Our First Christmas in Quito and Our First Rompope with a twist

December 23, 2019 SouthAmerica

It has been four months ago since we moved to Quito. This will be our first Christmas here and as far as I can tell. It looks like it will be a very nice Christmas for us.

We were used to having a fresh Christmas tree; we used to get a Noble Fir Christmas tree, and it was fun to decorate it. It was also a cold Christmas, whereas a nice cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas cocktail wasn’t a miss.

Now, while in Quito, we have noticed that people decorate their homes, with artificial Christmas trees, lights, some other pieces of decorations, and we like that. It shows Christmas spirit, that we thought we will miss. The malls started decorating their premises in November, along with playing Christmas music.

All of them have their own theme. We also visited a store that specializes on Christmas stuff. That place was well supplied. With many options available for decorating a tree, based on specific trending motives. They had trees decorated by color; blue, red, golden, silver, white, and it is very much like stores in the United States.

There are plastic trees of different sizes, shapes, colors, and types. Decorative pine cones are also available, which surprised me. Many lights, for outdoors, and indoors. Ecuador’s electrical voltage is 120 as in the United States. This makes all the difference from other countries in South America, broadening the options here.

In Quito one placed we visited is Parque Carolina, one of the main city parks. Every year during Christmas season, vendors come to this park with many Christmas decorations and live trees. This place came as a surprise to us because prices are better than at malls, and the location is also good. We are definitely doing our Christmas shopping here.

southamericatotheworld.com — Carolina Park during Christmas season

While we were in the United States of America, we tried to share a South American traditional Christmas cocktail, this year won’t be any different. It excites us to try a traditional Ecuadorian cocktail while in Ecuador. Rompope is the name of this cocktail. We hope you try it and bring some taste of South America to your table during the holidays.

Rompope Cocktail

The Rompope as many other Christmas cocktails is based on milk, but I am trying it with almond milk instead.

Ingredients:

1 box of almond milk I am using Nature’s Heart almond milk

6 big egg yolks or 8 medium size

½ cup white sugar

2 Cinnamon sticks

6 Cloves

6 Sweet peppercorns

½ tsp. Vanilla

Nutmeg (optional)

½ cup Rum

Preparation:

In a pot add the milk and spices and bring to a gentle boil. This could take 20 minutes approximately. While getting warm take ½ cup of milk out and leave at side.

Once the milk has absorbed all the flavors. It is time to pass it through a sieve, and pour back into the same pot. Then, let cool down to a warm temperature.

In the meantime, whisk the egg yolks until fully mixed and creamy.

Then, take the cup of milk we left aside and start pouring it slowly into the whisked egg yolk. Do this by whisking and adding the warm milk in small batches to avoid cooking the egg yolks. We want to incorporate the egg yolks into the milk. We have to adjust the egg yolks temperature progressively. Therefore, we do it first with one cup of warm milk.

Once we have incorporated the milk into the egg yolk. We will add this mixture into the remaining warm milk. Bring it to a gentle boil until it start to thicken. Transfer to another bowl or pitcher, to speed down the cooling process.

Once the milk mixture has cool down, add the rum. Adjust the amount of rum to your liking. The Rompope is ready! Refrigerate in a pitcher or bottle until it is time to serve.

Salud with Ecuadorian Rompope!