Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup of blanched almonds
- 1 cup of orange juice
- 1 cup of milk
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 lemon peel
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon of water
Special Equipment Needed:
- Blender or food processor
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Serving bowls or glasses
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a blender or food processor, blend the blanched almonds until they become a fine powder.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the almond powder, orange juice, milk, sugar, cinnamon stick, and lemon peel. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it comes to a boil.
3. Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes creamy.
4. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch dissolves.
5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan and whisk until it is fully incorporated. Let the mixture simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly, until it thickens even more.
6. Remove the cinnamon stick and lemon peel from the mixture and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Pour the menjablanc into serving bowls or glasses and let it cool completely.
8. Once cooled, cover the bowls or glasses with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight.
9. Serve the menjablanc cold, garnished with sliced almonds or orange zest, if desired.
Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat for boiling, low heat for simmering
Serving size:
4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 320
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 48g
Protein: 7g
Sodium: 60mg
Sugar: 44g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Almond powder: You can use almond flour or ground almonds instead.
- Orange juice: You can use any other citrus juice, such as lemon or lime juice.
- Milk: You can use any type of milk, such as almond milk or soy milk.
- Sugar: You can use honey or maple syrup instead.
- Cornstarch: You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead.
Variations:
- Chocolate Menjablanc: Add 1/2 cup of cocoa powder to the mixture before boiling.
- Vanilla Menjablanc: Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract to the mixture before boiling.
- Coconut Menjablanc: Replace the milk with coconut milk and add 1/2 cup of shredded coconut to the mixture before boiling.
Tips and Tricks:
- Make sure to stir the mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan.
- If the menjablanc is too thick, you can add a little more milk or orange juice to thin it out.
- If the menjablanc is too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
- You can serve the menjablanc with fresh fruit or whipped cream on top for extra flavor.
Storage Instructions:
Cover the menjablanc with plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
The menjablanc can be served cold, but if you prefer it warm, you can heat it up in the microwave or on the stove over low heat.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the menjablanc in clear glass bowls or glasses to show off its creamy texture. Garnish with sliced almonds or orange zest for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
Sliced almonds, orange zest, fresh fruit, whipped cream
Pairings:
Serve the menjablanc with a cup of coffee or tea for a sweet and satisfying dessert.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Fresh fruit, cookies, or biscotti
Troubleshooting Advice:
If the menjablanc is too thick, you can add a little more milk or orange juice to thin it out. If it is too thin, you can add a little more cornstarch mixed with water to thicken it up.
Food Safety Advice:
Make sure to refrigerate the menjablanc promptly after it has cooled down to prevent bacterial growth.
Food History:
Menjablanc is a traditional Spanish dessert that dates back to the Middle Ages. It is made with almonds, milk, and sugar, and was often served to royalty and nobility.
Flavor Profiles:
Creamy, nutty, sweet, with a hint of citrus
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the menjablanc as a dessert after a Spanish-inspired meal, or as a sweet treat for any occasion.
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Taste: Tangy, Citrusy, Sweet, Refreshing