Welfenspeise

A Brief History of Welfenspeise

Welfenspeise, known as Welf Pudding, is a traditional German dessert named after the House of Welf, a prominent noble family in Germany. This dish traces its roots back to the 17th century and has been cherished for its rich, smooth texture and delicate flavor profile. The dessert's striking layered appearance, with a white base and yellow top, is said to symbolize the colors of the House of Welf, rendering it popular at royal celebrations and historic gatherings.

The creamy consistency of Welfenspeise is achieved through a two-part preparation: a white bottom layer of semolina and milk, and a yellow top layer flavored with wine.

Ingredients

• Milk - 500ml
• Semolina - 50g
• Sugar - 100g
• Vanilla extract - 1 tsp
• Egg yolks - 4
• White wine - 250ml
• Lemon zest - 1 tsp
• Gelatin - 3 sheets
• Salt - a pinch

Preparation

Step 1: Preparing the Semolina Base

Begin by heating milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Slowly add the semolina, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps. Once the mixture starts to thicken, add 50g of sugar and a pinch of salt, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then pour it into a glass dessert bowl. Smooth the top with a spatula and set aside to cool completely.

Step 2: Preparing the Wine Cream Layer

In another saucepan, combine the remaining sugar with the egg yolks, whisking until the mixture is pale and creamy. Add the white wine and lemon zest.

Soak the gelatin sheets in cold water for about 5 minutes. Once soft, squeeze out any excess water and add the gelatin to the wine mixture. Heat the saucepan over a low flame, stirring continuously until the gelatin has fully dissolved. Be sure not to let the mixture boil.

Carefully pour the wine mixture over the cooled semolina base. Let the dessert set in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours, preferably overnight.

Cooking Process

The cooking process of Welfenspeise involves a delicate balance of temperatures and textures. It is crucial to monitor the heat when preparing both layers to achieve the desired creamy consistency. Ensuring the semolina is perfectly cooked without lumps, and the gelatin is fully dissolved are key steps. For accurate timing, consider setting a cooking timer for each stage to avoid overcooking.

Serving and Enjoying Welfenspeise

Welfenspeise is best enjoyed chilled, preferably alongside a cup of herbal tea to complement its sweet flavors. You can add a garnish of fresh berries or a sprig of mint for an added touch of elegance.

This dessert is perfect for sophisticated gatherings or as a delightful finish to a rich meal. Each spoonful promises a harmonious blend of creamy and citrus notes, celebrating a piece of culinary history in every bite.

Now you're ready to dazzle your guests with this elegant and historically rich dessert!