PIZZA in a cone? Yes, there is such a thing; an idea born out of an astute observation, says Jun Oñate, president of Amazing Cones.

?Abroad, people always fold their pizzas before biting into it. So, why not make a cone out of the crust and fill it with pizza toppings??

It took them over a year to perfect their savory crisp cones. ?Each is formulated to be malleable enough to be shaped, yet hard enough not to crack when baked.?

Actually quite deceiving; think you?re having something light? Wait till you try it. Each cone is so packed with cheese, cured meats and other ingredients, depending on the variant, that each mini is 40 grams each, while the regular ones are 120 grams. And, there are so many flavors to choose from. My favorites are Fajita, Supremo Italiano and Sausage.

For the holidays, the Oñate brothers, chef Francis and Dondi, a sworn foodie, came up with cone canapés in crabstick and mango; smoked salmon with dill cream and caviar; poached shrimps in coconut cream sauce, cilantro and pomelo; tomato, basil, buffalo mozzarella and feta cheese, sun-dried tomato cream and crispy bacon leaf; Parma ham, arugula with two pestos; mushroom risotto with Spanish chorizo and Mandarin orange; chicken buffalo with blue cheese and celery sticks; vegetable sticks with tzatziki dip. An interesting mix of tastes, also visually beautiful! The canapés are by order only.

Aside from savory cones, they have dessert cones with flavors such as crème brulée, cheesecake, French apple pie.

Kool Twist Cones

Since they are the Amazing Cone food company, it is but expected that they maximize the use of cones. Their Kool Twist soft-serve ice creams are such a treat!

They have a banana split cone and to enjoy it, one must scoop from top to bottom to experience the whole range of flavors.

The ice cream varieties are endless. They are such happy-looking cones, so colorful and huge a serving that at P40, it is quite a steal! Love their butter finger!

I am proud to say that this 100-percent Filipino corporation is opening branches in China and Hong Kong by early next year and is negotiating with other interested global franchisees.

They cater, too. Amazing Cones, #11 Hemady St., New Manila; tel. 0922-8863913, 7240462.

Peking duck

To-die-for Authentic Roasted Peking Duck is now available. Mr. Lu of the Chinese Culinary Arts Center says, ?No need to go to Beijing to enjoy authentic Peking duck. What I serve are imported and guaranteed genuine Peking ducks making use of only quality ingredients and seasonings to roast them.?

The duck is divine and the sauce, fantastic! Finally, we can enjoy Peking duck at home. For just a little more, they can make the pancakes and throw in cucumber sticks and scallions as well.

For those requesting for a source of reasonably priced hams, CCAC has Jamon de Piña, packaged at P245 a piece. They also have asado sold per kilo. Call CCAC at 5302053, 5252720.

Frothy hot chocolate maker

?Tis the season for ensaymada with hot chocolate! I found the perfect contraption to make your hot chocolate nice, thick and frothy!

Just mix milk with your chocolate tablet of choice, pour it into the chocolate maker and lift the ?frother? up and down. Voila! Thick hot chocolate with cappuccino-like foam!

Call Heavenly Chocolates at 6662208, 0915-7882105. They have chocolate tablets from different origins that are worth a try, plus very affordable Japanese Sachi Nama ?fresh? chocolates.

Mrs. Field?s Cookie Cake

Another gift idea that?s pang-pamilya is Mrs. Field?s Giant Cookie Cakes in either semi-sweet or milk chocolate chip. They can decorate them as you wish and can even write you a whole message on the cookie!

I guarantee that you get them nice and soft, straight out of the oven! Call 8866774 local 111.

Omakaze?s crabstick canapé

Omakaze, whose chefs Ed and Andy Encisa made twisted sushi makis famous, now has sushi canapés which are perfect for your children?s school Christmas parties. Available in mango crabstick and ham with tamago. Call 6376013, 4370075.

My Holiday Cooking Series is ongoing and my new class schedules are out. For inquiries, call 9289296, 0908-2372346.

E-mail the author at raspiras@inquirer.com.ph