Black Woman II

Negresa II - The Cake That Reminds You of Childhood

When it comes to desserts, few recipes manage to evoke as many memories as negresa. This soft and fluffy cake, with a rich flavor of cocoa and nuts, is a symbol of childhood for many of us. My grandmother used to make it with great love, and today I want to share her classic recipe with a personal touch.

Preparation time: 20 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 55-50 minutes
Number of servings: 12

Ingredients:

- 1 pack of butter (or margarine, if you prefer)
- 250 ml milk
- 400 g sugar
- 200 g flour
- 4 large eggs
- 120 g nuts
- 50 g cocoa
- A few tablespoons of cognac (optional, but recommended for an extra touch of flavor)
- 1 teaspoon of baking powder
- Vanilla and rum extracts (to taste)
- Grated zest of an orange (for a fresh and aromatic flavor)

Preparation:

1. Preparing the nuts: Start by preparing the nuts. Preheat the oven to 180°C. Place the nuts on a tray and roast them for 5-7 minutes until they become golden and fragrant. This step is essential as roasting the nuts enhances their flavor, giving them a unique taste. Allow them to cool, then finely grind half of them and chop the rest.

2. Preparing the wet mixture: In a saucepan, add the butter cut into cubes, sugar, milk, cocoa, and extracts. Place the saucepan over low heat and stir constantly until the butter and sugar completely melt. Once the mixture becomes homogeneous, let it simmer for a few minutes, then remove it from the heat. Now is the time to add a few tablespoons of cognac if you wish. This will add a touch of sophistication to your cake.

3. Combining the ingredients: After the mixture has cooled, gradually add the flour and baking powder. Mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture. Then, add the egg yolks, the ground nuts, and the chopped ones. Carefully mix everything to avoid deflating the mixture.

4. Beating the egg whites: In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until they form stiff peaks. This is the key to obtaining a fluffy and airy negresa. Gently fold the beaten egg whites into the mixture above to retain the air.

5. Baking: Prepare a smaller tray and line it with baking paper or grease it with butter. Pour the mixture into the tray and level the surface. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not open the oven door in the first 20 minutes to avoid the cake sinking.

6. Finishing: Once the cake is baked, remove it from the oven and pour the 15 tablespoons of mixture you set aside on top. This layer will create a delicious glaze and add an attractive look to your negresa. Turn off the oven and let the cake cool inside for 10-15 minutes.

7. Serving: Once the negresa has completely cooled, you can cut it into squares and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a warm chocolate sauce. A cup of coffee or a fragrant tea will perfectly complement this classic dessert.

Useful tips:

- Gluten-free version: You can replace the flour with almond or oat flour for a gluten-free option.
- For a more intense flavor: Add some dark chocolate pieces to the mixture for an extra taste.
- Storage: Negresa keeps well stored in an airtight container for a few days without losing its freshness.

Nutritional benefits: This cake contains nuts, which are rich in omega-3 and antioxidants, making it a healthy choice. Additionally, cocoa is a superfood that provides antioxidants and can improve mood.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use other types of nuts?
Yes, you can experiment with hazelnuts or pistachios to change the cake's flavor.

2. Can it be made without eggs?
Yes, you can use an egg substitute (for example, banana puree or flaxseeds) for a vegan option.

3. How can I enhance the flavor?
In addition to the orange zest, you can add cinnamon or cardamom for an exotic note.

Now that you have discovered my grandmother's negresa recipe, I wish you to prepare it with love and share this delicacy with your loved ones. Every bite will be a journey back in time, to the sweet memories of childhood. Enjoy!

 Ingredients: 1 package of butter (I didn't have butter and used margarine) 250 ml of milk 400 g of sugar 200 g of flour 4 large eggs 120 g of walnuts 50 g of cocoa A few tablespoons of cognac 1 baking powder Essence Orange peel

 Tags:  chocolate cake cake