Fried Milk (Leche Frita- Spain)

These are absolutely delicious!

1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup cornstarch
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 cups milk
1 tablespoon butter or margarine
1/4 teaspoon grated lemon peel
2 eggs, well beaten
3/4 cup dry fine bread crumbs
Vegetable oil

Mix sugar, cornstarch and nutmeg in saucepan; gradually stir in milk. Heat to boiling over medium heat, stirring constantly; boil and stir 1 minute.

Remove from heat; stir in butter and lemon peel. Spread evenly in ungreased 8-inch square baking dish. Refrigerate uncovered until firm, at least 3 hours.

Cut custard into 2-inch squares with wet knife. Dip custard squares into eggs; coat with bread crumbs.

Heat 1 to 1 1/2 inches oil to 360 degrees F. Fry 2 to 3 squares at a time until light brown, 1 to 2 minutes; drain.

Sprinkle with confectioners' sugar, if desired.

Yields 8 servings.