“Perpeq”: An Albanian Egg Custard

"Perpeq" is one of my fondest childhood memories because it brings me back to Easter time, as my mom and grandmother mostly made it in our house during that time of year.  Guess it was because we had all those eggs in the fridge!  Actually, it's a dish that my family traditionally blessed as their breakfast food for Easter Sunday.  I appreciate this dish so much because it is exclusively part of my Albanian culture, and it reminds me constantly of the simple ingredients and creativity Albanian women have used historically, living in large families and persevering through many adversities.  I am not sure what to call this in English, but the closest thing I’ve had to “perpeq” is egg custard, though it is different.  “Perpeq” makes a great dessert OR breakfast item.  Thankfully, I am partnering with Farmland Fresh Dairies to share this recipe with everyone, using the best quality milk.

It’s taken me years to put this recipe together because my mother and grandmother do not use measuring cups and spoons, and each make it with their own special twist.  I’ve been measuring and jotting down my own notes since I made this for this past Easter season, so I’m excited I finally have MY own version of this recipe for this special dish.  My kids and husband love eating “perpeq,” and the best part is that it can be made a day in advance and easily stored in the refrigerator (best served room temperature though).  Enjoy!

Ingredients for 9x13 Glass Baking Pan:

- 12 eggs

- 3 cups Farmland Fresh Organic Whole Milk

- 12 tablespoons sugar

- ¼ cup white rice

- ½ tsp salt

- Pam spray

- 1/4 cup Butter (cut in chunks)

Directions:

1.  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  In a small saucepan, bring ¼ cup of white rice and 1/2 tsp salt to a boil, then drain. 

2.  In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs with a whisk (or hand mixer), one at a time.  Next, slowly add in the milk as you continue mixing the eggs and milk altogether.  Add in the sugar, one tablespoon at a time, continuously mixing all the ingredients.  Finally, add the cooked rice into the wet ingredients mixture and mix altogether in bowl. 

3.  Spray the baking pan with Pam oil spray, and add the mixture to the baking pan.  Cut 4 small chunks of butter, and add them into the 4 corners of your baking pan after everything has been poured into it.  Bake for 50 minutes, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes. 

 *I was not financially compensated for this post. I received a sample for review purposes. The opinions are completely my own, based on my experience.*