The Betel Nut ( Nga nga ) is a seed found inside the fruit of an Areca palm from the Areca Catechu tree (Betel nut tree). These can also be called an Areca nut, commonly eaten by being chewed with the betel nut leaf, but not swallowed. This ‘nut’ has been a significant traditional ‘chewable’…
Lumpia Wrappers are an essential when making the beloved Filipino ‘lumpia’ and ‘turon’. basically the shell that holds up the deliciously savory or if used as a dessert, indulgently sweet fillings. These thin, almost translucent paper like circular wrappers can be found in many Asian dishes. Soft and almost bouncy “spring roll skins” that look and…
Pork Belly literally from the name, is a cut of the pig’s belly, specifically the underside. It does not have any bones and is very popular in Filipino, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Danish, Hispanic, and Norwegian cuisine. A versatile part of the pork, the outcome of this part is almost always a tender, juicy, and flavorful…
Ricoa or “Ricoa Chocolate” is a Filipino brand under Commonwealth Foods (Philfood Division) making nostalgic snacks such as Flat Tops and Curly Tops, chocolate or cocoa powder you can use for drinks, baking, with many more other brands of candies and sweets being produced and introduced today. It’s a brand that many Filipinos are so familiar…
The Tokwa in English “Tofu” is a delicate ingredients that is traditionally eaten and used around East and Southeast Asian cuisines. Made of dried soy beans soaked in water, turned into milk, then curbed until it forms into a solid block. This healthy ingredient has a different level of softness from firm, silken, soft, and…
Cornstarch, also called corn flour, maize starch, and many other names is a starch derived from the endosperm of the corn (grain). This dry carbohydrate is well-known as a versatile pantry essential usually used as a thickener for soups and sauces, syrups, and helping crisp up fried food. It even helps create fuffy baked goods….
Breadcrumbs or ‘Breading’ is a kitchen essential that elevate any ordinary dish into crisp perfection. From savory main dishes to crunchy snacks, and even crispier toppings. These depending on its size, dryness, and coarseness can be used in a number of dishes to bring flavor, texture, and structure in a recipe. A useful ingredient in…
Chicken Legs also known as ‘Drumstick Chicken’ or just ‘Drumsticks’ are the most coveted part of the chicken. These juicy, tender, and easy to handle cut of meat can be cooked sautéed, baked, whether fried, braised, slow-cooked, or grilled. Packed with protein and flavor. In this article, we’ll learn more about this versatile chop and…
Seaweed Sheets or “Nori” in Japanese is one of the main used ingredients in Japanese cuisine. While it’s familiarly seen used in sushi rolls, as a topping over jasmine rice, or to cover up onigiri. There’s more to this ingredient besides making the dish look interesting. Made of dried red algae and known for its…
The “Longan” or known by its scientific name “Dimocarpus longan” is a fruit tree native to Asia, but can be found in areas with tropical climates. It has a small fruit with a gritty yellowish-brown shell, a sweet, juicy, edible translucent flesh, that tastes almost grape-like which is sometimes compared to lychee, and is packed…
