Raw…the beauty of Pinatubo showcases captivating flora and fauna, offering a refreshing escape from our daily lives. The gentle flow of springs blends well with the soothing atmosphere, while the birds, cicadas, and crickets work together to form a symphony. A contrast to the usual hustle and bustle of the city.

Ethereal…the breathtaking scenery is nothing short of extraordinary, leaving you to wonder at how it was formed. However, the fragile ecosystem makes you mindful of every step you take. During my hike, I reflected on my intention to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but photos.

Exquisite…the highest form of beauty. Every segment is a feast for the eyes, perfect for capturing those Instagram-worthy moments. Make sure to bring a power bank because you’ll find yourself frequently reaching for your phone to snap photos of the stunning scenery. The pictures and videos you’ll capture are definitely the ones you’ll want to upload to your social media accounts.

Tagaytay: The Best Place For A Bulalo Treat

The Journey

Our journey was made possible by Unibersal Adventures. We booked one of their joiner events for a Mount Pinatubo hike, which started with a pickup in different locations. Then, straight to the camp where we were briefed about what was coming.

The tour started with a bumpy but scenic 4×4 ride along the lahar fields with stops in different locations, including the Aeta communities. Some stops feature locally-produced items like coconuts, mangoes, and more that kept us refreshed and hydrated.

The Mt. Pinatubo trail, if compared to other hikes I joined, is considered beginner-friendly. It’s straightforward and not that vertical, so you won’t be fighting against gravity. The trail is also filled with trees and tall rock formations that serve as shade. There are also designated areas for stopovers with cottages offering snacks, drinks, and even rice meals.

One thing I love about the hike is the wide trail and mini streams mushroomed along the area. One of our tour guides said it’s allowed to take a dip in one of them. However, we were not able to do so because of time restrictions.

The Tour Guides

The tour guides are members of the Aeta community, who have a deep understanding of the area and would love to have a chit chat with the guests. One guide shared insights about the Mt. Pinatubo trail, mentioning that the region was once plagued by terrorist activities. However, after the government took control, the area began to develop into a tourist attraction.

While walking by myself, I was admiring a small stream. One of our tour guides noticed I was alone and decided to wait for me. I told him he could continue on, but he declined. He explained that, according to their protocols, no tourist should be left alone to prevent anyone from getting lost.

The Crater

After the long and exhausting walk, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the Mt. Pinatubo crater. This area, sculpted by Mother Nature to become her personal garden, features a beautiful lake at the viewing point. If you want to get a closer look, you can descend using the man-made steps.

The lake is still a stunning piece of art. When I was there, I couldn’t help but sit on the sandy bay area, feel the warm breeze, and appreciate the beauty in front of me. However, I was thinking, how can a beautiful lake pack a lifeless contrast?

Adventure of a Lifetime

This Pinatubo adventure is one of my most memorable hikes because of the beautiful terrain, refreshing ambiance, and the amazing smiles of the local community members. I can’t imagine that the place is a result of both natural devastation and human catastrophe. Now, however, it’s filled with vibrant colors that can reset someone’s soul.

@titopgmo Here’s our Mt. Pinatubo adventure. Visit foodcitations.com for the review. #Pinatubo #pinatubotrek #pinatubomountainero #PinatuboAdventure #MtPinatubo ♬ I Can Feel It (Christmas Instrumental) – Nick Sena and Danny Echevarria

The post Pinatubo: Adventure Of A Lifetime appeared first on Food Citations.

Upo or bottle gourd is a flavorful vegetable that will surely flip the rice cooker upside down. A simple ginisang upo is enough to brighten or complete someone’s day.

This ginisang upo recipe includes chicken to add more flavor and protein.

Read: How to Cook Ginisang Patola?

Seeds or without Seeds?

You can include the seeds based on your preferences. If you are lucky and able to buy that freshly-picked upo, you don’t have to worry because the seeds are still soft. If you found the seeds hard, you can scrape them first using a spoon before chopping.

The upo I used in this recipe was a gift from a neighbor. He just harvested it from his backyard. So, I didn’t bother removing the seeds.

Ingredients

• 1 large upo – peeled and sliced
• 3/4 kilo chicken – cleaned and chopped
• 1 bundle malunggay
• 3 cloves garlic – finely minced
• 1 medium red onion – chopped
• 3 pieces tomatoes – chopped
• 1 tablespoon chopped ginger
• water
• Salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

1. In a pan, saute garlic, onion, and ginger.
2. When it becomes aromatic, add the tomatoes and let it simmer for a few minutes or until the skin peels off.
3. Add the chicken and let it simmer for about 3 minutes.
4. Add water and let boil until the chicken is cooked.
5. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Put the upo and let cook. Continuously stir to distribute the heat.
7. Add malunggay and let it boil for about 30 seconds.
8. Serve and enjoy.

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.

Notes

• When seasoning ginisang upo, make sure it’s a little saltier than your preference. The upo will release water that will counter the salt.
• Continuous mix when you added the upo to make sure that they will cook evenly.
• Adjust water when necessary.
• This is best with hot rice.

The post How to Cook Ginisang Upo appeared first on Food Citations.

The Miss Wa Noodles and Rice is a stall catering to people who want to immediately satisfy their stomach growls. It offers some of the well-sought Pinoy favorites such as lumpiang shanghai, siomai, and siopao. Plus, fronting an extraordinary dish that only a few offer.

The Locations

The stall where I dined is located along Dahlia Avenue near FEU Hospital. According to the Misswa Facebook page, there are already many branches around Metro Manila, which also include nearby schools like Ateneo, La Salle, and the university belt.

The stall design resembles the burger stands that boomed during the early millennium, with tall fixed chairs and aluminum tables, probably encouraging quickie dining. The combination of green and white is quite appealing to me.

The best about Miss Wa is that all locations are available 24 hours.

The Taiwan Miswa

The Taiwan Misswa is considerably the signature dish of this establishment. It is a flavorful vermicelli soup made special with pork intestines, meatballs, onion leeks, and seasonings. The crews will always remind the diners that the soup is best with a few drops of the special vinegar.

The Taiwan Misswa is utterly delicious and it’s one of the dishes that I will never forget to order. I’m not a fan of the vinegar, though.

Lumpiang Shanghai with Rice

The lumpiang Shanghai from Miss Wa is the best-looking shanghai I’ve seen. It’s like a work of art that is carefully tailored to be Instagram-worthy. However, unlike many food establishments, Miss Wa didn’t sacrifice the taste. The looks and the quality are well-balanced. Moreover, the serving fits the price perfectly.

I’ll put this lumpia on the higher list because I can say that the meat used is fresh while the added vegetables complement each other creating an explosive party in the mouth. The best part is that this is cooked to order and deep-fried so you can enjoy the crispy skin.

Crispy Chicken Chops

The crispy chicken chop is a chicken fillet offered by Miss Wa. Just like the shanghai, this is deep-fried until crispy and paired with a cheese sauce. I also enjoy this because it’s crispy and flavorful. Though I’m not a cheese lover, I can say that the bland breading of the chicken complements well with the salty and creamy flavor of the cheese. I still prefer the chili sauce and soymansi as a dip.

The meat is thin and frozen, that’s why there are times that they used to serve me with a dry fillet.

Siomai Rice

Of course, there’s fried or steamed siomai that will be paired with a cup of steaming rice. Though I can say, this is still considered delicious, it was not astounding. A little better than the siomai bought in local markets but not as delicious as the premium ones.

You can enjoy this meal with unlimited chili garlic and soymansi.

Read: How to Make Siomai

Pork Sisig

This is the food that kept me confused. Unlike the usual sisig, this one is a bit dry and the color is a little darker.  I’m not sure but I think they add little to no mayonnaise and probably, it came frozen. It is also served in a paper bowl on top of rice, which I’m not a fan.

Though it’s a bit different, it’s still tasty.

Silvanas

Simple but amazing… that is Misswa’s Silvanas. It’s crunchy but not too sweet, which is what I want. The creamy fillings add more explosive flavor but won’t overpower the wafer. Overall, this is the best silvanas in terms of price vs quality.

However, this should be consumed immediately. Otherwise, it will lapse and will become soft.

Iced Coffee

The iced coffee is quite good as well. It’s brewed and the sugar is not overpowering. What I like about this is that you can still smell the aroma and taste the bitterness of the coffee — just like the classic ones. No extra, no fancy things, just coffee.

Miss Wa is Awesome

Miss Wa is one heck of a business. The owners knew that some of the biggest chains in the country don’t cater fresh hot soup as well as cook-to-order meals and took advantage of them. Now, people near Miss Wa can easily satisfy their stomach juices with foods Pinoys love without breaking the bank.

I’m hoping that Miss Wa Noodles and Rice branches out to as many locations as possible so many people can now enjoy such foods.

The post Misswa Noodles and Rice Review appeared first on Food Citations.

Chicken curry is a bit meticulous to cook. However, it pays, especially when you see your family enjoying a sumptuous meal.

Ingredients

• 1 kilo chicken – cleaned and chopped
• 1 medium carrot – peeled and chopped
• 2 medium bell peppers – chopped
• 1 large potato – peeled and chopped
• 5 cloves garlic – finely minced
• 2 medium red onion – chopped
• 1 knob ginger – chopped
• Laurel leaves
• 2 tablespoons curry powder
• 1 cup coconut milk
• water
• salt and pepper to taste

Procedure

1. Separate the skin and fat then boil until they release some oil. Remove that crunchy skin and set aside.
2. Using the oil from the fat and skin, saute the garlic, onion, and ginger until aromatic.
3. Add the chicken and let it simmer.
4. Add water and let it boil.
5. While boiling, you can also add the curry powder, salt, pepper, and laurel leaves. Mix until they combine. Turn the heat to high and let it boil to allow the flavor to sip through the chicken meat.
6. Add the potatoes and carrots and let it boil. You can push the vegetables into the boiling mixture to make sure they are cooking equally.
7. Add the coconut milk and let it boil until it reduces and thickens.
8. Put the bell peppers and let it simmer for about 30 seconds. Remove from the heat and mix.
9. Top with the crunchy skin and fat.
10. Enjoy!

Read: Ginataang Chicken Adobo Recipe

Notes

1. The thickness and taste of the sauce will depend on your preferences. You can always adjust the boiling time and the amount of salt and pepper you’ll add.
2. The bell peppers are added at the last part to ensure they are still crunchy.
3. Make sure to always mix it to keep the bottom from burning.
4. This is best paired with rice and spicy fish sauce on the side.

@titopgmo Tara, luto tayo ng #chickencurry. Check foodcitations.com for more recipes. #fyp #foodie #pinoyfoodie #rapsa ♬ Cute and fun food – zomap

The post Thick Chicken Curry Sauce Recipe appeared first on Food Citations.

Though time-consuming, this is also easy to make. So, tag along…

Ingredients

• 1 kilo pork belly – chopped into smaller pieces
• 3 large eggplant – sliced
• 3 tablespoons raw bagoong alamang
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar
• 5 cloves garlic – minced
• 1 large red onion – chopped
• 5 pieces tomatoes – chopped
• 2 pieces green chilies
• ground pepper
• water
• green onion (optional)

Procedure

1. Fry the eggplant until toasted. Set aside.
2. Fry some of the pork. Set aside.
3. Remove some oil and saute garlic, onion, and tomatoes.
4. Add bagoong and mix well.
5. Add a little water. Mix until the tomato skin peels off.
6. Put brown sugar and mix until thick.
7. Season with ground pepper.
8. Add the raw pork. Mix well.
9. Add more water and boil until thick.
10. While boiling add the green chillies and fried pork. Turn the fire to low and let it boil until thick.
11. Serve and enjoy.

Notes

1. for the best binagoongan, use pure bagoong alamang only. Refrain from using the cheap ones that are loaded with coconut shreds (sapal) and salt.
2. If you’ll use bottled ones like Barrio Fiesta, you can omit the sugar.
3. The amount of boiling time depends on how thick you want the soup to be.
4. Serve with hot rice.

The post Pork Binagoongan Recipe appeared first on Food Citations.

I’ve been to different restaurants trying out new dishes I missed during the pandemic. Many of them are amazing, but none entered my food and restaurant review section. Shame! That’s just pure laziness and it’s not a part of me. So here I am: having my very first restaurant review in months.

First up, La Mija Spanish Italian Restaurant and Cafe

True to its name, the La Mija Spanish Italian Restaurant and Cafe flaunts a fusion of Italian and Spanish cuisine. However, it is also adjusted with twisted Pinoy foods. I can say, the Spanish department was not hard to identify since Pinoy cuisine is heavily influenced by the Spaniards.

The restaurant is located in the heart of Regalado Avenue, just a few steps from FEU Hospital and a jeepney ride from the buzzy Commonwealth Avenue. The adjective “attractive”, I can say, is an understatement. In fact, the facade is so beautiful, I almost hesitated many times to enter. The moment I saw it, I knew I need to break the bank.

La Mija, a vibrant place

Upon entering, one of the crew opened the door, greeted me, and handed me the menu. Yes, the door was locked. The menu was gigantic for a tiny place, which led me to a question — can they manage that huge list?

The menu was worn out. They only updated that list by writing manually while some pages were already water-damaged. With all due sincerity, a restaurant that charges such prices should at least give a clean and good-looking menu because re-printing them won’t cost too much.  For me, regularly updating the menu is a sign that a certain establishment is serious about providing the best dining experience.

The place, on the other hand, is the total opposite of the menu. Though it’s small, it’s pleasing and will give you that cool and calm vibe. Empty wine bottles are stored near the ceiling blocking some of the lights that gave this wonderful dim appeal. A cork holder is situated like a photo album, giving hints that people love to order wines from the menu.

The owners are obviously The Beatles fans because several musical records are also boasted. I also love The Beatles because my name was taken from one of the members.

The chairs and tables look like those from diners in 80s movies. They were cushioned and far enough from each other allowing privacy among diners.

The Foods

I started writing for this review about weeks ago, but I realized that I should require at least three dishes before publishing. So, I went back to the place to observe and try more foods on the menu.

Paella Marinara

I’m a huge fan of paella, so it’s the first thing I checked. It was surprising that despite its popularity, La Mija only offers three variations. For me, the best choice in the paella section is the Paella Marinara. It is Spanish rice cooked with chicken and fresh seafood topped with slices of hard-boiled egg.

Read: Tuyo Spaghetti Recipe

Served in an awesome casserole along with a slice of lemon, the Paella Marinara is a total hit. The rice was cooked to perfection while the chicken and seafood flavors mixed harmoniously and created this wonderful party in my mouth. The dash of lemon added this awesome kick that kept me digging into my plate. I was never a fan of the burnt part of any paella, though.

Rating:

Baby Back Ribs

I always have had this love-and-hate relationship with restaurant baby back ribs. For me, they are all-or-nothing dishes. They can either make or break your dining experience.

I’m so happy I decided to order La Mija’s Baby Back Ribs because they certainly met my dream ribs. The meat is super tender to the point that it falls off the bones. The so-called “signature sauce,” on the other hand, is not too sweet and just enough to add a certain flavor without masking the beefy taste. On the side are slices of baked potatoes, which are tasty as well. I love that the skin is still intact.

Though it’s pricey, allow me to say that La Mija’s Baby Back Ribs are worth it.

Rating:

Seafood Marinara Pasta

To be honest, browsing through the pasta section is not fun at all. Why? Because there’s no spaghetti and it’s like, what? An Italian restaurant that doesn’t serve spaghetti?

An Italian restaurant experience can never be called a true experience if you didn’t try a pasta dish. So, I ordered the seafood marinara pasta, which is a fettuccine flavored with tomato sauce and seafood. It is topped with powdered parmesan cheese and garlic bread on the side.

The seafood marinara pasta is also good. I love the tangy flavor brought by the fresh tomatoes while the seafood, though a little overcooked, added a more delightful experience. The garlic bread is amazing and still hot when served. The powdered parmesan cheese is just ok.

Rating:

The Two-Way Pizza

There are lots of pizzas on the menu, but to be honest, they are expensive. The good thing is that there’s an offer called “the two-way pizza” that will allow you to taste two variants in one. The price will base on what is the more expensive.

I ordered the Funghi Salsiccia E Cipolla, which is a combination of mozzarella, Italian sausage, mushroom, and red onion. Along with it is the Capricciosa, which combines mozzarella, Italian salami, olives, mushroom, and onion.

The pizza is quite a good deal because it is served right from the over while the ingredients are obviously fresh. I also love it a little bland, which gave me the opportunity to adjust the salt based on my preference. However, the crust is too thin to the point it’s already crunchy.

I only consumed two slices and asked if they can pack them for take-out. I was surprised that they just stuffed the precious pizza in aluminum foil even overlapping them. It’s just clumsy and careless, stating the fact that pizzas can make you full easily and most of the time, taken out. It would be perfectly fine for me to pay extra for a box so I can take home my pizza properly.

Rating:

Panna Cotta Caramello

Of course, I need to try La Mija desserts. Unfortunately, on two occasions (I visited thrice), the only available is the Panna Cotta Caramello, which, according to the menu is made from Italian cream and served with drizzles of caramel.

The panna cotta is amazing — it was creamy and not too sweet. The texture also adds an amazing experience because it melts in your mouth. The caramel also brings this kick, though I’m pretty much okay with the panna cotta itself.

One thing I notice is that when served, the dessert missed out on some of its parts, which triggered my OCD. Though I didn’t return it because the server might be charged for it, I think customers deserve better. I think the one who prepared it rushed in removing it from the mold. Dipping the mold in hot water for a few minutes would slide the panna cotta smoothly. Or maybe, stop using that mold.

Rating:

Strawberry Cheese Cake (Unpictured)

I ordered this during my first visit but I was not able to take picture of it because they gave me the option to just serve it after I finish the main course. I agreed. However, the heavy rain is about to start so I just asked them to pack for me to enjoy it when I’m about to go back home.

The cheesecake is ok, it’s tangy and fresh. The best this is that it’s not that sweet. The sugar didn’t overpower the flavor of the cream cheese, which is good for me. The thing is it’s gelatinous, which I’m not a fan of.

Rating:

Diner’s Commentaries

I’m just a little uncomfortable with the loud joking inside the kitchen and it happened to me twice. On two occasions, I went there with the doors locked, which may give the impression that the store is not open.

I also suggest that since La Mija offers a little higher prices, how about some complimentary food like bread or iced tea? I’m not a freeloader but if there’s free food, I used to forget about the price and I’m always encouraged to go back to the place.

Overall, it’s a great experience

La Mija is a place to unwind and enjoy a delicious meal. Though the prices are a little higher, it’s not a problem for me because the foods are amazing. Hey, I work hard for my money and I think it’s quite ok to spend it on food. The crews are awesome as well. One server answered my question satisfactorily, making me assume that they are well-trained.

Do I recommend La Mija, of course!

How about you, guys? Have you ever experienced dining in La Mija? Please let me know your thoughts. Just in case you haven’t, you can visit them along Regalado Avenue. You can also check La Mija Facebook Page for updates and promotions.

The post La Mija Spanish Italian Restaurant and Cafe Review appeared first on Food Citations.

So, let’s create one using a premade cake and in this case, the most popular one… the Chocolate Fudgee Barr. This is not as meticulous as my Ube Halaya.

Ingredients

• 2-3 pieces chocolate Fudgee Barr
• 3/4 cup cocoa powder
• 3/4 cup white sugar
• 250 ml all-purpose cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup water

Let’s make the ganache

1. Put water, cocoa powder, vanilla extract, and sugar in a pan. Mix well.
2. Turn the heat to medium and boil while mixing until thick. Set aside.
3. Combine cream, 1/2 cup ganache and a teaspoon of white sugar. Mix well and set aside.

Let’s Assemble the Fudgee Barr Dream Cake

1. Using a rectangular baking dish, lay the Fudgee Barr and flatten.
2. Add the cream mixture and spread until covered
3. Cover and let it sit in the refrigerator until the cream sets.
4. Add the ganache and spread until covered.
5. Chill until set.
6. Enjoy.

Read: Make Addicting Dessert Called Milo Truffles

Notes

1. If you want thicker bottom, you can use more Fudgee Barr. If so, don’t flatten it.
2. If you don’t have a baking dish, you can use the microwavable plastic wares you can buy at local markets.
3. You can fluff the cream using an electric beater.
4. Don’t forget to share this Fudgee Barr Dream Cake with your loved ones.

The post How To Make Fudgee Barr Dream Cake? appeared first on Food Citations.

This is true because some businesses are obsessed with making a product Instagrammable rather than creating value. Based on my experience, this scheme created trust issues, especially for online products.

For my mom’s 75th birthday, I tapped Ate RM Homemade Cakes for the money cake because the designs boasted on its page are fantastic. I and the owner both agreed with the 6-inch money cake. I asked her to just add a pair of kidneys since my mom is a CKD warrior and allowed her imagination to take over. Am I satisfied? Well, read further.

The money cake and cupcakes

Knowing her tight schedule, I nudged Ate RM a month before my mom’s birthday. We agreed that the chocolate moist cake will be delivered on October 2 and dude… she didn’t miss it and communicated with me until the cake was delivered. I also was touched because she also sent us a dozen of chocolate cupcakes as well.

The cake is stunning. It was covered with pink fondant and beautified by bright edible marbles. The cut for the roll of money was disguised well, my mother didn’t notice it despite her carefully inspecting it. Two thumbs up!

After blessing the food, my siblings and I picked the cupcakes first. Yes, about 6 hands rushed to pick a cupcake because all of us couldn’t resist the fantastic treats… They. Are. Delicious. We all know that there are times when chocolate treats are too sweet, they mask the flavors of chocolate. Ate RM’s cupcakes are different because you can still taste the bitter chocolate flavor.  The frosting? It’s something to die for.

Just like the cupcake, the cake is delicious. The ratio of cake and fondant is perfect. Most specifically, it was not overloaded with sugar.

@kuya.inggo♬ original sound – Ringo

Ate RM is highly recommended

Overall, we are happy with the cake and cupcakes. We will definitely repeat orders.

If you are looking for cakes for your party, I highly recommend Ate RM Homemade Cakes since the business aims for value and not just aesthetics. My sisters even asked for the page and then later caught them checking out the designs. I guess the other flavor of cakes and cupcakes are delicious as well because she uses premium ingredients only.

You can check the pinned post for the other designs, price, and contact details.

Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/AteRMHomemadeCakes

The post Ate RM’s Money Cake And Cupcakes appeared first on Food Citations.

Check Out the Menu Beforehand

If you’re ordering from a restaurant you’re familiar with, you probably know what’s healthy on the menu and what might not go so well with your diet. But if you’re trying a new place, you should read the menu before you order. Go online and get a good idea of what the restaurant has. Look for a section of the menu that may cater specifically to your diet. Choose something low in fat and calories and packed with nutrients and vitamins.

Drink Plenty of Water Before and During the Meal

It’s tempting to order soda or other sugary drinks. Unfortunately, these are diet killers and can derail your efforts to eat a healthy meal. Instead of drinking these beverages, go for water. Filling up with water can also encourage you to eat less.

Ask How the Food Is Prepared

On paper, a dish may not look like it’s unfriendly to your diet. You need to take a closer look, including at how the restaurant cooked the food. Fried or sauteed food is much more likely to have a higher calorie content than food that a chef steams, grills, or bakes. Also, pay attention to the description of the food on the menu. If the food is crunchy, crisp, or pan-fried, you can bet that it’s not going to do you any favors when it comes to staying with your diet plan.

Avoid Dessert

An occasional dessert is not going to derail your diet or cause you to put on the pounds. The danger is when you have dessert every day or when you have large servings. This is what you’ll get when you order in. Restaurant desserts have big calories counts and fat content. If you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, think of something much smaller you can prepare at home. Or eat a snack before you order your meal.

Save Some for Later

Restaurant portions are typically huge — bigger than the recommended serving size. Still, many people feel obligated to eat the entire thing in one sitting. You don’t have to do this when you order in. Instead, save half (or more) of the dish for the following day’s lunch or dinner. Or, you could even share the items with somebody else.

The next time you use a Grubhub promo code, be mindful of what you are ordering. You can afford to order from a restaurant and stick to your diet when you follow these guidelines.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/20-healthy-tips-for-eating-out

https://www.everydayhealth.com/diet-and-nutrition-pictures/ways-to-eat-out-and-lose-weight.aspx

The post How to Stick to a Diet While Ordering Food In appeared first on Food Citations.

I feel once someone gets adapted to the taste of barbecued vegetables, meat, or fish along with hundreds of flavored sauces, there is no going back to bland cooked food. Since my friends BBQ all the time as a hobby, they would appreciate the thought. Furthermore, I get a range of options to choose from; personalized kits or grilling accessories, or maybe some indoor BBQ options to be cozier while cooking.

So, I made a list of gifts for BBQ lovers that would work in my favor to extract the mouth-watering barbecue dishes. Let’s have a look and hit two targets with one arrow, shall we?

My All-Time Favorite Gifts For BBQ Lovers

Personalized Grill Set

Who would not adore a personalized gift set? Now since I have a lot of BBQ lovers in my circle, I add a cherry to the cake by giving them personalized BBQ accessories.

I prefer a personalized grill set that contains spatulas, coasters, chopping boards, meat thermometers, etc., as they all can be embossed with the phrases I want. For example, initials, full name, saying “World’s best chef,” and what not.

Honestly, I would burst into tears about receiving a personalized grill set. Furthermore, it is more widely appreciated as the phrase would add a touch of thoughtfulness.

Wireless Meat Thermometer

If any of my friends ask me for the perfect gifts for BBQ lovers, I could not emphasize enough the importance of a wireless meat thermometer. This device aids in maintaining an optimal temperature of the meat while barbecuing. Furthermore, wireless technology has the added advantage of being hassle-free to use.

Find the best options here.

BBQ Gift Basket

A BBQ gift basket is a little present, but it brings out the giant bundle of joy. I can add anything and everything in the basket as per the likes and dislikes of the BBQ lovers. A wide range of sauces is a must, basic grilling spices, everyone’s favorite bottle of honey, a pair of silicon mittens, cooking thermometers, barbeque chips with a dip, and more.

The nicely wrapped up basket would outshine all other presents and make friends’ hearts smile. Moreover, any gift basket fits well within my pocket. Thus, it can be established that it is a win-win situation.

BBQ cooking books

The list of gifts for BBQ lovers would be incomplete without mentioning the famous BBQ cooking books. For bibliophiles, cooking books would be even more suitable.

Someone who gets the secret recipes of making the utmost delicious barbeque snacks would always keep them delighted. Out of some of the best cooking books available, I would recommend –

• Meathead, the Science of Great Barbecue, and Grilling by Greg Blonder
• The Barbecue! Bible: Over 500 Recipes by Steven Raichlen
• Southern Living Ultimate Book of BBQ: The Complete Year-Round Guide to Grilling and Smoking written by the editors of Southern Living
• Cooking With Fire by Paula Marcoux and Seven Fires by Francis Mallmann.

Personalized apron

Getting someone we love an apron with a hint of personalization works like black magic. There are tons of websites that can get anything imprinted on the apron. For instance:“For my little chef,” or “World’s best mum,” and so on.

Furthermore, the apron comes with numerous utilities like different sizes of pockets to keep various sizes of spatulas. These will aid in a smoother and tidier cooking process.

Squeeze bottle set

Every BBQ party is incomplete without varied flavors of barbeque sauces. The sauce bottles often come in glass containers that are a tad difficult to use while a person is fully absorbed in cooking. Thus, a squeeze bottle set can be an ideal gift for someone who loves BBQ.

Now I see my host just squeezing and splashing tangy sauces on the freshly barbecued meat and vegetables, and that too in the perfect amount. The squeeze bottles come in several sets and colors that make it easier to remember which sauce is inside which colored bottle.

Set of grilling spices

A barbecued cuisine without grilling spices is like drinking coffee without adding coffee beans. From my personal experience, a set of grilling spices nicely wrapped up is a heart-winning gift for a BBQ lover.

Having said that, a BBQ lover would always keep running out of spices. Thus, it would be helpful and would never go to waste and fit well within our pocket.

A bottle of wine with a set of wine glasses

Let’s face the fact, I cannot enjoy a barbecue without a glass of wine. Thus, a bottle of wine comes in handy when looking for gifts for BBQ lovers.

Read: How To Make Kebab?

Sometimes I feel that gifting just a bottle of wine is an understatement. So I prefer buying a set of sturdy wine glasses that balance perfectly on my hand along with the wine.

Portable grill

Lastly, a portable grill is one of the most valuable gifts for BBQ lovers. Due to its small design with a collapsible stand, it can be carried anywhere and everywhere very conveniently.

The portable grills come in various shapes and sizes: big enough for a family, small enough to fit in a backpack, and sturdy enough to survive outdoor adventures. Furthermore, the trays are large enough to accommodate up to six hamburgers or steaks at once, which is truly outstanding.

Conclusion

Barbequing on a cold winter night and then relishing the meal with my favorite people is something I look forward to every other weekend. Since I am an avid person who loves to attend BBQ parties, my inner circle has always been filled with BBQ lovers.

Thus, I have successfully made a list of impeccable gifts for BBQ lovers that I have tried and tested over the years. If I was of some help, do share it with friends. Till then, have a fun-filled barbecue.

The post Gifts For BBQ Lovers That Would Make Their Day appeared first on Food Citations.