Chefie’s World

It was a thousand days ago that Joseph, our Manila Bulletin coordinator of articles asked me to do a spread on Christmas cakes ranging from easy to a medium difficulty. Of course, since it is the season of giving, I didn’t negate his request. I came out with desserts all kitchen tested, scrumptiously tasted and more. I made for the easy ones; Strawberry Crisp and Pineapple Miracle since most of the layered cake where difficult to do for the first time baker. Then we made Pistachio Cream Cake, Chocolate Tablea Cake, Cranberry Cheesecake, Sticky Mango Pudding and Dulce de Leche Walnut Pie.
I am recreating the recipes that were featured there so that you can do the same in your home before Christmas or New Year. Enjoy and keep baking!

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December 20, 2008

I received a text from ironchef jabes if it would be good for him to give my cell number to a kapuso researcher looking for a chef who makes healthy desserts. Of course, during the season of plenty, I obliged and got myself to confirm a shoot without asking permission from the school about it. This was a Sunday and the filming would be the next day. I only had four hours to research – healthy dessert for a talent who wants to eat less this Christmas season. I decided to use the desserts that I taught in a class two dozen full moons ago and it really did give me an idea to be a bit more creative.

It appeared last night and all I can say is I look just like Santa without the white beard but with no neck too. I was so fat on television….I felt blotted but anyway, I enjoyed making the variation para naman hindi siya corny….the main dessert shown was my Mango Fruit Snow but I actually made two more good tasting desserts with less calories, good for you ingredients and very textural so theirs a play in the mouth as they say.

Mango Fruit Snow is a light dessert with a mango gelatine base where meringues was folded in to make it appealing, its like ice cream for people with no teeth. Decorated with strawberries, kiwis and more mango. I am not using too much sugar but a bit of Splenda.

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Before the brouhaha over the Bourdain arrival, I had to do photo shoots for the Christmas edition of two magazines, one I got to take pictures of, the other I totally forgot since so much of myself was part of the whole event. In other words, I just didn’t find the time to remember to get my camera.
For the other magazine, it was six different cakes and desserts that would be part of any Christmas gathering. I envisioned a repertoire of different sweet things that can be made by professionals as well as housewives. I had some real interesting cakes and a spoon dessert I made from scratch which will throw you off your seats. The desserts were; Pistachio Cream Cake with Mixed Berry Topping, Orange and Currant Bundt Cake with Candied Orange Peel, Dulce Manga, Japanese Cheesecake, Caramel Chocolate Meringue Torte and Praline Potato Torte. Are you getting hungry to eat or you just want a recipe?
I tend to be very straightforward again, at times to an advantage but at most time, not….. I have been scolded by a lot of people due to this. Aside from this, one of my recipes in Yummy Magazine, the Popcorn and Shrimp Salad was reviewed by a fellow blogger. Do check it out. And I would like to thank them for just having me in their blog.
The other shoot was a potluck party scene with nine recipes I made and wow, I was so exhausted with that shoot. I had to ask six of my students to be part of the whole look with matching clothes and entertaining personalities. I loved the recipes I made since they all came from the old files I have which was used for my 1990’s catering gigs.
Here are some for you to enjoy, cook or bake and share with friends and family.

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Payard Bistro and Patisserie

I am so loaded with work the past few days, I have class everyday and tons of meeting with people wanting more information about the food business. I have also been savouring good wine the past three days since I have been dining out, the other night at Le Regalade with old chef friends, then with Gino and the students, and last night with my Ate Cynthia andsome great friends who just want to hang around. Forget about the present and let’s talk about the food I ate in New York, it wasn’t as eventful as that of last year but I had a share of worthy to write about food eating….

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