From the Tropics: Bienmesabe Chiricano 
It has been a long time since I last surrendered to the fragrant aroma of the delicious "Bienmesabe." It was not because I was on a diet program or something absurd like -that-, it was because it is an uncommon Panamanian dessert prepared less and less mostly in the counrtyside. It takes almost a day to prepare in a wood stove, stirring constantly. But, the result is fantastic, delicious and such an unique flavour.
It is prepared using fresh raw milk from happy caws, rice, raspadura (panela) and spices. Cooking it at low temperature for long hours, stirring with a wood long spoon makes the trick for this sweet. Then, we make rounds using a leaf called "bijao" which we use for covering rices or stews, and desserts of course. We place the small round on top of a piece of bijao and let it cool completely before eating. Although I would easy devour a few warm if I am around. LOL!
But, what is the panela?, where does it come from?, and what can we prepare with it? Good question! ...I knew that your fancy would be triggered by my almost inadequate suspicion of your panela ignorance. Right? Do not take it personally, because you are not the only one. I know that it is a sad situation to be in, but I promise you will get over it. Well,...if you stick with us at least until you finish reading this postTricky huh? Read the CookingDiva on Raspadura now!
First I found it at the "Mirador" going to the town of Volcan, about 45 minutes from Boquete. Then, I discovered at the Bus station in David a few days ago when I dropped off some friends that were visiting in town. Oh my my dear sweet tooth, I am so glad I have it haha! It was difficult to take the time to take the photos, but the end came when my tastebuds danced of pure happiness!
Afortunados los que hemos probado "Bienmesabe"! Pasaron muchos años desde la última vez que mis papilas disfrutaran de la textura única de este postre tradicional Panameño, y no fué porque escogiera privarme por seguir una dieta absurda de esas muchas que he hecho en mi vida, sino porque cada vez este dulce es más escaso.
El procedimiento para prepararlo es largo, toma casi un día de cocimiento en fogón de leña, revolviendo constantemente con un cucharón de madera de mango largo para no quemarse el cocinero.
Se prepara utilizando leche cruda, arroz blanco, raspadura (piloncillo, panela) y especias. El cocinarlo por largas horas a fuego lento es el secreto de la textura y sabor único de este dulce. Luego de alcanzados textura y sabor buscados, se coloca una porción en "circulos" hechos con una hoja proveniente de una planta llamada "bijao" que se utiliza en la cocina tradicional Panameña para tapar arroces y otros platos, incluyendo postres por supuesto! Al utilizar esta hoja, lo cocinado adquiere un aroma único ahumado.
Para los que visitan la provincia de Chiriquí, podrán encontrar venta de este delicioso dulce en el "Mirador" casi llegando al pueblo de Volcán, al igual que en la terminal de autobuses en la ciudad de David.
Que tengan una dulce semana!
Chef Melissa
- by Chef Melissa
- October 19, 2008
- 6:23 pm
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Comments
10.19.08 at 06:38 PM |
Kind of a dulce de leche? Sounds and looks delicioso! Con que te comer esta dulce?
Good to see your back to posting, too far and few between, that means your having fun??
——-
10.19.08 at 09:06 PM |
Melissa! Qué bien que posteas nuevamente y regresas con un bienmesabe!! :D Me gustaría hacerlo pero eso del cocimiento lento me tiene pensándolo… jajaja :D Saludos!
10.19.08 at 09:44 PM |
melissaa, guardame pa noviembre… que voy para alla, jeje
10.19.08 at 09:58 PM |
Saludos Melissa!
Uyyy síii, este postre es riquísimo y el que venden allí en el Mirador, creo que se llama “La Cabaña”?...Me encanta….
Cuando visito Chiriquí procuro buscarlo y si alguien va…Lo Encargo!
De verdad es una delicia…debemos probar hacerlo, cierto?
Saludos,
GUADALUPE R.
10.21.08 at 10:36 AM |
Hola Jeremy! oh—thank you for your visit!!! Yes, I know…it was a long time since my last post. Promise not to happen again
Yes, this sweet is kind of a “manjar” Not so sweet like the dulce de leche, but it sure looks like one.
Antonio, DogJ, Guadalupe!!! Me encanta verles por aquí. Voy a tener que bloggear más de estos temas para recibir su visita más a menudo jaja
Un abrazo,
Melissa
10.22.08 at 01:23 PM |
yo necesito la receta! My mom loved reading your post. Seems her mom and grandmother both made bienmesebe. She recalls her grandmother’s being the best.
10.22.08 at 01:23 PM |
yo necesito la receta! My mom loved reading your post. Seems her mom and grandmother both made bienmesebe. She recalls her grandmother’s being the best.
10.22.08 at 01:23 PM |
yo necesito la receta! My mom loved reading your post. Seems her mom and grandmother both made bienmesebe. She recalls her grandmother’s being the best.
10.24.08 at 09:04 AM |
Thank you sending this desert idea… It is very interesting… I always like trying unique ideas… the pictures are great…
Thanks
Andy
http://www.recipebuddys.com
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