Spanish Chorizo

Of all the Chorizo variations I have tried in my entire life, nothing beats the truly Hispanic taste of the Chorizo de Montano (pronounced as "Montanio" - I admit I don't know which keypad to click for the Spanish "enye"). It's taste will take you somewhere, something decadent....

In the entire country, there are Chorizo's everywhere, a remnant of our rich colonial past....but the following list of Chorizo's are definitely the best...

The common Cebuano Chorizo is known for its sweetness and spicy taste... seriously, when you eat this don't think of your Calorie count but enjoy its soft chewy meat.....it's a mixed of spices, preservatives, pork, FAT (help!) and other secret ingredients... this is perfect for breakfast!....They say that, when your in Cebu.....Chorizo is on top of your list of buys of pasalubongs when you go back home....... you can ask any local, where to buy this "can go crazy Chorizo".....and they will tell you in all directions....even on the whole island of Cebu Chorizo hangs everywhere like grapes....as Cebuano's are experts of food preservation.

About 2 years ago, I travelled to the northern part of the Philippines to attend a wedding of a friend......and, I found this "Chorizo Ilocandia" in Laoag, Ilocos Norte, it was really unforgettable. Their Chorizo variation is as old as their "bahay na bato" (or stone houses) but with a touch of flair...true to its Ilocano attitude as reserve and elegant...you can really feel the ground pork and the saltiness and spicyness of the meat....if I can recall, it's with less sweetiness or no sugar ingredient at all... it's perfect with red wine... (Merlot perhaps?....don't ask me, I'm no wine expert at all LOL!) Ilocano's really take pride on their Chorizo recipe....as it is evident in every house we visited there...and Yes!... they offered it in every meal....imagine that!?!....

If there will be a crusade to find the "BEST" chorizo in the Philippines....for me, I think, all roads will lead to the City of Dipolog!....the home of the of the finest Chorizo!....the Spanish Chorizo or Chorizo de Montano. This is processed by Montano Foods Corporation and it's ingredients are Pork, salt, sugar, assorted spices and seasoning and it will really take you back in time of the Illustrados......it has this aromatic and smoky kind of flavor that really melts in your palate as you ingest .... adding it a zestful flavor!...

Dining on this Chorizo it's like experiencing what its like to dine a Spaniard way...since you can really feel all the flavorful Spices common to Spanish cuisine.....it's not strong but not mild in taste. It's sweetness balances everything....it's perfect!...

For best results, boil the Chorizo with little water in low fire... wait until almost dry, then fry it on its own fat...it is good in pasta dishes and it is best paired with a freshly toasted bread or with french bread...and of course its awesome with wine (Chilean Shiraz, Chablis, Cabernet, Chardonnay? - I am just making a guess! Lol!).... and voila!...its a celebration of life!....

So by the next time you hit the grocery, try to find this perfect gourmet ingredient Spanish Chorizo... you'll never regret it!...or if not, make a splurge and travel in style to the City of Dipolog!....

Cheers!