Courtesy of Haiti Observer
Haitian Akasan is a popular indigenous cornmeal drink that can be served hot or cold, in a cup or a dish. It’s a particular Sunday morning breakfast favourite in Haiti. Try one this National Nutrition Month!
Ingredients:
• 2 sticks of cinnamon
• 1 cup of corn flour (very fine)
• Brown or white sugar (to taste)
• 4-6 anise stars
• 1 can of evaporated milk (12 ounces)
• Dash of salt
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• Lime zest
Instructions:
1) Bring to a boil 4 cups of water flavored with the cinnamon, anise stars and salt.
2) In 1 cup of cold water, mix the corn flour thoroughly with a dash of salt.
3) Turn the heat down under the boiling flavored water and pour corn and water solution slowly into the boiling water while stirring.
4) Keep stirring for about five minutes until the mixture becomes thick in consistency. For a grainier texture from the cornmeal, cook for an additional 2 minutes.
5) Put in vanilla extract, can of evaporated milk and lime zest.
6) Remove cinnamon sticks and anise stars before consuming.
7) For a warm drink, do not refrigerate and serve with sugar and warm evaporated milk added to your taste.
8) Alternately, allow the drink to completely cool and then refrigerate.
9) If consuming cold, keep refrigerated overnight and serve with sugar and evaporated milk, added to your taste as you would when drinking coffee.
Courtesy of Haiti Observer