Nom Nom: Boniatillo

One of the highlights of our trip home to Miami, besides being addressed as "bro," was having lunch at Versailles, that most famed of monuments to Cuban cuisine and political pandering both. Our mother, who happens to be in possession of the sweet tooth that has proven to be the downfall of so many old, diabetic Cubans missing both their extremities and their afternoon bowls of sweet, syrupy confections, always orders the boniatillo at Versailles. And, since we miss her already, we decided to feature a recipe for this boniato (sweet potato) pudding of which she is so fond. Enjoy. Ingredients

• 1 1/2 lbs cuban white sweet potatoes
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2 cups water
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cinnamon stick (about 2 inches or longer)
• 1 lime peel, of no pith, just the green part, use a vegetable peeler
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/4 cup dry sherry (I donÂ’t use this, instead, I use vanilla)
• 2 teaspoons vanilla (see above) (optional)
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
• ground cinnamon (to garnish)

Directions

1. Place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water and add 1 teaspoon salt – boil until tender, about 20 minutes. 2. Drain potatoes and puree in a food processor or blender. 3. Combine the 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, lime peel and cinnamon stick in a large heavy saucepan. 4. Cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (250 degrees) on a candy thermometer – about 15 minutes – stir frequently. 5. Reduce heat to low, carefully add potatoes cook and stir until smooth – about 6 to 8 minutes. 6. Remove from heat and add the egg yolks and mix well. 7. Return to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly. 8. Remove from the heat mix in either the sherry or the vanilla (NOT BOTH) Note: I like to add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon here, but it’s optional. 9. Allow the paste to cool at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes. 10. Transfer to a serving bowl or individual dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. 11. Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve cold.

Cuban Boniatillo (sweet Potato Paste Dessert) [Recipe Zaar]