Chef Ed Dychauco, RN
“I’ll see you in September, when Summer is gone!”... an old love song that i enjoy listening over & over again. Good rhythm, melody and most of all, the meaningful lyrics. Ah! September! My favourite and the best month of the year! Well, except for December, January, February, March, April, May and the rest of the months!
Recently, two exciting & fun-filled Bridal Fairs were presented in the two major malls here in Cagayan de Oro City. Several photographers, videographers, cake makers, event stylists, floral artists, fashion designers, and other wedding related suppliers all over the Philippines joined the said activity. And in both events, i was asked to put on 2 similar but different methods on “Sinful & Luscious Desserts” culinary demonstrations. And trying to minimize costs, i tried to simplify things by using basic items and turning them into really mouth-watering sweet treats for everyone to try, whether at home for the family or for special occasions like weddings or birthdays.
Using simple store-bought or personally prepared baked items like doughnuts, shakoy, cupcakes, cream puff shells, and fruits like bananas, i turned these simple items into yummy & delectable desserts by adding or filling them with melted dark, luscious chocolates, chocolate chips, chocolate ganache, crème patisserie, whipped cream, assorted & colourful sprinkles & toppings. And in doing so, it was amazing to see how simple finds can be turned into great desserts without hurting your pocket!
September is also a month where many of my relatives, friends and loved ones are celebrating their special day.
My college nursing classmate, Dahlia Alcarde of Kauswagan flew all the way from Vallejo, California to celebrate her golden year with us! Together with 2 of my other college classmates, Ms. Yayang Salvo-Gamos (Nurse Supervisor) and Ms. Girley Poblacion-Benitez (retired Lieutenant Colonel of the AFP), we decided to join hand and have a get-together birthday party last Saturday. It was a very intimate but pleasurable soiree because we get to talk about our enjoyable and glorious “past”. We had so much fun, laughter & food of course, which i personally prepared for the group! My classmates included: Ms. Joy Argayoso-Villegas (JCA Realty), Ms. Nenita Chua (Chua-Abalo Optical), Ms Florina Fabe-Dy (Nurse II), Ms. Lydia Pahuyo-Gamboa (Clincal Instructor), and our only nurse-doctor in the batch, Dr. Noeme Calvo-Requilme (Chief of Hospital, Ua-o District Hospital, Bukidnon). We sorely missed the presence of Ms. Ruth Artango-Casino (Nurse Supervisor) and many others who are either based abroad or out of town.
My youngest daughter and my wife also turned a year older this month. No fun fare, only a simple dinner with the family. But one thing is sure, we go to church first thing in the morning, light candles and to say our prayers of thanks to the Lord Almighty for all the blessings received and the many more blessings to come.
My aunt, Mrs. Adelfa Sia, the charming wife of my Uncle, Councilor Juan Sia turned 70 on the 27th and had a big celebration with her close friends and family at the family-owned Sentro 1850 Restaurant.
And since we share the same birth date with my aunt, i always end up joining her party instead!
The other day, i got a call from Ms. Jenny Carpio, owner of Brainpoint Advertising in Manila, representing the marketing arm for McCormick Philippines asking me if i can do the honour of presenting their newest product in the market, McCormick Buffalo Wings Seasoning Mix through a culinary demonstration in Butuan City & Cagayan de Oro City. How can i turn down an activity i enjoy most?
So, after their (Jenny & her staff: Rhenz Carpio Jr (operations manager), Alvin Mendoza & Rose Ann de la Cruz (coordinators) and Angelo Alvarez (product merchandiser) early arrival from Manila Tuesday, i was picked up and we went straight to Butuan City for the afternoon launching of the newest & exciting craze to hit the town! It was a 3-hour drive and since everybody seem to be tired from their early morning flight (i was told they left their abode 2am!) at about 4am and me, having attended a dinner party the night before, we just snoozed all the way.
After setting up the stage at Gaisano Mall, we had a quick lunch. The activity started shortly after 1:30pm and was attended by many eager shoppers & diners. 3 recipes were done: the simple basic Buffalo Wings Strips, Chicken Popper Penne Salad & Roast Beef Pasta. Aside from the free tasting of the finished products, recipes and flyers were distributed. Lucky participants also went home with McCormick gift packs.
We did the same thing again Wednesday, but this time at Gaisano City Mall’s Activity Center here in the city. Mr. Gabby, Gaisano’s Mall Manager was around to give us moral support. The activity area was filled with enthusiastic participants who also got their share of our delicious cooked dishes and prizes.
I would like to thank Ms. Jenny for her trust in inviting me (through Ms. Arlene Macasusi) and her staff for making this demonstration stress-free for me. Hoping for more culinary endeavours adventures with you guys in the very near future! And of course, McCormick for the truly wonderful experience! Truly the best in the world market when it comes to spices, pre-mixes and more!
Email: potsnpans1976@yahoo.com website: www.potsnpans1976.weebly.com
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