Ensaymada Project

Chari Heredia-Reyes grew up in a bustling household in Manila where fruitcakes and pastries were lined up by the hundreds during the Christmas season. As the ninth of eleven children, Chari helped out at her mom’s seasonal undertaking of bringing such goodies and cheer to friends and family. Chari later earned a degree in Special Education from the University of the Philippines, graduating cum laude.

Chari settled in California with her husband and CIA chef, Ramon, raising four children. Despite an active teaching career, Chari’s passion to bake still called. She decided to take on the challenge of adding ensaymadas to her repertoire of baked goods. The ensaymada was a special treat that Chari’s mom had made exclusively for family Christmas dinners. It involved a tedious ten-hour process, so the few dozen produced were savory treasures.

Located at 14281 Wrangell Ln, Canyon Country, CA 91387