The Big Coconut: Azuki Beans

Scientific Name: Vigna angularis

Azuki Beans are widely grown throughout the Himalayas and some parts of Asia. They are originated from China and very popular in Japan and in Korea. The name "azuki" is a transliteration of the native Japanese name. While in China, it was considered as the "red bean".

Azuki Beans helps promote bowel movement and is rich in fiber. It also has a good source of Vitamin B and protein. In Japan it is believed that eating Azuki Beans can help support the bladder and kidneys

In China, Azuki Beans are used in mooncakes, red bean paste and zongzi. In Japan, it is used for daifuku, taiyaki, monaka and anpan. Mostly, Azuki Beans are used for desserts and pastries.

Foodie Adventure: Coffee Project

     Coffee shops are our best friend! It's the perfect place to unwind and relax. It is the place where you can hang out with your family, friends and love ones. All you have to do is to order some coffee or tea, maybe some bread or cake, then look for the best spot to spend a couple of hours and be comfortable! A few days ago, we were about to go to our usual coffee shop to spend the evening when we saw this shop. My best friend who was the one insisting me and my partner that we should try this out since it's new. So with that, we entered the glass door and what we saw really amazed us!

     Manny Villar, a senator of the Philippines, established the first Coffee Project in Starmall Alabang, 2014. Then later on, as the business progressed, he opened more shops in Metro Manila, Pampanga and Bataan. Manny tells that drinking coffee was his and his mother's bonding time after a tiring day selling fish in Divisoria martket. He also stated that whenever his family goes to other places or countries, they would always stop by a coffee shop to have coffee. His love for coffee made him venture into the coffee business and since he also loves plants and flowers, this became the main theme of his coffee shop. He wanted to create a comfortable and cozy atmosphere that when customers come in, they will immediately feel the warm and relaxing mood of the shop. That's why the decors are mostly of flowers, plants, leather sofas, books, vintage items and classy chandeliers. Coffee Project also offers cakes, cookies, biscuits, and other pastries. The branch we went to is at Vito Cruz, Taft Avenue Malate, Manila.

     When we entered, we were welcomed by a friendly staff. The place was indeed so cozy and huge, we just had to check every nook and cranny to see where can the customers hang out. There were plenty of areas to choose from! Personally, I do not know how they call it but based on what I saw, there were like living room area, dining room, library area, lounge area, and so much more that I wish I asked one of the staff how they call it. They also have a second floor, that means this is not the usual size for a coffee shop. 

What attracted me most are the shelves filled with vintage books, classic items and the artificial potted plants that looked real!

Not to mention those hanging books and succulent-filled light bulbs. Are we in Hogwarts? Wow!

The Menu

(click to see the larger picture)

They also have an outdoor lounging area. No Smoking!

What we ordered? These! Plus, each of us were given a stub which contains the password of their WiFi connection good for two hours.

Vanilla Macadamia, White Mocha and Coffee Creme Brulee

We were also given a Frequency Card wherein you will fill this out with stamps for every purchase of coffee. You get to have freebies and free upsizing =]

     Our stay was really relaxing! There was no distracting sounds, the whole area was so clean and we will definitely go there again. The staffs are really friendly and courteous too. The coffee definitely tasted great! Coffee Project is highly recommended for coffee lovers, catering to those who want to relax from a tiring day and most of all, this is a perfect place to hang out and rest.

The Big Coconut: Almonds

Scientific Name: Prunus dulcis

Almonds are a native to the South Asia and the Middle East then spread to other countries. It is a small tree, with gray stems and trunks that are green when young, which produces a fruit called "drupe", similar to peaches and cherries. Each drupe has a seed inside with a very hard shell and inside the hard shell contains an inner seed which is the Almond.

Almonds are rich in Vitamin E, Calcium, Magnesium, Phosphorous and Zinc. Eating Almonds is regularly will give you a healthy skin. It regulates blood pressure to give you a healthy heart. Almonds are great for the brain because it contains nutrients that help develop the brain. It can also prevent cancer and is good for pregnant women.

Almonds are used in making marzipan and nougats. It can also be added into cakes, ice creams, cookies, breads and jellies. In Greece, Almonds are used in wedding sweets. In China, Almonds are combined in tea or milk for added flavor. In Italy, Almonds are used in making Almond Macaroons which they call Amaretti. Almonds extract and syrups are also used in some desserts. 

Recipes to Share: Double Sausage Spaghetti

Here's a new recipe for Pasta Lovers. But be warned! This is full of meat =]

Ingredients:

1.5 kg Spaghetti noodles, cooked until al dente and strained

1.5 kg pre made cheesey spaghetti sauce

150g bacon strips, sliced into small squares

500g ground pork

500g German franks, sliced

1 can 450g sliced mushroom, water drained

1 kg Hungarian sausage, sliced

1 small box 250g cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup water

5 cloves garlic, chopped

1 medium red onion, chopped

basil

rosemary

salt

pepper

Procedure:

1. In a non-stick pan (no need to add oil since the bacon's natural fat will become the oil) sauté bacon squares until it is slightly brown. Add in sliced German franks and Hungarian sausages. Continue sautéing until brown. Set aside.

2. In a wok, sauté garlic and onion then add in ground pork. Add salt and pepper while continue mixing until the meat turns white. Add sliced mushroom then mix again.

3. Add spaghetti sauce, water, basil and rosemary. Continue mixing until well incorporated. You can add additional salt and pepper to taste and you can even add a tablespoon sugar if you want a hint of sweetness. Add in bacon and sausages then let it simmer for 5 - 10 minutes.

4. Add grated cheese before turning off the fire then mix.

The Big Coconut: Corns

Scientific Name: Zea mays

Corns or "Maize" in Spanish, is a popular crop that is spread world-wide and is originated from Mexico. It has a leafy stalk that when it matures, it produces "ears" which the corn is form. It has a bamboo-like structure stems with leaves that are colored green. It produces ears which is the actual corn, covered in layers of leaves. When it matures, a tuft of hair called "silk" emerges from the tip of the ear. The silk is colored green then turns into yellow or red later on. The ears are called female inflorescence while the tassel is called the male flowers. The kernels of the corn are the seeds.

Corns are rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Thiamin and Niacin. Eating Corns regularly will help prevent Rectal Cancer and Hemorrhoids.

The Corn kernels and Corn meal are considered grains and is used in making corn chips, taco shells, nachos and cereals. Corns can be grilled and steamed. Corn meal is used to make soups and drinks (fermented corn meal). In Asian Cuisine, Young Corn, a type of corn that is small in size, is sautéd with other vegetables and meat. Corn on a Cob is a common dish in Canada, United States and in Europe. Corn Starch is also made from Maize Flour, which in used in cooking. The most popular snack in all parts of the world is Pop Corn. Corn kernels can also be used in salads and is used as garnish.

The Big Coconut: Mozzarella Cheese

Italian Name: Mozzarella

The name Mozzarella came from the Neapolitan dialect which has the root word "mozzare" meaning, "to cut off" or "moza" which means "cut. There are also other types of Mozzarella Cheese such as the Mozzarella di bufala Campana which is made from the water buffalo's milk. The color of Mozzarella Cheese is light yellow to white and the process of making this cheese has not changed at all. The process of making this is by curdling the buffalo's milk with rennet then pour boiling water over the curds. The product is drained afterwards discarding the whey. The next step is to knead the product by hand until it will be elastic then it will cut into equal portions which they call "mozzatura".

Eating Mozzarella Cheese with help prevent bone defects since it contains Calcium. It can help lower blood pressure because it has Vitamins B6 and B12 plus Folate. It contains Zinc which help promote good immune system.

Mozzarella is usually added to pizzas, lasagna and other pasta dishes.

The Big Coconut: Strawberries

Scientific Name: Fragaria ananassa

Strawberries originated from France, these were cultivated in the 17th century and these were considered as ornamental plants before. It has a scaly leaf and if you touch it, you can really feel its roughness. Stalks are hairy and the leaves are spiky at times. The flowers are white in color, producing white berries after a couple of days, then these berries turns red. The fruits have a sweet aroma when ripe which can attract pests.

Strawberries are good for the eyes and they are also good for the skin. They are also known to prevent cancer and lower blood pressure. Strawberries are also good for enhancing brain memory and also prevent birth-defects.

In culinary Strawberries are used as jams, jellies and flavoring. Strawberries are also made into ice creams, pies and milkshakes. 

The Big Coconut: Lasagna

Lasagna or Lasagne in Italian is a flat sheet type pasta and its name is also called to the dish itself where the sheets are cooked then layers with meat sauces and cheese. How its name came up is based on three theories. First, it was said that the name Lasagne means "Pot Stand" which the Greeks took its name from where these sheets are being cooked. Second, its name is based on the dish itself which is similar to the present idea of what Lasagna is: The layering of cooked Lasagna sheets with red sauces or white sauces. Third, its name means "a flat unleavened bread".

The process of making Lasagna sheets is by combining flour (all purpose flour or using the original semolina flour or durum semolina wheat), egg, olive oil and salt then kneading it thoroughly until you form the pasta dough. After the dough is made, you have to cut the dough into small pieces. Using a pasta machine, roll out the dough several times until you obtain a thin Lasagna sheet. Then cut out the edges so that you will have the rectangular shape.

Lasagna sheets are not only for making the typical Lasagna but you can actually create lots of dishes with it by using your imagination. Try making Lasagna Rolls, Lasagna Meatloaf or Lasagna Chips with dip.