Cuban Boniatillo Sweet Potato Paste Dessert Recipes

CUBAN BONIATILLO (SWEET POTATO PASTE DESSERT)

Steps:

• Place the cubed potatoes in a large saucepan, cover with water and add 1 teaspoon salt - boil until tender, about 20 minutes.
• Drain potatoes and puree in a food processor or blender.
• Combine the 2 cups water, 2 cups sugar, lime peel and cinnamon stick in a large heavy saucepan.
• Cook until it reaches the soft-ball stage (250 degrees) on a candy thermometer - about 15 minutes - stir frequently.
• Reduce heat to low, carefully add potatoes cook and stir until smooth - about 6 to 8 minutes.
• Remove from heat and add the egg yolks and mix well.
• Return to low heat for 2 to 3 minutes stirring constantly.
• 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.
• Allow the paste to cool at room temperature for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Transfer to a serving bowl or individual dishes and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
• Sprinkle with cinnamon and serve cold.

BONIATILLO (CUBAN SWEET-POTATO PUDDING)

Steps:

• Peel the batatas and cut into 1-inch chunks. Place them in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and boil until they are tender but not mushy, about 10 to 15 minutes.
• Drain, then place the batatas in a blender or food processor and process to a smooth puree. If the mixture is too thick (like dry mashed potatoes), add a little water.
• Place the sugar, 1/2 cup water, lime and cinnamon stick in a heavy saucepan and bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until the syrup reaches the soft-thread stage (230 degrees), about 15 minutes.
• Reduce the heat to low, remove the lime and cinnamon stick, and add the batata puree, stirring constantly. Cook for 3 or 4 minutes, stirring, until the mixture is well blended.
• Remove from the heat and stir in the beaten egg yolks. Return to low heat and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring.
• Stir in the Sherry and pour the mixture into a dessert dish, like a 7-inch souffle dish. Chill thoroughly before serving. Serve with whipped cream if desired.

CUBAN CAPUCHINOS (CABEZOTES DE CAPUCHINO)

Steps:

• Make syrup.
• Pre-heat oven to 375°F Place cupcake liners in cupcake mold. In medium mixing bowl, beat yolks, egg white and 2 tbsp sugar for 15 minutes or until you've accomplished a very thick consistency. Slowly add starch, carefully folding it into mix. Pour mix into a plastic pastry bag with nozzle and fill cups 3/4 of the way. Place cupcake tray on top rack of oven. Bake approximately 15 minutes or until the tops are golden in color. To prevent them from burning, place an oven safe bowl of water at the back of the oven. Once cooked, remove from oven. Let cool for 5 minutes. Remove from cupcake liner and transfer to serving platter.
• In medium sauce pan, bring water to boil and add 3 cups sugar, Grand Marnier, cinnamon stick, anise seeds, peel from lime and a few drops of the lime juice. Stir once. and let cook for 3 minutes. Add in vanilla extract and stir one more time. Remove from heat and let cool before pouring over capuchinos.