Red Velvet Cake
I have been hearing about it so much from Oprah and other US TV shows, especially on the Food Network. When I had the chance to taste a Red Velvet Cake, I grabbed a slice and nom nomed it to my heart’s delight. And it didn’t disappoint. It had a peculiar pleasant taste, a smooth texture, and a yummy, sweet frosting.
According to the Joy of Baking, Red Velvet Cake is actually a Devil’s Food Cake with red food coloring (source link) but it was originally made with beets which cause the red color. The taste comes from a hint of cocoa powder added into the dough. And the texture? It comes from buttermilk.
more…
Mocha Souffle
Day 1 of the Certificate Program on Basic Cooking and Baking Skills at the Center for Asian Culinary Arts (CACS) Davao was a frantic but enjoyable one. It started with the distribution of uniforms, kits (with very sharp knives), and manuals. We then met with Chef Agnes Borromeo, a graduate of CACS, who briefed us on the basic rules, things to remember, and such stuff. We were asked to introduce ourselves. Surprised to know that some of my classmates travel from other cities and provinces just to take the class. The more shocking thing was that we didn’t have any lunch breaks. BOO! 
But since it was our first day, and we weren’t warned, they gave us an hour.
Chef Agnes Borromeo
Chef Agnes taught us the basic terms and things to remember when baking, and she demonstrated peeling and cutting fruits, and how to prepare and cook pancakes and crepes. YUM!
more…
Today, I received an SMS regarding my first day of culinary classes at the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS) Davao. I have enrolled for their Certificate Program for Basic Cooking and Baking Skills, and we begin the weekly classes this Saturday. I have been reminded to be on time and wear the appropriate attire: black pants, white top, and no slip closed black shoes.
We have to be there 15 minutes before classes start because our uniforms, kits, and manuals will be distributed. I have seen the partial list of our class, and I am afraid I do not know anybody.
more…
Maria "Ria" Jose