Layered Rye Bread with Blackcurrant Balsam Berries and Candied Mandarin Peel

This delightful dessert offers a unique combination of sweet and tangy flavors brought together in a layered masterpiece. At the heart of this dish is the iconic rye bread, sliced thin and carefully toasted to perfection, creating a crumbly base that absorbs the tartness of blackcurrant balsam and apple juice. The layers are complemented by smooth, whipped cream and a hint of cranberry jam, adding a luscious texture to every bite. The crowning glory of this dish is the candied mandarin peel, infused with warming spices, bringing a fragrant touch to the dessert. This treat is a work of art in a glass, where each layer is visible, tempting the taste buds. Perfect for festive occasions or as a memorable end to a dinner party, this dessert is both elegant and comforting. The vibrant decoration of fresh berries provides an appealing pop of color and freshness. With its blend of rich flavors and beautiful presentation, this dish is a celebration of culinary creativity. Impress your guests with this exquisite dessert and let them savor the harmonious combination of tastes and textures.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

250 g classic rye bread
200 ml sweet cream
150 g cranberry jam
100 ml apple juice
50 g sugar
30 ml blackcurrant Rīgas Melnais Balsam
Berries for decoration (optional)

Mandarin Peel

2 mandarins
Sugar syrup
0.1 g sugar
100 ml water

Spices

Cinnamon sticks
Cloves
Allspice

Preparation Time

Total Time: 120 minutes

Step-by-Step Instruction

Prep the Rye Bread: Slice the rye bread into thin pieces, about 0.5 cm thick. Arrange them on a baking tray and dry them in the oven at 90°C for around three hours, ensuring they become crisp enough to blend or grind into crumbs.
Blend the Bread: Once dried, blend the rye bread into fine crumbs using a kitchen blender or a meat grinder.
Mix the Crumbs: Place the rye bread crumbs in a bowl and pour over the blackcurrant balsam and apple juice. Stir to achieve a crumbly consistency—not too wet, not too dry. Let the mixture sit and absorb the flavors for about 30 minutes.
Whip the Cream: Add sugar to the sweet cream and whip it until soft peaks form.
Prepare the Mandarin Peel: Boil water with sugar and spices to make a fragrant sugar syrup.
Slice the Peel: Peel the mandarins and cut the peel into very thin strips.
Candy the Peel: Once the syrup is boiling, add the mandarin peel strips and continue to boil, then let it cool, so the peels are infused with the spice flavors.
Assemble the Dessert: In a glass of your choice—be it a tumbler, jar, or any transparent container—layer the rye crumbs, cranberry jam, and whipped cream in any order you prefer.
Decorate: Finish with a garnish of fresh berries and the spiced candied mandarin peel.
Serve and Enjoy: Present this visually stunning dessert to your guests, allowing them to indulge in a sweet symphony of flavors.

Tips

Substitutions: You may use other jams like raspberry or blackcurrant if cranberry isn't available.
Make Ahead: Prepare the rye crumbs a day ahead to reduce preparation time on the day of serving.
Texture Tip: Ensure the whipped cream isn't over-whipped to maintain a light and fluffy texture.

Nutritions

Calories: Approx. 320 per serving
Protein: 5g
Fats: 18g
Carbs: 36g

Variations

Vegan Option: Substitute the sweet cream with coconut cream and use a vegan balsam alternative.
Gluten-Free: Replace rye bread with gluten-free bread for those with gluten sensitivity.

Serving Suggestions

Accompaniments: Serve alongside a hot cup of herbal tea or coffee to enhance its comforting qualities.
Garnishes: Add mint leaves for an extra touch of freshness and aroma.

Best Places

The Baltic Bakery Café - Offers a traditional Latvian atmosphere with iconic native desserts. Location: 25 Castle St, Riga, Latvia.
Sweet Layers Boulangerie - Known for layering artistry in every dessert they create. Location: 12 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
The Rye House - A must-visit for rye bread enthusiasts, serving unique desserts. Location: 45 Ludgate Hill, London, UK.
Artisan Treats Lounge - A charming spot for indulging in treats that's as much about flavor as it is about presentation. Location: 67 Queen St, Toronto, Canada.
Café Kultura - Fusion desserts that stay loyal to Latvian roots. Location: 789 Neuman St, Berlin, Germany.

Serve this captivating dessert and watch your guests' faces light up with every bite!