Krispy Kreme Holiday Treats

Am missing them already..... got to TASTE a few of these SWEET SNOWMAN TREATs being offered by Krispy Kreme for the Holidays... Guarantee, once you have one Krispy Kreme Doughnut - you cannot stop... soooo addictive....Juliana and I were able to have this Holiday Tasty Treat last month, we each had one, plus another extra FAVE... told you you cannot stop with just one!!!
Of course, my first Krispy Kreme Experience was in the Bay Area a few years back... then each and every visit, we would make sure to stop by there for some DOUGHNUT treats.. deliciously fattening but who cares!!!
Since last year though, branches of this sinful place opened up all over Manila... am sure they know the Filipinos are BIIIG on SWEET THINGS -- I could not be HAPPIER, as am able to have their treats at least once, each and every visit...

Taiwan Burrito... or is it Lumpia... or Crepe???

...who cares... it IS Delicious!!!!

Yesterday, Saturday the 18th I was able to TASTE what I think is, something fresh and different... and combines two of Yilan's BEST offerings: Taro Ice Cream & Candied Peanut...

Not sure what the name is - as most just refer to it as, Wassen hen bing chiling (peanut and ice cream), very original.... and simple... but there is nothing simple in the making of this delicious treat.... as a matter of fact, each and everyone made took a lot of laborious preparations... even though the two main ingredients, -- taro ice cream and the candied peanut -- are already pre-made....
Shaving the candied peanut alone took so much labor, and if one has to make so many of these a day to make a living - you will have one really tired vendor at the end of the day.... an ample amount of shaved peanut are put on the lumpia wrapper, then two scoops of Taro ice cream... and add a sprinkling of cilantro for additional flavor and aroma, too... the results is one heavenly treat... total delight to the taste pallet...
Am told that this was first invented here in YILAN - a few years back... so it became one of their most famous delicacy.... and it is apparent as all the little towns surrounding Yilan that we went to had their own offerings of this refreshing treat....

The Hills are Alive.... with FRUITS!!!

Growing up in California - I had the pleasure of doing weekend treks to the Napa County now and again... am not much of a drinker,well, none at all but still one can savour the views, the fresh air, and seeing all that grapes growing... Who would have thought I would end up having the same kind of experience here in Taiwan... while visiting one of my roomates' home in the Nantou County -- we were treated to a whole different kind of living... away from the hustle and bustle of city life... and into the relaxing calmness of country life... with lots of FRESH AIR to boot...

Saturday morning, while most are still asleep, we decided to take advantage of the fresh air and walkabout the neighborhood.... first we come across papaya trees, then lycee trees - lot so of them - too bad the season is over so none to try... we lucked out though as we came across some LONGYUEN (Dragon Eye Fruit) - the season is almost over but still some lingers on unharvested.... and they were just so easy to reach, practically growing on the sides of the roads... so needless to say, we picked them off the trees and ate - A LOT!!! Sweet, Juicy & Delicious!!!!

Then it was lot, after lot, after lot of grapes.... unripe green grapes, just beautiful to look at and feel.... good thing they were not ripe yet or else we would have been in biiiig trouble... we learned later on that grapes grown in this area are very much sought after Island wide... David talked to a couple of the farmers... interrogated them actually about growing grapes and when is harvest season... so we learned that is is around December when they start ripening and farmers get ready to harvest... YOU CAN BET WE WILL BE BACK THEN!!!

...what am reading lately....

FOOD: The Philippine's Largest Selling Culinary MagazineMay & July Issues (above) focused on Bulacan & Cebu's Culinary Delights
-am no cook, nor do I aspire to be... but, in between novels, I do love reading about culinary delights and their origins.... I do this mostly to unwind and discover more about The Philippines, through food, in the process.... so this is the BEST monthly magazine I have found so far..... I discovered it this past SUMMER only and I have been enjoying them since....

The Current August Issue centers on BICOL (left) - Finally I get to learn more about my Mom's Province.

-Published by ABS CBN Publishing Corporation... it is a monthly magazine that retails for P95 per issue... I love that each issue focuses on a certain area of the Philippines and their local delicacies.... the articles are thorough, photos are delicious, and the recipes, simple enough to follow.... if one wants to..... So far, I have six issues in my possession but am sure I will always HUNT for these...
Coincidentally I got to discovered these TASTY products (above photo) made of PILI Nuts through this magazines... I SO LOVE THE TARTS!!!