Filipino Halo-Halo (w/ Leche Flan)

Step 1

In a saucepan over medium heat, add ½ c cup of dark brown sugar and ¼ cup of water together. The liquid will begin to bubble so you will need to stir consistently to prevent the caramel from burning. Cook for about five minutes or until the liquid has the consistency of honey.

Step 2

After you get this consistency, reduce the heat to medium-low heat and add the sliced bananas into the pan. I like to spread the slices throughout the pan evenly. Continue to cook and stir for about six minutes or until the sauce has the consistency of molasses (see photo for consistency just as you stop cooking and remember that the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools).

Step 3

Remove the sauce from the heat and place into a glass container to cool to room temperature. Stir in the ⅛ teaspoon of salt and taste. If you want it less sweet, you can add water. If you want it sweeter you can add more sugar.

Step 4

Move the sauce into the fridge to chill before assembly.

Step 5

Gather all your ingredients and your glass. I like to use a tall glass so I can layer all the ingredients properly. I also like to chill all my ingredients in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before assembly so that I can enjoy a nice and cold dessert. It also prevents the shaved ice from melting.

Step 6

Banana sauce: this may thicken in the fridge, you can just stir it around to loosen it for easier layering. If it’s too thick, add one teaspoon of water and stir vigorously.

Step 7

Flan: slice the flan into about one by two-inch slices so it fits on top of the glasses.

Step 8

Shaved ice: use a strong blender to make shaved ice out of ice cubes OR use a snow cone/shaved ice machine. I used about four cups of ice for two servings.

Step 9

Assembly: (Please note these portions are suggestions, you can adjust however you please) Add about two tablespoons of macapuno to the bottom layer of glass. Then, add two tablespoons of the caramelized banana sauce on top. For the third layer, add half of the shaved ice (or how much you would like to add). Carefully, spoon ⅛ cup of evaporated milk over the shaved ice. At this point, I like to add a little bit more of shaved ice on top--about two teaspoons if you’re really counting. Finally, top with flan slices and a scoop of ice cream.

Step 10

Serve and eat immediately.