Puto

Ingredients:

3 2/3 cups Rice Flour (or 1 pound bag)
1 can Coconut Milk
3 cups hot water
4 teaspoons Baking Powder
1 teaspoon Vanilla Essence(optional)
1 1/2 cup Sugar
1 stick butter, softened

Cooking Procedure:

1. Mix together the coconut milk and rice flour. Add the sugar and softened butter.
2. Heat up the water and add to the rice flour mixture. Strain and let it cool down thoroughly.
3. Add the baking powder and vanilla essence and set aside for an hour and a half.
4. Pour the mix on a lined muffin pan up to 2/3 full.
5. Steam for 25 - 30 minutes or until the top is firm and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
6. Let it cool down before taking out of the pan.


Tips:

•Do not add the baking powder until the mix has totally cooled down, otherwise, it will not rise properly.
•Use food coloring to make it colorful and attractive, just don't overdo it. Pastel and subtle colors will look more appetizing than bright colors.
•Omit the vanilla essence if you want an authentic, coconut milk-flavored puto.
•Top it with cheese, as below.