A typical Filipino breakfast
(Clockwise, from left) But-ong (wrapped in banana leaves), papaya, star apple and chico! This morning, self sings happy happy joy joy, happy happy joy joy . . . .
Self thought the above banana-leaf concoction was called suman, but aunt – in whose house self slept last night (thank you, Dear Cuz Maitoni, for spiriting her away from Makati, even for just one night) – calls it “but-ong.” Perhaps that’s a Visayan term, for aunt hails from Bacolod. Aunt says it’s the easiest thing in the world to make, and summons cook from the kitchen so that she can explain to self the process. Cook (Gemma) is extremely flattered that self is desirous of instruction. Explains that you need to boil malagkit (Whaddat??), sugar, and coconut milk, wrap concoction in banana leaves (Where to procure in States?) and then steam.
Stay tuned, dear blog readers, stay tuned.
Vince Gotera said,
January 11, 2009 at 7:02 am
Hey, Self … I mean, Marianne! “Malagkit” is glutinous rice, also called sticky rice or sweet rice. Don’t know “but-ong” but the recipe sounds like “suman” to me. Gather you’re having a famous, lovely time? –V.
anthropologist said,
January 11, 2009 at 8:03 am
My cousin from Virginia says you can get malagkit in any Asian store in the States. I thought it was some special powder. Thanks for clarifying. Sounds like you’ve made this before?
I’m having an intense time. I think I’m too dizzy to actually enjoy it, since it’s a constant social whirl and I don’t think I’ve talked this much since my last visit home, in 2006 (but then I was with my son, and we hardly spent time in Manila . . . )
Frances Cabahug said,
January 12, 2009 at 3:44 am
Whee, I have a tiny sack of malagkit! I’ve been planning to make biko with it. I must note, however, that a can of coconut milk doesn’t taste at all like freshly squeezed coconut milk.
I’m pretty sure you can buy banana leaves from places like Chinatown or any Asian food market. =)
Vince Gotera said,
January 24, 2009 at 8:54 am
No, haven’t made it before, except for champorado. Or is it tsamporado? Now THAT’s a pinoy breakfast.
anthropologist said,
May 18, 2009 at 3:28 am
There are sooo many Filipino food blogs out there!
Try googling “PinoyCook”
Another really good blog is “Market Manila.”