‘Baon’ recipes from Vikings chef: Michael Santos’ lunchbox combos

MANILA, Philippines — Parents are constantly looking for new baon ideas for their school-age kids.

This is because it is difficult to strike a balance between what is nutritious and what is delicious. Kids also easily get bored when given the same baon over and over.

This, the baon ideas of Chef Michael Santos, corporate executive chef of The Alley by Vikings, and wife Vanessa, is the first installment of the baon series. Their kids, Cassidy, 7, Grade 2 student, and Zachary, 4-1/2, who is in pre-kinder, have their own lunchboxes with segments. Each segment is filled with delicious treats like sandwiches and pasta.

“My wife Vanessa does the menu planning. She and the cook prepare the kids’ baon. The kids usually tell us what baon they like. Mac and cheese, for example, chicken tenders, Spam misubi. We combine their food: Skyflakes with apples and peanut butter, giniling with carrots and potatoes, carbonara,” said Chef Michael.

Pork Giniling with Diced Carrots and Potatoes

• Sauté pork giniling in olive oil.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste, and cook until watery.
• Add 2 tsps. tomato paste, and sweat.
• Add diced carrots and potatoes (uniform small-diced). Cover with lid. Allow to simmer.
• Taste and season accordingly.

Carbonara / Pasta Alfredo

• Sauté a few slices of thick-cut bacon that have been diced. When brown, set aside.
• Sauté white onion in olive oil until translucent. Add some flour to make a roux (thickener).
• Add milk.
• Season with salt and pepper.
• Add grated Parmesan and cheddar cheese. Stir until thick. Add some pasta water.
• Add cooked pasta and toss. Plate. Top with bacon and grated Parmesan cheese.