I am a self-confessed lover of bread. I don't know why but I like the texture and the sweet taste that I can't stop eating it. When I need something to nibble, I look for bread. Please don't judge me. Hahaha! Also, I love watching cooking and baking shows like Bake with Anna Olson and Cake Boss.

When I learned that the Davao Bloggers Society was invited for a baking workshop, I think I was the first person to sign up. I feel fidgety writing this blog because I am really excited to share my first baking experience with you guys. It's definitely one for the books!

First of all, the Philippine Baking Institute invited us and conducted the baking workshop inside their facility at Ecoland Drive, Davao City. last May 28, 2016. They are a premier baking institute in Davao City which offers baking education by certified and professional instructors. Our instructors/chefs for the day were Chef Steve Lim and Chef Francis Mangubat. Some participants, including me, attended another event in the morning. We joined the baking session at around 2PM. Some of our friends from DBS already baked pandesal and Spanish bread in the morning.

The first lesson was how to bake Brownies. I'd like to share the recipe so you can also try this out.

Ingredients:

250g Butter

6 pcs Large Eggs

450g Brown Sugar

5g Salt

5ml Vanilla

390g All Purpose Flour

80g Cocoa Powder

80g Cashew

2g Baking Soda

70g Dark Chocolate/Unsweetened (optional)

Procedure:

1. Melt butter and cocoa powder in a double boiler. Let it cool after.

2. Add in eggs one at a time and mix.

3. Add dry ingredients and fold.

4. Add the sugar mixture.

5. Bake at 160 degrees Celsius until baked.

The next pastry we baked was Pineapple Tarts. I don't have the recipe so I'll just share some photos.

The last pastry we baked was Butterscotch.

Ingredients:

360g Butter

800g Brown Sugar

100g Glucose

30ml Vanilla

6pcs Eggs

720g All Purpose Flour

30g Baking Powder

15g salt

Procedure:

1. Sift together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

2. Cream butter and brown sugar.

3. Add eggs one at a time.

4. Add vanilla extract.

5. Add the dry ingredients.

6. Fold in nuts and dried mango.

7. Bake at 160 degrees Celsius until golden brown.

I forgot to take photos of the Butterscotch because we were all excited eating all of it! Hahaha! But wait, we can't end the baking session without a major #flatlay! #FlatlayGoals :p

I am grateful to join the baking session at the Philippine Baking Institute. Actually, I've been thinking of taking baking lessons before when I had a lot of free time. When I learned about their wide range of professional baking education, I think this is something to look forward to. I might have a new hobby soon! :)

If you want to learn more about their services and their workshops, please visit their website at http://www.pbi.edu.ph/. 

Here's a schedule for August and September Workshops

Philippine Baking Institute

Facebook: www.facebook.com/pbidavao

Website: www.pbi.edu.ph/

Address: Ecoland Drive, Davao City

Contact Numbers: (082) 324-6085 / 0917 684 7538

Office Hours: 8AM to 5PM

Thanks for dropping by and have a great day! - Jexx

I love to discover new places to eat in the city I grew up in, especially if they serve coffee. As a coffee lover like me, I am looking for a perfect place that I can enjoy my cup of goodness in a quiet place with good interiors. Then to my surprise, I found the Coffee Grounds by Golden Lion.

Coffee Grounds is located at Roxas Ave. Extension, Davao City and they serve good food and coffee plus they have cool interiors. It's like you're in a shop in England because of their brown brick walls and London-themed paintings. Everything looks really "Instagram-able"! LOL

Here are some of the food they served during the food tasting last April 28.

ICED/COLD DRINKS

WHITE RABBIT P120  - Yes. It tastes like vanilla cupcake. I heard from the staff that it tastes like one of their cakes of the same name.

COOKIES AND CREAM FRAPPE P140

APPETIZERS

BRUSCHETTA (new on the menu, no price yet) - I like this! Slightly toasted bread with tomatoes, onion, basil, and cheese.

NACHOS P210 - Yummy! :)

MAIN COURSE

ROASTED CHICKEN IN LEMON GRASS P250 - A large cut of tender roasted chicken with gravy.

OSSO BUCO P290 - Soft beef (veal-shank) braised with broth, wine, and vegetables.

BABY BACK RIBS P320 - Tender baby back ribs with corn. My favorite! :)

PIZZA

TRIO FORMAGGIO PANCETTA P320 - It's cheesy and salty. Just the pizza I like. :)

TOMATO AND ARTICHOKE P315 - I don't understand the taste but it's salty because of the cheese and it has tomatoes.

PEPPERONI AND BASIL P280 - I like this too. Wish it had more pepperoni.

DESSERTS

They served this tea set with different sweets, cakes, and mini sandwiches. Macarons!!! :p

They also have a second floor for studying or reading books. They have these cool black chairs and couches. I even love their tiles on the terrace.

Most of the customers here are students because they are located near the school like Ateneo de Davao University and Holy Child College. The environment is still calm and quiet compared to other rowdy coffee shops in the city.

My 3 favorite dishes are the Trio Formaggio Pancetta Pizza, Baby Back Ribs, and the Roasted Chicken in Lemon Grass. I only tried their yummy cold drinks, so I have to go back and will give you an update on their hot coffee drinks. Will blog about it along with their newly launched product that will be a hit in the city.

COFFEE GROUNDS BY GOLDEN LION
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CoffeeGroundsByGoldenLion
Location: Roxas Ave. Extension, across Boulevard area, Davao City
Store Hours: 11:00AM - 12:00AM


Thank you for dropping by and have a great day!