The anticipation, preparation, and day of Christmas has always made December a special month for me. Beyond the gift exchanges, I love the spirit of family and friends reuniting while surrounded by seasonal decorations, family heirloom ornaments on the tree, and delicious foods destined to induce a food coma. Christmas is also a nostalgic time when we remember loved ones who have passed and make new memories by continuing cherished family traditions.
For this month’s column I would like to share one of my family’s favorite traditional recipes, “Biko” Pilipino sweet sticky rice. As you may know, family recipes do not always use exact measurements so cook the rice as you normally would or soak overnight and then add ingredients to suit your taste.
Ingredients:
3 cups sweet rice (enough water to cook rice)
Anise seed, enough to sprinkle on top of rice while cooking
1 can coconut milk
3 cups brown sugar
Grated ginger to taste
Directions:
Cook 3 cups of sweet rice and sprinkle enough anise seed to cover top while cooking.
In a pan cook brown sugar, coconut milk and grated ginger (to taste) until well mixed and sugar is dissolved.
When rice is cooked mix well with brown sugar mixture in a 9x12 baking dish and bake at 350 degrees for 1 hr.
maligayana pasko at manigong bagong – Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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