A sweet treat that’s a sure winner? No-fuss savory delights for Noche Buena? You know we’ve got you covered.
It is once again the season of giving, and even the shopping champions of the world sometimes need a helping hand. Everybody has to eat, and during this festive season, we might as well do it right. Here are some edible Christmas gift ideas that will surely spread some holiday cheer.
Something familiar, yet something new: Famous Best Empanadas
Pastry chef Roselyn Tiangco teams up with Sanlo’s Famous empanadas to make what could be the definitive gold standard for these classic confections. Everyone first notices the crust—incredibly buttery, flavorful, and baked to a golden perfection. Then you are spoiled for choice with the savory and sweet fillings ranging from chicken pastel, spinach, ube, coconut, corn, and our favorite camaron con crema, among others. To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Related story: Stylish Christmas gifts for the home enthusiasts in your life
Related story: I visited 14 Christmas markets in 5 countries in Europe. Here’s what I love about them
Edible centerpieces: Butternut Cakes Christmas Collection
We love this baking company that makes celebration cakes accessible yet incredibly well-executed. They definitely are in the holiday mood with their three different Christmas Collection cakes that are festively-fitted and delicious. Choose from their Holly Jolly (decadent cocoa delight), Oh Christmas Tree (white chocolate tiramisu), and Snowman’s Festive Delight (fun-sized carrot cake). Order from their website.
Pass the good vibes: Mailchip Brownies
This Ultimate Taste Test 2020 winner is the mastermind behind the original dark chocolate orange cookie and fans were happy to discover that home baker Nina Licad is back in the kitchen. This time, she completely geeked out on brownies and had developed two flavors that brownie fans will surely drool over: Better than Box Brownies (with a sprinkling of sea salt on top) and BTBB with chocolate ganache. To order, fill out their order form on Instagram.
Related story: Festive flicks: 10 Christmas movies and series for the holidays
Related story: Here’s how to enjoy eating while staying healthy this Christmas
Looks good, tastes good: Insanely Good Brie
I love it when brands don’t lie. I have not tried anything from Insanely Good that is not just that, including their new offering of baked brie variants: brie brulee, pistachio & cranberry, and fig & pecan. They come in nifty gift boxes and melba toasts which make them perfect for holiday gifting. To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Ciao, Santa!: Rebel Bakehouse Chocolate Panettone
Not to throw shade on the boxed versions, but we are beyond jubilant when we found out baker Donna Aldana was coming out with her own version of the Italian Christmas sweet bread. Her chocolate version is incredibly moist and fragrant with chocolate and nuts, a lovely treat to go with coffee and hot chocolate. Available for pre-order, you can pick them up in their different branches and pop-ups from Baguio to Rockwell. For branches and inquiries, follow them on Instagram.
Share those carbs: Masa Madre Christmas Boxes
One of the local authorities on laminated pastries, chef Kris Edison Tan is making sure his croissants are dressed for the occasion. They said they had Santa’s helpers baking up some bibingka croissants, a selection of pastel de nata for the egg tart lovers, and some mini croissant boxes to get you through Christmas morning without a hitch. Order soon to make sure your Christmas boxes arrive on time, unless you have a magical sleigh, of course. To order, fill out the order form on Instagram.
Related story: Gift guide: Brands your loved ones will appreciate
New Christmas ham contender: Smoked ham from Cocina Murriel
A new contender has entered the Christmas ham arena, my friends! Cat Murriel is the 3rd generation producer of their family heirloom recipe of smoked ham, handed down to her dad by their grandma. Their hams come either whole or sliced, and with their sweet and fragrant glaze, which makes them good right off the charcuterie board but even better after quickly rendering that fat on a pan. Pro tip: They make delicious sausages as well, and bottled aligue called Crab in a Jar. Get those, too. To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Well-seasoned greetings: LaDai Local Artisanal Salt
We are all for meaningful gifts, especially if they actually make your food taste better. This purveyor of local artisanal salt offers the finest ones made in Guimaras, Zambales, Bohol, Bacolod, and Maigao packed with nifty tools and containers that will look pretty in your kitchen. They even wrap it up all nice in local abaca so less time for you worrying about gifts and more time enjoying the season. For orders and inquiries, find them on Instagram or go to their website ladai.ph.
Classic sweet and savory hits: Ley’s Kitchen cupcakes and bottled products
It’s not breaking news that Angel Ley makes some of the best home-cooked party platters in the metro— her curry crab, beef rendang, bak kut teh, and many other delicious dishes are staples in the city’s finest holiday parties. For this Yuletide season, she is offering some classic favorites done right—chocolate and red velvet cupcakes, as well as bottles of Spanish-style sardines and chicken pilpil. Easy to serve last minute, no fuss, but you can be sure it’s delicious because they’re from Ley’s Kitchen. For orders, message them at 09178486889.
Easy potluck winners: Cocina Iberica party platters
Spanish food has always been a Filipino party staple, and these dishes by a certified tisoy chef is sure to impress even your most suplada tita. Cocina Iberica does all the Filipino-Spanish classics well, especially their lengua, tortilla patatas, callos, gambas, croquetas, and paella negra. Que rico! Good for 8 to 10 servings, and please do give them two to three days’ advance notice. For orders, send them a DM on Instagram.
No-fuss Noche Buena: 8th Street Roasts roast beef party tray
We all know that roast beef is always the star of the potluck spread, and this one is a great option that’s pretty much reheat and serve. It comes in half and full orders complete with flavorful French beans, super creamy mashed potatoes, and luscious gravy you’ll be reaching for the rice. It comes in really nice packaging which makes it an ideal gift for your favorite carnivore as well. To order, send them a DM on Instagram.
Tea’s the Season: Westin Manila’s Holiday Afternoon Tea to-go set
Now that you have a little time to yourself (we hope!) since its the holidays, treat yourself and your chosen few to a cozy high tea at home. No fussy waiters or dressing up, just you and your comfy pajamas or pambahay sipping on hot tea, feasting on classic scones, goat cheese a berries tartlet, poached chicken and herb sandwich, smoked salmon eclairs, and some limited edition Christmas pastries from Westin Manila’s Baker’s Boutique. Available for pre-order and next day pick-up, it arrives in a nifty takeout tower that beautifully displays all these delicious delicacies. To pre-order, call +63282562020 or email westinmanila@westin.com.
