Aling Norma’s Suman and Sweet Delicacies of Kawit

Aling Norma’s Suman and Sweet Delicacies is one of the pride of Toclong, Kawit, Cavite province.

Toclong or Lupang Kawit had several large tracts of rice fields, which explained that the area produce some of the best rice base delicacies of the town and the entire province.

Suman Lihia

I have tasted several suman before when we visited the town of Kawit, but have no idea that those came from Toclong, Kawit.  The rice is wrapped in banana leaves ( which infuse some flavors), then cooked in large tin cans slowly cooked over firewood.

Heirloom Recipe

Suman ( steam glutinous rice ) wrapped in banana leaves is the special pride of Aling Norma. The recipe had been part of their family and was handed down for several generations. The grandchildren said that it was a local favorite and some families in Kawit would order in advance. Their suman had reached many places like Las Piñas, Parañaque, Taguig, Valenzuela, Manila and even abroad.

A friend who hails from Antipolo also told us that some of the suman sold in their place were also sourced from Kawit.

Suman Moron ( malagkit na bigas chocolate with mani ) glutinous rice with chocolate and peanuts. One of their best selling suman

Aling Norma’s suman can last for at least a day without spoiling. The secret is the use of pure glutinous or sticky rice in their suman. They would stick on the traditional recipe and would not scrimp on the ingredients.  Other suman makers would use the non-sticky rice varieties mix with glutinous rice in order to lower the cost. Hence one reason “why” it easily get spoiled.

suman sa balinghoy with langka

Aling Norma specializes on antala (suman malagkit sa gata), suman sa balinghoy with langka ( cassava) or kamoteng kahoy, suman sa lihia, suman moron ( which is a combination of glutinous rice, chocolate with mani ( the most popular) malagkit with pinipig, pichi-pichi are just some of their well-loved delicacies.

pichi -pichi

The best way to eat their suman is serve hot with shredded coconut, traditional brown sugar called “paldo” or coconut jam. This is also best paired with hot chocolate or coffee from Amadeo.

antala

One of the grandchildren have asked me if i am from the town of Imus or Kawit, since they have a suki ( regular customer) which looked similar. I hailed from Metro Manila.

Bought several suman before we left the Cavite Food and Culinary Expo 2019 site at Isla Events Place in Imus, Cavite province. After almost 8 hours of event and travel from Cavite, Aling Norma’s suman is still fresh and almost immediately eaten by immediate family members and relatives who would swear that it was one of the best suman they have tasted.

Note: Aling Norma’s Suman and Sweet Delicacies accepts bulk order, but must be ordered in advance.

Aling Norma’s Suman and Sweet Delicacies

Address; Toclong , Kawit, Cavite

Contact Person: Ms. Gerlie (0935-4939544)

A Taste OF Sorsogon Delicacies: Suman, Binut-Ong and Hinagom

Sorsogon City, Sorsogon province -Philippines

Whenever one travel to another town or place, one should try their food and desserts. It was rice harvest season, so we were able to sample local delicacies. Although these delicacies are available whole year round , the best quality desserts are made from fresh harvested rice produce .

hinagom/ hinagum

Hinagom or Hinagum  recipe is simple, it’s made from freshly harvested rice that’s pounded, roasted in a pan, then pounded again in a mortar mixed with coconut meat and sugar before wrapping in leaves. It tastes quite similar to Espasol of Laguna. In the capital city of Sorsogon – 1 pack of hinagom cost between Php 5.00 to Php 20.00 per pack .

There are several ways that a Hinagom is presented, We saw round shaped hinagom, elongated shape among others. The rice dessert is also popular in nearby Samar Island too..

This is best accompanied  with chocolate , coffee or salabat ( ginger tea) .

suman kalabasa

Suman and Suman Kalabasa – I prefer this type of combination. Sticky rice is grounded and grounded kalabasa ( squash ) is also added. boiled with coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves.This delicacy cost Php 5.00 in Sorsogon City . We knew some distant relatives who are experts in making these delicacies .

Binut-Ong

Binut-Ong – This is another sticky rice dessert which is popular in Bicol region. Coconut milk ( gata ) is added unto the mixture . This is sold for Php 10 per piece in Bulan and Sorsogon City.

Binut-Ong

 Binut-Ong can easily fill your appetite and this is best accompanied with tea, coffee or chocolate , especially ideal for breakfast or afternoon snack.

 

Boiled Pili fruit

Boiled Pili Fruit is another favorite of Bicolanos , It cost Php 1.00 per piece in Sorsogon City . This was due to the tight supply . There was a big typhoon which hit the province last year and the pili trees had not recovered . The pulp is eaten and best dipped in condiments like fish sauce called ( guinamos) , vinegar , soy sauce with chopped chillies and onions. Otherwise it only cost 3 pieces for Php 1.00 or 50 centavos when it is pili season.

There is also a proper way to boil or blanched the pili , as demonstrated by Ms. Maita Liao -Amador of Sorsogon City . One must only put the pili fruit after the water had started to boil and then blanching or poaching the fruit for just less than 3 minutes and let them cool; the skins will rub off very easily .

The fruit is highly perishable, so one must cook it as soon as possible. While the pulp does not stay fresh for long , one must eat the pulp within a few hours.  Fruits placed in warm place will turn soft and brown fast for the same reason that pectinase is activated and renders the fruit inedible in a matter of few hours. the nut is a bit more practical to use.

While we ate a lot of pili fruit during our brief stay in Sorsogon. One must not try to over eat ,it can also be a purgative or laxative .

suntan or santan

Suntan or Santan is another must try when you are in Sorsogon province. Suntan is similar to Coconut Jam of Quezon province .  This is good alternative for sandwich spread  .  The slight twist is that some who makes this jam had included pili nuts or crush pili nuts .  This is a good pasalubong treat especially for those with sweet tooth.

The small suntan in plastic bottle will cost from Php 50.00 to Php 75.00 depending on the source. We got our suntan jam from a peddler who makes homemade atchara , kakanins ( native sweets) at the Bulan public market .