Episode 1.4: Ensaymada Recipe | History of Fiesta Food in the Philippines

On my first sweet episode, I’m joined by my friend Kate to show you how to make Ube and Cheesy Ensaymada! I talk about "Fiesta Food", or the Spanish dishes that dominated the tables of the upper class and at parties in the Philippines due to Spanish influence in society.

Cheesy Ensaymada

Makes 12 ensaymada (6 ube, 6 regular)

Ingredients

• 1/4 c water

• 1 c milk

• 8 g active dry yeast

• 100 g sugar

• 100 g shortening, softened

• 1/4 T salt

• 440 grams flour

• 4 egg yolks

• 1 c butter, softened

• ube halaya

• 1/2 c powdered sugar

• shredded cheddar cheese

• sugar

Instructions

1. Heat milk and water to ~96°F. Add yeast and set aside.

2. Mix together sugar, salt, and shortening.

3. Alternate adding the milk and half the flour, combining by hand with a spatula (or a stand dough mixer, if you are so lucky!)

4. Once all milk is added, gradually add in egg yolks and remaining flour and combine. Knead until dough has strengthened and forms a window pane when stretched.

5. Place the dough in a greased bowl and proof in a warm place for 2-3 hours or until size has doubled. (Kate recommends proofing in a turned-off oven with a pan of boiling water to keep it warm).

6. Dump dough onto a well-floured surface and cut into 12 pieces. Roll piece into a ball and set aside.

7. To roll ensaymada: Use floured rolling pin to flatten ball into a rectangle. Brush on a layer of softened butter. Add ube halaya for half of the ensaymada. Roll up the rectangle, then roll out with your hands like a snake to make it longer. Swirl the long piece of dough into a spiral and place in a greased muffin pan. Repeat with all 12 pieces

8. Let ensaymada proof a second time in the muffin pan in a warm place for 30-60 minutes.

9. After ensaymada are now double in size, bake at 300°F for 25 minutes. Let cool.

10. Combine powdered sugar and butter to make a quick buttercream.

11. To assemble ensaymada: Spread buttercream on the top of the cooled ensaymada, sprinkle additional sugar, then add shredded cheese. Enjoy!