The Cookie Creamery Co. - SM Marikina

*Sorry if this blog took time to be posted. All the pictures I took on that day using my Blackberry phone were crappy that my sister need to go there and re took the pictures. Anyway, she enjoyed it ha!

Due to miscommunication by text, I was forced to get my glasses at EO optical shop in SM Marikina. Since they are not prepared for my pick-up, the employee of EO told me to wait up to 30 minutes to finish my eye glasses. This is the first time that I went to SM Marikina so I thought to check the whole place out and to pay our PLDT bill.  As I pass the side entrance of the supermarket I saw a food stall that sells ice cream sandwiches. I am a sucker for new food concepts and I miss eating ice cream sandwiches due to my braces so I didn’t let this one pass.

The Cookie Creamery Co. is located at the 1^st floor near the supermarket area of SM Marikina. It just opened August 2, 2014 however you can see people flocking at this food stand. This is the first store to offer ice cream cookies alone and take note, the first “do it yourself” ice cream sandwich bar.  Besides ice cream cookies they also offered cookie sandwiches that are covered with frosting. You can also order milk and cookies as well. If you’re a newbie and can’t decide what combination you will go to, you can check their staff favorites sign near the cash register. 

I chose the red velvet cookie + cream cheese ice cream. For the price of 75 Php, the quality stands out. The size of the cookies is like small saucers sandwiching two scoops of ice cream. The sweetness is just right and the flavors are balanced. Unlike with DQ’s ice cream sandwich that you need to wait a few minutes to defrost (and the reason why I don’t eat this anymore because I hate waiting) the texture of the cookie is perfect and doesn’t mush as the ice cream melts.

I recommended it to my sister and she got her two thumbs up. She said that the idea was awesome and wished that they will have a store in SM Megamall or any mall near Ortigas area. 

See it for yourself! It's worth visting SM Marikina for this great dessert.


Peanut_Belle

Chez Karine: new haven of indulgence

I almost forgot that I got a food blog. Its been almost more than 2 months since my last post. Got busy baking lately and I dont have time to complete my entry.

But dont worry, I'll share to you some of my food journey for the past two months that I'm offline from my blog.

Let's start changing stressed to DESSERTS!

My sugar loving friend Mean and I decided to de-stress from work so I recommended to have a tea time (merienda) in Chez Karine. Located at the new fashion mall in SM Megamall, this sweet haven became my favorite. 

Its located in front of Tim Ho Wan, so if you like to get some desserts after a sumptuous lunch or dinner, this is the place to be.

We ordered some of their famous French macarons (55php) regular and (60php) for specials such as smores and butter popcorn as shown in the picture

the place isn't cozy like you expect from coffee shops (with dim lights and easy listening music -- haha) but its a nice spot to have a coffee or tea with friends. 

So with the macarons: 

from top to lower right: Smores (my fave) Strawberry, Black Sesame, Dark Chocolate and Chocolate Mint. I'm a great fan of smores since I love eating marshmallows. My friend Mean preferred the chocolate mint cause the taste of mint and chocolate were balanced -- and I totally agree to that! 

Aside from macarons they also got puddings. What I like most about their puddings is they place it inside a cute little bottle with a small spoon to scoop it out. 

I bought this for my sister. She loves blueberry cheesecake but I just made a boo boo... I forgot the spoon! just realized that when I got home and open the bag for her haha. She still loved it even its kinda hard to scoop it out. I was thinking how they placed the cheesecake inside, then later I learned that those small jars are heatproof -- got that info from All About Baking (they also sell those cutie cute jars)

We didn't stay there for long cause we're avoiding the traffic in Edsa but at least for a short span of time, we gave in to our cravings. Something I love to do once in a while.

They got their social media accounts in case you're curious about their store . Please don't forget to visit their site at chezkarine.com to see other products that they offer 

 No wonder its the reverse of stressed, cause nothing beats a good dessert.  

Starbucks' new hit for Summer: Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino

Last April 14, Starbucks announced its new line of drinks for summer. Mango Banana Frappuccino, Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino and Brezza Blend. 

Being an avid fan of caramel macchiato, I decided to try first the Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino (whoa thats a long name for a drink). 

As stated on Starbucks' official site: Coffee blended with four kinds of caramel, milk and ice topped with a layer of dark caramel sauce, whipped cream, caramel drizzle and crunchy sugar topping.

I requested for a less sweet option by reducing the pumps of caramel. My friend who's a barista at Starbucks also suggested to reduce the dark caramel for less guilt. (ohhh I love being guilty with this drink) But since I'm a sweet tooth and I need to watch my calories I made some tweaking on the recipe. 

My verdict? It was heaven! I found my new stress buster. I got speechless after drinking it cause its really yummy and the crunchy sugar topping added texture to the drink. Its like having caramel frappuccino with LOADS of caramel in it. LOVE LOVE LOVE indeed.

Here is something to look forward guys. Posted last April 14 on their official Facebook page

https://www.facebook.com/StarbucksPhilippines

Frappuccino® Treat for Two.

On April 28 & 29, from 2pm - 5pm, enjoy a buy one, get one offer on Caramel Ribbon Crunch Frappuccino® Blended Beverage.

but why wait right? Indulge!