Two Chefs, One Cook: Sharing the Sweet Secrets of California Raisins

I’m thrilled to share my recent experience at the California Raisins cooking demo, where I had the opportunity to mingle with culinary maestros, award-winning Chef Sau del Rosario and the inimitable Chef Miko Aspiras. As a mompreneur who relishes cooking for my family, discovering ingredients that enhance flavors is always exhilarating. I’m honored that California Raisins invited me to showcase one of my favorite easy, delicious, and healthy recipes at the event.

Two Chefs and a Cook!

Naturally Sweet California Raisins haul

BTS: It took months to prepare for the event, and meeting with the Philippine and Singapore teams was exciting. I’m always delighted when groups of people come together to create magic while having fun.

California Raisins Team: Throwback a month before the event. A pre-prod meeting and checked out the venue.

Venue: SawSaw |Cafe Fleur, Cayco House Poblacion

The California Raisins Press Event:

The cooking demo was a delightful exploration of how California Raisins can transform everyday dishes into culinary wonders. Chef Sau and Chef Miko presented a variety of recipes, both savory and sweet, all enhanced by the natural sweetness of California Raisins. Meanwhile, I whipped up a quick-to-prepare dish that is a staple in our family

Cheers! Bubbly with a hint of raisins.

Team California Raisins from the Philippines, Singapore and USA

During the cooking demo, I had the pleasure of sharing one of my favorite dishes: California Raisin and Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers.

This is a delicious, fun, and easy dish to cook – you basically just dump all the ingredients in the pan for the stuffing and let the oven finish cooking the dish. It’s a real time-saver without sacrificing nutrition, and let’s be honest, who doesn’t love tacos? Both adults and kids will enjoy eating them!

In my element: Here I am doing what I do best—sharing a quick, easy, and yummy recipe for all the food editors, foodies, and guests. I love my job!

Ingredients:
* 3 large bell peppers, cut in halves (red, green, & yellow)
* 500 grams ground beef
* 1/2 cup California Raisins
* 1 cup onions, finely chopped
* 1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
* 2 teaspoons cumin
* 3 teaspoons chili powder
* 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes
* 1/2 cup mozarella cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
* Salt and pepper to taste
• Prepared sidings (for garnish and presentation): salsa, sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro

Method:
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
* In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat.
* Add chopped onions and cook until they are translucent.
* Incorporate cumin, chili powder, chili flakes, salt, pepper, chopped carrots, and California Raisins, . Mix well and cook until the beef is fully cooked and the flavors meld.
Step 2: Prep the Bell Peppers
* Cut the bell peppers in half lengthwise, removing seeds and membranes.
* Preheat your oven or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C)
Step 3: Stuff the Bell Peppers
* Fill each bell pepper half with the prepared beef and California Raisin mixture.
* Top each stuffed pepper with shredded cheese.
Step 4a: Cooking in the Oven
* Pre-heat the oven temperature to 350°F.
* Place the stuffed bell peppers on a baking sheet or a cast iron pan.
* Bake in the preheated oven or Airfryer for 10-15 minutes or until the peppers are tender, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 4b: Cooking in the Air Fryer
* Arrange the stuffed bell peppers in the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
* Air fry for 15-20 minutes, or until the peppers are tender and the cheese is golden and melted.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
* Once cooked, remove from the oven or air fryer.
* Garnish with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.
* Serve these delicious California Raisins & Beef Taco Stuffed Bell Peppers with sidings such as salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro

California Raisins are a staple in our kitchen at home. I always have a jar full in my pantry, and I sprinkle them on my snacks and meals for that added natural sweetness.

Using bell peppers istead of traditional tortilla flour as the vessel for taco filling gives that extra nutrition you need!

Try my easy and delicious California Raisins & Beef Bell Pepper Tacos!

Chef Sau del Rosario‘s savory creations included an appetizer and a main dish. He demonstrated how California Raisins can be used as a natural sweetener in savory dishes, balancing out flavors and adding depth to every bite. From using raisins as jam to mixing them with rice, each dish showcased the versatility of this tiny yet powerful ingredient.

Chef Sau del Rosario

Chef Sau’s Appetizer: Salmon En Croute with California Raisin-Caper Jam

California Raisins Wild Rice with Duck Confit by Chef Sau

On the sweet side, Chef Miko impressed us with his indulgent desserts featuring California Raisins. From raisin cookies to cakes to bread, each dessert was a symphony of flavors, with the raisins adding a natural sweetness that elevated the dishes. It’s amazing how something as simple as a California Raisin can take a dessert from good to absolutely divine!

Chef Miko Aspiras

Fab Five By Chef Miko: California Raisins Sticky Cake, California Raisins Mousse Mini Entremets, California Raisins Panned, and California RaisinsSticky Raisin Cake and Butterscotch

My favorite!!!

But it’s not just about fancy restaurant-quality dishes. As a busy mompreneur, I’m all about quick and easy homecooked meals that still pack a flavorful punch. That’s why I love incorporating California Raisins into my everyday cooking. Whether it’s adding them to my morning chia seed pudding for a natural sweetness boost or tossing them into a simple salad for a pop of flavor, California Raisins have become a staple in our family’s kitchen.

What I love most about California Raisins is that they’re not just delicious; they’re also a healthier choice than using refined sugar. They’re a guilt-free way to satisfy your sweet tooth while adding nutritional value to your meals.

So whether you’re a seasoned chef looking to elevate your culinary creations or a busy home cook seeking simple yet flavorful meal ideas, California Raisins are a kitchen staple.