Balsamic Strawberries and Cream Sponge
Photography by Manja Wachsmuth .
Spring is here, so why not celebrate the start of warmer days with a delicious sponge layered with sweet balsamic strawberries and cream.
Serves: 8
INGREDIENTS
Sponge
5 eggs, separated
¾ cup caster sugar
1¼ cups plain flour
1¼ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ cup milk, hot
1 teaspoon butter, melted in the hot milk
To assemble
3 punnets strawberries, hulled
1 tablespoon good quality balsamic vinegar
2 tablespoons icing sugar
150 ml cream, whipped softly
200 grams mascarpone
icing sugar for dusting
Two 20cm x 5cm deep, round cake tins, greased and bases lined with baking paper
METHOD
Preheat the oven to 170°C.
Sponge: Place the egg whites in a large bowl and the yolks in a small bowl.
Beat the whites until frothy then gradually add the sugar and beat until very thick and glossy. Add the yolks and beat to combine. Sift over the combined flour, baking powder and salt. Using a large metal spoon, gently but thoroughly fold together. Add the hot milk/butter and fold in, ensuring there are no hidden pockets of flour in the batter.
Divide evenly between the tins and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and the centre of the cakes spring back when pressed with your finger.
Cool for 10 minutes then remove from the tins and place top side up on a cooling rack.
Strawberries: Chop the strawberries roughly. Using a fork or a potato masher, crush the strawberries to a chunky mass, not smooth. Combine in a bowl with the balsamic vinegar and icing sugar. Set aside for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Strain the strawberries through a sieve into a bowl to catch the juice.
Place one sponge on a serving plate and brush with half the balsamic juices from the strawberries. Top with the crushed strawberries. Brush the remaining syrup over the smooth side of the second sponge. Mix together cream and mascarpone, and gently spoon the mixture over the fruit, leaving a 1cm border around the edge. Place the sponge, syrup side down, over the top and dust generously with icing sugar. Cut into wedges to serve.
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Issue 115 is packed with inspiration for all kinds of cosy meals – whether you’re dining alone, as two or with a few. We start with our Plating Game interview with Jesse Mulligan which inspired a medley of curries and sides then move on to a round up of easy one-pan chicken dishes, a variety of pasta bakes and meatballs, and using one simple yet delicious tart base we whip up five fab filling options. Sarah’s wintry faves include a moreish chorizo (not) carbonara, lamb and spinach filo pie and we finish off with sweet treats and decadent puds. We love seeing what you create, don’t forget to share your dish dishes with our Facebook community. When it comes to winter cooking, make it SIMPLY YUM!