ENSAYMADA or ENSAIMADA
ensaymada
a soft, fluffy pastry topped with finely grated cheese and white sugar
also spelled ensaimada
from the the Catalan word ensaïmada, referring to the pastry associated with the Spanish island of Majorca
Origin of the Filipino pastry Ensaymada
The ensaïmada de Mallorca was introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period. On the island of Majorca, the soft bun is traditionally made from flour, water, sugar, eggs and pork lard. In fact, the Mallorquí word saïm derives from an Arabic word that means pork lard.
Picture of Mallorcan Ensaimada
In the Philippines, ensaymada is made with butter instead of lard. Topped with grated cheese, usually cheddar, it is a popular treat during the Christmas season when it is served with hot chocolate.