Skip to main content

Mais con Yelo

4.1

(4)

photo of mais con hielo in sundae glasses
Photo by Joseph De Leo, Food Styling by Anna Stockwell

In the Philippines, mais con yelo is a traditional dessert of crushed ice layered with corn kernels and sweetened milk. For this version, inspired by the “special halo-halo” served at chef Jonathan Dario Salvador’s restaurant Inapuyan in Candon City, the milk and ice are combined with puréed corn to make a delicious granita, which is piled over fresh corn in syrup and topped with crunchy cornflakes. Read more.

Recipe information

  • Yield

    4 servings

Ingredients

4 ears of corn, kernels cut from cobs (2½–3 cups), cobs reserved
¾ cup heavy cream
¼ cup condensed milk
¼ cup evaporated milk
8 Tbsp. granulated sugar, divided
1¾ tsp. kosher salt, divided
¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. dark brown sugar
Cornflakes (for serving)

Preparation

  1. Step 1

    Set aside 1 cup corn kernels for the syrup. Transfer remaining kernels to a large bowl. Using the handle of a spoon or a butter knife, vigorously scape cobs over bowl to release any remaining bits of kernels and as much corn liquid as possible. Transfer kernels and liquid to a blender. Blend on high speed until liquefied as much as possible (there will still be some small chunks—that’s okay), about 1 minute. Transfer to a sheet of cheesecloth, then wring and twist bundle to release corn liquid into a medium bowl (you should have ¾–1 cup). Discard solids.

    Step 2

    Add cream, condensed milk, evaporated milk, 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar, ¾ tsp. salt, and 2 cups water to bowl with corn liquid and whisk to combine. Pour mixture into a 13x9" baking dish. Freeze until icy around the edges, about 30 minutes. Using a fork, scrape granita every 30 minutes until ice crystals are thick, icy, and flaky, about 2 hours. Cover tightly and freeze until ready to use.

    Step 3

    Meanwhile, bring brown sugar, remaining 6 Tbsp. granulated sugar, remaining 1 tsp. salt, and 1 cup water to a boil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until syrup is glossy and slightly thickened but still runny, 10–15 minutes. Add reserved 1 cup corn, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook, stirring occasionally, until sauce is thickened to the consistency of maple syrup and corn is cooked through, about 3 minutes. Let cool, then chill in an airtight container until ready to serve.

    Step 4

    Divide syrup and corn among sundae glasses. Top with granita. Sprinkle with cornflakes.

    Step 5

    Do Ahead: Granita and syrup can be made 5 days ahead. Keep granita tightly wrapped in freezer. Transfer syrup to an airtight container and chill.

Read More
Berbere is a spicy chile blend that has floral and sweet notes from coriander and cardamom, and when it’s paired with a honey glaze, it sets these wings apart from anything else you’ve ever had.
This sheetcake version of Italian cassata houses a booze-soaked spongecake and sweet ricotta under a blanket of green marzipan dotted with candied fruit.
An immediately familiar and comforting dish from Agnes and Sherman in Houston.
With dramatic choux layers and fruit-rippled cream, it’s the drag queen of Polish desserts.
The golden, crunchy corners are worth fighting over.
The secret to flavorful, never-greasy eggplant parm? Brine the eggplant first.
Apple pie in doughnut hole form? We’re in love.
A birthday favorite in the Bon Appétit Test Kitchen.