Of course the title of this post is a joke. This tempting torte is laden with fruits, yes, but it certainly isn’t the way to get your “five a day,” five in this case, referring to the recommended servings of fruit one should consume daily. But fruit is fruit, and if it happens to be resting gloriously atop a sweet treat, then all the better.

This ravishing receptacle of fruit is called a Mariell Torte (P440 / P650 – small / big). Sitting atop a meringue base are layers of custard, chopped cashews, and then cream. Sliced mangoes, peaches, kiwi, and apple chunks create a vibrant kaleidoscope and the crowning touch.

With one bite the meringue dissolves on the tongue, signaling a wave of cold, rich cream interspersing with the crunch of cashews. The various fruits contribute individually, forming a texture-tag of crisp, soft, spongy.

The Mariell torte is the house specialty of Tracy Tuason, the owner of Nothing Like Homemade, a food business specializing in cakes, bread, cookies, pastries, and savory foods. I particularly like her ube or cheese puto (P130/24 pieces).

Nothing Like Homemade
21 Stella St.
Bel-Air Village 3, Makati
896-0396
mobile: 0917-5392975