SLICES WITH STRAWBERRIES AND VANILLA

DELICIOUS SLICES WITH STRAWBERRIES AND VANILLA

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Baking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 2 hours and 55 minutes (including cooling)
Number of servings: 12

Introduction
Who doesn't love the fresh flavor of strawberries? This refined dessert, full of flavor and color, is perfect for any occasion, from a gathering with friends to a festive meal. Combining decadent chocolate with a fine vanilla cream and juicy strawberries, each slice will bring a smile to the faces of your loved ones.

A brief history
Strawberry and vanilla desserts have been cherished for centuries, bringing joy and delight to people. Strawberries are often associated with spring and summer, symbolizing freshness and vitality. In this recipe, the balance between chocolate and vanilla creates a contrast of flavors that will delight the taste buds.

Ingredients
For the base:
- 200 g cooking chocolate
- 130 g soft butter
- 20 g + 4 tablespoons sugar
- 2 packets of vanilla
- A pinch of salt
- 8 eggs
- 320 g flour
- 1 tablespoon cocoa
- 2 tablespoons baking powder
- 3 tablespoons + 8 dl milk

For the cream:
- 1 kg strawberries
- 2 vanilla puddings (for 1/2 l milk each)
- 1/2 l milk
- 2.5 dl cream

For the glaze:
- 2 packets of colored gelatin
- 60 g sugar
- 1/2 l water

For decoration:
- A few mint leaves
- Powdered sugar

Preparation

*Step 1: Preparing the base*
1. Start by grating the cooking chocolate. You can use a fine grater to achieve thin shavings that will melt evenly into the batter.
2. In a large bowl, add the soft butter, sugar (20 g), and a pinch of salt. Beat them together with a mixer until the mixture becomes creamy and airy.
3. Separate the eggs, placing the egg whites in a clean bowl and the yolks in the butter mixture. Add the yolks one at a time, mixing well after each addition.
4. In another bowl, combine the flour, cocoa, and baking powder. Sift the mixture over the butter and yolk mixture, then add 3 tablespoons of milk and the grated chocolate. Mix well until you obtain a smooth batter.
5. Whip the egg whites until stiff peaks form, then gently fold them into the chocolate mixture using a spatula to avoid losing the air from the egg whites.
6. Pour the batter into a greased and floured baking pan. Bake in a preheated oven at 175 °C for 25 minutes. When done, remove it and let it cool on a rack.

*Step 2: Preparing the vanilla cream*
1. Clean the strawberries, wash them, and slice them. These will add a layer of freshness and flavor to your dessert.
2. In a bowl, mix the pudding powder with 60 g of sugar and 1 dl of cold milk. Mix well until completely dissolved.
3. Bring the remaining milk to a boil in a saucepan. When it starts to boil, add the pudding mixture and cook until it thickens, stirring constantly. Once the mixture has thickened, remove it from the heat and let it cool.
4. When the pudding cream has cooled, gently fold in the cream to achieve a smooth and creamy texture.

*Step 3: Assembling the dessert*
1. Place the cake base on a wooden board or a serving platter. Make sure it is well cooled before continuing.
2. Spread the cooled pudding cream evenly over the base, ensuring it is distributed uniformly.
3. Arrange the strawberry slices aesthetically on top of the cream to create an attractive appearance.

*Step 4: Preparing the gelatin glaze*
1. In a saucepan, mix the colored gelatin with the remaining sugar and 1/2 l of water. Heat over low heat and stir constantly until completely dissolved.
2. After the mixture has boiled a few times, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly. Then, pour the gelatin evenly over the strawberry slices, making sure they are well covered.
3. Leave the dessert in the fridge for at least 2 hours to set and combine the flavors.

*Step 5: Serving*
1. Before serving, sprinkle powdered sugar over the dessert for an elegant look and add a few mint leaves on top for a splash of color.
2. Use a sharp knife to cut the cake into pieces, being careful not to disturb the layers.

Practical tips
- Make sure all ingredients are at room temperature before starting to achieve a uniform mixture.
- You can substitute strawberries with other seasonal fruits, such as peaches or blueberries, to diversify the flavor.
- If you prefer a more intense vanilla flavor, add a few extra drops of vanilla essence to the pudding cream.

Nutritional benefits
Strawberry and vanilla slices offer a mix of nutrients, with strawberries being rich in vitamin C and antioxidants, while chocolate contains beneficial flavonoids for health. The cream adds a source of calcium and healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions
- Can I use white chocolate instead of dark chocolate?
Yes, but the taste will be sweeter and creamier.

- How can I make the dessert lower in calories?
You can use chocolate with a higher cocoa content and natural sweeteners instead of sugar.

Recipes or drinks that can be combined
This dessert pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a glass of sweet wine. You can also serve it alongside a hibiscus tea infusion or a refreshing lemonade for a contrasting taste.

After you have followed these steps and made delicious slices with strawberries and vanilla, don't forget to impress your friends with your culinary talent! This recipe is not just a dessert, but a true celebration of flavors. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 200g dark chocolate, 130g soft butter, 20g + 4 tablespoons sugar, 2 pinches of vanilla, a pinch of salt, 8 eggs, 320g flour, 1 tablespoon cocoa, 2 tablespoons baking powder, 3 tablespoons + 8dl milk, 1kg strawberries, 2 vanilla puddings (1/2l milk + 1/2l milk), 2.5dl cream, 2 packets of colored gelatin, For decoration: a few mint leaves, powdered sugar;

 Tags:  strawberries sugar sour cream unt vanilla pudding powder