Cake, March 8th

Cake "March 8" – A Delight for Loved Ones

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

Today, I invite you to prepare a special cake together, dedicated to all mothers, wives, grandmothers, and dear friends on their day. This "March 8" cake is a delicious combination of ground nuts, cocoa, and a rich chocolate cream, perfect for celebrating love and appreciation for the women in our lives.

Ingredients

For the base:
- 250 g ground nuts
- 1 cup of sugar (approximately 200 g)
- 3 tablespoons of dark cocoa
- 1 cup of water (approximately 250 ml)
- 6 egg yolks
- 6 egg whites
- 1 vial of rum essence

For the cream:
- 400 g butter at room temperature
- 250 g powdered sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa
- 1 packet of NES (approximately 15 g)
- 3 tablespoons of chocolate liqueur
- 1 vial of rum essence

For decoration:
- 200 ml liquid cream

A Brief History

Cakes have long been symbols of celebration and happiness. From simple homemade ones to elaborate creations by master bakers, the cake has earned its place in everyone’s heart. This "March 8" cake combines tradition with modernity, offering a rich flavor that will delight any dessert lover.

Step by Step

1. Preparing the Base

1. Boil the mixture: In a pot, add the ground nuts, sugar, cocoa, rum essence, and water. Place the mixture over low heat and let it boil, stirring constantly until the mixture becomes homogeneous and starts to thicken, resembling polenta. This step is crucial as it will give the base an intense flavor and a moist texture.

2. Cooling the mixture: Once the mixture has boiled, let it cool completely. This will help stabilize the texture when you add the yolks and whites.

3. Incorporate the yolks: After the mixture has cooled, add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition. It is essential to mix thoroughly to achieve a uniform composition.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. These will give the bases an airy texture, so don’t skip this step! It’s important to leave visible traces of egg whites in the mixture for a more interesting texture.

5. Combining the mixtures: Gently fold the egg whites into the nut mixture using a spatula to avoid losing air from the whites. This will ensure a fluffy and delicious base.

6. Baking the bases: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Pour the mixture into a greased and floured cake pan. Bake for 25-30 minutes. Perform the toothpick test to check if the base is baked. After baking, let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the Cream

1. Mixing the butter: In a large bowl, mix the room-temperature butter with the powdered sugar until you obtain a homogeneous, fluffy, and light-colored cream. This is when the butter will trap air, making the cream light and airy.

2. Adding flavors: Incorporate the cocoa, NES, rum essence, and chocolate liqueur. Mix well to ensure the chocolate flavor is well distributed.

3. Assembling the Cake

1. Cutting the bases: Once the base has cooled, carefully cut it into two equal parts. This will allow you to fill the cake with cream, adding a layer of flavor.

2. Filling the cake: Spread about three-quarters of the cream between the two bases. This is the moment to use a spatula to smooth the cream, ensuring that each slice will have a delicious taste.

3. Decorating the cake: Use the remaining cream to cover the outside of the cake. Here is where your creativity can shine! Use a spatula or spoon to create a rustic look, or you can use a piping bag to decorate with swirls or cream flowers.

4. Garnishing

1. Whipping the cream: Whip the liquid cream until it becomes stiff and firm. This is an important step to achieve a light and airy topping.

2. Decorating: Use the whipped cream to decorate the cake according to your imagination. You can add grated chocolate, nuts, or fruits for an extra touch of color and texture.

Practical Tips

- Calories and Nutritional Benefits: A slice of "March 8" cake has approximately 450-500 calories, depending on the serving size. Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamins, while chocolate and cocoa are rich in antioxidants.

- Possible Variations: You can experiment with different types of nuts, such as almonds or hazelnuts, for a different taste. Additionally, replacing the chocolate liqueur with caramel syrup can provide an interesting twist.

- Serving Suggestions: This cake pairs wonderfully with a cup of coffee or fruit tea. Serve it with vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce for a decadent dessert.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use roasted nuts?: Yes, roasted nuts will add a more intense flavor, but be careful not to burn them.

- How can I store the cake?: Keep the cake in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 4-5 days.

- Can I freeze the cake?: Yes, this cake can easily be frozen. Make sure it is well covered to prevent freezer burn.

Making this "March 8" cake is not just a culinary activity but also a way to bring joy to your loved ones. With each slice, you will share love and appreciation, so let’s get to work and create delicious memories! Happy Women's Day to all, celebrate and treat yourselves with this wonderful cake!