Bienmesabe

Bienmesabe de coco

Bienmesabe is a traditional dessert originating from the Canary Islands in Spain. The name "bienmesabe" translates to "it tastes good to me" in English, reflecting its popularity and delightful flavor.

Ingredients

The primary ingredients of bienmesabe include:

• Almonds
• Sugar
• Egg yolks
• Lemon zest
• Cinnamon
• Water

Preparation

The preparation of bienmesabe involves several steps: 1. The almonds are blanched, peeled, and finely ground. 2. A syrup is made by boiling sugar and water until it reaches a thick consistency. 3. The ground almonds are then added to the syrup, along with lemon zest and cinnamon, and the mixture is cooked until it thickens. 4. Once the mixture has thickened, it is removed from the heat and allowed to cool slightly. 5. Egg yolks are beaten and slowly incorporated into the mixture, which is then cooked gently to avoid curdling the eggs. 6. The final product is a thick, sweet paste that can be served warm or cold.

Serving

Bienmesabe is typically served as a dessert, often accompanied by ice cream, whipped cream, or biscuits. It can also be used as a filling for cakes and pastries.

Cultural Significance

Bienmesabe holds a special place in Canarian cuisine and is often prepared for festive occasions and celebrations. It is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of the Canary Islands and showcases the region's use of local ingredients such as almonds and citrus.

Variations

While the traditional recipe is the most common, there are variations of bienmesabe that include additional ingredients such as honey or liqueurs to enhance the flavor.

See Also

• Canarian cuisine
• Spanish desserts
• Almond paste
• List of desserts