ensaymada

In the Philippines, the influence of four centuries of Spanish rule can be tasted in a blend of the flavors of Spain, China and the tropics. That same ensaymada can also be filled with ube (purple yam), macapuno (coconut) or mongo (a kind of black bean). While the ingredients are Spanish or tropical, the concept seems very Chinese (think sweet pork buns). Aside from Paella and other dishes, Ensaymada is one of the pastries that Spaniards brought to the Philippines during the Spanish colonization. Originally from Majorca – the largest island in Spain, Ensaïmada is a pastry made from flour, water sugar, eggs, mother dough and pork lard… I cant imagine but Yes Its “Pork Lard”. Last two days, I tried the Ensaymada from a good friend of mine and I think it is one of the best tasting Ensaymada I\’ve tasted before.

Would you believe this Spanish pastry has evolved over the centuries? The original Ensaymada from Majorca is typically flat unlike the ones we usually see in famous bakeshops nowadays which is usually round shaped. If you want to see an Ensaymada that looks similar to “Ensaïmada de Mallorca”, try to look for it in small panaderia’s in your neighborhood.

Ordinary Ensaymada’s are only topped with margarine and refined sugar while the upscale versions uses butter, butter cream and quick melt cheese and or “Queso de Bola.

Ensaymada is traditionally paired with “tsokolate” or hot chocolate but I recently tried to pair it with GenMaicha Green Tea and its also good. Ok enough enough, I’m sure you know what I’m craving for right now..