The Burp ladies & their mom

Cayen, Mimit and Mench are the original Burp! Excuse Me! ladies. Every year when the ‘ber’ months come, they put their creative juices together to produce the most delectable Christmas goodies for family gatherings and gift-giving. Friends and clients start ordering their special dishes, cakes and breads. This year, Mom Di, as energetic as her girls, has joined the bandwagon, so to speak, and laid out her own creations. Thus to visit their atelier in San Juan (266 Ibuna Street) is like going into a one-stop outlet where a wide selection of gifts for all ages and preferences are available.

That afternoon when we had a look-see, the food (Cayen’s specialties) on the buffet table was heavenly. The aroma teased our taste buds and we, plus a dozen or so early birds, dug into practically everything and had a delightful degustation. Their breads and cookies are temptingly delicious, such as Flat Wheat Cheese and Almond Wheat Loaf (P100 and P150, respectively), Choco Chip and Cheddar Cheese (they do use a lot of cheese) Muffins at P100 per. We have always liked their crisps–again Cheese and Pizzeritas, each P150. Among the pica-picas, we could not resist going back (many times) to the new offering, Marinated Chili Cheese, with a unique taste and texture (P250 a tub). They’ve got innovative dressings like Asparagus and Orange Vinaigrette (P150), plus main dishes–Longganiza and Kesong Puti Pasta and Fresh Sausage Noodles for P650 an order.

The most delicious dish on the table was the original Lentil and Barley Stew. We were trying to stay away from this because of its purine content, but we were warned we would regret it. So we tried a small scoop and yes, if we refrained from sampling it , we would have missed a satisfying experience.The dish is simply superb (P650), a blend of beans with zucchini and carrots which must have been simmered over low fire for hours with the perfect seasoning. On the side, one can choosen to add in olive oil or balsamic vinegar, depending on individual taste. We had it with olive oil and it was perfect.

On the sweet side, the trio did Powdered Cocoa French Vanilla and Hazelnut, an alternative to coffee, but as soothing (P100 a bottle). P200 will get you the Walnut Cake. Christmas gift packages can be arranged by the ladies to suit one’s taste and budget.

To their food line, the family introduced other hand-made products, each an individual work of art, and which can go very well as Christmas gifts or for personal use. Mom has Ropita, tie-dyed children’s clothes including lovely diapers (a set of three for P170) and sweater with hood (P350). Mench has Papel Tutti, handpainted paper items–gift wrappers (24"x 36") for P25 a piece, Christmas tree hangings from P100 each. The artistic hands of Mimit have turned out the most exquisite beaded lights and lanterns under her label Amano. She uses beads, glass and crystals in each piece, which she sources from every part of the country. Call them at 0917- 6205215 or better still, visit them. There’s joy and satisfaction in seeing all these beautiful things.

There’s a new brand of salad aid in the market, Praise, manufactured in MacQuarie, New South Wales (Australia) and sold at Makati Supermarket in Alabang. Most of the bottled items are sugar free. There’s potato salad dressing (the first of its kind) tagged at P120.95/bottle of 330 ml. This is more than enough for a kilo of potatoes. And hassle-free, all it needs is to be poured. As this is a diet concoction, one has to get used to the sour taste, if one is to stick to a healthy eating regimen. Of the French’s brand, we noted the new Sweet and Zesty and Honey variants.

Turkey is out in supermarkets, great since Thanksgiving and Christmas are coming up. The best brand, of course, is Butterball, at P230 a kilo. We spotted one that was a bit more than 4 kilos, at P1126.10. If your family is partial to lamb, look up Boneless Legs at P645 a kilo. Should you opt for roast beef, there’s beef round roast for P210 kilo.

Doing your fruitcakes now? Red and green cherries, bottled, are available. More cooking aids we recently discovered–Pfeuffer’s cocktail onions at P115.75, also bottled hot peppers. If you need bacon bits, Hormel has Bottled Real Bacon bits, with 50% less fat. A 3-ounce bottle costs P113 and this will go with your spaghetti.

A reader suggested that, in our quest for reasonable prices, we should visit Hi Top supermarket in Quezon City, where we always buy the roast duck. We plan to go there soon and this time we will be more thorough in checking prices.

* * *

Email comments and questions to: [email protected]