Let's get started with the ingredients:
- Taihaku sesame oil: 70g
- Light flour: 80g
- Cocoa: 15g
- Milk: 85g
- Eggs: 6 pieces
- Granulated sugar: 100g
- Chocolate: 60g
- Chocolate chips: 20g
Now, let's move on to the preparation steps:
1. Start by lining your mold with parchment paper.
2. Fill your hot water bath with boiling water.
3. Separate your eggs into yolks and whites, then cool the whites in the fridge.
4. Combine your flour and cocoa in a bowl and set aside.
5. Chop your chocolate into small pieces for later.
6. Preheat your oven to 150°C.
Next, let's move on to the actual baking process:
1. Heat the Taihaku sesame oil to 80°C in the hot water bath.
2. Add the sifted flour and cocoa to the oil and whisk until there are no lumps.
3. Gradually add the warm milk and continue mixing.
4. Add the egg yolks in three portions, stirring each time.
5. For the egg whites, combine them in three portions with the granulated sugar and beat until you achieve a firm meringue.
6. Pour one-third of the meringue into the bowl with the flour and cocoa mixture, then stir until fully combined. Return the batter to the meringue bowl and mix again using a spoon.
7. Pour half of the batter into the prepared mold.
8. Sprinkle the chopped chocolate evenly over the batter.
9. Add the remaining batter, smooth the top, and sprinkle the remaining chocolate chips over the surface. If you want a neat, taut surface, press the chocolate chips into the batter.
10. Place a cloth in the hot water bath and pour about one-third of the 50°C hot water into the bath. Be careful, though, as too hot water could cause the surface to crack.
11. Bake in the hot water bath for 60 minutes at 150°C.
12. Once baked, carefully remove the cake from the mold and peel off the parchment paper.
And voila! You now have a beautiful Taiwanese Castella cake ready for Valentine's Day. Enjoy the difference in texture between the gooey chocolate in the center and the crunchy chocolate on the surface. It's delicious even when it's cold, so we recommend serving it as a dessert on a plate.
Remember, the key to a great cake decoration is creativity and personal touch. So feel free to experiment with different chocolate flavors, colorings, and designs to make your cake stand out. Happy baking and happy Valentine's Day!