Fruit Salad with Corn Kernel

I experimented a bit with my fruit salad for Ms. L's birthday. I hesitated to put the kernel at first so I searched if anybody had done it before but I found none from the web. I found my courage after remembering that one of the would be guest would eat anything with corn. I'm sure however my fruit salad turned, Ms. L's ninang would appreciate and save me from shame.

500 grams Fruit Cocktail
2 bottle Nata de Coco
1 big can Condensed Milk
2 Nestle Cream
1 can Sweet Kernel Corn

 

1) Mix all the ingredients together.
2) Chill and serve. 

The corn was a good extender. Although it was labelled as "sweet corn", it was surprisingly a little salty that gave balance to the flavour of the dessert. It turned out that we all loved this version of fruit salad, the Ninang guest most especially.  

Toaster-Baked Brownies (Semi-Missed)

With the sprout of cupcakes/cake bakers left and right, you don’t need a genius to say that baking is “IN” nowadays. I am always told that baking is the easiest “branch” of cooking, I’m not convinced. Maybe because, as I have said in the past, I do not follow procedure religiously (this is a must in baking). Thank goodness we do not have a decent oven in the kitchen, may best palusot ever. But 1 day, I came across this brownie mix which contains the tag line “oven toaster ready”, so why not give it a try.

1 pack White King Brownies Fudge and Crinkle Mix
1 egg, beaten
Butter, softened
Cashew (optional)

** You can follow the easy instructions written at the back of the box.
1) Mix all ingredients together. It will be a little sticky and will be hard to mix, but you’ll get there.
2.) Brushed the baking pan with butter, transfer the batter and spread evenly.

 

3) Bake in the oven toaster for 9 minutes. You may check if it’s cooked by using a toothpick, if the mixture did not stick to it, it’s done.
4) Cut into desired proportions.

 

My take: This mixture was so close to the taste of the “real” brownies, not bad for a ready mix. It almost got the same kunat factor and sweetness just like my brownies of preference. Also so easy to prepare.

Tips: I really missed big time here, which resulted to almost inedible brownies. So believe me when I say "Follow instructions and proportions religiously" - this is a must. 1) Don’t rely on the suggested baking time (this contradicts the opening statement, but you know, every oven varies with temp). It is always safe to check the brownies from time to time. 2) Once baking is done, remove it immediately from the oven. The heat inside the oven is still enough to burn the brownies (like what happened to mine). 3) Leave the toppings for later, yes after it is baked, especially if it is marshmallows, that burns easily. ;-p

The verdict: Oh well, I still want an oven, but still not for baking pastries. hehe       

Cakes and Cupcakes by Cookcakesbyliz

For those of you who have cake and cupcakes needs, you may want to try Cookcakes by Liz. Liza the baker/entrepreneur is a good friend. She enrolled in a baking class, practiced for a while and then quit her day job to concentrate on her passion for baking. I can say she’s pretty well in her craft. She customized and works within your budget and very easy to deal with.

I personally tasted her chocolate alcapone cupcakes when I ordered for my son’s 6 month celebration. 

She also baked the cake for my niece’s 1st birthday. 

I can say with conviction that it was good and will surely please everybody. Here are some of her samples.

Again, for your cakes and cupcakes needs, freshly baked and affordable ones, contact Liz del Rosario at 0939 9375990. You can follow her on instragram: cookcakesbyliz for more photos/updates of her cake and cupcakes goodies. 

Disclaimer: Not a paid post.

Choco Jelly Fruit Salad

Let me share a simple dessert you can prepare for any occasion and/or plainly to satisfy your sweet palate. I know we all have our own version of preparing fruit salad, so be ready for that. And if you’re familiar with the Black Sambo recipe then you’re in the right track. This dessert is so simple I could just tell you to mix all together and that’s it, but I would be the worst food blogger if I tell you that. lol So let me count the ways. 

For Fruit Salad
1 medium can Fruit Cocktail
1 bottle Nata de Coco (optional)
1 box Nestle Cream
½ box Condensed Milk
For Choco Jelly
2 packs Knox Unflavored Gelatin (melted in ½ cold water)
1 big can Evaporated Milk
½ cup sugar
½ cup Hersey’s Chocolate powder (melted in 1 cup hot water)

1) In a low fire, mix milk, sugar and melted chocolate.
2) Add melted knox gelatin.
3) Continuously stir for about 10 minutes.
4) Set aside and let it cool for about 1 (inside freezer) to 2 hrs (inside frige).
5) When its set, cut into cubes.
6) While waiting for the choco jelly to form, mix all the ingredients for the salad.
7) Add choco jelly.
8) Chill and serve.

 My take: The jelly gives a soft contrast to the crispness of the fruits. It also gives a (sweet)-choco distinction to the sweetest of the fruits and the condensed milk. It also serves as an extender. 

Tip: You can use fresh fruits of your choice. Nata de Coco is the family’s favorite so we make it a point to add a bottle. 

The verdict: Mr. M. asked the total cost of this dessert. If you know him well, you’ll know that, that means do this more often. J