Postre Chajá Recipe from Uruguay - Peach, Whipped Cream, and Meringue Delight

Postre Chajá

Postre Chajá Recipe from Uruguay - Peach, Whipped Cream, and Meringue Delight
Region / culture: Uruguay | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 40 minutes | Servings: 8

Introduction

Postre Chajá
Postre Chajá

Postre Chajá is a delicious and decadent dessert that originates from Uruguay. This dessert is made with layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, peaches, and meringues, creating a delightful combination of flavors and textures.

History

Postre Chajá was created in the 1920s by a pastry chef in the city of Paysandú, Uruguay. The dessert was inspired by the Chajá bird, which is native to Uruguay and known for its fluffy white feathers. The chef wanted to create a dessert that resembled the bird's appearance, hence the layers of whipped cream and meringues.

Ingredients

Postre Chajá

Sponge cake

How to prepare

Sponge cake

  1. Mix 0.25 cup of sugar with cake flour.
  2. Whip 8 egg whites and cream of tartar until stiff.
  3. Gently fold in 1 cup of sugar.
  4. Add vanilla.
  5. Slowly and gently fold in the flour.
  6. Transfer the mixture to an unbuttered baking dish.
  7. Bake it in a 340ºF oven for 40 minutes.
  8. Allow it to cool face down, ensuring the cake doesn’t touch anything.
  9. Once cool, transfer it to a dish.

Postre Chajá

  1. Slice the sponge cake horizontally into two parts.
  2. Place the bottom part in a dish.
  3. Open a can of peaches in syrup.
  4. The syrup will add moisture to the cake.
  5. Cover the cake with whipped cream and mix in the peaches, cut into small pieces.
  6. Place the top part of the cake on and drizzle some syrup over it.
  7. Cover it with more whipped cream and top it with meringues, broken into small pieces.
  8. Add some more small pieces of peaches on top.
  9. This dessert requires a generous amount of whipped cream and meringues as icing!
  10. Allow it to rest in the refrigerator for a couple of hours before serving.
  11. You’ll love it!

Variations

  • Substitute peaches with other fruits such as strawberries or mangoes for a different flavor profile.
  • Use chocolate meringues instead of traditional meringues for a chocolate twist.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to allow the sponge cake to cool completely before assembling the Postre Chajá to prevent the whipped cream from melting.

- Use a serrated knife to slice the sponge cake horizontally into two parts for even layers.

- Refrigerate the dessert for a couple of hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Postre Chajá chilled with a cup of coffee or tea for a delightful dessert experience.

Cooking Techniques

Folding in the flour gently when making the sponge cake batter to ensure a light and airy texture.

- Whipping the cream until stiff peaks form for a stable and creamy topping.

Ingredient Substitutions

Use store-bought sponge cake instead of making it from scratch to save time.

- Replace whipped cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.

Make Ahead Tips

You can prepare the sponge cake and whipped cream ahead of time and assemble the Postre Chajá just before serving for convenience.

Presentation Ideas

Decorate the top of the dessert with fresh mint leaves or edible flowers for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Postre Chajá with a sweet dessert wine or a glass of champagne for a luxurious treat.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Postre Chajá in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Allow it to come to room temperature before serving for the best taste and texture.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories: 350 per serving

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 45g per serving

Fats

Total Fat: 20g per serving

Saturated Fat: 12g per serving

Proteins

Protein: 4g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Calcium: 6% DV

Iron: 4% DV

Vitamin C: 2% DV

Alergens

Contains: Eggs, Dairy

Summary

Postre Chajá is a rich and indulgent dessert that is high in carbohydrates and fats. It also provides a small amount of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

Summary

Postre Chajá is a delightful dessert that combines layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, peaches, and meringues for a rich and indulgent treat. Enjoy this Uruguayan classic with friends and family for a special occasion or as a sweet ending to a meal.

How did I get this recipe?

I recall the feeling of curiosity that overcame me when I found this recipe for Postre Chajá. It was tucked away in an old, dusty cookbook that I discovered while cleaning out my pantry one day. The name intrigued me, as I had never heard of this dessert before, and I was eager to learn more about it.

As I read through the recipe, I discovered that Postre Chajá originated in Uruguay and was a popular dessert made with layers of sponge cake, whipped cream, peaches, and meringue. The combination of flavors sounded delicious, and I knew I had to give it a try.

I set out to gather the ingredients needed to make the dessert, making a trip to the local market to pick up fresh peaches, eggs, sugar, and cream. As I began to bake the sponge cake, I felt a sense of nostalgia wash over me. It reminded me of the countless hours I had spent in the kitchen with my own grandmother, watching her create magic with her recipes.

As the cake baked in the oven, I began to prepare the peaches and whipped cream. The smell of the fresh peaches filled the kitchen, and I couldn't help but smile as I thought about how much joy this dessert would bring to my family.

Once the cake had cooled, I started assembling the layers of the Postre Chajá. I carefully spread a layer of whipped cream on top of the sponge cake, followed by a layer of sliced peaches. I repeated this process until I had created a beautiful tower of flavors.

The final step was to make the meringue topping, which would be browned under the broiler until it was golden and crispy. As I watched the meringue transform into a beautiful caramel color, I couldn't wait to dig into the finished dessert.

When it was finally time to taste the Postre Chajá, I was filled with anticipation. I took a bite and was immediately transported to a place of pure bliss. The combination of the fluffy cake, sweet peaches, creamy whipped cream, and crunchy meringue was a symphony of flavors that danced on my taste buds.

I shared the dessert with my family, and their eyes lit up with delight as they took their first bites. They marveled at the unique combination of textures and flavors, and I felt a sense of pride knowing that I had successfully recreated this traditional Uruguayan dessert.

As I sat at the table surrounded by my loved ones, I realized that this recipe for Postre Chajá was more than just a dessert. It was a connection to my past, a way to honor my grandmother and the legacy of cooking that she had passed down to me.

And as I savored the last bite of the delicious dessert, I knew that this recipe would become a staple in my own repertoire, to be shared and enjoyed for generations to come.

Categories

| Cake Recipes | Peach Recipes | Uruguayan Desserts | Uruguayan Recipes |

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