Chocolate roll

Chocolate Roll - An Unforgettable Delight

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 8-10

The history of the chocolate roll is tied to moments of celebration and joy, being a dessert that brings smiles to the faces of loved ones. This recipe is a true feast for the senses, combining the intense aroma of chocolate with fragrant notes of orange and a splash of brandy. Perfect for a party or a family meal, this roll is sure to become everyone's favorite.

Essential Ingredients:

For the sponge:
- 5 large eggs (preferably at room temperature)
- 5 tablespoons of brown sugar (adds a caramel note)
- 2 tablespoons of cocoa (use high-quality cocoa for an intense flavor)
- 3 tablespoons of flour
- 1 essence of rum (adds an extra flavor)
- 1 pinch of salt
- Grated zest of one orange (about 1 teaspoon)
- 1 tablespoon of ground walnuts (optional, for texture)
- 1 tablespoon of raisins (hydrate them for a special taste)
- 2 tablespoons of brandy (Alexandrion or another brandy of your choice)

For the cream:
- 160 g butter (at room temperature)
- 1 teaspoon of powdered sugar (for a delicate taste)
- 1 bar of Poiana chocolate with raisins (or dark chocolate, according to preference)
- 1 essence of rum
- 3 tablespoons of whipped cream (for an airy texture)

Step by step for a perfect roll:

1. Preparing the sponge:
a. Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. It is essential that the egg whites are beaten well to achieve a fluffy texture.
b. Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks. This step is crucial, as the incorporated air will make the sponge light and fluffy.
c. In another bowl, cream the egg yolks with the brown sugar, a pinch of salt, and the orange zest until you achieve a creamy and light-colored mixture. The orange aroma adds a pleasant contrast with the chocolate.
d. Soak the raisins in brandy and rum for 15 minutes. This step will give them an intense flavor and make them softer.
e. Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the yolks, mixing from the bottom up to preserve the air in the egg whites.
f. Add the raisins, essences, ground walnuts, sifted flour, and cocoa. Mix gently, being careful not to deflate the mixture.
g. Pour the batter into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and level the surface. Bake in a preheated oven at 180°C for 30 minutes.

2. Preparing the cream:
a. While the sponge is baking, prepare the cream. Beat the butter with the powdered sugar until it becomes fluffy and light in color. Adding the powdered sugar will make the cream smooth and velvety.
b. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler, stirring constantly to avoid burning. Once melted, add it to the butter cream and mix well.
c. Incorporate the rum essence and whipped cream, mixing gently until you achieve a homogeneous mixture.

3. Assembling the roll:
a. When the sponge is ready, remove it from the oven and turn it out onto a damp towel, carefully removing the parchment paper. It is important that the sponge is warm to roll it more easily.
b. Roll the sponge with the towel to shape it. Let it cool completely.
c. Once cooled, unroll the sponge and spread the cream evenly over it. Roll it up again, without the towel, forming a roll.
d. Wrap the roll in plastic wrap and refrigerate for a few hours. This will help the cream to set well.

4. Serving:
a. Once the roll has set, you can slice it and decorate it according to your preference. A lovely idea is to sprinkle powdered sugar or cocoa on top, or even add some fresh berries for a color contrast.

Practical tips:
- Use fresh eggs for the best result. Room temperature eggs whip better.
- If you want an alcohol-free version, you can omit the brandy and rum, replacing them with orange juice.
- The roll can be made a day in advance; the longer it sits in the fridge, the more intense the flavors will become.
- You can experiment with different types of chocolate: either dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preferences.

Nutritional benefits:
This chocolate roll is a source of energy due to the sugar and fat content from the butter. A moderate portion can be a delicious choice for a dessert, but, like any sweet treat, it is best enjoyed in moderation.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use a different type of flour?
- Yes, you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but the texture will be different.

2. How can I store the roll?
- It stores well in the refrigerator, covered in plastic wrap, for up to 3 days.

3. Can I add other ingredients?
- Of course! You can add nuts, almonds, or even dried fruits to the filling.

The chocolate roll recipe is not just a dessert, but a culinary experience that will leave a mark in your memories and those of your loved ones. I encourage you to try this simple and delicious recipe, enjoy the cooking process, and share the result with your loved ones. Each slice of chocolate roll brings not only an explosion of flavors but also moments of joy and happiness. Enjoy your meal!