Cosa de horno

An artisanal baked product that’s emblematic of Nicaraguan cuisine, cosa de horno (lit. oven stuff or oven thing) typically refers to a group of oven-baked, corn-based types of bread. These are usually made with a combination of finely ground corn, cheese, and sugar, while other typical ingredients used in their preparation include milk, buttermilk, or sour milk, butter, natilla (vanilla custard), and baking soda.

This Nicaraguan specialty may come in various forms, ranging from soft and pillowy sponge-like bread cakes to flattened rounds. In Nicaragua, people usually enjoy it with a cup of coffee on the side, at any time of the day. Cosa de horno is sold in bakeries, markets, and from street vendors, although it is also commonly prepared at home.