The Bulacan region is known for its sweets and candies used for desserts and snacks. Sweetened red beans and garbanzos as well as chutneys are popular. Ube can be cooked, mashed, and sweetened and used as an ingredient in quick breads or muffins or as a filling for turnovers. The Bicol region is known for the use of coconuts and very hot chilies. We've included a Bicol-influened recipe below, the coconut pudding.
Visayan cooks prepare simple but elegant meals using boiling, broiling, sauteing, and stewing.
Pancits are very popular in this region. There is a Muslim community in Mindanao whose cuisine shows Indonesian, Malaysian, and Indian influences. Curries are very popular, as is the use of turmeric, cumin, bell pepper, garlic, coriander, mustard seed, ginger, and almonds. Regional and national fiestas are great times for cooking. Christmas in the Philipines stretches over three weeks.