Mena Cake

Menei Cake with Plum Jam and Walnuts - A Family Delight

Welcome to the magical world of cooking! Today, I will share with you a special recipe, filled with memories and stories, that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. This is Menei Cake, a unique recipe that has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a symbol of love and care in our family. This cake is perfect for any occasion, whether you want to treat someone special or prepare a delicious dessert for a party.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Total: 50-55 minutes
Servings: 12-16 servings

Ingredients:

*For the base:*
- 150 g margarine (we recommend Rama margarine, at room temperature)
- 150 g sugar
- 250 g flour
- 1 egg
- 6-7 g baking powder mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar
- 200 g plum jam (or apricot jam for a more flavorful variant)

*For the filling:*
- 210 g sugar
- 4 eggs
- 210 g ground walnuts

Preparation - Detailed Steps:

1. Preparing the baking tray: Start by preparing the tray in which you will bake the cake. Use a tray measuring 24 cm x 32 cm and line it with baking paper. This step will help the cake release easily after baking.

2. Preparing the base: In a large bowl, mix the margarine at room temperature with the sugar. Use an electric mixer to obtain a creamy and fluffy mixture. Add the egg and continue mixing, then incorporate the baking powder mixed with vinegar. This step is essential for giving the cake an airy texture.

3. Incorporating the flour: Sifting the flour is an important detail that helps eliminate lumps and achieve an even base. Gradually add the sifted flour to the margarine mixture and mix until you obtain a homogeneous dough.

4. Assembling the cake: Pour the base mixture into the prepared tray and level it evenly. Spread the plum jam over the base. It is important to choose a quality jam that adds a sweet-sour taste to the cake.

5. Preparing the filling: In another bowl, beat the eggs together with the sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Add the ground walnuts and mix well. The resulting mixture is poured over the plum jam, leveling it with a spatula.

6. Baking: Preheat the oven to 180 degrees Celsius. Place the tray in the oven and slightly reduce the heat. Bake the cake for 30-35 minutes or until the top turns golden and browns nicely. A toothpick test in the middle of the cake is an excellent trick to check if it is fully baked.

7. Cooling and slicing: After the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray for 10-15 minutes. Then, transfer the cake to a cooling rack, where you can let it cool completely. Once cooled, slice it into squares or rectangles and serve with joy.

Practical Tips:

- Jam: If you don't have plum jam, you can use any other favorite jam, such as apricot or raspberry jam, to add a different note to the cake.
- Walnuts: If you want to add extra flavor, you can lightly toast the walnuts before grinding them. This step enhances the aroma and taste.
- Serving: Menei Cake pairs perfectly with a cup of black tea or aromatic coffee. Additionally, vanilla ice cream alongside the cake can turn the dessert into a true delight.

Nutritional Benefits:

This cake has a balanced content of proteins and carbohydrates, thanks to the eggs and walnuts, providing an energy source. Walnuts are rich in healthy fats and essential nutrients, such as vitamins E and B, which contribute to heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can use butter, but make sure it is at room temperature for proper incorporation into the mixture.
2. What can I do if I don't have jam? You can replace the jam with fruit compote or quickly prepare a fruit sauce from fresh fruits.
3. How can I store the cake? It is recommended to keep the cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze it to keep it for a longer time.

Menei Cake is not just a dessert, but a tradition that brings family and friends together around the table. I encourage you to try this recipe and enrich it with your own memories! May each slice be filled with love and joy!