Jamoncillo De Pepita Food

JAMONCILLO DE PEPITA

Steps:

• Soak the pumpkin seeds in abundant water overnight. Drain the water and peel the seeds, one by one, so that you only have the white part of the seed; discard the rest. (It's best if you can get some friends or family to help you with this part.)
• Grind the seeds in a food processor or hand mill. If you have a hard time, add a bit of water, a little at a time, but no more than 3/4 cup, until you have a fine paste.
• Combine the sugar and water in a heavy-bottomed pot and cook over medium heat until you reach the thread stage (see page 13). Add the pumpkin seed paste and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring continuously with a wooden spoon or a heatproof spatula, until thickened. Remove from the heat and stir in the canela.
• Line an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with parchment paper. Divide the mixture into three batches and tint one with enough food coloring to make it dark pink (almost fuchsia). Lightly dust a flat surface with a little confectioner's sugar and roll out the two uncolored batches, until they are about 1 inch thick. Roll out the dark pink batch the same way. Place the pink sheet on top of the white sheets so they stick together (you can sprinkle a bit of water in between if they're not sticking). Put the candy sheets on the prepared baking pan and allow to dry for a few hours, until the surface doesn't feel sticky. Unmold the candy, remove the parchment paper, then slice as desired and enjoy.

JAMONCILLO DE LECHE (MEXICAN FUDGE)

Steps:

• Combine milk, sugar, vanilla, baking soda, and cinnamon stick in a large heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring continuously. After about 20 minutes remove the cinnamon stick. Place a candy thermometer in the pan and cook until the thermometer reaches soft-ball stage 240 degrees F (115 degrees C) or until you can see th bottom of the pan when you stir.
• Remove the candy from the heat and add the chopped pecans. Beat the candy with a mixer for about 5 minutes. Pour the candy into a buttered 9x9-inch pan. Press pecan halves onto the top of the warm candy. Cool, then cut into pieces. Store candy in an airtight container.