CURIOUS COOKING: Bring The Desert To Dessert With Mongolian Death Werman Chocolate Cake

In the vast, arid expanses of the Gobi Desert, a tale as intriguing as it is chilling circulates among the nomadic tribes. The legend of the Mongolian Death Worm, or “Olgoi-Khorkhoi,” has captivated imaginations for generations. Described as a blood-red, sausage-like creature with a terrifying ability to spew forth acid and deliver electric shocks, this mythical beast is said to lurk beneath the sands, emerging only during the hottest months to strike fear into the hearts of all who encounter it.

While the existence of the Mongolian Death Worm remains unproven, its legend serves as a captivating inspiration for our latest culinary creation: the Mongolian Death Werman Chocolate Cake. This delectable dessert, rich and decadent, promises a taste experience as intense as the stories surrounding its namesake.

The Legend Meets Dessert

Imagine biting into a dessert that embodies the fierce mystique of the Mongolian Death Worm. Our Mongolian Death Werman Chocolate Cake is a nod to the creature’s bold presence, with layers of rich German chocolate cake representing the Gobi Desert’s many strata. A luscious coconut-pecan filling evokes the rough terrain, while a dark chocolate ganache mirrors the worm’s mysterious, shadowy nature. This cake is not just a treat; it’s an adventure.

Recipe: Mongolian Death Werman Chocolate Cake

Ingredients

For the Cake:

• 1/2 cup water
• 4 ounces German sweet chocolate, chopped
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 4 large eggs, separated
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coconut-Pecan Filling:

• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 3 large egg yolks, lightly beaten
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups sweetened flaked coconut
• 1 cup chopped pecans

For the Dark Chocolate Ganache:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces dark chocolate, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cake Layers:
   1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease and flour three 9-inch round cake pans.
   2. In a small saucepan, bring the water to a boil. Remove from heat, add the chopped German chocolate, and stir until melted. Let cool.
   3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt.
   4. In a large bowl, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix in the melted chocolate and vanilla extract.
   5. Alternately add the flour mixture and buttermilk to the chocolate mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture.
   6. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites until stiff peaks form. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
   7. Divide the batter evenly among the prepared pans. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pans for 10 minutes, then remove to wire racks to cool completely.
2. Prepare the Coconut-Pecan Filling:
   1. In a medium saucepan, combine the evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, and butter. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until thickened and golden brown, about 12 minutes.
   2. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, coconut, and pecans. Let cool to room temperature.
3. Prepare the Dark Chocolate Ganache:
   1. In a small saucepan, bring the heavy cream to a simmer. Remove from heat and add the chopped chocolate. Let sit for 5 minutes, then stir until smooth. Let cool slightly.
4. Assemble the Cake:
   1. Place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with one-third of the coconut-pecan filling. Repeat with the second layer.
   2. Place the third cake layer on top and spread the remaining filling over the top of the cake.
   3. Pour the cooled ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drip down the sides.

A Dessert as Legendary as Its Inspiration

Indulging in the Mongolian Death Werman Chocolate Cake is like embarking on a sweet journey through the Gobi Desert. With every bite, you’ll uncover layers of rich flavor and texture, much like the sands that hide the secrets of the elusive Mongolian Death Worm. Perfect for adventurous eaters and lovers of legends alike, this cake is sure to make any occasion extraordinary.

So, as you savor this delectable dessert, remember: the only thing more delightful than this cake is the legend that inspired it. Enjoy this sweet escape, and may your culinary adventures always be as thrilling as a tale from the desert.

Barbara Bakes