- Argentine - Arroz con leche - Rice pudding

This popular dessert in Argentina has many qualities that go beyond flavour. It is affordable, easy to prepare, lasts well if properly refrigerated, is rich and nutritious and a favourite with children. It can be eaten cold or hot and this will change the taste.

INGREDIENTS · 1 litre milk · 8 T sugar · 5 T rice · 2 cinnamon sticks · 1 t vanilla essence to taste · zest of orange and lemon peel to taste

DIRECTIONS Boil the milk with the sugar and cinnamon in a big saucepan. When boiling point is reached, add the rice. Simmer gently, taking special care the rice doesn't stick. Add the lemon, orange peel and vanilla essence if you want to. Leave until the rice is almost done. Then take it off the heat. Note that the rice will continue to cook for some time after you take it off the heat. Serve warm or cold, with sprinkled ground cinnamon on top.

- Argentine - Alfajores de chocolate - Chocolate cookies

One of the best traditional sweet treats in Argentina; they are delicious and come in many flavours.

INGREDIENTS · ½ C cornstarch (60g) · 1 1/3 C plain flour (160g) · ½ C icing sugar · 150 g butter · 3 egg yolks · 4 sticks of melted chocolate · 1 t vanilla essence · caramel or dulce de leche · chopped nuts (optional to taste) Makes 12 alfajores

DIRECTIONS Sift the cornstarch and the flour and shape them into a crown on a clean table. In the centre, place the sifted sugar, chopped butter, egg yolks, melted chocolate and vanilla essence. Mix all the ingredients together, making a dough. Do not knead too much. Leave the dough in the fridge for half an hour. Roll it out, not too thin and cut with cookie cutter medallions, 3 cm in diameter. Place on baking sheets and bake in a regular oven (180degrees C) for 8 - 10 minutes. Remove. Allow to cool. Then put them into pairs spreading caramel in the centre. Roll chopped nuts over the edge of the caramel to taste.