Putting the PAN in Pandemic
By: Marylaine Louise L. Viernes
Our Editor-in-Chief, Pen De Leon Manahan, a superb baker herself loves posting about the breads she would bake whenever she has spare time, touting it her “Pan Favorites,” or simply, “Pen Favorites…”
In all Latin-based languages, the translation of the word "bread" is more often than not "pan." A few distinctions, such as the French term for bread, spelled as "pain" but still pronounced as "pan" while the bread is "pão" in Portuguese, but the similarities are very apparent.
The same is also evident in some Asian languages, especially in Japan. The Japanese likewise refer to bread as "pan." In Filipino, while the bread is translated into "tinapay," the word "pan" has been assimilated with local verbiage; in fact, the Spanish term for pan de sal is the household name for a popular breakfast staple in the Philippines, "pandesal."
As we all cope with the strains of this pandemic and know that our options are only take-out or delivery, we strongly suggest that you stay in the comfort of your own homes but go out of the box by creating your delightful baked treats!
Our Editor-in-Chief, Pen De Leon Manahan, or simply Ms. M, is also a superb baker herself, and she loves posting about the bread she would bake whenever she has spare time, touting it her "Pan Favorites," or simply, "Pen Favorites…"
Miss M shared her popular Brazilian bread recipe on social media before, and if you missed it, then we have it here for you! Pao de Queijo, which means (bread with cheese), is not just tasty, it's also fun and easy to make! Now, you too can make you Brazilian cheese buns; crisp on the outside and ultra-soft and chewy on the inside!
Pen is not just a jet setter and fashionista, but also a food connoisseur. In one of her social media posts, she posted about a famous Brazilian bread, which means (bread with cheese). You too can make your Brazilian cheese buns crisp on the outside and ultra-soft and chewy on the inside!
Pão de Queijo recipe
1. The secret of its chewiness is in the tapioca flour. For the recipe, you would need 3 cups of tapioca flour, 1 cup of whole milk, 2 tablespoons of butter, 2 tablespoons of oil, 1 teaspoon salt, 2 eggs (beaten), and 4 ounces of grated cheese. We recommend Mozarella or Monterey Jack, but feel free to add Parmesan, which adds a sharp taste to it.
2. Pre-set over to 400*F while you combine milk, butter, and oil, over medium heat. As you wait for this to boil, combine tapioca flour and salt in a mixer.
3. Add the hot milk mixture to your flour and salt and mix until smooth. You can then combine the eggs gradually until smooth. Finally, fold in the cheese!
4. Once your dough is smooth, line your baking pan with a wax paper and scoop the dough into little balls spaced adequately for the pieces to rise.
5. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and puffy! Serve your Brazilian bread treats that will surely give everyone delight with every bite!