the "B" challenge

As part our foodservice course, we are to create an original recipe using a special ingredient. After several trials, we are to quantify it and sell it to know if it will be marketable or not, and also to at least gain back what we have spent on it. The special ingredient for that semester was brown rice. When it was announced, what immediately came into my mind was something sweet; a snack or a dessert maybe. But unfortunately, our section was assigned to prepare appetizers. We were given sometime to research on recipes that can be our basis and also to “brainstorm” ideas that we have. After which, we should consult our professor regarding our plans before carrying it out.

Several proposals were laid out by each and everyone; from pasta, to bread that will be made from scratch using brown rice flour (which is quite difficult). But we decided to have spring rolls instead: deep-fried brown rice spring rolls with fresh mangoes at the center with a special sauce. We thought that the rice and mangoes should be cold, so that it’ll be hot outside but cool inside. We were all excited with our recipe but when we proposed it to our professor, she didn’t accept it because the other group will be making a “lumpia” type of dish, which is not really the same as that of ours. So we have to change our initial plans and to think of something else, since we have no other choice.

I searched on the net some appetizer recipes that we can use. I found this site (http://www.thriftyfun.com/tf20290146.tip.html) and immediately told my group mate about it. She asked us on some modifications that we can do regarding the recipe (since changing nothing or just mere copying of such will be plagiarism!). After which, we asked again for our professor’s approval. Luckily, it was accepted! It was then the go signal for us to start the careful and detailed planning of our special recipe.

We were given two weeks to try and make the necessary changes to further enhance our recipe. Finally, the big day came: the quantification and selling part of that activity. I even made promotions before that day to some of my classmates for them to try what we have created. We were able to sell all of those, and I guess they are pretty satisfied with it. Actually, some people who tried it even asked for the recipe!

It was really good, setting aside the fact that we were the ones who created it. The flavors of almost all of the ingredients created a different twist to the product. It was a bit heavy though since its base was rice. A serving of two to three pieces will do, otherwise it’ll not be that good.

I will try my best to post the recipe here soon. I will just seek the permission of my group mates and will also search for the standardized recipe (cause I don’t have a copy).

Aside from our brown rice balls, several brown rice recipes were produced by the other sections. I had the chance to taste some of them, and they were really good! There are indeed, a lot of creative minds embedded in the skin of that small institute in ELBI!

chicken in the Hauz

It was situated in a place where, I think people cannot recognize it right away. But since we were hungry foodies who want something new, we gave our tummies a different treat and went straight ahead to this fresh site.

This new eating destination, not only for students, is located inside the UPLB campus at Kanluran Road, along Raymundo gate. At first, you will think that, it was just a typical food house; serving usual chicken dishes. But we were so amazed when we first had our experience with them. In such a small space, they were able to provide a relaxing yet inviting atmosphere. The place was very simple, yet it looks fancier than the others that we have tried before.

You will be presented with a wide array of dishes right after you sat down. Aside from their specialties, they also offer pastas, burgers, pizzas, other meat courses like beef and pork, salads, desserts, and drinks. They offer not the typical dishes that we are familiar of, but rather, new and interesting meals that will surely excite your taste buds. I haven’t tried most of their dishes, though the once I’ve had were really delicious. The serving was great, and it can really be heavy for people with average appetite.

Their service was good, though, it took some time for them to serve the orders. Maybe they were preparing the food once it was ordered so that it’ll be as hot or as fresh as it can be. The crew was fine but they were not as welcoming as they should be (It seems that they were not smiling!).

A dinner there will be a bit pricey, especially for a student’s budget, but why not spend a little more for an intricate and scrumptious meal once in a while? Besides, it’s not the usual courses that you will have there. Overall, our experience there was really nice and it is something that we will definitely try again. Truly, that place deserves a return visit!

Ludy’s Hauz of Chicken

Kanluran Road, UPLB, College, Laguna

that famous cake...

You can hear it from everyone’s mouth, because for sure, they already had a taste of that famous cake. Located along grove, that cake house will immediately grab your attention with the display of their delectable set of mouth-watering cakes. But as they have claimed it, they are really famous with their sweet and very yummy chocolate cakes.

I really can’t remember when I first had a taste of Mer-Nel’s, but it sure did become one of my favorite Los Baños’ products. It has been the staple during my barkada’s birthdays, regardless if that is the smallest cake or not. I, most of the time, make it also as a pasalubong for my family especially on birthdays or anniversaries of family members.

Their cakes are available in various shapes: round, rectangle, and the most eminent, heart-shaped, and in various sizes. Its prices are also one of the reasons, I think, why they are very successful right now. It is very affordable compared to other commercial cakes available; a very good deal indeed! But wait, there’s more! They offer not only chocolate cakes but also different flavors like pandan and strawberry roll cakes, with oh-so sweet custard fillings, and other classics, such as black forest (I haven’t got a list of their complete cake menu though). I once tried the pandan cake, and it just made me fall in love more.

A lot of my friends are, without a doubt, a big fan of Mer-Nel’s. And I’ll admit it, me too. Best cake ever? So far, yes; way way better than the other cakes I have tasted before. May I warn you, it is truly, highly addictive!

Mer-Nel’s Cake House

Home of the Famous Chocolate Cake

10438 Lopez Avenue, Los Baños, Laguna