Ensaymada

Ensaymada Recipe - Sweet Fluffy Pastry from Philippines

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 2 hours | Cooking time: 25 minutes | Servings: 12

Introduction

Ensaymada is a popular and delicious pastry that originated in the Philippines. It is a sweet and buttery bread that is often topped with sugar and cheese, making it a favorite treat for many.

History

Ensaymada has Spanish origins, as it is a variation of the Spanish pastry called "ensaimada." The Filipino version of ensaymada has evolved over the years to include local ingredients and flavors, making it a unique and beloved pastry in the Philippines.

Ingredients

3.5 to 4 tsp of yeast
0.33 cup of lukewarm water
1.5 tsp of white sugar
0.5 cup of diluted evaporated milk or undiluted whole milk
0.5 cup of white sugar
0.25 cup of melted butter
3 egg yolks
2.5 to 3 cups of unsifted all-purpose flour (after measuring sifted flour)

How to prepare

Grate mild white or yellow cheese and set aside.
In a bowl, dissolve the yeast in lukewarm water and 1.5 teaspoonfuls of white sugar.
Mix the yeast mixture and let it sit until it becomes bubbly.
Combine all the ingredients together until well incorporated and smooth.
Transfer the dough into a greased bowl and let it rise for one hour.
After rising, form the dough into a log shape and flatten it out.
Optional: Fill the flattened dough with cheese and softened butter.
Alternatively, coil the dough into a snail shape in a greased pan.
If making individual cakes, divide the dough into equal pieces and roll them into logs.
Coil or knot the logs and place them in greased muffin tins.
Let the dough rise for another hour.
Preheat the oven to 300˚F (150˚C).
Brush the risen dough with butter and bake in the preheated oven for 25 minutes or until lightly browned.
Allow the baked cakes to cool completely.
Spread butter on top of the cakes, dust with sugar, and optionally sprinkle grated cheese on top.

Variations

You can customize your ensaymada by adding different fillings such as ube (purple yam), salted egg, or even chocolate.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lukewarm water when dissolving the yeast to activate it properly.

- Allow the dough to rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size.

- You can customize your ensaymada by adding different fillings such as ube (purple yam) or salted egg.

Serving Suggestions

Ensaymada is best enjoyed with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate.

Cooking Techniques

The key cooking technique for ensaymada is allowing the dough to rise properly to achieve a light and fluffy texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute the whole milk with coconut milk for a dairy-free version of ensaymada.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough for ensaymada ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight for easy baking the next day.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ensaymada on a decorative plate and sprinkle with powdered sugar for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Ensaymada pairs well with hot beverages such as coffee, tea, or hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ensaymada in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a few seconds or toast in the oven.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of ensaymada contains approximately 250 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of ensaymada contains approximately 30 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Each serving of ensaymada contains approximately 15 grams of fats.

Proteins

Each serving of ensaymada contains approximately 5 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Ensaymada is not a significant source of essential vitamins and minerals.

Alergens

Ensaymada contains dairy (milk, butter, cheese) and eggs, which may be allergens for some individuals.

Summary

Ensaymada is a delicious pastry that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich and indulgent treat.

Summary

Ensaymada is a delicious and indulgent pastry that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack. With its sweet and buttery flavor, it is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately intrigued. It was a beautiful, fluffy bread topped with butter, sugar, and cheese - a Filipino delicacy known as Ensaymada. I had never tasted it before, but something about it called out to me. I knew I had to learn how to make it.

I was just a young girl at the time, visiting my aunt in the Philippines. She was an amazing cook and had a vast collection of recipes from all over the world. When I asked her about the Ensaymada, she smiled and told me it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations.

My aunt took me under her wing and taught me how to make the Ensaymada from scratch. We started by making the dough, a soft and sticky mixture of flour, sugar, yeast, and milk. As we kneaded the dough, my aunt shared stories of her own grandmother teaching her how to make this special bread.

After letting the dough rise, we divided it into small balls and rolled them out into long strands. We then twisted the strands into a spiral shape, creating the signature swirl of the Ensaymada. After letting the bread rise again, we baked it in the oven until it was golden brown and fluffy.

Once the Ensaymada was out of the oven, we brushed it with melted butter and sprinkled it with sugar and grated cheese. The combination of sweet and savory flavors was unlike anything I had ever tasted before. It was love at first bite.

Over the years, I continued to make the Ensaymada for my family and friends. I experimented with different toppings and fillings, adding my own twist to the traditional recipe. Each time I made it, it brought back memories of my aunt and the time we spent together in the kitchen.

As I grew older, I traveled to different countries and learned new recipes from people I met along the way. But the Ensaymada always held a special place in my heart. It was a reminder of my roots and the strong women who had taught me how to cook.

Now, as I pass on the recipe to my own grandchildren, I hope they will appreciate the history and tradition behind the Ensaymada. I hope they will take the time to savor each bite and remember the love and care that went into making it.

In a world where fast food and convenience meals reign supreme, there is something truly special about taking the time to make something from scratch. The Ensaymada is more than just a bread - it is a symbol of family, tradition, and the joy of sharing a homemade meal with loved ones.

So the next time you have a craving for something sweet and savory, why not try making your own Ensaymada? You may not have a family secret recipe passed down through generations, but you can create your own memories and traditions in the kitchen. And who knows, maybe one day you'll be the one passing on the recipe to your own grandchildren.