TABLEA RECIPE: How to Make a Traditional Sikwate (Filipino Hot Chocolate Drink)

Here's a comprehensive guide for Traditional Sikwate Tablea Recipe.

Traditional Sikwate (Filipino hot chocolate) made with tablea is a delightful and comforting beverage.

Here's a basic recipe to prepare Sikwate using tablea:

Ingredients

2 to 3 pieces of tablea (about 50-60 grams total)
2 cups of water or milk (or a combination of both)
Sugar or sweetener (to taste)
A pinch of salt (optional)

Optional flavorings: vanilla extract, cinnamon, or a small piece of pandan leaf

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tablea

If the tablea is solid and hard, you'll need to grate or finely chop it to help it dissolve more easily in the liquid. If it's already in powder form, you can skip this step.

2. Boil the Liquid

In a saucepan, heat the water (or milk) over medium heat. If you're using milk, be careful not to scorch it by stirring frequently.

3. Add the Tablea

Once the liquid is hot but not boiling, add the grated or chopped tablea to the saucepan. If you're using powdered tablea, you can simply add it to the hot liquid.

4. Stir and Dissolve

Stir the mixture continuously using a wooden whisk or spoon. The tablea will gradually dissolve into the liquid. Keep stirring until it's well blended and there are no lumps.

5. Sweeten to Taste

Add sugar or your preferred sweetener to the Sikwate, adjusting the sweetness to your liking.

Remember that traditional Filipino hot chocolate is often on the sweet side, so you may need a significant amount of sugar if you have a sweet tooth. You can also add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.

6. Add Flavorings (Optional)

If you'd like to add extra flavor to your Sikwate, you can include a small piece of pandan leaf, a dash of vanilla extract, or a pinch of cinnamon. These additions can give your hot chocolate a unique twist.

7. Simmer and Serve

Allow the Sikwate to simmer for a few minutes to let the flavors meld together. Be sure to keep stirring to prevent sticking and burning at the bottom of the saucepan.

Once the Sikwate reaches your desired consistency and flavor, remove it from the heat.

8. Strain and Serve

For a smoother texture, strain the Sikwate through a fine sieve or cheesecloth into your serving cups or mugs. This step is optional, but it can remove any remaining bits of tablea or spices.

ATTRACTIONS TO SEE IN MANILA

How to Serve Traditional Sikwate

Serve your traditional Sikwate hot, and savor the rich and aromatic flavors of Filipino tablea chocolate. It pairs wonderfully with traditional Filipino snacks like puto (rice cakes) or suman (sticky rice cakes).

Feel free to adjust the ingredients and proportions according to your taste preferences. Sikwate is a versatile beverage, and you can experiment with different flavorings and sweeteners to create your ideal cup of Filipino hot chocolate.

ACTIVITIES AND TOURS IN MANILA