Yema Balls

Sweets Made from Egg yolk and Milk

Yema balls, as Filipino confections, are sweets made from milk and egg yolk.

It is cooked until thick, then rolled in sugar before wrapping in colored cellophane.

Yema is actually a Spanish confection made with egg yolk and sugar. Literally, it means yolk.

This yema recipe tastes like a candied Leche Flan.

The book Culture and Customs of Spain by Edward F. Stanton states,

"Andalucia's convents offer heavenly temptations lovingly prepared by nuns who follow ancient recipes.. mantecados and polvorones...yemas...

Some of these treats(yema) still bear the names of the famous nuns or convents : yemas de Santa Teresa from the Carmelite nuns of Avila, yemas de San Leandro from Sevilla, yemas de San Pablo from the religious order in Caceres".

Interesting to know where our Yema confections most possibly came from, isn't it?

YOUR YEMA BALLS SHOPPING LIST:

  • Condensed Milk

IN THE PANTRY:

  • Egg
  • Sugar

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 14 oz. can Condensed Milk
  • 4 Egg yolks, Large
  • few drops of lemon extract
  • 1/2 cup Sugar, for rolling

COOKING TIME : 40 minutes

PREPARATION TIME : 20 minutes

(Cooling time not included)

1 Beat the egg yolks with the condensed milk and lemon extract to mix thoroughly.

2 Cook over low heat for 30 - 35 minutes or until thick, stirring constantly.

3 Cool for a couple hours before forming.

4 Using a melon baller or small ice cream scooper, portion into small balls.

5 Form into balls and roll in sugar.

6 Wrap in colored cellophane and serve.


BENG'S TIPS

  • If available, try to use a non-stick Teflon pan so the mix doesn't stick to the pan.

  • You can substitute Vanilla Extract for the Lemon Extract.

  • Using a melon baller or a small ice cream scooper makes the portioning easier and more uniform. If you don't have them, you can use a 1/4 measuring cup and split it into half.

  • Very Important : Dab your hand and fingers with a little water when forming the balls so the yema won't stick too much.

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