The Billionaire Chef

Classic Pancake Recipe

2012-07-26T00:24:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks, mama seems to be craving for pancakes. She made pancakes twice this week at our store for our 3pm merienda. The first time I tasted it, my initial reaction was, “unsa man ni?!” (What is this?!). Of course, mama with her ego never admitted it didn’t taste good but even professed to everyone that she really loves the ones she made. “All it needs is sugar.” she said.

Never giving up, she tries making them for the second time. This time around, her business partner Nang BB, was visiting the store. She came just as the pancakes were done. Mama shoved her a piece for her to try. First bite and her initial reaction was “unsa man ni?!” (^O^)v I couldn’t help but laugh. (Get the recipe after the jump.)

MERRY MERRY!

2011-12-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!

Someday I'd like to decorate my house just like this for Christmas! I just can't get enough of STARS! Reminds me of my elementary days where in I would eagerly seek STARS from my teachers! hahaha (^o^)/

Roasted Chicken in Olive Oil

2011-12-04T23:42:00.000-08:00

Roasted Chicken in Olive Oil with Roasted Garlic, Lemongrass and Rosemary

The common perception is that roasting chicken can be very intimidating. But a lot of chefs and cooks know that it's actually very simple to make. Mark Bittman, author of "How to Cook Everything" even wrote that it's "the simplest chicken recipe there is." It's so simple to make, you'll be shocked after you read this post.

Since we want to reserve whole roasted chicken for special occasions, this recipe introduces you to roasting chicken parts! Yes, you heard me right. We're using chicken parts for this recipe. You have the liberty to choose which part of the chicken you want to roast making it perfect for everyday family meals especially for small families. Best of all, there's no carving necessary after the chicken comes out of the oven. Make one for your family this coming holiday season.

Roasted Chicken in Olive Oil

by: Chef $B

All-time Favorite Brownies Recipe

2011-11-22T05:55:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like a comforting dessert to cap every meal and you will never go wrong with these fudgy brownies. Just bake and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream! Both kids and kids-at-heart will drool over these brownies. I have made thousands of these, not only to serve to friends and relatives but even to sell as well! It was a great Christmas giveaway. A friend who bought boxes to give to her friends for Christmas actually received a special note from the recipient thanking her for the best brownies ever. My friend was kind enough to inform me afterwards. No doubt, it made my day. It was a great start to celebrating the Christmas holidays. I hope you experience the same with this recipe. Enjoy!

FUDGY BROWNIES RECIPE

Chef Peter Kuruvita's Ginger Chili Shallot Sauce Recipe

2011-11-08T08:42:00.000-08:00

In another Masterchef Australia Masterclass episode, Celebrity Chef Peter Kuruvita, owner of the renowned Seafood restaurant -Flying Fish- in Australia, was invited to teach the Masterchef contestants a few tips on how to cook shellfish. In that particular episode, he prepared Marrons with Ginger Chili Shallot Sauce. He specifically said that the sauce he's using has been used in his restaurant for years! It's a time tested recipe that his patrons just come back for every time. It's one of his trade secrets! Knowing this, I couldn't wait to try the sauce and see how it tastes. I jotted down notes and came up with this recipe for all of us to enjoy! It's a majestic universal sauce that can be used for any shellfish. Peter even said that it can be used for chicken. Go ahead and give it a try!

Thai Pomelo Salad Recipe (Yam Som-o)

2011-10-31T07:16:00.000-07:00

Yam Som-O is how people in Thailand call Pomelo Salad. I first got introduced to this salad a couple of years back when my sister took me to eat at People's Palace - a modern Thai cuisine restaurant in Greenbelt 3 ran by Chef Colin Mackay. The salad was so good I was blown away by the mix of fresh flavors with just the right amounts of acidity and seasoning. I remember listing the ingredients after we ate the salad but I never got to try and make the dish myself. That is until recently, when sacks of Pink Pomelo from Davao, landed on our doorsteps. I do not claim this to be anything like the Pomelo Salad at People's Palace because only emotional remnants of that experience remain. I have to back there and eat that salad again. And then maybe I can come up with a new version of this refreshing and healthy dish. Regardless, this version of the Pomelo Salad by The Billionaire Chef is as good and memorable as well.

Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Som-o)

Thai Pomelo Salad (Yam Som-O)

By: Chef $B

(2-3 individual servings)

BBQ Baby Back Ribs (American Style) Recipe

2011-10-27T01:26:00.000-07:00

One very intriguing dish is the very succulent and juicy Barbecued Baby Back Ribs! First and foremost, the size of the meat is quite intimidating. And since you don't normally see this cut of meat cooked at home, one is led to believe that it's hard and complicated to prepare. You'd be surprised that it actually is quite easy to prepare! While it takes a lot of time to make the meat really tender, the process is very simple. You can just leave the mixture behind and let the heat and the braising liquid do their job.

While watching season 2 of MasterChef Australia, chefs and hosts Gary Mehigan and George Calombaris held a Master Class teaching the contestants how to make American-style Sticky BBQ Pork Ribs! All the contestants were dying to try the dish and it left my mouth watering after the said episode. And so now that I know how easy it is to make, I tried cooking a batch last night. I adopted this Baby Back Ribs recipe from Gary's version. It's an absolute winner! Enjoy!

Chorizo Garlic Pasta Recipe ala Petra and Pilar

2011-10-21T02:50:00.000-07:00

Chorizo is the Spanish term for sausage. It usually refers to several types of pork sausages. One famous chorizo in the Philippines is the Chorizo de Bilbao. While Bilbao may refer to a municipality in Spain many believe that Chorizo de Bilbao is actually a Filipino creation. It is generally made with lots of Spanish Paprika which is probably the reason why some would refer to it as Spanish sausage. It's garlicky taste adds a lot of flavor to any dish you mix it with.

There's a very good Chorizo Bilbao with Garlic Pasta at Petra and Pilar at the JAKA Bldg. (Chino Roces) in Makati. I often craved for this dish every time I'm in the area. And then it dawned on me that I should just have made my own! One order can set you back for around 350 pesos while you can buy a pack of Chorizo de Bilbao from the same restaurant for just around 100 pesos. And that's exactly what I did. Here's the recipe for Chorizo Garlic Spaghetti in White Sauce. My own take on this delectable dish from Petra and Pilar.

Cupcake Recipes: Red Velvet Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2011-10-12T09:13:00.000-07:00

Cupcake Recipe: Red Velvet Cupcakes

The Red Velvet Cake or Cupcake is a cake with a dark red, bright red, or red-brown color. Originally, the reddish brown color comes from the reaction of the chocolate to an acidic substance like buttermilk. The cake is mostly chocolate flavored but it can also just be plain vanilla. It is then topped with a white frosting that can either be a white Buttercream frosting or a Cream Cheese Frosting. A Cream Cheese frosting is better suited since there is not much flavor in the cake itself.

The reference to the word "velvet" is to associate the cake with luxury and also to describe the cake's texture which is suppose to be smooth and silky just like the fabric. In this recipe, the use of vegetable oil instead of butter makes this Red Velvet Cupcake recipe smooth and fluffy. Get the recipe after the jump.

Ginanggang: Filipino-style Grilled Bananas

2011-10-06T00:29:00.000-07:00

Ginanggang Grilled Cardaba Bananas with Coke Light!

If you ever get to visit the southern region, the islands of Mindanao, of the Republic of the Philippines, look for this unique and delectable street food called Ginanggang. It's semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas skewered and grilled in charcoal then brushed with Margarine and then rolled in sugar. Grilling gives the Bananas a smokey flavor that complements the natural sweetness of the fruit. While adding Margarine and Sugar rounds off the taste in the end with a little creaminess adding moisture to the somewhat dry texture of the semi-ripe Cardaba Bananas. Locally, these Bananas are called "Saba." It is used in a variety of banana snacks like Maruya, Toron, Nilagang Saba, and BananaQue / BananaCue. It is also mixed in different Filipino soups and stews.

Hello Kitty Themed Birthday Cake

2011-10-05T23:57:00.000-07:00

Children's Birthday parties have evolved over the years. We used to just have square Buttercream-frosted Chiffon cakes decorated with a figurine of our favorite cartoon character on top with Spaghetti with minced meat in Tomato sauce. Now, while the Spaghetti lives on, the cakes are definitely grander. Aside from the food, kids and adults are also entertained by Clowns, Magicians, Dancers, Singers, and even human Beatboxers. On a recent Birthday party, I got to witness this Hello Kitty themed Birthday cake surrounded by cupcakes with lovely decorations on top. More pictures after the jump.

Citrus (Orange) Cookies with Chocolate Chips Recipe

2011-10-04T01:41:00.000-07:00

Orange Cookies with Chocolate Chips and Coffee

On my way back to one of my trips in Europe, I got hold of Jamie Oliver's Jamie's Ministry of Food cookbook. I got it tax free but I wasn't quite sure whether it really was a bargain. Regardless, I was impress with the chef's advocacy of teaching people how to cook at home so they can have healthier and more nutritious options rather than eating out or buying at convenient stores all the time. According to the book, anyone can learn to cook in 24 hours. And Jamie Oliver actually encourages his readers to pass on the simple recipes that they learn so that everyone can learn how to cook. It's the same concept as paying it forward.

While I don't really use this book as reference for dessert recipes, I was intrigued by one of his cookie recipes. I tried it yesterday and you can get Jamie Oliver's recipe for Citrus Cookies after the jump.

Hot Prawn Salad Recipe (Shrimp Mayonnaise with Fruit Salad and Broccoli)

2011-09-29T00:08:00.000-07:00

Hot prawn salad with Steamed broccoli and candied walnuts!

I don't exactly know where this dish originated from but it's definitely Chinese. Some say that it's Cantonese. If you're going to eat at the Shang Palace, Makati Shangri-la Hotel's mainstay Chinese restaurant serving "authentic flavors of Cantonese cuisine" as their website puts it, or if you're planning to eat at Mr. Choi Kitchen, don't forget to try and order the Hot Prawn Salad. The sweetness of the fruits and the mayonnaise dressing complements the sweetness of the Prawns, making this dish a favorite among loyal patrons. However, due to the sweetness of the dish as well, this dish may not be for everyone, especially for those who prefer their meals to be savory. Regardless, no matter who you serve it to, it never fails to impress. Here's the recipe for the Hot Prawn Salad or as others might call it, Shrimp Mayonnaise.

Hot Prawn Salad or Shrimp Mayonnaise Recipe

(2 small Servings)

Ingredients:

¼ kilo Prawns or Medium-sized Shrimps (around 14 pieces)

Good Old Fashioned Leche Flan Recipe (Creme Caramel Recipe)

2011-09-26T00:45:00.000-07:00

I grew up eating Leche Flan. It's one of my favorite desserts. There's nothing like it in the world. Some of you may refer to it as a Creme Caramel or in Japan they call it a Purin or a Pulin, referring to a Custard Pudding. Basically it's milk and eggs steamed to form a custard flan. It's smooth and creamy! It's melt-in-your-mouth goodness.

The closest you would get to a Leche Flan outside the Philippines is a Creme Brulee. But believe me when I say that nobody else makes this dessert as creamy and delectable as Filipinos do. It's a national favorite. You can practically find it anywhere from high-end restaurants, food stalls in shopping malls, and even school canteens.

Like any other dessert though, every cook has their own recipe. As for me, the closest I've come to replicating my childhood favorite was using this special Leche Flan recipe I've created below. The secret to this recipe is to use condensed milk instead of sugar, and to not include egg whites in the mixture.

Good Old Fashioned Leche Flan Recipe

by: The Billionaire Chef

General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro

2011-09-20T00:35:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered why it's called General's Chicken? This dish which is made from deep fried chicken covered with a crispy batter and covered with a sweet and spicy sauce is rumored to have been a favorite of one of China's generals back in the Qing dynasty. The general's name was Tso Tsung-tang or Zuo Zongtang. There are no historical proof however to verify this. Regardless, this dish has become a favorite not only in North American Chinese restaurants but also in the Philippines. Get General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro after the jump.

General's Chicken ala Recipes by Cafe Metro

Billionaire Cashew Butter Cookies Recipe

2011-09-05T02:13:00.000-07:00

Check out these Cashew Butter Cookies! The smell and taste of roasted cashews is heavenly! When I pass by the grocery, I actually almost never fail to buy snack-sized toasted cashew nuts. It's one of my favorite snacks. And growing up, I actually craved for butter cookies all the time! The smell and flavor of butter is simply one of the bests in this world. If you like both the flavors of butter and cashew nuts then you will definitely swoon over these cookies.

Check out the Cashew Butter Cookie Recipe below and make your own batch now!

Caipirinha - Caipirissima - Caipiroska Recipe - Brazil's Best Kept Secret!

2011-08-23T00:31:00.000-07:00

Make your own Caipirinha!

Caipirinha is Brazil's national cocktail! I can't believe that a country can have a national cocktail.

The Caipirinha used to be Brazil's best kept secret, but it is now known all over the world! And not only Brazilians favor this drink but a lot of other nationalities as well. You can include Filipinos in the list as my friends and I love this drink as well. It's fresh, smooth, and yet with a strong punch.

Here's the simple recipe how to make your own Caipirinha!

Lava Chocolate Cake Recipe

2011-08-21T08:53:00.000-07:00

Chocolate Fondant (Lava Cake) Recipe

My passion for cooking and baking has been ignited again after watching the season 2 of MASTERCHEF AUSTRALIA. I was rooting for Callum Hann, the youngest contestant in that season, simply because he's comfortable in making desserts and he seems to know flavors really well! One memorable moment was when he and another contestant made a chocolate fondant dessert!

When you hear the word fondant, you'd probably think of that thick white icing used in decorating wedding cakes. And if you've tried one, you'd definitely think it's nothing special! It's just white and very sweet. Even barely edible in some instances. A Chocolate Fondant however is not an icing, it's usually a cupcake that been baked just about enough time to solidify the edges but not the insides. In so doing, hot chocolate syrup flows out from the center when you cut the cake! A very lovely surprise awaiting the diner for that theatrical effect. After all, we always eat first with our eyes! And melted or gooey chocolate always tastes good!

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2011-08-21T05:03:00.000-07:00

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2011-08-21T04:57:00.000-07:00

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