Doukissa

Doukissa Recipe from Cyprus: Delicious Almond and Chocolate Cake

Region / culture: Cyprus | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Doukissa is a delicious and decadent chocolate biscuit cake that is perfect for any special occasion or as a sweet treat. This rich and indulgent dessert is sure to satisfy any chocolate lover's cravings.

History

Doukissa is a traditional Greek dessert that has been enjoyed for generations. The name "Doukissa" translates to "duchess" in English, reflecting the regal and elegant nature of this dessert. It is often served at weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations as a symbol of joy and abundance.

Ingredients

1 packet Marie biscuits, broken into small almond-sized pieces
2 eggs, beaten
0.5 tsp vanilla extract
90 g drinking chocolate
90 g cocoa powder
2 tbsp water
100 g sugar
250 g unsalted butter, softened
100 g blanched almonds, lightly roasted and roughly chopped
2 tbsp blanched almonds, lightly roasted and roughly chopped

How to prepare

Grease a loaf tin with 0.5 tsp of melted butter.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cocoa, drinking chocolate, and softened butter. Use a fork to blend the mixture until it forms a thick paste. Add the chopped almonds and stir well.
In a small saucepan, add the water and sugar. Cook over moderate heat, stirring continuously until the sugar has dissolved.
Pour the syrup over the butter mixture and stir until well incorporated.
Fold in the eggs and then fold in the broken biscuits.
Gently stir until the chocolate mixture evenly coats the biscuits.
Transfer the mixture to the prepared loaf tin and press it firmly down with a wooden spoon.
Cover the tin with foil, place it in the fridge, and let it sit overnight.
To remove the cake from the tin, dip the bottom into boiling water and carefully turn the cake upside down onto a serving dish.
Sprinkle the top with the chopped almonds and serve.

Variations

Add a splash of rum or brandy to the chocolate mixture for an extra kick.
Mix in dried fruits such as raisins or cranberries for added texture and flavor.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use high-quality cocoa and drinking chocolate for the best flavor.

- Be sure to press the mixture firmly into the loaf tin to ensure a dense and compact cake.

- Let the cake sit in the fridge overnight to allow the flavors to meld together and for the cake to set properly.

Serving Suggestions

Doukissa is best served chilled with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. It pairs well with a cup of hot coffee or tea.

Cooking Techniques

Be sure to let the cake set in the fridge overnight to ensure a firm and compact texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use any type of biscuit or cookie in place of Marie biscuits for a different flavor profile.

Make Ahead Tips

Doukissa can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge until ready to serve.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the top of the cake with fresh berries or a dusting of cocoa powder for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Doukissa pairs well with a glass of dessert wine or a cup of hot chocolate.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Serve chilled.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

250

Carbohydrates

- Total Carbohydrates: 25g

- Dietary Fiber: 2g

- Sugars: 15g

Fats

- Total Fat: 18g

- Saturated Fat: 9g

- Trans Fat: 0g

Proteins

- Protein: 4g

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 2%

- Iron: 6%

- Vitamin A: 4%

- Vitamin C: 0%

Alergens

Contains nuts (almonds)

Summary

Doukissa is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in fat and sugar. It is best enjoyed in moderation as a special treat.

Summary

Doukissa is a decadent and rich chocolate biscuit cake that is perfect for any special occasion. With its intense chocolate flavor and crunchy almond texture, this dessert is sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I distinctly remember the moment I stumbled upon this recipe for Doukissa. It was a warm summer day, and I was visiting my friend Maria in her quaint little village in Greece. As we sat in her kitchen sipping on homemade lemonade, she suddenly got up and rummaged through her old recipe box.

"Ah, here it is!" Maria exclaimed, holding up a faded piece of paper. "This is my grandmother's recipe for Doukissa. It's a traditional Greek dessert that has been in our family for generations."

I watched in awe as Maria began to gather the ingredients and explain the steps to me. The smell of sweet honey and cinnamon filled the air as we worked together to create this delicious treat. I couldn't wait to try it.

As we sat down to enjoy our Doukissa, Maria shared the story behind the recipe. She told me how her grandmother used to make it for special occasions, like weddings and festivals. The name Doukissa even means "duchess" in Greek, reflecting the regal and elegant nature of this dessert.

I was intrigued by the history and tradition surrounding this recipe, and I knew I had to learn more. Maria graciously offered to teach me how to make Doukissa whenever I wanted, and I eagerly accepted her offer.

Over the next few months, Maria and I spent many afternoons in her kitchen perfecting the recipe. I learned the importance of using high-quality ingredients, like fresh eggs, rich butter, and pure honey. I also discovered the secret to achieving the perfect texture and flavor – patience.

Each time we made Doukissa, I felt a deep connection to the past. I imagined Maria's grandmother standing in her own kitchen, carefully measuring out the ingredients and lovingly preparing this dessert for her family. I felt honored to be carrying on this tradition and preserving a piece of Greek culinary history.

As I grew more confident in my baking skills, I decided to share the recipe with my own family. I made Doukissa for my grandchildren, telling them the story of how I learned to make it from Maria in a small village in Greece. They listened with wide eyes and eager hearts, eager to taste the dessert that had captivated my own imagination.

As the years went by, Doukissa became a staple in our family gatherings. It was always met with smiles and compliments, with everyone eagerly reaching for a second slice. I felt proud to have mastered this recipe and to be able to pass it down to future generations.

Now, as I sit in my own kitchen preparing Doukissa for yet another family gathering, I can't help but feel grateful for the journey that led me to this moment. From that warm summer day in Maria's kitchen to the countless hours spent perfecting the recipe, I have come to cherish the stories and memories that this dessert holds.

As I take the Doukissa out of the oven and sprinkle it with a dusting of cinnamon, I can't help but smile. The sweet aroma fills the air, bringing me back to that first moment of discovery. I know that this recipe will continue to be a beloved tradition in our family for years to come, just as it has been for generations before us.

And so, with a heart full of gratitude and love, I bring the Doukissa to the table, ready to share its delicious taste and rich history with my family once again.