July/August's Flavor of The Month - Dulce de Leche & Watermelon

Flavor of The Month - Dulce de Leche & Watermelon

Introduction Dulce de Leche - Milk Caramel

The origins of The Dulce de Leche, the delicious filling in our Alfajores, is as complex as mysterious as the history of Latin America. One thing we can say for sure is that it is a by product of the cultural exchange that took place with the encounter of Spanish and Native American Cultures. This great cultural exchange is not only responsible for the globalization of such native american products like potatoes, cocoa beans, peanuts, chili peppers, yucca, and tomatoes to name a few, but also the creation of perhaps over twenty variations of what we commonly know as Dulce de Leche, Caramel, Manjar Blanco, Dulce de Leite, or Cajeta.
One popular legend says that in the 1800's a African-slave was boiling milk and sugar for her masters and she go distracted, allowing the milk to slowly burn creating the first unintentional batch of Dulce de Leche. However, written records in Mexico and Peru dating back as early at the 1500's already make mention of this delicious milk and sugar mixture, and earlier records exist in Andalusia of a variation called "Leche Quemada" (burnt milk).
In the long run, it really doesn't matter where it was first created, perhaps the recipe for Dulce de Leche has always existed in our hearts and perhaps professor Gonzalez-Viaña or Gabriel Garcia Marquez will clarify it's origins in their literary adventures clarifying once and for all how the tragic history of sugar and milk came to create such a delicious treat for our souls.

The Humble Watermelon

Watermelons have been part of the human diet for thousands of years, and have been available worldwide for centuries. Watermelon motives have been found in the ancient Egyptian tombs and wall paintings. Watermelons are believed to be native to the African continent. Watermelons were introduced to The United States by African Slaves. Because of the soil and climate conditions in the Southern States were ideal for growing watermelons; the region has always been identified with our love for the humble melon. Today it is grown in all warm parts of the country, with California, Texas and Florida being the top three largest growers. Try one of our delicious Watermelon Marshmallows! Use them to top ice cream, make smores or watermelon flavored rice-crispy treats.

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