Chef honors Pope Francis with sweet tribute

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What looks like a simple sugar cookie holds a deeper message of love and faith. A patisserie chef from Pampanga created “Lolo Kiko Cookies” — a heartfelt tribute to Pope Francis, now remembered not just in prayer, but in dessert form.

Chef Fatima Esguerra Garcia from the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, described her creation as “plain but soulful.”

The shortbread cookies are decorated with fondant and edible prints featuring Pope Francis, known affectionately among Filipinos as “Lolo Kiko.”

“This is my tribute to him kasi sobrang ina-idolize ko siya. Hindi lang ako — actually he touched so many lives. Very humble kasi siya lalo na sa mga less fortunate people at na-appreciate ko lahat ng tinuro niya lalo na sa mga kabataan,” Garcia said.

Every cookie is shaped and crafted with care, beginning with a sugar cookie base that is flattened, molded into circles, and baked.

Once cooled, each is topped with carefully pressed fondant and edible images—some showing the Pope’s iconic photo, others with charming cartoon versions.

“Sugar cookies are very simple desserts… Gusto ko din ma-inspire yung ibang tao lalo na ngayong namatay na siya. Gusto ko ma-remember natin siya at someone close to our heart lalo na sa’ting mga Catholics,” Garcia added.

For Garcia, these cookies go beyond being sweet treats. They serve as a lasting reminder of Pope Francis’ kindness, humility, and message of compassion—especially for the youth.

Like the cookies she bakes, Pope Francis’ legacy is simple, but full of meaning. —GMA Regional TV