Just as we thought we’d never see another warm day again, spring has snuck up behind us and yelled “Boo!” It seems as though the city has doubled in size now that everyone is waking up from hibernation and taking to the streets.
Here at Blu we’ve set up outdoor seating so you can enjoy some people watching and also once again we’re brewing Mighty Leaf’s classic iced black tea. The most exciting news, however, is that our new seasonal ice cream flavor has arrived: Dulce de Leche!
So what exactly is Dulce de Leche? It is the most common name for a thick, caramel candy-like substance made from slowly heating sweetened milk. The taste comes primarily from caramelized sugar, and is extremely popular throughout Latin America.
The origins of Dulce de Leche are widely debated, but one of the most colorful stories I could find puts its origins around 1829 in Argentina. According to the story two opposing forces were attempting to end their long fought war. Generals from both sides decided to meet in order to compose a treaty.
The first general arrived a bit early and, not finding the other man in his tent, decided to take a nap until the other general returned. At this same time a serving woman was preparing “la lechada” for the rest of the camp, which is created by heating sugar and milk.
When she went to speak with her general in his tent, she instead found the sleeping enemy general. Because she had no idea about the treaty, she quickly fled the scene and tried to rouse the soldiers to fight. In the ensuing chaos that she created her “la lechada” was forgotten and left to slowly cook for hours.
Eventually she remembered what she had been doing and returned to find a pot full of dark brown jelly-like substance. It is said that a very brave and hungry solider decided to give the substance a try, and South America has been hooked on it ever since.
So wherever these beautiful days might lead you, please stop in a see us. We’ve got ice cream samplings that will make you thankful for that poor woman’s fright all those years ago.
Comments