Native Kakanins (Filipino Dessert)

    The Philippines is not only known for its beautiful scenery and friendly people, it is also known for its delicious food. Among these foods are what we call the “kakanins”, native delicacies that are served as desserts. No party or celebration is complete without these Filipino desserts (we are known for our sweet tooth, too). What’s more interesting about them is that they (or their ingredients) tend to vary by region or by place. Another interesting fact is that a lot of Filipinos who are classified as "senior citizens" know how to make these desserts as they have already become part of the Philippine traditions.
     Featured below are some of these “kakanins” that are always a hit to Filipinos within and outside of the Philippines.
Puto – these are rice cakes that are made from rice flour, evaporated milk (or coconut milk) and sugar (among others).Puto is best served with hot chocolate or dinuguan (as a replacement for rice). It is best eaten freshly baked and right out of the steamer.

Kutsinta – A brown rice cake, the kutsinta can go hand-in-hand with puto or they can be eaten all on their own (with freshly shaved coconut). They are also made from rice flour. 

Bibingka – Another rice cake, this time made from malagkit rice (glutinous rice), coconut milk and brown sugar. Some variations of this will include bibingkang galapong (made from rice flour, coconut milk, baking powder and margarine), bibingka cassava (made from cassava, coconut milk and cream and margarine) and pineapple cassava bibingka.

Suman – Another steamed rice cake, this time, wrapped mummy-like in leaves before they are cooked. This can be served with sugar, grated coconut or “latik” – milk solids from coconut that are formed when fresh coconut milk is boiled.

Palitaw – Made also from glutinous rice and sugar, these are also cooked with sesame seeds and topped with grated coconut. They’re very soft and easy to chew and are best served cold.

Sapin-Sapin (“layers”)– A native colorful layered dessert, made from coconut milk, corn kernels, sugar, gelatin, whipped cream, ube (yam) powder and grated coconut.

Pastillas de leche (milk candies) – this is a milk-based pastry that comes in bite-sized pieces (great for snacking while you’re traveling). It is literally made for those with a sweet-tooth because it is made from granulated white sugar and condensed milk. When cooked, it is formed into balls or logs and wrapped with cellophane paper.

Maja Blanca – Otherwise known as coconut cake, this is another all-time favorite Filipino dessert. It is made from coconut milk, sugar, cornstarch and/or corn kernels.

snacks in the PHILIPPINES

Banana Cue- Deep fried ripe banana in skewer

Toron- deep fried sugared ripe banana rolled in egg wrapper

Bibingka- cooked or baked rice cake in many varieties

Suman- rice cake wrapped in banana leaves and eaten with sugar as a dip

Ginataan- root crops, fruits and proccessed rice boiled in coconut juice and sugar.

Halo-halo- sweet beans and preserved fruits mixed in grated ice, milk and ice cream.

Puto- steamed rice cake in many varieties.

Siopao- dimsum, meat and gravy filling in steamed bun

Empanada- chicken/pork/beef sauteed with onion, garlic, and raisin filled in pillow crust.

Leche Flan- custard and creme caramel.

Gulaman- gelatin drink

Mazapan de Buco- Oven baked young coconut cookies previously boiled in milk, sugar, flour and egg.

Quotations about Desserts

Life is uncertain.  Eat dessert first.  ~Ernestine Ulmer


I doubt whether the world holds for anyone a more soul-stirring surprise than the first adventure with ice cream.  ~Heywood Broun


Research tells us fourteen out of any ten individuals likes chocolate.  ~Sandra Boynton


I want to have a good body, but not as much as I want dessert.  ~Jason Love

Always serve too much hot fudge sauce on hot fudge sundaes.  It makes people overjoyed, and puts them in your debt.  ~Judith Olney

Healthy sweet foods

Sweet foods are a tasty treat for people of all ages. Because most sweet foods contain sugar and empty calories, overindulging can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Eating healthier sweet foods in appropriate proportions can help prevent sugar-induced health issues while allowing you to satisfy your sweet tooth. Understanding the difference between healthy and unhealthy sweet foods enables you to make smarter dietary choices.

Berries

Cranberries, blueberries, strawberries and cherries belong to the berry family of fruits and contain a number of beneficial compounds. According to the American Chemical Society, berries are high in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory chemicals that help prevent age-related cognitive loss. Berries can be eaten whole, made into smoothies or added to cereals and other foods for their antioxidant effects and sweet taste. When shopping for berries, avoid berry-flavored products and those that contain added sugar.

Dark Chocolate

Chocolate has long been considered a delicacy for its rich, decadent flavor. It is made by combining cacao powder with fat and sugar to produce a creamy confection. In moderation, dark chocolate is a good source of many important nutrients. The flavanols in dark chocolate have been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and decrease blood pressure in healthy people. Because chocolate is a high-fat food, avoid eating more than 3.5 g per day. Chocolate that contains nougat, caramel and other highly-sweetened ingredients is even higher in fat and less likely to provide positive health benefits.

Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are a favorite at family dinners and holiday celebrations. They are high in dietary fiber, complex carbohydrates and beta-carotene, making them a healthy sweet treat. Sweet potatoes can be baked, boiled, steamed or stir-fried for their hearty nutritional content. When choosing sweet potatoes, look for firm potatoes free of soft spots and bruises. For additional flavor, add a touch of clove, cinnamon or ginger.

Citrus Fruits

Citrus fruits are a tart, tangy fruit packed with vital nutrients. In addition to vitamin C, citrus fruits also contain phytochemicals like flavanoids and carotenoids that have antioxidant effects. Citrus fruits like lemons, oranges and grapefruits may reduce the risk of cancer, anemia, heart disease and other health conditions. Citrus fruits can be eaten plain or juiced for their refreshing flavor and nutritional benefits.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/368581-healthy-sweet-food/#ixzz1VswRwZyY

Diabetes Diet and Food Tips EATING TO PREVENT AND CONTROL DIABETES

Eating right is a key step to preventing and controlling diabetes. Fortunately, whether you’re trying to reduce your risk of diabetes or manage a pre-existing problem, you can still enjoy your favorite foods and take pleasure from your meals. Your nutritional needs are the same as everyone else—no special foods or complicated diets are necessary. But if the way you eat has been less than healthy, you may need to learn some better eating habits. The key to a diabetes diet is eating in moderation, sticking to regular mealtimes, and eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

What you need to know about diabetes and diet

Diabetes is on the rise, yet most cases of diabetes are preventable with healthy lifestyle changes. Some can even be reversed. The bottom line is that you have more control over your health than you think. If you’re concerned about diabetes, you can make a difference by eating a healthy diet, keeping your weight in check, and getting exercise.

Eating right for diabetes comes down to three things:  

• What you eat. Your diet makes a huge difference!! You should eat mostly plant foods, cut back on refined carbs and sugary drinks, and choose healthy fats over unhealthy fats.
• When you eat. Diet is part of it, but keeping regular meal and snack times also affects your blood sugar levels and will help to keep them more constant.
• How much you eat. Portion sizes matter. Even if you eat very healthy meals, if you eat too much you will gain weight, which is a factor in diabetes.

          Eating sweets at a meal adds extra carbohydrates. Because of this it is best to cut back on the other carbohydrate containing foods at the same meal. Carbohydrate-rich foods include all flour products (i.e. bread, tortillas, crackers), rice, cereal, fruit, juice, potatoes, corn, etc. This will help you keep your blood glucose levels on track. Just keep in mind that these carbohydrate-rich foods have many nutrients your body needs, so don’t substitute too often.

Eating for diabetes doesn’t mean eliminating sugar. But in order to get the most enjoyment out of sweets, it is best to save them for special occasions. After all, they are called treats for a reason. If you have diabetes, you can still enjoy a small serving of your favorite dessert now and then. The key is moderation.

You do not need to eat special foods, but instead simply emphasize vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. A diabetes diet is simply a healthy eating plan that is high in nutrients, low in fat, and moderate in calories. It is a healthy diet for anyone!

source: http://www.helpguide.org/life/healthy_diet_diabetes.htm