During the holidays I like to bake up a storm. When the kids were younger, I would bake at least 12 different cookies or squares. I would also give my baked goodies as hostess gifts etc. I have found, though that most people now are being more conscious of health and I certainly do not want the goodies to be left around in the New Year. A few years ago I remember even wanting to throw it out when the New Year arrived, so I would not get tempted. So now I bake less.
I stick to the absolute favourites and classics. Shortbread, butter tarts, chocolate chip cookies, butterscotch fudge. The Filipino favourite that I make a special effort to make is Polvoron, a powdered cookie carefully wrapped in colourful tissue paper.
First thing you need to do is toast the flour in a pan. We used 4cups of flour. Stir constantly on medium heat. It will seem like nothing is happening, but soon you will start to smell the flour is getting toasty and lightly brown.
You will need to let it cool. While that is happening, you can combine the other ingredients. Nido powdered milk is by far the best milk powder to use. It really reminds me of my childhood in the Philippines.
This year, I had to get a new polvoron molder.
My sister happened to have one. We doubled the recipe. It made 50 pieces.
My middle daughter wanted to learn how to make polvoron, so she came over. We had such a wonderful time. The photos are courtesy of my daughter. Thanks Charlene!
Here is the recipe that we followed. You can find it here.
http://www.pinoycookingrecipes.com/polvoron.html
