Milhojas

milhojas

Argentina is a land of rich cultural traditions, steeped in the history and pride of its people. It is a country celebrated for its passion for music, dance, and of course, food. Argentinian cuisine incorporates a diverse mix of flavors and cooking styles, reflecting the many influences that have shaped the country over the centuries.

One of the most iconic and beloved Argentinian desserts is the milhojas, a delicate pastry that translates as “a thousand layers”. It is a decadent treat that takes time and patience to make, but the result is well worth the effort. Milhojas is a dessert that is often enjoyed at special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, or holidays, and is a staple in the country’s pastry shops and cafes.

Milhojas consist of layers of thin, flaky pastry known as “puff pastry” that are filled with creamy dulce de leche and topped with mounds of whipped cream. Dulce de leche is a caramel-like spread that is made by slowly simmering sweetened milk until it becomes thick and sticky. It is a popular ingredient in Argentinian desserts and is often enjoyed on its own or used to flavor cakes, cookies, and ice cream.

The key to making milhojas is to achieve perfectly crisp, buttery layers of pastry. This requires careful handling and attention to detail. The pastry needs to be rolled out thinly and then repeatedly folded and rolled to create dozens of layers. Each layer needs to be brushed with melted butter to ensure that it crisps up in the oven.

Once the pastry is baked to a golden brown, it is allowed to cool before being stacked with layers of dulce de leche and whipped cream. The final result is a dessert that is both light and decadent, with the creamy sweetness of the dulce de leche perfectly balanced by the airy puff pastry and the luscious whipped cream.

Milhojas is a dessert that embodies the warmth and hospitality of Argentinian culture. It is a sweet reminder of the deep connections that exist between food, family, and community. Making milhojas is a labor of love, a way to share a piece of one’s self with others. It is a dessert that celebrates the richness of life, the joys of friendship, and the beauty of simple pleasures.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of puff pastry dough
  • 2 cups of dulce de leche
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
  • Powdered sugar (for dusting)
  • Fresh berries or fruit (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Take the puff pastry dough out of the freezer and let it thaw at room temperature for about 20 minutes.

  2. Once the puff pastry dough has thawed, use a rolling pin to roll it out thinly. Cut the dough into rectangles of equal size, then use a fork to prick holes all over the surface of each rectangle.

  3. Place the dough rectangles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until they are golden brown and puffed up.

  4. While the pastry is baking, make the whipped cream by beating the heavy cream, sugar, and vanilla extract together with an electric mixer until it forms stiff peaks.

  5. Once the pastry is done, let it cool completely before assembling the Milhojas. To assemble, place one layer of the puff pastry on a flat surface, spread a layer of dulce de leche on top, and then add a layer of whipped cream. Repeat this process, layering the pastry, dulce de leche, and whipped cream until you have 3-4 layers.

  6. Once you have assembled the Milhojas, dust the top with powdered sugar and add berries or fruit on top if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later!