Gift suggestions for foodies

Several food books have been released over the last few months, ranging from cookbooks to biographies, any of which would be welcome on a foodie’s shelves.

On of these is actually an old favorite -- Memories of Philippine Kitchens by Amy Besa and chef Romy Dorotan, owners of the Purple Yam in Brooklyn. This new edition, which features newly revised and updated content, presents a fascinating and very personal look at Filipino cuisine and culture. Beyond just a cookbook, it is about connections and cultures, stories and over 100 unique recipes from local cooks around the country.pocket scales

Then there is a book of very well written food essays -- which they should be since they are all winners in a prestigious food writing tilt which honors food writer Doreen Fernandez.kitchen balance scale

Savor the Word: Ten Years of the Doreen Gamboa Fernandez Food Writing Award, edited by Michaela Fenix, marks the 10th anniversary of the awards by compiling all the winning entries. The soft-bound book is available at National Book Store.

Anyone who has dined in Metro Manila over the last 30 years is sure to have eaten and one of the late restaurateur Larry J. Cruz’s many eateries -- Café Adriatico, Café Havana, Fely J,hanging scales Bollywood, Mojito Bay and Abe are just some of his 35 restaurants -- and there is a good chance that at least one of these is their favorite. To learn more about the man behind the food, there is Larry Can’t Cook, published by Anvil, a biography of the famed bon vivant.

LJC-RCBC Bankard Mastercard is giving away a complimentary copy to anyone who applies and gets approved for a new card until Dec.heavy duty digital platform scales 31.
Another book that looks at a famed restaurateur -- and this one includes recipes -- is The Alba Cookbook. It features beloved Spanish recipes and practical cooking tips from culinary legend Anastacio de Alba, now 86, the man who introduced the Filipino palate to authentic Spanish cuisine through the popular Alba Restaurant. His colorful life is told by friends and family in this book.

Released by Anvil Publishing, The Alba Cookbook is available in National Bookstore, Bestsellers and Powerbooks.

Just because a person likes to eat healthy does not mean they have to be deprived in this season of culinary delights. This season Healthy Options offers “Love Boxes” that are “high in deliciousness, but low in calories and does away with the unhealthy fats.”

There are “Love Snacks” such as gourmet popcorn, freeze-dried blueberries, Mediterranean crackers, natural fruit juices, among others (including organic pasta and pasta sauces; “Love Bites” or munchies that include healthy nuts, fruit, and chocolate treats; and the Love Sparkling gifts like Effervé Sparkling French Lemonade, and good wines like Nuevo Mundo Cabarnet Sauvignon 2009 or Nuevo Mundo Sauvignon Blanc 2010 from Chile, Organic Vintners Chardonnay or Organic Vintners Cabernet Sauvignon from California; “Love Mornings” healthy breakfast treats and beverages; and “Love Tea Time” gift options that include Republic of Tea Cookie and Tea Set or Natural Nectar ChocoDream Rice Sticks.

And just because it is healthy, that does not mean a sweet-tooth cannot be satisfied. Healthy Options has “Love Chocolate” special gifts like the Marich Chocolate Confections; all-natural Silly Cow Farms Hot Chocolate Jars or in cute milk cans; and Snowman Hot Chocolate in snowman tin cans.industrial shipping scales