It was during the My City, My SM, My Cuisine event a year ago that I encountered a so-called designer dessert made with "ibos". Dubbed as YSL, yes, that's for Yves Saint Laurent with emphasis on the Yves to sound like "ibs" for ibos. Maridel Uygongco prepared this delectable dessert together with her specialty - Potato Praline Cake. The gastronomic event focused on heirloom recipes of prominent Ilonggo families which also included the Estofado nga Pato sa Tuba of Mr. Eugene Jamerlan.
A few days after, through the invitation of Ms Regine Algecera, producer of the local cable TV show Good Day Western Visayas, I was at the kitchen of the Ms Maridel as she gave us a demo on how her specialty is made. But that time she used ibos made with tapul rice that gave a very appetizing purple hue to the usual plain white ibos.
The recipe was just simple, the ibos are sliced and fried until it becomes crispy. While waiting, the cream base was made from cream and butter sprinkled with sugar, cinnamon powder and ginger brew. Over low fire, created it to one's desired flavour and consistency. Then it's plating time as the cream goes first then the ibos are arranged and finally topped with fresh fruits of choice like ripe mangoes, langka, kiwis or strawberries.