Peruvian Cream Food

PERUVIAN CREAM

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. In a medium saucepan, heat the milk just to the boiling point and remove from the heat. Spread the coffee beans on a baking sheet and warm them in the oven just until they begin to sweat. Add the coffee beans and the vanilla pod to the scalded milk, cover, and leave to infuse for 30 minutes.
• While the milk is infusing, combine the sugar and the cold water in a small heavy saucepan and, over low heat, stir until the sugar has dissolved. Increase the heat to high and cook until the water has evaporated and the mixture has thickened and turned a pale golden caramel color. Remove from the heat and plunge the bottom of the pan into a basin of cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the hot water to the pan and return to low heat. Stir until the thickened mixture has thinned into a smooth, golden syrup. Set aside.
• In the top of a double boiler set over gently simmering water, combine the chocolate with 2 tablespoons of the infused milk. Cover the pan and, after a few minutes when the chocolate has softened, work it into a smooth paste with a wooden spoon.
• Strain the milk through a fine sieve into a clean bowl, washing and drying the vanilla pod so that it can be reused. Discard the coffee beans. Add the chocolate mixture and the caramel syrup.
• Preheat the oven to 300 degrees. In another bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and whole eggs until slightly frothy. Slowly pour in the milk chocolate mixture, gently whisking all the time. Pour the mixture into 8 (4ounce) ramekins and place them in a roasting pan large enough to hold them all without crowding. Fill the roasting pan with boiling water to come about 3/4 of the way up the sides of the ramekins and cover the pan loosely with aluminum foil. Place in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Check the creams to see if they are done by tipping one slightly; the cream should tremble a little but remain firm. Remove from the oven and cool to room temperature. Chill, uncovered for 2 to 3 hours and serve each one on a plate lined with a folded napkin.

PERUVIAN POTATOES WITH SPICY CREAM SAUCE (PAPAS A LA HUANCAINA)

Steps:

• Place the potatoes in a large pot and cover with water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Cook for 30 minutes or until a paring knife slides into the potatoes without any resistance. Drain the potatoes and let them cool slightly. Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch rounds and set aside.
• Combine the cheese, evaporated milk, oil, chile, garlic, and the lime juice in a blender and puree until smooth. The sauce should be creamy and pourable. If the sauce is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is thinned out.
• Arrange the lettuce leaves on a platter and top with the sliced potatoes. Pour the sauce over the potatoes. Garnish with slices of hard boiled egg and olives. Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.