A different roll

Delicious Roll with Chocolate and Raspberry Cream

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Serves: 8-10

Today I propose you to prepare a special roulade, a dessert that is easy to make, but with a great visual and taste impact. This chocolate cream and raspberry roulade is sure to become a family favorite and is perfect for any occasion, whether you're celebrating a birthday or just want to treat your loved ones with a quick and delicious dessert.

A Bit of History

Rolls have a long history in gastronomy and are prized for their versatility. These desserts can be filled with various creams, fruits or even jams, making them ideal for a variety of tastes. Their origins are often associated with different cultures, but they remain a popular choice around the world due to their simplicity and endless customization possibilities.

Ingredients

For the roll sheet:
- 5 eggs
- 140 g sugar
- 100 g flour
- 2 teaspoons honey
- a pinch of salt

For the chocolate cream
- 1/2 l milk
- 1 cup sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons flour
- 3 tablespoons cocoa
- 1/2 packet butter or margarine
- rum essence
- a pinch of salt

For decoration:
- 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (for the sauce)
- melted chocolate (optional)

Preparation Step by Step

1. Preparing the Roll Sheet
- Start by preheating the oven to 180°C (medium heat). Prepare a baking tray of about 30 x 40 cm, lining it with baking paper to prevent the roulade from sticking.
- Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until stiff. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until the mixture is glossy and stiff.
- In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the honey. When well incorporated, add the egg white mixture and stir gently with a spatula to keep the air in the mixture.
- Gradually stir in the sifted flour, mixing gently until you have a smooth dough.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and level gently with a spatula.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the edges are light golden brown and the center is well set. Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let the roulade sheet cool.

2. Making the Chocolate Cream
- In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, flour, cocoa and a pinch of salt. Mix the ingredients well before putting them on the heat.
- Simmer the mixture, stirring constantly, until it thickens and becomes a velvety crumble. This process takes about 5-10 minutes.
- Once it has reached the desired consistency, take the saucepan off the heat and add the butter and rum essence. Stir until the butter melts completely and the cream is smooth.
- Allow the cream to cool to room temperature.

3. Assembling the roulade
- Once the roulade sheet has cooled, spread the chocolate cream all over the sheet in an even layer.
- Carefully roll the sheet, starting from one side, so that you get a tight roll. Be careful not to break the cream while rolling.
- You can use baking paper to make rolling easier.

4. Decorating
- Once you've rolled the dessert, you can chill it in the fridge for about 30 minutes to firm up.
- Meanwhile, prepare the raspberry sauce. Cook the raspberries with the sugar in a small saucepan over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently. When the raspberries have broken down, strain the sauce to remove the seeds.
- Cut the roulade into approximately 5-6 cm slices and decorate each slice with melted chocolate and raspberry sauce. Add a few fresh raspberry berries for an eye-catching garnish.

Useful Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start making. This will help achieve a smoother texture.
- If you want to customize this recipe, you can replace the chocolate cream with a vanilla cream or fruit filling.
- You can also add chopped nuts to the chocolate cream for added texture and flavor.

Nutritional Benefits
This roll is a good source of carbohydrates from sugar and flour, providing quick energy. Milk provides protein and calcium and cocoa is rich in antioxidants. Raspberry adds vitamins and fiber, contributing to a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use another type of flour?
- You can try wholemeal or gluten-free flour, but the texture may vary.
2. How do I store the roll?
- Keep the roll in an airtight container in the fridge and it will keep fresh for 3-4 days.
3. Is it possible to freeze the roulade?
- Yes, you can freeze the roulade, but in this case, I recommend decorating it just before serving to keep it looking fresh.

Serving and Combinations
This roulade goes perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of fresh milk. A sweet wine or champagne would also be ideal with this elegant dessert.

I invite you to venture into the delicious world of roulades and delight your taste buds with this simple and exquisite recipe. Bon appétit!