The Secret is Out!

The Negros Trade Fair in the Philippines’ longest running provincial trade fair. On August 29, during the launch of the 38th Negros Trade Fair, NVC Foundation introduced the press to The Secret Ingredient. This cookbook contains 55 recipes of comfort food favorites, developed and kitchen-tested by Chef Mercedes ‘Des’ Camacho Peterson. All the recipes make use of Mingo which the foundation uses for its Nutrition Program for undernourished Filipino children. Mothers whose children consume Mingo approached us for creative ideas on how to serve Mingo. This cookbook teaches the home cook how to use Mingo as a nutrition booster.

Chef Des and Angela Mapa, NVC Communications Lead (and the book’s editor), represented the foundation at the event at Grace Park restaurant in Makati. The full-color cookbook features illustrations by Stephanie Hildao Lindaya while NVC Vice-President Therese Ng handled the book’s layout. NVC would like to thank SHOM (Spouses of the Heads of Mission) for underwriting the printing of this cookbook.

The Secret Ingredient is not available for purchase in the US. However, it may be ordered online at www.nvcfoundation-ph.org/…/the-secret…/ and shipped to an address in the Philippines. Proceeds from the sale of this cookbook will fund the Mingo Meals Nutrition Program of NVC Foundation. The book bundled with 8 packs of Mingo goes for PHP 450.00 (roughly USD 8.00).

Chef Des (right) and Angela Mapa (left) proudly presented The Secret Ingredient to members of the press. The press kit included goodies made with Mingo.