Tummy-filling treats from chef Aileen

MANILA, Philippines - Chef Aileen Anastacio of True Confections will treat televiewers to a tummy-filling main course in Q-11’s 10-minute My Favorite Recipes starting Aug. 17. Aileen will veer away from those sinful cakes and pastries she has been baking with Jackie Ang-Po while Sam Oh annotates what’s going on inside the kitchen. The lady chef will whip up scrumptious recipes weekdays (at 10:30 a.m., 11:50 a.m., 6:10 p.m.), Saturdays (11:15 a.m., 2 p.m., 8:10 p.m.) and Sundays (11:50 a.m., 2 p.m. and 9:10 p.m.).

“Doing pastries requires discipline,” replies Aileen when asked about the difference between cooking and baking. “It is very strict. If you don’t follow the instructions well, the cake might get crushed or you don’t get the desired form. If you over whip it, it becomes hard.

“In cooking, on the other hand, you have the freedom to squeeze the recipe,” she continues. “And make it your own. Yes, there’s a guideline. If you don’t follow the steps religiously, you can still rescue it or do something about the dish.”

For Aileen, baking is more challenging than cooking because it requires more creativity and the right mix of flavors to come up a good product. However, she likes the therapeutic side and relaxing effect of cooking.

“If you don’t have the time to go out, just cook,” says Aileen. “Invite your friends and family.”

My Favorite Recipes focuses on real, comfort food which Aileen is dying to cook and never gets tired of doing it over and over again.

What does the new cooking show offer to everyone? Aileen will share her own 65 all-original recipes using milk including viands, soups, salads and desserts. The dishes are different from the rich sauce and tasty ones Pinoy palates are used to. She will also show the benefits and uses of milk and its proper storage. For the first episode, Aileen will prepare Chicken A La King and share perhaps childhood memories that come with the dish.

“We used to do the recipe when we were kids,” recalls Aileen. “It was my first cooking class. I didn’t want my sister to go alone. So I just tagged along with her. I was a saling pusa. I was just there sitting down.”

It was only in college when Aileen realized she could cook and her grandmothers’ talent for cooking has rubbed off on her. Her stay in the States going around and checking out new places has introduced Aileen to the exciting, tempting world of food. And she has made up her mind that this is what she wants to do for a living. After getting a formal education in culinary arts, Aileen returned to the Philippines and put up her own business.

Hosting is one of the many blessings Aileen has been enjoying these days by following her heart’s desire.

What makes My Favorite Recipes different from True Confections?

“(I can show) that I can also cook,” answers Aileen. “It is also my way of sharing with everyone of what I know (about cooking). This includes the short cuts and the proper ways to chop (and slice). My Favorite Recipes is also for those who don’t have the luxury to attend a culinary school.”