Ensaymada I

Ensaymada I Recipe - Delicious Filipino Pastry

Region / culture: Philippines | Preparation time: 6 hours | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6-12

Introduction

Ensaymada is a popular Filipino pastry that is enjoyed as a snack or dessert. It is a sweet and buttery bread that is typically topped with sugar and cheese. In this recipe, we will show you how to make delicious ensaymada at home.

History

Ensaymada has Spanish origins, as it is derived from the Spanish "ensaimada," which is a coiled pastry that is typically topped with powdered sugar. The Filipino version of ensaymada has evolved over time to include ingredients such as butter, sugar, and cheese, making it a unique and delicious treat.

Ingredients

0.5 cup of lukewarm water
1 tsp of sugar
1 level teaspoon of yeast
1 cup of all-purpose flour
6 egg yolks
9 tbsp of sugar
6 tbsp of butter
1 tbsp of lard
2 cups of flour
2 tbsp of butter
1 cup of grated queso de bola cheese
2 tsp of sugar

How to prepare

Put lukewarm water in a bowl.
Add sugar and yeast.
Let it stand for 10 minutes, then add all-purpose flour and mix with a wooden spoon.
Cover the bowl with a towel and let the mixture rise in a warm place until it doubles in size.
Add egg yolks, sugar, and butter to the flour mixture.
Add 2 cups of flour and knead with lard.
Let it rise again in a warm place for about 3 hours, until it doubles in size.
Divide the mixture into 6 to 12 portions.
Roll each portion to a thickness of 0.25 inches on a greased board.
Spread butter on each portion and sprinkle with grated cheese.
Roll up each portion, starting from one end and twisting it like a knot.
Place each roll into an ensaymada mold lined with wax paper and greased with lard.
Keep the rolls in a warm place until each one doubles in size, which takes about 4 hours.
Bake at 350°F (177°C) for 10 minutes or until they turn light brown.
Brush the rolls with butter and sprinkle them with grated cheese and sugar.

Variations

Add raisins or nuts to the dough for added texture and flavor.
Top ensaymada with salted caramel or chocolate sauce for a decadent twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use lukewarm water when activating the yeast to ensure that it properly activates.

- Knead the dough well to develop gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Let the dough rise in a warm place to ensure that it doubles in size and becomes light and airy.

- Brush the baked ensaymada with butter and sprinkle with sugar and cheese for a delicious finishing touch.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy ensaymada with a hot cup of coffee or hot chocolate for a delightful snack or dessert.

Cooking Techniques

Kneading the dough well is essential to develop gluten and create a light and fluffy texture.

- Letting the dough rise in a warm place is important to ensure that it doubles in size and becomes light and airy.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use margarine instead of butter for a dairy-free option.

- Use vegetable oil instead of lard for a lighter version of ensaymada.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the dough ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Let it come to room temperature before shaping and baking.

Presentation Ideas

Serve ensaymada on a platter lined with banana leaves for a traditional touch. Sprinkle with extra sugar and cheese for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair ensaymada with a glass of sweet wine or champagne for a luxurious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store leftover ensaymada in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (177°C) for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 250 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 12g per serving

Saturated Fat: 7g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 5g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 10% of daily value per serving

Iron: 6% of daily value per serving

Alergens

Contains: Wheat, eggs, dairy

Summary

Ensaymada is a delicious pastry that is high in carbohydrates and fats, making it a rich and indulgent treat. It also provides a good amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Ensaymada is a delicious Filipino pastry that is sweet, buttery, and topped with sugar and cheese. With a few simple ingredients and some patience, you can make this delightful treat at home for your family and friends to enjoy.

How did I get this recipe?

The first time I saw this recipe, I was immediately hooked. It was a warm summer day, and I had been invited by my dear friend Maria to her home for a baking session. As soon as I walked into her kitchen, I was enveloped in the sweet aroma of freshly baked bread and butter.

Maria was busy kneading dough while humming a tune. I watched in awe as she expertly shaped the dough into small, round balls, and then rolled them out into long strands. She then carefully twisted the strands into a coil, creating a beautiful, spiral shape.

"What are you making, Maria?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.

"Ensaymada," she replied with a smile. "It's a traditional Filipino sweet bread that is perfect for breakfast or as a snack with coffee."

I had never heard of Ensaymada before, but as I watched Maria work her magic in the kitchen, I knew I had to learn how to make it myself. The dough was soft and pliable, and the butter she generously spread on top glistened in the sunlight streaming through the window.

As the Ensaymadas baked in the oven, the kitchen filled with the irresistible scent of warm bread and butter. I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

When Maria pulled the golden brown Ensaymadas out of the oven, my mouth watered in anticipation. She generously brushed each one with more butter and sprinkled them with sugar before serving them to me on a delicate china plate.

I took a bite and was instantly transported to a world of sweet, buttery goodness. The bread was light and fluffy, with a rich, buttery flavor that melted in my mouth. I savored every bite, savoring the warmth and comfort that the Ensaymada brought me.

After that day, I begged Maria to teach me how to make Ensaymada. She graciously shared her recipe with me, and I spent countless hours in my own kitchen perfecting the art of making this delicious treat.

Over the years, I have made Ensaymada for my family and friends, sharing the love and warmth that this humble bread brings. Each time I bake a batch of Ensaymadas, I am reminded of that fateful day in Maria's kitchen, where my love for baking was born.

I have since added my own twist to the classic Ensaymada recipe, experimenting with different fillings like cheese, ube, and even salted egg. Each variation has its own unique flavor profile, but they all share the same comforting essence that makes Ensaymada so special.

As I look back on my journey with Ensaymada, I am grateful for the memories it has given me and the joy it has brought to those around me. Baking this sweet bread has become a cherished tradition in my family, and I hope to pass down the recipe to future generations so they can experience the same magic that I did all those years ago.