Biko

Biko consists of malagkit (glutinous) rice, coconut milk, sugar, and topped with “latik”.

Biko is a rice cake with caramel topping or latik and here is the recipe for Biko. Biko is usually served during birthday parties, fiestas, Christmas, New Year and other celebrated events in Philippines.

Preparation time: 10 minutes.
Cooking time: 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Serves 12.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups malagkit (sticky rice)
• 3/4 c. sugar
• 3 1/2 c. diluted coconut milk
• 1/8 lb. butter
• 1 egg, beaten

Topping:

• 1 can (15 oz.) condensed milk
• 3/4 cups rich coconut milk
• 2 to 3 tbsp. flour for quick thickening

Procedure:

1. Grate and squeeze out milk from 2 coconuts. Save 3/4 cup of the first milk squeezed out (rich milk) for topping. Dilute the rest of the coconut milk to make 3 1/2 cups. Or use 1 can (12 ounces) frozen coconut milk, saving 3/4 cup of the thick milk for topping and diluting the rest to make 3 1/2 cups.
2. Boil rice and coconut milk in a heavy pot stirring constantly to keep from burning (about 15 to 20 minutes). When the rice is done and almost dry, lower the heat and add the sugar and butter. Mix well and set aside. When cool, add the egg.
3. Spread the rice mixture in a well buttered Pyrex dish (11 3/4 x 7 1/2 x 1 3/4 inch) and bake in a preheated 300 degree oven for 20 minutes.

• To make latik or topping: Combine all topping ingredients in a heavy saucepan and cook over low heat stirring constantly until thick (about 15 minutes). Pour topping over rice mixture in dish. Increase oven heat to 350 degrees. Bake until top is brown (about 15 minutes).