Food News: All Natural Goodness Straight From The Bottle with Mura Sarap Bagoong

Green mangoes and bagoong...even a dreary rainy afternoon feels so much better with these around. 

Tart, sour, mildly sweet green mangoes with that distinct saltiness from the sauteed shrimp paste works all the time. And even better with Mura Sarap Bagoong.

What's in the Pantry...Valor Cao

Nothing like a cup of hot chocolate. The thick and creamy kind, like Spanish hot chocolate. And my niece brings back another taste of Spain from her recent trip. Very cool.

Valor Cao, specially made to go with churros.

What's in the Pantry...Casademont Fuet Extra

La Furia Roja's dominance in the recent EuroCup Finals calls for a celebration. With a convincing 4-0 victory over the Azzuris, clearly a statement for the defending World Cup and now two-time EuroCup Champions. And what better way to celebrate the championship than with a little taste of Spain.

I've been saving this little baby for a special occasion, and the EuroCup finals seemed like a perfect reason. Casademont's Fuet Extra, a dried salami marbled with enough fat that literally melts in your mouth. Rich with a buttery mouth feel, not too salty, just perfect.

What's in the Pantry...Marketman's Kalamansi Marmalade Artisanal Preserves

My cuz brought back this great marmalade from a recent trip to Cebu, and it's awesome! Made by Marketman's Artisanal Preserves (the same marketman of the Market Manila blog), the Kalamansi Marmalade, made from native limes, is a sweet sour delight.

What's in the Pantry...GourmetFinds' Pain de Mie au Beurre

It's always a joy to discover something new, and something really good. Premium quality ingredients, traditional European baking methods and an amazing selection of homemade baked products makes GourmetFinds a truly amazing find. The home based business offers a wide range of products, from macarons to croissants and elegant cakes. And then there is the Pain de Mie au Beurre...

Once you open the box and unseal the plastic packaging, a buttery aroma is released, a sure sign of good things to come.

What's in the Pantry...Mountain Maid Strawberry Jam

A half empty jar of Mountain Maid Strawberry Jam, a few slices of Jipan bread, and a lot of butter...perfect.

Made by the nuns of Good Shepherd in Baguio, it's a definite must-buy when you visit the summer capital. With real chunks of strawberry, it's a great example of a local success story, earning the good nuns some fame, and giving back to the community.

What's in the Pantry...Jipan Loaf Bread

Jipan Japanese Bakery's Loaf Bread, not just any bread. Rich, soft and creamy, the secret is real butter. 

Open up the bag and a rich buttery aroma is released...

What's in the Pantry...The Pumped Up Tuna Sandwich

Found a can of tuna in the pantry, and thought maybe a pumped up tuna sandwich might be a good idea. Cool. Gather up some parsley, dill, celery and red onions. Add some mayo and mustard using a 3:1 mix for the mayo mustard dressing. A tablespoon of olive oil, salt and pepper to taste, and a squeeze of lemon for a little zing.

What's in the Pantry...Iberian Pork Liver Pate

Raided the fridge earlier, and found...nothing. Checked the pantry and yes, something interesting, a yellow tin.  La Charra Pate de higado de cerdo Iberico sin aditivos. Quite a mouthful, but this simply means the very best Iberian pork liver without any additives. I see the making of another perfect weekend afternoon.

Made in the province of Salamanca, Angela Garcia Curto has dedicated the past thirty years in making the best Iberian pork liver pate, and you immediately feel this with just one bite.

Not Just Any Can of Tuna

The Dude's cuz dropped off a package recently. Wondering what it was, I opened the package revealing cans of tuna. Hmm...more stuff for the pantry, cool. Until I read the label...very cool!