English North Country Strawberries And Cream Courting Cake Recipes

ENGLISH NORTH COUNTRY STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM COURTING CAKE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 180C/350F/gas 4.
• Grease and line with baking parchment, three 7" or 8" round Victoria sandwich tins.
• Cream the butter, vanilla extract and sugar together until pale and fluffy - this is very important, it captures air and keeps the cake light and moist!
• Add the beaten eggs gradually, mixing well each time. Lightly sieve in the flour - again gradually - and then add enough milk to make the cake mixture a dropping consistency.
• Divide the mixture between the three cake tins - giving them a gentle shake to level them, and bake in the pre-heated oven for about 25 - 30 minutes, or until well risen and a pale golden brown. Turn the cakes out and leave to cool on a wire rack.
• Whip the cream until thick and holding soft peaks and add the vanilla extract if using.
• Sandwich the cakes together with the cream and sliced strawberries - reserving at least 8 for the top of the cake.
• Place the cake on an atractive cake or gateau serving platter/stand and sprinkle the icing sugar over the top of the cake.
• Decorate with the reserved whole strawberries.
• N.B. you can also decorate the top of the cake with the whipped cream - but this is not traditional!

CARAMELIZED STRAWBERRY ENGLISH MUFFINS

Steps:

• Preheat broiler to high and set rack to highest level.
• Toast English muffins in toaster until crisp. (The lovely crisp texture of the muffin, along with the soft toppings contributes to the flavor combination) Spread each half with the cream cheese, making sure to spread all the way to the edges to cover (this prevents the muffin edges from burning when placed under the broiler) Slice strawberries lengthwise, and about 1/4 inch thick.
• Place strawberries (with pointed end towards center) in a circle on top of the cream cheese to cover entire English muffin.
• Sprinkle liberally with sugar.
• Place in an oven safe dish or plate and broil for 2-3 minutes or until sugar begins to bubble and become caramelized.
• Let cool for 1-2 minutes before you dig inches.
• (Saves you from the annoying burnt tongue or roof of mouth:).

NORWEGIAN STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM CAKE BLOTKAKE

Steps:

• FOR THE CAKE; Blend flour with baking powder; set aside.
• In large bowl, whip egg whites until fluffy; gradually add sugar, and beat until stiff and meringuelike.
• In small bowl, beat egg yolks until frothy. Fold egg yolks and flour mixture into the egg whites gently.
• Butter two 9 inch round cake pans and dust with flour. Divide batter between the pans.
• Preheat oven to 350°F Bake layers 30 minutes or until centers spring back when touched with finger. Cool in pans. (Centers of cakes may sink slightly.).
• To prepare the custard filling, in small saucepan, mix egg yolks, butter, cornstarch, half and half cream, and sugar. Cook, stirring, over medium heat until mixture is smooth and thick. Remove from heat, cover, and cool. Stir in vanilla.
• To assemble the cake, cut layers horizontally into 2 layers each. Place bottom layer on cake plate and spread with half of the custard. Top with next layer. Spread with the strawberry or apricot jam. Reserve a few of the nicest strawberries for garnish on top of the cake. Slice the rest of the strawberries and place on top of jam layer. Top with a third layer of cake. Spread with remaining custard. Top with remaining layer of cake.
• No more than 1 hour before serving, whip cream and flavor with the powdered sugar and vanilla. Pile whipped cream on top of the cake and garnish with the reserved strawberries.
• The Great Scandinavian Baking Book.

COURTING CAKE

Steps:

• Pre-heat oven to 190°C/375°F.
• Grease and line the bases of three 7-inch round cake tins.
• Cream the butter and sugar together until pale and fluffy.
• Gradually add the eggs, a little at a time, beating well after each addition.
• Fold in the flour, and then add enough milk to give a soft dropping consistency.
• Divide the mixture evenly between the prepared tins and bake for 25-30 minutes, until well risen and firm to the touch, swapping the position of the top and bottom cakes halfway through the cooking.
• Turn out and leave to cool on a wire rack.
• Whip the cream until it just holds its shape.
• Sandwich the cakes together with the cream and the strawberries, reserving a few for decoration.
• Dredge the top with icing sugar and decorate with the reserved strawberries.