Sans rival

Sans rival is a Filipino dessert made of butter, sugar, eggs, and cashew nuts. Its name is a French phrase that means "without rival".

History

The dessert is believed to have been introduced to the Philippines during the Spanish colonial period, when the country had extensive trade with France and Spain. The recipe has been passed down through generations and is now a staple in Filipino celebrations.

Preparation

Sans rival is made by layering meringue and rich buttercream, then garnishing with chopped cashews. The meringue is typically made from a mixture of beaten egg whites and sugar. The buttercream is made from butter, sugar, and egg yolks. The dessert is frozen before serving to maintain its shape and enhance its flavor.

Variations

There are several variations of sans rival. Some versions use pistachios or almonds instead of cashews. There is also a chocolate version known as sans rival chocolat. In addition, a similar dessert known as sylvanas or silvanas is made from the same ingredients but is smaller and round in shape.

Cultural significance

Sans rival is often served at special occasions such as birthdays and weddings. It is also a popular choice for the traditional Filipino Noche Buena, the grand family dinner on Christmas Eve. Despite its French name, sans rival is considered a uniquely Filipino dessert and is a source of national pride.

See also

• List of Philippine desserts
• Cuisine of the Philippines
• French influence on Filipino cuisine