This episode we chat with Regina Tolentino Newport, author of the book "Coconut Kitchen: Appetizers and Main Dishes" and founder of the Culinary Historians of the Philippines. We'll hear about Regee's favourite coconut recipes, what going to culinary school taught her, things we realize we take for granted, and what inspired her to delve into the world of Philippine coconuts. Plus, a sampling of regional coconut specialties across the Philippines. Time to get cooking!
Show notes
01:40 Why I loved the book
05:00 About Regee
07:50 Going to culinary school at 55
09:45 On becoming an author
15:20 How Culinary Historians of the Philippines (CHOP) began
19:30 A solutions-based approach to storytelling
26:00 Foods we take for granted
28:35 "The coconut figures a lot in our cuisine"
29:30 Regee's turning point
31:15 Finding Dr. Dayrit
32:05 A visit to the coconut house
33:15 First setback
35:00 Finding our path
36:30 Building something you love
38:00 "Cooking is so fulfilling"
39:20 Recipes from contributors
40:10 The magic of burnt coconut cream
41:50 Coconuts in regional cuisines
44:20 3 essential lessons
45:55 Regee's pinakbet
47:05 Chicken coconut soup & roasted shrimp with coconut sauce
47:50 Shrimp summer rolls and coconut meatballs
49:00 Ubod-stuffed squid (with heart of palm and coconut)
51:15 "For me, dishes evolve"
52:50 Simplicity in Filipino snacking
54:30 Coconut cooking tips
56:45 Takeways from Coconut Kitchen
FIND THE FULL EPISODE TRANSCRIPT HERE.
Links for this episode
Learn more about the Culinary Historians of the Philippines and previous events they’ve held. Can’t wait for an opportunity to join one of their food tours!
Read "Why a cookbook on coconuts is the best thing I read today" from a fellow cookbook fan