November 6, 2006

POLVORON AND PASTILLAS



A few days ago, I made some polvoron and pastillas for Ruther's Japanese officemates as a "thank you" for having us at the office (Ruther introduced us to them) and as a "sorry" for all the inconvenience Ethan's screams and Nikki's endless babble caused that morning. I was surprised to know that they loved the goodies so much! So much in fact, that they asked Ruther if I could give them the recipe. Of course i was glad to share. I love Filipino desserts and if I can advertise and publicize them, why not?
. . . . . .

POLVORON
Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
melted margarine or butter, 5 tbsp
3/4 cup powdered milk
1 cup white sugar

Put a pan over medium heat. When it is warm, pour the all-purpose flour into the pan. Lower the heat a bit (medium-low) and cook the flour for around 20 minutes or until it turns light brown. Remove the pan from the heat and transfer the flour into a mixing bowl. Add the powdered milk and sugar to the flour and mix thoroughly. Allow the mixture to cool (for about 30 minutes or so). When cooled, add 1 tablespoon melted margarine to the polvoron and mix well. After mixing thoroughly, add 1 more tablespoon of margarine and mix again. Stop adding margarine when the polvoron is firm enough to be molded. Press the polvoron into shaped molds and stack them in an airtight container. Chill the polvoron in the freezer and when firm, wrap in colorful wrapper.
. . . . . .

PASTILLAS

Ingredients:
2 cups powdered milk
1 can condensed milk (300 ml)
white sugar for rolling

Gradually sift powdered milk in condensed milk. Mix and blend evenly, using spoon, then, knead with hand. Set aside for 5-10 minutes before shaping into small balls. Roll on sugar. Wrap in cellophane.