Monday, December 28, 2009

REVIEW: Gone Greek!


The Greek gods have descended and decided to give Greek food for the masses. Go Greek! is a Greek/Mediterranean food stall located at the Glorietta 4 Food Choices near Savory at the far/back side of Food Choices, the first and only branch in the Philippines. With the emergence of Greek Restaurants in the Philippines (Mano's Greek Taverna, Cyma) Go Greek! is one of the more affordable of the lot, being a food stall and all. But that doesn't mean that food doesn't taste good.

Go Greek! offers the usual food you can find in the Greek restaurant menu. Kebabs, the slow roasted meat on a stick with tomatoes and onions; Gyros, the Greek version of the shawarma, by the way is is read as gee-rows, if you thought it was guy-rows then you are not alone. What is a Greek menu without lamb, Go Greek! also offers lamb and you can have it in many ways (Gyros, kebabs or chops).

If it is your first time eating here, ordering is a breeze, you can try out the Greek Kebabs or the Platters on the Menu. You can have the Greek Kebabs in chicken, lamb, seafood, pork, steak or vegetarian, it comes with 2 pieces of pita cut up into 4 a piece and a salad, 2 salad dressings are available the Greek and Caesar dressing the Greek salad dressing is definitely a must try! The real kicker is they add feta cheese to your salad at no extra cost. Feta cheese or more commonly known as goat's cheese is one of the more expensive of the cheese varieties and is most definitely delicious with the salad. The Platters is also a good way to start. Comes in Kebab Platters, Gyro Platter, a Lemon Chicken Platter is also available. The Platters come with Potatoes or Rice, instead of the Pita bread, and it still comes with the salad. Haven't tried any of the Gyros, definitely going back to try it the next time. The Lemon Chicken platter is also a must try, the tangy-ness of the lemon definitely stands out on this dish.




Hummous! I love hummous. Mashed chickpeas/garbanzos is what it is made off. Acts as a dip or spread for pita bread. I don't have a photo of it though, the time when I brought my camera they were out of hummous. Tried the Eggplant dip this one time, when they were also out of hummous, no photo of it again though, but what a surprise that was. The Eggplant dip proved to be quite delicious. Don't try to pronounce the Greek name though it starts with Met...something, didn't bother using its Greek name, just use Eggplant dip to order. Haven 't tried a lot on the menu though, desserts, pies, yogurt shakes, other kebabs. Off course we are going back to try everything out.



The verdict:

Price: Very Affordable, Greek Kebabs go for about a Php 115 to 125; The Platter around Php 150+, The dips are less than Php 100 and already come with the pita bread.

Food: If you like Greek food and are on a budget, this is the place to eat at. If you haven't tried Greek food, a perfect place to start before you go and eat at the more expensive Greek restaurants. For the price the food exceeds expectations. Talk about a healthy choice, if you constantly watch what you eat Go Greek! is perfect for you, everything is roasted and is cooked in olive oil, extra virgin olive oil. For the Platters, you can choose potato instead of rice. Who would think you can find this in a food court.

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

RECIPE:Barbeque Buffalo Wings with Ranch Dip


Here's another recipe that will surely be a hit when served to your family and friends. Buffalo wings are usually served at restaurants like TGI Fridays and Chilli's and are quite expensive. You can have the same delicious buffalo wings at home. The truth is my buffalo wings recipe is so easy to make and is not expensive at all. Most of the ingredients are found in your kitchen cupboards. You can serve this during parties as appetizers or as an entree. Or you can just serve this at home during weekends. Serve this with different dips like, ranch, garlic parmesan, blue cheese dip, etc. You can also assemble the chicken wings with nachos, mozzarella sticks, potato wedges, fried calamari and vegetable sticks as an appetizer platter. The buffalo sauce in my recipe is quite spicy but you can adjust it by omitting the cayenne pepper or by adding more, depending on your taste. So try this recipe now and I guarantee you won't be disappointed.

* For blue cheese dip, add crumbled blue cheese on your ranch dressing.
* For garlic parmesan cheese, add parmesan cheese on your ranch dressing.


SPICY BARBEQUE BUFFALO WINGS


WINGS

Ingredients:

12 pcs Chicken wings, cut at the joint (*you should have 2 pieces)
3 Tbsp Calamansi juice
1 pack Chicken Breading
salt and pepper to taste
oil for frying

Procedures:

1. In a bowl, marinade the chicken wings with calamansi juice, salt and pepper. Let it sit for 15 minutes.
2. Heat the oil in the frying pan. Dredge the chicken wings with the chicken breading. Fry until golden brown. Drain in paper towels and set aside.


SAUCE

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp Butter
2 Tbsp Garlic, chopped
1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper
1 Tbsp Vinegar
1 cup BBQ sauce, bottled
2 Tbsp Sugar

Procedures:

1. In a sauce pan, melt the butter. Saute the garlic until light brown. Add in the cayenne pepper, vinegar, bbq sauce and sugar. Blend well.
2. Let it simmer. Add in the wings. Make sure to coat the sauce well with the chicken. Serve with ranch dressing.

RANCH DRESSING:

Ingredients:

3/4 cup Evaporated milk
1/4 cup White vinegar
1 Tbsp Garlic, chopped
220 ml Real mayonnaise
salt and pepper to taste

Procedures:

1. In a bowl, combine the evaporated milk and the vinegar until it curdles.
2. Add the mayonnaise and the garlic. Season with salt and pepper.

Sunday, December 6, 2009

RECIPE:Easy Banana Cream Pie



I am going to share to you a very easy yet delicious recipe of Banana Cream Pie. The ingredients used in this recipe is readily available. You can give this as a gift for christmas or you can just make this as a dessert for your weekend gatherings. I guarantee you that this recipe is very simple and delicious. Everytime I make this pie, everybody asks for second servings. Try this recipe now!


BANANA CREAM PIE

Ingredients:

CRUST

1 pack (300 g) Crushed graham crackers
1/2 cup Granulated sugar
1/2 cup Melted butter

Procedures:

1. Combine all the ingredients until well incorporated.
2. Press the graham mixture on the bottom and sides of the pie plate.
3. Refrigerate it and set aside.

FILLING

1 pack Banana Cream Pie Pudding (Jello)
1 pack All Purpose Cream, chilled
1 can (320 ml) Condensed milk
1 tsp (sachet) Unflavored gelatin (Knox or Ferna brand)
5 pcs Banana, sliced (Cavendish or Lakatan Variety) * slice the banana's just before using it to prevent it from browning. Or you can soak the banana's in water.


TOPPING

1 pack All Purpose Cream, chilled
1 Tbsp Granulated sugar
Caramel or chocolate syrup

Procedures:


1.For the filling, prepare the banana cream pie pudding according to the box directions. Set aside.
2. In a bowl, combine the all purpose cream and sugar. Using a mixer, whip the cream, until stiff. Set aside.
3. For the gelatin, follow package directions for 1 sachet of gelatin. Set aside.
4.Combine the pudding, condensed milk and gelatin. Fold in the whipped cream and blend well. Add the banana slices on top of the crust. Pour the banana cream mixture into your pie crust. Refrigerate it for 4-5 hours or until set.
5. For the topping, combine the all purpose cream and the sugar. Whip the cream until stiff. Spread the cream on top of the pie. Drizzle with caramel or chocolate syrup.

* If desired, you can also add nuts and chocolate shavings.

Monday, November 23, 2009

RECIPE: Meringue Icing (Boiled Icing)


Decorating cakes is my passion. I will share to you a very versatile icing that is very easy to follow. I've been searching cookbooks and the internet for a perfect boiled icing recipe. But most of the recipes I got from the internet and some of the cookbooks does not work. Luckily, I was able to find a recipe that has the perfect flavor and texture.This icing can go with any cake that you desire. From chocolate cake to butter cake and from pound cake to chiffon cake. The texture of boiled icing is very manageable because of its fluffiness and lightness. This icing is not too sweet compared to other icings like buttercream, fondant and royal icing. I always use this icing recipe on most of my cakes and I will guarantee you that this recipe is very easy and kitchen tested.


Meringue Icing (Boiled Icing)

Ingredients:

7 pcs. eggwhites (about 1 cup)
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
2 1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup water


Procedures:

1. Put eggwhites and cream of tartar in the bowl of a mixer, with wire whisk attachment.
2. Place sugar and water in a small, thick saucepan. Stir.
3. Clip candy thermometer on the side of the saucepan. Cook sugar and water over medium fire. When temperature reaches 255 degrees celsius , start beating the eggwhites at high speed. Do not remove syrup in the saucepan.
4. Continue cooking syrup until the temperature reaches at 260 degrees celsius (hard ball texture). Remove from fire.
5. Pour half of the syrup on eggwhites and beat at medium speed. Incerease speed to high for 10 counts. Then lower speed to medium and pour the remaining syrup.
6. Put speed back to high and continue beating until it forms soft peaks and is of spreading consistency.
7. Frost on your desired cake.

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

RECIPE: 'Healthy' Pizza


Many Filipinos love Pizza. Everytime I feel tired and stressed out, I usually crave for one. A slice of pizza has lots of calories. I've been very conscious about my calorie intake as of late, so I thought of developing a 'healthy' pizza recipe. Instead of using your usual white flour based crust, I used whole wheat flour. Making it a very good alternative to your usual pizza without the guilt. Eating an extra slice or two won't be too much of a blow to one's conscience. For a more healthier alternative, you can substitute mozzarella cheese with low fat ricotta or cottage cheese. Pizza varieties are endless depending on your taste and lifestyle. For a different flavor, you can do a Grilled Chicken Pesto Pizza by replacing the pizza sauce with basil pesto sauce, and topping it with low fat cheese and grilled chicken. Who says eating healthy can't be this delicious? Try this simple yet healthy recipe now! Enjoy



Ingredients:

Crust:
1 tsp white sugar
1 1/2 cups warm water (110 degrees F/45 degrees C)
1 Tbsp active dry yeast
1 Tbsp olive oil
1 tsp salt
3 cups whole wheat flour
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 Tbsp italian seasoning

Pizza Sauce:
300 g tomato paste
2 tsp garlic, chopped
2 Tbsp red wine
2 Tbsp white sugar
1 tsp olive oil
1 tsp italian seaoning
salt and pepper to taste

Toppings:
Pepperoni
Italian Sausage
Mushroom
Bell Pepper
Onion
Olives
Bacon
Cheese (Mozzarella,quick melt cheese, etc.)


Pizza Sauce Procedures:

1. In a sauce pan, heat the olive oil. Saute the garlic until slightly light brown.
2. Add in the red wine and let it simmer. Combine the tomato paste, sugar and italian seasoning.
3. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

Pizza Crust Procedures:

1. In a large bowl, dissolve sugar in warm water. Sprinkle yeast over the top, and let stand for about 10 minutes, until foamy.
2. Stir the olive oil and salt into the yeast mixture, then mix in the whole wheat flour and 1/2 cup of the all-purpose flour until dough starts to come together. Tip dough out onto a surface floured with the remaining all-purpose flour, and knead until all of the flour has been absorbed, and the ball of dough becomes smooth, about 10 minutes. Place dough in an oiled bowl, and turn to coat the surface. Cover loosely with a towel, and let stand in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.
3. When the dough is doubled, tip the dough out onto a lightly floured surface, and divide into 2 pieces for 2 thin crust, or leave whole to make one thick crust. Form into a tight ball. Let rise for about 45 minutes, until doubled.
4. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Roll a ball of dough with a rolling pin until it will not stretch any further. Then, drape it over both of your fists, and gently pull the edges outward, while rotating the crust. When the circle has reached the desired size, place on a well oiled pizza pan. Spread with pizza sauce, top with cheese and your desired toppings.
5. Bake for 16 to 20 minutes (depending on thickness) in the preheated oven, until the crust is crisp and golden at the edges, and cheese is melted on the top.