Cajeta Gelatin Recipes

CAJETA GELATIN

Steps:

• Spray 8 (6-oz) custard cups with cooking spray. In small microwavable bowl, sprinkle gelatin on water. Let stand about 2 minutes to soften. Microwave on High 30 to 45 seconds, stirring after 15 seconds, until gelatin is dissolved.
• In 2-quart saucepan, heat evaporated milk over medium heat until hot. DO NOT BOIL. Stir in cajeta until well blended. Stir in gelatin mixture and 2 tablespoons brandy. Pour into custard cups. Cover with plastic wrap; refrigerate about 8 hours or until set.
• In small bowl, mix egg yolks and sugar. In 1-quart saucepan, heat whipping cream just to boiling over low heat. Stir small amount of whipping cream into egg yolk mixture; slowly stir mixture into whipping cream in saucepan. Cook over low heat about 10 minutes, stirring constantly, until custard coats a spoon. DO NOT BOIL. Remove from heat. Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons brandy. Cover surface with waxed paper. Cool 15 minutes. Refrigerate until mixture is cold, at least 4 hours or overnight, until serving time.
• To unmold, run knife around edge of cups to loosen; turn upside down onto individual dessert plates. Garnish with mint leaves. Serve with crème anglaise. Cover and refrigerate any remaining gelatin.

CAJETA

Steps:

• In a large, heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, and vanilla and place over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the dissolved baking soda. When the bubbling stops, return the pan to the heat, bring back to a simmer, and cook, stirring often, for 1 hour, or until the mixture starts to thicken and turn golden. At this point the cajeta will start to thicken fast, so don't leave the pan unattended. Continue to cook, stirring constantly so it doesn't burn or stick to the bottom of the pan, for another 20 minutes, or until the cajeta is a rich brown color and thick enough to coat the back of the spoon. It should cool to a medium-thick caramel consistency. If it's too thick, add a small amount of water; if it's too thin, continue to cook until thickened.
• Transfer to a container, let cool, then cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Warm slightly before serving. It will keep for about 1 month in the refrigerator.

PALETAS DE CAJETA

Steps:

• Combine 1 1/2 cups of the half-and-half with the sugar and salt in a saucepan. If using the vanilla bean, scrape the seeds into the mixture, then add the pod. Cook over medium heat, stirring, until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and stir in the cajeta and the remaining 1 1/2 cups half-and-half. If using vanilla extract, stir it in at this point. Let cool slightly, then discard the vanilla bean pod and refrigerate the mixture until completely chilled.
• Divide the mixture among the molds, leaving enough room for the pecans. If using conventional molds, don't snap on the lids yet. Freeze until the mixture has a slushy consistency, about 30 minutes. (This will prevent the pecans from sinking to the bottom.)
• Drop the pecans into the ice pops, dividing them evenly among the molds. If they float, push them down with a small spoon or ice pop stick.
• If using conventional molds, snap on the lid and freeze until solid, about 3 to 4 hours. If using glasses or other unconventional molds, freeze until the pops are beginning to set (45 minutes to 1 hour), then insert the sticks and freeze until solid, 3 to 4 hours.
• If using an instant ice pop maker, gently fold the pecans into the cajeta mixture prior to filling the molds and follow the manufacturer's instructions.