Contextualized Innovative Recipe Book of Mudfish Utilizing Various Cooking Styles to Enhance Gastronomic Experiences

Food is a powerful medium through which culture is expressed, preserved, and transmitted across generations. More than sustenance, it embodies stories, traditions, and identities that reflect a community’s values and way of life. However, in today’s globalized and fast-paced society, traditional culinary knowledge is increasingly at risk of being forgotten. This study aimed to address this concern by developing a contextualized recipe book titled Haluan, featuring twenty-five (25) diverse mudfish recipes—an ingredient of cultural significance in Filipino cuisine. The recipe book was designed as an instructional resource for the Technology and Livelihood Education (TLE) Cookery program at Busok National High School in Bagumbayan, Sultan Kudarat. The developmental research process included gathering existing mudfish recipes, refining them through sensory evaluation (taste, aroma, texture, and appearance), and integrating traditional cooking techniques. The finalized recipe book was assessed by ten (10) culinary educators using the SKSU-IMDC (2022) Evaluation Rating Sheet. Haluan received an overall rating of 96–100% across key areas: content, mechanics, organization, and overall package, indicating its strong instructional value and cultural relevance. Furthermore, a profitability analysis confirmed the recipe book’s economic viability at a suggested retail price of ₱1,350.00 per copy. This study contributes to the preservation of Filipino culinary heritage while enhancing students’ culinary competencies. It highlights the importance of well-designed instructional materials in promoting local food traditions and fostering globally competitive, innovative learners. Recommendations include securing copyright and ISBN registration, expanding dissemination, and encouraging future researchers and educators to develop similar culturally rooted educational tools.