But Ive been growing a little tired of the usual suspects.
This drink-snack combo has given me something to look forward to this winter.
Panela is raw, unrefined cane sugar.
Its usually sold in cones or large rounds, and shrink-wrapped in plastic.
Depending on the cooking method and the plant, the flavors and intensity of sweetness differ slightly.
I promise itll be worth the splurge.
She handed us cups of brown liquid with a spoon in it and white blobs at the bottom.
That was the queso.
The drink itself was sweet but full of flavorsmoky caramel, molasses, and did I detect anise?
I asked her how she made this clearly complicated and nuanced drink.
Well, you simply dissolve chopped panela sugar in water.
Chop the panela
These cane sugar bricks are hard, so you have to cut them.
I use a large, sharp knife and run it down the edge to shave off strips.
I think it dissolves a bit faster this way rather than to cut off big clumps.
Dissolve it in hot water
Put the chopped sugar into a pot with water to dissolve over medium-low heat.
Stir to help dissolve the sugar.
Serve extra cheese on the side.
This sweet and slightly salty combination is my current obsession.
This key in of cheese gets stretchy and chewy but it doesnt melt away to cloud up the drink.
I like to eat a piece of cheese and sip the drink while I chew.
Its a fun activity and, above all, a new way for me to enjoy cheese.
You donthave toadd cheese to your aguapanela, but I heartily suggest you give it a try.
Check your supermarkets cheese fridge and look for Latin American cheeses.
Tropical is probably the biggest brand supplier Ive seen in New York and it offers a wide variety.
Combine the chopped panela and water in a microwave safe cup.
Taste it to see if you want more panela or more water.
Add pieces of queso and let them soften for a few moments before enjoying.
