KUTSINTA

Lihia or lye is a liquid from the ashes of a wood stove. It is used in making kakanin like kutsinta, suman and pichi-pichi to improve their texture. Its addition also enhances the color of food.
(source: www.filipinoheritage.com)

Ingredients:
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 cups water
1 teaspoon lihia (lye)
few drops of yellow food color
grated coconut

Directions:
1. Boil water for the steamer.

2. In a bowl, blend all the ingredients except grated coconut.
Mix until smooth and free from lumps. Strain.

3. Half-fill small muffin pans. Steam for 10-20 minutes.

4.Cool for 5 minutes then remove from the pans.
Serve with grated coconut.