It’s never too early to plan for your next Christmas menu since this year’s get-togethers are likely going to be fancier than the last two holiday seasons. In this episode of Plate Twists, Gillian Vicencio and Bianca de Vera whip up classic Christmas dishes but, of course, with refreshing twists.

Want to level up your heirloom bibingka recipe? Check out Gillian’s “Coffee Bibingka with S’mores.” Meanwhile, Bianca’s “Warm Strawberry Shortcake Drink” will keep the vibe cozy.

In making the bibingka flavored with coffee and s'mores:

1. Prepare first the coffee syrup by combining 2 packs of instant coffee, ¼ cup water, and 2 tablespoons brown sugar in a pan. Stir until reduced.

2. Assemble the s’mores. Get a small-sized biscuit or cracker and put a square of chocolate bar on top. Add the roasted marshmallow. Cover with another piece of biscuit to make a sandwich. Press lightly.

3. For the bibingka mixture, combine rice flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl. Mix well and set aside.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the coconut milk, fresh milk, and eggs.

5. Gradually combine the dry and wet mixture. Pour into a beaker.

6. Arrange the cupcake cups or parchment paper on a baking pan then pour the bibingka mixture.

7. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30 minutes.

8. Once cooked, arrange the bibingka on a plate. Put the s’mores on top and drizzle with coffee syrup.

If you’re looking for a yummy and fragrant drink to add more warmth to your Christmas reunions, try this:

1.  Heat the milk, strawberries, and strawberry syrup in a small saucepan.

2. Add vanilla extract, almond extract, and mint. You may opt to add sugar to balance out the slightly sour taste of the strawberries.

3. Let the mixture cool down a bit.

3. To serve, put strawberries in a mug then pour the warm drink.

4. For the ~aesthetic~ finishing touches, top off with whipped cream, mint, and colorful candy sprinkles.

May your coming holidays be like these recipes that are colorful, delicious, and bringing back warm fuzzy memories.

As for Gillian, her family might be sticking with their traditional visits to her grandmother’s house, which they weren’t able to make last year due to the pandemic. Their Noche Buena spread might include kare-kare, menudo, mechado, fruit salad, and her favorite manga at bagoong.

Bianca, on the other hand, looks forward to shopping for Christmas gifts with her mother. But unlike before, maybe she needs to start paying for her own Christmas cart this year since she’s started working.

It’s beginning to look and feel a lot like Christmas, Kapamilya! Make the coming days extra special by trying these recipes from two of your favorite Rise artists.