Polvoron
​Betty Ann Besa-Quirino
Cookbook Author and Food Writer

Polvoron

Polvoron comes from the word polvo which is Spanish for ‘powder’. Polvoron, the powdered candy is a classic Filipino favorite dessert or snack which tastes like a sweet, crumbled version of shortbread cookies.

It consists of powdered milk, flour, sugar and melted butter. For the traditional candy, simply combine the ingredients and shape them into delightful round or oval-shaped treats that measure anywhere from 1 to 2-inches in length, depending on the size of your polvoron molds. One can buy the polvoron candy mold from Amazon or other online sources.
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But if you don’t have the time to shape and wrap them in colorful crepe papers, then here’s what you can do. Put the powdered concoction in small jars. Tie a bright red ribbon around it. Attach your cheery holiday message with a brief explanation of the Polvoron in a Jar. Give them as presents.

​- Betty Ann Quirino


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ingredients

Equipment

• Mason jars - 4 oz. each; Polvoron candy mold

Ingredients

• 1 cup melted unsalted butter
• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup powdered milk
• 3/4 cup granulated sugar​

Procedure

• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat for about 8 minutes. Or microwave on high for one minute. Set the melted butter aside to cool.
• In a large skillet or wok, with a clean, dry surface, add the flour. Over medium-high heat, using a wooden spoon, mix the flour around to toast. In about 8 to 10 minutes, the flour’s color turns from white to a light brown. There will be a nutty aroma coming from the skillet. This is a sign the flour is now toasted. (Note: do not leave the flour unattended. Stir it continuously or it can burn and will affect the outcome).
• Remove toasted flour from the stovetop and transfer to a large mixing bowl. Let it cool on the counter for 5 minutes.
• Add the powdered milk and sugar to the flour. Mix well.
• Gradually add the melted butter to the dry ingredients, mixing well till it is incorporated.
• Cool the powdered mixture on the counter for at least 30 minutes or until it reaches room temperature.
• Fill each jar with the polvoron powder. This recipe fills about 3 (4 oz. each) mason glass jars. Wrap with bright-colored ribbons for gifts.