Gifts from Philipines

I got some mangosteen candies, dried mango, Polvoron, key chain, wallet, magnetic fridge sticker as a gift from Pinoy colleagues. 

A mangosteen is a tropical fruit that grows in South East Asia, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. Although the root word, "mango" is ever present in its name, the two fruits are very different from one another. Its exocarp or rind is has some of the highest astringency found in a fruit. The fruit or fragrant edible portion of the mangosteen is called the aril which is delectably sweet and tangy, much like a peach and a pineapple combined. Here's one person's description of what a mangosteen tastes like:

”Imagine the best peach you've ever eaten, combined with a touch of passion fruit, a sliver of nectarine and a nip of lychee. Imagine a concord grape's sweet purple essence giving way to the clean leanness of a Granny Smith. Add a squeeze of lime, and a spoon of buttery brown sugar. Stir.”  Jarrett Wrisley

First time tried this candies, i didn't like it very much. Not like another candies which sweet and chewy. It's a lil bit hard to munch. The long shape makes me have to hold the sticky parts. But my girl like those candies :)

I got the Pinipig although i prefer like cookies 'n cream. Polvoron is powdered milk candy, made of flour, sugar butter and powdered milk. The flour is toasted, all the ingredients are mixed and shaped into round or oval-shaped molds. How to make polvoron is below.

 *http://mmdelrosario.hubpages.com/hub/How-to-make-polvoron In the years that I have been making polvoron, I experimented adding flavours, like pinipig, nuts and chocolate, but I still like the traditional and original. Here is my recipe.
Ingredients:

• 4 cups of all purpose flour
• 2 cups powdered milk
• 1 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 cups sugar

You will also need the following:

• Japanese paper or cellophane
• Polvoron Moulder - if you live overseas, polvoron moulder may be available in some Pinoy Stores in your area.

This one beside is dried mango. My favorite item, my girl and my husband also. The taste is sweet and sourness.

Cebu is well- known for its delicious, tasty dried mango which is one of the favorite “pasalubong” (present) fruit snack of Filipinos here and abroad. Philippines has the sweetest mangoes and are without a doubt, the best tasting dried mangoes in the world! These dried mangoes have a sweet, non-acidic flavor, lush, sweet, tasty, rich in vitamins, and a healthy alternative to sugary snack. Dried mangoes can be eaten as is, as snack and dessert or used as ingredients for ice cream mixes and toppings.

Thank you All!