Philippines

A BRIEF idea of Pilipino food/ desserts

In general, Pilipino cuisines are very much influenced by many different countries, some of which include Malay, Spanish, Indian and Chinese influences. Food is an important part of the whole communal Philippines existence and is part of the traditions left by ancestors ( http://www.cookbookwiki.com/Filipino_Cuisine). Dating back to the colonial days, the Philippines were very much subjected to the influence of western countries. As such, I have specially chosen a dessert that is not only close to the hearts of many Pilipino but also illustrate evidence of the western and eastern culture.

Halo Halo



What is Halo Halo and what does it consist of?

Halo-halo (from "halo" = mix) is a favorite Filipino dessert or snack. It is basically a mixture of sweet preserved beans(red beans, chick peas), coconut meat (macapuno), jackfruit (langka), pounded dried rice (pinipig), sweet yam (ube), cream flan (leche flan), shreds of sweetened plantain (saba), filled with crushed ice, milk (or coconut milk) and topped with ice cream.

When do people consume Halo Halo?

In the past, Halo Halo was consumed only in the summer but now, it is available all year round at most food courts.

So what's the big deal about Halo Halo???

The interesting thing about Halo Halo is that the Filipino culture may be likened to a halo-halo. The ice cream, which is a Western ingredient, may be on top of the concoction, but that is just the surface of the dessert. The ice cream melts, and it blends with the Asian tropical fruits and beans underneath, which forms the bulk and substance of the mixture, the ones that are to be eaten first with a spoon. Drinking the melted ice cream and milk later is the final act and passion of consuming the halo-halo, the creme de la creme in its liquid form.

To say that Filipino culture is primarily Western is like taking the ice cream as the main ingredient of the halo-halo, thereby missing the colorful Asian substance of the whole mixture. Likewise, to say that Filipino culture is essentially Eastern is the same as taking only the Asian tropical fruits in the halo-halo and failing to drink the melted ice cream in the mixture. One then misses passion, which is the creme of Filipino culture. (http://www.seasite.niu.edu/Tagalog/Tagalog_Default_files/Philippine_Culture/halo_halo.htm)

What's so unique about Halo Halo that makes it Uniquely SE Asian?

As mentioned previously, Halo Halo is a typically a result of many cultures and traditions. This can reinforce the notion of multi-racial and multi-culture South East Asia. South East Asia is traditionally described as one of the 'crossroads of the world' i.e. a place where people from many cultural, ethnic and religious background meet (SE 1101E Course description). Therefore, in my opinion I would say that the different ingredients of Halo Halo (as discussed above) can justify why this dessert is uniquely SEA!



In the making of Halo Halo..ENJOY!






Just for you: The ingredients of Halo Halo (http://www.recipezaar.com/68328)


1 gallon vanilla ice cream
2 bananas, sliced and quartered
1honeydew melon, balled
1 cantaloupe, balled
1 papaya, balled
1 young coconut, shredded (fresh or frozen)
1/2 cup tapioca
1 package strawberry Jell-O gelatin dessert
8 cups crushed ice