Reflect Forward...

  PAN DE SAL Pan de Sal is a Filipino bread roll. We've had many barkada memories with pan de sal, butter, and Coke. Apparently, we could talk as much as we could eat! It took me many tries to baking pan de sal as I learned that working with yeast and proofing can be quite tricky. I didn't know baking involved chemistry :) INGREDIENTS PROCESS 3 cups bread flour 1.     In a big bowl, mix flour sugar, and salt. ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 ¼ cup milk, lukewarm 2.     Pour-in milk, egg, butter. Mix well. 1 egg, beaten 3 tbsp. butter, melted 1 ½ tsp. instant dry yeast 3.     Fold-in yeast until sticky dough forms. 4.     Forma dough ball, coat with oil. 5.     Cover and proof or place in warm area for about 30 minutes to 1 hour until dough ball doubles in...

  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...