La Germania Spills Small Food Businesses’ Secrets to Success

For the past two years, Filipinos have seen the rise of home based food businesses.
From sweet pastries to hearty dishes, comfort food to artisanal beverages, numerous Filipinos
have ventured into the world of entrepreneurship. But what does it take for a food business to
succeed amid a global pandemic?

To inspire more Filipinos to build their food businesses, La Germania is launching a
video project called Food Babies. Starting this February, La Germania will be releasing special
features on food businesses that survived and thrived amid all the challenges thrown their
way. This video project will be exclusively available on their Youtube channel and Facebook
page. As a preview of the upcoming project, these food businesses spilled some of their
secrets to success with La Germania.

Use social media to stand out against competition

Claudia’s (@claudias.ph) is a passion project turned popular online bakeshop that
offers chunky and gooey baked cookies and blondies. According to Founder and Owner,
Claudia Tagle, business owners must focus on their social media content to stand out against
competitors, especially since customers “eat with their eyes”.

“It’s important for you to get those really good shots of your food or the products that
you’re selling,” Tagle explained, which involves investing in food photography and social media
content. “I do have slower days or slower months, and I think that consistency is key. You just
need to learn how to market or promote your products more because your loyal customers will
come back.”

She also shared how valuable it is to engage and build relationships with one’s

customers. “What really keeps me going is my customer’s feedback, and when they tell me
they really enjoy the cookies or the blondies. Getting feedback about what they like and don’t
like about your products can help you improve further.”

Believe in your product

Butterboy Bakehouse (@butterboyph) focuses on different kinds of croissants and
baked goods to make pastries more affordable and accessible for everyday Filipinos.
Head baker and owner Hilder Demeterio credits his businesses’ wins to two key
ingredients. “You should seek knowledge from everywhere, like YouTube videos or classes.
You should just try to absorb whatever you can,” he said.

Growing up, Hilder was always a lover of food from a distance. It wasn’t until 2018 that
he finally began to experiment with baking after meeting his boyfriend, Jason. An architect by
profession, Hilder took lessons from his relatives and sought knowledge online, beating the
misconception that you need to be a professional cook to start a successful food business.

Moreover, he believes that it’s important for aspiring foodpreneurs to believe in their
products as if they’re the brand’s number one fan. “In the middle of the pandemic, I was 6
months unemployed. I borrowed money from my parents, and I emptied pretty much all of my
savings. Pati sa boyfriend ko. So during that time, I took a leap of faith and I bought all my own
equipment, tapos ayun, we jumped into the unknown with only the knowledge na ‘I think we
have something good here’.”

To aspiring foodpreneurs, it is your faith and confidence in the uniqueness of your
products that will help your business survive all the ups and downs of the current landscape!

Cook with passion

For restaurateurs Wendel and Portia Habaluyas, The Purple Wok (@thepurplewok)
began as a way to support their loyal kitchen staff who were laid-off due to the pandemic.
“These people have been loyal to us for many years now, so it was very painful for us to see
them feeling hopeless,” said Portia.

For the power couple behind The Purple Wok, it’s all about following your passion.
“The most fun part in running a food business is doing what I love to do. Our recipes were
created out of passion. They were made out of love. We’ve perfected the recipes, and we do
not compromise the quality of our food,” the couple told La Germania.

As for what advice they would give aspiring entrepreneurs, Wendel says: “Never create
a recipe just for a business and just to create money. Especially nowadays, we noticed that
Filipinos are willing to pay a premium or extra for good and quality food. If there’s one advice
we can give to people who want to start a food business, it is for you to cook with passion and
prepare your food with passion.”

These tidbits of wisdom are only some of the valuable lessons viewers can learn from
the La Germania Food Babies series. While each featured business owner may have their
specialty and recipe for success, what they all have in common is that the most important
aspect to your brand’s success is investing in high quality kitchen equipment like La
Germania!

Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design,
La Germania appliances allow you to prepare a multitude of dishes in an efficient and easy
way. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to
bring out your inner foodpreneur and climb the ladder to culinary success.
La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce
website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. You may
follow the trusted kitchen and appliance brand's official Facebook and Instagram accounts for
more information on La Germania and its products.


ABOUT LA GERMANIA

Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino
homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of
high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s
current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and
the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit www.lagermaniaph.com. The

trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada. 

La Germania’s Kitchen Cleaning Hacks for a Better Holiday Cooking Experience

This holiday season, a lot of people will be spending time in the kitchen not only to prepare their delicious Noche Buena dishes but to make mouthwatering treats for everyone. Because of the amount of time you’ll be in the kitchen, it’s important you make sure your kitchen is clean at all times.

By maintaining a clean kitchen this season, you reduce your family’s exposure to indoor pollutants and bacteria. To add to this, it’s so much easier to navigate around and cook in a neat kitchen. That’s why La Germania is sharing kitchen cleaning secrets every Filipino family should take note of. 

While You Were Sleeping

Did you know that you can clean your La Germania range oven while snoozing? You don’t even need fancy cleaning equipment to get the job done. Making this homemade cleaning spray will leave your oven squeaky clean and free from bad odor.

1. Combine 1/3 cup water, 1/3 cup white vinegar, and 1/2 cup baking soda into an empty spray bottle.

2. Remove the grates and coats inside your oven. Spray the solution to the insides of your oven. Make sure you avoid the heating elements of your oven as you spray away. 

3. Close the oven door and let the DIY spray do its magic for up to 12 hours. 

4. Once you’re up the morning after, clean the oven with soapy water and dry it with a plush cloth. 

Rack It Up

Your power detergent isn’t just for your laundry pile. You can bring back the original shine of your La Germania range oven without potentially damaging it by leaving your racks in the bathtub or basin. 

What’s great about this particular hack is that you already have everything you need in your house already. You can even opt to leave the racks in the detergent overnight. You just have to make sure the racks are free from soap suds before you start cooking up a storm again. 

1. Pour some washing detergent into a bathtub or large basin.

2. Leave the oven racks in the solution for at least four hours.

3. Rinse the racks with clean water, and wipe dry with a wash cloth before you return them into the oven. 

In the Hood

It’s important to keep your La Germania range hood clean so it can remove airborne grease, and clear your kitchen from smoke and other pollutants. To make sure it does its job well, all you need is some hot water and baking soda. Just make sure you wear gloves because the filter will be super hot while you’re in the process of cleaning it.

1. Remove the dry layer of dust on your range hood with a brush.

2. Boil hot water in a large pot, and gradually add baking soda to the pot. Next, you need to place the filter in the pot to soak. Leave it there for 15-20 minutes. If your pot is not big enough to accommodate the entire filter, you might have to soak each side separately.  

3. Rinse the hood with warm water and let it dry for some time. Wipe it dry with a towel or microfiber cloth. 

For you to enjoy your kitchen equipment throughout the holidays and beyond, it’s imperative that you give them the care they need. By applying these cheap and easy kitchen hacks, your holiday cooking will be a much more enjoyable experience. 

If you’re looking for kitchen partners that can last you throughout the demands of the Christmas season, it’s imperative you invest in excellent quality kitchen equipment. Built to the highest standards with the most advanced European engineering and design, La Germania has stood the test of time as your trusted kitchen partner in creating perfect dishes with ease and style. Each appliance is imagined, designed, and produced to perform to the highest standards and meet a specific need.

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.

ABOUT LA GERMANIA

Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit www.lagermaniaph.com. The trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.

Elevate your holiday treats with the latest in world-class cooking technology

The most wonderful time of the year is right around the corner! It’s no secret the Philippines celebrates the earliest and longest Christmas season in the world, especially when this holiday commemorates the 3 things Pinoy families value the most: faith, family and food.

Approaching the holidays, the kitchen comes alive with the hustle and bustle of delicious meals sizzling on the stove and warming up in the oven, filling the house with mouth watering aromas that beg the curious question: “What are we having?”

However, although this is the most beloved holiday, it can also be the busiest and most stressful season for home cooks. Planning and preparing your Noche Buena meals and ordering gifts can not only be time-consuming, but costly as well.

This holiday season, consider going through the personalized route by baking up a storm and serving up some homemade treats that are handmade with love. These dessert recipes are sure to be the perfect gift for your loved ones, or satisfy their sweet tooths during your holiday feasts.

Christmas cookies

Take a break from your usual chocolate-chip by making special Christmas cookies. With your La Germania Table Oven, you can prepare these cute and quirky treats that celebrate the festive spirit! With its thermostat control and 60-minute timer, you can whip up the perfect batch to wow the crowd and experiment with a variety of different recipes even if you have a small kitchen space. Don’t forget to leave some for Santa Claus!

Ingredients:

FOR THE COOKIE DOUGH
3 cups all-purpose flour, plus more for surface
1 tsp. baking powder
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup granulated sugar
1 large egg
1 tsp. pure vanilla extract
1 tbsp. milk

FOR THE BUTTERCREAM FROSTING
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
5 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 tsp. pure almond extract
1/4 tsp. kosher salt
Food coloring

Directions:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Set the mixture aside after.
In another large bowl, beat butter and sugar until fluffy and pale in color. Add egg, milk, and vanilla and beat until combined, then add flour mixture gradually until totally combined.
Shape into a disk and wrap in plastic. Refrigerate for an hour.
When ready to roll, preheat the oven to 350º and line two baking sheets with parchment paper. Lightly flour a clean work surface and roll out the dough until 1/8” thick.
Cut out shapes and transfer to prepared baking sheets. You can use cookie cutters for fun shapes. You can also make your own if you’re feeling creative. Freeze it for 10 minutes (so your shapes hold while baking).
Meanwhile, make the frosting: In a large bowl using a hand mixer, beat butter until smooth, then add powdered sugar and beat until no lumps remain. Add cream, almond extract, and salt and beat until combined.
Bake cookies until the edges are lightly golden, 8 to 10 minutes.
Let cool, then frost and decorate as desired.

Dulce de leche

You can step up the sweetness this season by making your own Dulce de Leche. Aside from enjoying it on its own, you can drizzle Dulce de leche on ice cream, add it to your usual brownies, or layer them in smores. There are so many ways to enjoy this versatile dessert, and it will be so easy to make at home with the help of an induction cooker!

A staple in smaller homes, an induction cooker can do a lot of wonders. This heat-tempered glass worktop has a timer and child-lock, meaning you can cook dishes safely and precisely while you bond with your kids in the kitchen.

Ingredients:
8 cups of whole milk
2 to 2 ½ cups sugar (adjust based on your preference)
1 tsp vanilla
¼ tsp baking soda

Directions:
Combine all the ingredients in a large pot over medium-low heat, stir until the sugar or panela is well dissolved. Reduce the heat to low.
Continue cooking until the mixture is significantly reduced and starts to thicken while the color changes from a creamy beige to a caramel tone. It will take between 2 ½ hours to 3 hours for the dulce de leche to be done.
During the first 1 ½ hours you will need to stir occasionally to prevent it from boiling over and sticking. During the last hour, it needs to be stirred more frequently and has to be watched very closely to keep it from burning – you can also decrease the heat to low.
Cook it until it has a dark amber or caramel tone and has a creamy consistency. Keep in mind that it will thicken more when it cools down.
The final product can be served warm or cold and must be kept refrigerated.

Classic Bibingka

A Noche Buena spread is incomplete without the classic Filipino rice cake known as Bibingka. With your 90cm oven, you can prepare this holiday favorite at home. With its five cooking functions, including a fan-assisted electric oven, you can cook up a storm. Plus, its enamel cavity finish is easy to clean, making the whole cooking process so much easier. Preparing this particular dish may look like a daunting task, but it’s actually pretty easy to make.

Ingredients:
1 cup rice flour
1/8 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup granulated sugar
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup fresh milk
1 piece salted duck egg sliced
1/2 cup grated cheese
3 pieces raw eggs
Pre-cut banana leaf

Directions:
Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Meanwhile, combine rice flour, baking powder, and salt then mix well. Set aside.
Cream the butter then gradually put-in sugar while whisking. Then, add the eggs then whisk until every ingredient is well incorporated.
Gradually add the rice flour, salt, and baking powder mixture then continue mixing.
Pour in coconut milk and fresh milk then whisk some more for 1 to 2 minutes.
Arrange the pre-cut banana leaf on a cake pan or baking pan.
Pour the mixture on the pan, then bake for 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven then top with sliced salted egg and grated cheese (do not turn the oven off).
Put back in the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the color of the top turns medium brown.
Remove from the oven and let cool. Brush the dish with butter and sprinkle some sugar on top once it cools. You can also top this with grated coconut.

These are only some of the mouthwatering holiday treats you can prepare with your La Germania kitchen appliances. Built according to the highest European standards in terms of construction and design, La Germania appliances allow you to prepare your Noche Buena extravaganza in an efficient and easy way.

What’s more, as a special holiday treat, enjoy FREE aprons and cookware for a minimum spend of Php 5,000 when you shop on La Germania's website during their 11.11 sale this November 11-30, 2021. With guaranteed durability and superior quality, they’re a good investment for you to channel your inner chef, and unleash your kitchen genius for all seasons to come!

La Germania products are available online through La Germania’s official e-commerce website www.lagermaniaph.com and e-commerce platforms on Shopee and Lazada. For more information on La Germania and its products, you may follow the official Facebook and Instagram accounts of the trusted kitchen and appliance brand.


ABOUT LA GERMANIA

Italian-heritage brand La Germania has been the preferred kitchen companion of Filipino homemakers for 53 years and counting. Its wide array of ovens, cooktops, and stoves is made of high-grade materials and designed to stand the test of time and extensive use. La Germania’s current line of products continues to serve the cooking needs and lifestyle of this generation and the next. To know more about La Germania and its products, visit www.lagermaniaph.com. The trusted kitchen partner of Filipinos also has its official stores on Shopee and Lazada.