Tag: coffee

Mmmmmmmm. Rich chocolate biscuits. Ahhhhhhhhhh. I just love!

When my brother, Chef Carlo Batucan, flew home from Australia for a brief R&R break, he brought me some yummy goodies. Well, he always does. That’s automatic. Major thoughtfulness? That’s his department.  He consistently spoils our family and lavishes us with all the love, love, love. He is simply the most amazing brother who ever walked the face of the earth!

Anyway, back to my story …..

He asked me to taste two brands of rich chocolate biscuits: Arnott’s and Milka. Actually, I’ve already tasted a lot of their products in the past. In fact, I’ve tasted so many other delectable brands all over the world as well. It’s just that this time, we wanted to play a “Which Tastes Better Game” (The Battle of the Biscuits) with our family. Part of our fun bonding and chilling when we enjoyed our sumptuous dinner and dessert date.

Both Arnott’s and Milka made me smile that night. And yet, the winner for me was Arnott’s. That was the major player that evening. And NOT to my surprise, my mom and sister took a liking to that brand too. Result? Three happy, gorgeous smiles ….. from my mom, my sister, and me. The Arnott’s brand promise of “There is no substitute” was delivered excellently …. and swiftly …. to our happy, satisfied tummies. You got the picture. The yummy pack was literally wiped out.  It made a perfect pairing with our cappuccino, macchiato, and café au lait. We needed no coffee sommelier to arrive at that decision.

By the time I got home, I worked on a project and wanted a quick bite of yumminess before I went to bed. Mind you, that isn’t my nightly drill, though. (Am I sounding guilty already? Haha!) I do attempt to avoid extra sugars on a normal day.

I checked my huge loot bag of goodies …. and the only brand left was the less popular player that evening, Milka. Duh. That’s okay. Totally cool, I thought to myself. Rich chocolate biscuit …. still it is.

To my amazement, the more I bit into the Milka goodness, the more I rolled and swirled the chocolate flavor in my mouth, the yummier it actually tasted. Really! The flavors, which had earlier hidden that evening in the presence of “competition”, now grabbed my attention. Being the “sole performer” for me at home, Milka definitely took centerstage. With a thunderous applause from my happy tummy and grateful heart. Yes, I savor rich chocolate biscuits with a lot of heart too. Especially when my brother spoils me with them.

It dawned upon me then that in life, options are powerful gifts indeed. They allow us flexibility, freedom of choice, and multiple roads for greater possibilities.

However, a deeper realization that evening was that in life, when you are focused on what you presently have, it becomes an even more potent gift. Being in the moment crystallizes your current situation and blessings. It deepens your respect for and understanding of what lies before your very eyes. It increases your love and appreciation for what you hold in your hands.

This reminds me of my personal mantra for happiness:  Stay grateful for WHAT you have and WHO you have in life. All of them. Celebrate them!

The next day, I called my brother before he flew back to Australia. I thanked him for our awesome bonding, all the yummy treats, and most importantly, the delicious insights I gained from our “Which Tastes Better Game” (The Battle of the Biscuits).

He asked me if I wanted a truckload of Milka when he visited me again. Trust me, he’s capable of that. I sheepishly said. “Aww thanks, but you don’t have to …..” He smiled and said, “I know, but I really want to…..” So, I candidly blurted out, “Well, let’s give the other rich chocolate biscuits a chance….there are millions out there. Let’s test the other brands too.”

And so, the battle goes on! And I ain’t complaining! Haha! ❤️

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3 Cheers for coffee, rich chocolate biscuits, and happy tummies! ☕️☕️☕️