Star cake ~ HAPPY NEW YEAR 2013 ~

Star Cake - A Holiday Delight

Every year, the holidays bring with them the desire to indulge in culinary delights that enchant both our taste buds and our eyes. Today, I invite you to prepare together a Star Cake, a simple yet spectacular recipe, perfect for celebrating the special moments in our lives. With a fluffy base, a fine cream, and a decoration that brings joy, this cake is truly a star on the holiday table.

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 40 minutes
Total time: 1 hour and 10 minutes
Servings: 12

Ingredients

For the base:
- 7 eggs
- 7 tablespoons of oil (preferably sunflower oil)
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup and 1/2 of flour (use quality flour for a perfect result)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder

For the cream:
- 1 liter of milk (preferably whole for a creamier texture)
- 4 tablespoons of flour
- 6 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 vanilla essence (for an intense flavor)
- 100 g of butter (at room temperature for easy incorporation)
- 200 ml of liquid cream (make sure it is well-chilled before use)

For decoration:
- Cherry compote (or fresh cherries)
- Kiwi (for a color and flavor contrast)
- Liquid cream (to give an elegant look to the cake)

Preparation

1. Preparing the base:
Start by separating the egg whites from the yolks. Use a large bowl for the egg whites and a smaller one for the yolks. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed until they become frothy. Gradually add the sugar and continue mixing until you achieve a glossy and firm meringue. This is the secret to a fluffy and airy base.

2. In another bowl, whisk the yolks with the oil until they form a homogeneous mixture. This will add moisture and richness to your bases.

3. Carefully fold the yolk mixture into the egg white meringue using a spatula and gentle folding motions. This will help you retain the air in the meringue, essential for the texture of the bases.

4. Sift the flour together with the baking powder and gradually add it to the egg mixture, mixing carefully until homogeneous.

5. Prepare a star-shaped baking pan by lining it with parchment paper. Pour the mixture into the pan and level the surface.

6. Preheat the oven to 180°C and bake the base for 40 minutes. Check if it's done using the toothpick method: insert a toothpick into the center of the base; if it comes out clean, the cake is ready. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the cream:
In a bowl, mix 250 ml of milk with the flour and sugar, ensuring no lumps form.

3. In a saucepan, heat the remaining milk (750 ml) over medium heat. Add the milk, flour, and sugar mixture. Stir constantly with a whisk to prevent lumps from forming. Cook until the cream thickens.

4. Once the cream has thickened and begins to simmer gently, remove the saucepan from the heat and add the butter and vanilla essence. Mix well until the butter melts.

5. Let the cream cool to room temperature, then fold in the whipped cream until you obtain a light and smooth cream.

3. Assembling the cake:
Once the base has completely cooled, cut it into three equal parts. You can use a serrated knife for more precise cuts.

4. Soak each layer of the base with the juice from the cherry compote to give it moisture and a delicious flavor.

5. Spread a layer of cream on the first layer of the base, then place the second layer of the base. Repeat the process with the cream, adding each layer until you have assembled all three layers.

6. Finally, decorate the cake with whipped liquid cream, cherry compote, and kiwi slices. Here you can play with the decoration, leaving room for your imagination.

Serving and useful tips:
- This Star Cake is best served well chilled, ideal for moments when you want to impress your guests. You can accompany the cake with a warm drink, such as fruit tea or a delicate cappuccino.
- If you want a less sweet version, you can reduce the amount of sugar in the cream. You can also replace the cherries with other seasonal fruits, such as strawberries or raspberries, to add a fresh note.
- The cake can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, but it is best enjoyed within the first 48 hours.

Nutritional benefits:
This cake, besides being delicious, contains protein-rich eggs, milk that provides calcium, and butter that offers healthy fats. The cream adds a touch of flavor but also a calorie boost, so, in moderation, you can enjoy your taste buds without feeling guilty.

It is always a pleasure to prepare a cake with love and with the help of little ones, just as I did with my children. The memories created in the kitchen are the most beautiful, and this Star Cake will surely become part of your holiday traditions. So, put on your kitchen gloves and let’s enjoy beautiful moments with loved ones! Happy holidays and happy cooking!