🍪 My Not-So-Perfect (But Totally Delicious) Journey

February 24, 2025

Honestly, I’m not a chef and I’m not a baker. But like most people say, “Filipinos love to cook.” I’m Filipino—and I love cooking for my family every single day. Nothing beats the smiles on their faces when I serve their favorite dish. Either Filipino or Puerto Rican dish, and sometimes a combo or fusion.

Cooking was my first love, but desserts tugged at my heart next. It all started with cheesecakes. I made them for our Christmas family gatherings, and let’s just say: they were a hit. My First Cheesecake Victory! That gave me the confidence to try something new... cookies.

Cookie Experiments Gone Wrong — My first cookie? Red Velvet. They were good—until the next day when they turned rock-solid. I’ll never forget my husband taking a bite and exclaiming, “Oh my god! I almost broke a tooth! How am I supposed to eat this?” 😅 Still, I kept going. Chocolate chip cookies came next. They were okay, but not quite what I envisioned. I dove into baking videos, hungry to learn more.

Then came a delicious detour: soft dinner rolls and sugar donuts. That gave me the courage to tackle something even harder—Asian buns (siopao) filled with Chicken Asado. It was a challenge… but I did it! I was so proud. The Siopao Triumph! Still needs more fillings though.

How does someone go from cookie catastrophes, to dinner rolls, donuts and siopao buns?

By Christmas 2024, I was baking like a whirlwind. Cookies, cupcakes, you name it. I felt ready. I started collecting baking tools one at a time, each one like a badge of commitment.

Perfection still feels far away, but giving up isn’t even on the menu.

Do you remember the first thing you ever cooked or baked? Share your story—I promise I’ll laugh with you.

Until next time, this is your Mom’s Delight signing off. Bye for now💛