Savory Beef Cake

This delightful savory beef cake is a unique twist on traditional desserts, offering a blend of rich flavors and textures. Ideal for those who love experimenting in the kitchen, this dish combines delicate pastry with savory fillings, creating a perfect harmony of taste. The light and crispy choux pastry serves as a fantastic vessel for delicious, creamy fillings. The two distinct fillings are packed with flavor—one featuring cod liver and eggs, and the other a blend of cheese and cream. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or special occasions, impressing both with its presentation and taste. It requires some patience and precision, but the end result is truly rewarding. Whether you're a novice or a seasoned chef, this recipe allows for creative adaptation and will surely become a favorite. Serve it as an appetizer or a main dish, and delight your guests with this culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients

For the Choux Pastry

• 190 g milk
• 150 g flour
• 90 g butter
• 3 eggs
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• A pinch of salt

Filling 1

• 125 g cod liver
• 2 hard-boiled eggs
• A bundle of green onions
• Low-fat mayonnaise
• Salt
• Black pepper to taste

Filling 2

• 150 g cream cheese
• 50 g grated Džiugas cheese

Preparation Time

• Total Time: 100 minutes
• Preparation and Cooking Time: 100 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Milk Mixture: Start by heating the milk, butter, salt, and sugar in a saucepan until it reaches a boil.
2. Add Flour: Once the mixture boils, add the flour all at once and stir continuously until the mixture pulls away from the sides of the pan.
3. Cool the Dough: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the dough cool slightly.
4. Incorporate Eggs: Gradually add the eggs, one at a time, stirring well after each addition to ensure a smooth dough.
5. Pipe the Pastry: Preheat your oven to 220°C (428°F). Transfer the dough into a piping bag and pipe small rounds onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Initial Baking: Bake the pastries for about 10 minutes at 220°C, then reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (320°F).
7. Finish Baking: Continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the pastries are golden and crisp.
8. Prepare the Fillings: For the first filling, mix cod liver, chopped hard-boiled eggs, chopped green onions, mayonnaise, salt, and pepper to taste. For the second filling, combine cream cheese and grated Džiugas cheese.
9. Fill the Pastries: Once the pastries are cooled, make a small cut in each and fill with your choice of filling.
10. Assemble the Cake: Arrange the filled pastries in a cone shape, using melted cheese or butter to help them stick together.
11. Garnish and Serve: Decorate with fresh herbs and additional grated Džiugas cheese for an elegant touch.

Tips

• Substitutions: You can substitute the cod liver with smoked salmon or any other preferred seafood.
• Cheese Options: If Džiugas cheese isn’t available, substitute with Parmesan or another hard cheese.
• Make Ahead: Prepare the fillings in advance and refrigerate to save time on the day of serving.

Nutritions

• Calories: Approximately 400 per serving
• Protein: 14 g
• Fats: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Replace the cod liver filling with a mix of roasted vegetables and feta cheese.
• Spicier Flavor: Add a dash of chili flakes or hot sauce to the fillings for a spicy kick.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free flour blend for the choux pastry.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Serve with a side of tangy cranberry sauce or a zesty garlic aioli for added flavor.

Best Places

• La Pâtisserie Gourmande - Known for exquisite pastries and savory flavors. Location: 12 Rue de Rivoli, Paris, France.
• Café Savory - A cozy spot for tea and unique cakes. Location: 45 Tea House Lane, London, UK.
• Cheese & Crust Bistro - Famous for its innovative cheese dishes. Location: 27 Cheese Avenue, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
• Casa de Sabor - A blend of traditional and modern flavors. Location: 14 Spice Road, Barcelona, Spain.
• The Oven Door - For lovers of creative baking. Location: 230 Baking Street, San Francisco, USA.
• Pastelaria Bela - Offers a wide range of savory and sweet pastries. Location: 320 Rua Verde, Lisbon, Portugal.
• Gourmet Delight Café - A culinary haven for food enthusiasts. Location: 19 Gourmet Avenue, Sydney, Australia.
• Savoury Bakes & More - Pioneers in savory baking creations. Location: 10 Baker’s Row, Cape Town, South Africa.
• Zurich’s Bakery - A classic bakery with a modern twist. Location: 5 Pastry Square, Zurich, Switzerland.
• Culinary Haven - An epicurean delight for pastry lovers. Location: 99 Epicure Street, Toronto, Canada.

This recipe offers an exciting culinary journey, perfect for impressing guests and enjoying a delightful baking adventure.