How To Make Polvoron

Polvoron is powdered milk candy, made of flour, sugar butter and powdered milk. The flour is toasted, all the ingredients are mixed and shaped into round or oval-shaped molds. It is believe that making polvoron started during the American occupation to use up the huge amount of powdered milk brought in by the Americans. Polvoron over the years has become one of the most loved sweet Filipino delicacy.

Today, in the Philippines, there are many home based small business that are making polvoron and selling then in the market, you will even find it in the supermarket shelves and the traditional version have come a long way, now you will find polvoron and choco flavour, polvoron and pinipig, polovorn and nuts and the latest one is white and dark chocolate covered polvoron, they dipped the polvoron in chocolate, I haven't tried it but there must be a special technique or equipment they use because the polovorn will break before you can dipp it on the chocolate.

Polvoron is now becoming a favourite "pasalubong" gifts to overseas friends and family. It is easy to make, even the kids could help, my daughter enjoys moulding the polvoron and then straight to her mouth.

In the years that I have been making polvoron, I experimented adding flavours, like pinipig, nuts and chocolate, but I still like the traditional and original. Here is my recipe.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups of all purpose flour
• 2 cups powdered milk
• 1 1/2 cup melted butter
• 2 cups sugar

You will also need the following:

• Japanese paper or cellophane
• Polvoron Moulder - if you live overseas, polvoron moulder may be available in some Pinoy Stores in your area.

When I went back to the Philippines I bought these polvoron moulder at SM. There are round and oval moulders and they can be available in regular size or extra large.

What to Do:

1. On a pan, toast flour in a moderate heat for about 15 minutes, or until light brown, stir constantly to avoid burning.
2. Remove the pan and transfer the mixture on a big bowl.
3. Add the powdered milk, toss for another 3-4 minutes.
4. Add sugar and melted butter. Mix well.
5. Fill the mould with the mixture, press it hard by using a spoon, then release it, if it is still too loose, add more butter or olive oil. Make sure that you could pick up the polvoron without it crumbling straight away.
6. Place the polvoron in a airtight container, chill in the fridge until firm.
7. Carefully wrap the polvoron individually in japanese paper or cellophane.

Keep refrigerated until you want to eat them. You can store them on the fridge for about a week, or you can freeze them.

Home made Polvoron are wonderful food gift idea, by using colourful cellophane or Japanese papers, they give the polvoron a festive look,

They make great gifts during the holiday seasons and if you put them in a box or in a small basket and tie a ribbon in the traditional holiday colours of red and green.