Peanut and Chocolate Log Recipe by Chef Anastasija Gaj of Kilkea Castle


INGREDIENTS

Makes: about 12 fat slices

FOR THE CAKE

6 large eggs (separated) 150 grams caster sugar 50 grams cocoa powder 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 5 teaspoons icing sugar (to decorate)

FOR THE ICING

175 grams dark chocolate (chopped) 250 grams icing sugar 225 grams soft butter 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

FOR THE PEANUT CREAM

340 grams peanut butter 200 grams Maple syrup 200 grams cream 4 grams gelatine 400 grams whipped cream

METHOD

  1. Preheat the oven to 180°C/160°C Fan/gas mark 4/350ºF.
  2. In a large, clean bowl whisk the egg whites until thick and peaking, then, still whisking, sprinkle in 50g / ¼ cup of the caster sugar and continue whisking until the whites are holding their peaks but not dry.
  3. In another bowl, whisk the egg yolks and the remaining caster sugar until the mixture is moussy, pale and thick. Add the vanilla extract, sieve the cocoa powder over, then fold both in.
  4. Lighten the yolk mixture with a couple of dollops of the egg whites, folding them in robustly. Then add the remaining whites in thirds, folding them in carefully to avoid losing the air.
  5. Line a Swiss roll tin with baking parchment, leaving a generous overhang at the ends and sides, and folding the parchment into the corners to help the paper stay anchored.
  6. Pour in the cake mixture and bake in the oven for 20 minutes. Let the cake cool a little before turning it out onto another piece of baking parchment.  

CREAM METHOD 1. Place in a pan cream, peanut butter and maple syrup. 2. On a medium heat, bring to the simmer constantly whisking. 3. When all ingredients are incorporated, add soaked in cold water gelatine leave and refrigerate 4. Whip the cream (400 grams) and fold it into the peanut mixture.