Wednesday, June 10, 2009

A dreamy chocolate ladyfinger cake and the birth of my book!


Could this dreamy ladyfinger cake possibly dismiss
my
inexcusable hiatus?

See recipe below.


(made with Godiva dark chocolate
) & ( made with hazelnut TEECCINO)
Unequivocally the most delicious success!!!



Do you take this velvety chocolaty wonder,
to savor and at times, devour,
and let no man cast asunder?.........I do!
for this evocative image is indeed a welcome
appeasement to my undying, creative and hungry soul!.......Nazarina.



My absence, even though inexcusable, has however
produced an undertaking in me compiling a book of
my very own, chic sweet and savory treats. Establishing
parameters for this undertaking are by no means easy
but my goals are to reflect my attention to detail and
present you with flavorful cuisine! This book is still
in progress and will be
worth the wait!

I shall continue to post recipes on this blog ( whenever
time permits me) but the best of the rest as they say,
will be saved for last and that is my book)
Recipes will somewhat be indicative of this ladyfinger
cake above and the custard cigars below. Even the savories
will not disappoint!


This vision of juicy cherries embedded in creamy custard
is just one of the recipes that will appear in my book.



I shall also share lots of tips and tricks in the book.
Here's one, how to maintain the crispiness of this baked
creamy custard and cherry cigars and you do not even
have to crack a single egg for the custard! Also pitting
cherries if you do not have a cherry pitter at hand!


This cherry soup is adorned with mascarpone and is a
perfect accompaniment to these custard and cherry cigars!






Go ahead and dunk that crispy cigar!




Thank you teeccino for sending me a wonderful
gift of different herbal coffees. It does my digestive
tract good! ( see picture of this coffee in my previous post).
I used the hazelnut flavor in the making of this ladyfinger cake.
All I can say is that the resultant gianduia aroma of this cake
drove my friends and relatives insane! Irresistible things come
in small packages!



Here now is the recipe for the ladyfinger cake. As usual, please use organic ingredients whenever possible! This is a 7 inch spring form ring, opened to its widest setting.
Do not use the bottom of this pan for this prep.



Brew a cup and half of hazelnut teeccino and add only the 1 cup to 1 cup of hazelnut cream. Use the other half in the prep below. Let cool completely and set aside.

Other ingredients:
  • half cup brewed hazelnut teeccino
  • 8 fl oz organic milk
  • 2 T cornstarch
  • 2 packs of ladyfinger cookies ( You will not use all the ladyfingers!)
  • 4 egg yolks
  • 11 oz dark chocolate plus( use only 9 oz for the cake and the rest melt with some milk for the decoration on top of cake.
  • 5 T unsalted butter( rm temp)
  • 1 t pure vanilla ( I use the brand from Santo Domingo)
Method:
Beat the egg yolks lightly. Pour the 8 oz milk and teeccino into a pot and add the the egg yolks, vanilla and the cornstarch. Heat this mixture, stirring constantly until it bubbles. Set aside to cool slightly. Meanwhile break the 9 oz of chocolate and melt over a bain- marie ( hot water bath). Stir until smooth. Cream the softened butter and gradually add the melted chocolate. Add this to the egg yolk mixture beating constantly until thickened.
Lightly soak ladyfingers in the mixture of teeccino and hazelnut cream and cover the bottom of the spring form ring. Cover with a layer of the chocolate custard and then continue the layering until the top of the ring, making sure that the final layer of ladyfingers is arranged in a very pretty manner. Set the whole cake in refrigerator to set overnight . Tip: I removed the ring gently, ( the aluminum foil makes it easier to handle), after 4 hours and smoothed out the chocolate custard around the sides and then cooled overnight in the refrigerator.
Decorate the cake with the melted chocolate 1 hour prior to serving. Serves about 10 or 8 hungry people.

Please enjoy!
Nazarina.

Reeni, my dear, your Mom is the bomb! Thank you for the portrait of my cat!!!She is an incredible artist!!!!

30 comments:

Snooky doodle said...

wonderful! I m looking forward to this book:) this recipe looks delicious!

Ann said...

Wow.. this recipe looks heavenly. Congrats on your book. :)

The Food Hunter said...

looking forward to your book. this looks yummy!

Reeni said...

Congratulations on your book!! How exciting! I shall be first in line to buy it! The ladyfinger cake is heavenly as are the cigars. I've missed you, and your in my thoughts often. I'm so happy that you are enjoying your portrait of beloved Smokes. And that all is well with you - or better than well!

Bunny said...

A cookbook how wonderful!! Congratulations!! I can't wait to get it. You are amazing!!

Anonymous said...

Very exciting about your book! The cake looks wonderful!

ochikeron said...

Congratulations on the cookbook!!!
How wonderful!!!
Your vitality is always amazing!!!
What motivated you to make it? I'm just curious.

I look forward to seeing it!
I really respect you!!!

MaryBeth said...

So glad to see you back, I cant wait to see this book and as always your food and pictures are simply perfect.

Shabs.. said...

you always have wonderful recipes with yummy yummy pics....Im drooling here...Congrats on ur book dear!

lubnakarim06 said...

Very happy to see you back.....cake looks awesome.....oh your book is going to come..will be waiting for it to hit the markets.....congrats and all the best...keep rocking...

Lucy..♥ said...

Wonderful news about your cookbook, truly exciting!! This ladyfinger cake is simply amazing and the others are simply decadent goodies!

XXX's

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

CONGRATULATIONS my dear young friend. I am soooo happy for you. I look forward to the book and to purchasing it. Best of luck Nazarina, you deserve it.

Soma said...

Your cookbook is going to be a bomb! Your recipes are just perfect, with unique flavors & ingredients & makes me want to reach your doorstep:-)

Dreamy indeed, for i can only dream of this decadent delicacy!
& don't disappear again:-)

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Two wonderful treat! I'm drooling!

Cheers,

Rosa

Sagan said...

*swoons* tasty! And so exciting about your book.

Teresa Cordero Cordell said...

I've missed you too my friend. AND your beautiful designs. I am so proud of you. I know it takes a lot of work to publish, so hang in there and enjoy the adventure and excitement. Big hugs. :)

Recipeswap said...

Thats a real dreamy cake and ohhhhhh I cant wait to see your book!All the best!

Unknown said...

i agree... it does look dreamy... :)and cheers to you, looking forward of finding a copy of your book... :)

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

Congratulations on your book! How very exciting! And what a lovely cake to post about to celebrate it! :D

Anonymous said...

My sincere apologies for being so late Naz, but I am so glad you are back and posting... I was dealing with some "girl drama" hence my recent post... what is wrong with these woman...

On the positive, you are fabulous at anything and everything you do, cakes and cooking are no exception.

Katherine Roberts Aucoin said...

The lady finger cake has me drooling! I am going to be on the lookout for your book!

Amy said...

Congratulations! And your ladyfinger cake definitely has my attention. Delicious!

Jo A. T.B. said...

Hello Nazarina,

As usual your posts never disappoint, remember a masterpiece always takes time!

All though, I'm trying to cut back on sweets, your cherry cigars look lusciuos.

I know your book will be wonderful! Take your time and leave your special imprint on the world.

You and your unique creations are one of kind, and will go beyond everyone's expectations!

Miss you! Love, Jo

Tangled Noodle said...

I don't know if you'll see this since you've moved but I love this ladyfinger cake! I, along with everyone else, eagerly look forward to hearing more about your book.

Yasmeen said...

Good luck with your delectable book Hon:).I'm off to check your new place.

grace said...

what a picturesque cake, and the flavors sound heavenly! your new site is great, but i had to comment on this creation--it's definitely dreamy!

ARUNA said...

wow everything here looks so tempting and yummy!!!!!

Nic said...

How exciting, congratulations! Bet it will be a wonderful book.

Live.Love.Eat said...

You're so incredibly talented so a book is no wonder. Good for you and good luck. I will be waiting!!!! Now I am off to put your new home in my blogroll.

Nic said...

oh how I love your blog. perfect idea
this book.



xx
Nic