Candied Kabocha

candied kabocha and crème fraîche

I've been in love with kabocha squash for a few years now specially as a dessert or simply steamed and sprinkled with sea salt. And because it has a flavor that's similar to chestnuts, I thought, why not candy them. Oh yeah, the candied squash pieces are simply delightful!

Candied Kabocha

half of a kabocha
1 cup sugar
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
crème fraîche or unsweetened Greek yogurt

• Peel kabocha, or leave unpeeled. Cut into 1-inch cubes or 2 inch slices.
• In a medium saucepan, bring sugar and water to a boil and stir until sugar has dissolved. Boil rapidly for 3 minutes. Add vanilla extract and kabocha and let simmer for 10 minutes.
• Transfer the squash into a container and set aside. Continue boiling the syrup on low heat until slightly thick. Pour the syrup on top of the cooked squash. Let cool; cover with plastic wrap and leave overnight on kitchen counter.
• Drain the syrup into a saucepan and let boil until thick and syrupy.
• Serving suggestion: Place a few pieces of candied squash on a dessert cup or plate. Top with yogurt or crème fraîche. Drizzle all over with syrup.

I cooked the other half in sautéed garlic, onion, and vegetable bouillon, then added a cup of thick coconut milk and simmered until tender but not mushy. It's a delicious vegan side or main dish.

ginataang kabocha

Mackerel in Coconut Vinaigrette

Kinilaw na Tanguingue (Mackerel in Coconut Vinaigrette)
1 pound cubed Spanish mackerel fillet
1 cup white coconut vinegar
½ cup thick coconut milk
6 shallots, sliced
2 tablespoons chopped ginger
2 teaspoons sea salt
2 hot red or green pepper, sliced
dash of ground white peppercorns
shallot rings or sliced hot red pepper for garnish

• Marinate the fish cubes in half cup of the vinegar for 15 minutes. Drain well and discard vinegar.
  
• In a glass bowl, combine the remaining half cup of vinegar, coconut milk, fish, shallots, ginger, sliced hot peppers, salt, and ground white peppercorns. Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  
• Transfer into a serving plate and garnish with shallot and hot pepper.