Red Bean and Black Sesame Polvoron

Polvoron is a shortbread made primarily with flour, milk and sugar. It originates from Spain, “polvo” being the word for powder or dust. The Philippines and Mexico were both colonies of Spain for hundreds of years, and so, it’s not surprising that this tradition has been integrated into our cuisine.  Making polvoron brings me back… Continue reading Red Bean and Black Sesame Polvoron

Clam Pasta with Huang Doujiang

Two thanksgivings ago, deep into the pandemic, we decided to celebrate Thanksgiving at the coast of Washington. Westport was a small town, with friendly locals and not much to do. But the sight of the waves were spectacular, enough to make you feel small (but in a good way) and wildlife was abundant. We saw… Continue reading Clam Pasta with Huang Doujiang

No- Bake Persimmon Bites

Since September, I’ve been dreaming up all the ways I can consume persimmons that aren’t just eating them raw. What sparked me was an episode in The Longest Day in Chang’an where the main character, Zhang Xiaojing just got out of prison and went straight to your corner shop, enjoyed his bowl of Mutton Soup… Continue reading No- Bake Persimmon Bites

Chinese Style Turkey with Hoisin Gravy

I was never a turkey person. Growing up in Manila, I didn’t eat turkey and neither did we celebrate Thanksgiving. When September hits, the official “-ber” months start. The cooler weather settles in and signals everyone to put up Christmas decorations and blast Jose Mari Chan’s classic: “Christmas in our Hearts”.  After I moved to… Continue reading Chinese Style Turkey with Hoisin Gravy

Buko Pandan

My eight year old daughter is in the process of getting braces. Her first reaction after our appointment the other day was, “I can’t eat anything sticky and chewy… does that mean I can’t eat boba anymore? What about the boba that grandma and grandpa gave me?” *Cue sobbing and waterworks* (me on the inside).… Continue reading Buko Pandan

Pandan Mochi Pancakes with Coconut Syrup

Several months ago, we used up the last of our Ube Mochi Pancake Mix from Trader Joe’s. My husband, who was a fan of all things mochi, was so disappointed to hear that Trader Joe’s stopped carrying it (at least for now). None of the other pancakes I’ve made for our weekend “special breakfasts” did… Continue reading Pandan Mochi Pancakes with Coconut Syrup

Adobo Sliders with Banana BBQ Sauce

Happy Filipino Heritage month! To celebrate, I present to you: Adobo Sliders with Banana BBQ Sauce Adobo is one of the Philippines’ most recognized dishes, besides pancit (Filipino noodles) and lumpia (egg rolls). Every family has their own recipe for adobo, but the basic ingredients are: garlic, vinegar and soy sauce. I’ve uplifted our family… Continue reading Adobo Sliders with Banana BBQ Sauce

Cozy Arnold Palmer

If you can’t quite choose between a sweet tea and a lemonade, an Arnold Palmer is for you. This fun summertime drink is usually served over ice and is a great beverage accompaniment to your bbq menu.  But we’re mid-way through autumn, and the weather is only about to get colder. Along with low temperatures,… Continue reading Cozy Arnold Palmer

Black Sesame Crumb Ube Loaf

Ah, for the love of playdates. My mom’s side of the family lives here in the Seattle area, though admittedly we only periodically get to see one of my cousins and her kids, who are similar in age to mine. Seeing them two weeks in a row is a gift, especially for my children, who… Continue reading Black Sesame Crumb Ube Loaf