of course, as I have never done that myself. 😀

Print Recipe

Tofu ala Bistek

A new take on a Filipino standard.

Prep Time1

Cook Time15

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese, Filipino

Keyword: filipino, tofu, vegan

Servings: 4

Calories: 142kcal

Author: Penny Angeles-Tan

Equipment

measuring spoon
measuring cup
cutting board
wide, shallow dish or tray
skillet or shallow pan

Ingredients

500 grams firm tofu
1/3 cup light soy
1/3 cup rice vinegar
4 tsp pancake syrup
2 tsp sesame oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp ginger, minced or grated
1 onion, sliced into rings
oil for frying You want to use a neutral oil like vegetable oil

Instructions

Prepping

Place some paper towels on a cutting board and put the tofu on top of it and cover with another paper towel. If you have a cast-iron pan or any heavy pan, place the pan on top of the paper-covered tofu and just let it sit. The weight of the pan will press out the excess water while you work on the marinade.
In a bowl combine light soy, rice vinegar, syrup, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Mix and set aside.
Remove the heavy pan from on top of the tofu and remove the paper towels. You will notice that the towels are now wet from the water that was pressed out of the tofu.
Slice the tofu into thin slices (not too thin or it will just crumble!) and arrange them flat on a shallow dish or tray and pour the marinade on top. Cover and set aside for up to an hour. If you are like me and you tend to forget if the waiting time is long then cover the dish/tray and put it in the ref while it is marinating.

Time to cook

Place your skillet or shallow pan (a wok would also do nicely!) on the stove and heat it.
Place oil in the pan and once hot enough place the marinated tofu (only) flat and leave it alone to brown for a few minutes. Don't get tempted to move it around or the tofu might crumble. Allow it to brown and set. Do not throw away the marinade as you will need it later.
After a few minutes and the bottom is browned, gently flip each piece and brown that side, too. You can tell that the tofu is ready to flip when it starts to shrink a little and look puffy like a pillow.
When both sides are browned, take your sliced onion and scatter the rings on top. Pour the marinade over everything and cover for about a minute.
Your dish is now ready to be served and eaten. 🙂

Notes

If you try this recipe, please make sure to tag me on social media @slvrdlphn with the hashtag #slvrdlphnrecipes. Let me know, too, if you come up with a tweak that would make this dish different but still delicious!

Bring Out the Strongest Version of You with Pantene

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 20, 2021 | Health and Wellness

On days when life gets in the way, it is easy to lose track of yourself. Even when it is frustrating, choosing the easy way out of situations can feel like the best decision when you’re stuck with no options. But even if life throws you a curveball, you’re still able to get back on track — stronger than before. And if you can put your best foot forward again to face the new normal in 2021, your hair definitely can too!

Pantene’s newest digital video empowers women to toughen up by starting stronger and get that extra boost of confidence by taking care of themselves.

It features familiar scenario women can definitely relate to — those times when you feel like you’re losing yourself to a point that even your hair looks like it gave up. Split ends start to pop out and the damage is apparent, and you’re so tempted to take a literal shortcut by chopping off your locks.

Pantene Long Hair Solutions Total Damage Care Shampoo

Now cutting hair short isn’t the only solution to hair damage, you can look forward to stronger days ahead with the new Pantene Long Hair Solutions Total Damage Care Shampoo. It has Pro V with Japanese Rice Oil Essence, specially created for long hair needs to protect your hair from having split ends and prevent hair damage even before it happens.

Rice Oil Essence has 50x Anti Damage Benefit, so you can say goodbye to hair damage and split ends even before it happens. Pantene’s latest video brings the message of empowerment reaching and encouraging numerous Filipinas to keep growing their hair out, here are some tidbits from Filipinas who are now committed to stop with the short cuts and grow their hair long in 2021

Constantly Tired? You Might Have Iron Deficiency Anemia

by Penny Angeles-Tan | Jan 11, 2021 | Health and Wellness

What happens to your performance and immunity when you are iron-deficient?

Productive people have one thing in common, they ward off feelings of constant exhaustion and drowsiness thinking these are just the result of their hectic lifestyles. They carry on with day-to-day activities even when they experience the inability to focus and perform and not realizing that this might be a symptom of Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia happens when your blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal.

This can cause you to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches. People with chronic medical conditions, women in the reproductive age group, and those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding are most vulnerable to having anemia. While those who are not able to maintain a healthy lifestyle are also at risk.

How to Prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia?

The people who have a higher risk to have iron deficiency anemia are women in the reproductive age group and those who experience heavy menstrual bleeding; athletes in endurance sports and high-altitude training that require the body with more red blood cells; and those with pre-existing chronic diseases.

A change in diet and nutrition comes as the first step. This can include choosing food with high iron content like poultry, meat, and seafood. Eating food rich in Vitamin C like fruits and dark green leafy vegetables can help enhance iron absorption.

For people with erratic schedules, managing a diet can pose a challenge. Taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) can help keep iron deficiency anemia away as it helps the body get the nutrients and minerals it needs.

Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps replenish iron stores and increase red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt that has better absorption in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12, which are vital for the production of red blood cells.

It also contains Vitamin C which helps improve iron absorption, and Copper sulfate and manganese sulfate that helps in the metabolic processes of blood cell production.

How iron sufficiency plays a part in maintaining strong immunity

Micronutrients have an important role in regulating immune function, metabolism, and enzymes. Iron is an essential micronutrient that is needed by enzymes to help maintain body immunity which can help protect the body against infection.

There are certain enzymes in white blood cells that are affected by the iron levels in the body. So, when Iron is deficient, the levels of enzymes in white blood cells are also reduced, and this can affect the body’s ability to fight off infections.

When you live an action-packed lifestyle, even when you’re just working from home but juggling multiple responsibilities, do not ignore the constant feeling of exhaustion. Fulfilling your daily intake of Iron can help support your body as you go through your daily activities.

Maintaining a healthy and nutritious diet, practicing various exercises, and taking Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) which acts as an iron supplement, can help manage symptoms or prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia. If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.

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