Category Archives: Wedding Catering

Unconventional Wedding Cakes

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petits-fours-1129533_1280

What are examples of unconventional weddings cakes?

  1. Doughnuts
  2. Cupcakes
  3. Dessert Shots
  4. Cinnamon Rolls
  5. Pies
  6. Cake Pops

Besides the bride and groom, the wedding cake is undeniably the star of the wedding reception. Many guests look forward to seeing the couple slice through the delicious confection before serving it to them. Plus, who wouldn’t want to get a bite out of that delicious delicacy right before their eyes? Wedding catering in the Philippines certainly know how important the cake is and make sure that they provide their clients with beautiful designs that is sure to make guests smile.

Recently though, couples are looking beyond the traditional wedding cake look. Sure, the classic designs with multiple tiers of sweet goodness spells classical savory. But there’s something about the unconventional and unique ones that truly attract the eyes of many.

From finger foods to mini versions of the classics, here are 6 dessert alternative desserts that will surely satisfy your guests’ sweet cravings:

Doughnuts

Whether it’s eaten with a hot cup of coffee, some ice cream, or on its own, a doughnut is truly the dessert that stands among the rest in its own right. With its various flavors and toppings that make every doughnut-eating experience unique, this dessert makes a mark in any setting.

It is also starting to be seen in weddings and gaining popularity as a wedding cake substitute. If you’re yearning for that sweet and glazed goodness of doughnuts to be the centerpiece of your reception, then feel free to go to your local bakeshop to try and find the freshest, yummiest treats. Once you find the best doughnuts in town, then have it arranged in tiers to mimic a multi-tiered cake.

As mentioned before, ice cream makes a great mix for doughnut. If you really want to mix things up a bit, then why not make a doughnut-ice cream sandwich? Also, you can try something new by adding in a doughnut bar, doughnut centerpieces or doughnut wall to the buffet table or cocktail hour.

Cupcakes

Sure, cakes are the dessert that make the peak of any wedding celebration. But cupcakes as the main attraction? Now that’s something out of the box.

Cupcakes are a fun alternative to a wedding cake because of the various toppings available for anyone’s choice. You can take this to your advantage by providing all the flavors that you know your guests will love.

To make this “cake” a beautiful centerpiece for the reception, go for a cupcake tower and make sure to stack up a couple extra tiers for that ‘wow’ factor. Every guest will be attracted to get his or her individual serving of a beautifully decorated piece of pastry.

They are also easy to transport and prepare which makes for an easy set-up. When the celebration is over, these cupcakes can also be an easy giveaway.

Dessert Shots

Can’t decide what dessert to serve? Go for dessert shots! This option makes a great way to cater to the tastes of any age group; the more alcoholic ones can go to the adults.

These sweet creations are as beautiful as they are delicious. You have a variety to choose from: strawberry cheesecake, chocolate mousse, and key lime pie, among many others. You can create an array of dessert shots on a side table with 4 or 5 varieties.  Also when compared to a slice of cake, these shots are easier to eat which is practical for walking and socializing around.

Another thing about this dessert that adds to its greatness is that they can be presented in any way you want. Whether it be a tower or a standard row-and-column setup, you’ll surely be able to reign in some hungry eyes and sweet teeth.

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Cinnamon Rolls

These delicious rolls are best when freshly baked and served hot with extra cream. Although such rolls are usually seen and enjoyed in a bakery or from your local coffee shop, it can also be the perfect attraction in a brunch-themed wedding.

This is because the beautiful designs of cinnamon rolls make it a great choice as a centerpiece. While you can present them as edible decorations around the venue, you can also put them into tiers for a really unique cake. Another unique idea with these desserts is arranging them into makeshift bouquets. These can be given away as thank you presents given to your guests for attending and bearing witness to your romantic union.

After a whole night of being around these desserts and being able to take them home, they’ll remember your epic celebration every time they have a cinnamon roll.

Pies

A pie is one of the perfect wedding cake substitutes because it is one of the most seasonal foods around. Also, its rustic appearance will give a homey, avant-garde atmosphere in your wedding reception.

You can go with mini pies, opt for a pie dessert bar, or stack multiple pies to mimic a tiered cake. Go for a variety of flavors like apple, blueberry, and chocolate cream for a classic twist.

Also, you can even give mini-pies to give to your guests as goodies for attending the wedding. That way, after all that’s been celebrated, they’ll be able to enjoy a taste of love for themselves.

Cake Pops

If you love cake but want a wedding dessert that is more on the playful and miniature side, then consider cake pops. These decadent desserts are dipped in a candy shell for an extra dose of sweetness and topped with different toppings of your choice.

Like with other desserts, you can go for a tiered cake pop. To get that artistic touch for the day, you can color coordinate these pops according to your wedding’s color scheme or create a mild gradation effect.

Also, once everything is done and there are lot of cake pops leftover, simply pop them in the fridge and before you know it, they’ll be good to go.

Key Takeaway

These delicious options will definitely stand out from the wedding cake crowd. If you’re aiming for a unique wedding experience, then these are the foods for you. Remember, there is nothing wrong in adding a touch of uniqueness in the food, especially with dessert.

6 Dishes You Can Make with Five Ingredients or Less

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What particular dishes can you make with just five ingredients – or less?

  1. Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups
  2. Tomato Cheese Toasts
  3. Easy Italian Chicken
  4. Flourless Nutella Cake
  5. A Smoked Salmon and Pea Frittata
  6. Peanut Butter Doughnut

After experiencing unforgettable service care of wedding catering in the Philippines, one may be left to wonder: How do I cook such awesome food at home and make people really happy?

Little do these people know that there are multiple dishes that may look complex but are actually made with 5 ingredients or less. Because of the minimal amount of ingredients, these dishes are pretty simple to make at home. At the same time, these wield fantastic results when done right. If you want to impress your family, friends, and loved ones with some quality meals, then here are a few simple but scrumptious dishes you can start off with.

Baked Ham and Cheese Rollups

Ham and Cheese Wraps Juan Carlo

All you need are the following:

  • 1 ball of pizza dough
  • 8 ounces of thinly sliced ham
  • 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese.

Simply roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface, then press it until it is flat. Evenly arrange the ham slices over the dough and sprinkle the cheese. Starting at one of the short edges, roll up the dough to form a log. Pinch the edges to seal it, then bake in a 200 degree Celsius for 50 minutes or until it becomes golden brown. Use a serrated knife to cut the roll into slices, then serve with mustard or any sauce of your choice.

Tomato Cheese Toasts

cheese and tomato juan carlo

Need something easy for breakfast? Try to make some tomato cheese toasts. All you need is:

  • Bread
  • Cheese slices
  • Tomatoes
  • Herbs
  • Pepper Flakes

Start by assembling the cheese and tomatoes on top of the bread before arranging the bread in a baking tray. Place the tray under the broiler for 6 to 7 minutes – make sure to keep an eye on the bread because they can burn quickly. When they are done cooking, you can choose to sprinkle them with some herbs or pepper flakes for an additional kick of flavor.

Easy Italian Chicken

easy italian chicken juan carlo

Your partner will think that you spent hours just to make this dish. Here is what you need:

  • Italian salad dressing
  • Chicken breasts

To marinate, simply pour Italian salad dressing in a large, resealable plastic bag. Place the chicken breasts inside, then shake the bag until all of the chicken is coated with the dressing. Then place this in the refrigerator for one hour or overnight since the longer you marinate, the more flavors the chicken will absorb. After leaving it overnight, preheat your oven to 175 degrees Celsius. Remove the chicken from the bag and discard the remaining marinade before placing the meat on a lightly greased baking sheet. Cook this for 1 hour in the oven or at least until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear.

Flourless Nutella Cake

flourless nutella cake

Who said making a dessert should be difficult? If you have a jar of Nutella and some eggs, you will be able to make a rich and decadent cake.

All you have to do is crack the eggs, then beat them using the highest speed in your mixer – whether a handheld one or a standard one – for 6 minutes. Microwave some Nutella for 20 seconds, then add 1/3 of the spread in the egg mixture before carefully folding it in until there are no streaks left. Continue for the remaining batches before pouring the combined egg and Nutella in a greased baking pan. Bake the cake in an oven preheated to 177 degrees Celsius for 20-25 minutes. Let the cake cool before serving to ensure a delicious, rich chocolate dessert.

Smoked Salmon and Pea Frittata

With this recipe, you’ll definitely change your perspective over frittata. With only 5 ingredients, you’ll perfectly ace this deli frittata recipe! The 5 ingredients are:

  • Potatoes
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Salmon
  • Eggs
  • 3 tablespoons of olive oil

You just need to thickly slice the potatoes and cook them in a pot of boiling water with salt until it is tender. This should take at least 10 minutes. After so, drain it well the pot and leave the potatoes it until it has slightly cooled down. For the salmon, cut it into wide strips. Crack the eggs into a bowl, and beat it lightly until it is foamy. Add the smoked salmon strips, peas, and plenty of pepper and salt into the bowl. Then stir in the potatoes. Next, heat up 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large non-stick pan, big enough for the ingredients to fit. When it is heated, carefully pour the egg mixture in it and cook it for about 10-15 minutes in a fairly low heat. Do this until the egg mixture has finally set below the surface and you’re good to go.

If you are having a hard time taking out the dish from the pan, you can use a plate that is slightly larger than the pan and cover it on top. Then overturn the frittata onto it. Leave it for a while to cool before you slice it into pieces.

Peanut Butter Doughnut

Want something to sweeten up your day? Then here’s a 3-ingredient twisted doughnut dessert recipe you’ll definitely love! What you just need is:

  • Ready-made crescent dough
  • Peanut butter
  • Confectioner sugar

Just press the crescent dough on a parchment paper into a 13×8 inch rectangle. Then preheat your oven to 190 degrees Celsius. While it is heating up, mix the peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of confectioner sugar in a small bowl. Spread it onto the dough, while leaving a half inch border starting from the long side. Then roll the dough into a log. Put the layer side down and trim in half lengthwise. So, here’s the best part: twist the halves together with the cut sides facing upwards and shape it into a circle like what a doughnut looks like. Pinch the end together and put it into the oven for about 18-20 minutes until it becomes golden brown. For the glaze, put the remaining ½ cup sugar into a small bowl and add 1 teaspoon of water at a time until the texture is smooth enough for a glaze. Now, slowly drizzle the glaze onto your peanut butter doughnut and enjoy it with your loved one and the family!

Key Takeaway

Who said you need to be a pro in the kitchen to make a decent meal?  With these 6 easy-to make dishes, you can put smiles on your loved ones faces.

11 Classic Dessert Ideas for Parties

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What are the classic dessert ideas for a party?

  1. Blueberry Cheesecake
  2. Vanilla Ice Cream
  3. Chocolate Cake
  4. Apple Pie
  5. Chocolate Chip Cookies
  6. Carrot Cake
  7. Caramel Mousse and Citrus Parfait
  8. Matcha Mousse Cake
  9. Crème Brûlée
  10. Salted Caramel Pots (with Popcorn)
  11. Raspberry and Elderflower Jelly

One of the best part about parties is planning it. From things like booking a venue in Manila, wedding catering, and arranging debut decorations, all of the details have to be scrutinized and prepared for months in advance. This may seem like a troublesome thing for most people however, planning parties are surprisingly fun. Some people even make a career out of it.

This is because it’s exciting, it promotes critical thinking and, in some strange way, may even bring family members closer together.

Planning the Event

At parties, one of the highlights of the event is the souvenir that people get to bring home. Many opt for random trinkets such as perfume or even a commemorative picture frame for posterity. However, another popular alternative is providing desserts as souvenirs for guests. The logic behind it is that giving people sweets to munch on is a better idea than giving them items that they may never use.

Sweets for everyone

However, desserts are not only good as souvenirs, but they’re also good for the event proper itself. Sweets are the perfect ending to a full course meal such as the ones prepared with love by Juan Carlo’s specialized staff. Here are some examples of some desserts that are tried and proven to be perfect for parties:

Blueberry Cheesecake

Blueberry-Cheesecake-Juan-Carlo

The perfect treat after a full course meal is definitely the blueberry cheesecake. This is because it achieves the balance between salty, fruity, and sweet. Made primarily with cream cheese and blueberries, these cakes are best served chilled and their creamy texture is sure to satisfy even the pickiest of palates.

Vanilla Ice Cream

Vanilla-Ice-Cream-Juan-Carlo

Vanilla Ice Cream is another perfect dessert. But instead of being appealing because of complex flavors, this is so popular because of its plainness. It is the ideal accompaniment to fruits, pastry and sometimes even wine. The best part about Vanilla Ice Cream lies in its versatility because it is perfect for any occasion.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate-Cake-slice-Juan-Carlo

The most basic of cakes, the chocolate cake can be found in most events and with good reason. It is the go-to cake flavor to satisfy most palates because it is creamy, affordable, and delicious. Children love it as much as adults which is why the demand for it is high. You can never go wrong with chocolate.

Apple Pie

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While not a traditionally accepted “big event” dessert, apple pies are great because they are healthy, sumptuous, and a single serving is enough to satisfy anyone. They are affordable and easy to make with fairly common ingredients. Simply put, apple pies are great for events that aim to satiate the hunger of their attendees.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

cookies

One way to make the guests somehow feel at home at any event is to add some chocolate chip cookies into the menu. It may not be grand but this particular dessert makes a good serving that people will find interesting and dear to their hearts. Plus, everyone loves cookies, so why not?

Carrot Cake

carrot cake

It may be surprising to include this on the list but this particular cake will definitely satisfy the guests’ taste buds. However, to make this dessert work for an event, it’s important to note that the cake is cooled completely before frosting. Failure to do this will make the frosting melt which isn’t a good idea.

Additionally, to add more flavor, toast the coconut and nuts before adding them to the batter.

Matcha Mousse Cake

matcha

Being abreast with the current trend will help make the party more exciting and that’s why you should put in a matcha mousse cake in your event for everyone to devour. Given that matcha is a current favorite, this cake will bring the fun while contributing to a healthy diet.

Caramel Mousse and Citrus Parfait

An appealing dessert idea – especially for elegant events –  is a caramel mousse and citrus parfait that would definitely leave the attendees in awe. Layers of soft caramel mousse alternating with tiers of tart, tangerines, oranges, lemons, and grapefruits make it ooze to perfection. The combination of sweet and citrus flavor mounting over each other would definitely tempt the whole crowd.

Raspberry and Champagne Posset

Posset has been a killer dessert since the medieval times. It is a well-known British hot drink consisting of milk thickened with wine. Adding it to the menu may sound too expensive but it isn’t. You can make a cheaper version with champagne and raspberry. Attendees will definitely enjoy the smoothness and sweetness of this kind of posset.

Crème Brûlée
creme brulee

Looking for a way to sweeten the party? Then put this dessert on the menu list. Topped with a hard layer of caramel and with rich custard as its base, this burnt cream is the ultimate mood setter.

When serving this dessert, it’s best to sprinkle some caster sugar over each dish and spread it over with the back of a spoon to cover the top. Dampen the sugar using a fine spray and a blow torch to caramelize it.

Salted Caramel Pops (with Popcorn)

This dessert idea will definitely be the crowd favorite because it is easily customizeable. With popcorn at the top, a huger layer of creamy panna cotta at the middle, and a caramel puddle at its base, this magnificent dessert will definitely make a mark at the party. Sweet and salty but totally flavorful, this one’s totally too delicious to eat.

Raspberry and Elderflower Jelly

Because raspberry never gets old, here’s another dessert idea inspired by raspberries! This jelly’s very much bursting with berry flavor, floral scents, and the sparkling taste of the Italian wine, Prosecco. This will definitely move the attendees to a garden of paradise.

Key Takeaway

There are many more desserts that are perfect for all occasions. In fact, the real secret behind choosing the perfect dessert to serve is entirely based on the customer’s preference. Juan Carlo aims to please – if you are interested in serving the most sumptuous of desserts along with an unforgettable dining experience, kindly give our services a try!

Good Morning, Good Taho!

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Image from MyStyleRecipe.net

Image from MyStyleRecipe.net

What is Taho?

  • It is a refreshing and tasty snack that is usually enjoyed during breakfast in the Philippines.
  • It is made of tofu, arnibal (caramel), and sago pearls.
  • These are sold by a vendor called magtataho and are usually contained in aluminum buckets. This allows them to walk or ride around a city or village to sell the snack.
  • It is so popular in the Philippines that Filipino adults and children alike enjoy it.
  • It has been around since the pre-Spanish colonial period and it is still being served to this day.

There is nothing better than a good breakfast to start a good morning. Know what else makes it better? The moment you hear that sweet sound of your local magtataho yelling that sweet word you’ve been wait for since you woke up: Taho!

Taho is one of the most versatile foods in the country because it can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or part of your breakfast. One of the best things about it is that though it is in actuality a simple dish, it will not look out of place among the best of the best in wedding catering in Manila.

Origins

Taho is indubitably one of the most popular snacks in the Philippines for both adults and children. Its origins aren’t clearly defined but most scholars agree that this snack is definitely derived from the Chinese traders.

Common accounts claim that taho is a product of the trading relationship between the Philippines’ ports and the Chinese trader who sought business with us. It was in this trade where the Filipinos at the time adapted a Chinese snack called “douhua” (which means “tofu pudding” or “soybean pudding” and called it “taho”. This happened decades before the Spanish colonization of the Philippines.

The Filipinos at the time sought for the snack because of its cool and refreshing taste. It was unique to them as it piqued interest and also because sweet snacks were for the rich and powerful. Taho is a snack that everyone can definitely afford and enjoy.

Preparation

Taho vendors, or magtatahos, would prepare the ingredients before dawn. The most important ingredient is the tofu; which serves as the core of the snack. This fresh and soft tofu is processed in a way that makes its consistency and texture similar to that of custard. This can also be made from scratch with a tofu mix.

When it comes to sweetening this snack, an ingredient known as arnibal is used, which is made by turning brown sugar into syrup. This is done by heating, caramelizing, and mixing it with water; creating a thick, amber-colored liquid. Sometimes, other flavors such as vanilla are added to this. Sago pearls, which can be bought from the local market, is boiled until the consistency becomes gummy and the appearance becomes a translucent white.

These ingredients are then put into two aluminum buckets that are connected with a yoke or placed in a pedicab (a common Filipino mode of transport that involves a bike with a side car attached). In one bucket – usually the bigger one – is the tofu base while the smaller bucket contains the arnibal and sago mixed together.

Sale

The vendors travel around cities and villages to sell taho. They usually market their product by using a very distinct and projected voice to loudly say the name “Taho!” while walking or riding down an area. Filipinos would recognize it and, since the voice is usually projected well, they would hear it from the insides of their homes. Most magtatahos would have a regular business path at a regular schedule; usually in the morning as it is a great breakfast meal or snack. However, it is also common to see these vendors still selling their products in the afternoon or the evening.

When they make a sale, they must first use a metal watch glass to toss out the excess water on the surface of the bean curd. Then, they use a long metal ladle to get and put together the ingredients in front of their buyer in a plastic cup – usually available in two sizes – and serves it to their customer along with a plastic spoon for them to eat wherever they please. One may also choose to use their own cup as it is also common for households to give the vendor a pitcher to be filled with taho so that they can have their own supply of the tasty snack at home; at a higher price, of course. Families would then put the pitcher in their refrigerator and simply need to place the taho in a cup or glass and heat it to be able to eat it or even enjoy it chilled.

Appeal

Taho is popular because it is both delicious and affordable, even with children. It can be found almost anywhere because the demand for it is as strong as when it was first introduced. Its target market is on such a wide scale that it’s almost impossible to measure it in the first place. Simply put, many people from different walks of life enjoy and love taho for what it is: a brief, but sweet escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Nostalgia

The thing about taho is that it is a timeless food that will never go out of fashion, at least not in the foreseeable future. Timelessness is something that food needs in order to become a staple; this is something that food chains try to strive for by showing commercials and promos that promote family and happiness. By showing these elements in their commercials, they are essentially telling people that by eating their food, they will remember their happier times; as well as evoking the feeling of love that can only be achieved by dining together with family.

Taho, on the other hand, needs nothing like that. The reason why taho is purely timeless because our grandparents ate taho when they were children, our parents enjoyed taho when they were younger and so on. In short, taho is something that markets itself with nostalgia simply because it is something that almost every Filipino has eaten at least once during a period of their life.

Love

Essentially, taho is one of those foods that people look for when they need comfort, a quick fix, or both. It’s great for any time of the day and its appeal is definitely a lasting one. However, any food can achieve this feeling so long as they are enjoyed with the people that we love. Are you interested in creating a lasting memory with food, surrounded by the people you love? Give Juan Carlo’s catering a try!

The Benefits of Organic Food

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organic juan carlo

Why should you incorporate organic foods in your diet?

  1. The food is undeniably fresh and avoids chemical contamination.
  2. It tastes more deliciously than junk foods.
  3. Antioxidant levels are higher.
  4. You can consume much healthier omega-3 fatty acids.
  5. One can avoid an extra dose of antibiotics that may weaken the immune system.
  6. Helps secure animal welfare and of course, the safety of the children and women who consumes much more milk.
  7. Helps you save in many ways.
  8. Helps maintain environment-friendly surroundings.
  9. Helps preserve agricultural diversity and save everyone from destruction.
  10. Helps support the local company by creating jobs and keeping the farmers thriving.

Although there are people who find organic foods pricey and hard to find, studies show that they are much more nutritious and healthier compared to the conventional food. These can help lengthen lives as well as prevent diseases. Even the best wedding catering in Manila know these benefits and offer organic food in their services for the guests that need or want it.

Organic foods are those that were grown without the use of pesticides, synthetic fertilizers, genetically modified organisms (GMOs), and antibiotics (in the case of animals). By removing these substances, consumers can enjoy a wide range of benefits that will be discussed below. After reading this article, you will know why the popularity of organic foods has boomed in the past few years.  Without further ado, here are reasons why you should incorporate more organic foods in your diet:

Freshness guaranteed

Organic foods are fresher because, compared to conventional food, they don’t contain preservatives, synthetic fertilizers, and chemical pesticides. For the food companies, preservatives are considered important for these products to lengthen their shelf life. However, these chemicals also contaminate the food with harmful substances.

Likewise with preservatives, the same goes for fertilizers and pesticides when the food is still being grown. Though this may be essential for protecting crops from elements and pests, they’re made of dangerous chemicals such as organophosphorus, which could harm a person’s health. In fact, studies show that synthetic fertilizers and chemical pesticides have been connected to illnesses like cancer, hypertension, Parkinson’s disease, and infertility to name a few.

Better taste

Organic foods are proven to be more delicious thanks to being grown in healthy soil and natural fertilizers. At first, eating organic food may feel different especially if you are used to foods loaded with preservatives like MSG. But after a short time, your body will get used to organic foods and the junk foods will start to leave a bad aftertaste.

More Antioxidants

The best benefit of organic foods is that it is 69% higher in antioxidants compared to conventionally grown foods. Research says that eating healthy organic food increases antioxidant content in the human body; further protecting cells from damage. Additionally, it also contributes to strengthening the immune system, reducing weight gain, and healthy reproduction.

It can help you save money

While it is true organic products are more expensive, they will help you save money in several ways. As mentioned above, they are very healthy and can help in preventing diseases. This means that you won’t spend too much on medical care in the long run.

For the gardeners, you can grow your very own organic garden in your yard and not have to worry about buying vegetables and fruits in the market. By doing this, you can always get them for free and at its freshest condition which make for the best tasting meal.

Environmental benefits

The process of creating non-organic foods is harmful to the environment. Here a just few examples:

  1. Conventional farming methods can cause soil erosion.
  2. The pesticides used will retain in the soil for a very long time.
  3. Artificial pest controls are becoming less and less effective, meaning more chemicals must be used so that they can really kill the pests.

By buying organic products, you help to promote the natural ways of growing plants and raising animals as well save the environment from those harmful chemicals.

Helps Preserve Agricultural Diversity

Preserving agricultural diversity should be a concern to people to avoid losing crops and species that supports the food chain. If people would only rely on one or two kinds of food, devastation is more likely to occur. An instance of this is the potato famine in Ireland in which a plague struck the crops; thereby causing millions of people to starve which eventually led to their death.

In organic farming, food sources are maximized to an assorted range of food varieties. Also, traditional practices are taken into account. Hence, organic farming is more tolerant to regional conditions and pests.

 Support for the Farming Community

Purchasing organic food especially in a farmer’s market can help support the local companies by creating jobs and keeping the farmers thriving. People who are committed to buying organic food are the only ones who keep these farms financially stable. Why not add to the community of organic-loving people and help these farmers?

Key Takeaway

Although organic food can sometimes be unbelievably expensive, the health benefits from eating these foods can help prevent you from spending much more money in various things such as hospital bills. Try investing in organic foods – or even in your own mini-farm in your garden – and see the difference or differences they make in your life.

Asim Kilig! Why Sinigang is So Popular among Filipinos

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Juan-Carlo-Sinigang

Why is Sinigang so popular among Filipinos?

  1. Sinigang is marked as a Filipino comfort food.
  2. It helps cool the body during hot conditions due to its tangy taste.
  3. There are many variations of the dish and it can be prepared in any way.
  4. Depending on preferences, Sinigang can be easily adjusted in both quantity and quality.
  5. Nowadays, numerous trends have been introduced to heighten the dish’s popularity to new heights.

When you think about the Philippines, one of the first things to come to mind is the country’s history, which is rich in excitement and intrigue. While many things throughout the times have been given the Filipino touch, there is nothing better than Filipino food; most especially dishes like adobo and sinigang. This is why the best wedding catering in Manila often serve these dishes in their events.

If a survey regarding the Philippines’ national food was conducted, then adobo and sinigang would certainly be tied for the top spot. Both recipes represent the Filipino culture and many consider these dishes as staples in the traditional family gathering.

Between these two dishes, many argue that sinigang is the dish most representative of the Filipino palate. This is mostly because it can be customized according to any taste, budget, season, and availability. Basically, it is a dish that can be enjoyed by all.

Even celebrities can’t enough of it. In the union of Philippine showbiz icons, Ding Dong Dantes and Marian Rivera, Chef Margarita Fores whipped up shrimp sinigang for the couple’s wedding.

What is Sinigang and How is it Made?

Sinigang is a Filipino soup dish known for its sour and savory taste. Traditionally tamarind-based, this sour dish consists of meat – which can be beef, pork, fish or shrimp –  and vegetables like okra, water spinach (kang kong), daikon (labanos), onions, and eggplant. Sometimes the tamarind can be switched with guava, calamansi, or even unripe mango, depending on the cook’s preference. Green long peppers (siling mahaba) are also added to the dish to add some spice. There are also variations such as sinigang sa miso and sinigang na baboy at hipon.

So why is Sinigang a hit among Filipinos?

With its sour soup, sinigang is marked as Filipino comfort food. It rouses the senses because of the sourness and slight spice. Also, ingesting the long peppers can make the body sweat, which helps it to cool especially during a humid day. Food historians even commended sinigang for being a refreshing and appetite-boosting dish perfect for the Philippines’ tropical climate. A Filipino food writer even wrote in an article that the dish most likely was already in existence during the pre-Hispanic era. He also considers sinigang as the Philippines’ national food.

Nowadays, not only do different kinds of sinigang exist for your preference, but different variations of it have also come to light. Have you ever heard of something called ‘sinigang rice’? The thought of merging the flavor of sinigang with rice is something that exudes innovation in traditional Filipino food. Other variations such as sinigang paella, sinigang bulalo, and even sinigang with other fruits such as strawberries and watermelon have also emerged. No matter what you choose, it’s always a guarantee for you to have a thrilling and unique sinigang experience.

A dish like sinigang is something that’s extremely common to the Filipinos to the point where each and every variation of the dish is entirely in their hands to control. It is this ability to be able to customize the dish that makes it enjoyable to every Filipino’s taste.  With that said, sinigang is the kind of dish that can be served to meet many expectations anyone can have of the dish. It’s entirely up to you, as the cook, to deliver.

Although foreigners have mixed views about this dish – claiming that it is too sour for their taste – Filipinos remain undaunted over the negative views to their beloved sinigang.

Is there such thing as ‘authentic’ Sinigang?

With 7,107 islands in the Philippines, it’s no surprise that every region has a different way of preparing the said dish. In 1995, Sidebar of the Chateau 1771 Group introduced sinigang with corned beef to the public. Eventually, this became a trend recipe.

There’s also this recipe called sinampalukang manok. Some do not technically consider it as a variation of sinigang because of the way it’s cooked and how the tamarind leaves are used. In this recipe, the chicken is sautéed with ginger first instead of being dumped raw in a pot with the rest of the ingredients. This is the typical way to cook sinigang. Also, fish sinigang’s primary ingredient is milkfish (bangus) or any local fish like maya maya and lapu lapu. However, many people switch out the milkfish for salmon or tuna.

When it comes to adding the signature sour flavor, tamarind is the go-to ingredient. However, what many don’t know is that other fruits can be used as a souring agent for this dish. Fruits like lemons, pineapples, strawberries, guavas, and watermelons have been known to make great substitutes to add the sinigang’s signature sour taste while adding a hint of sweetness to the dish. Each addition to this dish brings exoticness and authenticity to it.

Key Takeaway

Whether authentic or not, tamarind-based or guava, sinigang is still sinigang for Filipinos. In a way, the diversity is a Filipino tradition in itself. One thing’s for sure: nothing can beat the refreshing feeling one could get after tasting that sour, savory broth during a rainy day or a hot, summer afternoon.

Eight Foods that are Eaten Cold

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juan carlo ice cream

What are foods that are eaten cold?

  1. Ice Cream
  2. Floats
  3. Halo-Halo
  4. Cucumber Soup
  5. Ajo Blanco
  6. Leftover Pizza
  7. Salad
  8. Sushi

Traditionally speaking, food is best served hot and fresh. There’s nothing like the feeling of serving your food piping hot and getting the highest regards from your friends and family. The look on their faces when they take a bite of your freshly-cooked food will definitely motivate you to cook more and more. This is the same feeling that drives the best corporate catering in Manila to provide their clients with a good time through their fresh food and quality service.

However, there is always an exception to the rule; there are some foods that are best served cold. These could be appetizers, main courses, or desserts. Eating these kinds of dishes is a great way to send shivers down your spine and stomach in a good way.

If you’re looking for some dishes that are best eaten cold, here are some of the best examples:

Ice Cream

Ice Cream is the quintessential cold food. It is made of milk and cream. Other ingredients are added to this flexible mix which allowed many of the first innovators to easily create the common yet lovable Iced Cream flavors we know today. Nowadays, many people still come out with new and interesting variations which make this dessert a staple that won’t be leaving menus anytime soon.

It is a dessert that is meant to be eaten to finish off the main course. This sweet type of food that is best served cold because it is refreshing and filling. Some would even argue that it is a healing food.

Floats

Floats are actually a type of beverage/food hybrid that contains both a liquid portion as well as an edible solid portion. It is a combination of toppings, milk, and iced cream. As mentioned previously, Iced cream is best served cold and it just so happens that Floats have it as a key component to make it a delicious drinkable goodie.

Another variation of Float is the incorporation of soda into these drinks. Form the classic Root beer float to the other soda variants of this drink, there’s no wrong answer when it comes to finding the right kind of float for you.

Halo-halo

A traditional Filipino dessert, the Halo-halo is an experience in itself. It is a combination of so many ingredients that describing its flavor is often a difficult task even for professional food critics. But the very first thing anyone would notice about this dessert is that is it full of ice. This is why many Filipinos love it. Because it is cold, it has become a big part of many Filipino’s childhood who fondly remember it as the perfect summer food to be eaten with friends.

Many variations of the dessert have emerged that show its versatility. It can be served as a beverage, a flavor imbued in Ice Cream, or even a cake. Though other variations of this dessert may involve the use of heat in its creation process (aka Deep-Fried Halo-Halo), nothing still beats the classic way of how this dessert is eaten: with a lot of ice, milk, toppings, and the ever-favorite leche flan.juan carlo ajo blanco

Cucumber Soup

Many variations of cucumber soup such as Mint Cucumber Soup are best served cold. These soups have the ability to fill your stomach and refresh you at the same time unlike traditional soups where you will be left thirsty after eating a hot bowl.

Cucumbers are known for their watery and tangy taste. By making a cucumber soup cool and refreshing, the wateriness and tanginess of it is complemented.

Ajo Blanco

Gazpacho is a soup made up of fresh ingredients such as vegetables. Its older cousin, the Ajo Blanco, is a cold almond soup that comes from the Moorish middle ages. It’s made up of fruits and vegetables which makes the Ajo Blanco able rehydrate and rejuvenate people who eat it with its myriad of fresh flavors and cooling feel.

Leftover Pizza

Pizza is definitely best served hot. No doubt about it. But when you leave this dish untouched in the fridge for a while, how would you eat it?

Well, if you’re thinking about re-heating your pizza to indulge in it once again, then isn’t necessary. Even when you eat your pizza cold, the flavor and texture will still remain the same. In fact, it’s the best way to eat it when it is leftover. Re-heating it can cause the crust to become chewy, making it a bit tougher to eat on some conditions.

Salads

This dish is definitely the go-to for people who wish to be at their healthiest. With a variety of greens and other ingredients to mix, you can do no wrong with how you’d want to eat your greens…with one exception.

Salads are meant to be eaten cold. All you’ll need to do is give your greens a good wash then have it prepared for your meal. Besides, if you want your salad heated, you might as well cook them all the way for a nice stew.

Sushi

Not only is some food is meant to be eaten cold, but they’re also meant to be eaten raw. Sushi is the perfect example of such food.

This dish is made of rice with vinegar combined with various uncooked ingredients which are mostly fish, fruits, or vegetables. These variations have different names depending on what ingredient is put on them. But the constant factor in all of these varieties is that they must be served cold. This is because most of the ingredients used are raw and it must be kept cold to keep it from going bad. For the same reason, the uneaten ingredients and sushi are thrown out at the end of the day.

So don’t worry when sushi is served to you cold because that’s how it is meant to be served and best enjoyed.

Key Takeaway

There are many more foods that are meant to be served cold, most of which are desserts. Here’s a fun fact: more than just tasty treats, desserts actually serve the purpose of helping the stomach digest the main course after a hearty meal.

If you are you interested in experiencing an all new culinary experience complete with delicious and fresh cold food, give Juan Carlo’s Corporate Catering a try.

Author’s Note: This entry was optimized by the best SEO Services Agency in the Philippines – SEO Hacker

The Origin of the Filipino Style Spaghetti

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catering filipino style spaghetti

What is the origin of the Filipino style spaghetti?

  1. The dish was dated back as early as the 1940s to the 1960s.
  2. General Douglas MacArthur was served an “updated” version of the Japanese Neapolitan, which eventually transformed into the classic Filipino-style dish known and loved by many.

The Filipinos are one of those people known for introducing a new flavor to classical dishes. What better dish to add the Pinoy touch to than the classic spaghetti? This traditional Filipino style spaghetti is so delicious that it is a food that is appropriate for any occasion. It can be found everywhere; it can be offered as part of the wedding catering in a fancy hotel or in a simple family dinner at home.

Impact on Filipino Culture

Filipino kids who grew up between the 40s and the 60s can happily say that the local style of spaghetti is one of the brightest images of hope in their day. The ‘40s in particular was a grim time filled with oppression and violence because of World War II. If there was one shining ray of light that surely brought people –  especially children – immense amounts of joy, then it’s this timeless dish.

A lot of people growing up were served their own family’s version of this spaghetti. Some families liked it spicier than usual while others relished in the creaminess that cheese can bring to it. The dish is flexible and that’s what gives it its charm.

But what seals the deal in this ability to customize the dish is how easy it is to do so. Just by adding or removing ingredients or varying their amounts, families could make their own special recipes that they pass on to future generations. If you want to create your own recipe, then you must know what each and every ingredient adds to the dish.

Uniqueness

The number one factor that makes Filipino-Style Spaghetti stand apart from other forms of pasta is its signature taste of its catsup spaghetti sauce. This features a unique tangy sweet flavor that is comparable to the taste of banana ketchup. In fact, other recipes include the use of sugar in their dish to intensify the flavor even further.

Another noteworthy aspect of the Filipino-style spaghetti is its meaty taste. Usually, Filipino-style spaghetti is adorned with ground beef (called ‘Giniling’ in Tagalog). This comes along with garlic and onion to complement its saltiness. It this unique mix of saltiness of the meat and sweetness of the sauce that gives the Filipino style spaghetti its unique taste.

Another thing about this dish is the generosity of cheese in their menu. There are many variants of cheese that can be used. It can either be grated, spread, or even infused into the sauce.

Secrets

While the crux of the Filipino style spaghetti can be made up of ketchup spaghetti sauce, ground beef, onion, garlic, and lots of cheese, the secret recipe that children will always look forward to are the thinly sliced cuts of hotdog that surround the sweet meaty dish. All together, these individual ingredients give the Filipino style spaghetti its uniquely Filipino taste that Filipinos all over the world crave for when they reminisce about their happier, simpler days as children.

Origin

While there isn’t a concrete origin story for Filipino-style spaghetti, research shows that the first instance of it appeared during the final days of World War II. This happened when General Douglas MacArthur tried Spaghetti Neapolitan at a hotel in Japan. While this is entire different from the Filipino version, it is believed that General Douglas MacArthur’s Filipino Adjutant/Staff Member modified it. He then brought the recipe it back with him to the Philippines. Eventually it transformed into the beloved Filipino-style spaghetti.

The ‘problem’ with the origin of the Filipino-style spaghetti is that nobody really took the time to sit down and write how they stumbled upon the recipe. They were too busy enjoying it to think that it needed to be documented. This means that, today, people are stuck with fragmented stories of the history of the Filipino-style Spaghetti. However, this lack of origin is actually what brings the magic to the dish. This because, today, this beloved ‘Filipinized’ dish has numerous variation which makes it loved by all.

Hotdogs for Kids

While the basic Filipino-style spaghetti is made up of catsup spaghetti sauce, ground beef, onion, garlic, and lots of cheese, the secret ingredients that children will always look forward to is the thinly sliced cuts of hotdog that surround the sweet meaty dish. It is this taste that Filipinos all over the world crave for when they reminisce about their happier, simpler days as children.

All together, these individual ingredients give the Filipino-style spaghetti is uniquely Pinoy. Since the flavor could be easily customized by adding or removing ingredients, you can take this opportunity to be more generous in what you’re going to add. Whether it be meat, cheese, or maybe even more pasta, just go for it. You’d be surprised on how happy you’d make your family. The best part is it is just as easy as preparing the classic Italian spaghetti.

Key Takeaway

So there you have it. Though the country’s history in some aspects may not have been kind due to certain circumstances, their culinary journey has nonetheless continued to thrive over the years.

With Filipino-style continuing to make the rounds with spaghetti-lovers everywhere, it’s no doubt that the Filipino-style Spaghetti continues and will continue to bring smiles to people’s faces. It remains to be one of the best foods that the Philippines can offer to both its visitors as well as its beloved residents.

Perfect Food for the Summer

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summer food catering

What are the perfect foods for a summer in the Philippines?

  1. Street Food
  2. Strawberries
  3. Halo-halo
  4. Durian
  5. Sorbetes
  6. Ice Candy
  7. Fruit Shakes
  8. Mais Con Yelo
  9. Buko Juice
  10. Chilled Taho
  11. Leche Flan

It’s the summer season and it’s the time for some fun under the sun! The best thing about summer is that everything seems to take a different hue, from lavish night time parties at the beach to a gorgeous wedding catering in the metro. Summer can make so many things magical, which is why a lot of satisfied customers coordinate with Juan Carlo to cater a beautiful summer event with delicious food.

Summer is also a special time where certain foods can only be fully enjoyed during this wonderful season. In fact, studies show that out-of-season food can actually have its taste and experience deepen, especially during the summer season.

Research suggests that some experiences in summer are special because most of them invoke a sense of nostalgia that can take anyone back to their younger days. Those were the times when it was okay to stay out and play traditional Filipino games as well as sports-related activities with friends. After all of that is done, they would go to one of their friend’s houses and they would be served food that they would crave for even when they’re not hungry.

Summer time food fun

summer juan carlo catering

Aside from the hydrating food we listed in an earlier post, here are some examples of foods that are perfect for the Summer season:

Street food

Directly correlating the research on the psychology of enjoying summer food, street food is one of the best kinds of food to be enjoyed during the season of the sun. Of course, street food is available every day of the year when the familiar and friendly manong parks his cart in front of the office building; while this is true, street food actually tastes better when enjoyed during the summer, away from work and the hustle and bustle of the metro.

Strawberries

While strawberries are carefully grown in places with a cooler climate, there are actually special techniques growers employ in order for them to grow during the summer. While these summer strawberries aren’t exactly the same as the traditional strawberries people enjoy in Baguio, these strawberries taste the same as normal strawberries. The difference being is that summer strawberries are quite harder to grow compared to normal ones – and that’s where their charm shines. Enjoying a chilled-to-perfect strawberry dipped in cream during the heat waves of summer? Bliss.

Halo-halo

This chilled favorite is available for consumption all year round and is especially best enjoyed during the summer season. Each spoonful of fruity, milky goodness will not only quench the eater from the heat of the sun, it will also remind them of the simpler days of their childhood.

Durian

Now this one can be a tough addition. Not everyone can tolerate the smell of the “King of the Fruits”, but its taste is to die for and ironically, its smell too is to die for as well, albeit in a different manner than its actual taste.

The most hardcore of all durian fanatics will argue that while the smell is unappetizing, the milky and creamy texture of the durian is a unique experience in itself. Its taste more than makes up for the uncomfortable smell that the fruit exudes.

Sorbetes

This is a treat for all kids during the summer and they would patiently wait all day for manong sorbeto to pass by with his colorful ice cream cart. Inside the cart would be the iconic sorbetes, which is the Filipino-made ice cream that is made from carabao’s or coconut milk.

It can also come in chocolate, mango, ube, and cheese flavors and can also be served on a cone or in a bun. Because it comes in such an assortment, all kids will definitely be satisfied when manong sorbeto comes around.

Ice Candy

Ice candy is a treat for all ages while also being the most affordable frozen treat that one can buy. Essentially, it is just juice that is placed in a candy wrapper and frozen overnight. With a variety of flavor available, there is no doubt that this treat can be enjoyed by everyone from all walks of life.

Even though the process of making one is simple, the taste and refreshment factor it gives people is something that people crave for consistently. Truly, a treat to cool down even the hottest of temperatures.

Fruit Shakes

Sometimes, to beat the summer heat, one just needs a cold refreshment. Why not add satisfy this craving by indulging in a tasty drink blended with fruit and ice? Depending on how it is made, this can actually be a way to keep oneself hydrated while taking in some healthy nutrients.

Creating one is simple too! A few slices of fruit just need to be mixed together with sugar, milk, and shaved ice in a blender and will only take a few seconds.

Mais Con Yelo

This is another best seller especially during the summer. The mais con yelo is simply a glass of shaved ice with sweetened milk and sweet corn kernel. It can also be enjoyed with add-ons such as a scoop of ice cream, corn flakes, and rice crispies.

Buko Juice

The tropical fruit, buko (coconut), can be seen all over the Philippines. Because of this, a good source of nutrition is always nearby. In fact, if you’re looking for a great counterpart for buko juice, the meat can actually make a great source of calories.

Adding ice to young buko juice can make a really refreshing drink and it can be accented with buko strips, milk, and sugar. You can even serve it in a whole coconut shell to give it that ‘authentic’ feel.

Chilled Taho

Although this snack usually comes with hot caramel, it also comes in a colder version called ‘chilled taho’. It is still made of the same ingredients: silky soy pudding, tapioca pearls, and caramel sauce. The only difference is that it is a chilled version; usually refrigerated.

Leche Flan

Even though it is just an ingredient for halo-halo, Leche Flan is also delicious dessert on its own. It is usually present at any social gathering including summer fiestas and it has a sweet and creamy caramel desert made of eggs, sugar, and milk, that is usually served cold.

Key Takeaway

Of course there are many other food that can be enjoyed during the summer but these four are among the most delicious food that people can enjoy during the summer.

Are you interested in experiencing the most breathtaking wedding catering experience the summer and the metro can offer? Give Juan Carlo’s services a try!