Foodie Goodie | Tous les Jours Brownie Mix.

Bet you didn't know the French-Asian bakery chain Tous les Jours have brownie mixes too, huh? I wasn't aware either, until I received this big basket of goodies last Christmas.

Tous les Jours Christmas Gift Basket!

They were sent to me by Tous Les Jours Philippines (thank you, TLJ Ph!) and inside were an assortment of their artisan cakes (Mini Castella, Mini Chiffon Cake, Cream Cheese Muffins, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Blueberry Muffin), a bottle of Strawberry Jam, and a box of Brownie Mix.

Tous les Jours Brownie Mix.

Unlike other brands of brownie mixes (as in the ones that we usually see at supermarkets) which requires you to add oil or eggs or milk or sugar, this one just needs water.

Just add water! :)

Preparation is a no-brainer. :)
1. Mix the TLJ Brownie Mix with 55ml of water in a mixing bowl. Stir until there are no lumps.
2. Put the mixture in a baking pan.
3. Bake it for 3 minutes and 30 seconds in the microwave. If you're using an oven, set it to 180°C and bake for 6-7 minutes. 
4. Let it cool for at least an hour. Slice and serve.
Tip: For fluffy and moist brownies, use 70ml of water instead of the usual 55ml.

Ta-daa! Homemade brownies ala Tous les Jours! :)

The TLJ Brownie Mix sells for Php248 per box, available at Tous les Jours stores in Metro Manila.

Shared with Food Friday and Food Trip Friday. :)  

Happy White Day! 화이트데이

It's one sweet day in Korea as we celebrate 'White Day' 화이트데이 - the day when women get to receive gifts (chocolates, being the most popular) from the men.

You see, on Valentines Day, women are usually the ones who give gifts to the men. On White Day, which is observed exactly one month after Valentines Day, it's the men's turn to shower the women with love and affection.

First celebrated in Japan in 1978, White Day was initiated by the National Confectionery Industry Association as an "answer day" to Valentine's Day - that men should pay back the women who gave them chocolate and other gifts on Valentine's Day.

What began as 'Marshmallow Day' in March 14, 1977 (Ishimuramanseido, a Fukuoka-based confectionery company, marketed marshmallows to men on this fateful day) became a big hit in Japan and was later on adopted by other neighboring countries, including South Korea.

White Day goodies available at EMart! :)

Lollipops and candies are the most popular gift items on White Day, as you can see in this promotional poster from EMart Mall. Chocolates, cakes, and roses make great gifts, too, but I reckon stuff like these are for couples or for those who are 'in a relationship'.

White Day 2013! :)

Like mine, for instance. A pink ribbon cake from Tous Les Jours. Ah, my husband is the bestest! I even heard that he's getting me those sneakers that I've been pining for the longest time. Tee hee! :)

Anyhow, for my friends in South Korea, and my fellow Kpop fans all over the world (because we celebrate Korean holidays too, just so you know - haha), a very Happy White Day! Go easy on the sweets!

My Purple Valentine. :)

For the past three years, Valentines Day saw me dating another man. And he looks like a carbon copy of my husband.

My handsome date. ;)

I'm talking about my son, of course! (Were you thinking about Lee Jun Ki? LOL.) And he was more than happy to fill in for his Daddy this year, because he gets to pick the place where we'll be dating.

Donning my favorite color. :)

Of course, I was not surprised with the little man's restaurant of choice.

Homaygad. Cheeeeeeeese!

Because he wanted another Happy Meal toy, and some caramel sundae for dessert.

What the fudge! :)

Not Pikachu!

I was actually thinking along the line of fine dining restaurants, like Aristocrat or Max's. But my resolve is no match for the power of Pokemons and french fries.

I am secretly pining for Max's Lumpiang Sariwa. LOL!

Oh well, for as long as he's happy, then I'm good.
At least he got me a Valentine present - in collaboration with his Dad.

Ube Cake from Red Ribbon.

It's no Tous les Jours, but boy, was I surprised with how good Red Ribbon Ube Cakes are after all.

Sprinkled with ube goodness.

No wonder the older folks love 'em. They're light and fluffy, oozing with ube goodness, but not sickeningly sweet.

Best of all, it comes in my favorite color. This is purple yam, after all. :)

Sharing this Vday post on 366, Mellow Yellow Monday, InstaFriday, Simple Things, Food Friday, Food Trip Friday, Yummy Sunday, Photo Story Friday, and Toy Stories. :)