Delicious Yemas de Ávila

Delicious Yemas de Ávila

As travelers we always try to taste as much local food as possible. Whichever country we are in, we cannot resist to try out those flavorful delicacies which the locals boast of. The local food tells us so much about the place… some history, availability of certain raw products in the region, weather conditions, sometimes even customs, or simply the reason for it being made or produced there. So has done Yemas de Ávila ! Or by its other name Yemas de Santa Teresa.

Also Read: You may also want to read What else to do in Ávila, Spain

I have a big sweet tooth and when it comes to sweets trust me I simply can not resist them. So, when I was told that Yemas is a famous delicious sweet dish from the medieval walled city of Ávila, I was drooling again !

Round, orange sprinkled  sugar, its delicacy is unsurpassed. Pic:Wikimedia Commons

Yemas de Avila or Yemas de Santa Teresa

Yemas de Ávila (Yolks of Ávila), Yemas de huevo or Ávila egg cake …

Whatever name you choose to refer it, it has to be one of the best known Spanish confectioneries with an amusing history. In Spanish, yemas means “egg yolks.” It also refers to yemas de Santa Teresa, and is a very rich and creamy, traditional Spanish dessert.

History of Yemas de Avila or Yemas de Santa Teresa

The exact origin of Yemas de Santa Teresa is not very clear. However, the interesting story about it is, that the neighboring wine makers of a convent used only the whites of eggs to clarify their casks of red wine and did not have any further use for the egg yolks. So they used to throw away the leftover yolks.

The convent was dedicated to Santa Teresa. When the nuns at the convent came to know of it, they requested the winemakers to give it to them as they would use the egg yolks in traditional pastries and cookies which they prepared. So the winemakers started to donate the leftover yolks to nuns at the convents.

For hundreds of years the sisters would prepare Yemas from yolks. The nuns made them behind the monastery walls of Avila and they became popular during the life of Saint Theresa of Avila (Santa Teresa de Jesus), which also explains the name.

Slowly, the pastry shops within the walled city of Avila also began to produce Yemas de Avila in the mid-1800s, and the dessert quickly became very popular. In fact, they were so popular that the shops could not keep up with the demand.

Small pastry shops in Avila still carefully guard their secret family recipes, its shape and recipe remains almost unchanged. The tradition is passed on from parents to children till date.

Yemas de Avila as Souvenir

Today, Yemas are a popular sweet all over Spain. These delicious little balls are associated with the souvenir trade. Every year an estimated 2,50,000 boxes of Yemas are produced in Ávila. 

Completely artisan, each one is a crisp sugar shell fashioned by hand, which cradles a heavenly sweet egg yolk. It creates a wonderful composition that you won’t forget. They are remarkably delicate on the palate and melt in the mouth without pressure. Also known as Avila egg cakes, they come in the form of small orange balls sprinkled with icing sugar in a white tart confectionery paper.

Your visit to this quaint city is not completed if you have not tasted it.

Interior texture contrasts with the outside crispy sugar crust that lasts.

Recipe or Receta: Yemas de Avila

As mentioned, in Spanish, yemas means “egg yolks.” It is a very rich and creamy, traditional Spanish dessert. Egg yolk and granulated sugar are the main ingredients. A little lemon juice or rind balances the natural sweetness. A dash of cinnamon gives it a special tinge. No preservatives or additives are used and it has expiration of almost 30 days.

Some locals prepare this sweet especially on October 15th which is the feast day of St. Theresa. However, it is a great recipe to prepare anytime you find yourself with leftover egg yolks.

Here is the simple recipe for you to try it out. Yes, I have tried. 😀

Ingredients:
150 g granulated sugar,
80 to 100 ml water
1 cinnamon stick
1 tsp lemon rind finely grated (optional)
12 egg yolks (you may take less but then reduce the other items in the same ratio)
some icing sugar

Preparation Steps:
1. Dissolve the sugar in water in a small or medium pan for making syrup. Stir continuously while bringing the water to a boil.
2. Add the cinnamon stick and boil, stirring often, until the syrup mixture is thick and begins to caramelize. Remove from the stove and let it cool.
3. Remove the cinnamon stick.

4. Lightly beat the egg yolks in a mixing bowl using a whisk.
5. Pour the beaten egg yolks into the syrup. Also at this stage add the very finely grated lemon rind if using.
6. Cook this mixture over low heat stirring continuously until the mixture is thick and leaves the sides and the bottom of the pan. This process normally takes 3-4 minutes.

7. Remove from the heat and let it cool.
8. Thinly sprinkle powdered icing sugar through a sieve onto a buttered countertop or work surface.
9. Once the yolk mixture is cooled enough to touch, make small balls (about the size of a golf ball). Roll these balls onto the sugar surface covering them well with sugar from all sides. Continue this process for each ball until they are fully covered.

10. If needed, add more sugar to the work surface.
11. Place these Yemas in a tray and keep in the refrigerator for cooling. As the balls cool the powdered sugar on the outside will form a thin crust giving them a crispy touch.
12. Place them individually in small paper candy cups.

Also Read: Check out how to cook an entire Jordanian cuisine for guests.

FAQ on Yemas de Avila

Where to stay in Avila, Spain

There are many options available for all kinds of accommodations in the town of Avila, the fort city. Some of the best places to stay in Ávila can be found close to the old town, and there are some other best places to stay in Ávila includes out-of-town-charmers, including a wonderful converted 17th century mill. Wheelchair-accessible resorts located in Avila which are rated very high include Casa Rural Villa Carcavas, Casa Rural Villa Carcavas, and Santa Suites. There are pet-friendly hotels also.

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