Party cooking in the Phiippines

 
most affluent Filipino houses have two kitchens, one inside for "show" with a microwave and stove, and another often outside (so it will be cool) where the cooking is actually done.

We use propane and have three burners (one countertop stove, and one heavy single burner for the largest pots). Sometimes, we get out a barbecue grill for fish etc. too...usually the shopping is two or three days before the party, then the cooking is done the day before, or early in the morning for an evening meal...

Sometimes we buy the poultry and have to kill and defeather it...that way we are sure it is fresh...

If a "lechon" (barbecue suckling pig) is planned, it is ordered from the people who do this type of cooking.


This is a local cook (in front) who does party cooking (i.e. for large numbers of people). She is being helped by our two maids, local girls from the nearby farm area.

The girls come and go...usually they have 7th grade, and are not yet ready to marry, so they get a job to save up some money...then they leave, usually after six months to a year to marry or get a better paying job in a larger town...