Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake

🍰 Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake 🍰

📜 History:
Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake is a delightful and traditional dessert often served during the Jewish holiday of Passover. This cake has a rich history deeply rooted in Jewish culinary traditions, as it adheres to the dietary restrictions of Passover, which prohibit the use of leavening agents like yeast and baking powder. Passover is a celebration of the liberation of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt, and the food prepared during this holiday is a reminder of that history.

🧁 Components:
The main components of Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake are:

1. Eggs: This cake relies heavily on eggs, as they provide the leavening and structure in the absence of traditional leavening agents.
2. Sugar: To sweeten the cake.
3. Matzo Cake Meal or Ground Matzo: This replaces regular flour in the recipe, as wheat-based flours are not used during Passover.
4. Lemon Juice and Zest: For flavor.
5. Salt: To enhance the flavor.
6. Oil: To add moisture to the cake.

👩‍🍳 Preparation Steps:

Here’s a step-by-step guide to prepare Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake:

1. Gather Your Ingredients:

   • 6 large eggs
   • 1 cup sugar
   • 1 cup Matzo Cake Meal or ground matzo
   • Zest of 1 lemon
   • Juice of 1 lemon
   • A pinch of salt
   • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

2. Preheat Your Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).

3. Separate Eggs:
   Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Place the egg whites in one mixing bowl and the yolks in another.

4. Beat Egg Yolks:
   Beat the egg yolks with half of the sugar until the mixture becomes pale and thick. Add lemon zest and juice.

5. Mix in Matzo Meal:
   Gently fold in the Matzo Cake Meal into the egg yolk mixture.

6. Beat Egg Whites:
   In the second bowl, beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt until they form stiff peaks.

7. Combine Mixtures:
   Carefully fold the beaten egg whites into the egg yolk mixture. Be gentle to maintain the cake’s fluffiness.

8. Add Oil:
   Gradually fold in the vegetable oil until it’s fully incorporated.

9. Bake:
   Pour the batter into an ungreased tube pan or a cake pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 50-60 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean.

10. Cool:
    Let the cake cool completely in the pan before removing it.

11. Serve:
    Once cool, you can dust it with powdered sugar or decorate it as you like.

🕒 Time Needed:
The total time needed to prepare Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, including prep and baking time. The actual time may vary depending on your cooking skills and kitchen equipment.

This cake is a symbol of celebration and tradition during Passover, and its light, airy texture and lemony flavor make it a favorite among those who observe this holiday. Enjoy your Passover with this delicious dessert! 🍰🍋

Certainly, here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake:

Nutrition Facts (Approximate, per serving):

• Serving Size: 1 slice (1/12 of the cake)
• Calories: Approximately 220 calories
• Total Fat: Approximately 8 grams
  • Saturated Fat: Approximately 1.5 grams
• Cholesterol: Approximately 105 milligrams
• Sodium: Approximately 50 milligrams
• Total Carbohydrates: Approximately 32 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: Approximately 1 gram
  • Sugars: Approximately 17 grams
• Protein: Approximately 5 grams

Health Information:

1. Portion Control: Due to the sugar content and calories, it’s important to enjoy Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake in moderation. Stick to a reasonable portion size to manage your calorie intake.

2. Eggs: This cake is rich in eggs, which provide protein and essential nutrients. Eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. However, if you have dietary restrictions or cholesterol concerns, you may want to be mindful of your egg consumption.

3. Sugar: The cake contains a moderate amount of sugar. Excessive sugar consumption can contribute to health issues, so it’s advisable to be mindful of your sugar intake, especially if you have dietary restrictions or are watching your sugar intake for health reasons.

4. Gluten-Free: Aunt Ida’s Passover Sponge Cake is gluten-free because it uses Matzo Cake Meal or ground matzo instead of regular wheat-based flour. This makes it suitable for individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.

5. Low in Sodium: This cake is relatively low in sodium, which can be a healthier choice for individuals who need to monitor their salt intake.

6. Lemon Zest: The use of lemon zest and juice adds a pleasant citrusy flavor to the cake and provides a small amount of vitamin C.

Remember that the nutrition facts and health information provided are approximate, and actual values may vary based on specific ingredients and variations in the recipe. If you have specific dietary concerns or health conditions, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.