Pastillas traces back its origins to San Miguel, Bulacan where it began as a homemade milk soft candy in homes of farmers tending to cows. Pastillas de leche as its name implies is made with cow's or carabao's milk mixed with sugar and sometimes a bit of citrus.
Pastillas can also be flavored with different fruits and extracts that's why you'll find some stores carrying candies that come in mango, durian, ube, and more.
In Bulacan, they celebrate the Pastillas Festival annually since 2006. The intricate art of pabalat is also highlighted. The more traditional makers create elaborate pieces of artwork using colorful papel de hapon that is used to wrap the candy. Not a lot of people have continued this tradition, that's why it's even more special.
There are many ways to enjoy this milky confection, so we're listing down all the kinds you can get your hands on. We don't know about you, but we're ready to hoard!
Soft Pastillas
This is most likely the one you're more familiar with. They're usually wrapped in a cylindrical piece of paper and papel de hapon. These clouds of pillowy milky goodness are enrobed in sugar crystals.
Try: DVF Dairy Farm Pastillas de Leche
Hard Pastillas
These come in stick form and are a little denser than your regular Pastillas de Leche. Usually made with condensed milk and powdered milk in addition to fresh milk, the candy hardens as opposed to the original.
Filled Pastillas
For those who are looking for more, filled pastillas gives you the best of both worlds. That milky pastillas exterior and a surprise flavored center.
Try: Iya's Jumbo Pastillas Ube Filled Pastillas
Toasted Pastillas
The base is still the same for the toasted kind but the outside is lightly toasted in an oven so that the sugar coating caramelizes. The result is a marriage of textures that can be quite addictive.
Try: Taste N See Toasted Pastillas
Liquid Pastillas
Also known as Dulce Gatas in Negros, this is great for spreading on crackers, bread, or just about anything. It is made with pure carabao's milk and muscovado sugar and boiled down until it reaches a thick consistency.
Try: Ritual Dulce Gatas
Have you tried every kind of pastillas already? Which ones are your favorites?
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