The Hungry Meeple

Tag: keto

  • Keto Cassata Cake:  Dessert inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    Keto Cassata Cake:  Dessert inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    by Zaida Marrero

    Welcome to our culinary adventure, where we blend the enchanting world of board games with the delectable delights of a keto-friendly lifestyle. Today, we present a mouthwatering creation that will tantalize your taste buds and cater to the dietary needs of you or your keto-loving friends: Keto Cassata Cake, inspired by Messina 1347 (by Vladimir Suchy and Fernandez Aparicio, RIO Grande Games) .

    Eating a specific diet doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor, creativity, or the joy of indulging in a delightful dessert. With a touch of inspiration, we have carefully designed this recipe, keeping in mind the dietary restrictions and preferences of our keto-loving friend, who also happens to be an avid board game enthusiast.

    As we delved into the art of baking, we drew inspiration from the rich culinary history of Sicily. The origins of the Cassata cake can be traced back to this beautiful Mediterranean island, where it has been a beloved sweet treat for centuries. During the Arabs’ influence on the island, the Arabs introduced vibrant and exotic ingredients such as citrus fruits, almonds, and sweet ricotta cheese, which became essential components in Sicilian desserts.

    The classic Cassata cake is a layered masterpiece, typically made with sponge cake soaked in liqueur, filled with a sweet ricotta and candied fruit filling, and covered with a smooth layer of marzipan. The cake is then intricately decorated with vibrant colors and ornate designs, reflecting the artistic traditions of Sicilian craftsmanship.

    We have carefully crafted a recipe that captures the essence of the traditional Cassata, using keto cakes, cheese, orange zest, nuts and sugar free chocolate. We hope to create a guilt-free indulgence for our keto-loving friend.

    So, Get ready to savor each moment of this delicious adventure as we present to you our delightful Keto Cassata Cake.

    Ingredients:

    Keto cake:

    • 2 cups almond flour
    • 1/2 cup granulated erythritol 
    • 1/4 cup half and half or heavy cream * optional
    • 2 tsp Baking powder
    • 4 eggs
    • 4 oz or 1/2 bar cream cheese
    • 1 tsp Almond extract optional
    • 2 tsp Vanilla
    • 1/2 bar butter
    • Orange zest
    • 1/4 tsp salt

    Ricotta filling:

    • 6 ounces (3⁄4 cup) whole-milk ricotta cheese
    • 6 ounces (3⁄4 cup) mascarpone cheese
    • ¼ cup erythritol confectioners’ sugar or more to taste
    • ¼ cup chopped unsweetened chocolate chips
    • ¾ teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon orange zest 
    • 1⁄8 teaspoon table salt
    • ¼ cup shelled pistachios, toasted and chopped fine

    Instructions:

    For the cake:

    • Beat cream cheese butter and sugar
    • Add eggs, vanilla extract and orange zest
    • Mix dry ingredeintas  and add them to the wet ingredients. Let rest.
    • Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees
    • Divide batter in cup cake mold, don’t overfill
    • Bake at 350°F (160°C) for 20 minutes rotating midway, until toothpick inserted in the middle is clean.

    For the filling: 

    • Stir ricotta, mascarpone, sugar, vanilla and zest in a large bowl until evenly combined. Cover and refrigerate until chilled, at least 30 minutes. (Filling can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; stir to recombine before serving) .Fill the cupcakes and sprinkle with chocolate chips and pistachios before serving. 

    Game Night  Tips

    Conclusion

    It is very gratifying sharing drinks and  food with friends and family and playing a game afterwards makes the experience even better. Give this recipe a try and share your experience and your inspirations too.

  • Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread: inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread: inspired by Messina 1347 Board Game

    adapted by Zaida I. Marrero

    Welcome to our Messina 1347 (by Vladimir Suchy and Fernandez Aparicio, RIO Grande Games)  culinary adventure, where the worlds of ketogenic lifestyle recipes and immersive board games collide! Today, we bring you a recipe that satisfies both our taste buds and our friends’ (who follows the keto diet) taste buds: Keto Rosemary and Focaccia Bread.

    Following a specific diet doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice flavor and friends. We firmly believe in the importance of accommodating guests’ dietary needs when hosting a game night. By adapting recipes to suit their requirements, we demonstrate our thoughtfulness and inclusivity, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and can fully enjoy the experience.

    The origins of focaccia can be traced back to ancient Rome, where it was a staple in their daily diet. We share a recipe published in a Keto Bread book that we believe infuses the spirit of focaccia in a keto-friendly version. This Keto Focaccia Bread is sure to become a staple in your culinary repertoire. 

    Get ready to savor every moment of this delicious adventure!

    Ingredients:

    • Olive oil, for oiling the pan, plus more for adding as a topping
    • 1 teaspoon instant yeast (*optional, this ingredient is just for smell effects)
    • 2 tablespoons warm water
    • 1 cup almond flour
    • 1 teaspoon psyllium husk *Optional
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1½ cups shredded low-moisture part-skim mozzarella cheese
    • 1 ounce cream cheese
    • 1 large egg, beaten
    • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
    • ½ teaspoon coarse salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

    Instructions:

    1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Create a sleeve out of aluminum foil. Line an 8″ × 8″ pan with the sleeve and grease it with olive oil.
    2. In a small bowl, add the yeast and warm water and stir to combine. Set aside until it’s foamy, about 5-10 minutes.
    3. In a medium bowl, whisk together the almond flour, psyllium husk powder, and baking powder and set aside.
    4. In a large microwave-safe bowl, add the mozzarella and cream cheese. Microwave for 60 seconds and then give it a stir, and continue microwaving in 20-second increments until the cheese is fully melted and combined when stirred.
    5. Stir the foamy yeast mixture into the melted cheese until combined, and then stir in the beaten egg until combined. Stir in the almond flour mixture until it forms a dough.
    6. Spread the dough evenly into the greased pan. Make sure it is smooth and spread to the edges.
    7. Pour 1 tablespoon olive oil over the dough, spreading it out across the entire dough. Sprinkle the dough with the dried rosemary, salt, and pepper.
    8. Bake until it starts to turn golden brown on top, about 15-18 minutes. Cut the loaf into eight sticks and serve

    Game Night  Tips

    Conclusion

    It is very gratifying sharing drinks and  food with friends and family, and playing a game afterwards makes the experience even better. Give this recipe a try and share your experience and your inspirations too.