Amandina - my version

Amandina Recipe – My Version

If you are a lover of decadent desserts, Amandina could quickly become one of your favorite recipes! This delicious chocolate cake, with a soft and moist base, enriched with a fine cream and a shiny glaze, will not only delight your taste buds but also bring a touch of elegance to your table. Throughout this recipe, I will share with you not only the necessary steps but also some tricks and variations to make your cooking more enjoyable and simpler.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- 2 tablespoons of oil
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa

For the syrup:
- 2-3 tablespoons of brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1-2 tablespoons of brandy

For the cream:
- 200 g dark chocolate
- 250 g whipping cream
- 100 g butter

For the topping:
- 200 g milk or dark chocolate
- 1-2 tablespoons of oil
- 250 ml whipping cream

Preparation:

Step 1: Preparing the base

1. Start by preheating the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. It is important for the temperature to be correct to achieve an even and well-baked base.
2. In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. Use a mixer to beat the egg whites with the sugar until you obtain a stiff, glossy foam. This is a crucial step, as well-beaten egg whites will give the base a light and airy texture.
3. Add the yolks, continuing to mix until the mixture becomes homogeneous and fluffy.
4. Gradually incorporate the oil, mixing gently. Here, the oil will add moisture and a subtle flavor.
5. In another bowl, combine the sifted flour with cocoa and baking powder. Gradually add these dry ingredients to the egg mixture, folding in with a spatula in circular motions to avoid losing air from the egg whites.
6. Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper (20x30 cm) and level the surface with a spatula.
7. Bake the base for 40 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Then let the base cool in the tray.

Step 2: Preparing the syrup

1. In a small saucepan, combine the brown sugar with water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar completely dissolves.
2. Once the syrup has started to boil, let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, then remove it from the heat.
3. Add the brandy and let the syrup cool. The brandy flavor will give your dessert a refined taste.

Step 3: Preparing the cream

1. In a saucepan, heat the whipping cream until it starts to boil, but do not let it boil too hard.
2. Pour the hot cream over the broken chocolate pieces. Stir gently until the chocolate completely melts and you obtain a smooth cream.
3. Add the diced butter to the chocolate cream and mix well to incorporate it. The cream should be glossy and thick.

Step 4: Assembling the cake

1. Cut the cooled base into two equal parts. This is the moment when you can add a little creativity – if you want, you can add some berries or roasted nuts between the layers for extra texture.
2. Soak each layer with the prepared syrup. Each bite will be an explosion of flavor!
3. Spread a generous layer of cream on the first base, then carefully place the second base on top. Let the cake cool in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to set.

Step 5: Preparing the topping

1. Over steam, melt the chocolate for the topping together with the oil. This will make the topping more fluid and shiny.
2. Once the chocolate is completely melted, let it cool slightly before pouring it over the assembled cake. This will help achieve an even glaze.
3. After covering the cake with chocolate, let it cool again, then cut it into suitable cubes.

Step 6: Finishing

1. Whip the cream until it becomes firm. Use it to decorate each cube of Amandina. You can also add a slice of fruit or some chopped nuts for a more attractive appearance.
2. Serve the dessert with a cup of coffee or tea. Amandina pairs perfectly with a warm drink that will highlight the chocolate flavors.

Practical Tips:

- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before you start cooking. This helps achieve a better emulsion in the egg mixture.
- If you want to try an alcohol-free version, you can replace the brandy with vanilla extract or orange juice.
- For an even more intense chocolate flavor, you can add an extra tablespoon of cocoa to the base or cream.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, you can use white chocolate, but keep in mind that it will add a sweeter taste and a different aroma.

How can I keep Amandina fresh for longer?
Store the dessert in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Amandina will stay fresh for 3-4 days.

What other desserts can I try?
If you like Amandina, I recommend trying chocolate mousse or chocolate nut cake recipes. Both are equally delicious and easy to prepare.

Conclusion

Amandina is a dessert that perfectly combines the soft texture of the base with the rich cream and glossy topping. With this recipe, you will not only delight your guests with a special dish but also gain valuable culinary skills. Do not hesitate to experiment with your favorite flavors and ingredients, making it truly your own. Enjoy!