Some things in life are rather predictable. For instance, I know if I wear white, by 5:00pm my clothes will be stained. Or if I see a movie starring Ben Affleck , 9 times out of 10, it’s going to suck. When Passover arrives each year, the most predictable end to a lovely Seder dinner, is unfortunately, very crappy desserts.
Though I adore coconut macaroons, they’re really more of a sweet snack, than say a dessert you hold proudly in your arms just before you lay it on the dinner table. Most other Passover desserts include cakes made with matzo meal, which oftentimes are so dense, they’d be better utilized as paper weights, rather than offered as something edible.
Cooking sans flour, leavening and dairy sounds as appetizing as eating at a Sizzler’s steakhouse, but trust me, I’m about to turn your world upside down with this amazing naturally flour-free recipe.
Referred to in Spain as “Tarta de Santiago,” this cake dates back centuries ago. Decorated with a powdered sugar cross representing Saint James, this almond cake can be found near the Cathedral of Santiago de Copostela in Galicia, which houses the relics of the Apostle St. James. Here comes the twist, according to food writer Claudia Roden, there is a great likelihood this cake was originally created with Passover in mind.
Many Jewish people had settled in Coruna, a Galician city, after fleeing from the Berber Almohads’ attempt to convert them during the 12th and 13th century. Coruna still houses a synagogue as well as a Jewish quarter today. Though some Jewish people had converted to save their lives, many continued to celebrate their Jewish traditions in covert fashion. Dusting over the cross with powdered sugar is one hypothesized attempt to enjoy a Passover dessert without conforming. Like most things in history that took place centuries ago, the true origins of this beauty will continue to be debated.
My father who always enjoys pointing out famous Jewish people, especially at inappropriate moments and loudly declaring pride over anything with Jewish origins, would love the idea; this delicious cake could potentially be a Judaic original.
I was skeptical when I first started researching various recipes: eggs, almonds, sugar and citrus? No butter, no flour, yuck! But alas, I could not predict this outcome, it was absolutely divine. Light, airy, with a nutty texture and citrus notes, I couldn’t get enough. In fact, my husband and I demolished the cake before I could get any “tutorial” pictures of dusting powdered sugar designs. All of the cake’s height and fluffy texture comes from whipped egg whites. Hubby likened the taste to a beignet, light and airy. I could see where he was coming from though I would describe it to be more like an angel food/orange cake hybrid. This cake requires no accompaniments, though whipped cream and/or berries are always a welcome addition to almost any dessert. For those who are intereseted in making their own matzos, check out last years’ post here.
Chag Sameach (Happy Holidays)!
Welcome to Doughmamma, “not dough average mamma’s kitchen.” A one-stop shop for personal chef services, easy-to-make recipes, cooking classes, health coaching, celebration cakes, meals-to-go and more...
| All Rights Reserved | Site by Fix8