International Women’s Day – Chef Walter Potenza

Friends:

International Women’s Day (IWD) is celebrated every year on March 8 by people worldwide. It is dedicated to honoring women’s remarkable achievements, raising awareness about gender equality, and advocating for women’s rights. 

This day’s significance goes beyond celebration; it reminds us of progress and work for gender parity.

Honoring Women’s Achievements:

International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women throughout History and in contemporary society. Women have played pivotal roles in shaping our world, from groundbreaking scientists to visionary leaders. Their contributions span various fields, including Science, literature, Politics, arts, and Technology. By celebrating these achievements, we acknowledge the remarkable individuals and inspire future generations of women to pursue their aspirations without limitations.

Raising Awareness About Gender Equality:

Despite the strides made towards gender equality, significant disparities still exist worldwide. Women continue to face barriers in accessing Education, Healthcare, employment opportunities, and leadership positions. International Women’s Day is a platform to raise awareness about these issues and initiate conversations to dismantle systemic barriers and biases. It prompts individuals and organizations to reflect on their role in promoting gender equality and take concrete actions to address gender-based discrimination and inequality.

Advocating for Women’s Rights:

International Women’s Day is a call to action to advocate for the rights and empowerment of women globally. It amplifies the voices of women and marginalized communities, advocating for policies and initiatives that promote gender equality and protect women’s rights. This includes advocating for equal pay, reproductive rights, ending gender-based violence, and ensuring access to education and healthcare for all women and girls. By coming together on this day, individuals and organizations demonstrate solidarity in fighting for gender justice and equality.

Promoting Inclusivity and Intersectionality:

In recent years, the feminist movement has recognized the significance of intersectionality. International Women’s Day provides a momentous occasion to celebrate and honor women’s diverse experiences and identities, including those of women of color, LGBTQ+ women, women with disabilities, and women from marginalized communities. The event emphasizes the need for an all-encompassing approach to feminism that acknowledges and tackles the different forms of discrimination and oppression experienced by women worldwide.

Looking Towards the Future:

As we celebrate International Women’s Day, it is crucial to acknowledge the progress made in advancing women’s rights while recognizing the remaining work. Gender equality is not solely a women’s issue; it is a fundamental human right for societies’ social, economic, and political progress. By continuously advocating for gender equality, we can create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to realize her full potential and contribute to a more just and equitable society.

Final thought!

International Women’s Day is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of women, raise awareness about gender equality, advocate for women’s rights, and promote inclusivity and intersectionality. It serves as a reminder of the progress and ongoing struggle for gender parity, and by coming together daily, we can create a more fair and equal world for everyone. 

The Mimosa Cake is a famous dessert prepared on Women’s Day on March 8. It’s a cake covered with small sponge cake dice, recalling the mimosa plant’s shape, the day’s flower.

The Italian recipe was introduced in the mid-1900s in Rieti, Lazio, by the pastry Chef Antonio Renzi, who proposed it in his restaurant. It became famous in 1962 when the chef participated in a pastry contest in Sanremo, winning the Ligurian event. From that day onward, the mimosa cake symbolizes the city of flowers par excellence and a sweet reflection to all the ladies worldwide.

Torta Mimosa, masterfully created by Sonia Peronaci

Torta Mimosa

Ingredients for the cake

Four large eggs (room temperature)

One large egg yolk (room temperature)

1 cup sugar

Two teaspoons of baking powder

2 1/2 cups of all-purpose flour

Ingredients for the Italian pastry cream

3/4 cup of whole milk

3/4 cup cream whipping or whole cream

Four egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

Whipped cream filling

3/4 cup cream whipping or whole cream

1 1/2 tablespoons confectioner sugar

Procedure

Preheat oven to 350F, lightly grease, and flour a 7 x 3-inch round springform cake pan and an 8-inch (20 centimeters) round cake pan. Beat on medium-low speed eggs and sugar until well mixed (1-2 minutes). Add flour and baking powder and continue to beat on medium speed for 2-3 minutes or until smooth. Pour into greased cake pans and bake for approximately 30 minutes or until the toothpick comes out clean and dry. Let the cake cool completely.

Remove the top from the 7-inch cake to make a flat surface, then slice the cake in 3 layers (set aside), remove the golden crust parts from the top and sides of the 8-inch cake, then cut into two layers and cut each layer into long narrow strips and cut the strips into small square pieces (see photos) set aside.

FOR THE ITALIAN CREAM FILLING

In a medium pot, heat the milk and cream over low. Do not boil. Remove from heat and let cool to warm. In a medium pot, add yolks and sugar, whisk together until combined, then add flour and vanilla. Place pot over low heat, and add warm milk/cream, whisking continuously until thickened. Remove to a glass bowl, cover with plastic wrap (make sure the wrap touches the cream mixture), and refrigerate for at least 3 hours.

FOR THE WHIPPED CREAM FILLING

In a medium bowl, beat until stiff whipping cream (or whole cream) and powdered/icing sugar.

ASSEMBLING THE CAKE

To make it easier to assemble, place the first layer of cake back into the springform pan, spread half the Whipped Cream Filling and approximately 1/4 of the Italian Cream Filling on top, place the 2nd layer on top, and repeat with fillings, top with the third layer and cover the cake with the remaining Italian Cream Filling. Cover the frosted cake with the small pieces and refrigerate it for 5 hours, or possibly overnight. Garnish with confectioner’s sugar to choice.

Recipe attribution to An Italian in my Kitchen Check out Rosemary’s excellent Blog. 

Flavors + Knowledge is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.