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Banana Bacon Rolls — A Sweet and Savory Fusion of Flavor and Comfort!

Banana Bacon Rolls, also known as Banana Wrapped in Bacon, are a delightful fusion of sweet and savory flavors that create an irresistible treat for any occasion. This unique recipe combines the natural sweetness of ripe bananas with the smoky, salty crispiness of bacon — resulting in a mouthwatering harmony that surprises and satisfies the palate. Each bite brings together two contrasting tastes and textures: the soft, creamy banana inside and the crunchy, flavorful bacon outside.

This dish perfectly captures the joy of creative cooking — transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The sweetness of the banana caramelizes slightly as it cooks, blending beautifully with the savory aroma of sizzling bacon. Whether baked, air-fried, or pan-seared, these Banana Bacon Rolls turn golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and naturally sweet inside.

What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. It can be served as an appetizer, snack, or even a unique dessert twist. Some people drizzle honey or maple syrup over the rolls for an extra layer of sweetness, while others sprinkle a touch of black pepper or cinnamon to add contrast and depth of flavor. The combination of flavors feels both indulgent and comforting — perfect for family gatherings, parties, or simply as a quick treat after a long day.

Beyond its taste, Banana Bacon Rolls are also a fun and energy-boosting snack. Bananas provide potassium, fiber, and natural sugars that help maintain energy levels, while bacon contributes protein and fats that promote satiety. When enjoyed in moderation, this treat can be part of a balanced lifestyle — especially when using lean or low-sodium bacon and air-frying instead of deep-frying.

This recipe also has a touch of nostalgia and creativity. It’s often seen as a playful comfort food that brings back childhood memories while adding a modern, flavorful twist. The visual appeal of golden-brown bacon wrapped neatly around a banana slice makes it an eye-catching dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

In every bite of Banana Bacon Rolls, there’s a perfect contrast — the sweetness of tropical fruit meeting the smoky richness of bacon, creating an unforgettable culinary experience. Whether served warm during breakfast, as a finger food at parties, or as a simple homemade snack, this dish celebrates the beauty of blending different flavors into one harmonious creation that delights the senses and warms the heart.

 (Banana Rolled  Banana Bacon) BINALOT NA SAGING

Ingredients:

• 1 ripe saba or plantain banana, peeled, quartered length wise and cut into 1" lengths (about 20 pieces)
• 10 bacon slices cut in half crosswise
• 2 tbsp. cooking oil

Preparation: 

1. Fry banana pieces in hot oil until golden yellow on all sides (about 5 minutes). Drain on paper towels.

2. Wrap each banana piece in bacon and secure with a toothpick if necessary.

3. Arrange on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 400-425° F, for 8 to 10 minutes.

Variation: Bacon - Mushroom Rolls - Use canned button mushrooms (drained) in place of bananas. Prepare as above from step 2.

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 25 minutes

Makes 20

• 1/4 lb. sirloin, sliced like a thin paper into 4-5 pcs. (Ask butcher to slice sirloin like a thin paper or buy a sliced sukiyaki beef from Japanese and Korean food stores.)
• 4-5 stalks green onions,
• 1 tsp. sugar
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• Dash of MSG (optional)
• Dash of powdered ginger or grated ginger root
• 1 tsp. sherry (optional)

Preparation:

1. Lay a green onion along the long side of each slice of meat and roll meat tightly around it.
2. Marinate rolls in mixture of soy sauce, sugar, MSG(optional), ginger and sherry for about 30 minutes.
3. Drain rolls. 
4. Broil 4" from heat for about 3 minutes on each side or until brown. 
5. Cut into one inch pieces. Serve hot.

Preparation time: about 10 minutes plus 30 minutes in marinade

Cooking time: 6-8 minutes

Makes 15-20

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Biko — Matamis na Alaala ng Pagsasama at Pista ng Pamilyang Pilipino

Ang Biko ay isa sa mga pinakakilalang kakanin sa kulturang Pilipino — isang tradisyonal na matamis na kanin na gawa sa malagkit na bigas, gata ng niyog, at asukal na kadalasang may halong latik sa ibabaw. Ang bawat kutsarang tikim nito ay puno ng lambing, alaala, at lasa ng pagka-Pilipino. Madalas itong ihain tuwing pista, kaarawan, o anumang espesyal na pagtitipon, bilang simbolo ng kasaganahan, pagkakaisa, at pasasalamat.

Ang biko ay hindi lamang simpleng kakanin; ito ay bahagi ng ating kultura at kasaysayan. Sa bawat barrio o lungsod sa Pilipinas, may kanya-kanyang paraan ng pagluluto nito — may ilan na mas gusto ang malapot at makintab, habang ang iba naman ay mas gusto ang may makapal na latik sa ibabaw. Ngunit saan ka man magpunta, ang lasa ng biko ay palaging nagbibigay ng pakiramdam ng tahanan at pagmamahal.

Tradisyonal na niluluto ang biko sa malaking kawa gamit ang kahoy na apoy, habang hinahalo nang dahan-dahan upang hindi dumikit o masunog. Ang bango ng kumukulong gata at asukal ay kumakalat sa buong bahay, nagdadala ng amoy na nagbibigay ng saya at nostalgia. Pagkatapos nitong maluto, inilalagay ito sa dahon ng saging at tinatabunan ng makapal na latik — ang paboritong bahagi ng marami.

Bukod sa sarap, ang biko ay may simbolikong kahulugan sa kulturang Pilipino. Dahil gawa ito sa malagkit na bigas, sinasabing sumisimbolo ito ng “pagkakapit-bisig” at “pagkakaisa” ng pamilya at komunidad. Sa mga handaan, ang pagkakaroon ng biko sa mesa ay parang paalala na ang bawat pamilya ay dapat magkadikit, magtulungan, at magkaisa sa hirap at ginhawa.

Sa aspeto ng nutrisyon, ang tradisyonal na biko ay likas na nakabubusog at nagbibigay ng enerhiya. Ang malagkit na bigas ay pinagmumulan ng carbohydrates na nagbibigay-lakas sa katawan, habang ang gata ng niyog ay may natural na taba na tumutulong sa metabolism at nagbibigay ng creamy na lasa. Kahit ito ay matamis, kapag kinain sa tamang dami, ito ay isang masustansyang pagkain na puno ng lasa at pagmamahal.

Sa kabuuan, ang Tradisyonal na Biko ay higit pa sa isang kakanin — ito ay isang alaala ng pagkabata, isang tanda ng pagmamahal ng mga ina at lola sa kusina, at isang simbolo ng kultura nating mga Pilipino. Sa bawat kagat ng biko, mararamdaman mo ang init ng tahanan, ang samahan ng pamilya, at ang tamis ng ating mga tradisyong kailanman ay hindi kumukupas.

• 1 1/2 cup bigas na malagkit
• 1 1/2 cup coconut milk
• 2 cup gata (pangalawang piga)
• 1/8 tsp anis powder
• 2  cup sugar

1. Hugasan ang bigas na malagkit at salain. 
2. Ilagay ang pangalawang piga ng gata at kakang gata kasama ang anis sa isang kawali.
3. Idagadag ang malagkit at lutuin sa mahinang apoy. 
4. Haluin paminsan-minsan upang hindi dumikit sa kawali. 
5. Kapag natutuyuan na idagdag ang asukal at ipagpatuloy ang paghalo hanggang ang asukal ay matunaw at ipagpatuloy ang paghalo hanggang lumapot.
6. Palamutian ng latik sa ibabaw.

• Sa isang kawali maglagay ng 3 cup kakang gata. 
• Pakuluan ito sa mahinang apoy. Hintaying matuyuan.
• Kapag malapit ng matuyo. 
• Halu-haluin ito. Ipagpatuloy ang paghalo hanggang matusta ang  gata. 
• Mapapansing magkakaroon na ito ng latik. 
• Iwasang huwag masyadong tostado or sunog ang latik.

Asparagus Stir-Fry

Ingredients⇣⤵️

• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tbsp. cornstarch
• 2 tbsp. soy sauce
• 1 tbsp. diet margarine
• 1/2 cup chopped onion
• 1 lb. fresh asparagus, sliced diagonally

Preparation⇣⤵️

1. Skim the fat from the broth by chilling it until the fat rises to the top and can be whisked away. 
2. Mix the broth, cornstarch, and soy sauce together in a bowl.
3. Set the bowl aside. 
4. Melt the margarine in a nonstick skillet and sauté the onion until it is golden brown. 
5. Add the asparagus and stir-fry it for 3 minutes. 
6. Add the broth mixture. 
7. Cook and stir until the sauce is clear.