There are a handful of ingredients in the culinary world we deem polarizing; bring them up in conversation and they’re met with either adoration or vehement repulsion! Some of these ingredients are “acquired tastes”––meaning you hate them at first, but grow to appreciate them later on. What was once an undesirable eating experience may grow…
Culinary Arts
What is Eggplant?
Long and purple with a trademark green stem, eggplant is one of the most common ingredients you can find in Philippine stews and soups. Although some don’t enjoy eggplant because of its texture, it’s a very versatile ingredient. Whether it’s in omelettes, salad, adobo or pinakbet, it’s hard to find something eggplant (or talong, as…
What is Kangkong?
The Philippines is home to so many different vegetables . These has been an essential part of every Filipino’s healthy lifestyle. Whether you are young or old, it’s important to have your greens frequently to maintain a balanced diet. And one of these vegetables is none other than the humble kangkong. What is it? Kangkong…
Ampalaya
There is a great deal of ingredients and food items that go down in history for their infamy. And majority of the time, you can find this applies to healthy ingredients that may not necessarily bring immediate pleasure to the taste buds of some. But the magic, perhaps, comes from the seamless integration of these…
What is Star Anise?
Have you ever heard of star anise? True to its name, it is a small, star-shaped spice we can find in several Asian cuisines. This spice is a popular ingredient in many Indian and Chinese dishes. Its flavor profile is similar to that of aniseed, licorice, or even fennel. It is one of the five…
What is Calamansi?
One of the other most popular fruits is none other than the citrus fruit, calamansi. It can be found in fruit juices, and as a garnish for other well-known meals in Filipino cuisine. Calamansi is a small fruit, round, green, and tart. But don’t make the mistake of thinking its size equals its flavor. Even…
How to Cook a Lobster
Lobsters are loved for their tender meat and if cooked well, can make a delicious meal. Because of their size and shells, knowing how to cook a lobster properly can be challenging. Different cooking methods require lobsters to be prepped in different ways and cooked for varying periods of time. Use these helpful guidelines and…
How Do You Fry Pork?
There are more than 20 different ways to fry pork. It all depends on the cut of meat that we have available and our preference on a given time. For example, pork chops can be breaded and then deep fried, while pork belly is best done crispy. This means that it has to be boiled,…
What are Sea Grapes or Lato?
Lato, Sea Grapes, Latok, and Green Caviar are some of the names given to Caulerpa lentillifera. It is a type of edible seaweed common to the Philippines and nearby countries. This seaweed variety is the main ingredient for a popular Filipino salad called “Ensaladang Lato” which translates to Seaweed Salad. Health Benefits of Sea Grapes or…
How to Become a Saucier Chef
When diners enjoy a meal, they generally pay compliments to the head chef. Many are not aware that the flavors of a dish are, in part, decided by the saucier chef. A master of spice blends, the saucier chef is in charge of making the sauces, gravy and soups that make dishes delectable. Duties of…