It is only weeks before Christmas and some of us are still confused what to give to someone.
Well, if you are really confused on what to give, a great food gift is always something nice to give to someone.
In time for Christmas and its 20th year in the Philippines, Marks&Spencer has filled their shelves with more than 80 assortments of delectable indulgences exclusive to the holiday season.
Eighty is already a big number to choose from. To help us decide what to give this Christmas, I sat down and had a chat with Chef Booboo Maramba, Davao’s pastry queen and the first Wilton Method Instructor of the Philippines.
“Food is the wisest gift to give with desserts and chocolates the most popular. It can be enjoyed by many plus the sweet treats can double the happy feelings this season,” said Chef Booboo.
On special occasions like Christmas Chef Booboo would concoct something special for her closest friends and family. But as much as she wants to customize each gift, the long list will make it a very challenging task. For this reason, she goes to shop food for gifting at her preferred food and fashion brand—Marks & Spencer.
“I am assured of the high quality of their food products,” she said.
Chef Booboo pointed out that the food item choice will depend on the like and dislikes of the recipient, and must of course be age-appropriate.
For the whole family to enjoy, Chef Booboo suggests the Operetta, Praline and Nut Selection Box, Belgian Collection, Six Month Matured Frosted Snowflakes Christmas Cake, Nine Month Matured Intensely Fruity Christmas Pudding and Biscuits for Cheese.
For tea lovers and their after dinner treats, the chef recommends the Festive Classic Tea, Cranberry & Clementine Jaffa Cakes, Short Bread and Assorted Biscuits in decorative, reusable tin cans.
Kids love chocolates and M&S made it doubly irresistible. The milk chocolates wrapped in shimmering tin foils are quite attractive as it is delicious, and the Paddington Bear bonus stick on will delight the young souls.
The adults tend to have mature taste buds and most favor the less sweet treats. Chef Booboo suggests the Swiss Dark Chocolate Truffles, Viennese Biscuit Selection, Turkish Delight, Brandy Snaps, Pudding Selection, Orange Golden Caramels and After Dinner Mints and for variety, the Milk, Dark and White Selection Box.
“I have always been a fan of the M&S food selection. I have my personal favorites like the shortbread cookies because it’s not too sweet and the unique packaging is a bonus, especially the Christmas tree tin can. I also love the Turkish Delights as it pair well with coffee or tea. The assorted chocolates, which are not too sweet as well, are divine and truly melt-in-your-mouth treats,” Chef Booboo said.
These are just some of the gifts she recommends and I had tried of this. Personally, my favorites are the Short Bread and Assorted Biscuits, Turkish Delight, and the Milk, Dark and White Selection Box.
This pastry chef-mom knows best. Trust her.
Fashion: Marks & Spencer 2017 Holiday Collection available at M&S Abreeza and SM Lanang Premier
Photography: Kethley Uy
Make-up & Styling: Otoy Mercado
Venues: T’nalak Home, Abreeza Mall; M&S Abreeza