Milk-Almond Kanten

• 2 white kanten
• 2 cups water
• 1½ cups sugar
• 4 cups fresh milk
• 1 cup Half and Half (cream)
• 2 teaspoons almond extract

Soak kanten in water until soft and boil until dissolved. Add sugar and continue boiling until dissolved. Then add milk and cream; heat until steaming but not boiling. Add almond extract. Strain into baking pan and chill.

Serve plain or with fruit.

Suggested fruits: Canned or fresh mandarin oranges, Japanese white peaches, Mitsumame (canned)

VARIATION: Instead of 1 cup of Half and Half cream, use ½ cup evaporated milk and ½ cup of water. If thinner consistency is desired, increase water from ½ to 1 cup when adding evaporated milk.

For coffee flavor, add 2 tablespoons of instant coffee to sugar and continue as directed. Use vanilla instead of almond extract.