Let’s Celebrate with CHamoru Pastries

 

Malia’ ta Silebra I Fina’mames CHamoru

Let’s Celebrate with CHamoru Pastries

Keeping Guåhan’s Sweet Traditions Alive

When a family celebration begins in Guåhan, the air fills with laughter, conversation, and the warm smell of pastries made with love. No party, fiesta, or gathering feels truly complete without the sweet taste of buñelos kamuti, buñelos aga’, and titiyas manha waiting on the table. These pastries are more than food; they are memories, lessons, and traditions passed from one generation to the next.

I call them my favorites not only because they are delicious, but because my grandparents taught me to understand their value. They reminded me that not everyone can make these pastries. Preparing them takes patience, strength, and time. Each ingredient comes from the local harvest, raised and gathered through the hard work of the men and women of Guåhan. Every bite carries the story of our island, our families, and our people.

That is why we must keep these local pastries alive. If we stop making them, we lose more than a recipe; we lose a piece of our culture. By teaching the next generation how to prepare and appreciate buñelos kamuti, buñelos aga’, and titiyas manha, we honor our elders and protect the flavors that connect us to home. Maila’ ta fan boka fina’mames—come, let us eat our local sweets and celebrate the traditions that make Guåhan special.

Buñelos Kamute – Sweet Potato Donuts

Sweet potato donuts are a treat everyone should try. Soft, and naturally sweet, they offer a warm and satisfying taste that makes every bite enjoyable. The rich sweet potato flavor gives them a unique twist that stands out from ordinary donuts, making them perfect for anyone who loves something comforting, delicious, and memorable. Once you taste one, you will want to come back for more.

 

 

 

Recipe:

1 cup mashed purple sweet potato

3-5 tablespoons of sugar (depending on sweetness)

1 beaten egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 tablespoon baking powder

Canola oil for frying

 

Boñelos Aga’ – Banana Donuts

Man amko’ yan man hoben na taotao ma sen guaiya este na fina’mames sa’man payon gi fina’tinas Nåna gi familia. Ai sen mangge’ este na fina’mames para mirendan i familia.

Both young and old people love this dessert because of momma’s cooking for family gatherings.

 

Recipe:

 2 cups mashed ripe bananas

3-5 tablespoons of sugar (depending on sweetness)

1 beaten egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 ½ cups all-purpose flour

1 tablespoon baking powder

Canola oil for frying

 

Titiyas Manha – Young Coconut Titiyas

 

For a refreshing mirenda, you must try our tityas manha.  This is a staple food that is served during family gatherings and fiestas.  It is soft, sweet and chewy filled with the young coconut manha. 

Gof mangge’ esti na boka!

Recipe:

 2 cups all-purpose flour

1 cup young coconut meat (Manha)

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tablespoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup coconut milk