The saying goes that the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach, and if you want come up with something special that looks really impressive but is, in fact, quite simple, chef Nitai Chand has the answer.
Almost a year after his arrival at the K Hotel, chef Nitai Chand has put his 20-plus years of kitchen experience to good use to come up with a special Valentine’s Day recipe that will guarantee you plenty of romantic Brownie points.
To be fair, he does make it look ridiculously easy but, with his main inspiration coming from cooking with his mum in her kitchen, we’re hopeful it’s a confection even Woman This Month’s culinarily challenged team can recreate.
He says: “This is a hassle-free recipe, anyone can make easily and all the ingredients are available in the market, no need to think about finding substitutes. The only thing you need to do is impress your loved one at home any time.
“I know many people go out for Valentine’s Day, and, in truth, you really can’t beat a lovely romantic dinner for two; but when you get home, this is the ideal thing to keep the romance going. A slice of something sweet with a glass of bubbles is perfect.
“This cake is also ideal for those who can’t get out to celebrate the special day, imagine how you would feel if you came home and found this waiting for you? I know I’d be delighted.”
Just follow the recipe to recreate chef Nitai’s gorgeous cake in your own kitchen.
SPONGE INGREDIENTS:
• 250g white sugar
• 3 whole eggs
• 160ml labneh
• 200ml oil
• 320g flour
• 5g baking powder
• 5g baking soda
• 20ml Rrd food colouring
• 5ml vinegar
METHOD:
• Beat sugar and eggs for 15 minutes. Scrape the mixture together then add labneh and oil and beat again for 10 minutes. Add in the flour, baking powder and baking soda one by one.
• Fold in the red food colour and vinegar then bake at 180?C for 15-20 minutes.
• Cut the sponge into three round shapes with the help of a ring to make the layers.
• Set aside or place in the chiller.
FILLING INGREDIENTS:
• 175g mascarpone cheese
• 50g white chocolate
• 40g icing sugar
METHOD:
Mix together to create a light paste.
CAKE PREPARATION
• Retrieve the three round-shaped sponges. Add a little sugar syrup to the sponge and then apply the cheese mixture to the first layer; place the second sponge on top and repeat with the third layer.
• Cover with same cheese mixture and chill for 30 minutes.
MARZIPAN DECORATION
• Marzipan is edible ready-made paste readily available at the supermarket and easy to shape. Mix with red colouring and bit of cornflower to avoid stickiness. Cover the cake in the marzipan and then you can create your hearts, flowers or whatever decorations you prefer.
