by Ginny Angeles | Mar 17, 2021 | Yummy Reviews
For dinner, we had unMeat empanadas along with personal servings of shepherd’s pie that my sister made (thanks, Sis!). Both dishes used unMeat, and they were not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to the traditional recipes. I honestly wouldn’t have noticed that they didn’t contain meat!
What is unMeat? UnMeat is a 100% plant-based meat alternative. As a meat lover, I was pleasantly surprised by its taste; it closely resembles the meat dishes I’ve always enjoyed. This personal experience makes me confident in recommending it to you.
If you are thinking of removing beef and pork from your diet but are having a tough time, this product will make the transition much easier. You can use it in a variety of dishes, from stir-fries to pasta sauces. Just remember to cook it as you would cook meat, and you’ll be surprised by the results.
- This is NOT a paid advertisement for unMeat. Just sharing the joy of delicious discovery.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 12, 2021 | Bon Appetit
I first learned how to make paratha/roti in September 2020 and I posted it on our other site, HearthandHomeBuddies.com. Since then I have learned how to make it better and I have definitely improved my technique.
My observations when making paratha
Atta or regular wheat flour? Can we use either?
Using the right flour matters. This affects the outcome of the paratha in terms of texture and taste. I’ve tried making this with atta (Indian wheat flour) and regular wheat flour.
- Atta is finer and softer while regular wheat flour is grainy and rough.
- Atta is slightly more expensive by just 5 pesos more per kilo, but that price difference also translates to a better end product so who am I to quibble over cost? 🙂
- Atta results in a softer, more malleable dough, and softer bread.
- Atta needs exactly half the quantity of flour. For example, if you use 1 cup of flour, then you will need exactly half a cup of water. With regular wheat flour, it is hit and miss.
The good news is, there are many middle eastern stores popping up all over town so atta can easily be sourced.
Is water temperature important?
From experience, I can tell you that room temperature to lukewarm water works best. While hot water will activate the gluten faster, the reality is, if the water is too hot then you can’t hold the dough with your bare hands, what more knead it.
Is there a specific oil to use?
I would say use a neutral oil. The original recipe said to use olive oil but not everyone enjoys the aftertaste of olive oil. You can also use ghee as an alternative. In case you were wondering, ghee is clarified butter.
Sugar
The original recipe did not have any sugar, but I have found that adding a little sweetness makes the paratha yummier. 🙂
Here is my “improved” recipe. I hope you like it!
Paratha/Roti Recipe
An easy to make Indian flatbread recipe
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Indian
Keyword: chapati, flatbread, paratha, roti
Servings: 6
Author: Penny Angeles-Tan
- 2 cups Atta (wheat flour) additional flour for dusting
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp garam masala
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 tbsps oil
- 1 cup water
Preparation
In a large bowl mix the atta, salt, garam masala, and sugar. Add the oil and mix again, making sure that the oil is well incorporated.
Add the water a little at a time while mixing until you use up all the water. As you mix it will become a tacky dough. Knead the dough for a few minutes and add a little flour for dusting, just enough to make the dough a little less sticky/tacky. As you knead the dough it will become less tacky and will become a soft dough ball. This means that it is soft but won't stick to your hand.
Tuck the dough underneath and roll it in your hands to form a ball. Dust the ball all over with flour and then let it rest in the bowl for 10 minutes covered.
On your chopping board or rolling mat, divide the dough ball into 6 equal parts. If you want smaller pieces just divide the dough into more parts.
Take 1 part and dust it and roll it into a ball ... flatten into a disk on the chopping board with your palm and dust again.
Take your rolling pin and flatten the small dough into a bigger disk. If the rolling pin starts to stick add a dusting of clour. Try to roll the dough out as evenly as possible, and not too thinly or the dough will rip when you lift it and the paratha will become too tough and will not be edible. You want the end product to be puffy and soft.
Cooking
Place your pan or flat hot plate on the stove and put it on medium heat. Hover your hand over the plate to test the heat but if that frightens you when you think it might be hot enough, put a drop of two of water on the pan. If the water turns into a bead and starts to dance on the pan, then it is hot enough, otherwise, you will have to wait a few more seconds then test again.
Once the pan is hot enough pick up your rolled-out dough carefully and shake out any loose flour by flipping it from hand to hand. Place the dough on the pan with the rolled side face down.
If your pan is heated correctly you will see your dough start to turn a darker shade and it will start to bubble and puff. Give it about 30 seconds then carefully flip the dough using your flipper/spatula. The dough will balloon a little more.
Give it another 30 seconds then flip it again. Press down on any part of the paratha that you see steam coming out or even just one side. This will help the paratha puff up even more. Flip it again and do the same on the other side. Your goal at this point is to brown the paratha and puff it up more. You want it to have brown spots but not get burned.
If it gets slightly burnt and a hole appears, not to worry. Just press down on the hole with your spatula and the hole will seal up. This will also puff up your paratha more.
Repeat this with the remaining dough. Your paratha is now ready to eat!
Paratha/roti is very similar to a tortilla. The ingredients are mostly the same and the way it is cooked is similar as well. Just like a tortilla, you can put anything in it. Just keep in mind that it is BREAD so whatever you would usually put in bread, you can eat with the paratha. 🙂
If you try this recipe, please make sure to tag me on social media @slvrdlphn and use the hashtag #slvrdlphnrecipes. Let me know, too, if you come up with a tweak that would make this dish different but still delicious!
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 5, 2021 | Health and Wellness
Despite the many challenges that 2020 has presented, Filipinos have managed to push forward. The new year is a sign for many to start anew, to improve, and to change. Improved health is least to say still and is on top of the many things that Filipinos hope for their loved ones. Now that the holidays are over, many are motivated than ever to start a healthier and much more active lifestyle.
It can be overwhelming to shift your current daily routine and adding activities that you have never done before. But as they say, it’s much better when you do it with others. So here are 3 activities that you can do to keep everyone in the family blood healthy.
Keep Stress Levels at a Minimum
Whether you’re stressed or not, maintaining a healthy way of dealing with stress can strengthen your body’s immunity and positive lifestyle changes. Practicing a healthy sleeping schedule is vital so the body can recharge.[1] Spending a few minutes to meditate with your family can greatly help in balancing your emotions.[2] This can include breathing exercises and even yoga. Unwinding through conversations with your family can help keep your mind at ease as well.[3] These are just some of the many activities that you and your family can do to keep the stress levels at a minimum for healthy blood.
Turn Up the Family Fun at Home
When exercising with your family, not only are you able to have everyone moving but you’re also spending quality time! Exercising may be in the form of following a workout routine, Zumba classes, or even easy-to-follow dance games. Team games like tag and hide-and-seek are perfect for families with members of different ages. Age shouldn’t be a limitation to get moving, so go ahead and get your fam’s hearts pumping and burn those holiday meal calories!
Eat Right for Proper Nutrition
In keeping the family healthy, it’s an effort to serve nutritious meals. An overall balanced diet helps the body in maintaining enough energy to keep it functioning all day. Although preparing meals for family members of different ages, and health conditions can be a struggle, it is doable. By considering the required portions, needed nutrients, and providing a wide variety of nutritious food, your family can still enjoy good food without sacrificing blood health.[4]
Yet with age, some family members may need help to sustain their blood health that their diet may not be able to provide sufficiently.
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is Your Blood Health Ally
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) is an iron supplement with vitamins and minerals that helps to replenish iron stores and increases red blood cell levels in the body. It has ferrous gluconate, a type of iron salt that allows better absorption of iron in the body, Folic acid, and vitamin B12 which are vital for the production of red blood cells and during pregnancy. 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.[5]
Recommended intake is one to two capsules daily, during or after meals, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Multivitamins + Minerals (Sangobion IRON+) helps to treat iron-deficiency anemia that can lead to decreased immunity and increased susceptibility to infection. Iron deficiency anemia happens when the blood has a lower amount of red blood cells or hemoglobin than normal. This can cause the body to feel weak, tired, dizzy, look pale, and experience headaches.[6]
As Filipinos embrace the hope and change that the new year brings, keeping the family’s blood health in check should be of top priority. With these helpful tips and Multivitamins & Minerals (Sangobion IRON+), you can keep yourself and your family, blood healthy for 2021!
If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.
ASC REFERENCE CODE: P032P022621SS
[1] “How much sleep do we really need?” Sleep Foundation. sleepfoundation.org/how-sleep-works/how-much-sleep-do-we-really-need.
[2] “Managing stress to control high blood pressure.” American Heart Association. http://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/changes-you-can-make-to-manage-high-blood-pressure/managing-stress-to-control-high-blood-pressure.
[3] “Transforming stress through awareness, education, and collaboration.” The American Institute of Stress. https://www.stress.org/hypertension.
[4] “Making Good Family Meals” Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. http://www.fao.org/3/y5740e/y5740e06.htm
[5] “About-Sangobion.” Sangobion, https://www.sangobion.sg/about-sangobion.
[6] “Iron-Deficiency Anemia.” National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 5, 2021 | Real Estate
Imagine waking up to your balcony with the scenic views of well-manicured fairways dotted by fully-grown trees and complemented by the fresh breeze of the suburbs. This is the lifestyle afforded by Golf Ridge Private Estate by premier real estate brand Filigree.
Golf Ridge is the latest addition to Filigree’s remarkably successful line-up of developments, which also include: Botanika Nature Residences, Bristol at Parkway Place, The Enclave Alabang, and The Beaufort — all in enviable locations in Metro Manila. Now, it is finally expanding its luxury living experience outside the metro with this newest project venture.
Very timely with the real estate industry enjoying an upswing even amid the current normal. Now, however, buyers and investors are even more discerning of the property they choose to buy. Criteria should at least include sustainable and future-ready designs, safer and more strategic locations, and top-notch amenities. And these are the qualities that have long been a trademark of Filigree developments.
“Even as our economy continues to struggle, we want end-users and investors to enjoy a luxurious, comfortable lifestyle while being cost-efficient,” notes Filigree head Catherine Ilagan. “At Golf Ridge, leasehold agreements are offered to tenants, which is an advantage in the current normal because it is more practical and profitable in the long run.”
Strategically situated within Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City in Clark, Pampanga, Golf Ridge Private Estate is an accessible urban escape offering a highly-coveted country club lifestyle right in the heart of Luzon’s emerging economic hub.
End-users and investors planning to live away from congested urban areas will enjoy the atmosphere of Filinvest Mimosa+. The majority of the property is made up of sprawling open spaces, which can be seen in its vibrant, integrated township – Centennial trees and well-maintained green landscapes soften the glass and concrete buildings that are home to corporate offices, malls, and gaming establishments.
To further highlight the country club lifestyle, the upcoming residential development has added country club-like features and amenities to help residents rejuvenate and enhance their health and well-being right at their doorstep, especially in the current normal. Residents can relax and unwind amid a slew of well-curated amenities, including a fully-equipped gym, infinity pool, and outdoor lounge.
Complementing these are generous living spaces that allow only four to eight units on a floor for privacy, ease of movement, abundant natural light, and better indoor air quality. Each unit has an amply-sized balcony that gives a commanding, borrowed view of the Mimosa Golf Course. Designed to cater to people of varying lifestyles, Golf Ridge offers one-bedroom units for end-users or investors looking for a quiet retreat, two-bedroom units for young couples or empty-nesters, and three-bedroom units for larger families.
Golf Ridge in Filinvest Mimosa+ is easily accessible, a comfortable two-hour drive to and from Metro Manila via major highways such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEx), and Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEx). It is only a 10-minute drive to the Clark International Airport.
Offered to tenants on leasehold agreements, Golf Ridge Private Estate is a valuable asset for residents aspiring to experience a relaxed, country club lifestyle. To know more, visit www.golfridge.com.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 2, 2021 | Beauty
Confidence is truly the new sexy. Nothing is more attractive than a man who exudes the right amount of confidence and sleekness. Good thing, there is Blackwater’s Deo Spray for Men to help one exude confidence and get comfortable in your own skin.
Blackwater Deo Spray for Men is a new set of fragrances that is sure to help every man feel clean and confident at any time of the day.
Blackwater Deo Spray for Men is available in High Spirits, Dark Rebel, Smooth Chaos, and Dark Pleasure. These four citrus-woody scents provide protection from odor-causing germs and keep one smelling great longer – perfect for the busy men on the go.
For only ₱185 per bottle, the Blackwater Deo Spray for Men is available at all leading supermarkets, department stores, and drugstores nationwide. You can also shop online via Shopee and Lazada.
Make sure to follow @blackwaterphofficial on Facebook to get all the latest news and updates.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 1, 2021 | Food & Beverage
Naked Salmon Sashimi Cake
Summer is here and in the middle of all the sweltering heat, Salmon HQ has the perfect summer food for you: their famous Salmon Sashimi Cake and Tuna Sashimi Cake. Not only is salmon good for the heart but salmon is also good for the body since it is considered a healthy food.
Salmon contains a specific type of unsaturated fat called omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids lower your risk of dying from heart disease, according to Mayo Clinic. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon help keep your heart healthy by protecting the health of your blood vessels.
Tuna, on the other hand, is a lean source of protein. Tuna also contains iron, potassium, and B vitamins. It is also an excellent source of selenium, a trace mineral that acts as an antioxidant and may reduce your risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions
Sashimi contains lots of omega-3 fatty acids which is good for both the brain and health. The fatty acids help in lowering the cholesterol in the bloodstream which is always a good thing. These fatty acids also help in promoting good eyesight while the omega-3 fatty acids help stimulate the brain so it can work properly.
Salmon HQ Sushi Overload
These three combined make Salmon HQ the perfect go-to place for your summer eats. You get to eat something delicious and healthy for both your brain and your body. If that isn’t a win-win, we don’t know what is.
Healthy Sushi Bake with Cauliflower Rice
Salmon HQ also offers the best sushi bake this side of the Metro. What sets them apart from the rest is that you can still indulge in their sushi bake because they can easily replace the rice, they use with cauliflower rice for those who are mindful of their weight or are trying to lose weight for a small price increase.
Recognized by Our Awesome Planet, we know that their different sushi bake is definitely food for the Gods. If you are feeling adventurous, try out their Aburi Baked Scallop Baked Sushi or their Takoyaki Baked Sushi. Trust us, you won’t regret it because it will be the experience of a lifetime.
To order, message them on their Facebook Page.
Salmon is also the perfect food to have during lent so make sure to order yours soon.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Mar 1, 2021 | Lifestyle
Unless you occasionally check-in to 3 to 5-star hotels, you probably don’t encounter different kinds of bed linen besides the usual – fitted sheet, flat sheet, pillowcases, and blanket – and even then, most people don’t even use the flat sheet … or use the flat sheet as a blanket.
What is the purpose of a flat sheet?
A flat sheet is also known as a top sheet. When making a bed, the flat sheet is placed over the fitted sheet and under the blanket. I know of some people who think that the flat sheet is a blanket, but it actually serves a different purpose. This is so that any oils or sweat from our body will rub off on the flat sheet instead of the blanket. Blankets are thicker than flat sheets so it takes longer to dry. Having a flat sheet under a blanket means that we will not have to wash the blanket as often.
In the Philippines where the weather is generally mild and temperate, there is usually no need for a thick blanket. But as the nights get chilly in one blanket does not seem to be enough. I ask myself, do I use two blankets or do I grab the comforter from the linen closet?
Blanket
Whether it is warm or cold most people usually have a blanket on their bed. “Blanket” is an umbrella term commonly used to refer to any cloth covering the top of the bed and used for warmth. Specifically, a blanket is a single piece of cloth (often) made of cotton, wool, or fleece.
The blanket is a symbol of comfort and security, hence the idiom security blanket. Besides warmth, a blanket is also often used as a cover-up, and for modesty. Personally, I cannot sleep without a blanket covering my hips at the very least. Growing up there would be times when my mom would come into my room just to pull the blanket over my legs and higher up my body and shortly after, my legs would stick out again and I would push the blanket down to my waist. 😀
Despite the warmth, my favorite type of blanket is a plush blanket, which is often made of fleece or polyester. The softer it is, the more peaceful my sleep is as well.
Quilt
In simple terms, a quilt is a type of bedding made of 3 layers of cloth – top cloth, batting or wadding (a soft, spongy cloth), and a bottom cloth. The batting could be made of microfibre, wool, fleece, or polyester. The 3 layers are sewn together, not just on the sides but through, often in an ornate pattern but can be sewn in a grid.
Quilts connote nostalgia and tradition. In the past, quilts were made by hand by piecing together scraps of cloth of different types of fabric and color. It was a family activity and a skill passed down from mother to child. They were works of art and labors of love.
The quilts we use today no longer use cloth scraps but are still made by sewing three cloths together. The bottom and top cloths are often different types of cloth. As most quilts have a more eyecatching design, it is perfect to use as a bed topper or thrown across the back of a sofa as a design element for that “rustic look”.
Duvet
In appearance, it would be easy to mistake a duvet for a blanket or even a quilt. Simply put, a duvet is two pieces of cloth sewn together and then stuffed with a soft filling like down, wool, cotton, microfibre, or polyester. Some duvets come with a zipper, pocket, or slit – this makes it easy for us to wash the duvet and wash and change the stuffing.
Duvets can be cool or warm, depending on what you stuff them with so it is a good replacement for a blanket, a quilt, or even a comforter. No stuffing? Boom, it’s a blanket! Lots of stuffing? Boom, it’s a comforter. 🙂
I once bought a bedding set that had a duvet and didn’t know what to do with it. It was square and large and appeared to be a very large pillowcase as it was double layered and had a pocket and flap. I’ve been stuffing it with an old blanket I would normally have thrown away but now I use it as a duvet filler. Yey for repurposing!
Comforter
Comforters and quilts are often interchangeable as there is barely any difference between the two. Comforters, like quilts, are made with 3 layers – top cloth, batting, and bottom cloth. So what makes them different?
- The top and bottom cloth of comforters are made of identical materials.
- Just like quilts, comforters are also sewn through and on the sides in a grid pattern.
- Comforters are fluffier and have a cloud-like feel, and are, therefore, warmer.
- Comforters can be used on their own, without a blanket.
If you are in the market for duvets, quilts, and comforters look no further than Our Home. Visit their website at https://www.ourhome.ph. They have options for regular and contactless shopping. Follow them on their social media accounts on Facebook and Instagram for updates and promos.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 24, 2021 | Discounts, Sales, and Giveaways
Good news for all Landers members! The fastest-growing membership shopping establishment in the country is letting its members enjoy unbelievable fuel savings as it brings its Super Fuel Sale from February 22 to 28.
For a whole week, all members with premium and/or business membership cards can save money on fuel with a discount coupon which they can get for every minimum purchase of Php 3,000 at any Landers Superstore. Members simply have to collect the coupons to avail exclusive fuel discounts in all Landers-Caltex gas stations.
Just present the coupons, along with your membership card before fueling up to avail of the discount. Members can enjoy a minimum of Php 10 off per liter of Platinum, Php 10 off per liter of Silver, and Php 5 off per liter of Diesel. The discount coupons can be used to fuel up one vehicle only and are valid sixty calendar days after the promo duration.
Landers Superstore branches are located at Alabang, ArcoVia City, EDSA Balintawak, Otis, or Cebu. For more information about Landers Superstore’s exclusive offerings, please make sure to regularly check @LandersPH on Facebook and Instagram or visit www.landers.ph.
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 23, 2021 | Food & Beverage
It’s a generally accepted notion that eating healthy means skipping great-tasting food. Not anymore. Now it’s completely possible to enjoy the best of both worlds as Century Pacific Food Inc. (CNPF), one of the largest branded food companies in the Philippines, unveils its newest brand: unMEAT, a 100% plant-based meat, made tasty from simple ingredients.
“One of the biggest concerns about plant-based foods is that they are not delicious or as pleasing to the palate as real meat,” notes Nikki Dizon, a Senior Executive at CNPF. “But our Nutrition Science team took that as a challenge, and completely delivered by coming up with a meat alternative that unbelievably and undeniably looks, feels, and tastes like meat. Moreover, they made unMEAT using simple ingredients and extracted the nutrients from real food rather than synthetic compounds so it’s healthier and more affordable.”
It’s not meat, it’s UnMEAT
The launch of unMEAT was driven by growing consumer demand to incorporate healthier food options into their diet, especially given the ongoing pandemic. This is evident in the shift of food trends on social media. Whereas in the past, food aficionados across the globe constantly debated on the best burgers, social media is now filled with discussions on which plant-based burger looks, tastes, smells, and even bleeds like real meat.
With unMEAT, the taste is never compromised! It is as delicious as a regular meat patty, with a similar mouth-feel, making it the best meat alternative for those who are planning to make the switch to a healthier, more sustainable diet. Even better, unMEAT is packed with simple but nutritious ingredients. It is a good source of fiber and protein. It’s also cholesterol-free, trans-fat-free, egg-free, and dairy-free.
It comes in four variants: Nuggets, Hungarian Sausages, Minced Meat and Burger Patty. CNPF aims to market the range as close to the price of real meat counterparts in keeping with its goal of providing affordable nutrition.
Even the experts like it
Chef Sau del Rosario
During the launch, Michelin star chef Sau del Rosario who was among the first to sample unMEAT described it as “the taste is like you got it from the oven. It’s tasty, it’s clean, and it’s very delicious. I would put this in my menu!”
Partnerships
In the Philippines, unMEAT was first introduced through Shakey’s Pizza’s newest offering, the Goood Burger. It has since attracted a small cult following in the few weeks it has top-billed Shakey’s Pizza chain’s foray to burgers.
Now, as the plant-based food mania continues to sweep the world over, Century Pacific Food Inc. is giving consumers easy access to healthy and tasty 100% plant-based food options as unMEAT is now available via online shopping platforms, and increasingly in supermarkets and specialty stores nationwide.
Following unMEAT’s successful initial rollout as Shakey’s Goood Burger, CNFP will also be partnering with more restaurants in the country. Additionally, the company’s Global Brands Team has started offering the product to customers across a network of 80 countries such as the USA, Singapore, China, and the Middle East giving consumers in many parts of the world easy access to tasty, healthy, and affordable 100% plant-based meat alternative.
“This newest addition to our product portfolio further strengthens our company’s mission to provide affordable nutrition for all. UnMEAT is both very affordable and delicious!” added Dizon.
Now it’s possible to be healthy while enjoying what you eat with the 100% plant-based unMEAT.
To know more, follow on:
by Penny Angeles-Tan | Feb 22, 2021 | Bon Appetit
I love eating spicy food. So do my daughter and sister. When I showed them the Purefoods Ready to Eat Bicol Express they were excited to try it.
Purefoods Ready to Eat Bicol Express
But that is just half the household. The other half has a low tolerance for spice but were still willing to try it. This gave me a challenge – how do I prepare this so that it is not so spicy but it will still be delicious?
Home Foodie PH suggestion
Home Foodie PH suggested Bicol Express Pizza so I looked over the recipe
Ingredients:
- 2 pieces store-bought pizza crust
- 1 (450g pack) Purefoods Ready to Eat Bicol Express thawed out in the chiller
- 2 cups mozzarella
- 1 (165 gms) Magnolia Quickmelt cheese
- 1 (100 g) red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1 (100 g) green bell pepper, cut into strips
For chili honey
- 1 tbsp. chili flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
Procedure:
- Preheat oven to 450o
- Assemble pizza by spreading Bicol express sauce on each pizza crust surface.
- Add mozzarella and Quickmelt cheese to each crust. Top with Bicol express meat and bell peppers.
- Bake for 10 minutes or until crust is golden brown and cheese has melted.
Makes 16 slices
(Yield: 2 pc 12-inch pizza/1-2 slices per serving)
Sounds simple enough, right? And pizza is a great idea because that much cheese would partially neutralize the spiciness so that the rest of the family can enjoy the pizza, too. Unfortunately, not all the ingredients are readily available in my kitchen. One small piece of bell pepper costs ₱48. Mozzarella cheese is not only expensive but is not readily available in nearby groceries.
What I ended up doing
Substitution is key! 🙂
- I did away with the mozzarella and used cheddar cheese all the way instead.
- Goodbye, bell peppers, I can’t afford you.
- chili honey – I didn’t need to make it or use it as the pizza was flavorful in itself.
- pizza crust – seeing as how I used to work in Shakey’s many years ago, I actually do know how to make a pizza from scratch so I decided to make my own pizza crust.
Below is my recipe for Bicol Express Pizza
Bicol Express Pizza
This is a very simple, easy-to-follow recipe for making a pizza at home from scratch. The crust will turn out soft and pillowy and a pleasure to chew.
Prep Time15 minutes mins
Cook Time25 minutes mins
Course: Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian
Keyword: pizza
Servings: 16 slices
Calories: 153kcal
Author: Penny Angeles-Tan
- 1 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp instant yeast
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 cups all-purpose flour plus a little extra for dusting later
- 1 pack Purefoods Ready to Eat Viands Bicol Express frozen
- 1 tbsp oil for oiling the pan
- 165 grams cheese or enough to cover the pizza twice
Mix the sugar and the warm water in a mixing bowl until the sugar is melted. Make sure that the water is not too hot then add the yeast. If your water is too hot the yeast will die. Tip: The water should be warm to the touch but won't burn you. Allow it to sit for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to ferment and form bubbles. If this does not happen that means that your water is too hot and your yeast died so you will have to start again. Add the melted butter (make sure it isn't hot!) and mix.
Sift the flour and salt into the bowl. Make a well in the middle and add the wet ingredients and mix. Keep mixing, this will form into a sticky/tacky dough ball.
Take the dough out of the bowl and put it on the rolling mat and knead for a few minutes. Don't worry about your muscles getting sore because this recipe does not need a lot of kneading. You just need to look at the dough and knead until you see that all the ingredients are well incorporated. From my personal experience, it just takes 10 to 15 times to fold and knead and you are good. It is just like playing with Playdoh.
If you are making a round pizza crust then roll it into a circle with a rolling pin. Take note, though, this recipe makes either two standard size crusts or 1 big crust.
Oil your baking pan/tray on all sides and transfer the dough onto the pan/tray and let it rest. This will still expand. In the meantime, turn on the heat in the oven and wait until it hits around 400F.
While waiting, open your frozen package of Purefoods Ready to Eat Viands Bicol Express and cut it up into several strips. and put the strips in the pot (or pan) with 1 to 2 tbsps of water for thawing and simmering. I like to put it on low to medium heat and simmer it for 8 minutes. Turn off the stove after.
If you want to make a rectangular or square pizza you can use your roller to stretch it down and out more. Don't worry that it is too thin, like I said, it is still expanding. if you decide to make your crust into a rectangle then there is no need to make 2 small pieces as you already have one big one.
Once the oven has hit the desired temperature, place the baking tray on the lowest rack of your oven and bake for 5 minutes.
Take it out of the tray and use a fork to pop and bubbles that formed. Scoop the sauce of the Bicol express onto the crust and spread it. Sprinkle a thin layer of cheese on top of the sauce.
Put the Bicol express meat over the cheese and any other topping you want to put on the pizza such as mushrooms, bell pepper, onions, etc.(3)
Top everything with cheese(4) again then put the pizza back in the oven and bake for 10 minutes.
Turn the tray and bake for another 10 minutes.(5)
Your pizza is done and ready to eat.
See the notes after this recipe
Pizza Crust nutrition facts
One slice of the pizza crust is 68 calories.
Purefoods Ready to Eat Bicol Express nutrition facts
As per the packaging, the calories in one serving is 296 calories, but that is assuming 4 servings. Since this is a 16 slice pizza, each slice has 74 calories.
165 grams of cheese divided by 16 = 11.25 calories.
This means that each slice of Bicol Express Pizza = 153.25 calories Notes:
This recipe makes a pizza that is FILLED with ingredients. You can make another crust and split the filling to make 2 pizzas.
- Most cookbooks will tell you to preheat the oven before doing anything else. Personally, I find that a waste of gas so I would recommend not turning on the oven until you actually need it. After all, it doesn’t take too long to heat up.
- Some prefer to thaw first and then cut up but personally, I’ve found that it is easier to cut up meat, especially those with sauces like these ready-to-eat meals when they are frozen. It helps, of course, that I use a cleaver. Since there are so many of us here at home this is my way of making cut-up meat stretch out so that everyone gets to eat.
- Only 3 things are limiting you – budget, available ingredients, and imagination
- I didn’t have any mozzarella so I used cheddar all the way
- If you are using a gas oven this is one way of ensuring that the pizza is cooked evenly. We used to do this, too, at Shakey’s.
The amount of cheese to put is really up to you. I can’t recall the exact weight anymore after all these years but a handful of grated cheese is usually enough to cover a large pizza so for this recipe, you will need 2 handfuls. I think that it would approximately be 165 grams or a small block of cheese.
You can also use cheese squares if you like, but you will likely end up using more cheese if you do. But, as I said, the amount of cheese is completely up to you. 🙂
How did it turn out?
The crust is soft and chewy and delicious and the Bicol express made me very happy. The spice level was just right and the meat was soft and juicy and oh so delicious! My sister even tells me that I could reduce the Bicol express toppings when I add veggies so I could make two rectangular pizzas. Next time I do this I will cut the pieces smaller so that it will be easier to split into more pizzas. 🙂
Try this recipe or make your own. Or, just eat it the Bicol express as is! It is your choice. When I decide to eat this with rice you can be sure it will be over a bowlful of steaming hot rice and probably an egg on top. Breakfast rice toppings, yes! Now I’m hungry again, lol!
Purefoods Ready-to-Eat is available at all leading groceries and supermarkets nationwide. Follow Purefoods on Facebook and Instagram.
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