Dulce de Lechosa ~ Papaya in Syrup

1/4 cup baking powder
1/2 a green papaya peeled, seeded and cut into 1-inch chunks
1 cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 cinnamon stick

Dissolve baking powder in 5 cups water in a large non-reactive bowl. Add papaya and soak it for at least 15 minutes. Drain the fruit and rinse it well under cold running water. Cook the papaya with the sugar in a large pot, covered, over medium-high heat. stirring occasionally, for 30 minutes until he papaya turns clear. Do not add water. The papaya will cook in its own juice. Reduce the heat to very low, add the vanilla extract and cinnamon stick, and simmer the papaya, uncovered, until the juice thickens into a thin syrup, about 30 minutes.

Remove the cinnamon stick and allow the papaya to cool. Serve it  chilled with some Queso Fresco and crackers. Store any leftover papaya in syrup in a tightly closed container in the refrigerator.