Queso Helado de Arequipa

Description

Queso Helado is a traditional Peruvian dessert from the beautiful city of Arequipa. Despite its name, which translates to "frozen cheese," this delightful treat contains no cheese. It is named so because of its creamy, rich consistency and white color reminiscent of cheese. This dessert is typically sold by street vendors who scoop it out of large, metallic containers, and it's a popular choice during festivals and gatherings.

Arequipa, known as "La Ciudad Blanca" or "The White City," is famous for its unique cuisine. Queso Helado stands out as one of its most beloved culinary inventions, hinting at the city’s Spanish colonial past through its use of milk, cinnamon, and coconut.

The dessert is made using simple ingredients that are whipped together and then frozen. It is often served sprinkled with cinnamon powder, which adds to its delightful sweetness and aroma. Queso Helado brings a taste of Arequipa to any table and invites those who savor it to enjoy a moment of Peruvian tradition.

Ingredients

• Whole Milk - 1 liter
• Coconut Milk - 400 ml
• Condensed Milk - 1 can (around 400g)
• Evaporated Milk - 1 can (around 400g)
• Cinnamon Sticks - 2
• Cloves - 4
• Vanilla Extract - 1 tablespoon
• Sugar - 1 cup
• Grated Coconut - 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon Powder - for sprinkling

Preparation

Step 1: Infuse the Milk

Begin by slowly heating whole milk in a large pot. Add the cinnamon sticks and cloves, allowing them to infuse their spicy and aromatic flavors into the milk. Stir the milk occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Step 2: Combine the Ingredients

After the milk has been infused for about 10 minutes, remove the cinnamon sticks and cloves. Lower the heat and slowly add coconut milk, condensed milk, evaporated milk, and sugar. Stir continuously to ensure that all the sugar dissolves and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Add the Flavors

Once the mixture is smooth, incorporate the vanilla extract and grated coconut. Stir these into the mixture to enrich the dessert with the sweet and nutty flavor of vanilla and the textured bite of coconut.

Step 4: Freeze the Mixture

Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap. Place it in the freezer. Check on it every hour, stirring with a spoon to break down any ice crystals until it reaches a creamy, icy consistency. This process usually takes about 4 hours (cooking timer).

Serving

Once the Queso Helado reaches the right consistency, scoop portions into bowls or cups. Sprinkle a touch of cinnamon powder on top for an extra layer of flavor and a beautiful finish.

Enjoying the Dessert

Queso Helado is best enjoyed on a warm day when its cold, creamy texture can be appreciated the most. It's a perfect ending to a meal or a delightful treat to enjoy any time of the day. The hints of cinnamon and vanilla make it a flavorful experience reminiscent of Arequipa's rich heritage. Pair it with a hot drink like coffee or tea to balance the cold sweetness with warmth.