Christmas is just around the corner; people are in the rush nowadays to buy gifts, decors and other Christmas related items and many are already planning what they will be cooking on Christmas Eve. We summarize some of the Best Filipino Christmas Recipes below.
Filipinos, in particular, love Christmas so much and as early as now, list of foods to be served on Christmas Day is already set. Without further ado, here are the top 15 Filipino Christmas dishes and a bonus of 10 more top Filipino Christmas recipes video at the end of the article.
Contents
Here are the Top 20 Filipino Christmas Recipes
1. Lechon Manok – Present in All Filipino Christmas Foods
If you have a turbo broiler, you will enjoy your Lechon Manok more because you can choose a big chicken to cook; you also decide what spices, herbs, and other ingredients to put like lemongrass– be creative and put your Filipino’s ideas into the mix. The skin will be shiny, dark in color and crispy but the meat is soft and tender.
Morcon is ever present in well to do Filipino families because preparation of this food is quite expensive. You will need beef, lemon, carrots, hot dogs, pickles, boiled eggs and cheddar cheese along with other condiments.Morcon will look beautiful on any Christmas center table because of its round shape and indulgent appearance.
3. Spaghetti and Pancit (Pampahaba ng Buhay for Every Filipino)
Both grown-ups and kids like both of these. Spaghetti is one of the best pasta dishes consisting of ground pork meat, hot dogs, tomato sauce, and cheese while Pancit is of Chinese origin delicacy which makes use of eggs or rice noodles, pork meat, chicken or beef liver, carrots and cabbage and so good when drizzled with Philippine lime.
This is a semi-sweet, salty and creamy combination of macaroni pasta, chicken, pineapple chunks, raisins, carrots, onions, all-purpose cream, and mayo. It is often times served cold and topped with cheese. Filipino desserts are perfect after a full meal. For a twist, some people like to add condensed milk.
This another sweet treat that makes use of Buko and what will attract you to this dessert is its green color (green gelatin) and wonderful smell because of the pandan leaves. This is sweetened using condensed milk and added with cream. This dessert is a little runny which makes it better because the juice of the Buko Pandan is really addictive. You can also substitute this with Filipino Buko Salad Recipe or make some cotton candies as another sweet alternative during this holiday season!
6. Liempo – A Pork Dish Present in All Filipino Christmas Tables
Flavorful pork belly is used in this dish. Some people marinate the pork in soy sauce, a special mix of spices like pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper for those who like it hot and garlic. This is cooked to perfection until the skin becomes crispy but the meat tender. Slow cooking is key if you want the skin to be crispy while maintaining the juiciness of the meat– easily one of the best pork Filipino dishes this Christmas season.
If you like seafood, you will love this dish. This is a creamy and spicy combination because of butter and chili peppers. Don’t overcook your shrimps because it tastes better when it is a little half-cocked. Use fresh chili peppers for better flavor and use a lot of butter so that it will turn into sauce.
If you know how to debone fish, you can cook this dish at home which has lemon juice, soy sauce, onions, garlic, carrots, green peas, raisins, oyster sauce and flour as well as salt and pepper but you can also buy from the store or order from homemade entrepreneurs which will save you time.
If you want something colorful for the festivities, try making this dish by using a huge fish and steaming it then top it with shredded carrots, cheese, onions, mayo and diced hard-boiled eggs. You can also decorate the sides with some herbs, cucumbers or tomatoes.
Leche Flan is made of fresh eggs, condensed milk, fresh or evaporated milk, white sugar, and vanilla extract. Some use Dayap, a kind of lime native to the Philippines. To cook leche flan, you need to steam it either using the oven or stove top and you will know it is done when you stick a toothpick or a skewer and it comes out clean.
Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are common during Christmas although some sell these native sweets even during ordinary time. Bibingka and Puto Bumbong are both rice cakes prepared in different ways but are equally delicious. Bibingka has a light yellow hue while Puto Bumbong has a dark violet color. This is best eaten with Coffee or hot Choco drink (Tablea Chocolate).
Filipino Style Paella RecipePaella is by no means a Filipino recipe in origin but Filipinos have grown to love this special dish. The Filipino Paella is made by cooking short grain white rice, tomatoes, garlic, chicken, chorizo, mussels, green peas and saffron thread (for color) together. Some people like to add lemon juice in it. The result is a culinary masterpiece because it is an all in one meal and when done properly, it is picture perfect too because of the color combination of the ingredients which you can see on top of the rice.
The Kaldereta (Caldereta) is another favorite among Filipinos though it did not really originate in the Philippines. This Recipe was brought to this land by the Spaniards during their three hundred years of colonization. You can say that because of their long stay in the Philippines, they have adopted this recipe by heart thus making this delicious dish a part of the Filipino menu. Kaldereta can be made with Pork Kaldereta, Beef Kaldereta, Chicken Kaldereta and the Kalderetang Kambing.
Embutido is enjoyed by many households throughout the Philippines. This sweet and salty dish is either Processed and canned which you can buy at most markets and groceries or homemade by housewives, home entrepreneur, and foodies. This Recipe can be made with Pork and Chicken (Chicken Embutido Recipe).
The Maja Blanca Recipe delicacy is made from coconut milk, corn starch or gelatin, sweet corn kernels, milk, sugar and an option to put toasted coconut meat or Latik (browned coconut cream crumbs) as toppings. It is fairly easy to make and the ingredients are very abundant in the Philippines.
One of the best holiday dishes usually served during Christmas and New Year’s eve. Morcon is a Filipino meat roll stuffed with egg, cheese, carrots, pickles, sausage or hotdogs. With the belief that round shaped foods make life prosperous in the coming year, this dish is a highly-recommended one you should prepare.
Here is a video by Kawaling Pinoy showing how their version of Beef Morcon.
You can also watch Cha Lou’s Kitchenette’s beef morcon featuring the old 7 ingredients of a morcon dish.
Embutido is another popular Filipino dish during the holiday season. Because they are so easy to make, they can be enjoyed everyday without any hassle. Simply put, Embutido is a meatloaf that is prepared FIlipino style. Due to its popularity, you can now find plenty of meat processing companies that produce this type of meatloaf for commercial purposes.
Crispy pata is a popular FIlipino pork dish that is eaten along with rice. But we highly recommend eating it along with atcharang papaya. Moreover, it is rich in fat, which makes it a perfect choice for pulutan and beer. If you want it to be eaten simply, you can just dip it in a spicy vinegar mixture.
Check out Kuya J’s very own version of Crispy Pita in the video below.
Paella has plenty of variations and it all boils down to whichever type of paella you want prepared during the holidays. May it be tuna, seafood, meat, mixed, or vegetarian, paella is a perfect dish you should prepare during the Christmas holidays.
Here is a quick and easy seafood paella version by Aling Oday.
You can also check out Pinoy Crazy Chef’s own rendition of the Seafood Paella in this below below.
Probably one of the most popular dishes prepared during the Holiday season. Sisig is considered as both an appetizer or main dish. It is mainly composed of pig’s parts such as ears, face, and meat minced to tiny cubes. To fully enjoy this magnificent dish, you can mix it with chili peppers, chicken liver, and onions.
Prepare some of this 15 Filipino Christmas Recipes and Specialties or all if you have plenty of visitors to wow them. You can suggest other Recipes by leaving comments Below. Don’t Forget to Rate this Article and Follow our Official Facebook Page for more Filipino Recipes. Mabuhay!! 🙂
More Filipino Christmas Recipes
Summary
Spending Christmas with your loved ones and relatives is a given for us Filipinos, but to spend it with the best dishes you could possibly prepare this Christmas season is what makes our Christmas more meaningful!
Share this with your family and friends or tell us in the comments section below which dish is your favorite! Mabuhay at Maligaya’ng Pasko!
Unless you are a professional pastry chef, then owning a muffin pan is almost impossible– at least a few years back. Now, homeowners can conveniently buy their own muffin pan.
But because it’s so accessible, it can be a challenge to find the right one for your needs. But fret not because this article focuses on giving you everything you need to know to pick the right muffin pan for your cooking needs.
Why Get A Muffin Pan?
If you’re a seasoned baker, you know that cupcake liners will do the job just fine. So why should you get a muffin pan? Well, it’s actually simple.
The reason why muffin pans exist is that they guarantee flawlessly round, perfect risen muffins every time you bake. On top of that, they are quite handy in the kitchen because you can also use them to make other pastries like dinner rolls to toast cups. With all that covered, let’s see which muffin pan is perfect for your baking needs!
When it comes to durability, ease-of-use, and heat distribution ability, nothing can beat this Bakeware Cupcake and Muffin Pan.
This pan is made from solid aluminized steel and has a built to last a lifetime.
The pan is made by Bundy Family Company, which is known to have manufactured the best quality Bakeware in the U.S.A.
It has a unique fluted design, which is ideal for heating evenly and increasing airflow.
The corrugated surface enhances the nonstick properties and prevents warping.
The Americoat Plus Silicone Nonstick Coating is free from PTFE and PFOA. This nonstick quality lets your muffins out effortlessly after baking. The nonstick quality also makes it easy to use and clean the pan.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Excellent nonstick coating
Plenty of size variations
Lifetime warranty[/i2pros][i2cons]Doesn’t come with a hole at the top for hanging[/i2cons][/i2pc]
2. Best 12-Cup: Keliwa’s 12 Cup Silicone Muffin Pan
This Baking Pan is made from silicone. It is lightweight and flexible.
The silicone gives the pan a soft texture and offers resistance to heat.
The 100 % food-grade level silicon is safe and free from toxic chemicals, and it does not affect the taste or quality of the food.
The pan comes in a vibrant red colour, which is eye-catching and serves as a beautiful addition to the kitchenware.
When looking for muffin pans, nonstick coated pans are essential since they do not let the cupcakes or muffins stick to the cups. Keliwa Muffin Baking Pans have a nonstick quality, which will save both your time and oil.
The nonstick quality also makes it easy to clean. Thanks to the silicone material, the Keliwa Muffin Baking Pan is both dishwasher and microwave safe.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Aesthetically pleasing design, thanks to its bright red color
Easy to clean and toxic-free silicone coating
Lightweight and flexible body[/i2pros][i2cons]The muffins tend to rise lower compared to metal pans
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Best Silicone: Trudeau Structure Pro Silicone Muffin Pan
Both stability from metal pans and easy full surface cleaning of a traditional silicone tin can be found in the Trudeau Structure Pro.
Looking closely at the outer edge of the pan is where you will see that it’s integrated with steel topped with a flash of easy to grip silicone in pink. But the inner portion of the pan is where you will see a single piece of seamless silicone.
The entire design of the pan lets you cook without a cookie sheet, saving you the hassle while ensuring you’ll have evenly-cooked muffins without the sheets. Because the surface is made of nonstick silicone, cleaning up will be easy.
Since the muffin pan isn’t limited to grey and pink colours, you can choose your preferred colour combination that fits your kitchen utensil theme. Among the colours you can choose from range from confetti/blue, confetti/Fuschia, confetti/red, grey/mint, tropical, and more.
If you’re a seasoned baker, Wilton is a brand you will have definitely heard of (and trust!). Their set of 2 classic silver non-stick muffin pans are solidly built from the ground up and allow you to make small batches of 6 muffins at a time instead of 12.
Because the surface of the fan is nonstick, you can choose to use muffin liners or not and it will still cook the muffins evenly because it has really good heat distribution capabilities. On top of that, the material allows you to clean them in your dishwasher.
If you’re looking for a 6-cup muffin pan that delivers, then Wilton’s Recipe Right Non-Stick 6-cup muffin pan is the perfect choice for you. Not only do they give you evenly-cooked muffins but the construction also makes it easy for you to clean them up after use.
For those who are looking to make plenty of muffins in one go, Wilton’s Advance Select Premium Nonstick 24-cup is the perfect pan for you.
The design of the cups is smaller compared to the rest of the muffin pans on our list, allowing more muffins to be cooked at once. The weight of the steel is also thick enough to ensure that heat is evenly distributed but isn’t too thick to risk the muffins from burning. You can cook with or without muffin liners with these, so you can choose to do so whichever way you prefer your muffins to be cooked.
Because the pan has nonstick properties mixed with silicone, taking the tiny muffins out will be easy. Moreover, the pan has an extended out handle from the pan so you can grip the pan comfortably.
The coating of the pan is scratch-resistant as well and is also designed to be dishwasher-friendly for easy cleanup. Since it comes with a lifetime limited manufacturer’s warranty, you can ensure your investment will be worth it.
Are you an adventurous baker who loves a little flair in their kitchen? Then you will definitely love Rachael Ray’s Yum-o 12-cup muffin tin. It has silicone handles for a solid hold and is made of solid materials to last you a lifetime.
It is made of heavy gauge steel for everyday use and has a very sturdy build that resists warping. Basically speaking, this will literally last you a lifetime.
The pan features a nonstick property that allows you to easily take the muffins out. Moreover, cleaning them should be just as easy as taking the muffins out from the pan since there will be no stains after using them.
Cooking under high temperatures as high as 500 degrees Fahrenheit shouldn’t be a problem since the muffin pan is made of anodized steel. Overall, the muffin pan is durable, easy to clean, and distributes heat evenly. And in case you fancy other colour options, you can choose from grey with marine blue, orange, and red grips.
Are you looking for a muffin pan that makes jumbo-sized muffins? Then the Cuisinart Jumbo Muffin Pan is for you.
The pan is designed to only fit 6 muffins at a time and that is because this is the perfect size to achieve level temperature throughout without over or undercooking your muffins. On the surface, the design is very simple yet they are also well-made to perfectly cook jumbo-sized muffins or cupcakes.
Cleaning should also be a breeze like the rest of the muffin pans on the list since the pan is manufactured with nonstick aluminized steel. This means cleaning shouldn’t be hard since the pan is dishwasher-friendly.
The weight of the pan and the thickness is just enough to not warp while distributing the heat evenly– not just in the center. This muffin pan ensures you will avoid having muffins with brown muffins in the center while having muffins that aren’t cooked enough on the outside area of the pan.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Very robust material
Does not warp under hight temperature
Easy to clean[/i2pros][i2cons]The material is quite substantial
Need to use a bit little spray of oil and butter
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Best for even baking: OXO Good Grips Non-Stick Professional-Grade Muffin Pan
OXO brings more than just amazing baking to your home. Featuring a two-layer non-stick ceramic-reinforced coating, you can ensure easy cleaning. Because it has heavy-grade aluminized steel, you can guarantee it will handle prolonged usage and will last a lifetime.
The pan is professionally-made to ensure you get a uniform temperature in all wells. This means you will get level colours on all your muffins when you take them out of the oven.
In addition to the two-layer non-stick ceramic-reinforced coating, it is also resistant to warping, scratches, and corrosion. Some of you might be concerned about the coating– don’t worry. The coating is PFOA free, which means there are no dangers of getting toxins to your baked goodies.
If you’re going to cook muffins for the family, 12 muffins at a time should be more than enough. But if you need more, you can always buy 2 of these.
Compared to the rest of the products on our list, this one has a stylish design with square rolled edges, making them safe around kids.
One cool feature about OXO’s muffin pan is its micro-texture pattern that doesn’t seem to help as much but actually helps in promoting better airflow, which results in faster baking. A few seconds doesn’t seem much but actually saves you a lot if you’re going to be cooking regularly for the next few years.
Needless to say, you get premium-grade results every time you use this to bake muffins for the kids and the family.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Two layers of ceramic coating for easy baking
Heavy-gauge aluminized steel to ensure optimum heat distribution
Square-rolled, anti-warp edges[/i2pros][i2cons]A bit heavy
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. Best Top Pan: Chicago Metallic Professional Non-Stick Muffin Top Pan
The Chicago Metallic top pan is the perfect pan for those of you who are looking to get that perfectly cracked muffin top.
Unlike most of the muffin pans on our list, this muffin pan is considered best when it comes to baking that scrumptious flawlessly browned, crispy crown. Unfortunately, there are only six wells available, so it is a small batch at a time. But because they are reasonably priced, you can easily get 1 more pan to make a dozen at a time.
The pan itself is super durable and is made by using food grade heavy-weight carbon steel. It also heats the entire pan evenly and quickly compared to other steel pans. The pan is also coated with a non-stick surface.
However, the coating is prone to scratches so be careful when wiping off crumbs when cleaning. Overall, cleaning shouldn’t be a problem with the pan because they are dishwasher safe. Even so, Chicago still recommends you use handwashing to extend the life span of the product.
The GreenLife Bakeware Muffin Pan is one of the best non-stick ceramic bakeware in the market today. Its thermion ceramic coating guarantees non-stick baking and easy cleaning. The lining is also toxin-free, so you can be sure that it will not release toxic fumes while baking.
This pan also features 12 wells, so it is easy to bake batches. Its design is also stylish and will fit a minimalist’s kitchen. Unfortunately, this muffin pan is not dishwasher safe, and the coating is easily scratched when scrubbed too hard. So, make sure to be careful when cleaning.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Inexpensive
Dishwasher safe[/i2pros][i2cons]Needs hand-washed to last long
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Things You Should Know Before Buying Best Muffin Pans
There are tons of choices to choose from. So how can you pick the best one for you? We have listed the factors that you have to consider when buying a muffin pan below.
Construction
When buying muffin pans, the material used for construction is vital. Remember depending on the choice of materials, your muffins, and other baked goodies turnouts may vary—for example, baking time, crusting, and taste.
Know the Material: Aluminum
These pans are the most common and the commercial standard for muffin pans. Aluminum is an excellent heat conductor and can bake goodies really fast. However, aluminum is not great for browning as it reflects light and radiation from the oven. Also, most aluminum pans are not non-stick, so it’s hard to pop baked goods from them.
Know the Material: Cast Iron and Steel
These pans are heavy but extremely durable. They don’t easily warp and can serve you for a really long time. However, it is hard to heat them up, so baking is considerably slower. But if you want a beautiful crust and achieve that perfect browning, then these pans are your guy.
Know the Material: Silicone
These pans have gained popularity in the past few years. Silicone pans are more lightweight and flexible compared to their peers. It also does not have any sharp edges and is virtually toxic-free. Unfortunately, because it is not that solid enough, the muffins don’t rise as much as metal pans.
Know the Material: Capacity
The pan’s capacity is also essential when picking the right muffin pan for you. You need to ask yourself how big your household is. Do you bake just for yourself? Only you and a loved one or for an extended family? Choose the best muffin pan that can cater for how many muffins you are planning to bake.
Unique Add-Ons
Does it come pre-coated with natural oil? Or perhaps it is equipped with rubber grips? Whatever it is, it is best to buy a muffin pan with extra features.
FAQs
What is the best material for a muffin pan?
Aluminum: While it’s true that there are many types of material for a muffin pan, aluminum is probably the most popular material because they are lightweight, conduct heat smoothly, and produce evenly baked muffins.
Is there a difference between a muffin pan and a cupcake pan?
Muffin pan and cupcake pans are the same. They can be used to bake cupcakes, muffins, and even eggs but they are all the same although they are generally called muffin pans.
What should I look for in a muffin tin?
Although it greatly depends on what you need, it is recommended to use a muffin pan that can hold up to 6, 8, 12, 24, and more muffins at a time. Moreover, the muffin pan has to yield 3.5 oz of batter in each cup.
In case you are looking to make mini bite-sized muffins, then opt for a pan that can yield 2 ⅛ oz of batter and one that can hold up to 24 muffins at a time.
Is silicone muffin pan safe?
Contrary to popular belief, silicone muffin pans are safe. Moreover, they are heat-resistant and safe for the oven and freezer so, they won’t release odours that might affect the taste or the quality of the food in any way possible.
Cotton candy had an economic impact at the time it became popular because it was essentially created by William Morrison and John Wharton for the rich. Ever since cotton candy was publicized at the St. Louis World Fair in 1904, cotton candies have become a core part in fun fairs, creating memories in everyone’s childhood.
With so many cotton candy makers now offering top cotton candy machines, a person can now experience this sugary treat in the comfort of his or her own home at any time. Unfortunately, the wide variety of options available can make it confusing for anyone looking for the best cotton candy machine for them.
The Nostalgia PCM405 is an excellent candy cotton machine choice for those who want a simple to use machine. The process involves warming the unit, adding flossing sugar, and enjoying the final product within a few minutes. The retro design of this machine takes the user back to a time when records were spinning on jukeboxes and Americans were driving muscle cars.
This machine has a unique extractor head that enables the user to utilize hard candies or traditional flossing sugar to deliver the most delicious combination of cotton candy flavors. If an individual is uncertain about which types of hard candy or flossing sugar to purchase, Nostalgia offers a wide array of premade kits.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Protective rim guard
Comes with two reusable cones
Disassembles for quick cleaning[/i2pros][i2cons]Produces small portions
Not appropriate for large parties[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The bright, colorful kitchen-friendly décor style of the Candery cotton candy machine will definitely catch the eye. With this machine, a person can get sugar sweets spinning within a few minutes. This unique design of this cotton candy machine makes it possible for parents and children to enjoy making fluffy sweetness together.
This unit uses hard candies or sugar floss to create these masterpieces of sugary goodness. This machine comes as a complete kit. It includes ten candy cones and one scoop, so the purchaser can start making cotton candy as soon as possible. The high-quality construction of this device ensures the unit will be reliable every time it is used.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Clear rim guard
Equipped with stable feet
Easy to use with a simple design[/i2pros][i2cons]Makes tiny portions[/i2cons][/i2pc]
3. Nostalgia PCM306PK Vintage Countertop Original Cotton Candy Maker
As with most machines on this list, the Nostalgia PCM305 can utilize flossing sugar or hard candies to create a batch of sugary sweetness. This utilization is possible due to the Nostalgia unique extractor head. The vintage design takes a person back to the early 1900s. The details of this cotton candy machine mimic the old carnival vendor carts.
With the suction cups located on the feet of this machine, the unit stays in place. These cups also provide extra stability for the device when it is being used. The clear rim guard gives children a clear view when they are watching the cotton candy being made.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Complete kits available for making cotton candy
Disassembles to wash all parts[/i2pros][i2cons]Bowl is plastic[/i2cons][/i2pc]
4. VBENLEM Commercial Cotton Candy Machine Electric Floss Maker 1030W
If a person is looking to buy a machine to mix and match colors and flavors of cotton candy, the VBENLEM’s cotton candy machine is the perfect unit. After choosing a favorite blend of color and flavor, the fast production of cotton candy will bring joy to adults and children alike.
This device is an excellent choice for any occasion, including a birthday party, amusement park, cinema, and supermarket. The ample storage space located underneath the control panel provides plenty of space to store extra flossing sugar or other necessities. The machine sits upon a rolling cart to make it easy to transport the unit to the perfect location.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Removable bowl for easy cleaning
Conical bin design to prevent spilling
Excellent dashboard display[/i2pros][i2cons]Too large for some storage areas[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Out of all of the cotton candy machines on this list, the Secura has the most colorful and light design. The company designed this machine to give a uniquely happy feeling every time it is used. However, different people probably will experience mixed emotions when using it.
With this unit, a person can use hard candy, sugar-free hard candy, or flossing sugar to produce the best flavor of cotton candy. The clear rim guard allows the user to get a great view of what is happening inside the bowl. With the Secura’s easy setup and fast floss production. Buy this if you are looking for a cotton candy machine that can be used by all age groups.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Disassembles making it easy to wash
Can be used in large or small settings[/i2pros][i2cons]Produces tiny batches at a time[/i2cons][/i2pc]
If a person loves pink, he or she is going to love the Cotton Candy Express CC1000-S. This machine is pink with a matching pink sugar scoop. It even comes with eight pink and blue striped cotton candy cones. With the CC1000’s compact size, this device is a perfect choice for those who want to make cotton candy at home.
This machine comes with an instruction manual and a cotton candy card to help ensure the user can make the perfect sugary treat. Cotton Candy Express offers a wide variety of floss sugars to accompany this machine. After three cones, this machine must be cleaned.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Comes with an instructional video
Easy to use[/i2pros][i2cons]Needs to be cleaned frequently[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This particular model is commercial quality and value. It comes equipped with 1000W maximum heating power. The 21-inch stainless steel bowl will not rust and is easy to clean. The sugar outlet is aluminum to ensure even heating. The convenient drawer is excellent for storing tools and other materials.
The control area of this device comes with a voltage meter, temperature controller, on/off button, and fuse. With these controls, it allows beginners to make the perfect batch of cotton candy treats easily. The locking clips are made from stainless steel, making them durable. The rubber gaskets hold the bowl down tightly to prevent skidding.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Easy setup
Fast cleanup
Stainless steel construction[/i2pros][i2cons]21 in x 21 in x 18 in making it a little large for a countertop[/i2cons][/i2pc]
8. Great Northern Popcorn Junior Vortex Cotton Candy Machine
At first glance, a person can tell this machine is different. On the front of the unit, an on and off switch can quickly be found. Near this switch, a reset button can be located. Great Northern installed this button instead of a fuse for safety purposes. On the front, a volt display tells the user the exact amount of voltage being used.
This machine is excellent for parties because it will work continuously, making a cone every 30 seconds. The clamps found on the base help to reduce vibration while securing the kettle to the base. When receiving this device, it comes with an instruction manual, a stainless steel scoop, two replacement ribbon belts, and a stainless steel pan.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Stainless steel
Easy to disassemble and clean
Reset button instead of a fuse[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not come with rim guard
Cart is not included[/i2cons][/i2pc]
9. NODEMASH Cotton Candy Machine
Best for Small Events and Parties
Specs: Size: 10.3 in x 10.3 in x 6.7 in | Weight: 3.76 lbs | Inclusions: 1x sugar scoop, 20x candy stick
The VIVO is a commercial-grade cotton candy making machine. It can produce between two and three servings every minute. With a variety of options, this device can melt any flavor or color of hard candy and create delicious floss. If a person likes Nerds, Life Savers, or Peppermints, this machine can turn those favorites into yummy cotton candy.
On the front of this unit, a power switch, heat switch, fuse, and voltage meter can be found. These items can help assist in making an excellent batch of these sugary treats. It comes with a 20-inch stainless steel bowl, scoop, spare parts, and manual.
The Chef Buddy Countertop Cotton Candy Machine from Amazon is a very portable machine that lets you make cotton candy in three easy steps. Does it really?
We like how the Chef Buddy Cotton Candy Machine comes assembled as it saves you time compared to other options in the market. Furthermore, it also comes with 10 sticks.
If you are a mom or anyone who is looking for a commercial-grade machine, then this is not for you. However, if you are looking for a cotton candy machine that you can use for your family, this will surely be worth investing in, especially if you’re on a budget.
The machine only takes 5 minutes to heat up, so your kids won’t have to wait long to enjoy a sweet treat. Fitting this on your kitchen countertop should not be a problem since it only measures 9.25 in (H) x 10.5 in (W) x 10.5 in (D).
Cleaning and maintaining the machine is also easy because on top of being small enough, the machine is also easy to take apart when not in use.
Overall, it doesn’t offer any other fancy features but it does perform as it should. So, if you’re just looking for a cotton candy machine that isn’t expensive, and one that you can use with your family, this is a solid choice to consider.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Easy to clean as parts are easy to come off
Easy to use
Very portable[/i2pros][i2cons]Heats up[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Critical Factors to Consider before Choosing a Cotton Candy Machine
At this point, you can see that there are a handful of best cotton candy machines for different cases in the market or even on Amazon. Some are made from popular brands, while others are from unknown company names.
But just because you haven’t heard of some of these names doesn’t mean they are automatically unreliable in terms of performance and quality. In fact, some of these unknown brands perform just as great as some of the top-grade machines.
This section covers the critical factors that matter for your needs and your family.
Know Your Purpose
Are you planning to buy a machine for you and your family, or are you looking for a cotton candy machine for big birthday parties?
If you are looking for a cotton candy machine you can use at big birthday parties, you might want to buy a commercial-grade option from our list; on the other hand, something small that doesn’t produce as much should suffice your needs and your family’s at home.
Do You Want a Countertop or a Cart?
Some cotton candy machines come with just a stand while others with wheels. Depending on what you are after should be your machine choice.
For business purposes, you will want something that isn’t just durable but also has a stronger engine to fit larger amounts of ingredients. Ideally, you will want to focus on getting commercial-grade cotton candy machines.
If you are just looking for a machine you can use at home to make small batches of cotton candy, then a home cotton candy machine should be just fine. All the machines in our list should serve well for this purpose.
How Patient Are You with the Cooking Process and Events?
Before you can start making your cotton candy, every cotton candy machine needs to be warmed up.
There are cotton candies that take up to 10 minutes to warm up while others only take 3 to 4 minutes. So, when browsing from Amazon or any cotton candy machine, choose according to your preference.
There Are Different Types of Sugars…
Cotton candies are basically sugar that is melted and turned at a high speed. But the type of sugar used to make cotton candies vary greatly.
Types of sugar you can use range from granulated sugar, superfine sugar to caster sugar. That is why it is important to check that the machine lets you use your preferred type of sugar and more to give you a bit of a leeway as far as choices are concerned.
For people who are concerned about their health, you can consider a sugar-free cotton candy machine. These machines are new in the market and are specifically made perfectly for those who are looking to make sugar-free cotton candy.
Spruce Up Your Candy with Other Accessories Included
Apart from the machine, most cotton candy machines come with additional accessories. Other cotton candy machine appliances come with a package containing a starter pack of sugar scoop, cones, or wooden sticks to stick and wind your candy floss around.
Moreover, you will also need to purchase the flossing sugar. There are a handful of these you will find online that come in a wide variety of flavors.
It is also worth noting that you will have to purchase the plastic lid separately should the machine doesn’t come with it. Having a plastic lid should make spinning the sugar a lot easier.
How Does A Cotton Candy Machine Work?
How to Clean Your Cotton Candy Machine?
Like any other cookware we have around the kitchen, it is vital to keep your cotton candy machine clean and maintained so they will last you a long time.
The variety of cotton candy machines also leads to a variety of ways to clean them after use. But generally, cleaning your cotton candy machine is very straightforward:
Step 1: Remove the bowl and rinse through warm water. Step 2: Turn on the machine as if you were making cotton candy to get rid of any leftover sugar inside the machine and the floss head that hasn’t been washed off. Step 3: Let the machine run for one minute with the temperature setting turned up. The heat will bake off the remaining sugar inside the machine. Step 4: Slowly pour some water into the hot bowl when there is no more visible sugar to get rid of any stuck-on sugar crystals. Step 5: Disconnect the machine from the power source. Step 6: Let it cool down and use a clean towel to wipe off any remaining moisture from the bowl and the floss head. Step 7: Wipe down the splash guard to clean up any sugar residue.
FAQs About Cotton Candy Machines
What is the best cotton candy machine for commercial use?
The best cotton candy machine for commercial use would be the VBENLEM Commercial Cotton Candy Machine. The only thing you need to do is turn it on, pour in the sugar, and wait for it to make 2 to 3 servings of cotton candy per minute.
What is the machine that makes cotton candy?
The machine that makes cotton candy is simply called cotton candy machine. The process involves melting the sugar you put inside the housing container until they become liquid, enough to escape the housing container that is spinning at a high RPMs to create threads of melted sugar around.
Can you put any candy in a cotton candy machine?
You can use any piece of hard candy to make a fluffy cotton candy. However, there are certain types of cotton candy machine models that can only cook so much candy.
When thinking about using candies, it is best to check with the manufacturer first to ensure you won’t have any issues in the long run.
What kind of sugar do you use for cotton candy?
The types of sugar used to make cotton candy range from granulated sugar, superfine sugar, caster sugar, to pre-mix.
Graded sugar is preferred over the old, regular sugar because the sugar in caster sugar and the similar types of sugar are more granular, leading to more production and less fairy floss when cooked and thrown out from the central chamber of the machine.
Can you use brown sugar in a cotton candy machine?
Yes, although the results may not be as spectacular because brown sugars are not made to be used in a candy floss machine. However, with the right mixture of white and brown sugar, results can improve.
What is the difference between cotton candy and candy floss?
They’re the same! Like any other English word, cotton candy is called differently around the world but are all the same. For example, cotton candy in the United States is called candy floss in England. In Finland and Australia, they call it fairy floss. Moreover, in the Netherlands, they call it suikerspin, which means “sugar spider” in English.
Should I use water to clean my cotton candy machine?
Water is enough to clean your cotton candy machine. In our “How to Clean Your Cotton Candy Section”, we mentioned you can use warm water to rinse off leftover sugar. Running the machine as though you were making a cotton candy makes sure that there’s no more sugar on the floss head. It’s that efficient– no need to overthink on what detergents to use.
What can I use to clean a cotton candy machine?
Apart from using water to get rid of any crystal sugar that might be sticking to the machine, a clean towel is needed to wipe off any remaining moisture from the bowl and the floss head.
It is also recommended to wipe down the splash guard or bubble as sugar could remain here after use.
How much sugar do you put in a cotton candy machine?
Before you put anything into the machine, make sure it is heated up. Once the machine is heated up, pour one scoop of sugar into the moving head of the machine.
Most machines don’t recommend putting more than one scoop because apart from potentially breaking the machine, it will also just over-fill the excess sugar.
Here is a list of the best of the best heavy-duty grill covers that will surely keep your outdoor investment in pristine condition. Your wonderful grill that keeps the people coming over for your parties and barbecue nights has to be protected, right? Most of the time your grill will stay outside or in the garage. But even if you decided to keep it in the middle of your kitchen (it’s okay if you do), you will still want it covered and safe. Choosing the best cover for your baby can be confusing, so we have laid out the choices for you!
Grill covers are available in polyester, vinyl and canvas, some are even brand specific so you will be sure it’s a perfect fit. Our picks are designed for 3-4 burner grills but most of these items have varying sizes available.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]PVC lined oxford material
Waterproof
Weatherproof, UV protection, and tear resistant
Lifetime replacement warranty
[/i2pros][i2cons]Loose at the bottom
No air vents[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Grillman Premium Waterproof Grill Cover is made of PVC-lined Oxford material making it waterproof, tear resistant and fade resistant. It is also UV resistant which will keep your grill protected no matter the season. It has adjustable straps attached to prevent it from getting blown by the wind and be tightened for a perfect fit. It has adjustable straps attached to prevent your cover from blowing away in the wind and to provide the ideal fit. It fits Weber, Char Broil or Brinkmann BBQ grill. The loose bottom is probably a design flaw because it may not prevent small animals from getting under the cover. But it has a lifetime replacement guarantee. Even if you’ve had this for years and encountered issues, you can get a replacement easily without hesitation!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]600D Polyester
Waterproof, UV fading, crack and tear resistant
Large Velcro straps
Easy to clean
3 year-warranty
Free grilling utensils
[/i2pros][i2cons]Expensive price
Limited to Weber grills[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This KingKong Gas Grill Cover uses material with outstanding quality. It is made of 600D polyester fabric which is particularly resistant to water and high temperature. It is tear and crack resistant and has UV protection to prevent it from fading giving it a long-lasting use. It is breathable and pliable even in extreme cold conditions. Providing year-round protection from the environment, this cover carries a generous 3-year warranty. There are also large adjustable Velcro straps attached to hold it down on strong winds. Cleaning this is a breeze, simply hose it down with water and let it dry in the sun. Purchasing this grill cover also comes with a Stainless-Steel Grill Brush, Tongs and Cooking Thermometer. Since it is a package, it could be the reason w
hy it is pricier compared to other grill covers. Another downside is, it is particularly designed for Weber Genesis E and S series. It will also fit the Char-Broil 4 burner. You can check the model list they provide to ensure a perfect fit. But with careful measurements and proper dimensions, there could be a proper fit for other grills.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]600D polyester with PVC backing
Double stitched
Color fade resistant
Thick cover
Waterproof and UV resistant
Comes with a tong and brush
[/i2pros][i2cons]Material cracks after repeated use[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The Texas Gas Grill Cover is made of heavy duty material which is durable under all weather conditions. Its 3-layer fabric consist of anti UV coating, PVC which is 100% waterproof and rip resistant 600D polyester. It is sure to endure under extreme heat and extreme cold conditions. Its side straps give perfect fit on a wide range of brand and styles with 3-4 burners including Weber and Char-broil. Getting this cover comes with a brush, a tong and a full-year guarantee.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]600 D Oxford Fabric with PVC layer
Weather resistant
Waterproof
Sun and fade resistant
Double stitching
Storage bag
Excellent customer service
[/i2pros][i2cons]No air vents[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This improved 58” Homitt Gas Grill cover can fit most grills with 3-4 burners. It can fit Weber BBQ grill, along with many other popular brands. It is made with 600 D oxford fabric with extra coating on the outer cover which makes it resistant to sun and fading. It also has a PVC layer to prevent water and double stitching makes it sturdy and rip resistant. Because water will usually go through the sewn edges, this grill cover uses waterproof adhesives to address the issue. The handles at each sides of the cover make it easier to fit and remove. It can also be used for hanging and storage. There are also strong adjustable nylon stickers to keep the cover in place and a storage bag for safe keeping. Aside from its great quality, another reason why it landed on our top list is their excellent customer service. Previously, their older release was was not good and they received bad reviews and complaints from customers. They improved their product based on those reviews and they gave free replacement without being asked to!
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Weather 10 fabric
Rot resistant
Air vents
Click-close straps for tie-down at legs
Adjustable Cord Lock Closure
Interlocking seams
Limited lifetime warranty
[/i2pros][i2cons]No UV protection
Fades immediately when exposed to sunlight[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Classic accessories Hickory Series Grill Cover is suitable for Weber Grills, Brinkmann, CharBroil, Jenn Air and other popular brands. It uses Weather 10 fabric giving your grill an all-weather protection. Rot resistant Weather Leather trim which keeps your grill dry and safe with a protective water repellent and wipe-clean laminated backing. This cover is very stylish and features a rugged fabric top. It has click-close straps snap over legs to secure cover on the windiest days. An elastic hem with a toggle allows for easy adjustment for a custom-like fit. Reinforced padded handles provide comfort when installing and removing. The Gusseted self-supported vents keep weather out while providing maximum ventilation and minimum condensation. This cover definitely looks classy but unfortunately it does not have UV protection and will fade quickly if exposed to sunlight so consider carefully if you live in sunny places. It’s a good thing it has a lifetime warranty.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Can fit various grill models from popular brands
Waterproof
With elastic hem chord
With air vents
Convenient Paddled handle
Handy Storage pockets
Click-close straps snap
Three-year Warranty
[/i2pros][i2cons]Not designed to cover the legs and wheels of the grill
Fit can be loose depending on the size of the grill
Not durable under harsh sunlight[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Classic Accessories Veranda Water-Resistant BBQ Grill Cover has a fashionable design because of its pebble and earthy color. This cover will look stylish on your veranda and has all the necessary qualities for a grill cover. Its elegant fabric top is made with heavy weight Gardelle woven polyester fabric and special water-repellent and resistant backing, and protective dark splash guard skirt. It has air vents to reduce inside condensation and wind lofting. The padded handles help for easy fitting and removal. It also has storage pockets which is a really convenient feature to keep your small grill accessories and tools. Another convenient feature is the attachment snaps to put over the legs or wheels to keep your grill secure on the windiest days while the elastic hem chord at the bottom allows adjustment for a custom like fit. This particular model fits barbecue grills with size 58″L x 24″D x 48″H. It can be used on brands such as Weber Genesis II Gas Grill Model E-310, Spirit Gas Grill Models E-310, E-320, SP-310, SP-320 and Weber Genesis Silver B models, along with many other popular brands (Brinkmann, CharBroil, Jenn Air, etc). All this wonderful feature is made even better with a generous 3-year limited warranty. But as they mentioned, it is not designed to cover the legs and wheels of the grill and if left under harsh sun for a long time, it will fade and lose its durability. For its price this is a good buy.
Liba Heavy Duty BBQ Grill Cover is suitable for many models including Weber Spirit models, Weber Genesis and Silver C models. It is made of 600D, rip-resistant polyester fabric with UV protection and durable Velcro straps for an extra snug fit, this cover is made to withstand rain, wind, sunlight and keep your grill safe from dust and rust. Like most grill covers, it can fade quickly if left exposed to sun for a long time. There is a hassle free replacement warranty for a year that covers rips and tears, or you can get your money back if you are not satisfied. This is definitely a quality product for its price.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Made of 600 D polyester fabric
UV fade resistant
Water resistant PVC coating
Concealed mesh air vent
One year guarantee
60 days money-back guarantee
[/i2pros][i2cons]Does not cover the wheels[/i2cons][/i2pc]
iCover Bbq Grill Cover is made of 600D oxford polyester fabric with PVC backing and water repellent finish. It is double stitched at seams which enables additional rip resistance. It is also UV resistant to keep it from fading quickly. There is a large mesh air vent at the front which is concealed allowing the air to circulate and keep your grill dry. This middle to large size cover fits bbq grills up to 60 inches wide which is generally good for all 3 or 4 burner gas grills. The cover is not designed to cover the wheels entirely but it does prevent animals to hide under the cover. There are handles at the top to slide it easily and Velcro closure straps at the bottom to keep the wind from blowing it off. The great quality won’t hurt your pocket at all.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Made of 600 D polyester fabric
Weather resistant
Covers the wheels
Affordable price
With handles and 2” wide fasteners
[/i2pros][i2cons]Stitching is wanting[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Simple Houseware 58” Waterproof Grill Cover is made of 600 D polyester fabric. There are handles for easy fitting and removal. There are 2” wide fasteners at the bottom for a snug fit and hold it down on windy days. It is waterproof, dust-proof, UV resistant, weather resistant, rip resistant and wind resistant making it usable for all kinds of season. Cleaning is easy, just hose it down with water and let it dry. Overall, it does the job without hurting your pocket. But the stitching can be improved. Most low reviews it got mentioned tearing and leaking at the seams.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]18 mil. polyester fabric
UV protection
Water resistant
2 Year fade-free Warranty
[/i2pros][i2cons]It is made of chemicals that can cause cancer and birth defects[/i2cons][/i2pc]
Char Broil Performance Grill Cover is made of heavy-duty premium cover featuring an 18 mil polyester fabric with UV protection for fade resistance and sealed seams for water resistance. It is designed for 3-4 burners grills up to 62 inches wide. It has adjustable-fit side straps for a more secure fit and carries a 2 Year fade-free warranty. But there is a disclaimer that this product contains chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. So, be sure to keep that in mind.
Buyer’s guide for picking up the perfect grill
We hope that our reviews helped you in deciding which grill cover to get. To help you further, here are some important things to consider when buying a cover for your grill.
Your location and the weather. Do you live in places with longer hot days or cold days? Does it snow or rains a lot? If your grill will stay in your backyard where there is no shade or roof then it is important to get a cover that is waterproof and with UV protection or one that has sun and fade protection for your purchase to be worth it. If it will be stored in a garage, you can consider a cover with air vents. Small animals should also come in mind like raccoons, squirrels and snakes.
The size of your grill. You got to have the right measurements to make sure that the cover will fit well. Luckily, most covers are universally sized to fit most brands of grills but still, measuring your grill first will avoid getting the wrong size and will save you the hassle.
The warranty. A cover with warranty gives you an assurance that your money won’t go to waste if the product did not live up to its promises. The longer that warranty, the better.
Coffee become a staple for almost everyone. The smell of those brewed aromatic dark beans is so good you would want to drink it on its own, if you like it black and bitter of course. You can add milk and sugar or make it frothy or you can pair it with your favorite treats such as cookies, however you like it, what is important is to have that perfectly brewed coffee to start your day and keep you going. Getting fresh coffee from a cafe can be hard for your pocket and you will have to go out of your house first. So if you are not a fan of instant coffee mix maybe you should get a coffee maker. In this way, you can easily have your caffeine fix every morning.
There are various kinds and brands of coffee makers out there. But before grabbing the cheapest on the shelf, there are things you should consider first. If you will only be serving yourself or have it with another person then a 4-cup coffee maker is what you need. Just remember that in this context, 4-cup doesn’t mean 4 mugs or literally 4 cups because a coffee cup is different from the regular cup measurement. Usually these machines only make about 2 regular-sized servings so it’s enough if you are the only coffee drinker in the house. If you are also considering space then we got you this list of five best 4-cup coffee maker that will not take up a lot of counter space without spending much but keeping the quality of rich tasting coffee.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Automatic turn off after an hour
Removable filter basket
Grab-a-cup auto pause
Dual water window for accurate filling
Cord storage
Indicator light
Set it ahead of time with Delay Brew[/i2pros][i2cons]Need to use 8-12 cup filter for a perfect fit
Lid can be hard to close some times[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The Mr. Coffee DRX5-RB is a 4-cup programmable coffee maker. You can set it ahead of time with their Delay Brew feature. This is great if you are the type who wants to wake up to the enticing aroma of a fresh pot. It also has a Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause feature which let’s you snag a cup while it’s brewing. It turns off automatically after an hour so no worries if you forget. It brews fast and quietly and will last for a long while which saves you time and money in the long run. It has an indicator light letting you aware if the machine is on. It has a removable filter basket for easy cleaning. But for the paper filters, it is suggested to use an 8-12 cup filter for a perfect fit. You can also keep the excess cord in its own cord storage to keep your counter neat. It is small so it will not take a lot of space. The only downside is it can only make 2 actual cups of coffee or 1.25 mugs if bigger and the filter compartment do not close securely sometimes, so you have to make sure that it snaps hard. All in all, it brings a rich coffee experience that is perfect with your breakfast meals.
Dripless pour spout and knuckle guard
Brew-pause feature
30 minute automatic shutoff
Indicator light
Uses standard paper filter
Little coffee scoop[/i2pros][i2cons]Paint on hot plate rubbed off after some time
Lid is hard to take off
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The next one in our list is the Cuisinart DCC-450BK with stainless steel carafe. If you are worried about the glass ones breaking, then this small and compact coffee maker should be on your list. This one is small enough to use for a small household or second home without sacrificing the quality of your coffee and it does not drip! It has a dripless pour spout and a knuckle guard that leaves you mess free when pouring. It has a Brew Pause feature that lets you enjoy a cup while brewing. It comes with a little coffee scoop and uses a number 2 cone filter. It has an ON indicator light. It shuts off automatically after 30 minutes. But this feature also causes the coffee to cool down prematurely. The paint on the plate tends to rubbed off after some time, although it can depend on usage. But all those negatives are minuscule compare to the flavorful coffee it makes.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]On/off indicator light
Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause
Dual water window allows visibility as you fill
Removable filter basket for quick and easy cleanup
Stain-resistant warming plate is easy to clean[/i2pros][i2cons]No automatic turn off
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
This one is another type of coffee maker from Mr. Coffee. This is a TF4-RB 4-cup Switch Coffee Maker. Unlike the first Mr. Coffee, this is not programmable but it has almost all the other features as the first one and cost less! It has an indicator light that lets you know if it’s on, Grab-A-Cup Auto Pause stops cycle if you need a cup before brewing is finished, dual water window allows visibility as you fill, a removable filter basket for quick and easy cleanup, and stain-resistant warming plate. It uses standard coffee filters. This is a small good looking coffee maker that will look good on the counter top. The glass carafe is sturdy. It does not shut off automatically but it will surely give you a nice and strong coffee.
Elite Cuisine EHC-2022 Maxi-Matic 4 Cup Coffee Maker
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Semi-transparent water reservoir
Little coffee scoop
Pause ‘N Serve function
Re-usable and washable built-in filter
Power indicator light
Dishwasher safe carafe
[/i2pros][i2cons]No automatic turn off
Glass carafe is delicate
Reusable filter will stain after some time
Non-standard shape filter so paper filters will not fit well if you ever want to use one
[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The Elite Cuisine EHC-2022 Maxi Matic is a great basic little coffee maker. This one has a glass carafe that is dishwasher safe. This too has a built-in Pause ‘N Serve system that allows you to sneak a cup of coffee while still brewing. The semi-transparent water reservoir holds up to 4 cup capacity with water level indicator that lets you know how much water you are pouring. The best part for this machine is it has a filter compartment with re-usable and washable built-in filter. So no more waste and no more running out of filters! It can make about 2 mugs of coffee and adequate for little kitchen as it does not take up a lot of space, brews quickly and keeps coffee nice and hot. It also comes with a little coffee scoop for accurate measuring. But it does not have an automatic shut off and the glass carafe can be delicate, so you have to be careful. The reusable filter can stain after some time, if you want to use a paper filter you can use #2 cone but since it has a non standard shape it will not fit well, but it works. For the price it works great and make just the right coffee.
[i2pc show_title=”false” title=”Pros & Cons” show_button=”false” pros_title=”Pros” cons_title=”Cons” ][i2pros]Grab-a-cup feature
Removable micromesh filter
Easy-to-see Internal water level indicators (1 to 4 cups)
Lighted On/Off switch
Cord storage keeps countertop tidy[/i2pros][i2cons]Coffee is not hot enough sometimes
Coffee drips from spout as you pour
No automatic turn off[/i2cons][/i2pc]
The last one in our list is the Better Chef IM-104S. It has stainless steel accents that work with most decorative styles. It has a built in micro mesh filter that is removable, you can use that or you can add a paper filter. You can easily find a flat 4-cup paper filters for it. It also has a Grab-n-Go feature that stops the brewing process while you pour a cup, then resumes when you place the carafe back on. It has an indicator light and a cord storage to keep the counter top tidy. It is small and you can get about 2 medium sized mugs of coffee. Cons for this machine are sometimes the coffee it makes is not that hot and the coffee can drip from the spout as you pour. For a small amount, it’s a great coffee maker for daily use.
4-Cup Coffee Maker Conclusion
We hope that our reviews helped you decide which coffee maker to buy. Most of the time brewed is better than instant mix, but we also don’t want bulky items on our counter, especially if there isn’t enough space. If you drink several cup of coffees a day or there are several drinkers at home, more likely 2 to 3 people, then a 4-cup coffee maker is a good way to go. They are small, easy to clean and store, they don’t cost much and they make decent coffee. In this list, the best selection would be the Mr. Coffee Programmable Coffee maker because who wouldn’t love to wake up in the aroma of freshly brewed coffee. But if you are in a budget, Mr. Coffee TF4-RB 4-cup Switch Coffee Maker offers the best value. It got all the features we love for less.
Graham refrigerated cake is super easyno-bake recipe. You can never go wrong with it and you can serve it all year round. The sweetness and saltiness of the ingredients used in this recipe are well balanced that once you eat a spoon, you will be asking for another!
If you are looking for an easy and on the budget recipe for dessert, then take a look at this recipe. Graham ref cake is an icebox cake that uses Graham crackers as its base. It has become popular among Filipinos for as long as I can remember. It’s no wonder because it’s simple, quick and easy to make and will not hurt your pocket.
Graham ref cake is an icebox cake.
But this lovely dessert is not just limited on using Graham crackers, you can use other regular crackers that you find appealing– you can even top this with a cotton candy from an easy-to-use cotton candy machine. Using broas or lady fingers is also popular. You can also use any kind of fruits you like as toppings. Usually mangoes, peaches, cherries, and canned fruit cocktails are used. Other terms to call this dessert, depending on the fruits and toppings used, includes mango graham cake, mango float, ref cake, peach mango graham cake or just graham cake.
Graham Ref Cake
You can serve this all year round as snacks or desserts. But because it is special, it is usually served on holidays such as Christmas and new year’s eve, parties and celebrations.
Tools you will need
Food container, square or rectangular in shape as long as a piece of cracker fits perfectly.
This whipped cream cheese fruit salad recipe is simple, quick and easy to make. Fruit salad is always present during holidays and in any celebration. It is no wonder because it’s yummy and can be prepared in seconds. Just cut all the fruits you like and toss it in a bowl and voila! You got yourself the perfect side dish or dessert.
Whipped Cream Cheese Fruit Salad Recipe
I love fruit salad. It’s what I always look for on parties. Whether it is creamy or dressed with sweet syrup like honey, I like the little mix of fruits I enjoy.
Recipe for fruit salad with whipped cream and cream cheese
Creamy fruit salad is usually dressed with all purpose cream. But since I have excess whipping cream from the decorated sugar cookies I made, I decided to try it and add cream cheese in the ingredients to make the whipped cream thicker and that salty tangy flavor makes its creaminess better. Sugar is not needed since the whipping cream is already sweet. For the fruits we will use grapes, apples, orange, strawberries, kiwi, cherries, mango and melon and a mixed of nuts and dried berries like pecans and cranberry. It will be a balanced combination of sweetness and sour taste of the citrus fruits. You can add other fruits you love like peach or berries. You can also try a salad that uses coconut meat like in this buko salad recipe.
Fruits used in this recipe
Tools you need for this fruit salad recipe
You will need a mixing bowl for the whipping cream and cream cheese.
Do you have a turbo oven and do not know what to do with it? Do not fret because there are a lot of baked goodies you can do in that oven. If cookies are what’s on your mind right now, we have these 3 easy cookie recipes that you can make to put that oven into good use.
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular cookies. It is your two favorite things in one. Cookies and chocolate! Here is an easy chocolate chip cookie recipe that is chewy and soft on the inside but has crisp edges on the outside.
If you are looking for gluten free treats try this easy melt in your mouth Uraro or Arrowroot cookie recipe. Its other ingredients are all purpose flour, baking powder, vanilla flavoring, butter, eggs and sugar. The result is a delicate, soft and powdery cookies.
This sugar cookie recipe is traditional, classic home made sugar cookie, and easy to make. You can make them from scratch! The output is a soft and chewy cookie that you will surely enjoy eating.
Just like cotton candies, rolled sugar cookies are perfect for themed desserts and treats. Cotton candies are also easy to make nowadays with portable cotton candies. This one here is Christmas themed. Themed cookies are fun and it is served usually with milk. Be creative and have fun decorating with the tasty buttercream frosting.
There are actually a lot of recipes you can try in a turbo oven. But since it does not have a space as big as the regular ones, when baking cookies, you just have to do it in batches. But if it is all you have you just have to make the best of it. Turbo convection oven are easy to use and it’s versatile. It can bake, steam, broil, grill, roast, and even thaw frozen food. It also uses convection heat and cooks faster than a regular oven. It is also easy to clean up. You do not have to worry about food getting stuck at the bottom.
Here is an easy sugar cookie recipe that is perfect for making cut-out cookies and a few decorating ideas that is Christmas themed. Make sure you have allotted enough time and counter space to make these cookies because they will sure take up space. For the decoration we will use buttercream frosting that quickly hardens after a few hours.
Chocolate chip cookies are one of the most popular cookies. It is your two favorite things in one. Cookies and chocolate! Here is an easy chocolate chip cookies recipe that is chewy and soft on the inside but has crisp edges on the outside.
Chocolate Chip Cookies Recipe
If you are looking for baked goods you can do in your turbo oven then you are in the right place. Chocolate chip cookies recipe is easy and so is Uraro or arrowroot cookies.
Chocolate chip cookies and milk
For this recipe, you do not need to use an electric mixer because it uses melted butter.
Do not worry, you can also make these lovable cookies on a regular oven. You will just have to adjust the temperature and the timer. See our notes for this.
Uraro is one of my loved snacks as a child. I would go to a small store, a “sari-sari” store, and buy few pieces for myself and these little treats will be my “baon” for the day. I liked its not too sweet and melt in your mouth texture. Its name came from one of its ingredients which is arrowroot. Because I have a difficulty saying the ‘r’ sound, my friends had fun making me say its name ‘uraro‘ because it will come out sounding funny. Filipinos even have a tongue twister for it. It goes like this,
“Durog durog na uraro”
(crushed arrowroot cookies)
It was meant as a joke for people who cannot say the ‘r’ sound fluently. It was just recently when I decided to learn how to make the cookies that I learned why it is called that way. It turns out that the word ‘uraro’ is a Filipino word for arrowroot cookies and the best thing about this arrowroot cookie recipe is that it’s gluten free!
Arrowroot Cookies
Arrowroot flour is the main ingredient for uraro. It is a starch obtained from the rhizomes (root stock) of several tropical plants. Arrowroot flour lacks gluten which makes it as a useful replacement for wheat flour for those with gluten intolerance.
Arrowroot Flour is the main ingredient for uraro or arrowroot cookies.
If you are looking for gluten free treats try this easy melt in your mouth Uraro or Arrowroot cookie recipe. Its other ingredients are all purpose flour, baking powder, vanilla flavoring, butter, eggs and sugar. The result is a delicate, soft and powdery cookies. These treats are perfect for the coming holiday. Puto bumbong and Bibingka are popular too during Christmas season. You can also bake chocolate chip cookies in your turbo oven.
Puto bumbong has become a favorite in a Filipino Christmas. It seems like it has become an icon. Every last quarter of the year beginning in late October stores will pop up selling this yummy treats and people will flock to get a taste of it. It is not a Filipino Christmas without them on the feast table. But did you ever get curious about how it is cooked and why it is called that way? Read on to this Puto Bumbong Recipe to find out.
Puto Bumbong Recipe
Puto bumbong is one of the many puto variants in the Philippines. Puto is a steamed rice cake that is traditionally made from slightly fermented rice dough. Bumbong, on the other hand, is a bamboo tube. Puto bumbong is a rice cake steamed in a bamboo tube and that is why it is called “Puto Bumbong”. Its main ingredient is the sticky rice called pirurutong which is deep purple to almost black in color. This gives the delicacy the unique purple color. Pirurutong is mixed with a larger ration of white glutinous rice. Regular white rice may also be used to give the dish a less chewy consistency.
Bumbong steamer or lansungan is used to cook puto bumbong. It is made with bamboo tubes called bumbong.
The rice grains are soaked in water over night, traditionally salted water, to give it a slightly acidic fermented aftertaste. It is then drained and packed in a bamboo tube greased with oil or butter and then steamed. When steam came out from the tube it means the puto is ready.
Recipes using alternative ingredients have emerged. Purple yam is used instead of “pirurutong” or sometimes just the white glutinous rice and then added with food coloring. But these varieties are usually frowned upon because it is considered inauthentic.
Puto bumbong is served topped with grated coconut, muscovado sugar and cheese
This rice cake is usually sold outside churches during Simbang Gabi. It is a night mass which is a a devotional nine-day series of Masses practiced by Filipino Catholics and Aglipayans in the Philippines in anticipation of Christmas. Other kinds of rice cakes are also sold like bibingka, suman malagkit and puto with cheese.
In this Puto Bumbong Recipe, we will try to capture the traditional taste of the Filipino Christmas favorite treats.
I have yet to meet someone who does not like ginataang bilo – bilo. Almost anyone I know said it is their favorite dessert and of course, mine too. Bilo Bilo is like a warm halo-halo which is perfect for rainy days or during breakfast and snacks too!
ginataang bilo bilo
Ginataang bilo – bilo is a Filipino dessert made with glutinous rice balls in a sweet coconut milk together with sweet potato, taro, various yams, jack fruit, saba banana and tapioca pearls. ‘Ginataan’ is a Tagalog word which refers to coconut milk- based dishes and ‘bilo-bilo’ means chewy rice balls, which are made of sweet rice flour and water. It is also known as ‘Ginataang Halo-halo’ (mix) referring to its varied ingredients.
Also referred to as Ginataang Halo – Halo
This sweet coconut milk soup is usually served warm during snacks and as a dessert but others enjoy it cold and refrigerated. Whichever way you prefer it will still taste delicious.
I was in high school when I first tasted ‘lumpiang sariwa‘ or fresh lumpia. It was strange and unusual for me because I was more familiar with fried spring rolls made with meat (egg roll) or with vegetables and bean sprouts called lumpiang togue. I liked it immediately and later found out that it is widely known but not easily available. Probably, it is because of the main ingredient ‘ubod’ or the palm heart found at the tip of a coconut trunk. This lumpiang sariwa recipe consist mainly of ubod and few additional vegetables.
Lumpiang Sariwa or Fresh Spring Rolls
What is Lumpiang Sariwa?
It took its characteristics from ‘lumpiang ubod’ which originates from Silay City in the province of Negros Occidental. Purportedly it emerged as one of the appetizers carried on woven trays (bilao) by servers in mahjong gambling dens. The ubod was taken from freshly felled coconut trees that are also used widely in Ilonggo cuisine. It became popular and was adopted in other parts of the Philippines and later on became known as lumpiang sariwa.
Lumpiang Sariwa Recipe
Lumpiang sariwa is a break from all the carb-laden glutinous food and deep fried meat that Filipinos are very fond of. Unlike the common spring rolls, can be made of meat or vegetables, which are deep fried, lumpiang sariwa is made with sauteed fillings wrapped in a thin egg crepe and then topped with a delectable sauce. It is called ‘sariwa’ or fresh because you will not fry the whole spring rolls. Its peanut sauce and lumpia wrappers are the elements which will make it special.
Fresh Lumpia Sauce
Lumpia wrappers can be homemade or commercial. It is thicker compared to wrappers use in fried version. It is made by mixing egg, flour, and water into a thin batter. It is poured into a pan for more or less a minute and then taken out to dry.
lumpiang sariwa
Try lumpiang sariwa recipe for a fresh and healthy snack (or lunch!). This recipe contains no meat or shrimp, but feel free to add those if you like and other vegetables like, cilantro and bean sprouts.
Pancit Malabon is a stir-fried noodle dish that originated from Malabon City, Metro Manila, Philippines. It is similar to Pancit Palabok. But unlike the latter, Pancit Malabon is not saucy or has lesser sauce which is just enough to stick in the noodles. The array of seafood toppings and the traditional thick and round rice noodles distinguishes this dish.
Pancit Malabon
Pancit Malabon contains plenty of seafood ingredients because Malabon is located in a coastal area and is famous for its seafood market. Common ingredients include shrimp, smoked fish flakes (tinapa flakes), and squid. Oysters (talaba) and mussels (tahong) can also be used. Traditionally, rice noodles will be soaked overnight but quick and easy to prepare noodles are also available.
Lechon is always present during celebrations. Whenever I see one whole roasted pig on a table, especially during Christmas and birthday parties, one thing is for sure, there will be lechongpaksiw the next day. Try this recipe to learn how to turn your crispy lechon into a sweet and tangy paksiw na lechon.
Lechon Paksiw
Paksiw is a Filipino style of cooking which means “to cook and simmer in vinegar.” It refers to a wide range of very different dishes that are cooked in a vinegar broth. It can be fish or pork like paksiw na galunggong and mahi mahi paksiw. Other sour dishes are also sometimes referred as paksiw like pinangat na isda, though it is a different but related dish that uses sour fruits like calamansi, kamias (bilimbi) or sampalok (tamarind) to sour the broth rather than vinegar.
Paksiw na Lechon
Lechon is a Spanish word referring to a roasted suckling pig. The dish features a whole roasted pig cooked over charcoal. It is very popular in the Philippines. There are two major types of preparing lechon the Luzon lechon and the Visayas lechon most commonly known as Cebu lechon. Other lechon recipes include lechon kawali and lechon manok.
Leftover parts from the lechon, such as the head and feet, are what is usually cooked into lechon paksiw. Like lechon itself, it also differs based on whether it is prepared Luzon-style or Visayas-style, with the former using liver sauce as an essential ingredient, while the latter does not. In this lechong paksiw recipe we will use the Luzon-style.
How to cook lechon paksiw
Paksiw na lechon is left-over spit-roasted pork (lechon) meat cooked in lechon sauce or its component ingredients of vinegar, garlic, onions, and black pepper and some water. It is prepared throughout the year for special occasions, festivals, and the holidays.
Tocino is a favorite meal in our home. I love it because of its sweet and salty taste. Although it is commonly paired with fried garlic rice, I like mine served with steamed rice, tomatoes and vinegar dipping. Tocino is easy to cook once you have gone through its preparation.
Tocino or Sweet Cured Pork
Pampanga is famous for their tocino. They have their own special recipe for it. Tocino is bacon in Spanish that is made from pork belly but the Filipino tocino is made from pork belly meat that is thinly sliced and then undergoes a curing process that takes up to 3 days.
How to cook pork tocino
Most of the time, tocino is made of pork, but it can also be a chicken tocino. It is commonly served at breakfast and paired with fried rice and egg. We call it ‘tosilog‘ which means tocino, sinangag (fried rice) and itlog (egg). Check out our garlic fried rice and yang chow fried rice recipe for your ‘silog‘ pairings.
I love yema as a kid. As an adult I have to limit eating this candy because of its sweetness and high sugar content. Yema is a sweetcustard confectionery wrapped in colorful cellophane. It can be shaped to a pyramid or rolled to a ball. Making yema is not hard at all, with this easy yema recipe, you can have sweet and yummy treats ready in just an hour– just like making a cotton candy easily with a cotton candy machine.
Yema
Yema is a candy made of egg yolk, milk, and sugar. Its name is from the Spanish word yema which means “egg yolk”. It is believed that yema originated from early Spanish construction materials when egg whites mixed with quicklime and eggshells were used as a type of mortar to hold stone walls together. The discarded egg yolks were reused to make various dishes like leche flan and yema.
How to make yemas
Yemas were originally made with only egg yolks and sugar, heated and stirred until the consistency is thick. Traditionally, it is covered in colorful plastic wrap and shaped into pyramid. Modern variations include chopped nuts and sometimes shaped into a ball with sugar sprinkles. You can find it in specialty or pasalubong stores or being sold in the street usually by bus vendors. Yema has now evolved from being a candy to yema spreads and yema cake.
Yema Recipe
Let us know what you think with this quick and easy yema recipe.
Kwek kwek is a famous street food in the Philippines. It is an egg covered in orange batter and then deep fried. It is sold on the streets along with fishballs, cotton candies, squidballs, kikiam, and calamares. In Manila, kwek kwek is commonly referred to as “tokneneng“. Although both names refer to the same food, kwek kwek turns out to be a variation of tokneneng.
Tokneneng
Kwek kwek is traditionally made with quail eggs, while tokneneng is made with chicken eggs. Because of their similarities, the two are often confused from each other. The name tokneneng is alleged to have come from the 1978 Pinoy ‘komiks’ Batute. From the main character’s language, tokneneng means ‘egg’ and kwek-kwek supposedly refers to bird chirps although it sounds more like a duck’s ‘quack’. There is actually no definite information on how these foods came to be.
It is made by dipping hard boiled eggs into an orange batter and then deep fried. It is then served with vinegar or sweet chili sauce as dip. You can usually find street vendors selling kwek-kwek or tokneneng from early noon until evening. These foods served as lunch, snack, or dinner for students and workers basically because it is cheap. You may get the impression that it is a poor man’s food because it is a street food, but like most street food, it is actually tasty and you will soon find yourself craving for it once in a while.
Orange eggs
In this recipe, I used native chicken eggs but if you want the traditional kwek-kwek instead of tokneneng, simply switch the eggs with quail eggs. The process remains the same. Recipe for sauce and dip are also included.
Sapin sapin is one of the popular kakanin in the Philippines. Kakanin are native delicacies that are uniquely Filipino.
These are sweet snacks or sometimes desserts made from rice, glutinous rice or root vegetables that are slow cooked and usually made with coconut or coconut milk. Like cotton candies, you can see sapin sapin being sold at wet markets, near schools, or outside the church on a Sunday morning along with other kakanin like cassava cake or budin, pichi pichi, kutsinta, kalamay, biko, and palitaw. A street vendor says it is hard work to make sapin sapin. I don’t know how they do it but it turns out this sapin sapin recipe is easy– as easy as making cotton candy with a family cotton candy machine!
Sapin sapin
Sapin means “layer” and sapin-sapin means “layared”. Hence the name because it is arranged in a layered manner with different colors. Traditionally each layer contains different flavor depicted by its color. These different colors make the sapin sapin looks festive and eye catching making it perfect for celebrations and festival.
Sapin sapin recipe
Sapin sapin is made of glutinous rice flour, coconut milk, sugar, water, flavoring, and coloring and topped with latik or toasted desiccated coconut flakes. The purple layer contains ube halaya or purple yam, the yellow or sometimes orange layer contains jack fruit, and the white layer has no flavor. These ingredients give bursting flavor as it melts in your mouth and the crunchy latik compliments its chewy and sticky texture.
Every Friday night, Calamari is one of the mouth-watering “pulutan”, small amounts of food eaten with alcoholic drinks, that you can order at almost every bar in the Philippines. It is a perfect match with ice-cold beer and hard liquors when you are already burnt out eating pork and chicken. There are a lot of recipes out there on how to make calamari. If you want a party hit, try this crispy calamari recipe to learn how to make super tender yet deliciously golden and crunchy squid rings.
Fried Calamari Recipe
Calamari can be cooked in different ways such as grilling, adobong pusit, souped and the famous but the simplest, the fried Calamari or Calamares as it was popularly called in Philippines.
Deep-fried Calamari is basically slices of squid heavily-seasoned with spices, marinated in lemon juice and dipped into breading to achieve a crispy finish texture. The taste of fresh calamari brings me back to my childhood days and memories of my hometown in Quezon Province where seafood is abundant.
How to make fried calamari
Nowadays, calamares are also served by food stands as a snack food along the busy streets of the Metro and in some cities.
Dinuguan is a stew of pork, usually pork offal simmered in pig’s blood, vinegar, and spices. Blood in Filipino is “dugo” hence the name “dinuguan“. If you are not into internal organs, dinuguan can be served without using any offal, using only choice cuts of pork.This dinuguan recipe consists mainly of meat as I am not that into eating pork innards.
Filipino Dinuguan
Dinuguan is usually served with rice or Filipino rice cake called puto. You can find this dish being served in food stalls or carinderias. Taste and textures varies but the best dinuguan I have tasted does not contain innards, as I think it can contribute to the bitter taste if not prepared well, with thick sauce.