Black Forest Cake

Filipino Style Recipe: black forest cake is another sweet cake that is usually serve during special occasion or Holiday season. It is usually made with a layer of chocolate sponge cake, cherry syrup and whipping cream. Garnish with chocolate shavings and cherry then chilled before serving.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes(plus chilling time)
Estimated time of baking: 40 minutes

Ingredients:
Chocolate Sponge
1/2 cup all purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon baking powder
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 cup evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 cup granulated white sugar
3/4 cup olive oil

Whipping Cream
2 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup granulated white sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Garnishing
chocolate shavings
1 jar of cherries in syrup, drain and reserve the syrup
4 teaspoons brandy(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1(Chocolate Sponge)
1. In a bowl, combine milk, eggs, sugar and olive oil. Mix well until sugar dissolves.
2. In a separate bowl, combine flour, baking soda, baking powder and cocoa powder. Mix until well blended.
3. Combine the two mixtures then whisk very well.

Part 2(Baking)
4. In a 9inch round cake pan, grease with melted butter then dust with flour.
5. Pour mixture then bake over 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 40 minutes.
6. Remove from the oven and let it cool then slice into 3 equal layers. Set aside.

Part 3(Whipping Cream)
1. In a bowl, combine whipping cream, sugar and vanilla essence then whisk until well blended. Set aside.

Part 4(Cherry Syrup and Brandy)
1. In a bowl, combine cherry syrup and brandy. Mix well and set aside.

Part 5(Assembly)
1. Take the bottom layer of the cake then spread a layer of cherry-brandy syrup then a layer of cream mixture.
2. Place the middle layer of the cake then repeat the procedure until the final layer.
3. Add a final layer of cream mixture all over the cake then sprinkle with chocolate shavings.
4. In a pastry bag, place the remaining cream mixture then decorate the cake and then top with fresh cherries.
5. Refrigerate for several hours or overnight before serving.

Brazo de Mercedes

Filipino Style Recipe: Brazo de Mercedes is another popular Filipino dessert or snack that is mostly available in bakeries. Brazo de Mercedes is a rolled cake filled with custard made of egg yolks and condensed milk. This is usually served in any occasion specially during holidays.

Estimated time of preparation: 15-20 minutes
Estimated time of baking: 20 minutes

Ingredients:
Meringue:
8 egg whites
1 teaspoon cream of tartar
3/4 cup white refined sugar
3 tablespoons confectioners sugar

Filling:
8 egg yolks
1 tsp vanilla extract
1-1/4 cups condensed milk

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a electric mixer or mixing bowl, combine eggs and cream of tartar until soft.
2. Gradually add sugar while mixing then continue stirring until well blended.
3. In a large baking pan, lined a wax paper then grease with butter.
4. Spread the mixture evenly then bake over 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes or until medium brown. Set aside and Let it cool.

Part 2
1. In a pan, combine condensed milk, vanilla extract and egg yolk in a low heat. Keep stirring until thickens.
2. Sprinkle the top of meringue with confectioners sugar then top with wax paper.
3. Flip the meringue then spread the filling on top.
4. Roll the meringue into a log. Transfer into serving pan then slice and serve.

Puto Pao

Filipino Style Recipe: Puto pao is another Filipino delicacy that usually served during meryenda(mid-afternoon snack). Puto Pao is similar to plain puto stuffed with filling same as siopao. There are several versions of puto pao, in this recipe we will make asado for the filling.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 30-40 minutes

Ingredients:
Batter:
500 grams all purpose flour
250 grams white sugar
1/4 cup baking powder
2-1/2 cups water
1 cup powdered milk
3 pieces whole eggs
3 tablespoons butter

Filling:
500 grams ground pork or beef
1/2 cup soy sauce
1 piece laurel leaf
1 piece star anise
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons cooking oil

Toppings:
1/2 cheddar cheese, sliced
4 salted eggs, sliced

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a bowl, mix together the flour, sugar, baking powder then pour water, powdered milk and stir well.
2. Add eggs and butter then mix until well blended. Set aside.

Part 2
1. In a pan, heat oil and saute garlic then add ground meat and stir cook for 3 minutes.
2. Add the rest of the filling ingredients and cook until tender and the sauce thickened.
3. Discard anise and laurel. Set aside.

Part 3
1. In a muffin cups, pour a little amount of batter then add a tablespoon of filling.
2. Cover the filling with another amount of batter until cup is half full.
3. Top with salted egg and cheese then steam for 10-15 minutes or until done.(puto pao is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.)

Hardinera

Filipino Style Recipe: Hardinera is a special and popular dish in Lucban Quezon. It is made up of chunk pork cooked in tomato sauce, then mixed with beaten eggs together with other ingredients. Place in a glass or aluminum molds then steamed or baked until firm. This is similar to pork everlasting of Marikina and looks like meatloaf or embutido.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes
Estimated total time of cooking: 60 minutes

Ingredients:
1/4 kilo pork, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup tomato sauce
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 onion, chopped
200 grams luncheon meat or sausages, cut into small cubes
1/2 cup pineapple chunks
1 small size carrot, cut into small cubes
2 tablespoons sweet pickled relish
1/4 cup raisins
2 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup pork broth
2 tablespoons cooking oil
salt and pepper to taste

1 small red bell pepper, cut into diced(optional)
1/4 cup liver spread(optional)
1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese(optional)
1/2 cup bread crumbs(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a casserole, heat oil then saute garlic, onion and pork for 3-5 minutes.
2. Add pork broth and tomato sauce then stir and simmer for 20 minutes or until tender and the liquid is absorb and sizzle. Remove from heat and set aside.

Part 2
In a bowl, combine cooked pork and the rest of the ingredients. Mix until well combined.

Part 3
1. In a glass or grease aluminum molds, put the mixture and spread evenly.
2. Cover with aluminum foil then steam or bake for at least 45 minutes or until firm.
3. Remove the molds then transfer to serving plate. Serve hot.

Fruit Cake

Filipino Style Recipe: Fruit cake is a sweet cake that is usually serve during Holiday season. This is cake is made of butter, sugar, salt, eggs, flour and baking powder mixed with candied fruits and chopped nuts soaked in liquors like brandy or rum then baked until golden brown.

Estimated time of preparation: 15-20 minutes(plus soaking time)
Estimated time of cooking: 50 minutes

Ingredients:
1/2 cup raisins
1/2 cup red and green maraschino cherries, drained
1/2 cup walnuts, chopped
1/2 cup candied pineapple chunks
1/2 cup brandy or rum
2 cups sugar(plus 1 cup sugar for caramel syrup)
2 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking powder
250 grams butter, melted
6 eggs
1/2 cup water
1 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla essence(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1(Soaking Fruits)
1. In a stainless steel bowl, pour brandy then soak fruits.
2. Cover and let stand overnight at room temperature. Set aside.

Part 2(Caramel Syrup)
1. In a heated pan, pour 1/2 cup water then dissolved 1 cup sugar until caramelized. Let it cool and set aside

Part 3(Batter Mixture)
1. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. Mix well.
2. Add butter, sugar and eggs, vanilla essence then mix well.
3. Add caramel syrup and half of soaked fruits then mix well.

Part 4(Baking)
1. In a loaf pan, grease with melted butter then dust with flour.
2. Pour mixture then bake over 300 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes then remove from the oven.
3. Sprinkle the remaining soaked fruits on top then put back in the oven.
4. Bake for another 40 minutes or until golden brown.
(Fruit cake is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.)
5. Remove from the oven then brush top with remaining brandy from soaked fruits.
6. Let it cool then refrigerate before slicing. Enjoy!

Marinated Chicken Pesto

Filipino Style Recipe: marinated chicken pesto is another healthy chicken dish. First, we blend basil, pine nuts and olive oil to make a pesto. We marinate the chicken and then baked until tender. Lastly, sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and then serve hot.

Estimated time of preparation: 20 minutes(plus marinating time)
Estimated time of cooking: 25-30 minutes
Good for 3-4 servings

Ingredients:
4 pieces chicken fillet, skinless
100 grams fresh basil
50 grams toasted pine nuts or peanuts
salt and pepper to taste
1 cup olive oil
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, grated
100 grams malunggay leaves(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a blender, place basil, malunggay leaves, toasted pine nut and olive oil. Blend until well combined and smooth.
2. Season chicken fillet with salt and pepper then marinate with blended mixture.
3. Refrigerate at least 1 hour or overnight.

Part 2
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
3. In a baking pan, place the mixture and marinated chicken. Cover with aluminum foil.
4. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until chicken is done.
5. Remove foil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese on top.
6. Bake for another 5 minutes or until cheese turns to lightly browned.
7. Serve hot!

Notes:
1. You may also broiled chicken instead of baking.

Banana Bread

Filipino Style Recipe: banana bread is a sweet bread that is made up of flour, baking soda, eggs, butter and mashed ripe bananas as main ingredients then baked until golden brown.

Estimated time of preparation: 15-20 minutes
Estimated time of cooking: 50-70 minutes
Good for 2 loaf breads

Ingredients:
Banana Mixture
7 large ripe bananas(latundan or lakatan), mashed well
4 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1/2 cup butter, melted

Flour Mixture
3 cups flour
2 teaspoons baking soda
2 cups sugar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon(optional)
1/2 cup raisins, nuts or chocolate chips(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a bowl, combine flour mixture until well blended. Set aside.
2. In a separate bowl, combine banana mixture until well blended.
3. Combine both mixtures until well blended.

Part 2
1. In a greased loaf pan, pour mixture then bake over 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 50-70 minutes or until golden brown.(Banana bread is done when a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.)
2. Remove from the oven and let it cool before slicing. Enjoy!

(Thank you to Eloisa Sapallo Fiesta for sharing)

Puto Bread

A Philippine favorite. Sprinkle with grated cheese on top, and enjoy hot or cold.

Note:
This recipe involves baking the little cakes with the muffin tin standing in a tray of hot water – so not suitable to try with kids.

Ingredients:
340g plain flour
250g white sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
125ml evaporated milk
250ml water
2 eggs
250g margarine or butter, softened

Procedures:
1. Preheat oven to 190 degrees C.
2. Mix together the flour, sugar and baking powder. Pour in the water and evaporated milk and stir well. Mix in the eggs and butter or margarine.
3. Pour the mixture into muffin tins lined with baking cups. Find a baking tray that your muffin tins will comfortably fit in. Pull the oven rack out a little – approx 1/4 out of the oven – and place the baking tray (with the muffin tin inside it) on the rack. Very carefully pour about 1L of hot tap water into the baking tray. Then very slowly and carefully slide the rack completely into the oven.
4. Bake in preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of a muffin comes out clean. Be very careful not to burn your hands with hot water or steam when you remove the muffins from the oven. Top with grated cheese.

(Thank you to Mercy Grace Nadayag for sharing)

Baked Rosemary Garlic Chicken

Filipino Style Recipe: baked rosemary garlic chicken is another easy and simple chicken dish. Normally the chicken baked with rosemary, garlic powder, salt and pepper together with potatoes.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 50-70 minutes
Good for 5-6 persons

Ingredients:
6 pieces chicken legs and thighs
1 1/2 teaspoons rosemary leaves, finely crushed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

1 tablespoon paprika(optional)
500 grams small potatoes, halved(optional)

Procedures:
1. In a baking pan, mix olive oil, garlic powder, rosemary, salt and pepper.
2. Add chicken and potatoes, toss to coat well.
3. Bake over 375 degrees Fahrenheit for at least 35 minutes or until tender.
4. Turning the chicken and potatoes occasionally. Serve

Baked Buttered Tahong

Filipino Style Recipe: baked buttered tahong or halaan is another easy and simple seafood appetizer dish. Normally the tahong comes stir fried or boiled until shells open and discard the top cover. Top with butter, garlic and grated cheese then baked until melted.

Estimated time of preparation and cooking: 20-25 minutes
Good for 3-4 persons

Ingredients:
1 kilo large tahong(mussels) or halaan(clams)
1/2 cup butter, softened
5 gloves garlic, finely chopped
salt and pepper to taste
1 thumb-sized, ginger, minced(optional)
1/2 cup chopped parsley(optional)
1/2 cup grated cheese(quick melt)(optional)

Procedures:
Part 1
1. In a pan, place ginger and mussels with enough water. Bring to boil until the shells open.
2. Drain and remove top shell. Set aside.

Part 2
1. In a bowl, combine butter, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Mix well.
2. Top each mussel meat with mixture and grated cheese then arrange on baking tray.
3. Bake over 250 Fahrenheit for 15 minutes.
4. Remove from the oven and transfer to a serving plate. Done.