Bolivia's Favorite Sweet Treats: Exploring The Country's Candy Culture

Bolivia is known for its salt flats and sweeping scenery, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to confectionery. One of the most popular candies in Bolivia is cocadas, a type of cookie made with coconut, condensed milk, and macadamia nuts. These cookies are a popular treat not just in Bolivia, but all over South America and other Latin American countries. They are typically shaped into spheres with flat bottoms and are often sold as street food or in bakeries. Another popular candy in Bolivia is called Alfajores, which are sandwich cookies with a layer of Dulce de Leche in the centre.

Coconut macaroons, or cocadas, are a popular candy in Bolivia

Cocadas are made with a combination of shredded coconut, eggs, and condensed milk. Some recipes also include macadamia nuts. The "dough" for these cookies is quick and easy to make, and the cookies themselves are baked in the oven for around 25 minutes. They are a great gluten-free option, as the cookies are not made with traditional dough.

Traditionally, cocadas were made in a baking pan like a cake and then cut into triangles. Today, they are often shaped into spheres with flat bottoms, similar to coconut macaroons. They can also be made into long, thin shapes, or formed into flat cookies, squares, or rectangles. In Venezuela, the word "Cocada" refers to a drink.

Cocadas are a versatile treat, enjoyed at any time of the day, from morning until night. They can be served with a cup of coffee or as an after-dinner treat. They are a delicious, sweet, caramel-y cookie with a soft and chewy texture.

If you're looking for a tasty treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, cocadas are definitely worth trying!

Alfajores are mouth-watering cookie sandwiches that are a must-try

If you're planning a trip to Bolivia, you'll want to make sure you try the country's traditional confectionery. One treat that should be at the top of your list is Alfajores. These delicious cookies are a must-try when visiting Bolivia. But be warned—you won't be able to stop at just one!

Alfajores are soft, tender cookies with a layer of Dulce de Leche in the centre, giving them a melt-in-your-mouth texture. They are often rolled in grated coconut and are a nostalgic treat for many adults in the nation. The cookies have an interesting history, too. Contrary to popular belief, Alfajores actually have Arab connections and came into existence during the Arab annexation of Spain in the 8th century. The original version has gone through many changes, and the current sandwich cookie with a soft caramel, coconut interior has been perfected and accepted as a favourite in Bolivia.

You can find Alfajores in local bakeries or from street vendors, which are the most common places to purchase these decadent treats. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even try making them yourself! The "dough" for these cookies is quick and easy to make, and you'll only need a few simple ingredients: flour, sugar, butter, and Dulce de Leche. So, what are you waiting for? Add Alfajores to your must-try list for your next trip to Bolivia or your next baking adventure!

Salteñas are a traditional Bolivian street food with sweet and savoury fillings

Salteñas are a type of hand-held pie that is a traditional Bolivian street food. They are similar in concept to the British pasty or the Jamaican patty, but with a unique sweet and savoury flavour profile. The pastry is made with corn flour and a splash of cognac, and the filling typically includes a combination of meat, potatoes, eggs and olives, with a sweet element provided by raisins or other dried fruits. Salteñas are often served with a hot sauce or chilli condiment to enhance the sweet and savoury flavours.

The exact origins of salteñas are unclear, but they are thought to have been introduced to Bolivia by immigrants from Spain or the Middle East in the late 19th or early 20th century. Over time, the recipe was adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients, resulting in the unique sweet and savoury pastry we know today.

While the basic concept of a hand-held pie filled with meat and vegetables is universal, there are several features that make salteñas uniquely Bolivian. The use of corn flour in the pastry, for example, is a nod to the country's indigenous culinary traditions, as corn has been a staple food in the region for thousands of years. The addition of cognac to the pastry is also a distinctive feature, adding a subtle sweetness and complexity to the flavour.

The fillings of salteñas can vary depending on the region and the chef's personal recipe, but they typically include a combination of beef, chicken or pork, with potatoes, eggs, olives and raisins. The raisins are essential to the distinctive sweet-savoury flavour profile of salteñas, and their inclusion illustrates the influence of indigenous Bolivian ingredients and flavour preferences.

Today, salteñas are an iconic part of Bolivian cuisine and are enjoyed by people from all walks of life. They are typically eaten as a snack or light meal and are readily available from street vendors and markets throughout the country. For those with a sweet tooth, salteñas offer a unique and satisfying combination of sweet and savoury flavours that is unlike anything else in the world.

Empanadas de queso are a Bolivian version of empanadas with a gooey cheese centre

The Bolivian empanada is just one of many variations of this popular pastry found across Latin America and beyond. Empanadas are believed to have originated in Spain or Portugal, and were likely brought to Latin America by colonisers. Over time, the dish has been adapted to suit local tastes and ingredients, resulting in the diverse array of empanadas we see today.

In Bolivia, the empanadas de queso are typically made with a corn flour dough, which is then filled with cheese and sometimes other ingredients such as potatoes or meat. The filled dough is then either baked or fried, resulting in a crispy exterior and a gooey cheese centre.

While empanadas de queso are a popular breakfast or teatime snack, they can also be enjoyed as a hearty meal, especially when filled with meat or vegetables. This versatility makes them a favourite option for both locals and tourists alike.

In addition to empanadas de queso, Bolivia also has its own unique take on other sweet treats. For example, cocadas, a type of cookie made with coconut, condensed milk, and macadamia nuts, are a popular candy in Bolivia and other South American countries. Bolivia is also known for its deep-fried confections, such as buñuelos, which are similar to jalebis and are often enjoyed as a street food.

Cuñapé is a traditional dish from Eastern Bolivia made with white cheese, egg, and yam flour

Cuñapé is a traditional dish from Eastern Bolivia, specifically Santa Cruz, and is often sold as street food. It is made with white cheese, egg, and yucca (also known as cassava or tapioca starch or yam flour).

To make Cuñapés, you will need the following ingredients:

• Freshly grated cheese (preferably Queso Fresco)
• Yucca starch or tapioca flour
• Sugar
• Milk
• Salt (if the cheese is not salty)
• Baking powder (optional)

First, preheat your oven to 419°F (217°C for European ovens, or 450°F for an American oven). In a large bowl, mix the grated cheese, starch or flour, sugar, and salt (if needed). Next, add the milk gradually until you have a smooth, but not dry, dough. If the dough is too sticky, you can add a little more starch or flour. You can also add an egg to the mixture, but this may require a small amount of milk to be added as well.

Once the dough is ready, place it on a table or board sprinkled with starch or flour and knead it until it is smooth and even. Then, divide the dough into small balls and use your forefinger to make a small hole or indentation in the bottom of each one. Place the cuñapés on a baking sheet sprinkled with starch or flour, ensuring that the holes are in direct contact with the sheet.

Bake the cuñapés for 15-25 minutes, or until they are golden. They are best served warm, and the crispy outside with the melted, soft cheese inside makes them a delicious and satisfying snack.

Cuñapé is just one example of the unique and tasty traditional dishes that Bolivia has to offer.

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