Healthy desserts, anyone?

Craving for pastries and desserts? Try Happy Cream Puff, the lighter and healthier alternative for health and weight-conscious individuals. First Happy Crème Puff has mastered making a crust that is easy to bite and with the right amount of crispiness. Second, its custard filling, caramelized coating and flavor-filled toppings are what make the small cakes delightful. The combination makes a refined sweetness the way most people would prefer. And third, Happy Crème Puff’s pastries are without preservatives and uses fresh cow’s milk that is less fattening.

At the newly opened branch at the 5th level of Shangr-ila Mall’ East Wing, General manager Mytch Alipio said cream puffs are a craze in Japan. Company owners Maricel and her husband Haruo Yamagishi decided to bring its concept in the Philippines and make a business out of it in 2006 starting off with a small store in Makati City. "The owners are meticulous when it comes to the products' quality. Our cream puffs, compared to other cream puffs, are not pre-mixed. Freshness is always maintained," she said.

And the flavors? Happy Cream Puff offers an overwhelming number of 28 kinds in their newly opened branch in Mandaluyong City. There are nine chocolate types including an addicting dark chocolate coated puff with cocoa powder, two strawberry flavors, six in the caramel group, a blueberry puff, two matcha or green tea flavors, two with sprinkles, butter cookie and chocolate cookie toppings, one with icing and for those who prefer their puffs more bare: Two plain flavors with powder or almond sugar.

For the mall branch, Mrs. Yamagishi who is a self-taught baker and cook, conceptualized, other (must try!) treats offered in the shop: a salty-sweet New York cheese cake and a unique blueberry cheese cake with a classic, homemade quality that easily stands out. Its custard pudding, which would remind Pinoys of leche flan, is packaged in an attractive jar. A spoonful or two of the rich, smooth custard caps a meal on a high note.

The Shang-rila branch also offers hot and cold drinks. Its Japanese-style hand drip coffee offers an welcome alternative to brewed coffee lovers, and is a pride of the shop owners. Also available are Capuccino, Cafe Latte, Cafe Au Lait, Matcha Latte and tea. With the ample space available in the mall, the Yamagishi’s plan to offer other food items in the near future.