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What is “chaja,” a famous Uruguayan dessert, and how is it made?

Introduction: The Sweet and Famous Chaja Dessert

Chaja is a popular dessert in Uruguay that is loved for its light and fluffy texture, while being moist and sweet. This mouth-watering dessert is a simple yet delicious combination of layers of fluffy sponge cake, whipped cream, and chunks of peaches. It is then topped with meringue and decorated with cherries. Chaja has become an iconic dish in Uruguay and is often served on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries.

Ingredients and Preparation: How to Make Authentic Chaja

To make authentic Chaja, you will need the following ingredients: 8 eggs, 1 cup of sugar, 1 ½ cups of flour, 2 teaspoons of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of vanilla essence, 1 can of peaches, 1 ½ cups of whipped cream, and 1 cup of meringue.

To prepare Chaja, you will need to start with the sponge cake. Beat the eggs and sugar together until they are light and fluffy. Add the flour, baking powder, and vanilla essence to the mixture and gently fold them in. Pour the mixture into a greased cake tin and bake for 30 minutes at 180°C. Once the cake is cooled, cut it into three layers.

Next, drain the canned peaches and chop them into small pieces. Whip the cream until it forms soft peaks. Spread a layer of whipped cream on the bottom layer of the cake, followed by a layer of peaches. Repeat the process with the second layer of cake and top with the final layer.

Finally, cover the entire cake with meringue and decorate with cherries. Refrigerate the cake for at least an hour before serving.

Serving and Enjoying Chaja: Tips and Recommendations

Chaja is best enjoyed when it is served chilled. It is a light and refreshing dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. Chaja can be served as a simple cake or can be cut into individual servings. This dessert pairs well with a cup of coffee or tea.

If you are looking to make Chaja more unique, you can add different types of fruits like strawberries, passion fruit, or mango. Additionally, you can also experiment with different types of cream, such as chocolate or caramel, to add more flavor and variety to the dessert.

In conclusion, Chaja is a beloved dessert in Uruguay that is easy to make and delicious to eat. It is a perfect dessert for any occasion, and with a few twists and tweaks can be elevated to be even more special. So go ahead, try making Chaja at home and enjoy this delicious dessert with your loved ones.

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Written by John Myers

Professional Chef with 25 years of industry experience at the highest levels. Restaurant owner. Beverage Director with experience creating world-class nationally recognized cocktail programs. Food writer with a distinctive Chef-driven voice and point of view.

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