Urside

Urside: A Sweet Christmas Indulgence

Christmas is a magical time, filled with joy, light, and of course, delicious treats. Every year, I find inspiration in the gifts of heaven, and during this season, I decided to prepare some unique cakes for a family that loves sweets, called Urside. These delights have a fluffy texture, enriched with a fine and aromatic cream, and the combination of cognac, roasted nuts, wafer flowers, and orange peel adds a touch of elegance and flavor.

Preparation Time:
- Preparation time: 30 minutes
- Baking time: 25 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Number of servings: 13 cakes

Your Ingredients for Urside:

*For the sponge:*
- 5 eggs (fresh, at room temperature)
- 4 tablespoons of sugar (preferably crystal)
- A pinch of salt
- 1 cup of oil (sunflower or canola oil)
- 5 tablespoons of flour (high-quality white flour)
- 1 packet of baking powder

*For the cream:*
- 350 ml of milk (whole milk for a richer cream)
- 1 packet of Bourbon vanilla sugar (for an aromatic taste)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of flour
- A pinch of salt
- 100 g of butter (at room temperature)
- A few roasted and ground hazelnuts (for a distinctive taste)

*For the syrup:*
- 250 ml of water
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 2 tablespoons of cognac (or another strong drink, like rum)
- 4 tablespoons of coffee (brewed, for extra flavor)

*For decoration:*
- 150 ml of liquid cream (high quality, preferably 30% fat)
- A little dark chocolate (for melting)
- Grated lemon peel (for a fresh taste)
- Orange peel preserved in sugar (for a sophisticated decoration)
- Chopped nuts (not ground, for texture)
- Wafer flowers (from Dr.Oetker, for an elegant appearance)

Step by Step: Preparing the Urside

1. Preparing the Sponge:
Carefully separate the egg whites from the yolks. In a bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they become frothy. When the foam starts to stiffen, gradually add two tablespoons of sugar, continuing to mix until you achieve a firm foam.

In another bowl, mix the yolks with the other two tablespoons of sugar until creamy. With the mixer on low speed, slowly pour the yolk mixture over the egg whites. Add the oil in a thin stream, followed by the baking powder and flour. Gently fold with a spatula so that you don't lose the air in the mixture.

Pour the mixture into a baking tray lined with parchment paper and place in the preheated oven at 180°C for about 25 minutes, or until the sponge is golden. Let it cool completely.

2. Preparing the Cream:
In a saucepan, combine the milk, sugar, vanilla sugar, a pinch of salt, and flour, whisking together. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the cream begins to thicken. Once thickened, remove from heat and add the roasted and ground hazelnuts, as well as the butter. Mix well and let cool.

3. Preparing the Syrup:
In a small pot, place the water and sugar and boil for about 5 minutes. Once the sugar has dissolved, add the cognac and coffee, mixing well. Let the syrup cool completely.

4. Assembling the Urside:
The sponge will be cut with pastry cutters into circles, hearts, or squares. Each sponge will be cut into two layers. Lightly soak each layer with the cooled syrup. On each layer, add a layer of cream, sprinkle with roasted nuts and a little lemon peel. Cover with the other layer.

For decoration, whip the liquid cream until creamy. Coat each cake in whipped cream or melted chocolate, then decorate with chopped nuts, wafer flowers, and orange peel preserved in sugar.

5. Serving:
Urside can be served as a refined dessert at holiday tables. These cakes are excellent alongside a cup of hot coffee or aromatic tea, creating a unique culinary experience.

Tips and Tricks:
- Hazelnuts: Roast them beforehand to enhance the flavor. You can substitute hazelnuts with walnuts, almonds, or pistachios, depending on your preferences.
- Syrup: You can experiment with different types of alcoholic beverages, such as rum or whiskey, to add a distinct note.
- Decoration: Be creative! Replace wafer flowers with grated chocolate or candied fruits for a unique presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use other types of flour? You can try whole wheat or gluten-free flour, but keep in mind that the texture and taste may vary.
- How can I keep the cakes fresh? Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. You can freeze the cakes to keep them longer.
- What are the nutritional benefits of the ingredients? Nuts are an excellent source of healthy fats, while milk cream provides calcium and protein.

Urside are not just cakes; they are an unforgettable experience that brings family and friends together around the table. Each bite will transport you to the world of Christmas flavors, making them a perfect choice for the holidays. Enjoy and have a warm and delightful Christmas!

 Ingredients: For the base: 5 eggs; 4 tablespoons sugar; a pinch of salt; 1 cup oil; 5 tablespoons flour; 1 packet baking powder; For the cream: 350 ml milk; 1 packet Bourbon vanilla sugar; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons flour; a pinch of salt; 100 g butter; a few roasted and ground hazelnuts; For the syrup: 250 ml water; 3 tablespoons sugar; 2 tablespoons cognac (or another spirit); 4 tablespoons coffee (brewed); For decoration: 150 ml liquid cream; a little dark chocolate; a little grated lemon zest; candied orange peel; chopped nuts (not ground); Dr. Oetker wafer flowers.

 Tags:  bear christmas christmas sweets christmas cake cake cream napoleon pastry