Jane Dough Desserts creator and Benilde Culinary Arts alumna Allyza Cepeda
In time for the holidays, enterprising pastry chef Allyza Cepeda, the young creative behind the Champorado-inspired, soju-infused, and ’90s candies-themed macarons of Jane Dough Desserts, celebrates the happy feeling of closeness and love with family and friends through her latest confections.
Dubbed Season’s Embrace: A Festive Symphony of Flavors, the collection encapsulates the joy, excitement, magic and wonder of Christmas as dear ones come together. It has a diverse palette of flavors: Spicy Sikwate, Vanilla Bean, Orange Milk Chocolate, Ruby Strawberry, and Pistachio.
Cepeda, who honed her culinary skills at the School of Hotel, Restaurant, and Institution Management (SHRIM) of the De La Salle–College of Saint Benilde (DLS-CSB), said that each macaron was meticulously conceptualized and handcrafted to convey genuine connection and a sense of belongingness.
“During the pandemic, we were physically unable to comfort our loved ones, whether with a touch of a hand, an embrace, or a reassuring shoulder to cry on,” she said. “We had to keep our distance every waking moment.”
Season’s Embrace – A Festive Symphony of Flavors
“Now, we are able to reconnect and have reunions without the worry of being sick again due to a deadly virus,” she added.
Spicy Sikwate brings back the heartwarming cup of tsokolate with the tablea de cacao reminiscent of Cebu’s very own, combined with the bittersweet spice of Mexican hot cocoa. In this fusion, Cepeda balances the allure of Auro 64 percent dark chocolate with a gentle kick of cayenne.
For those who love the silky chocolate with a fruity touch, the Orange Milk Chocolate has the exquisite dash of citrus zest, while Ruby Strawberry has the sour smoothness of ripe berries.
The Vanilla Bean is the creamy rich Madagascar vanilla in a classic meringue sandwich, while the bestselling Pistachio has the signature nutty crunch and velvety finish, thanks to the freshly roasted and house-made pistachio butter.
Pistachio by Jane Dough Desserts The tempting treats come in dainty boxes with personalized hang tags.
“Every time we craft something, it is an act of generosity and a way of sharing special times and memories with those we care for,” she said. “Our boxes are bundles of warmth that spread hugs in a world.”
“This is not just a pack of various tastes,” she added. “It is about sharing love, intimacy, and the sensation of being together, overcoming any kind of distance between people.”
Discover more about Cepeda’s creations at https://www.facebook.com/findjanedough.
