Polvorones

In my previous blog post, I wrote about “Polvoron”. I thought that it could be something new non-Filipino readers so I tried to search some information about it so that I could provide an idea about it.

However, when I started Googling it, I was surprised with its long history. According to Wikipedia, polvorón is a type of Andalusian shortbread of Levantine origin popular in Spain and Latin America and other ex-spanish colonies such as the Philippines during Christmas. It is made of flour, sugar, milk, and nuts.

Andalusia is an autonomous community in Spain, the most populous and the second largest, in terms of land area. It is south of the Iberian peninsula or extreme southwest of Europe, which includes modern-day states Portugal, Andorra, the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar and a very small area of France. Food in this particular region has become popular of which, Andalusian dessert polvorones or almond cookies from Estepa, a municipality in its capital city Seville is one.

Furthermore, Andalusian polvorones is characterized as a shortbread or a type of unleavened biscuit (cookie) which is traditionally made from one part white sugar, two parts butter, and three parts oatmeal flour. Such baking style is said to have influenced by Levantine cuisine, which have originated from the Mediterranean lands east of Italy.

Presently, Polvoron is a famous dessert not only in the Philippines but also in Spain, Mexico and in the United States.

The simple word “polvoron” has taken me to Europe, Mediterranean and South East Asia to as early as the medieval era.

So much with theories. Perhaps, it is better to have a good taste of it. Here’s a simple polvoron recipe that I have come across the net.

Ingredients:

4 cups cake flour

2 cups powdered milk

2 cups white sugar

1 cup butter or margarine (melted)

Instructions:

Toast flour in moderate heat for 15 minutes or until light brown, stirring constantly. Add powdered milk, toss for another 5 minutes. Cool. Add sugar and melted butter. Mix well. Pack well in mold. Wrap in tissue or Japanese paper.

For commercial purposes: Instead of cake flour, use 5 cups all-purpose flour and 1 cup powdered milk.

Let’s taste it!

Goldilock’s Pulvoron

Yesterday, as I arrived in church, Lior, the son of our pastor approached me and said (in Filipino): “Nobody’s giving me polvoron (a kind of pastry) anymore. Lolo’s dead (lolo means grandfather). I won’t see him anymore”… He told me that repeatedly.

I didn’t know how to react. The boy was referring to my dad. When he was still alive, he would always bring Goldilock’s Polvoron for him. The boy’s words surprised me. After more than a year, a little boy still misses him with affection.

Lior at play w/ Pastor Orly at the background

It consoles me to know that dad has touched a boy’s life even in a small way. I hope he doesn’t outgrow the memory. One of these days, I’ll try to bring some Goldilock’s Polvoron for Lior again.

            

             

Fathers’ Day, 2010

It’s about two weeks to go before the world celebrates Fathers’ Day again. Everyone would be celebrating with their Dads, giving them special gifts and treats. Of course, except those whose fathers are abroad or have passed away like my Dad. I’m still missing him so much in fact I’d rather miss Fathers’ Day celebrations because it will only make me miss my Dad more. It still makes me cry. Just the other day, a good friend and church mate, Ghen, posted on her Face book wall a video clip with a Happy Fathers’ Day greeting. She said (in Filipino) “He who does not cry has a heart of stone”. Indeed, I cried. It was about Olympian Derek Redmond and the amazing human spirit he had shown during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics and the love of his father. Derek was favored by spectators to win the 400 meter run but after the 250th meter mark, his hamstring tore, which had cost him the race. However, in spite of the pain, he forced himself back on track and hobbled toward the finish line weeping in agony both for the physical pain and, I believe, for losing the race for which he had trained so hard. His father ran to him to help him up and ran across the finish line. I invite you to watch the video in full for the complete story.

 

I know my dad would do the same for me. It just pains me so much that he is no longer here to do it for me when I would need him by my side. Of course, God, our Father is always here with us and in us. He will be our strength and shelter.Thanks Ghen for sharing the video…