Don Pedro

So we saw this mural in Maboneng the other day and we were wondering who this dashing gentleman might be. Ros guessed, somewhat dreamy-eyed, that it might be Don Pedro. Who?

Well, first off I'll tell you who he's not. He is not the Prince of Aragon in Shakespeare's Much Ado About Nothing nor the former Governor of Guatemala nor a Filipino politician nor a Latin American restaurant in New York.

To a South African, Don Pedro will only ever mean one thing. One of South Africa's favorite desserts. 

You can find it on every menu south of the Limpopo (and probably a few north of it as well!). The great thing is that it tastes like a cocktail, looks like a dessert and doesn’t fill you up too much.  What’s not to like?

I guess you could describe it as a grown-up milkshake, consisting of cream, ice-cream and alcohol. The classic alcohol to use is Whiskey.  However, in South Africa you can customize it by using your favorite liquor. Whiskey, Kahlua, Amarula or other more adventurous options like creme de menthe or tequila.  Usually served with a glace cherry, you can also adorn them with grated chocolate or whipped cream topping. 

And ...

it the perfect thing to have on Christmas Eve as our dessert after a dinner of boeries on the braai and fish potjie. Mine with Amarula, Vince's with Whiskey and Alex's with Kahlua.

Here’s the simple version – enjoy!

DON PEDRO (per serving)

2-3 scoops good vanilla ice cream
25 ml whiskey (or alcohol of choice)
50ml cream
a glace cherry to garnish
grated chocolate to garnish (optional)

Blend the ice cream, cream and whisky in a blender.  Pour into champagne flutes and garnish with cherries or grated chocolate, as you prefer.

Merry Christmas Don Pedro!

(PS I have since found out that the portrait in question is of Jan Van Riebeeck of the Dutch East India Company and the first Commander of the Cape from 1652 to 1662.)