SWANNIE'S... Heaven in a Jar

 During my childhood days, I would remember the times when my Nanay would be preparing Leche Flan for our handa for the Town Fiesta. This will be one basin of a mixture of milk and eggs. She would always make sure that the mixture is smooth with no air bubbles and that it is strained well in a katsa or cheese cloth. And of course, who would forget the diap… an infamous additive in leche flan during the 80’s. Everybody would wait for the freshly cooked dessert from the steamer. A firm and very rich custard made with lots of patience and love.

All we know is we mix eggs with milk and carefully prepare the caramel and place it in tin pans and steam it forever. We chill the flan and have it ready for the following day. It was simple as 1-2-3. But a friend of mine made something really interesting about these local desserts of ours. Something that makes you exciting which allowed fun in eating this typical fiesta dessert…. I call it my Heaven in a Bottle.

Swannie’s as they call it, are dessert jars specifically flavored flans. It made me curious at first since I am a flan person. Nothing really beats good custard… And mind you making good custard is not easy. So here comes a Facebook invite to like a page. And the only thing I saw was an ink-blot logo on cheese cloth which at first I thought was misspelled. I ended up clicking the like button. 

This handsome friend of mine – which they call papalicious in a way – is a person who loves to cook. His family knows the definition of good food. Hence the credibility of this dessert made me more curious. To cut it short I ended up ordering all the flavors to taste. So this handsome, cute looking, papalicious, friend of mine came delivering may jars… And now let me tell you the story.

I love the packaging… I LOVE THE SPOON. It is wood and it helps enhance the palate. Good job on this. Now that covering made of cheese cloth… That was intelligent. Traditional Leche Flan we strain using this material. And having to place this element in the packaging makes it A+.

The Classic... Salted Caramel and Roasted Almonds

Now, close your eyes… Imagine a spoonful of rich, not too sweet, creamy, smooth leche flan in your mouth… Wait… let me add that caramel dripping that we all love plus a hint of vanilla then that crunch of fresh roasted almonds… Ok open your eyes. THAT IS CLASSIC… a true flan. I define it as simple but very elegant. It just made me smile while that spoon is still in your mouth. Love it that much.

Now Swannie’s made some fruit additives which I can say are my favorites. These are their Strawberry-Kiwi and Mango-Cashew. Sounds complicated but let me explain. Strawberries are sweet and tart and have this punch that makes it really interesting. Kiwi, on the other hand, would complement the fruitiness of the strawberries and would break its strong flavor making a very subtle mixture. Now These fruits you place on creamy dairy custard. What do you get -- Unimaginable Excitement! It really is soothing.

Strawberry-Kiwi and Mango-Cashew

Now let me talk about my other favorite. Mangoes and Cashew. Who will go wrong with this. Let me keep this simple… I AM SPEECHLESS. Just come and taste it chilled so you can tell me how you cannot describe how good it is. I LIKE IT… Plainly I LIKE IT… But beware… Kulang nalang SAGO… Mango pudding na. But I JUST LIKE IT!!!

Ok now my least favorite. Don’t get me wrong. All of the flans are good but off course we have our opportunities to improve. Let me start…

Banana Oreo Lemon… SO GAY. Confused and it sounds like it is really GAY. Yellow is the color with bits of Oreo and Banana Chips. Plus it is BANANA… So GAY. Kidding aside, the banana flan is to die for. Not all would like bananas but this one you should taste. The crunch of the cookies made it interesting but it can do without it. The banana chips are fine but when chilled it becomes hard and places a break in that luscious experience… Who would want a break in something orgasmic? Lemon? Is there Lemon… really? Maybe I am expecting zest or some sort of a lemony punch but what I got was just bananas… But again, remove the fancy accessories… this concoction is a standalone WINNER.

Banana Oreo Lemon and Chili Choco Cherry

C3 as I call it. The Swannie’s Chili Choco Cherry or Cherry Chili Choco or Choco Chili Cherry… Whatever it is, I like it but it is the least of my happiness. The cherry was fine but it was not significant. Was expecting something like Black Forest or Kirsch, but nothing really interesting. The chocolate was not aggressive. It was playing safe. It could be nice if it was Dark Chocolate but it was just chocolate. The Chili was kind of soft for me but some would not want a spicy bite. But for this chili dessert, chili was nowhere to be found. The fact it is sweet and made of dairy would kill the chili. Maybe being more aggressive would help this little thing. It was a bold approach but again the custard was perfect. As my professor was in Culinary School was saying… If it is not a contributor, remove it from the recipe. The flan is a big WIN but the cherry and chocolate syrup… a little sadness lurking beside a happy smile.

These creations are good and should be tasted by all. These are my take on the flavored flans as they call it. The experience is different but that feeling of comfort while eating it in a small jar in a cozy bench or chair with a good friend or a loved one would definitely create good talks and lots of interesting conversations.

So, grab one now and let me see what stories you can tell as you take this little bite I call HEAVEN.






For inquiries, visit: https://www.facebook.com/swanniesjar

MANGAN TANA... Food Talks with Inang (2 of 2)

Inang is known for her correcting things when they are not in order. She sometimes would even insist on having to follow what she wants though sometimes it is not practical at the moment. She gets into this petty argument which she would make “patol” but at the end, everybody would just say… Sige na nga kayo na masusunod.

Chicken Afritada

Lunch was approaching and I need to prepare. Though I usually cook 2 hours ahead to allow proper food production and yield, this time I fell like it would not be enough since Inang already halted me with my cooking. At the point she was about to give me her version of the classic Afritada. For those who does not know this, it is a chicken dish or sometimes pork stewed on tomato sauce with potatoes and bell peppers. Something common in every Filipino table… a Carenderia favorite as well. So this is what I did. Get any Afritada Recipe which you want to follow. Really no issue in ingredients, chicken or pork will do. What are important are the first few steps…

• Crush garlic and peppercorn and rub it over the meats. 
• Add in soy sauce. About ¼ C per kilogram. 
• Marinate for 1 hour.
• Place pork mixture in a “kawali” or small wok. 
• Turn on the flame and allow boiling. 
• Once boiling add vinegar and do not mix until it boils again… 

After this, WHAT? My mind shouted. This is Adobo not even close to the dish I want to cook. But anyways, let Inang do it. So I continued and she instructed me to simmer it till it dries up and almost frying… not to mention the oil I yielded from this. After, remove the meats and discard the oil. Then using the same pan, proceed with the Afritada you use to do. The only difference is that the meats are pre-cooked. If it is chicken, be careful in handling since it may be a little bit tender at this point.

Upon completing my recipe, I added green peas and the rest was history… That was one of the best, if not, the BEST Aftritada ever. That procedure on pre-cooking the meats in soy sauce and vinegar made the difference. Try it and see how delightful it can be.

Pata Estofado

Another of her well loved dishes is Pork Estofado as we call it. Some calls it Paksiw. Inang likes it using Pork Pata. She asked me to cook this one time and instructed me to place a lot of Banana Blossom. So I did and made sure that the sweetness and sourness is balanced. After simmering for hours and the pork meat falls off the bone… I got my Lola’s approval yet again.

Dulcera

One of the favorite courses in a meal of our family is Desserts. We all have a sweet tooth, and not just sweet… meticulously sweet. Inang has this thing of cooking up gazillion stuff whenever there are parties or town fiesta gatherings at home in Tarlac. She would start concocting her famous ‘dulcera” delights. This would include sweetened kundol and beans including macapuno. This are the treats my mom and my tita’s would look forward too during such occasions. She would even add the classic Leche Flan, but this time would caramelize the top as if it is like French Crème Brulee. She would use a flat still with charcoal and place it over the llaneras until the flan turns golden… very old fashion and rustic.

Leche Flan

Minatamis na Kundol

There is so much about Inang and our family’s culinary legacy. There are so many stories to tell that I could narrate it forever. One thing I am proud of is my talks with my Lola. Without this, I would not fully and completely understand what our cooking values are and how we keep this tradition. It’s not just about our family but how one preserves the integrity and legacy of cooking and the value that comes with it as part of heritage.

Cooking with Inang - Mother's Day 2013, Tarlac

Value your family cooking… It is not a waste of time to talk and ask stories from your Lola or Mom. You would even unearth things that are full of meaning. It is not just about cooking… But it is about how we live through good food and good company.



Photos courtesy of: www.kawalingpinoy.com

MANGAN TANA... Food Talks with Inang (1 of 2)

This is part 1 of 2 stories I would like to share to all in honor of my dearest Inang as she celebrates her Birthday. May it inspire you and may you learn something special yet simple on how food played an important role in our family's history... This is for you INANG. 

Food is always part of family conversations whenever we get a chance to reunite with relatives in one table after a bountiful meal. Kasama sa paguusapan ang mga lumang pamamaraan ng pagluto plus the current trends in the kitchen. The most memorable times are spent with our dear Lola… the Family Matriarch, 

… Our beloved Inang  

She died a celebrated and happy woman. She lived the years with pride in her heart. Imagine, napagtapos nya lahat ng mga anak nya without any burden of paying dues or debts? She was a strong woman during her time and she is admired by many because of her resilience and candor. Eto ang mga namana ng kanyang mga anak at apo.

Her memory is top notch and until her last days would remember all our birth dates – this includes her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. She would even memorize the towns and cities in Washington State where she lived for quite a while. She remembers so many things and these she shares with us on the table during meals or during a simple merienda cena.

She narrates that every morning my Mom would assist her in preparing fish for daing to be sold in the nearby market. This is an assortment of fishes from tilapia, galunggong, bangus, all sliced into a butterfly fillet and salted naturally. One recipe would even include sugar - this came from our Lolo. Everyday Inang would sell this and would keep her income to help with family expense. Take note, lahat tapos sa college all because of this humble manner of selling fish. Maybe nga the miracle of the multiplication applied here. God is truly good to our dear Lola. She was never left alone and never left without resources. 

As simple as she is, lagi nya kaming tinuturuang magtipid sa lahat ng bagay. The word pag-iimpok is common. She made sure we know this word kasi eto ang gawain nya nuon pa kaya sya umasenso. Part of her story is her famous hamon. It looks fancy but in all its grandeur and elegance, the words we are talking about are leftover salted pork skin. Yes, leftovers. These are trimmings of pork fat from her sahog whenever she cooks. She would have this small tapayan filled with salt and under the jar are slices of pork skin. It stayed there for months and it never went putrid due to the salt content… one way of our Inang preserving meat.

During the holiday season or in fiesta celebrations, this salted pork skin is always a hero in a dish Inang is known for… her Nilagang Tagalog. This comprises of Pork, Chicken, and Beef. It also has sweet Saba Banana and Garbanzos. The star of this and what would define it to be Inang’s Nilaga is the addition of the salted skin. It makes the broth opaque and very aromatic. Something na lagi naming hinahanap sa Tarlac. This is even elevated to a certain level of beyond gastronomic proportions if the dish is cooked using firewood and would yield the meat falling off the bone. Or the prok and beef that even your pinky finger can smoother it into pieces due to its melting tenderness. This is Inang’s cooking at its finest…

One time I was about to cook lunch and she was at home in our small abode in Makati when she approached me and said, “Hindi ganyan yan. Ganito ang tama…”

And from here a classic dish I’ve mastered she once again elevated to a degree of perfection.

Watch out for more Food Talks with Inang.

The CARDINAL's CHICKEN

One time as I was accompanying a good Liturgist friend of mine in one of his seminars in General Santos City. We came to talk about the Liturgy of the Eucharist. This is the part of the mass where we offer bread and wine - who eventually will become Christ's Body and Blood. The conversation goes on till we talked about what are the right items to offer.

We came across the wine that is being used in mass. In the Philippines, this is commonly known as MOMPO - A Brand that most of our churches use as wine for the Celebration of the Mass. 

This wine is made from grapes and is sweet and pleasant. Humble because it is not premium wine but not cheap since it has really good quality and can make you tipsy. Another is Cardinal Wine, which is less sweeter and full bodied. This discussion triggered my taste buds for I have been exposed to the taste of these wines sine I was an Altar Boy myself. 

With this, I came to remember an Italian Recipe called POLLO CARDINALE. It is humble but rich due to its luscious and aromatic flavor. Having thought of it, and while me and my friend are in the discussion of The Liturgy, why not incorporate Mass Wine to the recipe for me to properly call it the Cardinal's Chicken. 

Allow me to offer my version of this classic dish as I celebrate, with the Catholic Church, the elevation of 19 Bishops to the COLLEGE OF CARDINALS.

Here is my recipe... 

INGREDIENTS:

2 Sprigs Rosemary, chopped
4T Fresh Lemon Juice
1T Lemon Rind
2 cloves Garlic, minced
2T Olive Oil
1T Kosher Salt
2t Ground Pepper
1kg Chicken Thigh Fillet
1C Bacon, sliced
2T Olive Oil
1C Button Mushrooms, sliced
1t Ground Oregano
1C Mass Wine
1T Balsamic Vinegar
1C Mozzarella Cheese, grated
½ C Parmesan Cheese, grated
1T Flat Leaf Parsley, chopped

PROCEDURES:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. 
2. Using a mortar and pestle, grind rosemary, lemon juice and rind, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper till paste like. 
3. Rub over chicken thigh and marinate for at least 2 hours.
4. In an oven ready skillet or pan, render bacon till crisp. 
5. Add in olive oil and heat accordingly.
6. Pan-fry marinated chicken till brown on both sides. Remove and set aside.
7. Sauté mushrooms till brown. Remove and set aside.
8. Add in ground oregano and toast till aroma develops. 
9. Pour in Mass Wine and Balsamic Vinegar. Deglaze pan till all frying residue are removed.
10. Place chicken and mushroom back in pan and reduce sauce till thick over low heat. 
11. Sprinkle mozzarella and parmesan cheese together with parsley and pre-cooked bacon.
12. Place in oven and bake till cheese is melted and golden crust has formed. 
13. Served immediately with Pasta or Bread.

Yield: 4-6

Recipe Picture Courtesy of: http://img.recipezaar.com/img/recipes/17/10/61//large/pic5zUeqt.jpg

KUNG HEI FAT CHOI... Celebrating Prosperity

Here is a recipe that "Nanay" use to make whenever there is a special Chinese Occasion. At one point it became part of our regular house menu. But this "fiesta" dish is one of the well-loved recipes friends and relatives look forward to see in our table.

Here is my take on Nanay's classic PATA TIM.

INGREDIENTS 

1.5 - 2 kg Whole Pork Pata (Front)
Oil for frying
½ cup Soy Sauce (Silver Swan)
2 tablespoon Vinegar
2 tablespoon sugar
1 whole Garlic, peeled and crushed
2 large Onions Sliced
1 cup Leeks, sliced
1 cup Spring Onion, Sliced
3-pcs Star Anise Flower (Sanque)
¼ cup Sesame Oil
2 tablespoon Whole Black Pepper
2-pcs Dried Laurel Leaf
1-pc Knorr Beef Cube
1 cup Sliced Shitake Mushrooms (Purchase dried. Soak in water for 2 hours before slicing)
¼ cup Cornstarch dissolved in 4 tablespoons of cold water.
¼ cup Brown Sugar
4-5 bunches Bok Choi, blanched over boiling water till wilted.


PROCEDURE

1. In a pan, fry Pork Pata over high heat until brown. Make sure to regulate fire to prevent oil from burning. 
2. Transfer meats in a deep casserole. Add in the rest of the ingredients EXCEPT cornstarch, sugar and Bok Choi. 
3. Add water just enough to cover the meats. Place over high heat and bring to a boil. 
4. Allow 1 minute boiling and reduce heat to a simmer. 
5. Continue cooking till the meats are melting tender. 
6. Carefully remove Pork Leg from casserole and place over a bed of blanched Bok Choi. Note that at this point the pork meat is very tender, you would need to carefully handle it in order for the flesh not to separate from the bones. 
7. On a separate casserole, strain the boiling liquid and simmer over low heat. 
8. Add in sugar and continue for another 5 minutes. Note that you can adjust the sweetness depending on your desired taste. 
9. Add in Cornstarch mixture and continue simmering until thick. 
10. Pour sauce over Pork Pata and served immediately.

Yield: 12 - 15

CHICKEN PASTEL... A Family Classic

Every time there is a special occasion at home like a town fiesta or Nanay's Birthday or maybe an anniversary, one of the special dishes being prepared is the Chicken Pastel. 

Our family has several variations. One would have "lengua" and my version would be baked with a crust. Here is the mother recipe of our Family Version of PASTEL DE POLLO...

INGREDIENTS: 

4 T Butter
1 C Chopped Bacon
6 cloves Garlic, minced
1 whole Large White Onion, minced
½ C Celery, minced
¼ C Roasted Red Bell Peppers, minced
½ C Chorizo de Bilbao, sliced
¼ C Liver Spread
2 kg Chicken Thigh Fillet, cubes
1½ C White Wine
1 C Frankfurters, sliced
½ C Water Chestnuts, quartered
1 C Button Mushrooms, sliced
1 C Carrots, diced
½ C Frozen Green Peas
2 C All-Purpose Cream
2-3 doz. Hard-boiled Quail Eggs, peeled
2 t Ground Oregano
Salt and Pepper
Chopped Parsley 

PROCEDURE: 

1. In a pan, melt butter and render bacon till all fats are extracted. 
2. Sauté garlic till lightly brown. 
3. Add in onions, celery, and bell pepper. Caramelize. 
4. Pour in chorizo. 
5. Add liver spread and sauté till slightly toasted. 
6. Place in chicken and mix till everything is well incorporated 
7. Add in white wine. 
8. Deglaze and simmer over low heat till chicken becomes opaque. 
9. Add in frankfurters, water chestnuts, button mushroom, carrots, and green peas. Simmer until all meats are tender.
10. Pour in cream and continue simmering till thick. 
11. Add in quail eggs, and season with oregano, salt, and pepper. 
12. Served immediately sprinkled with chopped parsley. 

Yield: 20 – 25

FRITTATA... Eggs Version 2.0

Something different for breakfast I would like to share to all of you guys... ENJOY!!!

INGREDIENTS:

2 T Olive Oil
½ C Chorizo (Bilbao/Pamplona), strips
2 cloves Garlic, minced
1 medium White Onion, chopped
¼ C Celery, chopped
¼ C Roasted Red Bell Peppers, strips
¼ C White Wine
6 Eggs
¼ C Fresh Milk
¼ C Grated Manchego or Parmesan Cheese
1 t Kosher Salt
1 t Ground Black Pepper
¼ t Ground Oregano
4 Tomatoes, quartered
Chopped Parsley

PROCEDURES:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and render chorizo over medium heat.
3. Add in garlic and sauté until lightly brown.
4. Place in Onions and Celery and continue sautéing until caramelized.
5. Add in bell peppers and continue cooking until mixture starts to be slightly toasted.
6. Pour in wine and deglaze crust formed in the bottom of pan until everything is well incorporated. 
7. Place on low heat and reduce liquid till dry. 
8. On a separate bowl, beat 6 eggs with fresh milk and grated cheese.
9. Add in salt, pepper and oregano. 
10. Pour egg mixture on skillet and stir until mixture is well distributed on pan. 
11. Place over low heat and continue cooking till edges becomes firm. 
12. Arrange quartered tomatoes on top and place skillet in oven.
13. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the eggs has firmed up completely. 
14. Remove from oven and top with chopped parsley. 
15. Cut into wedges and serve preferably with butter on the side.

Yield: 8-10