Chocolate cake

Our dessert today is a decadent delicacy that combines the rich flavors of red wine, intense chocolate, and fresh citrus. This sophisticated yet accessible recipe is sure to bring a smile to anyone who enjoys it. Let's prepare a Chocolate Sponge Cake with Red Wine Cream!

General Information:
- Preparation time: 60 minutes
- Baking time: 45 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 45 minutes
- Number of servings: 12

Nutritional Benefits:
This dessert contains ingredients with nutritional benefits. Red wine is rich in antioxidants, and chocolate with 70% cocoa content provides flavonoids that can support cardiovascular health. Nuts add healthy fats and proteins, while oranges provide a boost of vitamin C.

Ingredients:
- 150 ml red wine
- 125 g sugar
- 1 orange (juice and zest)
- 2 cm grated ginger
- 175 g dark chocolate 70% cocoa
- 80 ml water
- 120 ml liquid cream
- 4 eggs
- 2 heaping tablespoons of sugar
- 80 g butter
- 1 packet baking powder
- 180 g flour
- 100 g ground walnuts (not too fine)
- 350 ml whipping cream
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 4 sheets of gelatin
- 50 ml milk
- Candied orange peel for decoration
- Margarine and flour for greasing the pan

Step 1: Preparing the Red Wine Syrup
Start by gathering the necessary ingredients for the first step. In a medium-sized pot, combine the red wine, sugar (125 g), orange juice, orange zest, grated ginger, and water. Place the pot over medium heat and let it boil for 20-30 minutes. It is essential to stir occasionally to prevent the sugar from caramelizing. After the syrup has boiled, strain it to remove solid particles and let it cool.

Step 2: Preparing the Chocolate
In a separate saucepan, add the dark chocolate (175 g) and liquid cream (120 ml) and place them over low heat. Stir constantly until the chocolate melts completely and combines with the cream. Once everything is well combined, add this mixture to the red wine syrup, allowing it to boil 2-3 times. Divide the mixture into two bowls, ensuring that one contains more chocolate. This will add depth to the flavor. Place the bowls in the refrigerator; I recommend placing them in a basin of cold water.

Step 3: Creating the Sponge Cake
After the chocolate mixture has cooled almost completely, add the butter (80 g) and mix well until fully dissolved. Then, add the egg yolks one at a time, mixing vigorously after each addition. Now, in a separate bowl, beat the egg whites. Add the flour (180 g) mixed with the baking powder (1 packet) and ground walnuts (100 g) to the egg whites, along with the two tablespoons of sugar (2 tablespoons). Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the chocolate mixture using a spatula to maintain the airiness.

Step 4: Baking the Sponge Cake
Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Grease a 20 cm x 23 cm baking pan with margarine and dust it with flour. Pour the sponge cake mixture into the pan and bake for 45 minutes. It is important to check if the sponge cake is baked using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the dessert is ready.

Step 5: Preparing the Chocolate Cream
While the sponge cake is baking, soak the gelatin in milk (50 ml), then heat it gently without letting it boil. Once the gelatin has dissolved, let it cool slightly and mix it with the remaining chocolate. In another bowl, whip 200 ml of cream until firm, then gradually add the melted chocolate, mixing gently.

Step 6: Assembling the Dessert
After the sponge cake has completely cooled, cut it into two equal parts. Place the first half on a serving platter and spread the chocolate cream on top. Cover with the other half of the sponge cake. Refrigerate everything for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.

Step 7: Decorating
Before serving, whip 150 ml of liquid cream with 2 teaspoons of powdered sugar and spread it evenly over the dessert. Decorate with candied orange peel for an extra touch of flavor and aesthetics.

Serving Suggestions:
This fine dessert pairs perfectly with a cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You might try serving it alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use another type of chocolate?
Yes, you can experiment with white or milk chocolate, but choose a quality chocolate for the best result.

2. Is it possible to use another type of alcohol?
Certainly, a sweet wine or an orange liqueur could add an interesting flavor.

3. How can I make this dessert gluten-free?
You can substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour, such as almond flour or rice flour.

4. How long can this dessert be stored?
The dessert can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

I hope this recipe brings you joy and pleasant moments with your loved ones. Enjoy!