Freshness To-Go

Since I'm trying to eat healthier now, eliminating meat and incorporating fresh veggies (more, at least) in my diet my newest discovery after I did some grocery shopping at Rustan's is the Gourmet-To-Go section, which serves salads, sandwiches, and soup to go. So there's no more excuse for me to wolf down the can of potted meat for the next few days or so. What's not to love with DIY salad for Php 165 that's already good for two? What you do here is to pick a bowl of base greens, choose 5 condiments, and then dressing. Believe me, that's not good for 1. I was already full and I wasn't done yet with my serving.

For those who are lazy to mix, there are pre-made salads for you to choose.

The sandwiches look promising and good too. A bit pricey (One could go for like about Php 22o) though.

Since I'm not much of a sandwich girl, I skipped this for soup. Every week, they change their variety so we're not stuck on a food rut.

The Gourmet-To-Go section is available at Rustan's supermarkets. Do drop by for a fast, fresh, and healthy alternative.

Little Piece of Italy

I was having lunch with makeup artist Nina Dumpa after her makeup demo when we decided to just hang out at High Street and check out the goodies from Face Shop and Make Up For Ever and then she went, "O, let's have lunch here at Starbucks!" She recommended I get the Tomato Basil Mozzarella Sandwich they had it. Being a fan of Italian food, I tried it, fell in love with it, and vowed to order it in every Starbucks branch I see. Alas, at Php90 a pop, it was draining in the wallet so I figured I make a little something of my own...



A mini-version but if I make enough, it could be a easy guest pleaser for the non-cookers. I already shared the recipe to my friends and now, I'm sharing it to you:



Bambi's Tomato-Basil Open-faced Mini-sandwiches

• Pan de sal halves or Gardenia wheat bread, cut in half lengthwise with the crusts removed
• Grated Mozzarella or Sliced Mozzarella
• Sliced Tomatoes
• Fresh Basil (make sure they're washed and dried)
• Olive Oil
• Italian Seasoning
• Kesong Puti (optional)

Procedure:

1. Lay out the pan de sal halves/bread slices and drizzle with olive oil.
2. Arrange about 2 tomato slices per bread slice
3. Lay out the fresh basil and top with mozzarella slices and kesong puti
4. Drizzle again with a bit of olive oil. Don't put too much
5. Tap some Italian seasoning
6. Chuck the slices on the toaster oven and toast for approximately 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted but the basil not wilted or burned.
7. Serve warm.

Personally, I like my appetizers warming a bit rather than piping hot so I get to enjoy all flavors. It's a bit mild taste-wise and it's best served with pasta. You can arrange these babies ahead then just heat them in the oven when the guests arrive. This is also great for non-culinary food lovers, if you want a good snack that's easy to do. Try also substituting or adding ingredients like capers, mushrooms, flaked kani or what not. Add a glass of wine too! Cheers!