Alfajors

We Filipinos will always gripe that being colonized by the Spanish has left us with a slave mentality, an overdependence on religion, and an overt laziness because of the Spanish siesta habit. Supposedly, before the Spanish came, Filipinos were animist warriors who never slept. Perhaps so, but without the Spanish would they ever have had an alfajor? (Pronounced as alpha whore)

An alfajor is probably the greatest thing in the world. I say this as I look at the last cookie left in the jar. I brought it all the way from Baguio as “pasalubong” for my family and in one day, they gobbled it up and left with me with the “diyahe” piece. The diyahe piece or shy piece is the one piece everyone else leaves behind as a courtesy- because they are too shy to take it. What do I have to say to that? Shame on you all for leaving me just one. ONE! (Can we chalk this up to a residual effect of Spanish colonialism?)

Photo courtesy of the Manila Guide

My friends and I had to drive eight hours to get these alfajor cookies. Of course, that’s nothing compared to the efforts of the Spaniards to bring them to the Philippine Islands. This recipe made its way from Andalusia, Spain to South America before reaching these shores. The originally Spanish Alfajor was adapted in Latin America and now there are regional varieties of the same basic cookie. Though very popular in Latin America, I doubt that you’ll find this in any other Asian country.

Enough of the historical tidbits, why all the fuss? Well, the only way you’d understand is if you bite into one. This crumbly shortbread cookie has got a mid layer of perfect sweetness (care of the dulce de leche or ube). It reminds me of a bite-sized cake. Keep it chilled in the fridge and pair with a warm cup of coffee and you’ve got a heavenly start of the day.