Meet Sheila Enteria, a talented baker and homemaker who has created a name for herself in Northern California. Wearing her favorite apron from her grade school days, Sheila proudly presents her legendary “ensaimada,” a Filipino delicacy that captures the essence of her heritage. But this story is more than just baked goods, it’s a love story.
It all began when Sheila, an immigration officer stationed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, noticed her signature on the arrival stamp of a departing passenger. With a smile, she approached him and revealed that he had passed through her station upon his arrival. That passenger was Miguel Enteria, a Filipino American who had just completed his annual visit to his family in Manila. Their chance encounter left a lasting impression on both of them.
A year later, luck was on Miguel’s side once more when he encountered Sheila again during his Philippine visit. This time, he didn’t let the opportunity slip away. He mustered the courage to scribble his email address on a slip of paper and handed it to Sheila, hoping for a chance to connect. Their connection blossomed online, thanks to the emergence of Yahoo Groups, and eventually, they got married and started their new life together in Silicon Valley, California.
While Miguel pursued a top leadership role in a semiconductor company, Sheila embarked on a new chapter as a homemaker. She found joy in creating a beautiful home for them both, nestled on a hillock with a breathtaking view of lush greenery. But Sheila’s true passion lay in the kitchen, where she dedicated herself to baking homemade treats that captured the flavors of her Filipino heritage.
She became the go-to baker for those in the know, as her word-of-mouth buzz spread far and wide. From ensaimada and pan de sal to ube pan de sal, cheese rolls, and tablea chocolate cake, Sheila’s creations satisfied the cravings of Filipinos and Filipino Americans longing for a taste of home. Her commitment to using the best ingredients ensured that her baked goodies were a cut above the rest.
Her reputation attracted notable personalities like Filipino politician Gilbert Teodoro and his family, who made the journey from Menlo Park to indulge in Sheila’s baked delights. Even prominent figures like House Speaker Martin Romualdez, former Vice President Teofisto Guingona, Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, and Rep. Jose Aquino II made sure to visit Shenteria’s Kitchen in Northern California for a taste of home.
Sheila’s sister, Salome Salcedo-Aquino, recalls how Sheila’s talent for baking has been evident since childhood. While all the sisters learned their mom’s closely guarded recipe for ensaimada, Sheila took it a step further and experimented until she perfected an enhanced version. Encouraged by this achievement, she sought further culinary education under the guidance of renowned masters like Heny Sison and Sylvia Reynoso-Gala.
Even during her seven-year tenure in Dubai, Sheila had a side gig selling her signature tablea chocolate cake. Now, in California, she feels blessed with the perfect tap water for her baking and easy access to top-quality ingredients like grass-fed butter, organic eggs, and milk. Though she tries to source ube from the Philippines whenever possible, she cherishes the convenience of nearby Asian stores that carry familiar Filipino ingredients.
Sheila’s journey is a testament to the power of passion and the opportunities that life can bring when we seize them. From a chance encounter at an airport to a blossoming career in baking, she has carved out her own path and created a taste of home for those in search of comfort and nostalgia. So next time you’re in Northern California, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the delights of Shenteria’s Kitchen and be a part of Sheila’s heartwarming love story.
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