Amandine

Delicious Amandines: An Unforgettable Indulgence

Who wouldn't want to wake up to a tray full of delicious amandines? This classic dessert, with layers of fine sponge, aromatic syrup, and rich cream, is perfect for any occasion, from anniversaries to family reunions. I invite you to discover together how to prepare these delights with a simple yet flavorful recipe!

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Baking Time: 60 minutes (30 minutes for each layer)
Total Time: 90 minutes
Number of Servings: 20

Necessary Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 12 eggs
- 400 g sugar
- 100 ml oil
- 6 tablespoons water
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 300 g flour
- 80 g cocoa

For the syrup:
- 600 ml water
- 3 packets hot chocolate (or cocoa, if you prefer a stronger taste)
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the cream:
- 300 g chocolate (preferably dark for an intense flavor)
- 100 ml liquid cream
- 200 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- Rum essence (to taste)

For the glaze:
- 150 g chocolate
- 50 ml liquid cream

Step by Step:

1. Preparing the Sponge
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. Prepare a tray (35/25 cm) lined with foil or baking paper. This will help the sponge layers not to stick and will make cleaning easier.

In a large bowl, add the egg whites along with a pinch of salt. Whip them until foamy. Gradually add the sugar, continuing to whip until you achieve a firm and glossy mixture.

In another bowl, combine the egg yolks with the oil, water, cocoa, and sifted flour along with the baking powder. Mix well until the composition becomes homogeneous. After that, gently fold in the whipped egg whites using a spatula, being careful not to lose the air in the mixture.

Divide the batter into two equal parts and pour it into the prepared tray. Bake each layer for about 30 minutes. The toothpick test is essential: if the toothpick comes out clean, the layers are ready.

2. Preparing the Syrup
While the layers are in the oven, prepare the syrup. Add the water to a saucepan and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the hot chocolate (or cocoa) and stir well until completely dissolved. If you prefer a sweeter syrup, add sugar to taste. Once cooled, add the rum essence.

3. Preparing the Cream
After the layers have completely cooled, move on to the delicious cream. Melt the chocolate with the liquid cream over a double boiler, stirring constantly. Once melted, let the mixture cool slightly.

In another bowl, whip the butter until fluffy, then gradually add the melted chocolate, cocoa, and rum essence. This will be the rich cream that will bind the layers.

4. Assembling the Amandines
Cut each layer in half to obtain four layers. Soak the first layer with the prepared syrup, add 1/3 of the chocolate cream, then place the next layer, repeating the process until the last layer. Cover the amandines with a layer of cream and refrigerate for at least 2-3 hours. This resting time will allow the flavors to blend perfectly.

5. Preparing the Glaze
Finally, melt the chocolate with the liquid cream to obtain the glaze. This will give a glossy and appetizing appearance to the amandines. Pour the glaze over the chilled dessert and decorate with whipped cream or the remaining cream, if desired.

Serving:
The amandines are delicious served plain or alongside a cup of coffee. Additionally, a glass of sweet wine or a fruit cocktail will perfectly complement the taste of this dessert.

Practical Tips:
- You can vary the flavors of the cream by adding different essences, such as vanilla or orange.
- If you want taller amandines, double the quantities of the ingredients, as I did.
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a uniform composition.

Nutritional Benefits:
These amandines, despite their decadent taste, can bring benefits through the cocoa content, which is rich in antioxidants. However, being a dessert, it is recommended to consume it in moderation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I replace butter with oil? It is not recommended, as butter provides a specific creamy texture.
- How can I store the amandines? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days.
- Can the amandines be frozen? Yes, it is possible, but the texture of the glaze may be affected.

In conclusion, amandines are a classic, delicious, and versatile dessert. Perfect for impressing guests or for indulging in personal treat moments. Be creative and adapt the recipe to your tastes, and each serving will become a unique experience! Enjoy!