When I was still young, I never want to eat anything that has too much coconut milk in it. I feel like throwing up because of dizziness it causes me – no, I did not have hypertension then or even now. I think it was more of a psychological “kaartehan” or an alibi so I could eat or ask for something yummier for a child. My Mama was from Bicol province where people are known to cook almost all their delicacies with coconut milk and wild chili (local name: siling labuyo). But when I started to mature, and became interested working in the kitchen, my alibi faded. It came to a point that I finally enjoy Bicolano delicacies and even asked my Mama to teach me cook some. There is one dish I have never tried cooking though, Bicol Express!
I got the inspiration from one of my cousins, Ate Jen. One time I was planning what to prepare for the family, I decided to get all the ingredients necessary for Bicol Express dish. I even found myself browsing for the recipe even if I already know it. And, this was how it looked like when it ended in our table.
The pork was tender and the dish has a balanced salty-spicy taste that even my 10 year old daughter enjoyed it. My Bicol Express dish has given me added points of confidence in the kitchen. Having said that, I may have to try few more Bicolano delicacies soon!