Cake, Mihaela,

Cake "Mihaela" - A Delicacy for the Holidays

Every year, on November 8th, we celebrate Saint Michael and Gabriel, a perfect occasion to gather around a table full of treats. For this special occasion, we have created a delicious cake dedicated to a beloved educator, Mihaela, who deserves the best. This cake is not only a delight for the senses but also a way to show our appreciation for those who guide our children.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 55 minutes
Servings: 8-10

Ingredients for the Base:
- 2 large eggs
- 100 g sugar
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 3 tablespoons strawberry jam

Ingredients for the Cream:
- 4 egg yolks
- 150 g sugar
- 150 ml milk
- 1 vial of vanilla essence
- 1 small can of peeled peaches (approx. 400 g)
- 1 kiwi, peeled and diced
- 350 ml liquid cream
- 60 g gelatin granules

For Decoration:
- 150 ml cream
- Ladyfingers
- Golden decorative balls
- Kiwi, sliced for decoration

Preparing the "Mihaela" Cake

Step 1: Preparing the Base
Start by preheating the oven to 180°C. In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the sugar using a mixer until the mixture becomes fluffy and doubles in volume. It is essential that the eggs are at room temperature to achieve an airy texture. Add the sifted flour and vanilla essence, gently mixing with a spatula until fully incorporated.

Pour the batter into a springform pan, 26 cm in diameter, lined with baking paper on the bottom. Bake the base for 20-25 minutes, but don’t forget to do the toothpick test: if it comes out clean, the base is ready. After baking, let it cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Cream
In a saucepan, mix the egg yolks with the sugar and place over low heat, stirring constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Gradually add the warm milk, continuing to stir. Once the mixture is homogeneous, let it cool.

Meanwhile, dissolve the gelatin in the peach juice from the can by adding water. Heat the mixture over low heat without letting it boil. In another bowl, whip the liquid cream until it thickens.

Combine the whipped cream, the egg yolk and milk mixture, the dissolved gelatin, vanilla essence, and the diced fruits (peaches and kiwi) in a large bowl. Mix carefully to avoid losing air from the whipped cream.

Step 3: Assembling the Cake
On the cooled base, spread a generous layer of strawberry jam, which will add a touch of freshness. Arrange ladyfingers around the edge of the pan, ensuring they are well secured. If you notice that the ladyfingers are rising, you can use a plate to keep them in place.

Carefully pour the cream mixture over the prepared base and ladyfingers. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the cream to set.

Step 4: Decorating
Once the cream has set well, whip the remaining cream until firm and use it to decorate the cake. You can add extra fruits on top, such as kiwi slices and golden balls for a festive look.

Serving Suggestions
The "Mihaela" cake is served cold, perfect alongside a cup of fruit tea or even a strong espresso. It is an elegant dessert, ideal for festive meals or special anniversaries.

Nutritional Benefits
This cake, while delicious, also contains beneficial ingredients. Peaches are rich in vitamins and antioxidants, while kiwi provides vitamin C. The cream, although higher in calories, adds a creamy texture, and the eggs provide essential proteins. By making healthier choices, such as using fruit jam without added sugar, you can reduce calories and improve the nutritional profile of the cake.

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace gelatin with a vegan substitute?
Yes, you can use agar-agar as a vegan alternative to gelatin in the recipe. Be sure to follow the instructions on the package for dosage.

2. How can I make the cake less sweet?
You can reduce the amount of sugar in the base and cream or use natural sweeteners like stevia or erythritol.

3. Is there any variation of this recipe?
Absolutely! You can experiment with other fruits, such as strawberries or pineapple, and you can replace the ladyfingers with another type of biscuit you prefer.

Conclusion
The "Mihaela" cake is not just a dessert, but a true story of appreciation and gratitude. Each bite is a sweet embrace that brings together tradition and the joy of special moments. Remember, cooking is an art, so enjoy every step of the process and let your creativity shine in the kitchen!