Bird's milk

Nostalgic Bird's Milk Dessert: A Delight That's Easy to Make

This simple and delicious dessert, known as "bird's milk," is a recipe that will remind you of the beautiful moments of your childhood. It combines the delicate taste of milk with the sweetness of whipped egg whites, resulting in a light yet incredibly satisfying dessert. Perfect for those days when you crave something sweet but want to put in minimal effort in the kitchen. Let's embark on this culinary journey together!

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
- 750 ml milk
- 2 eggs (separate the whites from the yolks)
- 7 tablespoons powdered sugar
- A pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- Vanilla extract (to taste)

Step by Step

Step 1: Preparing the Milk
In a medium pot, bring the milk to a boil along with one tablespoon of powdered sugar. It's important to use fresh, quality milk, as it will influence the final taste of the dessert. Once the milk starts to boil, reduce the heat and let it warm for a few minutes before turning off the heat. This step will create a creamy and flavorful base for our dessert.

Step 2: Preparing the Egg Whites
In a large bowl, add the egg whites and a pinch of salt. Use an electric mixer to beat them until they double in volume and become fluffy. Gradually add the 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the vanilla extract, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes firm and glossy. It's essential to beat the egg whites properly to achieve airy and light peaks.

Step 3: Forming the Meringues
Using a spoon, scoop portions of the egg white foam and carefully place them in the pot with warm milk. Let the meringues cook for 2 minutes on one side, then flip them with a spatula or spoon, being careful not to break them. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the milk and place them on a serving platter. Now, the meringues are ready to be topped with a creamy sauce!

Step 4: Preparing the Egg Yolk Sauce
In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks with the 3 tablespoons of powdered sugar and the tablespoon of cornstarch. Add a few tablespoons of warm milk from the pot to temper the yolks, mixing constantly. Then, pour this mixture into the pot with the milk in a thin stream. Continue to stir constantly until the sauce thickens, making sure it doesn't boil to avoid curdling the yolks. Finally, add the vanilla extract.

Step 5: Assembling the Dessert
Pour the thick sauce over the meringues, ensuring they are well covered. Allow the dessert to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for a few hours. It's best to let it chill thoroughly, as the flavors will intensify and the texture will become more enjoyable.

Chef's Tip
For an extra burst of flavor, you can add lemon or orange zest while preparing the sauce. Additionally, a delicious variation is to serve the dessert with caramel sauce or fresh fruits like strawberries or raspberries. These will add a touch of freshness and a splash of color to your dessert.

Nutritional Benefits
This dessert is an excellent source of protein due to the eggs and contains calcium from the milk, making it a good choice for a sweet snack. It's important to enjoy the dessert in moderation, considering the added sugar content. One serving has approximately 250 calories, and these values may vary depending on the ingredient variations.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use lactose-free milk?
Yes, you can use lactose-free milk for this recipe, and the dessert will still taste delicious.

2. How can I make the dessert less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar added to the egg whites and the yolk sauce, adjusting it to your taste preferences.

3. Is it possible to use quail eggs?
Yes, you can use quail eggs, but you will need to adjust the proportions since a quail egg is smaller than a chicken egg. Approximately 6-8 quail eggs will replace the 2 chicken eggs.

Serving Suggestions
This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a flavored tea, offering a pleasant contrast between sweet and bitter. Additionally, a scoop of vanilla or fig ice cream alongside the bird's milk will turn the meal into an unforgettable experience.

In conclusion, bird's milk dessert is a wonderful choice for moments when you want to treat yourself or bring a touch of nostalgia into your life. With simple ingredients and an easy-to-follow method, you'll create a dessert that not only looks great but tastes amazing. Make it with love and enjoy it with your loved ones! Bon appétit!