Christmas in July, Filipino style

Our hearts grow tender with childhood memories and love of kindred, and we are better throughout the year for having, in spirit, become a child again at Christmas-time.  ~Laura Ingalls Wilder

Filipino style Christmas spread

Last weekend, we had a small Christmas in July celebration with a few friends.  It was a small birthday celebration, taking off with a Filipino theme.  Christmas in July is a trademark celebration in NSW, or possibly across the northern part of Australia brought about by the winter season during this month.  As traditionally, Christmas is celebrated in majority of countries around the world during this season - winter. 

As part of the Christmas theme, everyone was asked to bring a dish that reflects the Christmas they grew up with.  Here's what everyone brought in to share.

 

Embutido (a take off from the American meatloaf) and Morconito (Poached roll of beef sirloin stuffed with veggies)

Filipino desserts - Maja Blanca (Coconut and corn pudding) and Puto Bumbong (Steamed sticky dark rice and coconut sugar topping)

Filipino style fruit salad - canned fruits in syrup with sour cream, cream and condensed milk

Bibingka (Rice flour cupcakes)