Indulge in the flavors of the Pacific with Guam Latiya, a delightful dessert that encapsulates the essence of island comfort. Originating from Guam, this creamy and decadent treat is a beloved traditional dessert that has stood the test of time. Layers of soft sponge cake are nestled between luscious custard, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors. Topped with a generous dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of nutmeg, Guam Latiya offers a taste of tropical paradise in every bite. Whether enjoyed as a sweet finale to a meal or savored as a midday delight, Guam Latiya embodies the warmth and hospitality of Guam's culinary heritage. Transport your taste buds to the shores of the Pacific with this irresistible dessert.

Here's a recipe for Guam Latiya:

Ingredients:

For the sponge cake:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 4 eggs, separated
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the custard layer:

• 4 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 4 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Optional: sliced fruits like bananas, strawberries, or mangoes for layering

For assembly:

• Whipped cream
• Ground nutmeg for garnish

Instructions:

1- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour a 9x13-inch baking pan.

2- In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.

3- In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg yolks with 3/4 cup of sugar until pale and thick. Stir in the milk and vanilla extract.

4- Gradually add the dry ingredients to the egg yolk mixture, mixing until smooth.

5- In a separate clean bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gradually add the remaining 1/4 cup of sugar and continue beating until glossy peaks form.

6- Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the batter until well combined.

7- Pour the batter into the prepared baking pan and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Allow the sponge cake to cool completely.

8- While the cake is cooling, prepare the custard. In a saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until steaming but not boiling.

9- In a separate bowl, whisk together the sugar, cornstarch, and egg yolks until smooth and creamy.

10- Slowly pour the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.

11- Return the mixture to the saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the custard cool slightly.

12- Once the sponge cake and custard are cooled, assemble the Latiya. Cut the sponge cake into squares or rectangles to fit your serving dish.

13- Arrange a layer of sponge cake pieces at the bottom of the serving dish. If desired, layer sliced fruits on top of the sponge cake.

14- Pour a layer of custard over the sponge cake and fruit, spreading it evenly.

15- Repeat the layers until you've used all the sponge cake and custard, ending with a layer of custard on top.

16- Refrigerate the Latiya for at least 2-3 hours, or until the custard is set.

17- Before serving, spread a layer of whipped cream over the top of the Latiya and sprinkle with ground nutmeg for garnish.

18- Slice and serve chilled. Enjoy this delightful Chamorro dessert with friends and family!

Nutritional Values:

Providing precise nutritional values for the ingredients depends on various factors such as brand, specific type of ingredient, and portion size. However, I can offer approximate nutritional information for the main ingredients typically used in the recipe:

All-purpose flour (1 cup):

• Calories: 455
• Carbohydrates: 95g
• Protein: 13g
• Fat: 1g
• Fiber: 3g

benefits:

• Provides carbohydrates for energy.
• Contains small amounts of protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Supplies some dietary fiber for digestive health.

Granulated sugar (1 cup):

• Calories: 774
• Carbohydrates: 200g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Offers quick energy due to its high carbohydrate content.
• Enhances flavor and sweetness in recipes.
• Used as a preservative in some baked goods.

Eggs (4 large eggs):

• Calories: 280
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fat: 20g
• Protein: 24g

benefits:

• Excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle repair and growth.
• Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.
• Provide healthy fats, particularly in the yolk, which are important for hormone production and cell membrane health.

Milk, whole (4 cups):

• Calories: 600
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 32g
• Protein: 32g

benefits:

• Good source of calcium for bone health.
• Contains protein for muscle repair and growth.
• Provides vitamins such as vitamin D and vitamin A, important for immune function and vision.

Cornstarch (1/4 cup):

• Calories: 120
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Used as a thickening agent in recipes, providing a smooth texture to sauces and custards.
• Gluten-free alternative to wheat flour, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
• Low in calories and fat.

Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon):

• Calories: 12
• Carbohydrates: 0.5g
• Fat: 0g
• Protein: 0g

benefits:

• Enhances the flavor of baked goods and desserts.
• Contains antioxidants that may help protect against cell damage.
• Adds aroma and depth to recipes without adding calories or fat.

Whipped cream (for garnish):

• Nutritional values can vary significantly based on the type and amount used. Typically, whipped cream contains calories from fat and carbohydrates, with little to no protein.

benefits:

• Adds richness and creaminess to desserts.
• Contains some calcium and phosphorus from the dairy content.
• Provides energy from the fat content, although it should be consumed in moderation due to its high calorie content.

Please note that these values are approximate and may vary based on factors such as brand, specific product variations, and serving sizes. Additionally, the nutritional content of the final dish may vary depending on factors such as preparation methods and additional ingredients added. If you require precise nutritional information, I recommend using a reliable nutritional calculator or consulting specific product labels.