Keep reading for reasons I’m sure you will be able to relate to, especially if you’re a fellow mom.

A Brief History of Fried Chicken 

Before we answer why do I like fried chicken so much, let’s take a quick look at where fried chicken came from. According to The Cookful, this beloved dish has two origin stories. One is that it came from the Scottish who decided to start deep frying chicken while the rest of the world was still just baking or broiling it—and that’s how it came to America eventually via Scottish immigrants. 

The other story is that it came from West Africa, since the people there already have a tradition of frying food in hot oil. It was because of slavery that fried food made its way to America. Despite this particular origin being tied to a shameful period of American history, fried chicken has evolved into a widely enjoyed dish, and its popularity continues to endure.

Whatever the real story, fried chicken came to America, and continued to grow in popularity until it pretty much conquered the world! Think about it: can you name any common restaurant or convenience store that doesn’t have fried chicken in its menu?

I didn’t think so!

Reasons Why I Love Fried Chicken

Now, going back, why do I love chicken so much? Well, I’ve thought about it pretty well, and ultimately, it boils down to seven reasons.

Reason 1: It’s Super Easy To Make 

Fried chicken is the ultimate go-to for us busy moms. In fact, because it’s pretty fast and convenient to make, it’s a lifesaver! 

Think about it; you can:

• Marinate chicken pieces with simple pantry staples like soy sauce, calamansi, and a bit of garlic, then use a pan or airfryer to achieve crispiness in an hour or less; or
• Get some already breaded chicken from the grocery, pop it in the oven toaster, wait, and eat fried chicken!

In short, fried chicken is always there to save the day, especially on those lunches or dinners when you can’t really think of what to cook.

Reason 2: Fried Chicken Is Easy To Access 

Fried chicken is practically everywhere here in the Philippines. Even street vendors have their own version. There’s just something about the taste of this deep fried goodness, I guess.

And that’s the great thing: it’s so common, you can get it anytime, anywhere, whether you’re at home and not wanting to cook, or on the road, and you’re looking for some delicious food. Admit it: you already have favorite fried chicken spots, such as one that has a secret mix of herbs and spices which makes it finger lickin’ good!

Reason 3: Practically Everyone Loves Fried Chicken

Who can resist fried chicken? No one, that’s for sure! Even the pickiest of eaters can’t resist this particular fried food. It’s the one dish that will bring smiles to everyone at the table. 

Reason 4: Science Backs Me Up!

Did you know that even science explains why fried chicken tastes are irresistible? It’s all about the chemistry of fried food, also known as the Maillard reaction. It gives fried chicken the tempting golden color and mouth-watering flavor. This reaction creates a variety of flavor compounds, making each bite a complex taste experience.

But there’s more: the texture! The contrast between the crunchy outside and the juicy inside is scientifically proven to delight our taste buds. Studies show that this texture contrast not only pleases our palate but also makes us crave more. So, when we’re enjoying that crispy, juicy chicken, we’re actually delighting in a culinary marvel of science—cool, huh?

Reason 5: Fried Chicken Is Comfort Food

There’s an undeniable comfort in a good piece of fried chicken—there’s warmth and satisfaction that comes with every bite. The symbolism of fried chicken is a taste of home, no matter where you are. 

And if you think about it, fried chicken is so delicious, but there’s more! Each crunchy bite reminds us of festive family celebrations, lazy Sunday lunches, and those impromptu gatherings that turn into cherished memories. It’s more than just food; it’s a comforting embrace, a reminder of happy times, and a simple pleasure that connects us to our loved ones and our roots.

Reason 6: It Goes With Everything

One of the best things about fried chicken is its incredible versatility. Whether it’s paired with rice, crispy fries, waffles, or if you want to use it as the meat for your sandwich, chicken just simply goes with everything!  

Fried chicken also even fits into all kinds of meal settings. It’s a hit at a fancy dinner party, just as much as it is during a summer barbecue. No matter the occasion or the time of day, fried chicken is always welcome to the table.

Reason 7: Fried Chicken Is Very Versatile 

Why do I love fried chicken? One more reason is it’s because it’s very versatile! You can enjoy the classic chicken taste, or go spicy, sweet, sour, and more. It’s always fun to play around and create your version of this beloved dish.

Let’s not forget the endless possibilities of flavors and marinades. You can go from a simple garlic and soy sauce marinade to a more adventurous coconut milk and lemongrass blend. The possibilities are endless!

Final Thoughts 

So there you have it, my fellow Filipino moms! Fried chicken is more than just a dish; it’s a part of our culture, a comforting presence in our lives, and a reason to come together and celebrate. Here’s to more crispy, juicy, delightful moments – one piece at a time!

Love fried chicken? You’ll love this class!

As passionate about fried chicken as I am? Want to experience delicious fried chicken with those commercial tastes you love? Want to take your food business to the next level?

Well, you can do all that with the latest class here at The Bailiwick Academy by Chef Anthony Ang: Fry ‘Em Up: Pinoy Style-Fried Chicken!

This isn’t just any cooking class. It’s a golden opportunity to recreate the iconic flavors of famous Filipino fast-food fried chicken. Imagine mastering the art of making Whole Fried Chicken, Classic Chinese-style fried Chicken, and the crowd-pleaser, Famous Fast Food Fried Chicken—all of them tasting like some of those commercial chickens you love, or even better!

There’s a bonus too! You’ll learn the secret behind making super delicious garlic fried rice that pairs perfectly with these crispy delights.

Whether you’re a home cook looking to wow your family or an aspiring entrepreneur ready to cater to your clients’ discerning tastes, this class might be the one you’re looking for. Don’t miss out on this finger-licking opportunity—sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and enroll in this class to elevate your fried chicken game!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

The post Why Do I Love Fried Chicken? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Think about it: soup is warm, often rich, carries a blend of flavors and can be either chunky or smooth. On the other hand, sandwiches bring the pleasure of hand-held eating with crispy crusts, soft fillings, and deliciousness. And when eaten together, you get a harmonious balance of textures, temperatures, and tastes.

To be honest, with so many options for soup AND sandwich ideas for dinner, lunch, or snacking, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. But that’s what this article is for. Here are 10 good soup and sandwich combos that are easy to make if you’re looking to fill your tummy with some delicious comfort food—fast!

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #1: Classic Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Sandwich

Why it works: Tomatoes have an acidic tang, contrasting with the cheese’s fatty richness. When the soup’s acidity meets the sandwich’s creamy melted cheese, it creates a balance in our taste buds that’s both rich and refreshing. The crispy crust of the bread also contrasts with the smooth texture of the soup.

Ease of making: You can effortlessly prepare the soup using pantry staples. Just get some cooked tomatoes with your choice of spices, and you’re good to go. The sandwich is a simple affair of encasing cheese between slices of bread and grilling them to a golden hue—serve both, and you get an easy meal ready to be eaten immediately.

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #2: Sweet Corn Chowder & Tuna Salad Sandwich

Why it works: The inherent sweetness of the corn soup stands in delightful contrast to the briny and salty flavor profile of tuna. This soup-sandwich-combo mirrors the age-old culinary tradition of pairing sweet with salty.

Ease of making: The chowder is easily made by simmering corn kernels with cream and spices, creating a creamy blend. The tuna salad sandwich recipe is even simpler: mix canned tuna with mayonnaise and a few fresh ingredients, then spread on your bread of choice. Both offer rich flavors with minimal effort.

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #3: Chicken Noodle Soup & Turkey Club Sandwich

Why it works: Both dishes highlight poultry, creating a cohesive flavor profile. The broth’s saltiness enhances the turkey’s flavor, while the sandwich’s fresh veggies offer a crunchy contrast to the soup’s warmth and softness.

Ease of making: Boil chicken pieces in water for the chicken noodle soup. Once it’s cooking, add noodles and some veggies like carrots and peas for a tasty soup with lots of good bits in it. The turkey club sandwich is simply turkey slices with lettuce for crunch, tomatoes for some juice, and bacon, all sandwiched on toasted bread.

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #4: Pho Broth & Banh Mi

Why it works: Pho’s distinct broth, known for its deep flavors from aromatic spices, brings forward a warm and comforting feel. This richness pairs exceptionally well with a Banh Mi sandwich, which itself is a festival of its own flavors. Pairing these two Vietnamese creations results in a harmonious dining experience!

Ease of making: When preparing Pho, you don’t use a complicated soup recipe. All you‘ll need to do is start simmering beef bones (or chicken) to create a flavorful broth, then infuse it with spices. The whole process can take a few hours, but it’s mostly hands-off. 

As for Banh Mi, you’ll need a baguette filled with ground beef, grilled pork, chicken, or tofu and then layered with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and spicy elements. The sandwich’s assembly is straightforward, making it an accessible dish even for beginners. Talk about an easy dinner, lunch, or snack!

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #5: Mushroom Soup and Roast Beef Sandwich

Why it works: Mushroom soup has an earthy and deep umami flavor, making it a perfect complement to the savory richness of roast beef. Also, the mushroom soup’s creamy texture provides a smooth backdrop for the chewy and juicy nature of the roast beef sandwich.

Ease of making: Creating both is pretty straightforward. To make mushroom soup, sautée mushrooms until they release their juices, then blend them with stock and perhaps a touch of cream for added richness. For the roast beef sandwich, layer slices of cooked roast beef onto your bread of choice, then add some mustard or horseradish for a kick.

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #6: French Onion Soup and Ham and Cheese Sandwich

Why it works: The deep, sweet flavors of caramelized onions in the French Onion Soup complement the salty, savory notes of ham in the sandwich. Plus, it helps that the melted cheese atop the soup goes well with the cheese in the sandwich—and who doesn’t LOVE cheese, right?

Ease of making: Slowly caramelize onions for French Onion Soup to highlight their natural sweetness, then add broth and let it simmer. For your sandwich, layer ham and cheese between slices of bread and toast until the cheese melts and the bread turns golden. Enjoy a soup and sandwich meal with rich flavors!

Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos #7: Potato Soup and Club Sandwich

Why it works: Potato is a comforting soup with a smooth and creamy base and is a great contrast to a club sandwich’s layers of flavors and textures. The simple taste of this soup pairs well with the sandwich’s crispy bacon, juicy tomatoes, and tender chicken. This combo gives each bite a mix of familiar comfort and exciting contrasts, blending smooth, crunchy, soft, and tasty flavors.

Ease of making: For the potato soup, boil and then blend or mash potatoes, then add cream and seasonings for flavor. Layer chicken, bacon, lettuce, tomatoes, and mayo between toasted bread slices for the club sandwich. Talk about an easy meal!

Want some soup and sandwich recipes that are surefire delicious?

Now, as we mentioned, these soup and sandwich recipes are super easy to do. But you might just want to make sure that what you’re going to make is really, REALLY good. Well, we at The Bailiwick Academy have the solution to your problem.

Check out one of our latest class offerings: Soups and Sandwiches by Sir Rodney Martinez!

In this class, dive deep into the art of crafting these delectable dishes using Sir Rodney’s personal recipes: 

• Banh Mi
• Chunky Corned Beef Sandwich
• Creamy Tomato Soup
• Hearty Corn and Potato Chowder. 
• Tasty Pumpkin Soup

The breads in the sandwiches are all made from scratch—which means you’ll be able to use these in many other recipes, too! Plus, Sir Rodney will teach you how to make a bread bowl: your own crafted round loaf, baked to perfection, hollowed, and toasted, ready to cradle your favorite soup, stew, or dip.

That’s not all: you’ll also get bonus recipes for a Monte Cristo Sandwich, and a Simple Salad drizzled with Vinaigrette in a PDF!

So what are you waiting for? Elevate your soup and sandwich game, get more meal ideas, and give all your creations extra “oomph!” Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and enroll in Sir Rodney’s class!

Final Thoughts

The timeless soup and sandwich pairing isn’t just about filling your stomach. It’s about tantalizing your taste buds with contrasting textures, temperatures, and flavors. Whether you stick to the ones on this list or try something new, there’s a perfect pairing for everyone!

And, of course, if you just want to be certain that you’re going to make really good soup and sandwich combinations, enroll in Sir Rodney’s Soups and Sandwiches class. Dive in and discover the delicious possibilities!

See you inside that class—and others from The Bailiwick Academy!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more baking and cooking tips, kitchen tricks, and much more!

The post Easy Soup and Sandwich Combos: 7 Duos that Warm the Heart appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Keep reading for tips from The Bailiwick Academy to throw holiday parties that will be fun and unforgettable for family and friends!

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Come Up With A Guest List

Begin by taking a moment to list out your potential guests. If you’re considering hosting at home, remember to assess the capacity of your space—you might have to cut some people out if your home will not be comfortable for them. And even if you opt for an external venue, ensure it can accommodate your guest list comfortably.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Set A Date

Whether you plan to throw a party ahead of time for the holidays or one set exactly during the holiday season, you need to remember a very important thing. You need to make sure the people you want to party with you are available!

And thankfully, we’re now in the digital age. So instead of having to contact people one by one via text or snail mail, just make a paperless post on Facebook. You can make a group chat or an event invite, then find out when most of the people are available.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Choose A Theme

Sure, you might be throwing a gathering as an equivalent of a Christmas party, but that doesn’t mean it has to be strictly Christmas-themed. You don’t need to have a candy cane hanging on your door, serve hot chocolate, or have Christmas holiday bestselling food. Just set a theme that your guests will enjoy.

For example, if you are, indeed, having family over, then they might actually like a traditional Christmas-themed party. But if you’re just having friends over, they might enjoy deviating from the norm, like having a movie marathon and dressing up in outfits you like. Since it’s your party, after all, you can dictate what party idea you want to happen.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Determine Your Budget

How to throw the best holiday party, you ask? Well, part of it is determining your budget. After all, it wouldn’t be a nice party if you did a lot of party planning but didn’t have the funds to carry out your vision, right? And thankfully, the best parties aren’t always the ones that are the most expensive!

Start by assessing what kind of party you want to have and then set a clear budget. Use a spreadsheet to keep track, and make sure to list everything. That way, you can avoid unnecessary expenses and, simultaneously, know if you have emergency money for unforeseen happenings.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Make A List Of Things To Do

One thing you want to avoid during holiday party planning is to feel overwhelmed. That can actually happen, especially if you’re the only one doing all the work. To keep things manageable, create a to-do list and check off tasks as you complete them—yes, even trivial ones, such as if you already have enough garbage bags and trash cans.

Not only will you feel more accomplished when you cross an item off, you’ll also know where you currently stand regarding preparations.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Get Help

While it’s your party, the guests you plan to have over would actually be eager to lend a hand, believe it or not. Struggling to find a particular supplier? Reach out to friends or family for recommendations. 

Their assistance not only lightens your load but also makes them feel more invested in the celebration’s success. And when they’re involved, they’re rooting for a fantastic party just as much as you are.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Prepare Some Activities

Any typical Filipino Christmas party involves a lot of eating… But after that, what happens? Do you just let people mingle? What if people want to play games or do something in general?

Well, don’t be caught with your pants down—include activities in your to-do list! For example, rent a karaoke machine so that your guest can belt out their latest tunes or prepare some standard party games. Even before the day of your event, you can make people prepare White Elephant gifts for a fun time during the actual party.

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Serve Good Food

Food is important in any celebration. Think about what your guests might like. It doesn’t have to be fancy; sometimes, simple and yummy food is the best. 

Of course, just make sure that when guests arrive, they get offered some food right away. You can make finger foods or just prepare chips to tide them over until the main course.

Just make sure there’s enough for everyone and that it’s made with care, and you’ll have happy guests!

Oh, and of course, cooking ahead of time is the key. Doing so means you can hang out with your guests more instead of staying in the kitchen. Look for easy recipes for faster preparation.

Speaking Of Serving Good Food…

Thinking of what you should cook ahead, whether you’re throwing a lunch or dinner party? Well, here’s an idea for you: Chef Anthony Ang’s Perfect Party Food Trays class!

Enroll in this class and you’ll get to make these Pinoy party food favorites:

• Egg Drop Soup: a light broth with delicate strands of egg for a perfect starter.
• Lengua with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Seared French Beans: a mouth-watering combination of succulent Lengua paired with creamy mashed potatoes and crunchy French beans
• Chicken Cordon Bleu: tender chicken breast filled with ham and cheese, fried to a golden perfection, and drizzled with a luxurious Special Cheese Sauce
• Garlic Scampi Pasta: spaghetti perfectly cooked al dente, tossed in a fragrant garlic sauce, and topped with juicy shrimp

Each dish has been crafted to ensure a gastronomic journey that will keep guests talking for future seasons. With offerings like these, it’s practically guaranteed that your holiday menu will be a hit with your visitors!

And if you’re in the catering business or even considering venturing into it, this class is perfect for jumpstarting your career!

So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy, enroll in Chef Anthony’s class, and elevate your culinary skills to dazzle your guests at your party!

How To Throw A Great Holiday Party: Enjoy Your Party!

Once guest arrival has commenced, it means your party has started. Dive right into the moment! While it’s essential to ensure everything runs smoothly, don’t be anchored to the kitchen or get lost in party logistics. Instead, immerse yourself in the laughter, the conversations, and the shared memories. After all, it’s your celebration too! 

Engage with your guests, dance to the music, savor the food, and most importantly, let yourself be in the heart of the revelry. The best hosts not only create wonderful experiences for their guests but also partake in the merriment themselves.

Conclusion

We hope this party planning guide has helped you solidify your vision for your event. One last thing to keep in mind is that there’s no such thing as a perfect holiday party. Things can go wrong, guests won’t arrive at the last minute, and so on.

But isn’t what truly matters the joy, laughter, and memories you create with your loved ones? Celebrations are about connection, not perfection. Embrace the imperfections, stay adaptable, and most importantly, just enjoy!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post How To Throw A Great Holiday Party appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

While it’s easy to just celebrate Father’s Day by going to the store to buy your dad socks, tools, and other traditional gifts, why not find out what he and other dads actually want? Keep reading for some things they’ll actually enjoy and appreciate receiving! The answers might surprise you too, as contrary to popular belief, material things aren’t just what dads appreciate. 

(Although, yes, they’d probably like the latest Jordans or a PS5 set).

Let’s dive in, shall we?

What Dads Really Want: Appreciation

Most dads don’t express themselves well, but you know one thing that they’d like to hear? That they’re appreciated and that we’re thankful for their love, guidance, and support.

It validates their hard work and makes them feel loved and respected. When fathers know that they’re appreciated, they’re going to continue investing in their families. They’re not going to stop trying to become the best dads they can be. 

And yes, you don’t have to think of a physical gift to show that you do appreciate them. Just hug them, tell them that you think they’re the world’s best dad, and that’ll do the trick. If you’re not going to be with them on Father’s Day, just give Dad a phone call. Tell him you appreciate him and all that he does.

But if you do want to give him an actual gift, it doesn’t have to be grand. Notice what he likes doing for his daily routine and what he would need. For example, if he trims a beard a lot, get him a new set of beard trimmers.

Believe us, these simple gestures will make dads feel noticed and will go a LONG way.

What Dads Really Want: Being Able To Sleep In And Take Naps

You might think that the best way to celebrate Father’s Day is to take your dad out and eat outside. But believe it or not, your dad might just want to take the day as an excuse to not do anything but sleep! 

Think about it: fatherhood can be physically and mentally demanding. Dads have to work, take care of kids, run errands, think about paying the bills, and so on. They’d welcome a day to not do anything, have some peace and quiet, and not get out of bed.

And if you think about it, dads need to rest anyway for better health and so they can recharge. So if you’re scrambling for a last-minute Father’s Day gift, giving him this can not only make for a very unique Father’s Day celebration, but it will also make him very grateful. Who doesn’t want to be able to decide when to wake up, right?

What Dads Really Want: Quality Time

Another thing a large percent of dads want for Father’s Day is quality time. They’d rather spend time with you and the rest of the family instead of getting a gift–isn’t that sweet?

Of course, you might not enjoy the activities he likes doing, such as going to the home depot. But indulge him anyway. Suggest other activities after, like playing a game with the family or simply just walking in the park together.

Whatever you end up doing, just know that your dad will appreciate it. The important thing is that he’s with his loved ones.

What Dads Really Want: To Hang Out With Their Friends With No Guilt

In the Philippines, there is a common idea that when men hang out with their friends, they are being lazy or solely focused on drinking and seeking romantic encounters. While some men may engage in such activities, it’s important to understand that many men–who also happen to be dads–simply want to spend quality time with their male friends and catch up over a few drinks.

It’s crucial to challenge this stigma. Dads, just like anyone else, deserve the opportunity to enjoy genuine camaraderie and reconnect with their friends. They should be made to feel guilty for wanting to hang out and have a good time. Building and maintaining friendships is essential for their well-being and happiness.

So as a Father’s Day gift, why not encourage and support them in nurturing these relationships? Even better, tell him to invite his friends over and just let them do their thing. While they’re there, serve up a juicy steak for each of his visitors. It’s another unique gift that will be loved!

Want to serve dads and their friends some deliciousness?

If your husband or dad, along with his friends, are beer lovers and enjoy indulging in tasty snacks, then Sir Rodney Martinez’ latest class is a must-try for their next bonding session. Get ready to discover the ultimate snack recipes that will elevate their beer-drinking experience in the Snack Attack course!

In this class, you’ll learn eight recipes for creating irresistible snacks:

• Mozzarella Sticks with Marinara Sauce
• One-Pan Loaded Nachos
• Kinilaw Na Tuna
• Savory Bopis
• Traditional Sisig
• Easy Liempo Sisig
• And bonus recipes for making two kinds of Java Rice!

These mouthwatering recipes are a result of Sir Rodney’s extensive experience as a DJ in various bars and clubs in Metro Manila, combined with his passion for cooking. Rest assured, these snacks will not only satisfy taste buds but will also leave a lasting impression on your dad and his friends.

Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy and get to cooking Snack Attack! It’s a guarantee that dads will appreciate these recipes and look for them way past Father’s Day!

What Dads Really Want: Time For Themselves

In our article about gifts for moms, we mentioned that one of the best things we can give is alone time. The same applies to dads!

Think about it: with the demands of everyday life, even dads would welcome a time when they could just do whatever they wanted. It could be just to exercise, watch whatever, catch up on the latest developments via a news app, or use their cleaning brushes. And the best part would be if no one interrupted them!

Alone time or solitude lets dads take care of themselves and their mental well-being. It also lets them pursue their interests or passions outside of their usual responsibilities. It can be relaxing–so why not let dad actually experience it, even for a day?

FAQs

Can I just buy an expensive gift for my dad on Father’s Day?

While an expensive gift such as the latest Android phone or high-end portable Bluetooth speakers can be appreciated, consider your dad’s preferences and desires. Material possessions may not always be their top priority. Dads often value emotional connections, quality time, and acts of appreciation to celebrate Father’s Day instead of getting gifts.

What if my dad doesn’t express his desires for Father’s Day?

So, what to get your dad for Father’s Day when he says he wants nothing? Well, if he can’t say anything specific, pay attention to their interests and hobbies. You can also talk to your mom or anyone they’re close to so that you can get insights and suggestions.

All he might really want is one of the latest meat thermometers or to watch a local ball game. You never know, right?

Are there any traditional Father’s Day gifts that dads appreciate?

On the top of our heads, the usual Father’s Day gifts are neckties, handkerchiefs, and socks. Other gift ideas are custom watches, sports-related clothes, or tickets to events they like. Remember that while thought and effort count, try to still get a gift that aligns with their interests. That way, you can be sure your dad will like it!

Is it necessary to celebrate Father’s Day only on the designated date?

If you love the dads in your life, you should definitely celebrate Father’s Day. But there’s no rule that says you should only celebrate them then. If you want to show them love and appreciation throughout the year, go for it!

After all, the essence of the day is to honor fathers–why not do it every day?

Conclusion

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate and appreciate the incredible dads in our lives. While gifts for dads are nice, what dads really want goes beyond material possessions. Remember, it’s the meaningful moments and genuine appreciation that dads cherish the most. 

And by understanding what dads really want, you can create a memorable Father’s Day celebration that will leave a lasting impact.

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What Dads Really Want: Unlocking the Secrets to Making Father’s Day Special! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Well, that’s what this blog post is for! Keep reading as we explore the history and origin of this cake, what it contains, give you serving suggestions, and so much more. 

Key Takeaways

• Torta Caprese is a traditional Italian cake that originated on the island of Capri. The true story of its creation is unknown, but people believe it to have been created between the 1920s to 1930s.
• The cake is made with ground almonds, sugar, butter, and chocolate and is typically gluten-free.
• Torta Caprese is often served with whipped cream or gelato.
• There are many variations of Torta Caprese, including versions with added liqueur or citrus zest.
• Torta Caprese is relatively easy to make at home, but it’s important to use high-quality ingredients and follow the recipe closely to ensure the best results.

So… What is Torta Caprese?

Torta Caprese is a traditional Italian chocolate cake that is named after the island of Capri. That answers the question, “Why is it called Caprese?” Why the word “torta”, though? 

Well, it’s not the Mexican or Filipino term for sure. Check out what Google Translate says:

Now, what makes it special, you ask? Well, the fact that it’s a flourless chocolate cake! 

So yes, in case you were wondering, a flourless cake is totally possible. You won’t see any Italian 00 flour in this chocolate cake recipe! The batter of this particular cake has chocolate and almonds, as well as butter, sugar, and eggs. 

And if you’re wondering what the result is of a cake without flour, well, it’s delicious, to say the least. You’ll get a cake with a crispy exterior and a soft, moist interior. But what does torta caprese taste like, you ask?

Well, It has a dense, moist, fudgy texture with a very deep chocolatey flavor. The almond flour in the cake adds a slightly nutty flavor that goes well with the chocolate. Chocolate lovers will really enjoy it.

You can eat the cake on its own, or add extra flavor and taste with whipped cream, fresh berries, or vanilla ice cream. Either way, you’re in for a treat!

Did we mention that it’s gluten-free? It’s not a keto dessert, though.

The Origins of Torta Caprese

We all know that this chocolate almond flourless cake is from Italy. But what’s the story behind it? 

Well, there’s no definitive Torta Caprese history, but there are awesome stories about it! For example:

• One story goes that in 1920 Capri pastry chef Carmine di Fiore was preparing an almond cake for three American gangsters who were visiting Capri. Because of his intense concentration, he forgot to add flour. To his astonishment (and probably thankfulness), the cake turned out to not only be delicious but became a unique delicacy. Apparently, though, no one in Capri knows this version!
• Another version of the story above refers to an unnamed baker who ran out of flour or forgot to add flour while making a cake for a tourist. It’s a less exciting version, agree?
• One more account says that the invention of this Italian chocolate cake was because of Neapolitan chefs who were asked to make a Sacher cake (one of many chocolate desserts of Austrian origin) by the King of Naples’ Austrian wife. They didn’t and instead, improvised by making an almond flourless cake. Good thing the wife liked it, eh?

Whatever the true story of the cake is, we can all be sure of one thing: Italians—and the rest of the world—are grateful that it’s around! 

How do you make torta caprese?

At this point, there are probably many variations of this chocolate cake recipe, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need and the process you’ll go through.

At this point, there are probably many variations of this chocolate cake recipe, but here’s an overview of what you’ll need and the process you’ll go through. This Torta Caprese recipe is for a 22 cm (8.5 inches) cake.

Torta Caprese Ingredients

You’ll need the following:

• 200g or 7 oz of chopped dark chocolate, 
• 200g or 7 oz diced unsalted butter
• 200g or 7 oz of blanched almonds or almond flour. You can also try almond meal but you have to make sure it’s very fine.
• 200g or 7 oz of granulated sugar
• 4 eggs, separated
• A pinch of salt
• Powdered sugar for dusting

Tools

The basic rules of baking include having the proper equipment to achieve baking perfection. So make sure you have these:

• A 22 cm or 8.5-inch cake pan
• Some parchment paper or butter/cooking spray for greasing the pan
• A heatproof bowl
• A large mixing bowl
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Electric mixer (optional) or whisk for beating the egg whites
• A wire rack for cooling the cake
• Bowls

Baking the cake

Ready to get baking? Here’s what to do next:

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C or 50°F.  Grease your cake pan with butter or cooking spray.

2. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the melted chocolate and butter look smooth.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the almond flour and sugar until they’re fully combined.

4. Add egg yolks to the almond mixture and mix with a whisk or your stand mixer until you get a mixture that is pale and fluffy.

5. Fold the melted chocolate and butter into the almond mixture. Make sure it’s fully combined!

6. In another bowl, whisk your egg whites together with salt until stiff peaks form. After that, gently fold the egg whites into the earlier chocolate mixture. When it’s fully combined, proceed to the next step.

7. Pour the batter into your cake pan. Smoothen the top as much as possible with the spatula.

8. Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean.

9. Allow the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes, then turn it out onto a wire rack to cool completely.

10. Make sure you have dusted it with powdered sugar before serving. This is entirely optional though.

And there you have it – a delicious and easy recipe for making Torta Caprese! Feel free to adjust the Torta Caprese recipe depending on the size of your available cake pans.

Torta Caprese serving suggestions

This Italian chocolate cake is a very versatile dessert that can be served in many different ways, such as:

With whipped cream: Whipped cream or whipping cream is a perfect complement to Torta Caprese’s rich and chocolatey flavor. Top the cake with a dollop of whipped cream, or serve it on the side.

With fresh berries: Fresh berries like raspberries or strawberries not only add a pop of color but also a bright and fruity flavor to the cake. Scatter them over the top of the cake, or serve them on the side.

Dust with powdered sugar: The powdered sugar gives Torta Caprese an elegant and festive look. Dust over the top of the cake before serving.

With vanilla ice cream: Want to be sure you have an authentic Torta Caprese recipe? Serve it with a ball of vanilla ice cream. Hey, if restaurants in Capri are doing it, why not you, right?

Torta Caprese Variations

The traditional Torta Caprese is delicious already. But if you feel like it, there are many ways to modify it and create new flavor combinations. Here are a few ideas.

Add orange or lemon zest: Adding citrus zest to the batter gives Torta Caprese a fresh, zesty flavor that pairs well with the chocolate. Grate the zest of one orange or lemon and stir it into the batter before baking.

Make a white chocolate version: If you prefer white chocolate instead of dark, you can make a white chocolate Torta Caprese! Change up the dark chocolate for white, and follow the same procedure. That’s definitely a sight to be seen!

Add a shot of espresso: For an extra kick of flavor, add a shot of espresso to the batter. 

Keto: Hey, it’s already gluten-free, and it has almonds. Why not make a keto version of this cake? Just replace the sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener which you can see in this list and you’re good to go!

How to Store Torta Caprese

Since this Caprese cake is very indulgent, you may not want to finish the whole thing at once. That’s especially if you’re the only one eating! So what you can do for storage is to cover the remaining cake with plastic wrap to keep it fresh for an additional 3 to 5 days.

You can also freeze the cake. Cut it up into slices, then wrap and freeze each piece for better storage. It will last up to 3 months, but don’t forget it!

If you want to eat it once again, thaw the cake at room temperature for about an hour before serving.

Final Thoughts

Torta Caprese is a classic Italian dessert that will please any chocolate lover. While it’s delicious already in its original form, you can also serve it with whipped cream or other things to make it even more perfect. We encourage you to experience and enjoy this Italian chocolate dessert today!

Want to make a surefire delicious Torta Caprese?

Did this blog post inspire you to make your own Italian flourless chocolate cake? If you’re looking for a
Torta Caprese recipe that you will surely enjoy and succeed at making, we’ve got it here at The Bailiwick Academy.

Check out Chef Joey Prats’ Torta Caprese class!

For this course, you can be sure that you’ll get an authentic Torta Caprese recipe. Chef Joey wanted to remain true to the original Italian formula, so he had an associate fly in three cakes from three different Italian cities. And after 4 weeks of research, he had a recipe ready to roll out!

This variation is a leveled-up one that comes with a layer of dark chocolate ganache and strawberries. And while it’s definitely next level, Chef Joey made sure that you’ll have an easy and no-frills experience in preparing the recipe. 

So if you’re looking to add another chocolate cake recipe to your offerings, or simply to your baking repertoire, why not this one? Enjoy the moist, chocolatey, and delightfully nutty cake today! Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy now!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post What is Torta Caprese? appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Yes, you got that right! It’s our fifth anniversary this month – on upcoming January 17, 2023, to be exact! I’m still over the moon about it, because who knew that this business I started in 2018 would still be ongoing and thriving? 

Aside from celebrating, I’m also sighing in relief because I know most businesses actually fail in the first five years. In fact, most don’t even reach five years old!

And before I start thinking ahead about how I’ll reach, six, seven, eight, or even ten years, I’m going to take the time to celebrate this win slash momentous occasion. Hey, after all, I was able to do that when TBA turned two, three, and four, right? 

As always, I know me and the rest of TBA wouldn’t be here without your continued trust and support. Without you, we wouldn’t be here today!

So with that, join me as I take a little trip down memory lane, and take a look at some of the amazing things that happened last year!

We added four new instructors to our roster.

In our continuing mission to help you turn your passion for cooking and baking into profit, we’re always looking for new mentors to be part of our teaching roster. And last year, we added four:

Chef Max Nadin; 

Chef Him Uy De Baron;

Sir Rodney Martinez;

And Coach Miguel Campaner! 

Chef Max, Chef Him, and Sir Rodney all added new cooking classes while Coach Miguel added a free marketing class which you can access in your student dashboard.

Five years old = forty plus NEW classes added!

Speaking of classes, this year, more than 40 classes were added for your additional and continued education! Let’s check them out.

Chef Joey Prats

From Chef Joey Prats, we got Special Celebration Cakes II:

Tres Leches Cake:

Crusty European-Style Whole Wheat Bread:

Amazing Butter Cakes Master Class:

Classic French Baguettes:

And Blueberry and Lemon Swan Cake!

Six world-class indulgent baking courses = yum!

Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong

Ms. Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong added more of her keto recipes to our courses, such as Keto Bread The Gluten Free Series:

The Keto Cakes bundle:

Keto Ice Cream:

Keto Italian Bakes:

Keto Cakes 2:

And Keto Bibingka Atbp!

We’re happy to be able to provide more options for those who are watching their health or are on a keto diet!

Chef Jimbo de Panadero

Master baker Chef Jimbo de Panadero shared more of his bread-based recipes in different courses like Empanada de Kaliskis:

Korean-Style Egg Drop Sandwich and More!:

Panaderia Favorites 2:

And Bakery-Style Buko Pie.

You’re sure to have a delicious-smelling kitchen when you’re done with one of his recipes!

Chef Miko Aspiras

If you’re familiar with Chef Miko, you’d know that he always adds a special flair to his creations, as can be seen in his new classes, starting with the Fruit Extravaganza Bundle:

Croquembouche:

And Sweet Spreads Deluxe.

You can be sure you’ll experience a different kind of visual feast – and taste, of course!

Chef Chona Laureta

Our resident champion of Filipino flavors Chef Chona released only one class last year: Special Pinoy Tarts.

But if you’re missing more of what she can teach, don’t worry: I promise you’ll see more of her this coming year!

Chef Max Nadin

When Chef Max made his debut in The Bailiwick Academy, he caused quite a stir, to say the least. One of the reasons was that he released plenty of FREE classes you can access in your Student Dashboard, such as How to Roast Garlic, How to Make Onigiri, How to Caramelize Onions, How to Make Eggs Benedict, and Blooming Onions. 

While all these are great, he also gave TBA even more valuable classes such as Donburi:

Pocket Bread:

Terrific Tacos:

And just in time for the holidays, Chicken Galantina! 

What an awesome set of courses, right? Wait until what he has in store for you for 2023!

Chef Him Uy De Baron

Chef Him is highly versatile and a master of different cuisines, which definitely shows in his classes such as Taste of Thai:

Flavors of India:

His FREE class Ribeye Bibimbap, which you can also access in your dashboard, is a good way to try out the flavors of Korean cuisine. And if you want to be able to try out even more cuisines in one class, there’s always Hawker-Style Specials!

Rodney Martinez

In his first year with TBA, Sir Rodney gave you literally meaty classes, like Easy Persian Style Kebabs:

Burger Obsession:

And another hit for the holidays, Delicious Glazed Hams!

More meat coming this 2023 – that’s a guarantee!

Miguel Campaner

Coach Miguel came up with his free course “How to Effectively Market Your Home Business without Feeling Sales-y” – just look for it in your Student Dashboard. Never feel like a sleazy salesperson ever again after watching this!

Five years old in the business also means giving back.

I started TBA because I wanted to HELP. Sometimes though, even people who need and want to be helped simply do not have the resources to avail of this help. That’s why the team and I came up with the Wish Ko Lang Nomination Contest.

Curious about it?

Well, basically, if you know anyone who’s passionate about baking and wants to start their own home-based business but has no equipment, just nominate that person. TBA will help that person pursue their dreams!

Just tell us why you’re nominating that person, and why that person deserves to be the one chosen among the many who will also be nominated. Even if they live outside of the Philippines, you can nominate them!

And if they get picked, they’ll get a Baker’s Starter Set consisting of:

• A Hanabishi 90 L oven (HEO-90RSS)
• Various baking tools
• Access to one of The Bailiwick Academy’s baking courses 

Here are the complete mechanics:

Comment on this thread to nominate who you want to be blessed! Help us help those who deserve it, okay?

TBA being five years old also means more face-to-face opportunities!

I was also pretty happy last year because I had plenty of opportunities to finally meet Bailiwickers in person! COVID kept us away for far too long from face-to-face activities, so it was a relief that these pushed through:

Godel Chocolate Factory tour

Thanks to Ms. Chiqui, me and other Bailiwickers got to tour the Godel Chocolate Factory last October. As Ms. Chiqui said, we all learned a lot that day, and took home a lot of loot! 

TBA Connect 

Last September was the TBA Connect: Meet. Greet. Connect. Despite the rains during that time, a lot of Bailiwickers joined in both the live and virtual event. I was happy meeting a lot of them plus getting to see and talk to the instructors face-to-face too!

Cake Fiesta Manila 2022

The pandemic halted this cake show for a while, but thankfully, Cake Fiesta Manila 2022 pushed through! Aside from getting to see a lot of cake artists, I also got to see instructors and Bailiwickers! And since it was three day event, that made it even more fun for me!

Christmas dinner with the team

It was indeed a happy holiday for me because I was finally able to get the TBA team and instructors in one place to celebrate! TBA wouldn’t be here without them as well, agree?

Face-to-face workshops

We’re currently working on getting face-to-face workshops with groups and companies who might be interested. In fact, we already got two last year. One with Chef Chona:

And one with Chef Max!

So if you know anyone who wants a team building or a group bonding activity, just let me or the TBA team know! We’ll take care of it, and we promise that the participants will have a fun time!

Speaking of face-to-face activities…

Like I said, The Bailiwick Academy wouldn’t be here, turning five years old, without your trust and support. That’s why I want you to be part of our celebration!

As The Bailiwick Academy turns five years old, The Philippines’ First Online Learning Platform for Baking and Cooking, is going to REACH OUT, RESPOND, REVV UP, and REIGNITE passions that deserve the spotlight! 

Passions for discovering more of what we can do wherever, whenever…

For good food and the good life…

And the passion for baking and cooking!

That’s why we’re having a 2-day to commemorate this special happening!

January 16, 2023 – Celebrating five years old online

On January 16, 2023, we’re having a virtual event.

It’s going to be streamed live on our Facebook page and YouTube channel. And there will be plenty of raffle prizes to be given away!

Want to join and get the chance to win amazing prizes? Make sure to register here so that your name can be included in the draws! Deadline to sign up is on January 12, 2023, 11:59 PM Manila Time.

January 17, 2023 – Celebrating five years old face-to-face!

On the second day of the celebration (January 17, 2023) we’re holding a LIVE event!

This will be in Kessler’s Kitchen in Sta. Rosa Laguna from 2 to 6 pm. What’s happening or what will you get in this event, you ask? Well:

• Games exclusive for LIVE attendees
• A LIVE Chef Joey Prats demo on how to make Torta Caprese, an Italian flourless chocolate cake
• Food tasting of the cake after
• A recording of the Chef Joey’s live demo – think of it getting not only a live class, but getting a recording of it after, too! 
• A lot of sumptuous food.
• An exclusive loot bag
• More chances to win exciting raffle prizes only for those who attend LIVE
• The chance to meet some of your favorite chefs and instructors in person
• Networking time with your fellow Bailiwickers

In other words, it’s one packed event!

And we also have a FREE shuttle service for those who have no transportation to and from Laguna. Pick up points will be in Tiendesitas at 11 AM, and in SM Bicutan at 12 noon, and you’ll get dropped off there after the event.

Want to join? Well, do know that because the space is limited, tickets are only for a maximum of 40 students. So if you want to come with us, make sure to get your ticket here before we run out!

Final Thoughts

This may be an old picture, but I think it’s still appropriate to use. Thank you once again for the support. It’s only with you that The Bailiwick Academy has been able to achieve so many things.

I’m excited for 2023 because the team and I have so much in store for you! I hope you’re excited as well.

In the meantime, I hope to see you on both dates of our fifth year celebration! Make sure to stay tuned to our Facebook page and our emails so that you’re updated with our occasions and happenings!

And if you’re reading this right now, but you’re still not part of the community, don’t delay! Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today!

— 

Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post The Bailiwick Academy is FIVE YEARS OLD! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

In fact, your mental health can crumble any minute now, with the looming mom guilt and you thinking that you’re not doing enough to take care of your husband, your children, and your customers. 

I can totally relate. As a mother of two who is running The Bailiwick Academy as well as many other pursuits, I know the feeling of being stretched too thin. There are days when I feel like my life as a full-time working mom is like a balancing act where I’m going to end up dropping everything.

There are also times that I asked myself why a work-life balance is so hard to achieve, or why is it so hard to be a working mom. Especially since sometimes, being committed to working and to family seems like an impossible, exhausting, and thankless task.

Well, after many years of doing this, I’ve kind of figured out how to keep myself as a happy working mother – without feeling guilty!

Here are some helpful tips I learned on how to be a happy mom. They’ve worked for me, and I hope my sharing these can help you too – and be life-changing for the better.

Let’s get to it!

First thing to ask yourself: are you taking care of yourself to be happy?

Are moms happy? As in truly, really happy? 

Well, that’s a question we moms should really be asking ourselves. Usually, what happens to us is that we end up taking care of everybody except ourselves! You might be a stay-at-home mom, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t include yourself in the care, right?

One of your priorities is really how to be a happy mommy, not just making other people in your life happy. Because if you’re not happy, how can you make other people happy? You’re just going to end up resenting the people in your life, as well as your job.

That means you need to dedicate time for your own happiness as well as personal career growth. While it might make you feel bad and guilty, I’m here to tell you right now that there’s nothing wrong with thinking about yourself or putting yourself first. 

You don’t even have to wait for Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day just to get a gift. You can do it for yourself, if that’s how you do self-care.

Again, as I already mentioned, if you can’t care for yourself first, you won’t be able to take care of your family and your customers. So make sure you do this first!

So… how to be happy as a working mom, exactly?

I’m glad you asked! In no particular order, here are a few ways to do self-care, feel better about yourself, and end up being a truly happy working mother.

1. Stop saying yes to everything and you will be happier.

Do you feel guilty about saying “No” to some requests of your children, your spouse, or your customers? Well, don’t! That’s especially if you really don’t have time to do that request anymore, or you’re just too tired.

I’m not saying to say no to important things like, say, date nights with your hubby or quality time with your kids, or overall family time. But if you really can’t bake cookies for your daughter because you’re too tired, or you can’t accommodate an order because your plate is full of orders, just say so. 

Your family will understand. And let me tell you, no amount of money is worth any amount of stress! Learn to say “no.”

You’ll be surprised that it will make you feel better after – trust me!

2. Don’t be a working mother all the time. Commit to some “me time” throughout the day.

Every day, you might find yourself taking care of everyone’s concerns except what you want to happen. Well, it’s time to set boundaries! 

What I mean is that you should take breaks throughout the day for yourself, to help you recharge. You can turn off your cell phone and enjoy peace and quiet, or actually get on the phone and start watching some Netflix, say your favorite historical Korean drama. 

Every day, you might find yourself taking care of everyone’s concerns except what you want to happen. Well, it’s time to set boundaries! 

What I mean is that you should take breaks throughout the day for yourself, to help you recharge. You can turn off your cell phone and enjoy peace and quiet, or actually get on the phone and start watching some Netflix, say your favorite historical Korean drama. Think of it as spending quality time with yourself.

Whatever activity you feel like doing, just make sure to take these “me time” moments so that you can recharge and feel much happier. And if you’re wondering how often should a mom get a break, my answer is: as much as you need!

3. Lower your expectations.

One thing that makes you less happy than we are is that we expect too much from ourselves as moms. For example, your children have to be this way, your house has to be super clean, and so on.

Even our bakes or cooking, they have to be the most delicious, or the best-looking.

But if you actually take a step back and look closely, the people you take care of, whether family or customers, aren’t happy because what you’re doing is perfect. What you’re already doing for them is more than enough. After all, they’re not requiring perfection from you!

Also, once you accept that life is not perfect, that takes off the pressure of having to be perfect and you become much happier.

4. Change your environment from time to time.

Yes, you may be one of the many stay-at-home moms, but that doesn’t mean you never get to step outside the home, right? In fact, research suggests that you can refresh your mind by changing your environment. So if you’re feeling trapped or down in your house, step outside of the home. 

Do something like I did when I visited Chef Ely Salar’s restaurant in The Podium. That was a fun experience and helped me recharge, ready to work!

5. Take care of your health to be a happy working mother.

One of the best ways for us to be happy is to take care of our health. That means you should prioritize sleep, for one thing. If you get enough sleep, not only will your body function better, you’ll be able to extend more patience and be more relaxed throughout the day.

Another way to take care of our health is to exercise. It doesn’t have to be the gym. You could simply just go walking during your “me times.” 

I personally go biking. There are many exercises you can do. The important thing is that you exercise, as it can contribute to your happiness!

And finally, taking care of your health means eating better, like avoiding sugar, eating whole grains, and adding vegetables to your diet. Research suggests after all that eating healthy makes you feel better, not just help you lose weight.

It’s all about finding balance.

The answer to the question of how to be a happy mom and wife while working is to take care of yourself first. Make sure you’re happy before thinking of others. It’s that simple.

And of course, just learn to accept what happens, and to go with the flow a little. Happiness and success may not look exactly like how you pictured it, but just take it one day at a time and learn to relax.

And when you do that, you’ll find yourself much happier, which will make you happy to do stuff for your family and to handle your food business. I can personally testify to it!

Speaking of staying healthy to be a happy working mother…

I know that it’s the Christmas season, so it’s kind of hard to control eating delicious sweets and indulging. After all, it’s only once a year.

And that’s why I’m thankful that Ms. Chiqui Ortiz Dingcong is one of our instructors at TBA. Not only is she bringing various keto recipes for us to learn, she’s also releasing a new class just in time for Christmas: Keto Cakes 2! 

Following the success of her Keto Cakes 1 class where she taught recipes for three moist, luscious, and to-die-for keto cakes plus a bonus recipe of keto condensed milk…

When you enroll in Keto Cakes 2, you’ll learn THREE more cakes that are moist AND delicious: a keto version of the classic Tiramisu, keto strawberry shortcake, and a decadent salted caramel cake that you won’t believe is keto!

Gone are the days of dry, crumbly, and tasteless sugar-free, guilt-free cakes! All these are something you’d want to eat over and over again. 

Oh and if I didn’t mention it, indulging in something good IS one of the ways how to be a happy working mother. Eat a little bit, or a lot – it’s up to you because again, it’s totally guilt-free.

So what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy and get started making keto cakes in time for the holidays!

See you inside!

P.S. Enroll now and get 20% off the original price!

This special offer is good only up to 8:30 PM today, October 31, 2022, so don’t delay and enroll now! 

— 

Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post How to be a Happy Working Mother appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

Well, maybe not exactly weird, more of funny. It’s a guarantee you’d find the names funny especially if you understand Tagalog or Filipino or if you have picked up some because you have lived in the Philippines for a long time.

But if you can’t, don’t worry – that’s what this article is for! We’ll take a look at nine of these names, explain why they’re funny in the Filipino context, and what kind of food they actually are.

And not to worry: they’re not ALL (some definitely are) bizarre food containing brain and liver or something like that. They’re also not some strange food combinations. In fact, once you get to know what they are, you might be itching to try one, two… or even all!

Let’s get to it, shall we?

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 1: Sundot Kulangot

If we’re talking about funny food names in the Philippines, this might be one that takes the cake. See, “kulangot” means “booger” in Filipino. 

Who wants to eat booger? Definitely not any sane person!

But contrary to its name, it’s not one of those exotic Filipino dishes you may have heard of. Sundot kulangot is basically a snack or dessert that hails from Baguio. It is composed of glutinous rice, coconut milk, and brown sugar.

The ingredients are mixed and placed in wooden orbs, held together by red paper. The wooden orbs are then placed between bamboo sticks that are tied together to form a sort of tube. 

To eat this treat, you get one ball, cut it in half, and poke (“sundot”) your finger into the half, like you’re picking your nose. Sure, you can use a little spoon or a stick to poke into the half and eat the soft and sweet dessert, but it’s funnier thinking that you’re picking your nose and eating the booger you got, right? 

Just like some of us used to do as kids – whether we admit it or not.

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 2: Betamax

If you grew up in the 70s, you’d know what a Betamax is. For those who were born much, MUCH later, let us explain.

A Betamax is a tape that contains a video. Think of it as the earlier version of VHS tapes, which is the video format that came before VCDs, DVDs, and BluRay discs. We’re pretty sure you know what the last three are, right?

With us so far? Good. Now, what does Betamax have to do with food?

Well, it’s simple. Betamax the Filipino street food looks like Betamax the tape. And that’s where the name came from.

And if you’re wondering what Betamax the food is, well, it’s a street food made from chicken blood or pork blood. People make this by extracting blood from the animal, which then cools down, gets thicker, and becomes gelatin-like. That’s how vendors cook it.

Wander around any Manila, Philippines city and you’ll find this popular street food being served especially during merienda time. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it, especially once you’ve dipped this skewered food in vinegar with chilies.

You might end up getting this for drinking sessions, too!

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 3: Putok

If you’re a regular blog reader, you’ve encountered this Pinoy bread before. Just to recap, Putok is not a weird food name – more of a funny one. You see, in the Filipino language, when someone says you’re “amoy putok,” it means you smell really bad.

Isn’t that such a nice visual imagery?

But don’t worry. The word “putok” can also mean explosion, as in volcano explosion. And that’s the more accurate translation for the description of this bread – check out the top part.

Looks like a volcano, right?

And when you take a bite, we promise that there will be nothing stinky. What you’ll get instead is a yummy, sugary soft or crunchy bread, depending on where you buy it.

And the white stuff on top? That’s sugar – not anything related to stopping body odor.

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 4: Adidas

Would you say using chicken feet as a chicken dish is weird? Well, weird food or not, in the Philippines, the name is undoubtedly weird AND funny. 

Yes, people call the chicken feet food “adidas.” As in a reference to the sports brand adidas. Why though?

Well, if you’ve seen the trefoil logo of the brand, you’d have to admit that this Pinoy food DOES look like the logo.

Plus, if you think about it, adidas is a brand commonly associated with footwear, right? So, you know… footwear, chicken feet… see the relationship?

Think about that next time you lace up your sneakers.

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 5: Pan de Regla

Of all the weird food names in the Philippines, this is probably the weirdest. Pan de Regla basically means “period bread”, as in the monthly visitor period. It’s in reference to the color red in the middle (although depending on who makes it, it can be a different color like purple or green). 

Period bread doesn’t sound so appetizing, does it?

But if you were expecting some exotic food of the Philippine cuisine, well, we hate to burst your bubble, but it’s just bread made with some bright food coloring. It’s great for a snack or for breakfast, though, with its sweet taste and very soft texture.

It’s also called “kalihim” or secret bread, due to the fact that bakers use leftover bread to make this as the secret ingredient.

This bread also has a lot of weird food names aside from the two mentioned above, like:

• Innocent Kabukiran (We don’t think we want to know or explain this!)
• Balintawak
• Pan de Pula (literally red bread)
• Lipstick (obviously)
• Floor Wax bread (as in reference to the red Star Floor Wax) 
• Ligaya (happiness – maybe because it looks like a very happy bread?)
• Alembong
• Bukirat (Again, nothing we want to explain!)

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 6: Lambingan Bread

“Lambing” is showing affection in Filipino. So how exactly is this bread related to affection? Does it give you affection or something?

Talk about weird food names in the Philippines. 

If we had to make a guess, it’s because it’s a soft, cookie-like sandwich? And since the two sides are held together by butter, it’s like they’re showing affection to one another?

We also guess it’s probably why another name for this is Double Buddy. 

Well, whatever the reason this got the name, the softness, the butter, and the desiccated coconut all over the sandwich will give you plenty of reason to eat one.

You probably won’t stop at one, either.

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 7: Kababayan

Like the Putok bread, you’ve encountered this before in our previous blog post. “Kababayan” means fellow countryman, but this is not one of those exotic Filipino dishes you might have heard about.

Yes, that means you won’t be committing cannibalism or eating any Filipino person. What you are eating instead is simply a sweet muffin made in the Philippines, despite the weird food name. The name is simply a reference to the hat (salakot) Filipinos used to wear before – exactly what the bread looks like.

Why they simply couldn’t have called it salakot bread, we don’t know. But what we do know is that we have a class to make kababayan bread – check it out!

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 8: Soup Number 5

Maybe we should have made this item number 5…

Sorry, we got lost a bit there. Anyway, what the heck is Soup Number 5?

Well, this is definitely one of the bizarre Filipino foods you were looking for in this list (if you were, at least). Did it being one of the weird food names in the Philippines give you a clue?

To answer your question, Soup Number 5 is an exotic Filipino soup. It is composed of the bull’s penis and the testes.

Talk about one of the dishes to challenge your taste buds, eh?

Apparently, Soup Number 5 is a favorite among Pinoys during drinking sessions. It’s also apparently great for curing hangovers as well as acting as an aphrodisiac – you know, getting the physical capabilities of a bull.

But why the name?

Well, according to Atlas Obscura, the popular story is that restaurants labeled this soup as a mystery soup. They would serve chicken, pork, beef, and seafood soups, but leave Soup Number 5 obscure. Whether it was a marketing tactic or it’s a way to not scare off customers, we’re guessing it worked, since people are still eating this exotic Filipino food.

Weird Food Name in the Philippines 9: German Chocolate Bread

Okay, so maybe “German Chocolate Bread” doesn’t exactly fit the “weird food names in the Philippines” category. But it’s still weird and funny. Why, you ask?

Well, it’s because of the name itself. As Chef Jimbo de Panadero mentioned in his live session with us, this bread was made by people from Visayas, so there’s nothing German about it.

Talk about weird Pinoy names.

If you called it by its other names like pan de choco or pan de chocolate, that would make more sense, right?

In any case, if you do have the opportunity, you should definitely try this soft, chocolatey bread – enjoy that crunchy streusel topping!

Want to try some delicious but weird Filipino-named food?

These are just some of the funny and weird Filipino food names. There are plenty more that we haven’t included in the list. And like we said about all the others on this list, these Filipino foods are very much worth trying – they’re pretty good!

Speaking of which, The Bailiwick Academy gives you the chance to not only try some of these weirdly-named foods… but to make them for yourself too! Check out our latest class with Chef Jimbo de Panadero: Panaderia Favorites 2! 

Because you loved Panaderia Favorites 1, Chef Jimbo decided to make a part 2! In this latest class you’ll be making the following:

• Kalihim bread (otherwise known as Pan de Regla)
• German Chocolate Bread (which, again, are made by Filipinos)
• Double Buddy Bread (also known as Lambingan Bread); and
• Bonete, another hat-like bread like Kalihim, but all buttery!

We’re sure that making these bakery favorites will make you take plenty of trips down memory lane as you recall the simpler, good old days when you were just a kid, wouldn’t you agree? Plus, you’ll find yourself chuckling as you recall the names, making this class a doubly enjoyable experience.

Like with all our classes, you’ll get a detailed step-by-step instructional video and a support workbook. You’ll be able to recreate these classics easily in your very own kitchen. Enjoy them or add them to your food business menu.

Well, what are you waiting for? Sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today and start making these four delicious breads today!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post 9 Weird Food Names in the Philippines! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

If you’ve eaten from delicious restaurants like Poison Donuts, Workshop Bakery, and Scout’s Honor, then congratulations. You have already experienced the genius of one of The Bailiwick Academy’s instructors, Chef Miko Aspiras!

At a very young age, Chef Miko is already living the dream most chefs would want. He has multiple restaurants and awards under his belt and has been featured on multiple websites and magazines, not just locally but also abroad. He is even known for coining the term basque burnt cheesecake!

What more could any chef want?

His accomplishments are certainly very aspirational. But oftentimes, we forget that successful people had to do a boatload of work before getting their breakthrough. 

And that’s why in today’s blog, let’s take a quick, closer look at Chef Miko’s journey, and let’s appreciate all the work he did to get where is today. 

Get ready to be inspired!

Chef Miko Aspiras’ beginnings

Chef Miko told Philippines Tatler that his love for food came at a very early age. For example, when he was five years old, every time he didn’t like the food that was being served to him, he would mix seasonings, herbs, and spices with rice. 

But Chef Miko’s first true baking experience was when he was 11 years old. He assisted his Aunt Annie in making food for her catering business. This particular experience was the start of his walking down his current culinary path.

He then started studying hotel and restaurant management at De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde. What he would do next would be one of the many accomplishments he would have in his more than 10 years of baking.

One of Chef Miko’s first wins

While he was still studying, he joined a cheesecake competition and made it into the finals, even if he didn’t have any culinary or pastry training. As he says in his interview with Harvard Business Review:

“During the elimination round, one chef even said that my entry was not edible. I thought I’d be eliminated but the judges gave me a chance and a spot on the final round because they said my concept was strong and they saw potential in me.”

What he did instead was to keep practicing the recipe, a white chocolate and strawberry fondue cheesecake, over and over. And he won first place!

According to this SBS article, after this, Chef Miko would then gain recognition as the best pastry chef out of 175 students. And as soon as he graduated, he was hired by EDSA Shangri-La as a commis chef.

Solidifying his pastry presence

Even if he already got hired by one of the best hotels in the country and won first place in a competition, Chef Miko Aspiras didn’t let success get to his head. If anything, he wanted to achieve more!

And in fact, he did:

• He was invited by the Pastry Alliance of the Philippines to represent the Philippines in a contest in Hong Kong, where he won the gold medal.  
• He has a total of six golds, three silvers, and two bronzes, both for local and international competitions.
• Chef Miko Aspiras was one of the speakers at the 2016 Madrid Fusion Manila event.

• He has also worked for Maxims Hotel and Fairmont Hotel, where he created unforgettable desserts.
• Chef Miko was featured in Asia’s Forbes 30 under 30, Moneysense’s “Millionaires Under 30”, and recognized as Philippine Tatler’s Best Pastry Chef in 2018.

• He opened Tasteless Food Group with partners. They currently have more than 20 stores and seven concepts (including franchises) across Manila.

• He wrote a book with Chef Aileen Anastacio entitled A Piece of Cake.
• Of course, let’s not forget that he has online classes with us at The Bailiwick Academy involving the basque burnt cheesecake, croquembouche, and fruits!

The move to Australia

In June of 2019, he and his husband JV moved to Australia.

In an interview with Australian Filipina, he shared that the move was an eventuality. Plus, he felt that he had already accomplished all that he could in the Philippines.

And true to his tenacious nature, Chef Miko Aspiras hit the ground running upon arrival. Three days after the move, he scored an interview at the Hilton and became the Executive Pastry Chef at Hilton Sydney!

Sadly, because of the pandemic, they were all let go. But Chef Miko wouldn’t be as influential and as well-known if he let setbacks stop him, right?

That’s why in June 2021, he put up Don’t Doughnuts.

He calls it a similar concept to the Poison donut in the Philippines, but more leaning towards an Australian audience. And it hasn’t been very long, but it’s already earning rave reviews with its flavors!

Chef Miko hasn’t forgotten his Filipino roots either! He is well-known for his love of the country and always highlighting Filipino ingredients like adlai and calamansi. 

He’s doing the same with his donuts! Check out this Choc-nut inspired donut:

And as he shared in an interview with Our Awesome Planet, he even managed to do a project with Select Kuwait, where he created 56 desserts for them.

And on weekends, Chef Miko accepts orders for Basque cheesecakes.

In short… there’s no stopping him anytime soon! We’re proud to have him on our Instructor roster and we can’t wait to see what ideas he comes up with next!

One last Chef Miko Aspiras fact you NEED TO KNOW…

Here’s one last thing you should know about Chef Miko. This thing is probably the most inspiring thing ever about this very talented chef.

You might have missed it.

He revealed it in an interview with Inquirer about being the first Filipino featured in So Good Magazine, what Chef Miko called “the Vogue for pastry chefs.” 

Okay, enough suspense. Here it is:

Before he officially left for Australia with his husband, he has never worked or trained anywhere except in the Philippines. He loved to travel, though. So what he would do during travel was keep his eyes open and pay attention to the various desserts he would see so that he would always have new ideas.

Imagine that!

So if you’re aspiring to be a success like Chef Miko, you don’t need to go anywhere else to become a first-class chef. Just practice what you know, be the best you can be, put yourself out there, and the world will notice you!

And when it comes to skills, all you need to do is enroll in one of our classes at The Bailiwick Academy. All of our classes are from the world’s best bakers and chefs. That means that not only are these recipes tried, tested, and very delicious, but you can also use them to fulfill your dreams of becoming a world-class chef one day.

So what are you waiting for? Learn Chef Miko Aspiras’ delicious dessert recipes (as well as many others) – sign up at The Bailiwick Academy today!

See you inside!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips, tricks, and much more!

The post Chef Miko Aspiras: The Bailiwick Academy Spotlight appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.

If not, it just means two things. One, you’re the mother, so you’re waiting for your gift (aren’t we all? Haha!)

Or two, you have no idea what to give to your mother.

Well, if you’re in the second situation, don’t worry! Because I don’t want Mother’s Day ruined for your mother or wife, I wrote this gift guide. It’s specifically for you! 

Once you’re done reading, you’ll have a better idea for what to get for tomorrow. And you won’t be worrying about any cheap Mother’s Day gifts delivered, too!

(And if you’re in the first situation, you can use this guide as a hint for the people who will be giving you gifts. Nudge them in the right direction for the things to get delivered for Mother’s Day, if you will).

Keep on reading for some fun Mother’s Day gift ideas you can deliver for the occasion!

An idea for a Mother’s Day gift: Quality time

With how busy we all are nowadays, mothers like me would appreciate plenty of quality time. We don’t just need that from our partners, but from our children and other family members as well. Think of it as spending time as a family to catch up.

Since there’s an occasion, gift us time for us. Have a Mother’s Day brunch, then consume a gift basket together. Even simple family walks or talks will do! 

And I’m sure since COVID-19 is less of a threat nowadays, we’ve all been wanting to see our loved ones!

In short, the important thing for us moms is to be able to spend time with people we love.

Deliver some alone time for Mother’s Day!

Okay, this may sound weird, but hear me out. Seriously, one of the best gifts for mom is some alone time. Why?

Well, I’ll just base it on myself. I run The Bailiwick Academy, which entails a lot of things. I also homeschool my kids and do household chores.

Sometimes, I just want a day to relax. And I’m sure plenty of moms feel the same way.

So seriously, one of the fun deliveries for Mother’s Day (fun for us moms, hehe) is some alone time. It’s not that we don’t love our families – it’s just one day after all. Just give us some time to not worry about anything except enjoying ourselves.

We promise we’ll be back. 

Aside from giving us alone time, it would also help if you gave us accompanying gifts! Like, say, some Mother’s Day wine, popcorn tins, tea, a spa certificate… anything that you know we consider a treat!

Appreciation Week: A Mother’s Day gift, when delivered, is super appreciated!

Want a Mother’s Day delivery of a gift that’s not flowers or anything conventional? Well, why not try throwing your mom an appreciation week? 

Yup, instead of Mother’s Day, make it Mother’s Week! But what do you do to honor her for one whole week?

Well, the beauty about this is that it’s completely up to you! Maybe to start, get your mom care packages every day. You can also accompany her to her chosen activity for the day. 

And if you can, compile messages from people who love her. Her heart will be overflowing with joy!

Side note: this particular gift idea is for people who always do last-minute Mother’s Day delivery of gifts. You won’t be able to do this on Sunday, but you can always remind yourself to start early next year. Make up for your tendency to do last-minute things (hint, hint!).

Deliver some Mother’s Day flowers as a fragrant gift.

Kennedy Floral states that it was during the Victorian era that the tradition of giving flowers began. Back then, people were getting into gardening and flower care.

Also, a related fact: Victorian people thought that stating how you feel was tasteless. So they turned the flowers into a form of communication. 

And as we all know, the practice of flower giving became popular for special occasions. And of course, I’m sure all women like flowers! Well, I like them, haha!

But trust me: your mother will appreciate receiving fresh flowers. Whether it’s just one Mother’s Day rose, or a bunch of Mother’s Day roses, it’s up to you. What’s important is that you communicate how much you appreciate your mom!

Of course, you might be wondering how much are Mother’s Day flowers. Well, if you’re only reading this now, you might wince because the price will be more expensive than usual. Take it as a sign to order flowers earlier for next year.

But you know what’s a bigger question you should ask yourself? It’s “Can I still get flowers delivered for Mother’s Day?” 

That I’m not sure. But you can still try with my trusted flower supplier, Unwrapped – Flowers, Hampers and Gifts. Maybe they still have an available Mother’s Day flowers gift set.

But if you have time (or well, next year), you can give your mom a different kind of bouquet. Check out our Art of Edible Flowers class by Chef Marc Kevin Reyes!

Mother’s Day chocolate delivery

According to FloraQueen, the tradition of giving a chocolate box or a chocolates gift basket started back in 1853.  That year, the Cadbury company took advantage of falling import costs and created the first box of chocolates. Also, chocolates started to become popular during Valentine’s Day.

And that’s when Cadbury started selling chocolate in attractive patterned boxes.

And I guess from then on, chocolate gifts started to be associated with special occasions. That includes Mother’s Day.

You might find that giving Mother’s Day chocolates is cliche, but you know something else? 

I have yet to meet a mother who doesn’t love chocolate!

And the great thing about chocolate is that there are many variations. You can give Belgian chocolates, chocolate-dipped or chocolate-covered fruit such as strawberries, or a mix of both!

But of course, the best chocolate for me is any chocolate from our class, The Art of Chocolate. If you have time to make chocolate for tomorrow, then enroll in it today!

Cookie delivery for Mother’s Day

Does your mom have a sweet tooth? She would probably appreciate some sweets. Gift her some Mother’s Day cookies!

It would be an awesome surprise for her to receive some delicious treats on this special day, wouldn’t you agree?

My personal favorite is chocolate chip cookies, but maybe your mom’s is different.

The great thing about cookies is that they come in plenty of flavors and choices. If you want to really spoil your mom, order a bunch and make her a cookie bouquet or buffet!

(Side note: I may be biased in this statement, but I’ll say it anyway! For me, the best cookies will still be found in our Gourmet Cookies class by Chef Bam Piencenaves. If you still have time to bake cookies before tomorrow, enroll now!)

Mother’s Day Gift Delivered: your mom’s favorite cake!

Here’s another idea for a Mother’s Day sweets delivery. Like we said in our blog post about celebrating your wins, cakes have always been associated with celebrations. So why not give your mom a cake?

Just like cookies, cakes come in different flavors. You have burnt basque cheesecake, Korean buttercream cake, different flavored cake rolls, strawberry cheesecake, and so much more. You can even have cake pops as a sweets gift if your mom doesn’t want anything too big to eat.

Speaking of cakes, Celebration Cakes by Chef Joey may be what you need for the occasion. Or maybe it’s our latest class, Tres Leches Cake also by Chef Joey. Who knows, you might have enough time to make any of these before your mom wakes up on Sunday.

Enroll now!

A cookware set? Mother’s Day gift delivered, indeed!

We recently asked our students at The Bailiwick Academy Student Lounge what they would like to get on Mother’s Day. A lot of them actually replied with cookware.

If your mother or wife is in the group or loves cooking, they might reply with the same thing. So why not deliver to them a gift box of cooking items?

I recommend you check out the selection at Buji.Ph. Their inventory is full of top-rated world-class products! I am sure moms would appreciate brands such as USA Pan, Cuisipro, and Thermopro!

Plus, if you use the coupon code: BAILIWICK upon checking out, you’ll get an awesome price reduction! Your mom gets an awesome Mother’s Day gift delivered, and you save money. Everyone wins!

The Bailiwick Academy classes

I’ve saved the best for last! This gift is perfect for any mom or grandma who wants to start a food business or just cook or bake. And the best part is that this doesn’t need any physical delivery.

Yup, that’s right! All of our classes are online, so your mother doesn’t have to go anywhere. She can stay in the comfort of the home, as long as she has Internet access.

Check out our list of courses. They’ll have plenty to choose from, and even a free brownies class by Chef Jimbo Panadero to try!

And think about it: when they start cooking, you’ll be one of the first to try what they made! Isn’t that a great benefit?

So what are you waiting for? Enroll them in The Bailiwick Academy today as your Mother’s Day gift to them! I’m sure they’ll be happy!

Last thought: The perfect gift is one that is truly meant!

The items we listed above are just some ideas for Mother’s Day tomorrow (or, well, for next year). But you know a gift that is truly perfect for Mother’s Day? And one that should be considered Mother’s Day gift delivered, indeed?

Whether it’s a gift for your mom, your grandma, your wife, or any mother? 

No, it’s not a 19-pc chocolate box or expensive gourmet food. It’s not also how many gift baskets were delivered.

It’s anything that shows how much you appreciate her and all her hard work and sacrifices.

(It would also help if it’s not a last-minute Mother’s Day gift delivery, but I digress.)

Again, to all the mothers out there: Happy Mother’s Day! Have a good one!

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Keep coming back to The Bailiwick Academy blog for more kitchen tips and tricks, and so much more!

The post Mother’s Day Gift Delivered: 9 Ideas to Give to Moms! appeared first on Online Baking and Cooking Classes - The Bailiwick Academy.