Ness cream and meringue cake

Cake with ness cream and meringue: a delicacy that combines textures and flavors in an absolutely delicious way. This cake is perfect for any special occasion, whether it's an anniversary, a celebration, or simply an afternoon with family.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes
Number of servings: 12-14

Recipe History
The cake with ness cream and meringue has its roots in the tradition of using simple ingredients to create sophisticated desserts. The ness cream, which adds a hint of coffee, is inspired by the love for hot beverages, while the meringue provides an airy texture and a perfect contrast to the dense base. This combination has been cherished for generations and continues to be a favorite among those who love desserts with intense flavors.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 6 eggs
- 150 g sugar
- 75 g flour
- 50 g ground walnuts
- 1 tablespoon cocoa

For the ness cream:
- 250 g margarine (preferably Rama) at room temperature
- 200 g powdered sugar
- 3 egg yolks
- 2 teaspoons ness (or instant coffee)

For the meringue:
- 3 egg whites
- 120 g sugar

For decoration:
- Grated milk chocolate

Preparation Steps
Step 1: Preparing the Base
1. Start by separating the eggs, placing the 6 yolks in a large bowl. Use a spatula to gently mix them until smooth.
2. In another bowl, beat the 6 egg whites with a mixer until you achieve a stiff foam. This is a crucial step; make sure the bowl is clean and dry, otherwise the egg whites won't whip well.
3. Gradually add 150 g of sugar, continuing to mix until a glossy and firm foam forms.
4. Fold the yolks into the egg white foam, mixing gently with a spatula in an up-and-down motion.
5. Incorporate the flour, ground walnuts, and cocoa, mixing gently to avoid losing air from the mixture.
6. Prepare a baking tray (24x38 cm) by greasing it with butter and sprinkling flour. Pour the base mixture into the tray and level it evenly.
7. Bake the base in a preheated oven at 180 degrees Celsius for 20 minutes. Check if it’s done using a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the base is perfect.

Step 2: Preparing the Ness Cream
1. In a small bowl, combine the ness with 3 tablespoons of warm water. Mix well until completely dissolved.
2. In another bowl, beat the 3 egg yolks until smooth.
3. Mix the margarine at room temperature with the powdered sugar until you achieve a fine cream. This is the moment to ensure that the margarine is not too cold; otherwise, it won't incorporate well.
4. Add the beaten yolks and the dissolved ness, continuing to mix until smooth.

Step 3: Preparing the Meringue
1. In a heat-resistant bowl, place the 3 egg whites and start beating them with a mixer.
2. When they become frothy, gradually add the sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a stiff and glossy foam.
3. Place the bowl over a double boiler, stirring continuously for 4-5 minutes, until the meringue becomes warm and glossy.

Step 4: Assembling the Cake
1. After the base and meringue have completely cooled, spread the ness cream evenly over the cake base.
2. Then, add the meringue and level it with a spatula for a uniform appearance.
3. For a decorative touch, sprinkle grated chocolate on top of the meringue.

Practical Tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature, especially the margarine, to achieve a smoother cream.
- If you desire an even more intense flavor, you can add a few drops of vanilla essence to the ness cream.
- This cake tastes best if left to cool in the fridge for a few hours before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use butter instead of margarine? Yes, you can use butter, but make sure it is well softened for easy incorporation.
- What do I do if my base has risen too much? If the base is too high, you can trim it a little to achieve an even thickness.
- How can I adapt the recipe to be gluten-free? You can replace the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, but the final texture may vary.

Calories and Nutritional Benefits
This cake contains approximately 300 calories per serving, depending on the ingredients used. It is a source of energy due to the sugar and fats from the margarine, but consumed in moderation, it can be included in a balanced diet. The nuts add a good amount of protein and healthy fats.

Serving Suggestions
The cake with ness cream and meringue pairs wonderfully with a freshly brewed cup of coffee or a fragrant tea. You can also add a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a contrast of textures and temperatures.

Possible Variations
- Instead of ness, you can experiment with cocoa powder for a cake with a more intense chocolate flavor.
- Adding chocolate pieces to the ness cream can bring an extra note of flavor.

With each step, this cake will become a favorite among your loved ones. Preparing it is a true pleasure, and the final result will surely impress. Enjoy every bite and cherish the moments spent in the kitchen!