Aguinaya’s Cloche

I don’t even know what the second word means. Seems legit though and very high brow and elitist. Hehe. But one thing’s for sure — nothing’s too high brow and elitist for my tummy. 🙂

Aguinaya’s Cloche started out as a cookie maker of sorts. She makes the awesomest ginger snaps and biscotti. Her cookies have a distinct “character”, nothing like the store bought ones that are too generic and too kid friendly. Hers have a more “mature” taste to it. Must be the cloves. 🙂

So 2 weeks ago, I invited myself to Peace Corps’ friend’s Thanksgiving themed Despedida lunch. Aguinaya would be cooking, so I figured the trip to Tublay would be worth it. And it was!

Here’s the menu

Pako Salad (Cherry Tomatoes on the side) with choice of
Passion Fruit Dressing or Guava Dressing

Pork BBQ (in place of the traditional ham)
Lechon Manok (in place of the traditional turkey)
Sauteed Garlic Shrimp (compliments of the host mom)

Garlic Mashed Potatoes and Mushroom Gravy
Herbed Stuffing
Green Bean Casserole
Sweet Potato with Guava Glaze

Cranberry Jello (in place of cranberry sauce)
Apple-Pineapple Compote
Whole Wheat Rolls and Buttermilk Biscuits served with Butter

Pumpkin Pie

Check out the Thanksgiving Spread!

This is in one end

Here’s the other end.

The spread was a wonderful mix of traditional American Thanksgiving dishes, or Thanksgiving inspired. My favorite was the stuffing. I thought there was meat in it. So tasty and herby!

Then there was the mac and cheese. It’s a pretty simple dish but it was the best I’ve had in forever.

She also made her own herbed bread. And I can tell you this, her breads are really good stuff. Trust me, I know my bread.

This early Thanksgiving spread was a treat indeed. Aguinaya didn’t do it by herself but she did a lot of the work and the planning here. Peace Corps 1 friend made the Mac and Cheese and the biscuits and a lot more. The pumpkin pie was awesome. I’m not a big fan of pumpkin pies. I remember the store bought pies I’ve had in the US and never was too excited to have em. But this one’s home made with our local kalabasa. Peace Corps friend 2 even declared it’s the best pumpkin pie she’s ever had!

Need a private chef for your next pakain? Sicken tired of serving the same menudo, pancit and puto? Tired of designer cupcakes and want your cookies back? Contact Chef Aguinaya.

Check her out on FB https://www.facebook.com/aguinayas.cloche?ref=ts&fref=ts

PS.  Aguinaya, EatsinBaguio, TopLoad Clothing in Cooperation with ENCA Organic Farm will be hosting  ENCA-redible Food Safari Weekends in Summer 2013. Details soon 🙂

Photos Taken from Aguinaya Cloche FB Page, Xela Cosalan and Stephen Antero :).