PASTEL DE TRES LECHES

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8-inch cake pan. Put a circle of parchment paper on the bottom of the pan, grease lightly, and flour the bottom and sides, tapping out the excess flour.
• TO MAKE THE CAKE, place the flour, 6 tablespoons of the sugar, the baking powder, and the salt in a large bowl and whisk to combine. In a separate bowl, mix the egg yolks with the vegetable oil, water, and vanilla until thoroughly combined.
• In a clean, dry bowl, beat the egg whites with the cream of tartar until they start to thicken but have not reached soft peaks. Gradually add the remaining 6 tablespoons sugar and continue to beat until stiff, but not dry, peaks form.
• Add one-fourth of the flour mixture to the egg-yolk mixture and blend well. Add one-fourth of the beaten egg whites and fold gently. Repeat, alternating the flour mixture and the beaten egg whites, finishing with the egg whites, until thoroughly combined.
• Pour into the prepared pan and bake until the top springs back when touched and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 35 to 45 minutes.
• Allow to cool slightly, then turn out onto a wire rack. Remove the parchment paper and let cool completely. Gently slice the top to even it out and slice in half widthwise with a serrated knife.
• TO MAKE THE TRES LECHES, combine the heavy cream, evaporated milk, vanilla, and salt in a medium pot and scald over medium heat. Remove from the heat and whisk in the condensed milk and rum, blending well. Put the cakes in a deep dish and pour the warm mixture over them. Be sure to pour any liquid that dripped down the sides on top of the cake as well. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour, or freeze for 30 to 40 minutes, so they are easier to handle.
• TO MAKE THE FILLING, beat the heavy cream with an electric mixer or by hand until slightly thickened. Add the confectioner's sugar and vanilla and continue beating until thickened and smooth. Refrigerate until the cakes have cooled.
• To assemble the cake, put one of the cakes on a piece of cardboard or a serving platter and spread one-third of the whipped cream evenly on top. Cover with most of the chopped fruit, reserving some for decorating. Top with the second cake and cover the top and sides with the remaining whipped cream. Decorate with the reserved fruit as desired. Dip a knife into hot water before cutting each slice.
• Italian Meringue
• Combine the sugar and water in a small pan and cover and cook over low-medium heat. Once you can hear it boiling, remove the lid (the steam will help avoid crystallization). Continue cooking, without stirring until you reach the soft-ball stage (see page 13).
• Meanwhile, in a large heatproof bowl, whip together the egg whites, cream of tartar, and salt to medium peaks. Add the syrup in a stream and continue to whip until the bowl feels cool to the touch.
• Meringue for Filling
• Prepare the meringue as directed, but add the red food coloring to the hot syrup once the sugar has dissolved (the meringue should be bright pink) and stir in the mezcal once all the syrup has been added. Finish by toasting the meringue waves with a kitchen torch. Dip a knife into hot water before making each slice so the meringue doesn't stick to it.