Savory Biscuit Cake with Cheese

This savory biscuit cake with cheese is an intriguing blend of flavors, combining the richness of cheeses with various vegetables and smoked ham. It's an enticing dish that's perfect for gatherings, offering a delightful experience for the taste buds. The combination of creamy cheese, juicy tomatoes, crispy cucumbers, and tender ham makes for a hearty dish. The biscuit base adds a soft texture, providing a wonderful contrast to the savory toppings. Dill adds a fresh, aromatic note, rounding out the flavor profile beautifully. This cake not only looks spectacular but is packed with layers of taste. It can be prepared in about 40 minutes, making it an ideal choice for festive occasions. Whether served as a main dish or a fancy appetizer, this cake is sure to impress your guests.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• Smoked ham: 200-300 g
• "Dzintars" process cheese: 1 pack
• Fresh cheese (such as Rama Creme Bonjour): 1 pack
• Boiled eggs: 5
• Tomatoes: 2
• Small fresh cucumbers (or half of a large cucumber): 2
• Dill: A handful
• Mayonnaise

Biscuit Ingredients

• Eggs: 7
• All-purpose flour: 7 tablespoons
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
• Fat for greasing the baking form

Preparation Time

40 minutes (including prep and cook time)

Step-by-Step Instruction

1. Prepare the Biscuit Base: Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Add salt to the yolks and whisk lightly.
2. Whip the egg whites until they form stiff peaks, then gently combine with the yolks.
3. Sift the flour and gently fold into the egg mixture using a wooden spoon.
4. Grease a cake form (26 cm in diameter) and pour the batter into it.
5. Preheat the oven to 180°C (356°F) and bake the biscuit for 20-25 minutes. Check doneness with a wooden skewer; if it comes out clean, the biscuit is ready.
6. Avoid opening the oven door during baking to prevent the biscuit from deflating.
7. Once baked, remove the biscuit, cut it in half, and allow it to cool.
8. Prepare the Ham Mixture: Blend the fresh cheese with slightly more than half of the smoked ham until smooth. Reserve one-third of the fresh cheese for coating the edges later.
9. Slice the tomatoes and cucumbers into rings, chop dill finely, and grate the boiled eggs.
10. Assemble the Cake: Spread processed cheese evenly over the first biscuit layer.
11. Arrange the remaining ham slices, tomato rings, and half of the grated eggs over the cheese.
12. Add the second biscuit layer on top.
13. Spread the prepared ham mixture, followed by cucumber slices and the remaining grated eggs.
14. Pipe a mayonnaise lattice over the top.
15. Coat the edges with the reserved fresh cheese and adhere chopped dill to the sides. Sprinkle any leftover dill on top.
16. Optionally, garnish with cherry tomatoes or other decorative elements.
17. Refrigerate before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Tips

• Ham Substitution: Chicken or turkey can replace smoked ham for a lighter version.
• Vegan Option: Use plant-based cheeses and vegan mayonnaise for a vegan-friendly cake.
• Moisture Control: Ensure the cucumbers are dried well to prevent the cake from becoming soggy.

Nutritions (Per Serving)

• Calories: Approximately 350
• Protein: 20 g
• Fats: 24 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g

Variations

• Herb Infusion: Substitute dill with parsley or cilantro for different flavor profiles.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for an added kick.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a simple green salad to complement the richness.
• Serve chilled as an appetizer alongside other savory bites.
• Garnish with cherry tomatoes or olives for added color and taste.

Best Places

1. Cheese & Charcuterie, Seattle - Known for its exquisite cheese platters. Location: Pike St, Seattle, USA.
2. Le Fromage, Paris - Offers a wide variety of French cheese. Location: Rue du Faubourg, Paris, France.
3. Casa Di Formaggio, Milan - Famous for its Italian cheese dishes. Location: Via Torino, Milan, Italy.
4. The Dairy Bar, Dublin - Serves excellent cheese-based desserts. Location: Dawson St, Dublin, Ireland.
5. KäseHaus, Berlin - Specializes in German cheese. Location: Alexanderplatz, Berlin, Germany.
6. Cheese Heaven, Amsterdam - Offers diverse European cheese. Location: Damrak, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
7. Fromagerie Quebec, Montreal - Features Canadian cheese varieties. Location: Saint Catherine St, Montreal, Canada.
8. Olvid Nusret, Istanbul - Renowned for Turkish cheese delicacies. Location: Istiklal, Istanbul, Turkey.
9. Emporium Fromage, Barcelona - Delightful Mediterranean cheese. Location: La Rambla, Barcelona, Spain.
10. Cheddar & Co, London - Offers artisanal British cheese. Location: Borough Market, London, UK.

Enjoy preparing and sharing this savory biscuit cake with cheese, and let it be a delightful highlight in your culinary creations!