Bird's milk

Bird's milk – A classic dessert that will remind you of childhood

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 6

Who doesn't remember the moments spent in the kitchen, listening to stories about grandma's recipes? Bird's milk is one of those iconic desserts that connects us with childhood memories. With a slightly fluffy appearance and a sweet taste, it is perfect to be enjoyed on a warm summer day or as a delicacy to end a special dinner.

Necessary ingredients

- 1 liter of milk (ideally farm or pasteurized milk)
- 6-7 eggs (preferably farm eggs for a more intense yolk)
- 200 g powdered sugar or finer sugar
- 1 packet of vanilla sugar or vanilla essence
- 10-15 g white flour
- Optional: a little rum essence for a more sophisticated taste

Practical tips about ingredients

- Milk: Choose fresh milk that is not UHT to get a richer cream with an authentic taste. Farm milk, with a higher fat content, will make the dessert even creamier.
- Eggs: Farm eggs have a more vibrant yolk and a more pronounced taste, which will significantly influence the final result of the recipe.
- Sugar: Powdered sugar is ideal for achieving an airy foam, but you can also use regular fine sugar, making sure to grind it a little before use.
- Vanilla: Use quality vanilla essence or a packet of vanilla sugar to achieve a delicious taste. You can even add a vanilla pod for an extra aroma.

Preparing the dessert

1. Preparing the egg whites: Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer until they become foamy and you can turn the bowl upside down without the foam falling out. When the foam becomes firm, add half of the sugar and continue mixing until a shiny and firm consistency is achieved.

2. Preparing the yolks: In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the remaining sugar, vanilla sugar, and flour until they turn into a pale, smooth cream. Make sure no lumps remain.

3. Boiling the milk: Pour the milk into a large pot and bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. This is the ideal moment to add the beaten egg whites using a spoon, letting them boil for two minutes on each side. Use a skimmer to remove them from the milk and transfer them to a strainer, allowing them to drain excess liquid.

4. Combining the ingredients: In the bowl with the yolks, gradually add the hot milk, continuously mixing at low speed to avoid curdling the eggs. Once all the milk is incorporated, pour the mixture back into the pot and cook over low heat, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes a thick paste. You can check it by inserting a wooden spoon: if it sticks, it's ready, and if it runs off, leave it on the heat for a few more minutes.

5. Finalizing the preparation: Once the mixture is ready, pour the paste into a serving dish and carefully fold in the beaten egg whites using a spatula or spoon to maintain the air in the foam. This step will make your dessert light and fluffy.

6. Cooling: Let the dessert cool at room temperature, then transfer it to the fridge for a few hours. The cream will thicken and become creamier, and the egg white bubbles will even out to create a perfect texture.

Serving

Bird's milk is served cold, plain, but it can also be an excellent accompaniment for fresh fruits like strawberries, raspberries, or peaches. You can add a drizzle of chocolate sauce or a fruit puree for a contrast of flavors and colors. Additionally, a dusting of cocoa powder or a sprinkle of cinnamon on top can add a touch of elegance.

Possible variations

- Chocolate dessert: Add cocoa to the yolk mixture for a chocolate flavor. This will add depth of flavor and a delicious contrast.
- Rum flavored: If you want to add a touch of sophistication, feel free to add a little rum essence to the yolk mixture.
- Lactose-free: Use almond or soy milk for a vegan option, and replace the eggs with a plant-based egg substitute.

Nutritional benefits

Bird's milk is a protein-rich dessert due to the eggs, while the milk adds calcium and essential vitamins. It is a better choice than many other desserts, having a moderate calorie content, depending on the ingredients used. Each serving has approximately 250-300 calories, depending on the amount of sugar and type of milk used.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use quail eggs? Yes, you can replace farm eggs with quail eggs, being careful to adjust the proportions considering their size.
- What can I do if I don't have powdered sugar? You can use granulated sugar, but make sure to grind it a little before use to achieve a fine texture.
- Can bird's milk be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze this dessert, as the texture may change. It is best to consume it fresh.

Regardless of the occasion, bird's milk is a dessert that will surely impress. With each spoonful, you will feel not only the delicious taste but also the beautiful memories of childhood. So, put on your chef's attire and prepare this iconic dessert that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones! Enjoy your meal! With love, GDC.

 Ingredients: * 1 liter of milk,* 6.7 whole eggs,* 200 g of powdered sugar or a finer sugar,* 1 packet of vanilla sugar or a vanilla essence,* 10-15 g of white flour,* Optional, a little rum essence.