Uncharted Earth | A confectionary smorgasbord: Four Filipino sweet treats to try

photo by Raymund (via AngSarap.com)

A confectionary smorgasbord: Four Filipino sweet treats to try

by : Becky Johnson posted : 25 November 2017

Filipino desserts are a confectionery smorgasbord that should not be missed on your trip to the Philippines! Like most of the food you can find in the country, many of the desserts come from a variety of origins and cultures, and this creates a unique experience of flavors. Check out four desserts of the Philippines you should definitely try.

Halo-halo

"Halo" is from Tagalog and means "mix," which is exactly what this popular dessert is – a mixture of many unique ingredients that make something extraordinary. This shaved ice dessert is especially popular in warmer months, typically from March-June. Ingredients vary in this cold layered dish but usually consists of shaved ice, ice cream, evaporated milk, sweet red beans, coconut meat, and fruits like lychee and jackfruit. This is just a basic list of ingredients, and you are likely to find plenty of additional elements, like plantains, gelatin, flan, and purple yam. What is always certain is that every bite of halo-halo is an adventure, with each spoon containing a different mixture.

Maja blanca

This dessert is made from simple ingredients, but the result is a luscious pudding that delights the taste buds. This dish is especially popular for parties and holidays, but honestly, it's a good idea for any day of the week. Coconut milk, cornstarch, sugar, and corn are pretty common ingredients. The effect is similar in texture to pannacotta, but with a coconut flavor, and it's sweet, but not overly sweet. Maja Blanca is served cold, usually topped with toasted coconut. Sometimes in more upscale restaurants, it takes on a more gourmet appearance and is topped with a creamy sauce. You will definitely want to take a bite out of this creamy, dreamy confection.

Polvoron

Classic polvoron is a candy-like shortbread that originated in Spain and is made with toasted flour, powdered milk, sugar, and butter. These delicate little treats are shaped into molds, and when finished, wrapped in colorful cellophane to preserve freshness. You can find them at nearly any bakery or mall, as they are a well-loved Filipino treat. There are several variations on this classic, including polvoron with pinipig (toasted green rice, similar to crispy rice) and several flavor add-ins, like strawberry, chocolate, peanut butter, and cookies and cream. Enjoy these as an afternoon snack or light dessert, or even pack a few (carefully) in your bag to bring home.

Yema

Yema is the simplest of all the desserts on this list, but one you definitely don’t want to skip. It’s a soft, custard-like candy, and the main ingredients are just egg yolks, condensed milk, and butter! Often yema is shaped into balls, but pyramids or even cake-like shapes are common. Like the polvoron, yema is wrapped in cellophane. Making yema could not be easier, and to prove it, here is a recipe provided via Ang Sarap:

Ingredients:

1 can condensed milk
8 egg yolks
1/4 cup roughly chopped peanuts,
2 tbsp butter
white sugar, to coat

Instructions:

Melt butter in a saucepan then pour in condensed milk.
Cook on low heat for 5 minutes.
Add egg yolks while continuously mixing for 2 minutes.
Add peanuts, bring heat to medium, then continue to stir for 20 minutes or until mixture becomes very thick.
Place white sugar on a plate.
Remove from heat and let it cool. Once cooled, pinch a small amount from the mixture, shape into a ball, and roll in the sugar to coat. Repeat until all the yema is finished. Enjoy!

Sampling the food from different countries is one of the best experiences when traveling and connects us to the people and cultures we visit. The food and flavors of the Philippines are unique and tantalizing. Experience these and many more on any of Uncharted Philippines' tours . Discover the magic of the Philippines for yourself.