Translated by 
Kate Norman — 5 years ago
Ana María, Alejandros Mum, has been an excellent host. She knows that I am writing blog posts about my trip to the Dominican Republic, so she has started to introduce me a little more to the culture and typical foods that they have here. You could say that I have learnt about new flavours and new cooking techniques due to the fact that, before I came here, I had never tried anything like the traditional, daily home-cooked food that they eat in the houses in Santo Domingo.
Ana María had to go to Santiago de los Caballeros, known as Santiago. Apart from Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic, Santiago is one of the other major cities: it is a city belonging to the province of Santiago in the region of Cibao. It can be found more or less a couple of hours away from Santo Domingo seeing as many stops are made along the way to buy typical food and sweets. Even though you can buy them in the capital, they are sweeter and fresher in Santiago de los Caballeros, and so that is why Ana María wanted to take advantage of the opportunity of going there so that she can bring some for me to try.
Dominican candyDulce de leche en tabla (dulce de leche candy).Peanut and sesame candies.Tamarind balls.Jalao de coco balls.Memelos, churumbeles, cacos (dominican lollipops).Suspiritos (meringue kisses).Dulce de guayaba guava paste.
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Dulce de leche en tabla (dulce de leche candy).
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Peanut and sesame candies.
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Tamarind balls.
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Jalao de coco balls.
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Memelos, churumbeles, cacos (dominican lollipops).
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Suspiritos (meringue kisses).
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Dulce de guayaba guava paste.
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How much do they cost?
In Miguelina, a pack of five fresh “jalaos de coco” will cost you around $100 Dominican pesos, which is around $2 USD and £1. 50.
Palmeritas de hojaldre – palm pastries
I was glad to see this pastry because we also have it in my country as well and the taste was basically the same. In Mexico they are called “orejitas” – little ears, because of the way they look which is similar to an ear. I dont think that these count as 100% Dominican as I think they have an Arabic origen.
Without a doubt, they are delicious to try, they are layers of pastry on top of one another and you can eat them with butter or oil. They are quite crunchy and salty. You can make them sweeter if you add a sugar glaze on them, some places add creme cheese or ricotta cheese. They are popular as snacks, you can eat them for lunch or you can put them in the middle of the table for guests.
DOMINICAN VS. MEXICAN CANDY TASTE TEST …(NOT what we expected)
FAQ
Is Dominican Republic known for chocolate?
What is the best Fudge in Dominica?
Dulce de piña y leche (milk and pineapple fudge). Aside from the Dominican dulce de leche mentioned above, this decadent pineapple dulce de leche combines sweet and sour flavors in a tasty dessert that delights. Dulce de coco (coconut fudge).
What ingredients are in candy?
Candies always have sugar in their composition. They may also have other sweeteners such as high fructose corn syrup and some colorings.
Is Jalao a candy?
Jalao (Coconut and Honey Candy) is a humble dessert that still languishes as colmado fare. Although a childhood favorite with its fresh taste and chewy texture, it is never served to guests. A shame because this is a fantastic candy, or at least coconut lovers think so. Jalao balls (Dominican coconut candy).
What type of candy is good for you?
Homemade and handmade sweets are the best options, such as cakes, pies and fruit-based sweets. The most important thing is to keep the balance, without exaggerating the amounts.