Receta Mom's Peera (Milk Fudge)
I asked a few friends and family members, including my mom, for their peera recipes. The most common one I received is that of batch #1 - one tin of evaporated milk to one tin of sugar. Batch #2 which is my mom's recipe is slightly different in that she adds spices and a little less sugar. I wanted to test both recipes to see if there was a big difference. The disparity came in the texture and flavor- both which were very good. Here's my breakdown:
Batch #1
- 1 12oz tin evaporated milk
- 1 tin white sugar (using the same evaporated milk tin as a measuring unit- this is actually 1 3/4 cup sugar)`
You'll notice this batch is lighter in color and also smoother. This is due to two reasons: 1. Removing the mixture from the heat earlier and beating it a little longer. 2. Rolling the mixture into balls right away while mixture is still hot. This batch was tasty except, I could taste the sugar granules as I smeared the peera on my tongue once it was set. If this is how you like your peera then by all means, enjoy! Overall, this batch tasted more like the Spanish fudge you could buy at a bodega that is sold in the little plastic containers. If you live in a metropolitan area, you may be familiar with this reference. It was certainly as tasty as it looks.
Batch #2
The second batch is darker in color and also a little bit stiffer. The darker color is a result of keeping the mixture on the stove longer towards the end, allowing the sugar to caramelize more. I prefer this way because the flavor is more pronounced and it is also how I grew up eating peera-slightly on the darker side. You'll also notice the second batch has cracks, this is because once the pot was removed from the heat, the mixture dried too much before being rolled into balls. I had to stop to take photos and unfortunately the peera mixture got a little stiff so when I rolled them, cracks appeared here and there, no biggie.
Both recipes were delicious and worthy of a great peera, if you decide to take on this challenge, remember to be patient (especially if it is your first time) and invite some family or friends over to help take shifts with the turning!