Classic Pancake Recipe

In the past two weeks, mama seems to be craving for pancakes. She made pancakes twice this week at our store for our 3pm merienda. The first time I tasted it, my initial reaction was, “unsa man ni?!” (What is this?!). Of course, mama with her ego never admitted it didn’t taste good but even professed to everyone that she really loves the ones she made. “All it needs is sugar.” she said.

Never giving up, she tries making them for the second time. This time around, her business partner Nang BB, was visiting the store. She came just as the pancakes were done. Mama shoved her a piece for her to try. First bite and her initial reaction was “unsa man ni?!” (^O^)v I couldn’t help but laugh. (Get the recipe after the jump.)

Ginanggang: Filipino-style Grilled Bananas

Ginanggang Grilled Cardaba Bananas with Coke Light!

If you ever get to visit the southern region, the islands of Mindanao, of the Republic of the Philippines, look for this unique and delectable street food called Ginanggang.  It's semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas skewered and grilled in charcoal then brushed with Margarine and then rolled in sugar.  Grilling gives the Bananas a smokey flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit.  While adding Margarine and Sugar rounds off the taste in the end with a little creaminess adding moisture to the somewhat dry texture of the semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas.  Locally, these Bananas are called "Saba."  It is used in a variety of banana snacks like Maruya, Toron, Nilagang Saba, and BananaQue / BananaCue.  It is also mixed in different Filipino soups and stews.