Cookie cake

Cookie Cake with Walnut and Sour Cherry Jam - A Delicacy for Holidays

If you're looking for a quick and delicious dessert that will impress everyone, then this cookie cake with walnut and sour cherry jam is the perfect choice. It combines crunchy and creamy textures, and its rich and aromatic flavor will captivate you immediately. Additionally, it's a simple recipe, ideal for any special occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a holiday, or just a gathering with friends.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Cooling time: 4 hours
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:
- 600g cookies (preferably digestive or petit beurre)
- 250g sugar
- 350ml milk
- 250g margarine
- 50g cocoa powder
- 200g walnut (roasted and crushed)
- 400g sour cherry jam (drained)
- 100g raisins (rehydrated)
- 150g fig Turkish delight
- 150g pistachio Turkish delight
- 3 packets vanilla sugar
- 1 rum essence
- 250g whipped cream (beaten for decoration)

Recipe History:
Cookie cakes have a long-standing tradition in gastronomy, appreciated for their simplicity and the fact that they do not require baking. These desserts are often made during festive moments when special attention is desired from the host. The combination of cookies, nuts, and jam has always been a popular choice, providing an excellent way to use available ingredients while adding a touch of originality and creativity.

Step by Step:
1. Start by roasting the walnuts. Place them in a dry pan over medium heat and roast for about 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning. When they turn golden and smell delicious, let them cool slightly and then coarsely crush them.

2. In another bowl, crumble the cookies. You can use a food processor to turn them into fine crumbs or crush them manually in a bag using a rolling pin.

3. Prepare the raisins by soaking them in warm water for 10-15 minutes, then drain them well.

4. Cut the Turkish delight into small cubes for easy incorporation into the mixture.

5. In a sieve, place the sour cherry jam and let it drain to eliminate excess syrup.

6. In a saucepan, add the milk, sugar, and cocoa. Bring everything to a boil and let it simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.

7. Remove the saucepan from heat and add the margarine, vanilla sugar, and rum essence. Mix well until the margarine completely melts and you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

8. In a large bowl, combine the crumbled cookies, walnuts, raisins, Turkish delight, sour cherry jam, and the warm milk mixture. Mix everything well, ensuring that the ingredients are evenly distributed.

9. Let the mixture sit for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to allow the cookies to absorb moisture.

10. Choose a springform pan or a rectangular dish and line it with plastic wrap or baking paper for easy removal of the cake. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface with a spatula.

11. Place the cake in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight) to set well.

12. Once the cake has set, remove it from the pan and decorate it with whipped cream. If desired, you can also garnish it with grated chocolate or roasted nuts for a more sophisticated look and taste.

Practical Tips:
- Make sure the margarine is at room temperature for easier melting.
- You can substitute the walnuts with hazelnuts or almonds, depending on your preferences.
- If you want to add extra flavor, you can use vanilla or almond essences.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but it's best to decorate it with whipped cream just before serving to avoid sogginess.

Pairing and Serving:
This cookie cake pairs perfectly with a cup of aromatic tea or a glass of sweet wine. You can also serve it alongside vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast. The variations are endless, so feel free to experiment with other flavors and ingredients!

Nutritional Benefits:
This dessert is calorie-rich but also offers nutritional benefits due to its ingredients, such as walnuts, which are an excellent source of healthy fats, protein, and fiber. Raisins provide additional antioxidants and vitamins, while sour cherry jam contributes essential minerals.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can it be made with gluten-free cookies? Yes, you can use special gluten-free cookies to adapt your recipe.
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, butter can provide a richer and creamier flavor.
- Is it possible to add fresh fruits? Yes, you can try adding some berries to the mixture for added flavor.

Personal Story:
This recipe reminds me of the days spent in the kitchen with my grandmother, who showed me how to prepare delicious desserts for the whole family. Every bite of this cake brings back memories of smiles and joy that a lovingly made dessert can bring. So, don't hesitate to share this cake with your loved ones, as every slice is a celebration of taste and memories!

Enjoy your meal!