Fried milk

Fried milk, or “leche frita,” is a popular Spanish dessert. Here’s a basic recipe for making it:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups whole milk
• 1 cup sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Cinnamon sugar, for coating (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Milk Mixture:
   • In a medium saucepan, heat 1 1/2 cups of milk over medium heat until it’s warm but not boiling.
   • In a separate bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup milk with the cornstarch and sugar until smooth.
   • Slowly add this mixture to the warm milk in the saucepan, stirring constantly.
   • Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens and starts to pull away from the sides of the pan. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
   • Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and ground cinnamon, if using.
2. Chill the Mixture:
   • Pour the thickened milk mixture into a shallow dish and spread it out evenly.
   • Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
3. Cut and Coat:
   • Once the milk mixture is firm, cut it into squares or rectangles.
   • Set up a breading station: Place flour in one bowl and beaten egg in another.
   • Dip each piece of the milk mixture into the flour, then into the egg, and back into the flour to coat evenly.
4. Fry:
   • Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat.
   • Fry the coated milk pieces in batches until they are golden brown on all sides, about 2-3 minutes per side.
   • Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
5. Serve:
   • If desired, sprinkle the fried milk with cinnamon sugar before serving.

Enjoy your crispy, creamy dessert!