Carpathian Mountain Cake with Mangoes - Karpatka z Mango

Karpatka is a traditional Polish dessert that consists of two layers of choux pastry filled with a rich, creamy custard. The dessert gets its name from the Carpathian Mountains, as the top layer of pastry, which puffs up and becomes irregular and rugged during baking, is said to resemble the mountain range. The custard filling is typically made with milk, sugar, butter, and sometimes vanilla, creating a smooth and luscious contrast to the crisp pastry. Karpatka is often dusted with powdered sugar before serving, making it a visually appealing and delicious treat.

I used cream cheese in the filling and added mangoes as they are currently in season.

Ingredients:

Cake:

- 100g flour

- 150g milk

- 50g oil

- 3 eggs

Cream:

- 300ml milk

- 250g cream cheese

- 1 egg

- 80g sugar

- 35g cornstarch

- 100g mangoes 

Instructions:

Cake:

1. Prepare the Cake:

   - Place the oil and milk in a saucepan.

   - Bring to a boil. 

   - Add flour and stir until the ingredients are combined into a smooth mass. 

   - Set aside to cool.

2. Preheat the Oven:

   - Preheat the oven to 200°C. 

   - Line a rectangular baking form (25 cm x 35 cm) with parchment paper.

3. Mix the Batter:

   - Transfer the cake to a bowl. 

   - Add the eggs and mix until you get a smooth batter.

   - Spread the batter evenly in the baking form. 

4. Bake the Layers:

   - Bake for 20-25 minutes until the cake is golden brown. Do not open the oven during baking.

   - Remove the baking form from the oven once cooled down. 

Cream:

1. Prepare the Pudding:

   - Blend together milk, sugar, corn starch and egg.

   - Pour onto a saucepan, stir constantly and cook the pudding until smooth and thick. 

   - Set aside to cool, cover with plastic wrap to prevent a skin from forming.

2. Prepare the Cream:

   - Beat the cream cheese until fluffy.

   - Gradually add the pudding mixture, one spoonful at a time, and continue beating until the cream is light and fluffy.

Assembling:

1. Prepare Mangoes:

   - Peel and cut the mangoe to desired size.

2. Assemble the Cake:

   - Cut the cake in half

   - Spread part of the cream evenly over the first layer. 

   - Press the mangoe into the cream and cover with the remaining cream.

   - Cover with the second baked layer.

   - Refrigerate for 2 hours.

Serving:

1. Finish and Serve:

   - Before serving, dust the Karpatka with powdered sugar.

   - Cut into portions and serve.

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Shanghai Pan-fried Buns - Sheng Jian Bao 生煎包

Shen Jian Bao (生煎包), also known as Shanghai pan-fried buns, are a type of Chinese bun characterized by their crispy bottom and soft, fluffy top. These buns are traditionally filled with juicy pork, often mixed with gelatinous broth that turns into a delicious soup when cooked. The buns are pan-fried until the bottoms are golden and crispy, then steamed to cook the filling and soften the top. They're typically garnished with sesame seeds and scallions and are known for their savory, juicy flavor and delightful texture contrast.

Servings: 15 buns

Use 28cm wide frying pan 

For the Wrappers:

- 200 g all-purpose flour

- 5g sugar

- 3g dried instant yeast

- 110 ml lukewarm water

For the Filling:

- 220 g minced pork

- 20g spring onion

- 4g ginger, minced

- 2 teaspoon light soy sauce

- ½ teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine

- ½ teaspoon sesame oil

- ¼ teaspoon salt

- 1 pinch ground Sichuan pepper

- 5 tablespoon water, about 35ml

For Frying:

- 1 tablespoon cooking oil

- 240 ml water

For Garnishing:

- Toasted sesame seeds

- Spring onion

Instructions

Prepare the Dough

1. In a large bowl, mix flour, instant yeast, and sugar.

2. Pour in water little by little while stirring with a pair of chopsticks or a fork.

3. Knead with your hand until a smooth, elastic dough forms. Cover the bowl with a wet kitchen towel.

4. Leave the dough to rise in a warm place until it doubles in size. This will take between 40 minutes to 1.5 hours, depending on the room temperature.

Mix the Filling

1. Put all the ingredients for the filling into a large bowl.

2. Swirl constantly in the same direction while gradually adding water or chicken stock spoon by spoon into the mixture.

Shape the Buns

1. Knead the risen dough on a floured work surface until it returns to its original size.

2. Divide the dough into 20 equal portions. Roll each piece into a disk-like wrapper.

3. Hold the wrapper in the palm of one hand. Place some filling in the middle. Use the other hand to fold the edge anticlockwise by pinching with thumb and index finger until the bun is completely sealed.

4. Leave the buns to rest for 15 minutes before frying.

Fry the Buns

1. Heat up oil in a frying pan over high heat. Place the buns in the pan.

2. When the bottom part becomes golden brown, pour in water then cover with a lid.

3. Uncover when the water evaporates completely. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and finely chopped spring onion over.

4. Cook for another 30 seconds or so to crisp up. 

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Chinese Steamed Buns - Baozi 包子

Baozi (包子), also known as Chinese steamed buns, are a type of filled bun or bread-like dumpling in various Chinese cuisines. They are a popular breakfast item and can be found in dim sum restaurants, street food stalls, and home kitchens. Baozi can be filled with a variety of ingredients, including meats, vegetables, and sweet fillings. 

Check out my Gochujang Chicken Baozi Recipe LINK

Check out my Baked Baozi Recipe LINK

Ingredients (10 buns)

For the Dough:

- 4g active dry yeast

- 5g granulated sugar 

- 175 ml lukewarm water 

- 290 g bread flour

For the Filling:

- 100 g cabbage, minced

- 50g onion, chopped

- 50g carrot, grated 

- 1.5 scallions, finely chopped

- 300 g ground pork 

- 10 g ginger, minced

- 1/2 tbsp dark soy sauce 

- 1/2 tbsp oyster sauce 

- 1/2 tsp sugar 

- 1/2 tsp white pepper

- 1 tsp sesame oil 

- 1 tsp cornstarch 

Instructions:

To Make the Dough:

1. In a large mixing bowl or mixer with a dough hook attachment add flour,  yeast, sugar and water. 

2. Knead for about 10-15 minutes. The dough should be soft, not sticky and not too firm.

3. Once the dough is even and smooth, form it into a ball. Cover it with a kitchen towel and let it proof for one hour in a warm place. 

To Make the Filling:

1. Prepare your vegetables - grate carrot, chop cabbage, onion and spring onion.

2. Add half teaspoon of salt and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to release the juices.

3. Drain the vegetables.

4. Add in the rest of filling ingredients and mix to combine. 

5. Store in the fridge until ready to use.

To Assemble the Baozi (Buns):

1. After the dough has finished proofing, turn it out onto a clean surface dusted with flour. Knead for 2 minutes to get rid of any air pockets. Weigh and divide the dough into 10 equal pieces (each should weigh about 48g).

2. Take each dough ball, and with a rolling pin, roll it from without actually rolling the center of the dough. The goal is to flatten the dough into a round circle with a thinner edge and thicker center. The difference in thickness should be about 1:2. 

3. Add spoonful of filling to the center. You can divide the filling into 10 portions beforehand.

4. The buns are folded with one hand holding the skin and filling, and the other hand pleating the edges of the dough disk like an accordion. As you fold, the goal is to make it all the way around the circle, until you’ve sealed it at the top. 

5. Lay the buns on a small piece of parchment paper and put it directly on your steaming rack. Repeat until all are assembled. 

I didn't have steaming basket so I placed them on a plate lined with parchment paper.

6. Cover with kitchen towel and let the buns proof for another 15 minutes before steaming.

To Steam:

1. With the buns in the steamer, start with cold water and steam for about 20-25 minutes.

2. Turn off the heat, and keep the lid on.  Let the buns “rest” for 5 minutes before opening the lid, so they won't collapse.

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Korean Marinated Eggs - Mayak Gyeran

Korean marinated eggs, also known as "Mayak Gyeran" (마약계란), are a popular side dish or snack in Korean cuisine. "Mayak" means "drug" in Korean, and the name is a playful reference to how addictive these eggs are due to their delicious flavor. 

Typically, the eggs are cooked until the yolks are just set but still slightly soft (jammy eggs) and kept in a marinate.

The marinated eggs can be served as a side dish with rice, added to ramen, or enjoyed on their own.

These marinated eggs are known for their rich, umami flavor and the delightful combination of the soy-based marinade with the creamy texture of the yolk. They are often found in Korean households and can be a great addition to various meals.

Check out my Tea eggs (Cha ye dan) Recipe LINK

Ingredients:

- 6 eggs

- 30g white vinegar

- 120ml soy sauce

- 120ml water

- 80g brown sugar or honey

- 4 garlic cloves, chopped

- 40g yellow onions, chopped

- 4 scallions, chopped: 

- 1 jalapeno, chopped (optional)

- 1 red chili, chopped (optional)

- 1-2 Thai chilis, chopped (optional, for extra heat)

- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds:

- Sesame oil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Boil the Eggs:

   - Add enough water to a pot to cover all the eggs. Bring the pot of water to a boil.

   - Add the vinegar to the boiling water, then gently drop in the eggs. Boil the eggs for 6 minutes for soft-boiled eggs.

   - After 6 minutes, remove the eggs from the pot and transfer them to an ice bath. Let the eggs cool completely for about 5 minutes in the ice bath.

2. Make the Marinade:

   - In an airtight glass container, combine the chopped garlic, scallions, onions, peppers, soy sauce, honey or sugar, water, and sesame seeds. 

   - Stir all the ingredients together with a spoon.

3. Marinate the Eggs:

   - Gently crack and peel all the cooled eggs. Place the peeled eggs into the marinade.

   - Cover the container with a lid and let the eggs marinate for at least 6 hours in the fridge. Overnight marination is best for optimal flavor.

4. Serve:

   - Serve the marinated eggs with a bowl of warm rice, a drizzle of sesame oil, and some of the marinade sauce.

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Taiwanese Pepper Buns - Hujiaobing 胡椒餅

Hujiaobing (胡椒餅), also known as pepper buns, are a popular street food snack originating from Taiwan. They are a type of stuffed pastry made from dough and filled with a mixture of ground pork, scallions, soy sauce, sugar, and white pepper, giving them a distinctive peppery flavor. The dough is usually made from flour and water, creating a bread-like outer layer that becomes crispy after baking.

Hujiaobing are typically baked in a traditional clay oven, which gives them a unique texture and flavor. The buns are stuck to the walls of the oven, similar to how naan is cooked, and are baked until the exterior becomes golden brown and crispy while the inside remains juicy and flavorful.

These buns are especially popular at night markets in Taiwan, where vendors often prepare and bake them on the spot, attracting customers with their enticing aroma and delicious taste.

Check out my Beef Filled Buns Recipe LINK

Ingredients:

Buns:

- 270 g bread flour

- 5g instant yeast or active dry yeast

- ½ tsp salt

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 15 g oil

- 170 ml warm water

Filling:

- 250 g ground pork (with some fat)

- 1 tsp ground black pepper

- ½ tsp ground white pepper

- ¼ tsp ground Szechuan peppercorns

- ½ tsp salt

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tsp sugar

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- 1 tsp cornstarch

- 120 g green onion (about 7 large stalks), finely chopped

Glaze:

- 1 tsp honey + 1 tsp water

Garnish:

- white sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Filling:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine all the filling ingredients.

- Cover the bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.

2. Prepare the Dough:

  - In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, salt, and yeast.

  - Add oil and warm water.

  - Use a stand mixer with the dough hook attachment to knead the dough until smooth and not sticky.

- Cover the dough and let it rise in a warm place until doubled in size, about 1 hour.

3. Wrapping

- Divide the filling into six equal portions.

- Preheat oven to 200°C.

- Flatten the risen dough to remove air and divide it into six equal pieces. Work with one piece at a time, keeping the rest covered.

- Roll into a round circle about 6-7 inches in diameter.

- Place one portion of filling in the center of the dough circle.

- Gather the edges of the dough to pinch and seal. Repeat with remaining dough and filling.

- Place the wrapped buns seam side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

- Brush the tops of the buns with the honey-water mixture, then gently dip them or sprinkle them with sesame seeds.

4. Baking

- Place the baking sheet in preheated oven. 

- Bake for 20 minutes or until the buns are golden brown and the meat filling is cooked through.

- Remove from the oven and transfer the buns to a cooling rack. Serve warm.

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