BRAZO DE MERCEDES(recipe)

Filling5 cups milk

1 cup sugar

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

8 egg yolks

1/4 cup toasted and finely ground cashew nuts

Meringue10 egg whites

1 cup sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions:

Prep Time: 15 mins

Total Time: 50 mins

1. In a saucepan, simmer milk over low heat until reduced to 2 cups.2. Add sugar, butter and vanilla extract; stirring constantly.3. Remove from heat.4. Beat egg yolks in mixing bowl.5. To egg yolks, gradually add milk mixture by spoonfuls, beating constantly.6. Stir well to avoid curdling.7. Add cashew nuts and continue cooking entire mixture over low heat, stirring constantly, until

mixture has consistency of a paste.8. Set aside to cool to warm (remaining at spreading consistency).9. Preheat oven to 400°F.10. Beat egg whites until stiff.11. Gradually add 1 cup sugar, beating continuously.12. Stir in vanilla.13. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper greased with butter and spread meringue on

top.14. Bake until lightly browned and set.15. Spread filling evenly on top of meringue and roll into a log.16. Brush with butter and brown again in oven.17. Remove to rack and cool.