It’s a yummy, Jolly Christmas

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! If you haven’t done your Christmas shopping yet, then you’re not unlike many of my friends who wait until the weekend before the festivities to check things off their shopping list. Don’t fret! I’ve got you covered, so that you don’t end up buying just about anything you see on a grocery shelf.

Here is a definitive list of food products to give your loved ones this season. These are comestibles that I plan to give those near and dear to me, and I don’t mind sharing them with you because they are a reliable lot. With the slew of amazing locally produced products on the market, it’s about time you give something that’s new, creative and well-thought-out.

One of the revelations of 2017, in terms of Filipino food products, is the care given to their packaging. Gone are the days of flimsy boxes, cellophane wrapping and unflattering logos. You might have noticed in recent bazaars and weekend markets that purveyors have started investing in their overall branding. Pro tip: When giving food as gifts, it’s best to make sure it’s not hidden and wrapped to avoid spoilage. Good food, great packaging — there are many things to be grateful for this year, and sharing them is the best way to spread the yummy, jolly vibes even more over the holidays. 

Bayani Brew tea concentrate

Nothing is as refreshing as Bayani Brew. The good folks behind the brand have released a new product to make sharing the tea goodness in bigger groups. The concentrate comes in Lemongrass Pandan and Sweet Potato flavors, which you can also use to whip up holiday cocktails. (P180/bottle, www.bayanibrew.com)

Memz premium pork chicharon

Addictive is the best word to describe this chicharon. I’ve never had crunchy, golden chicharon that’s as good as this. One of the pleasures of having Memz is how each piece is bite-sized, making munching on them more gratifying. They’re greaseless, not artificially flavored, and packed with laman in each bite. Make sure to order packs for personal consumption, too. (P100/70-gram pack, memzchicharon.com)

Comer y Comic mustard and Worcestershire sauce

You’d be surprised to know that the supply of Worcestershire sauce on the market is dwindling. Worry not as Comer y Comic has got you covered. These sauces pair perfectly with just about any meat. Their own blend of chunky mustard is a pantry must-have as well. (P200-P250, facebook.com/comerycomic)

Mess Hall cookies

Imagine: A cookie as big as a toddler’s face — loaded with good quality add-ins and perfectly chewy and moist and heavenly. Trust me, you’ve never had a cookie this good before. Choosing from their four flavors (Chocolate Chip Cookie, Nutella Crinkle, White Chocolate Walnut, and Triple Chocolate Mallow) will be the most difficult decision you’ll make this season. (P480/box of 4, Call 0917-6247116 or 869-9284 local 114)

Homemade Treasures ube jam

For the past couple of Christmases, this ube jam hailing from Porac, Pampanga has become a go-to gift for my family. Everyone we’ve shared it with has praised the quality of jam packed in every container. They churn the mixture for hours to create the smoothest, most luxurious product. Perfect for spreading on warm pandesal or eating by the spoonful! (P315, facebook.com/homemadetreas)

Theo & Philo sampler set

Adobo, turon, barako, green mango and salt — these are not menu items but rather the ingenious flavors of Theo & Philo chocolate bars. Proudly Pinoy, Theo & Philo uses cacao from Davao and is produced only in small quantities. The sampler set comes with six assorted mini bars so your loved one can have a taste of Theo & Philo’s full range. (P360, theoandphilo.com)

Bucky’s brown butter polvoron and caramel sauce

One of the best ways to end a Poblacion crawl is to cool down with Bucky’s soft serve parfait. And now your loved ones can enjoy the same treat in the comfort of their own homes. These canisters are filled with creamy, luscious caramel sauce and pulverized polvoron, which can actually go atop any Christmas dessert. (P650/set, facebook.com/buckysnotabrownie)

Dimpy’s ensaymada

Noche Buena can never go without ensaymada on the dessert table. Dimpy’s is perfectly soft and fluffy, yet still dense and generous. The topping of sugar, butter, and cheese is also balanced well. Complete your spread by ordering their frozen brazo, chocolate cake, and banana walnut muffins. (P550/15 minis, dimpyskitchen.com)

Tu’ka spiced vinegar

If you’re like me, then you like pairing fried and grilled food with a flavorful vinegar blend. I’ve tried several on the market, and Tu’ka’s remains high on my list of favorites. It’s sweet, sour, salty and spicy all at once, and is packed with various herbs and spices. Their slogan “mauutal ka ta talap” offers a good laugh, too. (P150, Call 0917-5351647)  Illustration by Gaby Serrano