Ant

The wafer dessert with nuts and poppy seeds is a true delicacy that combines textures and flavors in a delightful way. This recipe is not just a simple dessert but a culinary experience that brings together traditions and memories. Whether you are preparing for a special occasion or simply want to treat your family to something sweet, this dessert is the perfect choice. I will guide you step by step to achieve a delicious and visually appealing dessert.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Number of servings: 12-15

Ingredients

*For the nut layer:*
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons ground nuts
- 3 tablespoons flour

*For the poppy seed layer:*
- 5 egg whites
- 5 tablespoons sugar
- 3 tablespoons poppy seeds
- 3 tablespoons flour

*For the egg cream:*
- 10 egg yolks
- 200 g sugar
- Vanilla essence or powdered sugar with vanilla flavor
- 300 g butter (at room temperature)

*For assembly:*
- 2 wafers

Preparation

1. Preheat the oven: Start by preheating the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. This step is essential to ensure even baking of the layers.

2. Preparing the layers:
- *Nut layer*: In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until frothy. Continue mixing and gradually add the 5 tablespoons of sugar until you achieve a stiff and glossy meringue. Add the ground nuts and finally fold in the sifted flour, gently mixing with a spatula to avoid losing air from the mixture.
- Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Check if the layer is baked by inserting a toothpick; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. Let it cool completely.

- *Poppy seed layer*: Follow the same steps as for the nut layer. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt, add the sugar, then the poppy seeds and flour. Bake in the same tray for 20 minutes, then let it cool.

3. Preparing the cream:
- In another bowl, mix the egg yolks with the sugar until creamy. Add the vanilla essence. Place this bowl over a pot of boiling water, ensuring the bottom of the bowl does not touch the water. Stir constantly for 10-15 minutes until the cream thickens.
- Once the cream has thickened, let it cool slightly. Beat the soft butter until fluffy, then add a tablespoon of the egg cream, mixing well after each addition.

4. Assembling the dessert:
- Place one wafer on a platter, followed by a layer of cream, then the poppy seed layer, another layer of cream, the nut layer, and finally another layer of cream. Finish with the last wafer.
- Place a light weight on top and let the dessert chill for at least two hours. This will help stabilize the layers.

5. Serving and decorating:
- Once chilled, cut the dessert into diamonds or squares. You can melt some chocolate and drizzle it on top for an elegant look and an extra flavor boost.

Serving suggestions: This dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of tea or coffee, and vanilla ice cream on the side can make a wonderful accompaniment.

Helpful tips:
- For a more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of almond essence to the egg cream.
- If you want to reduce calories, you can replace some of the butter with Greek yogurt, but the texture will be different.
- The flour can be replaced with a gluten-free option, but make sure to follow a specific recipe for gluten-free layers.

Nutritional information: This dessert contains approximately 250 calories per serving, providing a good protein intake due to the egg yolks and whites. Nuts and poppy seeds add healthy fats and fiber.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use other types of nuts? Yes, you can experiment with almonds or pistachios, but the taste will be different.
2. What can I do if I don’t have wafers? You can use thin cake sheets or make an additional layer.
3. How long can it be stored? The dessert keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days.

Now it’s time to get to work! Enjoy every step of the process and savor the final result. The wafer dessert with nuts and poppy seeds will surely become a favorite recipe in your family!