The Cornick of Happiness
Things to get in Ilocos Norte: The Chichacorn of Pure Evil. Tear open a bag and you’ll be exercising your jaws for the next couple of hours because you cannot stop eating it! This can only be part of an Ilocano plot for world domination: Control the supply of chichacorn and the world is yours. Once the world finds out about it. It’s addictive, but unlike cocaine, does not cause you to grow a third nostril.
The Pasuquin Bakery (in Pasuquin, near Laoag) has been producing delicious biscocho since the pre-WWII era. Unlike the typical biscocho, which is made of day-old bread, the Pasuquin Bakery uses freshly-baked bread. Recently, due to popular demand, the bakery started selling its “soft” biscocho, which is flavored with anise. I asked Rene, whose grandparents started the business, what the secret of their brilliant biscocho is. He said, “Lard.”
Answers to questions you might be asking, unless you wandered onto this site purely by accident >>>
November 8th, 2007 at 07:29
Chichacorn ….simply the best. Remembered munching chichacorn of various flavors (sweet, sweet and spicy, spicy and original) while working. Each officemates holding on to his own chichacorn pack. The Soft Biscocho seems so yummy. Is the bakery in Laoag?
November 8th, 2007 at 08:31
you’re right! chichacorn is addictive! when we went to ilocos, one of our must-buys is the chichacorn. i think we finished 1 big bag of chichacorn on the way home. we couldn’t stop munching!
did you buy bagnet? it’s delicious but heart-clogging. :P
November 8th, 2007 at 10:33
Agree, the Ilocos chicharon is to die for.
November 8th, 2007 at 17:10
Ugh! You know how much bad, really bad colesterol you put in your body when you eat that crap?
what’s wrong with you people?
Kadiri, man!
November 10th, 2007 at 21:15
chichacorn, or cornick..roasted with garlic. crunchy and yummy. but i think the best way to enjoy it is by soaking it in ilocos vinegar with red chilli pepper. Its what i call the “cold buster” because the wonderful aroma of the vinegar is guaranteed to relieve any clogged nose, and perfectly complements the corn’s roasted flavor. Its also very addicting.