Felicidades....a little late

Felicidades Cinco de Mayo! Did you know that Cinco de Mayo is not actually the celebration of Mexican Independence as many believe. It's actually to commemorate the victory of a small Mexican militia against French invaders in 1862 at the battle of Puebla, which lifted moral and inspired unity in the Mexican people. Now that you've had a brief history lesson, let's move on to dessert. In this case it's my version of a Mexican dessert: Tres Leches Cake. It's only about a bizillion calories, but who's counting?

Tres Leches Cake
6 eggs, separated
1 1/2 c. sugar
2 c. flour
1/8 t. salt
2 t. baking powder
1/4 c. ice water
1 t. vanilla
1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk
1 can (12 oz.) evaporated milk
1 1/4 c. milk (whole or 2%)
3/4 c. heavy cream
1/4 c. rum, brandy, or frangelico (optional)

For the topping:
1 1/4 c. heavy cream
1/2 c. sugar
1/2 t. each vanilla & almond extracts

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9x13" pan well with pam spray. In a bowl of an electric mixer, beat the egg whites on low speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add the sugar and beat on high until stiff peaks form. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating well after each addition. Mix the flour, baking powder and salt together and add to the egg mixture. Mix in the ice water and vanilla. Pour batter into dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until tester comes out clean. Let cool in dish on wire rack for 10 mintues. Meanwhile make the milk syrup: In large bowl mix together the sweetened condensed, evaporated, milk and heavy cream. Mix well. Stir in liquer if using. While cake is in baking dish, poke holes all over using toothpick or skewer and pour milk syrup over the top of the cake. Cool completely, then refrigerate for at least 3 hours before frosting. For the whipped cream topping: chill your beaters and bowl in freezer for 10-15 minutes. Pour heavy cream into a large mixing bowl. Beat until soft peaks form; gradually add the sugar, then the vanilla and almond extracts. Beat until stiff peaks form, being careful not to overbeat. Spread whipped cream evenly over the cake.

This is super yummy. Definitely different from the some dry american cakes you'll get at some birthday parties. Enjoy!!