Kutchinta

We were craving something from home. You take for granted the fact that in Los Angeles, you can get authentic food from everywhere. Out here, not so much. Maybe with a little digging around we'll be able to find those gems, but for now, necessity is the mother of invention. HA! Save money and learn how to do it yourself.

Kutchinta or rice cakes is a traditional Filipino dessert.  I remember street vendors hawking these little guys in bamboo baskets lined with banana leaves in the afternoons. It's nice to have a slice of home once in a while.

Kutchinta

ingredients

Kutchinta (Rice cakes)

1/2 cup rice flour
1/2 cup all purpose flour
3/4 cup white sugar
1 1/2 tsp annato powder diluted in 1/2 cup of water
1 cup water
1 tsp lye water
grated coconut

Procedure

Mix all the dry ingredient well
add the diluted annato then slowly add the rest of the water
add the lye water and continue mixing
once everything is incorporated, pour the mixture in to the molds and steam for 25-30 minutes depending on the size of the molds
let cool and serve with grated coconut

use a cheese cloth or towel to prevent the water from dripping in to the molds

Enjoy!

Mini Bibingka

Bibingka is a type of rice cake traditionally served by Filipinos during the holidays. They're usually the size of saucers and quartered and served hot as a dessert. You have to ask yourself, something so good shouldn't have to be waited on for a whole year right? well they're quite easy to make. Give the recipe a try. We're sure you'll love it.

Mini Bibingka

ingredients

Mini Bibingka

2 cups rice flour
1/2 cup glutinous rice
1 tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
3 eggs
3/4 cup white sugar
1/3 cup melted butter, cooled
4 oz cream cheese
1 tsp vanilla

Toppings (mixed together)
2 tbsp melted butter
3 tbsp sugar
1 oz cream cheese

Procedure
Preheat oven to 375 F
Mix and incorporate all the dry ingredients then add the coconut milk,vanilla, eggs and butter and whisk until well smooth.

Spray the muffin pan or brush with butter or oil then fill them halfway with the batter. Add the a bit of cream cheese then add batter until the 3/4 full.

Bake for 20 minutes then brush the tops with the topping mixture

Return to oven and broil for about 1 minute or until the tops are golden brown

Serve hot and enjoy!