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Negresa: a seductive and delicious cake for any occasion

Total preparation time: 1 hour
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 30-35 minutes
Number of servings: 12

The History of Negresa

Negresa, although not considered the queen of cakes, holds a special place in the hearts of dessert lovers. This rich and moist cake, with an intense chocolate flavor, emerged as a simplified version of elaborate chocolate cakes, appreciated for its quick preparation. Whether enjoyed in the morning with coffee or in the evening with a glass of milk, Negresa is versatile and fits any time of the day.

Ingredients

- 6 fresh eggs
- 2 small cups of sugar
- 6 tablespoons of cocoa (or 4 tablespoons if using very high-quality cocoa)
- about 300 grams of margarine
- 1 and a half cups of flour
- 1 packet of baking powder
- a little vinegar to extinguish the baking powder

Step by step in making Negresa

1. Preparing the ingredients: Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting. This will help achieve a more homogeneous and fluffy texture. Separating the eggs is essential, so prepare two separate bowls.

2. Melting the margarine: In a pot, combine sugar, the six tablespoons of cocoa, margarine, and about half a cup of water. Put the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot. When the margarine has completely melted and the mixture becomes homogeneous, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly.

3. Beating the egg whites: While the cocoa mixture cools, beat the egg whites with a mixer or whisk until you get a firm foam. It is important not to add sugar at this point. Once the foam is ready, transfer it to the refrigerator to keep it cold and firm.

4. Mixing the yolks: In a separate bowl, add the yolks and mix them with a few tablespoons of the cocoa mixture to avoid curdling the eggs. Then, pour the yolks into the rest of the cooled cocoa mixture and mix well.

5. Adding dry ingredients: At this point, add the flour and the baking powder extinguished with a little vinegar to the cocoa mixture. Gently mix with a wooden spatula, incorporating the dry ingredients. It is important to mix from the bottom up to preserve the air in the egg whites.

6. Incorporating the egg whites: Add the beaten egg whites to the cocoa mixture, continuing to mix gently from the bottom up, so that you get an airy batter.

7. Baking the Negresa: Prepare a baking tray, greased with margarine and dusted with flour. Pour the batter into the tray and level it gently with a spatula. Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius and bake the cake for 30-35 minutes. A simple way to check if it’s done is to poke it with a toothpick; if it comes out clean, the cake is baked.

8. Finishing: About 5 minutes before taking the Negresa out of the oven, add the remaining mixture you set aside (the 6-7 tablespoons). Spread it evenly over the cake and let it bake for a few more minutes.

9. Cooling and serving: Once the Negresa is ready, remove it from the oven and let it cool in the tray. Then, cut it into squares and serve. It is delicious alongside a fragrant coffee in the morning or a glass of warm milk in the evening.

Tips and tricks:

- Calories and nutritional benefits: A serving of Negresa contains about 250 calories. Although it is a dessert, cocoa brings nutritional benefits, being rich in antioxidants. Moderation is key, but a slice of Negresa can be a good choice to satisfy your sweet tooth.

- Possible variations: You can experiment with additions like nuts, hazelnuts, or even chocolate chips in the batter to intensify the flavor. Try using butter instead of margarine for a richer taste.

- Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use chocolate instead of cocoa? Yes, you can melt high-quality dark chocolate and use it instead of cocoa. Make sure to adjust the amount of sugar, as chocolate is often sweeter.
- How can I keep Negresa fresh? Store Negresa in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days or in the refrigerator for a week. You can also freeze it to enjoy later.

Perfect pairings

Negresa pairs wonderfully with freshly brewed coffee, but also with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or caramel sauce. You can also serve it with a glass of milk or even a fruit smoothie for a delicious and comforting combination.

This Negresa recipe will not only impress your guests but also bring a touch of nostalgia in every bite. So gather the ingredients and enjoy a cake that will quickly become one of your favorites!

 Ingredients: 6 eggs, 2 small cups of sugar, 6 large tablespoons of cocoa (or if the cocoa is of very good quality, just 4), about 300 grams of margarine, 1 and a half cups (the same used for sugar) of flour, 1 packet of baking powder, a little food vinegar to extinguish the baking powder.