Latin Flair – Natilla (and a Giveaway)
I’m getting a bit of an early start this month with my Latin Flair recipe spotlight to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. Shout out to my Latino brothers and sisters! And a big weeeeepa to my peeps from Dominican Republic.
Ok – now that I got that out of my system let’s move on to some dessert, shall we. I want all the fellas to put on their best guayabera and fidora and ladies to let out the hair, strap on some high heeled sandals and slip into a flirty dress because we are heading to Cuba. (Yes, I know, this is quite a stereotypical depiction of Latinos but I think guayaberas and fidoras are sexy and I own quite a few flirty dresses…thank you very much) On this imaginary trip we are sinking our “teeth” into some rich, creamy Natilla – Latino Vanilla Pudding.
This pudding is oh, so delicious. And although Jello Vanilla Pudding Cups will always have a special place in my heart, Natilla is right next to it, give it warm hug. Think of this as a kicked up version of your favorite Jello Pudding Cup. It’s super rich, super thick, dense and the sprinkle of cinnamon at the end gives it a nice little kick and smokiness that warms your mouth. I originally thought Natilla was a predominantly Cuban treat but it’s actually quite common among Colombians as well.
I like to think of this as a more subtle but spicier version of Dulce de Leche that can be enjoyed warm or cold out of the fridge. If you want to kick it up another notch you can turn it into a creme brulee of sorts too and it will be equally delicious. Given it’s thickness, Natilla would also make a great filling for a layer cake. As you will read from the directions, this recipe could not be easier to make and does not require any special equipment, so make sure to give it a try. My only advice would be that once the mixture starts to thicken, instead of stirring it with a wooden spoon do so with a whisk to keep pesky lumps from forming.
Because I’m in the Hispanic Heritage Month spirit, stay tuned for more Latino dessert recipes through out the rest of October. In the meantime, leave a comment on this post to enter in A Chica Bakes’ first ever giveaway for a copy of Gloria and Emilio Estefan’s cookbook “Estefan Kitchen” where you will find tons of delicious and authentic Cuban recipes.
This giveaway is sponsored by none other than me. And to enter, you have until 9pm on Monday, October 19th to leave a comment. The winner will be randomly selected and announced on Tuesday, October 20th. Make sure that if you do not have a blog, you leave a way for me to contact you in case you win. And sorry, this giveaway is only open to those in the U.S and Canada.
Buen Provecho!
Natilla
by: Ana Quincoces Rodriguez
from: Sabor – A Passion for Cuban Cuisine
yield: 8 servings
1 cup condensed milk
3 cups whole milk
8 large egg yolks
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Ground cinnamon, for sprinkling
Combine the milks, egg yolks, sugar , salt and cornstarch in a large bowl. Stir or whisk well, until the sugar is completely dissolved. Strain the mixture through a fine sieve into a heavy saucepan. Stir in the vanilla and set the pan over medium heat. Cook the mixture, stirring continuously with a whisk or wooden spoon, until it begins to boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the custard thickens for 15 to 20 minutes.
Pout the custard into individual ramekins and set aside to cook to room temperature. Cover the ramekins lightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, until the custard sets. Sprinkle with cinnamon immediately before serving.
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Karin — October 12, 2009 @ 1:10 am
Yum-EEE! This sounds delicious and I love pudding! And I had no idea it was Hispanic heritage month- I feel inspired to try out some of the Hispanic recipes I have sitting in my to make folder now.
Jen @ My Kitchen Addiction — October 12, 2009 @ 1:34 am
Yum… The Natilla looks delicious. I have never heard of that dish, so I'm so glad to have discovered it here! It sounds delicious for the fall with the cinnamon!
Cate O'Malley — October 12, 2009 @ 2:20 am
I've never heard of Natilla and I've been married to a Cuban for nearly 12 years now! Must make the recipe and do some research.
Tessa — October 12, 2009 @ 3:26 am
I've never made any form of homemade pudding, but you may have me convinced with this recipe. It booth looks and sounds amazing!tdeyle {at}gmail.com
Mrs. G — October 12, 2009 @ 3:48 am
I haven't heard of Natilla either. Sounds good though!
Shari@Whisk: a food blog — October 12, 2009 @ 4:31 am
Sometimes the simplest things are the very best. This looks beautiful!
Tracey — October 12, 2009 @ 4:33 am
So cool! I've never heard of Natilla but it looks fantastic. I find it impossible to make pudding look good in pictures, but you've done a marvelous job! Fun giveaway
Paris Pastry — October 12, 2009 @ 8:03 am
Yum! Looks delicious! Interesting that it uses condensed milk.
Donna-FFW — October 12, 2009 @ 11:24 am
That custard sounds absolutely fabulously sinful. I have never heard of it but would LOVE to try it. Thanks for the chance to win your fantastic giveaway!
The Food Librarian — October 12, 2009 @ 1:50 pm
Yummy! Thanks for sharing your Latina spirit with us. Looking forward to more recipes! – mary
Jeannette — October 12, 2009 @ 2:08 pm
mmm your pudding looks yummy!thanks for the giveaway!!
mimi — October 12, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
I also have never heard of Natilla, but I'm eager to make it. Thanks for your fun giveaway!Mimi
Dawn — October 12, 2009 @ 10:31 pm
I LOVE Cuban food and never ever get it around here. I literally have to go to Boston to find it (a good Cuban sandwich and cuban coffee that is).Never heard of natilla, but hey I am now. You better share more of your latin roots here sista. I would love to have more Cuban food, oh yes.
Barbara GF — October 13, 2009 @ 1:47 am
Oh, please, take me to Cuba, Eliana. I think one lick of this delightful Natilla will take me there.
Maria — October 13, 2009 @ 1:51 am
Mmmm, that looks so good!
5 Star Foodie — October 13, 2009 @ 2:03 am
Natilla sounds just delightful! Thanks for introducing us to this wonderful specialty!
Joy — October 13, 2009 @ 11:37 am
Hi Eliana!How are you? We haven't talked in a while, but I hope you're doing well! What an interesting post about this Cuban specialty. I've never heard about Natilla (actually I had to read it twice, because at first glance I thought you said Nutella, haha!) It looks absolutely delicious and I love your idea of using it as a cake filling… I just might have to try that!Hope to hear from you soon
<3,Joy
Kim — October 13, 2009 @ 3:34 pm
That pudding looks delicious. Love the post.
Spike — October 13, 2009 @ 5:13 pm
I love Cuba! Have a great time.
Shandy — October 13, 2009 @ 5:14 pm
I love how you can use this Cuban vanilla pudding for filling between cake layers. YUM! Great giveaway too, YaY!
Megan — October 13, 2009 @ 9:12 pm
How fun! I love any kind of pudding (especially chocolate), this looks like it's absolutely delicious.
Susan @ SGCC — October 14, 2009 @ 2:15 am
One of my college roommate was Cuban, and she introduced me to the wonderful flavors of that cuisine. Her mom used to make Natilla and it was delicious. Yours looks amazing!
burpandslurp — October 14, 2009 @ 2:24 am
Wow! I've never heard of this…it looks absolutely delectable! At first, I thought you were just being creative with the name "Natilla"!
Emily — October 14, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Goodness, this sounds so good. I love pudding. Don't let me forget this recipe!
Rosabela — October 14, 2009 @ 8:23 pm
Well, I guess the giveaway doesn't apply to me because I live in Germany, but I just wanted to say that I enjoyed reading your post. The pudding looks scrumptious and oh so simple.
Me and My Pink Mixer — October 14, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
I have never heard of Natilla, but I love pudding so I may have to give this a try. Looks delish!
Emma Kelsey — October 14, 2009 @ 10:45 pm
Yum this looks delicious!
Lynnylu — October 15, 2009 @ 10:52 am
Love your natilla photos. I love Cuban cooking and Gloria Estefan's music. I'm sure the cookbook is amazing.
Linda — October 15, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
Thanks for introducing me to Natilla…this looks and sounds so delicious! I'm definitely going to try this the next time I'm craving pudding.
anne — October 15, 2009 @ 5:07 pm
i love your site and always love a cook book as a giveaaway, I will continue to check back!www.anniebakes.blogspot.com
biz319 — October 15, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
That looks amazing!! Do you think I could sub splenda sugar for the sugar?? Not sure if that would upset the balance or not.
Jelli Bean — October 15, 2009 @ 7:55 pm
This pudding will definitely be a Latino favorite, after all, it begins with the MOTHER of all latin dessert ingredients- leche condensada. Sadly, I can't win the prize, but thanks for the recipe. Also, here in Costa Rica, sour cream is called natilla.
La Pastry Chef — October 15, 2009 @ 8:42 pm
Hi Eliana!I've never had Natilla…I do however have fond memories of eating Nata – the pudding-y skin that formed on top of the Mexican Atole my mama used to make for me when I was younger – that was the best part!Oh, and I own plenty of flirty dresses and high heeled sandals too – that stereotype is totally true…ps: Are Gloria and Emilio playing dominoes on the cover of their book? Love that!
Juliana — October 15, 2009 @ 9:01 pm
Wow, you use almost the same ingredients that I have in my flan…I am sure that your natilla tastes great (a little bias), I should try this recipe for sure
Stephanie — October 16, 2009 @ 12:55 am
Wow sounds so good! I've never heard of this before, but now I want it!
Flourchild — October 16, 2009 @ 1:52 pm
I have a friend who serves her kids warm pudding for breakfast. Your pudding looks delightful!Thank you for your kind words on my blog. Things are going good. Time does make it easier. I have such a great life and a wonderful family I can't be sad for long:).Have a great weekend and see you back in the baking groups this Sunday and Tuesday!
Barbara — October 16, 2009 @ 5:29 pm
Anything with condensed milk in it is a winner! I'm going to make this as soon as get to the grocery. I love the name. COMFORT FOOD!
Andrea — October 17, 2009 @ 4:29 am
This looks so good, way better than any jello pudding cup I've ever seen (although I have a soft spot in my heart for them as well!)
Land of Litchfield — October 18, 2009 @ 2:58 am
Ok, I just used this recipe and made some natilla..I have to tell you it rivals my Abuela's…and hers ROCKED…takes me back to good times with lost loved ones…thank you for posting this!
Liz — October 18, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
This always reminds me of my mom…she use to put vanilla wafer's on it, yummy!!Liz
Kootenay Mom and Dad — October 19, 2009 @ 4:03 am
Sounds delightful! I just have to get some condensed milk and then I'm on it!Anita
Izzo — October 19, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
That looks so thick rich and delish! I must try this.
Lucila — October 19, 2009 @ 6:43 pm
Looks so good! Thanks for the recipe! Lucila from Argentina
Cakespy — October 20, 2009 @ 12:40 am
Ooh, this one is new to me! It looks and sounds fantastic.
Anonymous — May 14, 2010 @ 11:26 pm
How long does this take to prep and make???