Natilla

Natilla is the traditional dessert for the Christmas holidays, the Novenas to the Virgin Mary and the Christmas Eve dinners. It is served in most of the country, although it is thought to have originated in Antioquia. It is a thick custard that is later sliced into one- or two-inch squares or slices and sweetened with panela, which in this recipe could be substituted for dark brown sugar; you would use one cup, firmly packed.