Layered love

At the second meeting of Hot, Sweet and Yummy baking group, we feasted on many luscious, romantic treats and Jan's Layered Love Cakes were no exception. In true continental style, Jan wowed us with these gorgeous looking chocolate delights and had even decorated his plate beautifully too. The man's patisserie prowess is becoming legendary in these parts so we asked him how he was able to create such masterpieces. He modestly revealed that he once won a national Slovakian competition for best cake decorating so its no wonder. I just love that Slovakia has a national competition involving cakes...wonder who the lucky judges are?
Well in true mysterious Jan style I don't yet have his recipe...another state secret no doubt but as soon as I have it I will let you know. Here is a picture or two to let you see how delicious it looks in the meantime. Look at the cute little lovehearts adorning the plate, never mind the chocolate icing. Jan was eager to show me the inside of his little cakes so I made sure I took a shot of the layers of yumminess to show everyone too. I think we were all impressed when we realised that inside each heart were layers of moist sponge, fresh cream and jam so without a word we were soon munching away. I don't think I could do them justice by simply writing about them. I think you either need to come and join our baking group and hope that Jan makes them again or visit Slovakia and learn the sacred art of cakery for yourself. Well done Jan, we can't wait for the next meeting and your next yummy creation.
Love hot sweet and yummy xxx

P.S - here's that shot of the layers.....drool!
Added 8.3.10  -Jan has sent the recipe! 

Sponge:

4 eggs- separated

100g caster sugar

100g flour

Butter cream:

150g butter

50g icing sugar

Vanilla essence, jam and chocolate

Preheat oven to 200°C Gas

-      Put the yolks into the bowl with half the sugar and beat until it is thick. In the other bowl put the egg whites with the caster sugar and beat until it is thick and foamy. Pour the egg yolk mix into the egg white mix and mix slowly together with the flour.  Pour this onto a baking sheet and spread it out to about 1cm thickness 

-      Bake in the oven for only 5 minutes until the dough is golden. If it is overbaked it will really dry out. Allow to cool.

-      Meanwhile beat the butter with the icing sugar and the vanilla essence until it resembles a medium thick cream.

-      Take your heart shaped cutters and cut out 3 hearts. Spread one with jam, then some butter cream and then sandwich anther on top. Repeat this and then cover all the edges (sides, top and bottom) with buttercream. Keep cutting out sets of three hearts until all the sponge is gone. Repeat the jam and cream process each time. Put them all in the fridge.

-      Heat a pan of hot water on the hob. Break the chocolate into a bowl and melt over the boiling water until it is runny.

-      Take your heart sandwiches and balance one on a knife over the chocolate bowl. Scoop up some chocolate and smother the heart in it.  Put onto a wire rack to set.

-      Once set – decorate as desired.

Thanks Jan - I'm really going to try this!