🍰 Angel Food Cake – Malakh Ensvarg Lekekh 🍰
📜 History:
Angel Food Cake, known as “Malakh Ensvarg Lekekh” in Yiddish, is a heavenly dessert with a fascinating history. This light and fluffy cake has its roots in the United States, dating back to the 19th century. It’s believed to have been created by early American settlers, particularly in Pennsylvania Dutch communities.
🧁 Components:
Angel Food Cake is renowned for its simplicity and unique texture. Its main components include:
- Egg Whites: The key ingredient that gives the cake its airy structure.
- Sugar: Provides sweetness and stability to the cake.
- Cake Flour: Essential for the delicate crumb texture.
- Cream of Tartar: A stabilizer for the egg whites.
- Salt: Enhances flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a delightful aroma and flavor.
👩🍳 Preparation Steps:
Making Angel Food Cake requires precision and care. Here are the steps:
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Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Have an ungreased Angel Food Cake pan ready.
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Sift Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, sift together 1 cup of cake flour and 3/4 cup of sugar. Repeat this sifting process three times to ensure a light and airy texture.
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Whip Egg Whites: In a separate bowl, beat 12 egg whites until they become frothy. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. Continue to beat, gradually adding the remaining 3/4 cup of sugar until stiff peaks form. This is what gives the cake its airy texture.
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Combine Dry and Wet Ingredients: Gently fold the sifted dry ingredients into the egg white mixture. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to retain the airiness.
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Add Flavor: Stir in 1 1/2 teaspoons of vanilla extract to enhance the cake’s taste.
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Bake: Pour the batter into an ungreased Angel Food Cake pan. Smooth the top, and bake in the preheated oven for about 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cake springs back when touched.
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Cooling: Once baked, invert the pan onto a bottle neck or a cooling rack. Let it cool completely to maintain the cake’s height and texture.
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Serve: Slice and serve your Angel Food Cake with fresh berries, whipped cream, or a dusting of powdered sugar.
⏰ Time Needed:
The total preparation time for Angel Food Cake varies but typically takes around 1 hour, including baking time. The key is allowing the cake to cool thoroughly to maintain its characteristic lightness.
Enjoy your ethereal slice of Angel Food Cake! 🍰✨
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Food Cake:
Nutrition Facts (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 140-160 calories
- Total Fat: 0 grams
- Saturated Fat: 0 grams
- Cholesterol: 0 milligrams
- Sodium: 190-220 milligrams
- Total Carbohydrates: 34-36 grams
- Dietary Fiber: 0 grams
- Sugars: 30-32 grams
- Protein: 3-4 grams
Health Information:
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Low in Fat: Angel Food Cake is naturally low in fat, making it a healthier dessert option compared to many other cakes.
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Low Cholesterol: It contains no cholesterol, which is good for heart health.
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Low Sodium: The sodium content is relatively low, but it can vary depending on the recipe.
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Low in Fiber: This cake is not a significant source of dietary fiber.
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Moderate Sugar: While it does contain sugar, it’s typically lower in sugar compared to other cakes. However, be mindful of added toppings like whipped cream and sugary fruit sauces.
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Low Protein: Angel Food Cake is not a significant source of protein.
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Gluten-Free Variations: Some recipes use gluten-free flour, making it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities.
Remember that these values can vary slightly depending on the specific recipe and serving size. Enjoy Angel Food Cake in moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially if you’re mindful of your sugar and carbohydrate intake.