**Acrosticos: A Sweet Treat with Many Variations**
Acrosticos, also known as alfajores, are a traditional Latin American pastry that consists of two round, shortbread-like cookies sandwiched together with a layer of dulce de leche. They are often coated in coconut or chocolate and can be served plain or filled with other ingredients, such as fruit or nuts. Acrosticos are a popular dessert in many countries, and there are many different recipes for them. In this article, we will explore the world of acrosticos and provide you with three delicious recipes to try at home. From the classic alfajor to variations filled with dulce de membrillo or Nutella, there is an acrostico for everyone to enjoy. So, gather your ingredients and let's get started on creating these delightful treats!
SMOKED BONITO
This method will work on any small oily fish, so any of the bonito or bonito-like fish discussed here, as well as Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, really larger regular mackerel, and small skipjack or blackfin tuna.
Provided by Hank Shaw
Categories Appetizer Cured Meat
Time 11h10m
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Dissolve the salt an sugar in the water. Soak the bonito fillets in this brine, in the fridge, for 4 to 12 hours; 8 hours is my sweet spot.
- Remove the fish from the brine and set on a rack over a tray, skin side down. Let these rest, uncovered, in the fridge up to a day or two, but at least 1 hour. You can also let them rest at cool room temperature in a breezy place, like under a ceiling fan or near an open window, for an hour or two.
- Get your smoker ready. I prefer alder wood here, but any fruit wood is nice, too, apple and cherry especially. Slick the skins of the bonito with some oil and lay them on the smoker grates. Smoke over low heat, as low as you can go, for up to 3 hours, or until they are nicely bronzed. I set my Traeger at 165F for this.
- Remove the fish from the smoker and let cool to room temperature before vacuum sealing and storing. They will keep in the fridge a week, and up to a year in the freezer. Or, eat them hot!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 862 kcal, Carbohydrate 54 g, Protein 106 g, Fat 22 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 172 mg, Sodium 42703 mg, Sugar 53 g, ServingSize 1 serving
BALSAMIC-GLAZED APRICOTS WITH RICOTTA CLOUDS
Steps:
- In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter and cook until the foam subsides. Place the apricots cut side down in the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until apricots are slightly tender and warmed through, 5 to 6 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinegar and the honey. When apricots are ready, and add honey-balsamic mixture to the skillet. Increase the heat to medium-high and cook, stirring frequently, until the apricots have cooked through and the glaze is bubbling, uniformly coating the apricots. To serve, place a scoop of ricotta on each serving plate, top with 2 apricot halves and drizzle with the honey-balsamic glaze from the skillet.
CHARRED SPICED BONITO TACOS
For some reason, small tunas like the bonito are not as popular fresh as the large yellowfin and bigeye tunas. Bonito has a delicate yet rich flavor. In this recipe, the fish is highly seasoned, grilled, and then broken up into pieces with the tines of a fork and used as the filling for tacos. The slight bitterness from the grilling combined with the smoky richness of the seasoned fish is a perfect excuse to experiment with several salsas as accompaniments. I particularly recommend Charred Tomato Mint Salsa. Don't forget to have plenty of soft, fresh tortillas on hand.
Provided by Reed Hearon
Yield Serves 4
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Light the grill. In a medium-sized, nonreactive bowl, toss the fish with lime juice, 1/4 cup olive oil, and Chipotle Rub. Cover, refrigerate, and let marinate about 1 hour. Oil grill and cook fish over a hot fire until lightly charred and medium-rare (it should still be pink in the middle), about 3 minutes.
- In a warm bowl (so fish does not cool too much), shred fish. Taste for seasoning and sprinkle with a little more Chipotle Rub and lime juice, if needed. Top with radish and scallion and serve warm with salsa and tortillas.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better the acrostic recipe will taste. This is especially true for fruits and vegetables.
- Choose a variety of colors: Acrostic recipes are more visually appealing when they have a variety of colors. This can be achieved by using different fruits, vegetables, and herbs.
- Balance the flavors: Acrostic recipes should have a balance of sweet, sour, salty, and bitter flavors. This can be achieved by using a variety of ingredients and adjusting the proportions of each ingredient.
- Garnish the acrostic recipe: A simple garnish can make a big difference in the presentation of an acrostic recipe. Try using fresh herbs, citrus zest, or edible flowers.
Conclusion:
Acrostic recipes are a fun and creative way to enjoy your favorite foods. They are perfect for parties, potlucks, and other special occasions. With a little planning and effort, you can create delicious and beautiful acrostic recipes that will impress your friends and family.
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