FOOD STYLING at The MAYA KITCHEN

May 7, 2011, Saturday, 9am to 3pm

I was late in arriving last Saturday, May 7, 2011, and Chef Teo already had the class’ as he went about his talks about what Food Styling is all about and his various accomplishments in this field. And I thought that I was in for several hours of food decorating and plating techniques, but I guessed I was wrong…

          It was a unique lecture and demonstration that well known food stylist Chef Theo Zaragoza shared with students and the media recently at The Maya Kitchen.  The event started with a very informative talk which touched on the whys and hows of food styling.

According to Chef Theo, food styling is the art of bringing food to life, of preserving the natural appeal of food to ensure that it looks its best in front of the camera.

Chef Teo

The chef also differentiated between food styling and food presentation. Whereas food presentation requires that hot food is served hot and cold food is served cold, food styling, in most instances, require room temperature. Food handling is kept to a minimum in presentation while in styling, food is meant to be held and not eaten. In the pursuit of perfection, food styling invariably leads to food wastage, something that is not allowed in presentation. The most glaring difference is that food is half cooked or not cooked at all in styling.

To further illustrate his points, Chef Theo held a hands-on workshop by dividing the class into four groups. He then did step-by-step styling of fresh vegetable salad, pizza, fruit trifle and roast chicken. Chef Theo shared his styling secrets for each dish like how to create height and achieve the right color for the salad; how to create the thick, rich cheese strings seen on TV when a pizza slice is lifted; how to perfect the layer-by-layer look of a refreshing fruit trifle and how to achieve that appetizing rich brown color of a roasted chicken.

Chef Theo Zaragoza was a student of internationally-renowned stylist Dolores Custer. His very own Resultado Gourmet Designs, Co. is now an in-demand food styling firm in the advertising industry. They have done cook books, TV and print ads and editorial work for some of the country’s biggest food brands.

    For more information on other courses offerings, log on to www.themayakitchen.com or e-mail contactus@themayakitchen.com  

We really had fun doing the step-by-step styling of the three dishes, the fresh veggie salad, the fruit trifle, and the roast chicken, and laughed at ourselves as we saw our own creations being photographed and how they would look like when seen on the TV screens. Here, take a look at the photos and judge for yourself.  

Delicioso! Fresh Veggie Salad

Kiwi-Mango Fruit Trifle. Yummy!

Roast Herb Chicken with Baby Potatoes and Carrots

   And now I really do looked, not only once but twice, at food photos and food TVCs, wondering how much effort, how much spoilage, and how many takes were made during each and every photo. Thanks to Chef Teo, now I know. . .

 

JULIUS MAGGI KITCHEN'S March 2011 Offerings

March 17, Thursday
Beans & Legumes
Chef Laica Herrera 

Our lifestyle talk for that day was all about Party Planning. It is said that if you know how to plan ahead, party planning is as easy as ABC. Here are some ground rules to be an effective party organizer:


1.  Know what kind of party you'll be organizing---
                --the venue
                --the time and date
                --number of guests
                --budget
2.  Start customizing the party---
               --Design the party (what is the story or theme);
               --Create the party elements (find the diff. elements that can be included; program flow,    
                   entertainment, give aways, games and prizes, caterer, decors); balloons are big help
               --Start the invites
3.  Look for Suppliers---Divisoria is where everything is; do the math and compute how much!
4.  Stage the Party and Have Fun---check logistics, align with all suppliers and be early, make client happy
                  and Have FUN!

OF BEANS & LEGUMES ( beans and legumes)

Beans, peas, pulses, lentils all belong to the legume family. It is evident from many studies that the legume family facilitates in preventing heart diseases and cancer. Beans and legumes also help in stabilizing the blood-sugar levels. By keeping the cholesterol level low, they also prevent obesity. The varieties of beans and legumes like black beans, dried peas, garbanzo beans, kidney beans, lentils, lima beans, navy beans, pinto beans, soybeans, tofu, etc could be consumed as dietary food.

A single cup of beans contains 12 – 17 grams of fiber. Some portion of this fiber is soluble while some of it is insoluble fiber. The usual recommended fiber intake per day is around 30 grams. Usually, 10 large potatoes or eight cups of corn is needed for 30 grams of fiber. But, beans and legumes compensate the daily requirement with just 2 cups. Beans and legumes also prevent diabetes. Its high fiber content slows the pace and quantity of sugar progressing towards the blood stream. If a diabetic patient consuming beans and legumes regularly, the possibility for depending on insulin almost reduces by 40%. By controlling the blood and sugar levels, the diabetic patient runs a low risk of heart attacks.

Here the beans-laden recipes which Chef Laica "Loveeet" prepared for us, ilaced with  some amusing anecdotes that she tells pretty well.

BEEF IN BLACK BEAN SAUCE (I tried cooking this with chicken, but I found out that it's much better if I put Ampalaya to the dish, to come up with Ampalaya and Chicken with Tausi)
Ingredients:
500g beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
2 tbsp Maggi Oyster Sauce
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tsp. ground black pepper
4 tbsp oil
2 tbsp garlic, crushed
1 tbsp ginger, crushed
2 tbsp black beans, crushed
1-2 8g. Maggi Magic Sarap
500 ml water to make stock
Procedure:
1.  Combine the beef, Maggi Oyster Sauce, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch and ground black pepper.
2.  Use hand to squeeze and bind them together. Set aside.
3.  Heat oil in a pan.
4.  Stir-fry ginger, garlic and black beans until aroma is released.
5.  Add the beef and fry quickly while adding enough stock to make sauce.
6.  Serve hot.

HOME-MADE CHILI PORK & BEANS
Ingredients:
1/2 k. white beans, soaked in enough water overnight
1 tbsp. oil
1 pc. onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, crushed
1/2 k. pork belly, 1/2 inch cuts
2 tsp. Maggi Savor-Chilimansi
1 1/2-2 cups water
1/2 cup Maggi Chili Sauce
1/4 cup oil
3 tbsp. sugar
To taste Maggi Magic Sarap
2 tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in
1 tbsp. water
 Procedure:
1.  Soak the beans in enough water overnight then drain and rinse.
2.  Heat oil in a pot then saute onion and garlic.
3.  Add sliced pork and cook until brown.
4.  Add Maggi Savor-hilimansi and water.
5.  Add the beans and cook covered until tender.
6.  Add Maggi Chili Sauce, oil and sugar.
7.  Season with Maggi Magic Sarap to taste.
8.  Stir carefully to prevent mashing the beans.
9.  Thicken sauce with cornstarch mixture.
10.  Cook for another minute.
11.  May be served alongside rice or bread.

SOYA BEAN FRITTERS
Ingredients:

150g soya beans
1 pc. red chili, seeds removed, chopped
2 pc. spring onion, chopped
2 tbsp. coriander, chopped
50 g. breadcrumbs
1 pc. egg, lightly beaten
1 tsp. Maggi Oyster Sauce
To taste Maggi Magic Sarap
To taste ground black pepper
As needed all-purpose flour
1 tbsp.oil
Maggi Chili sauce
Procedure:
1.  In a blender or food processor, combine soya beans, chili, spring onion, coriander, bread crumbs, egg, Maggi Oyster Sauce, maggi Magic Sarap, ground pepper, oil, chili, then pulse briefly.
2.  Transfer into a bowl.
3.  Shape the mixture into any shape of patties and dredge in all purpose flour.
4.  Heat oil in a pan and fry each patty for about 3 minutes on each side, until cooked through and golden brown.
5.  Serve with Nestle Chili sauce, as dipping sauce.

FRIED TOFU WITH CHILI PEANUT SAUCE
Ingredients:
200 g. firm tofu, cubed
2 tbsp. cornstarch
To taste Maggi Magic Sarap
To taste ground black pepper
oil for deep-frying
Sauce:
8 tbsp. Nestle Fresh Milk
1 tbsp. crunchy peanut butter
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tbsp. Maggi Chili Sauce
1 tsp. Maggi Oyster Sauce
a dash chili powder
To taste Maggi Magic sarap
To taste ground black pepper
Procedure:
1.  Press the tofu between paper towels to drain them.
2.  Cut into  bite-sized cubes.
3.  Toss with cornstarch to coat.
4. Sprinkle a bit of Maggi Magic sarap and ground black pepper.
5.  Deep-fry until golden brown then drain on paper towels.
6.  Heat Nestle Fresh Milk over low heat in a pan.
7. Add peanut butter and stir well until fully incorporated.
8.  Season with the rest of the ingredients.
9.  Place the fried tofu in a serving platter alongside the chili peanut sauce.
10.  Maybe be served as an appetizer or as a snack.

CHICKPEA SALAD WITH CHICKEN STRIPS
Ingredients:
2 tbsp. garlic, crushed
2 tbsp. ginger, crushed
1/2 tsp. Maggi Magic Sarap
1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 k. chicken breast fillets

1/2 cup Nestle Sour Cream
1/2 cup Nestle Creamy Yogurt
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 tbsp. curry powder
To taste Maggi Magic Sarap
To taste freshly ground black pepper
3 cups assorted salad greens
3/4 k chickpeas, rinsed
1/4 cup red onion, diced
2 pc. red bell pepper
4 tbsp cilantro, chopped
2 tbsp fresh mint (optional)

Procedure:
1.  In a bowl, combine garlic, ginger, Maggi Magic Sarap, Maggi savor Chili Sauce
and cayenne pepper.
2.  Mix well and add in chicken fillets.
3.  Cover and chill for an hour.
4.  Grill or pan-fry chicken fillets and let cool.
5.  slice into strips then set aside and keep warm.
6.  In a bowl, combine Nestle Sour Cream, Nestle Creamy Yogurt, lemon juice and curry powder.
7.  Season with Maggi Magic Sarap and ground black pepper, to taste.
8.  Mix well to make the dressing.
9.  In another bowl, combine chickpeas, onion, red bell pepper and cilantro.
10. Pour in the dressing until all veggetables are well coated.
11.  On a serving dish, arrange alad greens. Top with chickpea salad and chicken strips.
12.  Drizzle with a bit of olive oil.

ENJOY!

DRINKS THAT HELP YOU LOSE WEIGHT

Here are the  top 10 drinks that help you lose weight.

•    Vegetable Juice: Vegetable juices are full of fiber, which in turn, make you feel full and help you eat less. They also have fewer calories than other drinks.

•    Fruit Juice: Fruit juices are filled with vitamins and nutrients. Those with more pulp contain more fiber, which in turn, keeps you feeling fuller longer. However, ensure that there is no added sugar in the fruit juices; sugar willl just increase your calorie intake and make all your efforts futile.

•    Fruit Smoothies: If a heavier and tastier version of fruit juice is what you are looking for, fruit smoothies are a great option for you. Just blend together some of your favorite fruits with a tad bit of skimmed milk and enjoy the delicious drink. Do not add sugar, whipped cream, honey or other sweeteners to the fruit smoothies to avoid extra calories.

•    Green Tea: Green tea is another effective drink for losing weight. When consumed on a daily basis, it boosts your metabolism thereby speeding up your body’s fat-burning mechanism. They also contain healthy antioxidants, which are really good for our health.

•    Black Coffee: And, if you are not a tea person, then you can also go for black coffee. Black coffee is again rich in antioxidants, which not only boost your mood, improve concentration but also reduces the risk of diabetes and cancer. Black coffee also has no calories (unless you add sugar or cream).

•    Milk: Too much milk contains loads of calories. But, three to four small servings of milk everyday is an effective way of losing weight as well. The calcium present in this moderate amount of low-fat or skim milk breaks the fat cells of our body down, thereby helping in weight reduction.

•    Whey Protein: Whey protein helps you curb your appetite by suppressing hormones that curb your cravings. Hence, whey protein is an effectual drink to lose weight as well.

•    Fiber Drinks: Numerous fiber drinks available in the market today also act as great weight loss drinks. Since our body cannot digest fibers, drinking fiber drinks make us consume very little or no calories in other meals.

•    Apple Cider Vinegar: This is one of the best “old school” health drinks to lose weight. Apple cider vinegar is believed to boost your metabolism, thereby, helping you reduce weight.

•    Ice Cold Water: Last but not the least, ice cold water is the easiest, cheapest and most convenient drink to lose weight. Studies have proved that drinking two glasses of ice water every day boosts your metabolism by 30 percent (which equates to about 5 pounds of fat per year). No calories and no fuss, this is probably the best home-made drink to lose weight.

FYI: 

Many think that they drink enough water, but they actually don't. You need to drink at least 2 liters of water everyday. If you do not know how much water you consume in a day, start measuring your intake. It's easy as keeping a tally of the number of glasses you drink per day.

                                                                                                  

People who drink a lot water, not only lose weight but also have glowing skins. They are free of constipation, free of kidney stones and literally stay cool when the temperature rises. Drinking water not only helps you lose weight, but also helps you to flush out the toxins in your body.

 So start drinking a glass of water before every meal! This helps you feel fuller, with fewer calories. What have you got to lose?                                                                                             

 

Thus, dump those café mochas, sweetened soft drinks and cocktails. Switch to these top 10 drinks that help you lose weight and limit your calorie intake. The results will be in front of you in just a couple of months.  From ifood.tv

THE MANY USES OF OLIVE OIL

THE MANY USES OF OLIVE OIL (from Yahoo!Green)

I've been so fascinated when I read that olive oil can help you with weight loss and even hair loss, that's why I spent a whole afternoon reading materials on the many uses of this wonderful oil. There were also studies and researched materials as to its other uses, but then collating them all  will take a lot of my time and my blog space. Anyhow, it's much more exciting if you can do the search yourself, and be surprised like me. I've listed here some of the most common uses so read on...

The legendary Olive Oyl

Olive oil is more than a cartoon character, a historic symbol of peace and glory,or a food staple of the much-vaunted Mediterranean diet. 

Health Benefits. Much have been said about the health benefits of cooking with olive oil. Olive oil promotes "good" cholesterol (HDL), is known to be gentle on the digestive system, and even may help prevent gallstones and soothe ulcers. Good quality olive oil contains valuable vitamins and nutrients, and it is loaded with antioxidants, which many believe help protect the body from cancer. 

Cooking With Olive Oil

HOME REMEDIES USING OLIVE OIL

We're most familiar with olive oil in relation to cooking, but there's so many other ways it can be used; often avoiding the need to use chemicals, compounds and substances that aren't very environmentally friendly. Plus, you don't even need to use the best grade of olive oil.

-- Use to prevent streaks, corrosion, and tarnish. After polishing copper or brass, rub it with a little olive oil to slow down the recurrence of tarnisg. If using as a stainless steel cleaner; please apply sparingly.

-- To prevent rusting, dip a razor into olive oil after use to prevent the blade rusting. Coat garden tool blades with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent dirt sticking to them and also to help prevent rusting. This works really well!

-- For use as an alternative lubricant for de-squeaking hinges, hinges, and anywhere else you might consider using lubricant.

-- Olive oil can help unjam zippers - use a cotton bud to apply.

-- To polish your wooden furniture and objects, use two parts olive oil mixed with one part lemon juice. Pour just a few drops on a soft cloth, wipe away the dust, scuffs, and fingerprints, and your desk will shine.

-- To help prevent cracking, repel staining and marking of wooden cutting boards, just rub olive oil into it.

-- To remove paint from hair or skin, dab a cotton ball dipped in olive to the affected area.

-- Old leather can be made more supple by rubbing in olive oil (spot test first). Apply a little olive oil to your shoes to restore their shine.  You can also condition and revitalize leather goods, such as baseball mitts, by rubbing in olive oil. Let set for 30 minutes, then wipe away any excess.

HOMEMADE SKIN AND PERSONAL BODY CARE

-- Soak your finger nails in warm olive oil to soften cuticles and strengthen brittle nails. Best to rub into fingernails before and after manicuring.
--As moisturizer for dry areas of your body.  Rub olive oil on the dry spots. A small amount will do and can be used on chapped lips, dry feet or anywhere else you want to moisturize.

    Olive oil can also be used in baths to help soften the skin. Mix the olive oil with other essential oils like lavender for a special treat. Without the greasiness, mix a few drops in the palm of your hand with a few drops of fresh lemon juice (vitamin c from lemon helps rejuvenate too). Apply evenly on wet skin after bath.

-- As substitute for hair conditioner, use a small amount of olive oil after shampooing. A mixture of a few drops of olive oil and lemon juice when used as a hair cream conditions hair without too much grease.

-- Cure for ear ache.  Heat up some olive oil in a microwave for 30 seconds then apply it to the ear that hurts for relief–"very carefully use a cotton swab to apply olive oil to the outside ear cavity to help with earaches and excess wax."

-- As replacement for shaving cream or shaving oil. The oil will soften whiskers or hair and give you a close, smooth shave. Men with sensitive skin can also use the oil on their beards.

-- Use as a makeup remover. Dab a small amount of olive oil on a cotton ball or pad. Even mascara will come off easily.

-- Use to ease snoring. Would you believe that taking a sip of olive oil before heading to bed can help lubricate your throat muscles, cutting down on snoring? Others have noted that downing a teaspoon of olive oil can help soothe a scratchy or ticklish throat.

For Weight Loss:  
Drinking olive oil to lose weight is a good option when compared to following any diet plan. The diets make us control our taste buds in order to lose weight, which most of the people cannot do. But, drinking olive oil to lose weight does not have any such restrictions and thus achieving the ideal weight gets easier.

At breakfast- It’s very simple as you just have to include it in your breakfast. 1 tablespoon of olive oil can be taken with juice or a glass of milk. You can also have it with your favorite fruit or a bowl of oats. Since breakfast is one of the most important meals of the day, one should not miss it.

At the lunch time- Drinking olive oil to lose weight during lunch time is also very effective. Before having your lunch, mix one tablespoon of olive oil with one tablespoon of lemon in a glass of water and sip it.

Evening snack- Olive oil is a major component of Mediterranean diet which is considered to be one of the healthy diets. One tablespoon of olive oil mixed with water, benefits the body immensely. Doing so will prevent you from unnecessarily munching on junk foods also.

For Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss usually causes a gradual loss of hair from the crown of the scalp, causing a broadened midline parting. It may also recede from the forehead, resulting in the classic ‘widow’s peak’.

-  Heat a mixture of 2 tbsps. of extra virgin olive oil, with 1tbsp of coconut oil, in a bowl in the microwave for about 30 secs.
-  Take a small amount of this mixture in your palm and with your fingertips, apply it on your scalp and hair.
-  Massage your scalp lightly for 15 mins. Remember not to pull the hair while massaging as it might increase the amount of hair that you are losing.
-  Post massaging, take a shower cap and cover your head with it. Leave the oil on the hair overnight or for minimum 4 hours. This helps in better absorption of oil by the scalp and the hair.
-  In the morning, wash your hair with a mild shampoo or with a medicated shampoo. People who are suffering from hair loss should always dilute the shampoo with water and then apply it on the hair and scalp, rather than applying directly, as all shampoos contain chemicals, and these chemicals, when they come in direct contact with the scalp, can weaken the hair roots and thus, cause further hair loss.

-  However, if this is not possible, apply the oil and let it stay for half an hour to one hour, before you wash it off with a good shampoo and conditioner.

Hair oil massage should be done at least three times a week to achieve best results.

For Dry and Damaged Hair

Olive oil (extra virgin) is the perfect solution for your problem. It is also good to fix frizzy or static hair. Extra virgin olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry hair.

• Brush you hair and part it with a comb. Apply olive oil preferably heated in the microwave for 20 secs or warm, on your hair with your fingertips. Make sure that you are not using your nails for the task.
• Dip the fingertips in the bowl and gently massage the scalp, on both sides of the parting.
• Now, make a new parting at a distance of about one or two inches from the first one and repeat the massaging process until the entire scalp is covered. You have to apply some oil on the hair too.
• You have to cover your head with a towel, in order to keep it warm (or use hair dryer), so that the oil can be absorbed for about 30 minutes to one hour.
• Then, unwrap the cover and wash your hair with a mild shampoo. As the hair is oily, you may need more amount of shampoo than you normally use.
• For better results, you may steam your hair, before washing it. This is beneficial in preventing the occurrence of dandruff.

Once your hair is dry, you will be able to feel the difference. It will be more smooth, silky and shiny and also easy to manage. Olive oil hair treatment can offer good results, provided you repeat it once every week.

For silky soft hands:

Exfoliate  Mix extra virgin olive oil with all-natural sea salt. Rub your hands together and exfoliate. Wash off mixture.

Moisturize Before you go to sleep, rub on a liberal amount of olive oil. Get cotton gloves. Slip on cotton gloves over hands. Go to sleep. Wash hands in the morning. Rinse hands with warm water. Apply a fresh dose of olive oil onto your hands and use as moisturizer during the day.

Pet Care.  According to curbly.com, adding a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s food helps prevent hairballs, as well as promote a shiny, healthy coat. Olive oil is likely to be more gentle on a cat's system than petroleum-based anti-hairball lubricants. Plus, it has the benefit of coming from a renewable resource, as opposed to oil from the ground.