Receta de Tarta de Santiago - Cake of St. James Recipe
Penelope Casas
- 1 hour 25 minutes
- 8 servings
No one knows exactly why this almond cake was named after the apostle St. James. For centuries, each cake has been marked with the cross of the Order of Santiago. Visitors to the great Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where the relics of the apostle St. James are believed to be buried, see this cake in the window of every pastry shop and restaurant. Delightfully moist and fragrant, it makes a beautiful addition to a holiday dessert table.
Ingredients
- 1cup sugar plus 1/4 teaspoon for topping
- 1/4tsp grated lemon rind
- 1/2lb raw Marcona almonds, finely ground
- 7eggs, separated
- 1/4tsp cinnamon
- 1/2pint whipping cream
- 1tsp brandy (optional)
- Chopped or ground toasted almonds for garnish
Preparation
STEP 1
Cream 1 cup sugar, lemon rind, and egg yolks until the mixture is light and fluffy. Stir in the almonds and cinnamon. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff, but not dry. Stir a few tablespoons of the egg white into the almond mixture, then fold in the rest of the egg whites.
STEP 2
Pour into 2 greased 8-inch layer pans and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the cakes are well browned. Cool briefly, then remove the cakes from the pans.
Pour into 2 greased 8-inch layer pans and bake at 350°F for 45 minutes or until the cakes are well browned. Cool briefly, then remove the cakes from the pans.
STEP 3
To make topping, whip 1/2 pint of whipping cream, 1/4 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon very strong brandy (optional) until stiff. Generously coat the top of one cake and place the other cake on top. Place a 4-inch Cross of Santiago in the center and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
To make topping, whip 1/2 pint of whipping cream, 1/4 teaspoon sugar and 1 teaspoon very strong brandy (optional) until stiff. Generously coat the top of one cake and place the other cake on top. Place a 4-inch Cross of Santiago in the center and sprinkle the top with powdered sugar.
ALTERNATIVES
Make a festive, seasonal cake by using other stencils in place of the cross - a heart for Valentine's Day, a snowflake for winter, etc.
If you prefer frosting, spread the remaining topping on the top and sides of the cake and garnish with chopped almonds.