pumpkin (about 700 grams), preferably calabaza de Castilla or similar • sweet potatoes (about 1 kg), use a mix of yellow and purple if available • large piloncillo cones (or 2 cups packed dark brown sugar, about 400 grams) • water (710 ml) • large cinnamon stick • whole cloves • Milk, to taste, for serving
For the sauce: • Roma tomatoes, chopped • guajillo chiles (preferably 2 mild and 2 hot) • garlic cloves • onion, chopped • cumin • For the filling: • calabaza de castilla (Mexican pumpkin), cooked and peeled, cut into cubes • dried shrimp (or regular dried shrimp if unavailable) • fresh shrimp • Cooking oil • Salt and pepper to taste •