For my mother, my number one fan in the kitchen. . . .

↓

Years ago, while I was working as a nutritionist in Kuwait, I came across the word babka somewhere in an article. Yet, I had never tasted it. I barely knew what it was.

“What the hell is babka?” was probably somewhere in my head.

Then I forgot about it.

Years later, already in Metro Manila, the thought somehow came back.

I eventually tasted babka at a hotel buffet. It was delicious, but it didn't make me think, I need to have this again. Something was missing for me. I couldn't quite explain what it was then.

Then came CCA Manila.

When I found out that babka was part of the Baking and Pastry Arts training, I remember thinking, “Wait, babka. The thing I read about years ago. And now I'm finally going to learn how to make it.”

Maybe it was a little bit of destiny.

But for the first time, I wasn't simply experimenting in my kitchen. I was being trained by a chef. I could finally bake artisan bread with proper training behind me, and that gave me a different kind of confidence.

And then, right after my baking and pastry arts graduation, I put my own spin on babka at home.

My very own Artisan Spiced Chocolate Babka - a beautifully braided, yeast-leavened bread, richly swirled with premium dark chocolate and dark cocoa, with subtle notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, and a touch of orange.

That first bite: golden crust, rich dark chocolate, warm cinnamon, and a hint of orange. Soft inside, full of flavor, with those caramelized edges I love. The chocolate is rich and intense without being overly sweet. I wanted it to taste unapologetically chocolate, using premium dark chocolate and dark cocoa, then gave it my own little twist with warm spice and a whisper of citrus.

That's when I understood why I had somehow fallen for this bread.

Maybe it was the braid. Maybe it was the dark chocolate against the golden crust. Maybe it was the fact that something I had once only read about was now something I could make with my own hands.

I also made a cinnamon version, partly because my baby sister loves cinnamon. I wanted the comfort of cinnamon with something extra- the crunch of streusel against the soft bread.

Handcrafted Cinnamon Streusel Babka - my own twist on a classic recipe. Soft, buttery cinnamon, swirled dough topped with a crunchy streusel crumble that hits your palate the moment you bite in.

Source: Hyacinth Dough Facebook

And now, one of my favorite parts is not even the baking.

It's the table.

My family gathers around while I slice the babka and serve it. Someone asks for a piece. Then another. Eventually comes the familiar question: “When's the next babka?”

There's an unexplainable fulfillment in making something with my own hands and watching people I love enjoy it.

In my chef’s jacket with Ming, the only member of the family who doesn’t get a taste of my heavenly babka.

As a nutritionist-dietitian, I don't believe enjoying good food has to come with guilt. There is room for beautifully made, indulgent real food, especially when we appreciate good ingredients and enjoy them in moderation.

Somewhere along the way, this little fascination with babka became Hyacinth Dough.

These days, I bake small batches of artisan, premium babka in Metro Manila — mostly my spiced chocolate and cinnamon streusel versions. And when a few extra loaves happen to come out of my kitchen, I share them through Hyacinth Dough on Facebook.

If one catches your eye, a quiet DM is all it takes.

Something I once only read about is now something I can make with my own hands — and share around my own table.

My artisan babka — handmade in small batches in Metro Manila.

Pour yourself a fresh cup of coffee, tear into a slice, and let the dark chocolate, warm spices, and hint of orange soften the edges of your day.

Also available in Cinnamon Streusel — for those who prefer their babka with a little cinnamon and crunch.

If you're curious enough to taste one, DM Hyacinth Dough on Facebook to reserve a loaf. I sometimes bake a few extras, too, for anyone who happens to be interested.

I'd love to hear your story. Get in touch with me.