Promotions

This coming gift-giving season, why not give your loved ones a special present choosing from our limited edition promotional packs....

Kikkoman Kitchen Essentials

Buy 1 liter Kikkoman Soy Sauce and get lock and seal food keeper for free....

SMUCKER's Tea Time Partners

BUNDLE 1: SMUCKER'S APPLE JELLY 340g x 12 w/FREE Stassen Tea Engligh Breakfast 2g/25

BUNLDE 2: SMUCKER'S GUAVA JELLY 340g x 12 w/FREE Stassen Tea Engligh Breakfast 2g/25

BUNDLE 3: SMUCKER'S PEACH PRESERVES 340g x 12 w/FREE Stassen Tea Engligh Breakfast 2g/25

Issue 1, Volume 4 - December 2007

HO..HO..HO... MERRY CHRISTMAS !
Christmas is just around the corner, The most festive season where families and friends get together exchanging stories, laughter and gifts. Malls are jam-packed with shoppers doing their christmas shopping. Kids are so excited waiting for Santa's gift, some would even jump at midnight as high as they can thinking that they will grow taller the next coming year. But all these traditions wouldn't be complete if Mommy wouldn't prepare a delicious delectable food on the table for Noche Buena.
To all the moms, don't worry, we made it easier for you to plan out Noche Buena for your family . Here's a line up of mouthwatering recipes that you can prepare that your family will surely love.

The adventure in many flavors continues ! Try these new marinades from Clara Ole and experience the gastronomic adventure you truly deserve.

*available in leading supermarkets.

Want to be a Kitchen Adventure Circle member? Grab any of these items in the stores! Enjoy huge savings and be a member of our Circle. So hurry, what are you waiting for, GRAB IT NOW!!!

This promo is in partnership with Quikcash by 2GO.
Per DOH-BFAD Permit No. 0996 series of 2007.

Featured Product: McCORMICK ORIENTAL SOUP AND CONGEE

Rainy season isn't over! It has been raining again lately and the weather just makes one crave for more comfort food. Now, do you need the added boost to your everyday meals? Here's one that's a must-try -- Oriental Soups and Congee from McCormick!

If you are thinking of ways to increase your kids' appetite and at the same time give them proper nutrition, try new McCormick Oriental Soups, with five appetizing flavors for you and your kids to enjoy: Chicken Mushroom Soup, Crab & Corn Soup, Hongkong Style Hot & Sour Soup, Chicken & Corn Soup, and Xi Hu Beef Soup.

McCormick Oriental Soups are easy to prepare. Just add soup mix to boiling water, then add a beaten egg and mix. Voila! You can now enjoy authentic-style Chinese soup. It also has real meat bits! Each pack is good for four people and is sold at leading supermarkets for only P28.45 (suggested retail price).

Now, if you are craving for comfort food or something to warm your stomach, try new McCormick Congee, with three oriental flavors to choose from: Chicken Congee, Century Egg Mix Congee with Meat Mix, and Beef Congee.

McCormick Congee is instant. Just add hot water and you’ll savor oriental taste congee in just three minutes. Each pack makes two servings (360ml) and is also available in leading supermarkets for only P29.70/ pack (suggested retail price). McCormick is also the first to offer oriental style congee with real meat or century egg that is similar to the ones being offered in dimsum and chinese restaurants!

Try McCormick's NEW offerings today!

Refer-A-Friend!

Want to introduce your friends to The Gourmet loop? Refer them to The Gourmet Blog! You might even win a gift pack from us! Here's how:

1. Pool together 10 (ten) friends; Send us their names and email addresses (ex. Juan Dela Cruz, jdc@email.com).

2. Send the list to thegourmet@sysuinc.com.ph along with your name, email address and contact number.

3. First 50 (fifty) people to send in their list will win a gift pack from SYSU International, Inc.

Hurry! Send those names and email addresses now!

*this online promo will run until 30 September 2007.

Issue 1, Volume 3 - AUGUST 2007

Yes, we missed out on a coupl'a months... been really busy with work. Hehe.

Rainy Days Come and Go...

Have you noticed how terrible the weather has been lately? Well, back in June and July, we hardly had rain. Then towards the end of last month, we'd have really weird weather - scorching hot mid-days, then pouring rain in the afternoons! This makes for very lazy weather, don't you think? :P Makes you want to head to the mall and chill out, huh? Maybe take in a movie or check out some of the new food places...

Speaking of Movies and Food... (what a segue!) We were able to catch the advanced screening of the new Disney Pixar Movie, Ratatouille (pronounced as Ra-Ta-Tu-Wee). And we must say we LOVED the movie. Hmmm... not really sure about the Kikkoman Brand Manager though, she winced each time she saw all those rats onscreen (who could forget the scene where the ceiling falls and the colony is exposed? hahaha!) but the rest of us sure loved the movie! So much so that we got so curious about the real Ratatouille - the dish and not the... uh... Rat (whose name's Remy, by the way). So right after, we searched the net for the easiest Ratatouille recipe there is, only to be disappointed because all the recipes called for baking (and we didn't have an oven on hand... *sigh*). But one 5-star recipe we did find had dozens of comments, and we poured over each one, curious to see if anyone tried making the dish stove-top style. And there was this one college girl who got so interested in the dish because of the movie. Like us, she didn't have an oven, so she decided to toss everything in a saucepan instead. The end result turned out great or in her exact words - fabuloso! Ha! We decided to do the same thing. We headed over to the nearest supermarket, bought the ingredients available in the Philippines and went home to make our own version of Ratatouille. And boy, we were in for a treat because the dish we made already smelled delicioso right when we were making it. and it tasted great too (we actually zipped through the whole pan)! And yes, it didn't exactly look like the Ratatouille masterpiece Remy made in the movie... uh... ours looked a bit like mush. but hey, if mush tasted this good, we'll have mush everyday! :)

Ratatouille
Ratatouille is a mediterranean peasant dish. Apparently, this is one cheap dish in places where all the ingredients come cheap (read: not in the Philippines, haha), but we tweaked the recipe a bit and came up with an affordable yet hearty (can we say delicioso again?) version.

Ingredients:
1 Tbsp La Espanola Extra Virgin Olive Oil
5 large cloves Garlic, minced (you can add more if you LOVE garlic)
1 large White Onion, sliced
1 large Eggplant, thinly sliced
1 large Zucchini, thinly sliced
1/8 Squash, peeled and thinly sliced (yes, take out the hard skin, of course!)
1 Green Bell Pepper, cut into strips
1 Red Bell Pepper, cut into strips (optional)
1/2 Cup Mushrooms, cut into strips (we used oyster mushrooms)
2 large Tomatoes, chopped
Salt to taste
pinch of McCormick Rosemary
1/2 Cup Clara Ole Three Cheese Spaghetti Sauce
1/4 Cup Parmesan Cheese (divide into 5 parts)
1/4 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese

Procedure:
1. In a large saucepan, saute Garlic in La Espanola Extra Virgin Olive Oil until light brown in color. Add half of the sliced Onions until Onions are coated in oil.
2. Add Eggplant. Sprinkle a pinch of salt and some of your Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. When Eggplant is half-cooked, add the Squash. Sprinkle a pinch of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. Add the Zucchini, sprinkle again with a bit of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well. Add the rest of the vegetables (Mushrooms, Bell Pepper, Tomatoes and remaining Onions). Sprinkle with a bit of Salt and some Parmesan Cheese. Mix well.
3. Add Clara Ole Three Cheese Spaghetti Sauce, small pinch of McCormick Rosemary and the remaining Parmesan Cheese. Mix well.
4. Put on medium heat until the sauce comes to a boil.
5. Transfer to a foil pan or microwaveable container. Sprinkle Mozzarella Cheese on top. Serve over pasta, rice or as is.

You may opt to put the dish in the Toaster Oven for about 3 minutes (or 30 seconds in the Microwave) to melt the cheese, if y0u wish. The good thing about Ratatouille is that you can freeze leftovers and the vegetables still come out crunchy when reheated. It actually tastes a lot like lasagna. Difference is, this is made entirely without meat, and the ingredients are good for you. What more, you can try making this dish for your kids while the movie's such a hit. Don't say we didn't warn you if they start asking for more.

Now for your favorite part... RECIPES!!!

Whenever it rains, don't you just want to curl up on the couch with a good book and a bowl of comfort food? Here are some recipes from our recipe vault that will surely have you asking for more. Yes, good food and snuggly weather = perfect combination! Click on the images to save your favorite recipes!

Soup!

Nothing like soup to warm you up during cold, rainy days. Try this one from San Remo!

and Salad!
Try this twist-of-a-salad from San Remo and Clara Ole!

Rice Topping... yum!
Do you notice how rice meals seem more appealing to the appetite on rainy days? This rice dish from Lee Kum Kee will surely make you come asking for seconds, or maybe thirds or fourths...

Or how about Noodles?
If you're not much of a rice-eater, how about a great stir-fry noodle dish from Kikkoman and San Remo?

Plus...
Do you ever wake up on the wrong side of the bed on rainy days? Or do your kids give you a hard time when getting out of bed on school days? Try serving this delightful, quick and easy-to-make JIF breakfast to start those mornings right... don't forget to top your french toast with Maple Syrup from Clara Ole!

Issue 1, Volume 2 - MAY 2007

The Merry Month of May!

It has been pretty humid lately, especially in the afternoons. These past days, we've had late afternoon drizzles and as the rain comes often, you just know that summer is almost over. The heat, however, does not stop Filipinos from celebrating the events that signal the end of the summer season. Yes, even with the weird weather, you will still see neighborhood streets lined with banderitas, signifying a fiesta is soon to happen... the manangs would also be seen preparing the grand fiesta feasts in groups (Filipinos sure love to cook together!)... Barangays are seen planning their annual Santacruzans, and some families rush off to catch the last waves of summer by hitting the nearby beaches. Ahh yes! the merry month of May!

Choose Your Adventure!

An adventure of many flavors begin only from Clara Ole Spaghetti Sauces! Treat your family to a new adventure with these six delicious Clara Ole Spaghetti Sauces — Three Cheese, Bacon & Cheese, Onion & Garlic, Italian Style, Sweet Style and Mushroom. Get your pasta pots out and try these exciting flavors now! Available at all leading supermarkets and grocery stores nationwide!

Also catch Clara Ole's new commercial airing over ETC 2nd Avenue! Let the adventure begin!

Exciting New Picks @ Burgoo

Try these new menu offerings at Burgoo - American Bar and Restaurant, brought to you in cooperation with your favorite SYSU brands (but of course!):

Grilled Steak and Shrimps Kebabs
Combination of USDA meat, cubed and seasoned with special blend of herbs and spices, and skewered freshest jumbo shrimps, grilled to perfection. Comes with mashed potato and stir-fried fresh button mushrooms, red and green bell peppers; served with TABASCO® Chipotle sauce.

Poached Chilean Seabass
250g. of fresh Chilean Seabass seasoned and poached, served with fresh mixed lettuce, red cabbage and carrots in rasberry vinaigrette and a scoop of mashed potato; best seasoned with TABASCO® Chipotle sauce.

Finish up your meal with this exciting dessert from Smucker's...



Or try these exciting new Iced Tea flavors made from Stassen Teas!

Let's not forget this month's serving of Fiesta Fare Recipes!

For food-lovers everywhere, a Fiesta is a terrific excuse for a party featuring your favorite appetizers, dishes, desserts, drinks and more. Try this month's featured recipes and celebrate! Click on the images to save your favorite recipes!

Breakfast/ Starter
This zingy breakfast dish is the perfect starter to a busy Fiesta day!

Fiesta Paella with a Twist!
Tired of having the usual paella? Try substituting your rice with pasta instead and come up with this exciting new version to the old Fiesta favorite!

I See Seafood!
Surprise your guests with this delightful seafood pasta dish!

Or go traditional and whip up this "westernized" noodle dish.

Dessert
Try these easy-to-make fruity muffins. Perfect also as an afternoon or evening tummy-filler, for those unexpected Fiesta visitors.

Thirst-quenchers
Beat the heat with these cool drink from Stassen Tea!



Exclusive Online Promo!!!

Join The Gourmet Blog's exclusive online contest and get to win a special gift pack from Clara Ole!


(click to see larger image)

Don't forget to send your Name, Address, Contact Numbers, Email Addresses, Age and Birthday when you email your entries. Promo ends on June 14, 2007. Good luck!

Featured Product: KIKKOMAN TEMPURA & NOODLE SAUCE

Wanna know the secret to making mouth-watering Japanese dishes? Try KIKKOMAN Tempura & Noodle Sauce!

Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce is made from your favorite naturally-brewed Kikkoman Soy Sauce, and mixed with the finest ingredients. With this, you no longer need to buy expensive and hard-to-find ingredients to make authentic tempura sauce, because Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce is the multi-purpose, affordable solution to your Japanese sauce needs!

Try these quick fixes to whip up authentic Japanese dishes!

To make soup for Noodles (Udon/ Soba), add 7 parts hot water to 1 part Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce.

To make a dipping sauce for Tempura, add 3 parts hot water to 1 part Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce.

To make sauce over Steamed Rice (Beef Bowl/ Tendon), add 3 parts hot water to 1 part Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce.

To make sauce for Sukiyaki, add 2 parts hot water to 1 part Kikkoman Tempura & Noodle Sauce.

Enjoy!

Issue 1, Volume 1 - APRIL 2007

Road Trip!

Summer is here and it's time to pack up your stuff and go on road trips! ...and that usually means lugging tons of stuff! On a recent trip to a secluded beach in Subic, Zambales, we were not surprised to see families having grand picnics by the water. Most beach resorts now offer huts that are equipped with sockets for you to plug in your rice cooker, electric wok or even your portable ref! Yes, beach chow is no longer limited to just barbeque, grilled this and that, or cold rice. Everything now comes in handy, which makes it easier for us to plan a beach trip or picnic. It is Holy Week and we are sure that most of you are planning your own trips out of town. Are you heading to the beach, to a nearby hot spring resort, or to your hometown? Are you thinking of what food to bring? Check out our first blogzine issue for great ideas on how to make your summer fare extra special... or should we say... extra appetizing!

Dips n' Dressings

Have you tried Clara Olé's latest product? Do you need a little zest to spice up your everyday dishes? Try Clara Olé's Dips n' Dressings! It is not only good for veggies, but also perfect for chips, appetizers, cocktails and even adds the extra punch to your daily viands! Clara Olé's Dips n' Dressings comes in six exciting and delightful flavors - Thousand Island, Caesar, Asian, Ranch, Honey Mustard and Wasabi. Available in leading supermarkets and groceries nationwide! Try all six NOW!

A New Look for a Great Product!

Clara Olé Tomato Sauce now comes in a new pack! You might be scouring grocery shelves looking for the old packaging and be a bit unsure if this new pack is the same as your good ol' Clara Olé Tomato Sauce. Alas, it is. We maintained the same delicious and flavorful taste Clara Olé Tomato Sauce is famous for. It is still rich in minerals like Lycopene, Potassium and Iodine that aid in disease prevention. Clara Olé has NO artificial colors and preservatives, so you can be assured that you are providing your family with a product that is safe and great-tasting! So, cook your way to good health and great food! Put the Olé in your cooking today!

More Options for Healthy Eating

Attention Pasta Lovers! Wanna pack in the pasta and not the pounds? Check out these new pasta products from San Remo:

San Remo Wholemeal Spaghetti, 500g
SRP = PhP85.00, available in Landmark, Unimart and Makati Supermart

Wholemeal Pasta is the most fibre-enriched of all pastas. It is prepared with wheat bran and fibre to guarantee higher fibre content. In fact, every 100g serving of wholemeal pasta contains 6g of fibre!!!

San Remo Organic Pasta, 500g

comes in Spaghetti, Penne and Trivelle
SRP = PhP125.00, available in Landmark, Unimart and Makati Supermart

San Remo Organic Pastas are made from 100% organically-certified Durum wheat. Its distinctive rough finish shape allows it to hold more sauce, and thus have an unmistakable, delicious taste.

Recipes, Recipes, Recipes!

Planning a beach party anytime soon? Try out these new and exciting recipes from Lee Kum Kee, Kikkoman, San Remo, Clara Ole, Smucker's, TABASCO and Tree Top! Click on the images to save your favorite recipes!

Starters and Salads
Serving a salad to start off your meal? Try this easy-to-make, healthy vinaigrette!



This yummy appetizer is also the perfect starter to a lovely summer meal!



Noodles!
Try serving Japan's famous summer dish to cool off from the scorching heat!



...or serve up some healthy, organic spaghetti!



Summer Favorite!
What's a summer picnic without Barbecue? Try this zing-y recipe that's sure to be a hit!

This zesty fish dish takes the cake! (hehehe)

A Cool Summer Drink!
Wanna stay cool under the summer sun? Try whipping up this easy summer drink that will have your kids asking for more. We use Tree Top Apple Juice so you can be sure there is NO ADDED SUGAR as our products are naturally sweetened by the sun!



Surprising Desserts!
Hmmm... have you heard of Hot Sauce in your ice cream? Or Salad Dressing in your Jello? Check out these surprising recipes from TABASCO and Clara Olé!





Ooooooooohhh... Promos!

We often come up with exciting promos to give back a little something to our consumers. Check out these Bundling Promotions from some of your favorite brands!

JIF Peanut Butter, 18oz with FREE Gift! (Barbie Coin Pouch, Barbie Pencil Case Set or Hotwheels Pencil Case Set)
in JIF Creamy Peanut Butter, JIF Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter
SRP = PhP 150.65
in JIF Reduced Fat Creamy Peanut Butter and JIF Reduced Fat Extra Crunchy Peanut Butter
SRP = PhP 181.45
Available in leading supermarkets nationwide, until supplies last.

Kikkoman Standard 1 Liter with FREE McCormick Season n' Fry Barbecue Coating for Chicken

SRP = Php 148.00

Available in SM Supermarkets, South Supermarket and other leading supermarkets nationwide, until supplies last.

Lee Kum Kee FREE Canister Promo + P10 OFF!
Get a FREE canister and P10 OFF for every purchase of Lee Kum Kee Panda Oyster Sauce, 18oz with Lee Kum Kee Soy Sauce, 500ml.
SRP = PhP 139.00
Available in all SM Supermarkets nationwide, Shopwise, The Landmark, Hi-Top, South Supermarket and Puregold, until supplies last.

San Remo Fettucine, 500g with FREE Lee Kum Kee NOS (Chili Garlic Sauce, 35g or Hoisin Sauce, 50g) + Recipe Leaflet!
SRP = PhP 56.70
Available in leading supermarkets nationwide, until supplies last.