Source: tuttodiabete.it

Presentation

A nutritious recipe, consisting of a dessert prepared with dried fruit, cherries, brandy, egg, apple, flour, cocoa, cinnamon, almonds, sugar

Ingredients

• 500 g (about 1.1 lb / 3 cups) dried fruit, mixed and finely chopped
• 100 g (about 3.5 oz / ¾ cup) cherries, finely chopped
• 125 ml (about ½ cup / 4 fl oz) brandy
• Cooking spray, as needed
• 3 eggs (about 50 g / 1.75 oz each)
• 140 g (about 5 oz / ½ cup) apple purée
• 160 g (about 5.6 oz / ⅔ cup) cherry fruit spread (no added sugar)
• 160 g (about 5.6 oz / 1 cup) self-rising flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 40 g (about 1.4 oz / ¼ cup) plain flour (or whole wheat flour)
• 2 tablespoons cocoa powder
• 1 teaspoon mixed spices
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 24 almonds
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar (for dusting, optional)

Method

Place the dried fruits, cherries and brandy in a large bowl,

Mix well and place overnight to marinate.

Preheat the oven to 140°C (fan) or conventional 150°C.

Spray an 18cm square cake tin with cooking spray

Line the base and sides with 2 layers of baking paper, allowing the paper to reach 5 cm above the top.

Place the oven rack so that the top of the baking dish is in the center of the oven.

In a medium-sized bowl, whisk the eggs, apple puree, and cream well

Add them to the fruit mixture and stir until well combined

Sift the flours, cocoa powder, mixed spices and cinnamon into a small bowl, returning the sieve skins to the bowl.

Add the flour mixture to the fruit mixture and stir until well combined

Pour the mixture into the cake pan by pressing firmly into the corners with the back of a spoon and smoothing the surface.

Tap the cake pan on the counter a few times to let the mixture settle,

Lightly push the almonds into the top of the cake according to the desired design.

Cover the cake pan with aluminum foil and bake for 1 hour,

Remove the aluminum foil and bake for another 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 hours or until a skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the cake is firm to the touch in the center.

Remove the protruding parchment paper and wrap the cake, still in the cake pan, in 2 clean tea towels to keep it moist while it cools

Set aside overnight to cool completely.

Remove from the pan and sprinkle with icing sugar

Serve

Allergens

Brandy: possible presence of sulphites included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Cocoa: possible reactivity in case of allergy to spices

Cinnamon: possible reactivity in case of intolerance to spices

Cherries: possible cross-reactivity in case of allergies to grasses, birch and parietaria

Flour: contains gluten from cereals included in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Dried fruit: included among the allergens of EU Regulation 1169/2011

Almonds: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011; it has cross-reactivity in case of allergy to Birch and Gramineae.

Apple: individual fruit intolerance or cross-reactivity in case of birch sensitivity

Egg: included among the allergens in EU Regulation 1169/2011

Notes

To be prepared and handled under strict hygienic conditions.

Liqueur that can also be used in the recipe intended for children as the alcohol evaporates during cooking but the aroma remains

The ingredients of the dish bring the following benefits:

Brandy: with moderate consumption, alcohol has a favorable action on the functionality of the cardio-vascular system and on mood, reducing stress and anxiety.

Cocoa: powerful antioxidant rich in purine alkaloids (theobromine, caffeine, adenine), tannins, flavonoids, polyphenols, proteins, starches and sugars and B vitamins favorable to basal metabolism and cardio-vascular well-being because it lowers blood pressure and promotes blood flow at the level of the coronary arteries. It contains phenylethylamine capable of decreasing the production of cortisol (stress hormone).

Cinnamon: able to strengthen the immune system

Cherries: provide flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, they provide folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Flour: provides B vitamins (thiamine, niacin, riboflavin and folate), which are important for energy metabolism and the functioning of the nervous system.

Almonds: they are a source of Vitamin E which protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathic patients. Also useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Rich in magnesium and omega 3 fatty acids important for regulating mood and cognitive function

Apple: provides flavonoids (Vit. P), antioxidants that enhance the action of Vit. C in favor of the immune system and mineral salts, vitamins and antioxidants that act to protect the cardiovascular system; also suitable for nephropathics; useful for the functioning of the liver for the supply of vitamins, mineral salts and antioxidants. Especially if consumed with the peel, it provides folic acid linked to the production of serotonin and therefore favorable to good mood and counteract depression

Egg: source of Vitamin E that protects the immune system from harmful fatty acids. Rich in Vitamin D that fights mood disorders

Sugar: if consumed in moderation without contraindications (diabetes, obesity,) it is the main source of energy for the body, improves thinking ability, has a positive effect on mood

Safety / Intended use

Can also be administered in case of:

• Anorexia – Weight Loss
• Nausea and vomiting

Not to be administered to individuals suffering from:

• Mucositis – Inflammation and Lesions of the oral cavity
• Dysphagia (problems chewing and swallowing