An Apple Surprise!

I know, I know.. Sugarized blog is about baking! But I could not resist posting this one. I was browsing the grocery aisles this evening to buy some "healthy alternatives" for my Mom, since she recently suffered a stroke.. And while I was at the aisle of condiments looking for some low sodium soy sauce, this bottle of a gem caught my eye! Apple Ketchup! I've never heard of apple ketchup before, let alone tried one! I've had the ubiquitous tomato ketchup and the budget-friendly banana ketchup... I've heard of squash ketchup in the past but never saw it in any of the supermarket aisles... but apple?! Surely I gotta try this one. So I did.

The verdict? It sort of tastes similar to banana ketchup, only lighter. If you've had the store-bought sweet and sour sauce in a bottle, the apple ketchup was like a cross between that (without the spiciness), and the banana ketchup variety.

Aside from my curiosity, one of the things that compelled me to buy it is the mighty promise at the back label. I know my photo is blurred, and you probably can't read it! Sorry my camera has really low resolution.. =) So let me  read it for you:

Apples are healthy-licious! Apples are rich in Vitamin C and phyto-chemicals called flavonoids and polyphenols that help fight cancer. Plus more whole-body benefits:

- lower blood cholesterol

- better bowel function

- less risk of stroke

- prevent type II diabetes and asthma

Now that's a mighty promise alright! Flavonoids are showing up almost everywhere in the advertising industry. I guess more and more people are getting conscious of healthy-living nowadays. I'm all for that, so I'm not complaining. =) Since my Mom got sick, I really got into thinking about radically changing my family's eating habits and lifestyle. I would want them to be around for a long time. So if this Apple Ketchup is a start, then I think I'm on the right track. =) ♥♥♥

My Favorite Stop

Going home from work, I had to cross the street passing by Ministop. And almost always, I had to stop by the store and buy myself anything to quench my thirst or to fill my growling stomach. I've tried most of what they offer but there are two items that has become my favorite:

Shark's Fin Dumplings


I know this probably isn't authentic shark's fin, but still the taste is oh so yummy! It has something in it that I can't put my finger on... It tastes of some herb that's savory and leaves you wanting for more. I like that it's deep fried to perfection and the wanton wrapper is crispy to the bite. If only I could have my way, I would eat this everyday for dinner! Plus, it's very inexpensive, just P29/4 pcs. There were so many times I had brought this at home that my little sister requests for it everyday! It has become her favorite too.


Revel Bars by Pam's Kitchen


My other sister, who's living in a dorm at the moment, recommended this to me. She went to Ministop with some friends for a late night snack and had these. She was so satisfied with it that she raved about it when she went back home. I had totally forgot about it until yesterday when I had another craving for shark's fin dumplings. I checked what's on the chiller and found these! At first I thought they were a bit pricey for my budget, but they were worth it! The oatmeal bottom was a real treat (and very healthy too!), and the chocolate frosting was so creamy and decadent. I think it would be better with walnuts on top, but nevertheless, they were great.