Piernik, Polish Spice Cake
by
Luclare Cuisine
Piernik is a traditional Polish Spice Cake, also referred to as "Polish Gingerbread", that has been made since the Middle Ages. This time-honored cake is not only well known in Poland, but also in Germany, the Netherlands, Russia and other European countries. Initially it was considered to be a symbol of prosperity and high social status because of its use of spices. There are many different recipes for this classic cake - ours is light and delicate in flavor. It's easy to make. It is flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger. Just like Mr. Fox in the old Gingerbread Man story you'll want to "run, run as fast as you can" and gobble it up. We hope you give it a try.
So let's get on with the cooking...
Time to prepare: approximately 1hr
Bake time: approximately 1 hr
Total time depends on the serving option. You can sprinkle it with confectioners sugar which takes just a couple of minutes; top it with melted chocolate in approximatly 10 minutes; serve it with raspberry syrup and whipped cream in about 15 minutes; or, for a final option, a traditional layer of Polish plum jam.
Ingredients:
3 c (450 g) all purpose, unbleached flour
2/3 c (132 g) light or dark brown sugar, packed
1 c (140 g) powdered sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp cloves
1/2 tsp ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
5 extra-large eggs, separated
1 c (226 g) unsalted butter
1 c (230 g) sour cream
1 1/2 c (480 g) Honey, Clover etc.
Preheat the oven to 350 F. The recipe will yield 1 bundt cake or 2 loaf cakes. Lightly grease the pan of your choice.
Step 1
In a medium bowl, mix together the flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, baking powder, baking soda and set aside
Step 2
In a large mixing bowl with the mixer set to the middle setting, cream the butter and sugars until creamy,
add egg yolks one at a time,
add honey
add sour cream.
Lower the setting to low, add the flour mixture, one heaping tablespoon at a time until all the flour is incorporated. Increase the setting to medium, mix until all ingredients are well blended. Make sure to scrape the sides and the bottom two to three times or as needed. Turn the mixer off.
Step 4
Beat the egg whites until stiff shining peaks are formed.
Step 5
Fold the egg whites into the batter, start by placing a third of egg whites on top of the batter; using a large spatula cut the egg whites through the center to the bottom; repeat this a few times, this will lighten the batter and make it easier to incorporate the rest of the egg whites. Add the rest of the whites, continue to cut the whites down the middle and to the sides while rotating the bowl. Stop once it looks like you have incorporated the egg whites. The batter should look lumpy but no whites should be showing.
Step 6
Pour the batter into prepared pan or pans and spread evenly. 
Step 7
Bake for apporoximatly 55 minutes to 1 hour or until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
Option 1: You can sprinkle with confectioners sugar or
Option 2: top it with chocolate by placing 1 cup (180 g) of chocolate, solid (half milk chocolate and half simi-sweet chocolate) in microwave oven for 3 minutes at 50% power, stir, than microwave for additional 1 minute at 50% power, stir until chocolate is smooth or
Option 3: for the raspberry syrup option you will need:
1 cup raspberry jam
2 tablespoons rum 2 tablespoons water.
In a small pan over medium to low heat, heat all the ingredients.
Whipped Cream:
1cup whipping/heavy cream
1 or 2 tsps fine sugar
with a mixer set to high, whip the cream and sugar until peaks are formed.
Spread the syrup on a plate, place a slice of piernik, add whipped cream or
Option 4: cut the cake into layers, spread with plum jam (or your favorite jam), top it with melted chocolate.
Enjoy! Smaczngo!
Happy Holidays
Luclare Cuisine
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