Tarta de Santiago Fría
Tarta de Santiago is a traditional Spanish almond cake originating from the region of Galicia. It is known for its distinctive cross of Santiago dusted on the surface with powdered sugar. This chilled version of Tarta de Santiago offers a refreshing twist to the classic dessert, making it perfect for hot summer days.
History
The history of Tarta de Santiago dates back to the Middle Ages. It was named after St. James (Santiago in Spanish), the patron saint of Spain. Pilgrims on the Camino de Santiago, the famous pilgrimage route, would often partake in this sweet treat as a part of their journey. The almond cake is traditionally made on July 25th, the feast day of St. James, and is a staple in Galician cuisine.
Ingredients
- Almonds - 250g, ground
- Sugar - 250g
- Eggs - 5
- Lemon zest - 1
- Cinnamon - 1/2 tsp
- Butter - for greasing
- Powdered sugar - for dusting
Preparation
Preparing the Cake
- Preheat your oven to 170°C (338°F).
- Grease a 23cm (9-inch) round cake pan with butter.
- In a bowl, beat the eggs and sugar together until the mixture is light and fluffy.
- Fold in the ground almonds, lemon zest, and cinnamon.
- Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan.
Baking the Cake
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes until the top is golden and a skewer inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Allow the cake to cool in the pan before transferring it to a wire rack to cool completely.
Chilling the Cake
- Once cool, place the cake in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2 hours. This will ensure it's refreshing and firm when served.
Decoration
- Before serving, place a stencil of the Cross of Santiago on top of the cake.
- Dust generously with powdered sugar.
- Carefully remove the stencil to reveal the classic cross design.
Serving and Enjoyment
The Tarta de Santiago Fría is best enjoyed chilled. Serve it with a cup of coffee or a glass of sweet dessert wine, such as a glass of Spanish Moscatel. The almond's natural sweetness and the subtle hint of lemon and cinnamon make this cake a perfect accompaniment for afternoon gatherings or special occasions. Be sure to set a cooking timer as you enjoy this delightful dessert, ensuring that each slice is savored to it's fullest potential.