Fluffy rug with cherries

Fluffy Cherry Mat

Welcome to the world of sweet delights, where every recipe tells a story. Today, I will guide you step by step in preparing a fluffy cherry mat, a dessert that combines airy texture with the juicy taste of ripe cherries. This dish is perfect for a relaxing afternoon, alongside a cup of tea or coffee. It is also a simple and quick recipe, ideal for those who want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 40-45 minutes
Total time: 1 hour
Number of servings: 8

Recipe History
The cherry mat is a classic dessert enjoyed by generations. Its origins are lost in the mists of time, but what is certain is that the combination of fluffy dough and fresh fruit has won many hearts. Cherries, with their sweet and tart flavor, add a touch of freshness, making this dessert an ideal choice for warm summer days or for moments when we crave something sweet and comforting.

Ingredients
- 6 eggs
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 5 tablespoons flour
- A pinch of salt
- 1-2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 sachet vanilla sugar
- 600 g cherries (pitted)
- Juice of half a lemon
- Powdered sugar for decoration

Preparation
1. Preparing the cherries: Start by washing the cherries thoroughly under cold water. After cleaning them of impurities, pit them and let them drain in a sieve. Sprinkle them with lemon juice to keep them fresh and add a subtle flavor. The lemon will help balance the sweetness of the cherries.

2. Separating the eggs: In a large bowl, separate the egg whites from the yolks. It is important to ensure that no yolk gets into the egg whites, otherwise they won't whip well.

3. Beating the egg whites: Using a mixer, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. When they start to thicken, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm and shiny foam. This step is essential to ensure a fluffy texture for the mat.

4. Preparing the yolk mixture: In another bowl, whisk the yolks with a pinch of salt. Add the melted (but cooled) butter and continue mixing until the mixture is homogeneous. It is important that the butter is not hot, as it could coagulate the eggs.

5. Combining the ingredients: Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the yolk mixture using a spatula to avoid losing the incorporated air. Then, add the sifted flour and baking powder (pre-mixed with the flour), mixing gently. It is essential not to stir too vigorously to maintain the airy texture.

6. Preparing for baking: Grease a baking tray with butter and sprinkle flour to prevent sticking. Pour the obtained mixture into the tray, leveling it evenly. Place the cherries on top, pressing them gently into the dough.

7. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180°C (moderate heat) and place the tray inside. Bake the mat for 40-45 minutes or until it turns golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. It is a moment of patience, but the result will be worth the wait.

8. Cooling and decorating: After baking, remove the mat from the oven and let it cool to room temperature. When it is completely cool, dust it with powdered sugar and vanilla sugar for an elegant appearance and enhanced flavor.

Serving Suggestions
The fluffy cherry mat is delicious and simple, but you can experiment even more! You can serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or sweet cream for a perfect contrast between warm and cold. Additionally, a cup of fruit tea or aromatic coffee will perfectly complement this dessert.

Tricks and Useful Tips
- If you don't have fresh cherries on hand, you can use canned or frozen cherries, but make sure to drain them well before adding them to the dough.
- Add a splash of almond extract for an interesting and unique flavor.
- Try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor and moist texture.
- Use a suitably sized tray to avoid sticking, and if the mat becomes too fluffy, a deeper tray will help maintain its shape.

Nutritional Information
This fluffy cherry mat recipe offers a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins due to the eggs, while cherries provide essential vitamins and antioxidants. Each serving contains approximately:
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 4 g
- Fat: 5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g

Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I replace cherries with other fruits?
Yes, this recipe is versatile. You can use raspberries, blueberries, or peaches, adjusting the baking time according to the chosen fruits.

2. How can I make the mat even fluffier?
Make sure the egg whites are well beaten and that you fold them carefully into the yolk mixture. Also, do not open the oven in the first 30 minutes of baking.

3. Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour, ensuring you use a blend that includes a binding agent.

Now that you have all the necessary information, it’s time to get cooking! The fluffy cherry mat awaits you to discover and enjoy it with your loved ones. Happy cooking!