• Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
✮ The Food Dictator ✮

The Hirshon Moldovan ‘Black Grandmother’ Cake – Babă Neagră

December 21, 2021 by The Generalissimo 2 Comments

628
SHARES
FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditWhatsappYummly
Light Dark Dark Light
()
Moldovan 'Black Grandmother' Cake - Babă Neagră
Babă Neagră Image Used Under Creative Commons License From diez.md

My Citizens – today is the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year and traditionally a time of great fear and foreboding in the earlier history of humanity. Today, the light is at its briefest and the night is long and cold and full of unseen terrors seemingly straight from the bowels of Hell itself (at least it appeared to be so to the fertile imaginations of our ancestors)!

As such, it seems only apropos that today’s recipe is one from the ancient Eastern European country of Moldova, and is known by the intriguing sobriquet of ‘Black Grandmother’ – a name I shall endeavor to explain while discussing how to best achieve the unique holey-spongy texture of this beloved darksome Moldovan dessert!

First off – the name of ‘Black Grandmother’ may in fact be a nod to the ancient witch of the Slavic region, the infamous ‘Old Grandmother’ known in Russia as Baba Yaga!

In Slavic folklore, Baba Yaga (Russian: Баба-Яга, romanized: Baba-Yaga) is a supernatural being who appears as a deformed or ferocious-looking old woman. In Slavic culture, Baba Yaga lived in a hut usually described as standing on chicken legs.

Baba Yaga may help or hinder those that encounter her or seek her out. She may play a maternal role and has associations with forest wildlife. According to Vladimir Propp’s folktale morphology, Baba Yaga commonly appears as a donor, as a villain, or may be altogether ambiguous. Her depictions vary greatly across tales, ranging from a child-eating monster, to helping a protagonist find his missing bride.

Andreas Johns identifies Baba Yaga as “one of the most memorable and distinctive figures in eastern European folklore”, and observes that she is “enigmatic” and often exhibits “striking ambiguity”. Johns summarizes Baba Yaga as “a many-faceted figure, capable of inspiring researchers to see her as a Cloud, Moon, Death, Winter, Snake, Bird, Pelican or Earth Goddess, totemic matriarchal ancestress, female initiator, phallic mother, or archetypal image”.

Variations are found in the languages of the Eastern Slavic peoples. The first element, baba, is transparently a babble word. In Old Russian, baba may mean “midwife”, “sorceress”, or “fortune teller”. In modern Russian, the word бабушка or babushka (meaning “grandmother”) derives from it, as does the word babcia (also “grandmother”) in Polish. In Serbo-Croatian, Macedonian and Bulgarian, baba means “grandmother; old woman”. In contemporary, unofficial Polish and Russian baba is the pejorative synonym of “woman” (especially old, dirty or foolish woman).

These associations have led to variety of theories on the figure of Baba Yaga, though the presence of the element baba may have simply been taken as its primary meaning of “grandmother” or “old woman”. While a variety of etymologies have been proposed for the second element of the name, Yaga, it remains far more etymologically problematic and no clear consensus among scholars has resulted. For example, in the 19th century, Alexander Afanasyev proposed the derivation of Proto-Slavic *ož and Sanskrit ahi (‘serpent, snake’). This etymology has subsequently been explored by other scholars in the 20th century.

Related terms to the second element of the name, Yaga, appear in various Slavic languages; Serbo-Croatian jeza (“horror”, “shudder”, “chill”), Slovene jeza (“anger”), Old Czech jězě (“witch”, “legendary evil female being”), modern Czech jezinka (“wicked wood nymph”, “dryad”), and Polish jędza (“witch”, “evil woman”, “fury”). The term appears in Old Church Slavonic as jęza/jędza (meaning “disease”, “illness”). In other Indo-European languages the element iaga has been linked to Lithuanian engti (“to abuse (continuously)”, “to belittle”, “to exploit”), Old English inca (“doubt”, “worry”, “pain”), and Old Norse ekki (“pain”, “worry”).

As noted by Lithuanian scholar Marija Gimbutas, the character of Baba Yaga shows considerable ambiguity: she is described as a witch with cannibalistic tendencies, with preference for children in some accounts, while in others she is a wise prophetess who gives guidance to heroes.

As one of the most famous witches, Baba Yaga makes an appearance in hundreds if not thousands of folktales in Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus predating the eighteenth century. The first clear reference to Baba Yaga (Iaga baba) occurs in 1755 with Mikhail V. Lomonosov’s Rossiiskaia grammatika (‘Russian grammar’). Lomonosov’s grammar mentions Baba Yaga twice among other figures largely from Slavic tradition.

The second of the two mentions occurs within a list of Slavic gods and beings next to their presumed equivalence in Roman mythology (the Slavic god Perun, for example, appears equated with the Roman god Jupiter). Baba Yaga, however, appears in a third section without an equivalence, attesting to perception of her uniqueness even in this first known attestation. However, it is noticeable that, like Hecate, Baba Yaga presides over a wide, diverse array of domains and functions.

In the narratives in which Baba Yaga appears, she displays a variety of typical attributes: a turning, chicken-legged hut; and a mortar, pestle, mop or broom. Baba Yaga frequently bears the epithet “bony leg” (Baba Iaga kostianaia noga), and when inside of her dwelling, she may be found stretched out over the stove, reaching from one corner of the hut to another. Baba Yaga may sense and mention the “Russian scent” (russkim dukhom) of those that visit her. Her nose may stick into the ceiling. Some narratives particularly emphasize the repulsiveness of her nose.

Baba Yaga
Baba Yaga!

The character of Baba Yaga almost certainly had an influence on this unique cake, whose ‘holey’ texture assuredly looks like some kind of magic has happened to the dessert – and indeed it has! It’s called chemistry, and the use of activated baking soda causes a huge amount of carbonated gas to be released, resulting in the unique texture. It is in fact nearly identical to several Southern Chinese and Malaysian desserts of similar composition and color, though it is highly-unlikely they are causally-related to one another.

You definitely want this cake to be dark-colored, and despite its dark umber hue it has no chocolate in it whatsoever – it is a most beloved cake in Moldova (whose language is actually based on Latin, just like Romanian which it is basically identical to)! Like so many delicious Eastern European desserts, this includes a bit of rose jam in the batter for flavor – while optional in many recipes, I consider it essential!

You can buy quality artisinal rose jam in the proper Eastern European style from here. Vanilla sugar of excellent quality may be easily purchased on Amazon from here, and baked kefir (the acidity combined with the baked nature of the beverage in this style of kefir all help ensure a tender crumb and great flavor) may be found in Eastern European grocery stores – if you can’t find it, just use regular kefir with live cultures.

This recipe is so old-fashioned that it is still measured by ‘glasses’ – never fear, I’ve provided the actual volume amounts to use in the recipe! Follow it exactingly, and you will be in for a true treat of Eastern Europe, from a country rarely thought of (or even known of!) by most Americans. I hope in some small way, this lack of understanding will change for the better based on this recipe, which is an ideal closer to the Moldovan national dish of spiced pork ribs!

My Citizens – to quote the great Welsh poet Dylan Thomas on this shortest day of the year:

Do not go gentle into that good night
Dylan Thomas – 1914-1953

Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rave at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.

Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless, me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.

Battle on and Happy Holidays to you and yours, if you celebrate them – the Generalissimo

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Moldovan 'Black Grandmother' Cake - Babă Neagră

Moldovan ‘Black Grandmother’ Cake – Babă Neagră


  • Author: The Generalissimo
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 3/4 liter whole milk
  • 1/4 liter baked kefir (regular kefir will also work, known as chisleag in Moldovan)
  • 12 eggs
  • 3 glasses sugar (glass volume 250 g)
  • 4 glasses flour (glass volume 250 g)
  • 2 glasses neutral oil – Sunflower oil is the traditional choice in Moldova (glass volume 250 g)
  • 27 g vanilla sugar
  • 50 g brandy
  • 1 Tbsp. baking soda (mixed with vinegar JUST before adding!)
  • 2 Tbsp. Eastern European-style rose jam (optional but strongly recommended by TFD)
  • An oven-safe pan or pot, 11-12 inches in diameter
  • Aluminum foil
  • Parchment paper for lining the bottom of the cooking pot or pan

Instructions

  1. It is very important to wrap the pot or pan you are cooking the cake in with at LEAST 2-3 sheets of aluminum foil – both around, below and along the edges. Put a circle of baking parchment paper on the bottom of the pot to facilitate getting the cake out after it is cooked.
  2. Put the eggs in a deep bowl, add the sugar and beat until the sugar dissolves (2.3 minutes).
  3. Add the flour with the vanilla sugar and mix them with the whisk so that there are no lumps. Add the oil, mix and a little, while stirring, add the milk, rose jam and chisleag. Add the baking soda and mix well, then add the brandy.
  4. Grease the inside of the pot with butter, then sprinkle with breadcrumbs or flour.
  5. Pour the mixture into the pot.
  6. Bake for 2 hours at 180-200 Centigrade. (Depending on how your oven bakes), reduce the heat to 120-150 Centigrade. and bake it for another 1 hour. DO NOT OPEN the oven as long as the grandmother is baking. After 3 hours of baking, turn off the heat and let the grandmother stay in the oven for another hour, after which you can take it out of the oven.
  7. If you follow all these steps, you will have a grandmother with a beautiful texture, riddled with holes and possessed of a most light texture. Cut the grandmother when it cools down a bit and serve it hot alongside cut-up apples.

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @thefooddictator on Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook and hashtag it #TFD

How useful was this post, Citizen?

Click to rate My Recipe, Citizen - 5 hearts are ALWAYS appreciated!

Average rating / 5. Vote count:

No votes so far! Be the first to rate this post.

As you found this post useful...

Follow us on social media, Citizen!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Related posts:

The Hirshon Alaska Chicken
The Hirshon Mexican Tacos al Pastor
The Hirshon Dutch Queen’s Cream of Chicken Soup - Koninginnesoep
The Hirshon Finnish Runeberg's Torte - Runebergintorttuja
The Hirshon Réunionnais Vanilla Duck Curry With Coconut Rice
The Hirshon Medieval English Elderflower Cheesecake - Sambocade
The Hirshon Algerian Garlic Meatballs in Spicy Red Garlic Sauce - مثوم مع صلصة الثوم الأحمر
The Hirshon Linguine con Vongole

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: Dessert

About The Generalissimo

The myth of the Generalissimo is far more interesting than the reality.

Previous Post: « The Hirshon Ultimate St. Louis Toasted Ravioli via Sicily + Dipping Sauce
Next Post: The Hirshon Peruvian Spicy Creamy Stewed And Shredded Chicken Breast – Ají De Gallina »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. nofixedstars

    December 22, 2021 at 2:26 PM

    oh, this is a recipe i will make as soon as i have a chance! i love baba yaga; i’ve a soft spot and deep affection for all the ancient dark mothers and grandmothers of the world’s cultures… besides which, this cake has rose jam in it, and rose is one of my most favourite flavours.

    perhaps this cake will make an appearance on our table at some point during the 12 nights of yule. wishing a tranquil and healthy solstice-tide to you and yours.

    Reply
    • The Generalissimo

      December 22, 2021 at 2:42 PM

      Best holiday wishes to you and yours as well! 🙂

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

Primary Sidebar

➤ Citizens – Please Support TFD Nation!

Donate to Help TFD!

⇔ Search, And Ye Shall Assuredly Find!

✮ Citizens ✮

TFD currently has a total of 1,365 posts and 1,162,744 words written since December of 2014! Add your voice to My 50,000+ dedicated readers, comment on My recipes and thus become an active member of TFD Nation! Looking for a particular recipe? Search for it in the box above or via the category tags below - there are THOUSANDS of the finest in world and historic recipes here!

❧ TREMBLE Before Our Categoric Zeal!

Appetizers (146)Beef (143)Beverages (24)Bread (112)Cheese (64)Chicken (132)Chinese (122)Chocolate (16)Condiments (262)Dessert (166)Drinks (23)Duck (20)Egg (47)Fish (56)French (56)Game (30)Georgian (34)Indian (60)Italian (58)Jewish (84)Lamb (73)Manifestos (1)Pasta (90)Pork (148)Salad (40)Sandwich (42)Seafood (84)Shrimp (53)Soup (110)Spices (12)Tofu (7)Turkey (15)Veal (18)Vegetables (108)

✺ Click to Follow Us Across Social Media!

Facebook   

    instagram

☥ TFD SPEAKS!!!

https://www.thefooddictator.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/TFD-Avatar-Cold-Open-FINAL.mp4

 Enjoy TFD’s Mellifluous Podcasts, Citizen!

Listen on Apple Podcasts

© 2023 · The Food Dictator is abjectly served by WORDPRESS

✮ The Food Dictator ✮
Manage Cookie Consent
Citizens!

Be advised that as an enlightened Dictatorship here at TFD, we are indeed on the side of right when it comes to protecting the privacy of TFD Nation!

We do use technologies such as cookies to store and/or access device information, solely to improve your browsing experience and to show personalized ads.

Consenting to these technologies will allow us to process data such as browsing behavior or unique IDs on this site. Not consenting or withdrawing consent, may adversely affect certain features and functions - trust us, we really ARE on your side!

YOUR LOYALTY IS NOTED! 🎖️
Functional Always active
The technical storage or access is strictly necessary for the legitimate purpose of enabling the use of a specific service explicitly requested by the subscriber or user, or for the sole purpose of carrying out the transmission of a communication over an electronic communications network.
Preferences
The technical storage or access is necessary for the legitimate purpose of storing preferences that are not requested by the subscriber or user.
Statistics
The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for statistical purposes. The technical storage or access that is used exclusively for anonymous statistical purposes. Without a subpoena, voluntary compliance on the part of your Internet Service Provider, or additional records from a third party, information stored or retrieved for this purpose alone cannot usually be used to identify you.
Marketing
The technical storage or access is required to create user profiles to send advertising, or to track the user on a website or across several websites for similar marketing purposes.
Manage options Manage services Manage vendors Read more about these purposes
View preferences
{title} {title} {title}
628
SHARES
FacebookTwitterPinterestRedditMailYummly