Mona Lisa and Amaretto

Joconde Cake with Amaretto: A Holiday Delicacy

Welcome to the refined world of pastry! Today, I invite you to prepare a special cake, a true feast for the taste buds: the Joconde Cake with Amaretto. It is a perfect combination of flavors, textures, and colors that will bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. With a hint of nostalgia, this cake is dedicated to your mother, for all the wonderful moments spent together. Let’s begin the culinary adventure!

Total preparation time: 3 hours
Baking time: 30 minutes
Servings: 10-12

Ingredients

*Joconde Decor:*
- 2 egg whites
- 40 g sugar
- 30 g butter (melted)
- 40 g flour
- 10 g cocoa powder

*Joconde Base (twice):*
- 4 eggs
- 7 tablespoons sugar
- 1 packet bourbon vanilla sugar
- 6 tablespoons flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder

*White Chocolate Ganache:*
- 100 g white chocolate
- 150 ml heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon gelatin granules

*Black Cake with Ladyfingers:*
- 3 eggs
- 90 g sugar
- 80 g flour
- 15 g cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- Ladyfingers (about 200 g)
- Amaretto liqueur (for soaking)

*Ness Cream:*
- 80 g dark chocolate
- 2 teaspoons ness
- 300 ml heavy cream
- 60 ml Amaretto
- 2 teaspoons gelatin granules

*Ness Glaze:*
- 190 g powdered sugar
- 3-4 tablespoons ness (prepared with water)

Step by Step for a Perfect Cake

1. Preparing the Joconde Decor

- Preheating the oven: Preheat the oven to 180°C. Choose a baking tray of 35 cm x 45 cm, which you can keep in the fridge to cool.

- Mixing the ingredients: In a bowl, whisk the egg whites with the sugar until a firm foam forms. Add the melted butter, then the flour mixed with cocoa.

- Drawing the decor: Using a piping bag or cornet, draw ornaments on a baking sheet. I recommend writing in reverse to achieve a beautiful look. Place the tray in the freezer for about 15-20 minutes.

2. Preparing the Joconde Base

- Beating the egg whites: In another bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until firm. Gradually add the sugar, then fold in the egg yolks, mixing gently.

- Incorporating the flour: In another bowl, mix the flour with the baking powder. Add this mixture to the egg composition and gently fold with a spatula.

- Baking: Pour the mixture over the frozen decor and place the tray in the oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Once baked, sprinkle with powdered sugar and turn it onto a towel to remove the parchment paper.

3. White Chocolate Ganache

- Preparing the chocolate: Place the cream over a double boiler and bring it close to a boil. Remove from heat and add the chopped white chocolate. Stir until completely melted.

- Adding gelatin: Hydrate the gelatin in cold water, then melt it over the double boiler. Incorporate it into the chocolate mixture, mixing well. Let it cool and then refrigerate.

- Whipping the cream: When the cream is cold, whip it on high speed until fluffy.

4. Preparing the Black Cake with Ladyfingers

- Making the meringue: Beat the egg whites with the sugar until you get a firm meringue. Add the egg yolks, then the flour with cocoa and the baking powder.

- Arranging the ladyfingers: In a mold with the same diameter as the cake, arrange the ladyfingers like parallel bars. Pour the batter over them and bake at 180°C for 20-25 minutes.

5. Ness Cream

- Preparing the cream: In a saucepan, heat the cream. Add the chopped dark chocolate and stir until melted. Incorporate the ness, Amaretto liqueur, and hydrated gelatin.

- Cooling and whipping: Let it cool and then whip until fluffy.

6. Assembling the Cake

- The base layer: Spread a layer of ganache cream on the round base and place it in the mold. Soak with Amaretto.

- Adding the ness cream: Cover with the ness cream, then place the other half of the black cake, which you also soak.

7. Ness Glaze

- Preparing the glaze: Mix the powdered sugar with the prepared ness, adding water gradually until you achieve the right consistency.

- Finalizing the cake: Pour the glaze over the cake and let it set. Decorate with chocolate, whipped cream, and, of course, with lots of love.

Practical Tips

- Gelatin: Make sure the gelatin is well hydrated, otherwise it will not set the cream.
- Flour: Use good quality flour to achieve a fine texture.
- Customization: You can add fresh berries or nuts for extra flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Can I use another type of alcohol? Yes, you can use another favorite liqueur, such as Baileys or Kahlua.
- How can I make the cake less sweet? Reduce the amount of sugar in the creams and use chocolate with a higher cocoa content.
- Can the cake be frozen? It is recommended not to freeze the cake, as the textures may alter.

Nutritional Benefits

This cake contains chocolate, which is known for its antioxidants. Additionally, the cream provides calcium, and the eggs are an excellent source of protein. However, moderate consumption is essential, as the cake is high in calories.

A Personal Note

This cake is not just a recipe but a true story. Each layer of cream and base brings back memories of the moments spent with loved ones. So, when you prepare it, remember to enjoy the process and bring a little love into every step. Serve it with a glass of wine or a fragrant coffee, and unforgettable moments will be guaranteed.

So, get ready to impress! This Joconde Cake with Amaretto is perfect for any special occasion and will surely become a cherished recipe in your family. Happy cooking!