A different December

When we hear the word December, we soon think of Christmas, parties, trips and everything that the end of the year announces. This year, specifically, is different, we are different, or we should be. From time to time, the planet makes a point of reminding us that we are a speck of sand within an immensity called the universe and that every action has a reaction.

End of year is a time for renewal, reflection, balance and learning; a time when we are bombarded with messages of love, forgiveness and the incessant search for happiness. But are we really on the right track? Is the daily exchange for screens instead of a good conversation, there face to face, washed down with coffee and a fresh cake being a fair exchange? Well, without technology we can no longer live, but we can make those moments, where emotions take over us, something better, more loving and humane.

Nothing more cozy than a good afternoon coffee with people who make us feel good, those who live with us daily and my suggestion is Rabatada de Panettone (or Chocotone), which can also be called French Toast de Panettone. To accompany, an Iced coffee!

Ingredients
1 Panettone or Chocotone 500g
2 cups of milk
1/2 cup of condensed milk (or 1/2 cup of sugar)
2 eggs
Butter to grill (if you prefer, use some vegetable oil)

Preparation mode
Pour the panettone or chocotone and slice into large “slices”, about 2 fingers wide. Then cut the slices into a “cross shape”, it will result in 4 triangular pieces with a rounded base. Repeat the process for the rest of the panettone and set aside.
Mix milk, condensed milk (or sugar) and eggs in a bowl, beat well to mix. Carefully place the pieces of panettone or chocotone in the mixture to stay well hydrated, leave for approximately 3 minutes on each side.
In a hot non-stick frying pan, place the butter or oil and grill the pieces carefully, so as not to break. Do not turn until the first side is already golden brown.
Another option is to grease a pan and bake at 180 °, for 10 minutes each side, or until golden, like toast.

Tip: Serve with chocolate sauce or caramelized fruits, such as bananas or strawberries.

For Iced coffee …

After preparing the coffee, as you normally do, let it stay at room temperature. Beat in a blender, half a glass of milk with ice and half a spoon of cinnamon coffee, return the mixture to the glass and fill it with coffee.

I hope you like it, that these recipes yield great conversations, sonorous laughter and the feelings of sorority so necessary in this difficult year. Enjoy your food!

Written article for the newspaper A Cidade Ubatuba