This is another recipe from the Sherry Yard cookbook "The Secrets of Baking", that I borrowed from the Library. During its brief foray from the library, this book was able to teach me some handy tips and a couple of tasty desserts. What I like the most about the book though was the attention to basics, like ganache and caramel. The recipes are straight forward and the variations Sherry Yard suggests are a great inspiration. So, I've added this book to my wish list in Amazon, along with the other 50 or so titles that reside there.
This nifty looking cake is pictured in the book (sorry I don't remember what it's called) and when I saw it I had to try it. The thin layers are achieved by repeatedly ladling the burnt butter batter into a baking pan and baking it 1 thin layer at a time. It's a different approach to making a cake and it looks so cool! The only problem, which is a foreseeable one, is that the cake turns out to be as dry as mouthful of sawdust. If I tried it again I'd try brushing each layer with a simple syrup halfway through baking, which might also darken the layers and make them more dramatic in appearance.
The flavor of the burnt butter was subtle, but exciting. I imagine if you were to follow the recipe exactly the butter would be more intense tasting, but I added cinnamon, cloves and cardamom to the recipe, as well as the nutmeg that is called for.
The taste was absolutely fabulous and the cake itself was certainly a dazzler, so I just need the solution for the sawdust problem and this cake will be a keeper.
Wow!! That looks so GOOD!!!
I'm a diehard chocolate fan and love your site. Im putting you up as one of my favourites!
I am a Canadian Blogger, www.hookedonheat.blogspot.com
Will be honoured if you stopped by sometime!
Posted by: Meena | November 24, 2005 at 11:30 AM
Hi Meena,
Thanks for checking out the site and thanks for the compliments. :o)
I'll be heading over to your blog right away.
Liz
Posted by: Liz | November 25, 2005 at 08:51 AM
That is a fabulous picture! Too bad it turned out dry, but everything else sounds wonderful. Burnt butter is a simple taste I really enjoy. I will be keeping my eye out for this cookbook.
Posted by: gemma | February 19, 2006 at 09:42 AM
hi there. nice blog. I added a link of your site on mine. I hope you dun mind. Keep up the good work! shaz, a food blogger from singapore
Posted by: shaz | February 19, 2006 at 08:45 PM
Hi gemma and shaz! Thanks for stopping by. I should be back to blogging soon I've been neglecting my posts. Hope to see you again.
Liz
Posted by: Liz | February 27, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Liz, I am so glad to see your site back up! Hope to see you blogging soon.
Posted by: Sara | March 09, 2006 at 03:38 PM