Baking to perfection: Sharing the Ilocanos’ ingredients of pastry success

By Kent Jerico Ramil & Jonathan Viernes

Dost

“I am very much thankful I have learned a lot, now I can cook for my kids and be an entrepreneur, thank you DOST”—these are the words uttered by Mrs. Jovena Quinoyog a participant from Brgy. Ablan of Batac City, when the Provincial Science and Technology Center (PSTC) Ilocos Norte conducted a training on Advanced Bakery Techniques for Pastry Baking.

The two-day training and workshop was held recently to provide the participants with baking skills and techniques. It filled the vicinity of DOST with sumptuous vanilla and chocolate scent encapsulated with knowledge on baking through a speaker from a renowned and TESDA accredited school. Mr. Manuel Pe Benito an instructor at the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades (INCAT), shared his expertise in the new techniques and products in baking that enabled the participants to appreciate and be encouraged to put up small business on pastry products. A total of 35 participants enjoyed the training and went home with a full stomach and a full mind.

Mrs. Agnes Asuncion, producer of dragon fruit bath soap learned that dragon fruit can be a great potential in innovating on her product lines, dragon fruit pastries. 

“I am going to try baking some dragon fruit goodies and make some income out of it,” said Mrs. Asuncion gladly.

Participants were also taught the diverse types of baking and pastry facilities, equipment and environments, including the knowledge in ensuring the safety of all food products reaching commerce in Ilocos Norte.

One of the highlights of the said activity was the sharing of practices on baking and preparation of ingredients by one of the cooperators of DOST Ilocos Norte Mr. Albert Tugade, owner of Petrina’s Delicacy in Sarrat, Ilocos Norte.

Ilocos Norte S&T Director Mr. Jonathan M. Viernes also made his own version of eggless chocolate cupcake with frosting that made him realize that a good diet cannot be achieved just because of eating delish pastry products. Another success indeed for DOST to extend and share the ingredients of pastry success.