A Filipino Dessert to Crave For

Interviewed: My mom, Victoria on August 30, 2009

1. What is Buko Pandan?

Buko pandan is a Filipino dessert that includes coconut, gelatin, and other ingredients. Buko means coconut, and padan is a type of leaf usually used to add flavor food.

2. What is the best part of making this dessert?

The best part of making this dessert is eating it. You really need a dessert after a hard work from making this.

3. How did you find this recipe?

Well actually, your Tita Amy (tita means aunty) found it in the Philippines. We first made the original recipe, but weren’t satisfied. So your Tita Amy and I added extra ingredients. And it turned out that our version of buko pandan was better than the original recipe.

4. Name one memory you have at a party with this dessert.

Well, I remember your nephew, Zac, who loved this dessert so much, that he had five bowls of buko pandan. He wanted to take more, but his mom scolded him for eating most of the dessert.

5. Would you tell me what the ingredients to this recipe?

Well, there are many secret ingredients in our version of buko pandan. But I will tell you what the original recipe requires. First of all, you need shredded pieces of coconut. You need taro balls, and gelatin cut in any shape you want it to be. You also need pandan, which I a kind of plant. And for the sweet sauce, you need carnation milk and Nestle Cream.

6. Do you prefer to eat it during the winter, or during the summer?

Well, I prefer both seasons. It is a cold refreshing dessert, which is usually eaten in the summer, but who says you can’t eat it during the winter.

7. Is it better to work by yourself in making this dessert, or with someone?

It is always better to work with someone else, especially friends and family. You can create wonderful memories together. That’s the magic of making buko pandan. It brings the whole family together.

Steps For Making Buko Pandan

Step 1: Take 2 boxes of “Alsa Jello”.

Step 2: Make the jello in a pot.

Step 3: When you are finished making the jello, let it cool.

Step 4: When it is cooled down, place the jello in the refrigerator for it to turn solid.

Step 5: Take the jello out of the refrigerator and cut the jello into squares (using a knife)

Step 6: Pour the jello into a different bowl.

Step 7: Add in the shreds of coconut, along with 1 can of sweet milk, nestle cream, and tapioca pearls.

Step 8: Mix everything together.

Step 9: Place the bowl in the refrigerator.

Step 10: You may now take out the the buko pandan, and start eating :D

STEP 11: ENJOY

Note: If there are any left overs, place them back inside the refrigerator to avoid spoilage.