Reflect Forward...

  MACAPUNO BARS Macapuno is a classic Filipino ingredient in desserts. What is macapuno? In English, it is simply translated as coconut strings in its own syrup. It is such a versatile ingredient. It goes on bibingka, buko pandan, cassava cake, fruit salad, and halo-halo. Below is a very simple recipe using macapuno. Pair with coffee for a yummy breakfast! INGREDIENTS PROCESS Prepare ahead of time: ½ cup butter, softened (not melted) To soften: Take butter out of the refrigerator about 2 hours prior. OR place butter sticks in a small bowl. Place small bowl inside another bowl with hot water. Keep pouring in hot water until the butter melts. 6 egg yolks 1.     Using a cooking pot, beat egg yolks until smooth. 2.     Add macapuno, butter, and vanilla extract. 3.     Cook mixture on stovetop until it thickens (about 5 minutes). 1 jar o...

  SANS RIVAL For a newbie baker, this one was a stressful experience. It's probably the most complex baking I've done and it did not end in disaster. In fact, someone asked me to bake it again as a birthday cake. Granted, it was a family member and my family eats anything, but they are definitely not shy with critiques. So, of course, I acquiesced - with a hint of pride.  INGREDIENTS PROCESS MERINGUE DISKS : Prepare ahead of time or the day before ¾ cup ground cashews 1.     Mix ground and chopped cashews with flour. Set aside. ½ cup chopped cashews ¼ cup all-purpose flour 6 egg whites 2.     Using an electric mixer with wire beaters attachment at medium speed, beat egg whites and cream of tartar for about 1 minute. 3.     Gradually add sugar. 4.     Switch electric mixer into high speed for ab...

  MAMON Mamon is a Filipino sponge cake. It took me a while to find the easiest recipe with the closest taste to the mamon I remember eating in the Philippines. Not too bad for a newbie baker.  INGREDIENTS PROCESS 1 cup cake flour 1.     Sift and combine together in a bowl ½ tsp. baking powder 1/3 cup sugar ¼ cup melted (salted) butter (add more for brushing later) 2.     (Melt butter in microwave in 30-second increments) 3.     Combine melted butter, egg yolks , and water using paddle attachment in low-speed 4.     Add dry ingredients (see #1 above) until well-blended. Set aside. 6 egg yolks 1/4 cup water 6 egg whites 5.     Combine egg whites and cream of tartar.  Whisk until egg whites double in volume. 6.     Ad...