Star for Saint Nicholas
Steluta Recipe for Saint Nicholas - Quick and Delicious Dessert
Preparation time: 30 minutes
Freezing time: 4-6 hours
Total time: 4-6 hours 30 minutes
Number of servings: 12
As the holiday approaches, when Saint Nicholas is near, it’s the perfect time to prepare a dessert that delights both the eyes and the taste buds. Steluta for Saint Nicholas is a delicious little cake, with simple ingredients and a memorable taste, ideal for enjoying with loved ones. Here’s how to prepare it step by step.
Ingredients:
- 400 g petit beurre biscuits
- 50 g cocoa powder
- 100 g roasted nuts, coarsely chopped
- 50 g raisins
- 3 cubes of Turkish delight, finely chopped
- 150 g sugar
- 250 g butter, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon coffee essence
- 1 teaspoon rum essence
- Grated zest of one orange
For the glaze:
- 150 g dark chocolate
- 30 g butter
- 100 ml liquid cream
For decoration:
- Whipped liquid cream
- Red and green food coloring
Preparation:
1. Preparing the syrup: In a small pot, combine sugar, cocoa powder, and 200 ml of water. Place the pot on low heat and stir constantly until the sugar is completely dissolved. Once a homogeneous syrup forms, let it cool.
2. Preparing the biscuits: In a large bowl, crush the petit beurre biscuits until you have a mixture with the texture of small granules. This will help absorb the syrup and provide a pleasant texture to the dessert.
3. Mixing the ingredients: Pour the cooled syrup over the biscuits and mix well, ensuring all the biscuits are well soaked. In another bowl, cream the softened butter with the sugar and the coffee and rum essences until you obtain a fluffy cream. Add this mixture to the soaked biscuits and mix well. Incorporate the roasted nuts, raisins, chopped Turkish delight, and orange zest.
4. Forming the little cake: Place the mixture in a bowl lined with plastic wrap, pressing well to shape it. This step is essential to achieve a well-defined dessert. Freeze for 4-6 hours, or until firm.
5. Preparing the glaze: In a small pot over low heat, combine the liquid cream, butter, and broken pieces of chocolate. Stir constantly until everything is melted and homogeneous. Let the glaze cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the little cake when applied.
6. Glazing and decorating: Carefully invert the little cake onto a platter. Pour the chocolate glaze over it, covering evenly. For a festive look, decorate with whipped cream and add a few drops of red and green food coloring to create a festive effect.
7. Serving: It is recommended to let the little cake cool until the next day to allow the flavors to blend completely. Serve cut into slices, alongside a glass of milk or a cup of hot tea.
Possible variations: You can adapt the recipe by adding other ingredients like coconut flakes or white chocolate to the mixture. Also, if you prefer a stronger flavor, you can replace the essences with flavored liqueurs.
This Steluta for Saint Nicholas is not only a quick and simple dessert to prepare but also a symbol of kindness and tradition. Whether you enjoy it with family or give it as a gift, it will surely bring joy to the hearts of loved ones. Happy Name Day to all those who bear the names of saints!
Ingredients: 400 g petit beurre biscuits, 50 g cocoa, 100 g roasted nuts, 50 g raisins, 3 cubes of Turkish delight, 150 g sugar, 250 g butter, coffee essence, rum essence, grated orange peel. Glaze: 150 g dark chocolate, 30 g butter, 100 ml liquid cream. Decoration: liquid cream, red and green food coloring.
