Jam Roll

Roll with jam - a classic, simple, and delicious dessert

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 10-12 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Number of servings: 8

Who doesn’t love a roll with jam? This is a recipe that skillfully combines the sweet taste of jam with the fluffy texture of the roll base, making it a perfect dessert for any occasion. This recipe has its roots in ancient culinary traditions, being prepared by generations and adapted each time with readily available ingredients. Whether you are a novice in the kitchen or an experienced cook, this recipe will bring smiles to your face and applause from your loved ones.

Ingredients:

- 4 eggs
- 4 tablespoons sugar
- 4 tablespoons flour
- 4 tablespoons oil (preferably sunflower or canola oil)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla essence (for an extra flavor)
- 1 jar of jam (about 400 g; you can choose your favorite jam, such as peach, raspberry, or blackberry)
- 100 g chocolate (you can use dark chocolate or milk chocolate, depending on your preference)
- A pinch of salt (to stabilize the egg whites)

Useful tips about ingredients:

- Eggs: Make sure they are fresh. It is recommended to take them out of the fridge an hour before using them to bring them to room temperature.
- Sugar: You can replace white sugar with brown sugar for a more intense flavor, but be careful as the texture may be slightly different.
- Flour: Use type 000 flour or cake flour to achieve a finer texture for the bases.
- Jam: Choose a quality jam without added preservatives. I recommend apricot or plum jam, which pairs perfectly with chocolate.
- Chocolate: Adding a teaspoon of butter to the melted chocolate will give it a creamier consistency and a richer taste.

Preparation:

1. Separating the eggs: Start by carefully separating the egg whites from the yolks, using two large bowls. It is essential that the bowls are clean and free of grease to achieve well-beaten egg whites.

2. Preparing the yolks: In the bowl with the yolks, add the 4 tablespoons of oil. Use a mixer or a whisk to beat the mixture well until it becomes creamy and light yellow.

3. Beating the egg whites: In the other bowl, add a pinch of salt to the egg whites and start beating them with a mixer. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until you obtain a firm and glossy meringue. This step is crucial to give the roll a fluffy texture.

4. Combining the ingredients: With a spatula, carefully add the beaten egg whites over the yolk and oil mixture. Use a gentle folding motion from top to bottom to avoid deflating the egg whites. Then, gradually add the sifted flour, continuing to mix carefully.

5. Adding the vanilla: The last step in preparing the mixture is to add the vanilla essence, which will add a special aroma to your dessert.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 190 degrees Celsius. Line a 25 x 35 cm baking tray with parchment paper. Pour the obtained mixture into the tray and level the surface with a spatula. Bake the base in the oven for 10-12 minutes, but be vigilant! It is important not to stray from the oven, as the base can burn very quickly. When it turns lightly golden, it is ready.

7. Cooling the bases: Once the base is baked, remove it from the oven and immediately cover it with a damp, well-wrung kitchen towel. This will prevent the bases from drying out and keep them moist. Let it cool for 5-10 minutes.

8. Rolling: After the base has cooled slightly, turn it onto a clean surface, carefully removing the parchment paper. Spread the jam evenly over the surface of the bases. Using the help of the towel, carefully roll the base, forming a tight roll. Make sure to use the towel to guide the roll so that it does not break.

9. Decorating: Once the roll is formed, melt the chocolate in a bain-marie or in the microwave, adding a teaspoon of butter for a creamy appearance. Pour the melted chocolate over the roll, allowing it to drip slightly over the edges. Let the roll cool completely before cutting it.

10. Serving: Cut the roll with a sharp knife into thin slices to highlight the filling. You can serve it plain or with a scoop of ice cream, or alongside a cup of coffee for a perfect taste combination.

Nutritional benefits:
This roll can be a delicious and not very caloric snack, having about 180-200 kcal per slice (depending on the jam chosen). The eggs provide essential proteins, while the jam brings vitamins and fiber. Of course, it is important to consume in moderation, but you will enjoy a dessert that satisfies your sweet cravings without feeling guilty.

Possible variations:
- You can experiment with different fillings, such as cream cheese or ground nuts.
- Instead of jam, you can use a chocolate filling or vanilla cream.
- Add a touch of freshness by adding a little lemon juice to the jam.

Frequently asked questions:
1. Can I use sugar-free jams?
Yes, you can use sugar-free jams, but make sure they are well set to avoid making the roll too wet.
2. How can I store the roll?
The roll stores well in the refrigerator, covered with plastic wrap, for 2-3 days.
3. Can I freeze the roll?
Yes, you can freeze the roll, but it is recommended to cut it into slices before freezing for easier serving.

This jam roll recipe is not just a dessert, but a sweet memory from childhood, a way to connect with loved ones and bring a smile to their faces. I wish you good appetite and fun cooking!