From the Heart of my Home

Learning, and tweaking recipes, and discovering baking techniques came from necessities and the love of food. I didn't do this to impress anyone. Filipino bread and pastries aren't common in our town. And if there is any, I am not really impressed with their quality.

It took me years to be comfortable in the kitchen. Now, my bake goods approved by the mister and my children are all made out of love.

Even with their approval, I am still not confident to share them with anyone. But one time, I did. I brought three dozen of ensaymada to a gathering.

Ensaymada is a Filipino pastry adopted from the Spaniards during the Spanish colonization era. It's a soft pastry slathered in margarine or butter, sprinkled with sugar, and topped with freshly grated cheese. Other variation is filled with Ube, a fragrant purple taro root.

All of the people there were impressed, even the younger kids. But one was so critical of my baked goods. She kept talking about the Ube filling, and kept asking if they were real ube. I didn't even know that there is a fake one.

She was also critical of how it looked, and how it lacked butter, and sugar on top, and the cheese wasn't the right kind.

Honestly, I felt bad. I considered her a friend, but why was she raining on my parade? I was kind of mad because instead of being grateful, she was more critical with it. I wanted to punch her face , but I didn't, because I saw her grabbing her third piece.

She told me she will bake a better ensaymada. Way better than mine. With real Ube filling.

Wait?! There's a competition?

Now, the thing is, she keeps sending me messages asking for my recipe.

Hahahahaha!

Hey! I'm Hungry!

I really want to eat something savory as my first meal today, but I do not have the luxury of time to cook. I need to report very early to work. I have some alterations to do, wash them, and hopefully be able to ship them as well before the post office closes at 5.

The mister aka my barista left so early today too. He didn't have time to make latte.

I do not have any other choice but eat the last piece of homemade ube ensaymada I made the other night. I am also having a hot cup of chocolate drink sprinkled with cinnamon on top to go with it.



Today is one of those days where I miss living in the Philippines. Growing up, my parents hired someone to cook for us. Hey! This is common to most households in my home country. And for last resort just in case it's the cook's day off, there are also a lot of food stalls also known as carinderia and street food vendors in every neighborhood.

In America, you cook and prepare what you eat or go hungry. Hehehehe I don't prefer the latter, so the last piece of homemade ensaymada will do for now.

Good morning!

PS. Fast food for breakfast is only preferred when we are on the road. Hehehehe.