German Choco-Rum Double Frosting Cake

In the past 8 months as a persuaded pensioner due to recession I have become an ardent fan of World War II movies and gleefully gulped over 100!

Most of the European nations suffered through the aftermath of WWII.However,the efforts of the European population to re-build,restore & restructure the broken cities post the WWII are commendable.It was Germany introduced to the world concept of Kindergarten and produced great artists,thinkers as well as technologists.

Though I have been to most of the European countries, Germany remains to be one of my most favourite places.Hence,let’s begin The World Culture Tour with Germany.

German Cuisine

German cuisine varies from region to region.Black forest Cake (& the tree forest) is not the only gastronomic contribution of Rhineland to the gastronomical thesaurus.The forest-full nation has a treasure of many more such delicacies.

The southern regions of Bavaria and Swabia, for instance, share a culinary culture with Switzerland and Austria. Pork, beef, and poultry are the main varieties of meat consumed in Germany, with pork being the most popular.Meat is often eaten in sausage form ( 1500 different types of sausage eaten and produced). The most popular vegetables are potatoes, cabbage, carrots, turnips, spinach, and beans.Breakfast is usually a selection of breads (300 types of bread are sold)and rolls with jam and honey or cold meats and cheese, sometimes accompanied by a boiled egg. Cereals or muesli with milk or yoghurt is less common but widespread.

German population is cosmopolitan.The international culture evolved has influenced the traditions,cuisine & beliefs in Germany.Especially in bigger cities like Berlin & Munich, a vivid acceptance of Italian Pizza & Pasta,Turkish/Arab Döner Kebab & Falafel,Chinese,Greek,Thai,Japanese & Indian delicacies could be observed. I must admit that German restaurants have become the world's second most decorated after eateries in France.

The Germans prefer beer over wine (e.g. Alt, Bock, Dunkel, Kölsch, Lager, Malzbie, Pils, and Weizenbier). Their annual beer consumption is 116 litres annually and is the  highest in the world. Beer varieties include .Fruit juices,Carbonated mineral water and Schorle (its mixture with fruit juice) are also very popular in Germany.

Sheetal (Los Angeles) shall tour us through The Deutschland with the delicious “German Rum Cake” (Source book:Better homes & gardens gifted by Mary Aunty)  she made for her husband Mayur on his 30th birthday.The story of a Choco-Rum Double Frosting Cake unveils…The only German influence on the cake is the name though!! Bobby Flay mentioned over a show that this cake was first baked using the chocolate of a brand named German in those days.

Sheetal ’s Verdict

“It took the chunk of my evening time…managing my son Abir & making the cake was certainly multi-tasking… but it was worth the trouble for Mayur’s 30th Birthday!! I have put in generously 1 tbsp of rum in everything from cake to frosting (so this one’s for adults :P)..hope you enjoy this German Cake”

Total Time-Cooking Time +Preparation Time=60-90 minutes

Ingredients

• 3  eggs –Separated egg yolks & whites,kept them aside for 30 minutes (@ room temperature)
• 2/3  cup butter, softened –Kept it aside for 30 minutes along with separated eggs.
• 1-1/2  cups all-purpose flour
• 3/4  teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4  teaspoon salt
• 1  4-ounce package semisweet baking chocolate
• 1  cup sugar
• 1  teaspoon vanilla
• 3/4  cup buttermilk or sour milk
• 1  recipe Coconut-Pecan Frosting (see recipe below)
• 1 tbsp rum or kirsch (fruit brandy-optional)It was a special occasion so I put in a generous amount of rum :)
• For chocolate cream cheese frosting-one pack 8-ounce cream cheese, softened, ½ cup butter, 2 tsp vanilla , ½ cup unsweetened cocoa powder, and 5 ¼ to 5 ¾ cups powdered sugar.

Baketh Frosteth,Mange est- il !

• Firstly,I greased two 9x1-1/2-inch or 8x1-1/2-inch round cake pans,lightly dusted some flour over them and set them aside.Then,I mixed flour, baking soda, and salt together.
• I combined chocolate and 1/3 cup water In a small saucepan ,stirred it continually while cooking it at low heat until it melted.I allowed it to cool. (If one wishes to add rum or kirsch,omit 1/2  tbsp water from above mixture).
• I beat butter (in a large mixing bowl)with an electric mixer on medium to high speed 30 seconds .I gradually added sugar to it until a smooth mixture was ready.I continued beating it for 2 minutes (scrapping the sides of the bowl).The egg yolks need to be added one after the other alternated by generous beating (for a minute with the mixer). I blended the cooled chocolate,vanilla and rum/kirsch into this mixture.Then I added the flour mixture and buttermilk alternately to beaten mixture (beat on low speed after each addition until combined).
• Thoroughly washed the beaters. I beat egg whites with an electric mixer on high speed until stiff peaks formed (tips stand straight). Gently folded  the egg whites into the batter. Later,I just spread the batter into the greased-floured pans.
• I baked in a oven preheated at 350 degree F for 20 to 25 minutes for 9-inch pans  (until a wooden toothpick comes out clean). Cooled the cakes on wire racks for 10 minutes.One may enjoy directly from rack or continue with double frosting (coconut-pecan frosting –filing, chocolate cream cheese frosting-top).

Coconut-Pecan Frosting: I added one 5-ounce can (2/3 cup) evaporated milk, 2/3 cup sugar as well as 1/4 cup butter to one beaten egg and  cooked (stirring it continuously) over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Removing it from the heat; I stirred  in 1-1/3 cups flaked coconut and 1/2 cup chopped pecans. I covered it and allowed it to cool thoroughly. Filled in  the mixture between layers.

Chocolate cream cheese frosting: .
Beat cream cheese, butter, cocoa powder and vanilla together till light and fluffy. Gradually added 2 cups of the powdered sugar, while beating it well. I beat in additional sugar to have fluidity (spread easily). This frost covers the top and sides of two 8 or 8 inch layers. Stored frosted cake in the refrigerator to set.

Its the time to Party! Relish :)