Recipe courtesy of Chef Marco Colin, La Luna, Chicago
Cal Mex Invitational Dessert Category Winner, California Milk Advisory Board
Makes 12 servings
The Queso Fresco Ice Cream:
2 cups Real California heavy cream
2 cups Real California whole milk
1/2 cup agave syrup
5 ounces Real California Queso Fresco, crumbled
In a blender, combine cream, milk, and agave and process on medium until mixed well, about 30 seconds. Fold in queso fresco by hand. Transfer to an ice cream maker and process according to manufacturer’s instructions. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze at least 4 hours.
The Caramel:
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water, plus more as needed
6 tablespoons Real California unsalted butter, cut into pieces
1/2 cup Real California heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch salt
In a 3-quart heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar and water, stirring it into a flat, even layer. Warm over medium heat, cooking until sugar dissolves, becomes clear, and starts to bubble, 3 to 4 minutes. Continue to cook, swirling occasionally but avoiding stirring, and brushing down the sides of the pan with more water as needed to prevent crystallization. When mixture thickens and turns deep amber, carefully add butter, whisking until completely melted. Remove from the heat and slowly whisk in cream. Whisk in vanilla and salt and set aside to cool 10 minutes. Transfer to a lidded glass jar and set aside to cool completely.
The Pan de Elote:
1 14-ounce can Real California sweetened condensed milk
1 12-ounce can Real California evaporated milk
6 ounces Real California unsalted butter, melted
6 large eggs
1 cup cooked corn kernels
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/4 cup baking powder
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Maldon sea salt (to finish)
To prepare Pan de Elote, preheat oven to 350°F. Grease 3, 9-by-9-inch cake pans, line pans with parchment, and grease the parchment. Combine milks, butter, eggs, corn, flour, baking powder, and vanilla. Divide batter evenly between prepared pans (divide by weight for accuracy, if desired) and bake until a tester inserted into center of cakes comes out clean, 30 to 35 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Cut each pan into quarters.
To plate: Place a square of elote cake on a 6-inch plate. Using a medium size scoop, scoop a ball of the Queso Fresco ice cream and place on cake. Top with house made caramel and a sprinkle of Maldon sea salt.