While celebrating Halloween has recently become popular in the Philippines, United States Ambassador to Manila MaryKay Carlson commemorated it by baking some “spook-tacular” cookies.
(From left) US Ambassador MaryKay Carlson and Chef RV Manabat bake Halloween cookies. (Screenshot from Amb. Carlson X page)
In an almost five-minute video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the envoy shared the kitchen with Chef RV Manabat, chef, restaurateur, and award-winning cookbook author whose bibingka has become a stuff of legend for foodies.
“To get into the #Halloween spirit (ghost emoji), I joined Chef RV Manabat to make some spook-tacular (skull emoji) cookies using flour milled from #GalingUSA wheat,” Carlson wrote in the caption of the post.
“With quality ingredients from the USA, these treats are as delicious as they are bootiful! #FriendsPartnersFoodies (US flag, halloween pumpkin, Philippine flag emojis),” she added.
In the video, both were shown baking and designing some Halloween-themed cookies. Among the cookie designs were monsters, black spiders, and jack-o-lanterns.
The ambassador, who made mummy-themed cookies, shared her fondness for Halloween. “I absolutely love Halloween. This is one of my favorite seasons.”
Manabat, for his part, can’t help but marvel at Carlson’s creations. “Your cookies made me nervous. They are so beautiful and professional.”
The envoy explained that her professional-looking cookies were made possible by “high-quality ingredients,” such as flour milled from US wheat, which is known for its “consistent quality” that made it the perfect ingredient for baked goods.
Joined by Kristine Mateo from the Philippine Society of Baking, Carlson and Manabat exchanged stories as they made beautiful Halloween-themed concoctions.
The ambassador even tasted an ube (purple yam) cookie, which she raved about.
“Chewy, delicious,” she said in describing the cookie. ”I love the chocolate and that wonderful texture.”