Recipes from professional Chef Tallyrand:

APPLE CAKE

Let them eat cake . . . . .

Cakes are basically a baked batter, that is made up of eggs, fat and flour with maybe some other raising agent and various other ingredients added for flavour and texture. There are three basic ways of putting these ingredients together to incorporate as much air as possible into the mixture resulting in light tasting and delicate melt in the mouth properties, creaming, foaming and the all in method.

But what is a cake and what is a gateau? The general accepted definition of a gateau, is that it is a cake with more than two layers

Before we can even attempt cake baking we need to know a few things and have some well designed cooking tips up our sleeves:

• How to prepare cake tins <click here>
• When is a cake cooked <click here>
• Common faults when cake baking <click here>

This week recipe is for a rich, moist and dense apple cake that is almost like an old style bread. It uses the all in method, so little to no baking skills are really required. It is fast and simple in production, yet will make you look like you have been baking for years.

This cake is great by itself (with maybe a little butter) with an afternoon cup of tea, but for the more adventurous it could make up part of a complete dessert. It can be served warm as well as cold. As its base is apple, this cake goes WOW when served with a slice of fresh Cheddar cheese, or served with some beaten marscapone, maybe with some fresh berry purée and whipped cream or how about gently warmed in the microwave and with a good portion of your favourite ice cream?

However you choose to serve it, be prepared to make more of it, be asked for the recipe! By the way, wrap this cake in tin foil or cling film or in your favourite air tight cake container and it stays fresh and moist for at least two weeks! Like it will last that long in my house I hear you say . . . enjoy!

Cakes using the All in Method

The all in method is normally applied when aeration of a cake or muffin is chemical; containing baking powder, baking soda or sometimes both. When mixing ingredients in this fashion you should sieve the dry ingredients together, combine the liquid ingredients together and then mix the liquid into the dry.

Ingredients for Apple Cake

butter	150	gm
apple	4	pc
brown sugar	150	gm
egg	2	pc
flour	300	gm
baking soda	2	tsp
mixed spice	1	tsp
cinnamon	1	tsp
nutmeg	1/2	tsp
salt	1/2	tsp
sultanas	200	gm
chopped walnuts	100	gm

How to make Apple Cake

1. Melt the butter and allow to cool
2. Place the grated apple into a stainless steel bowl, sprinkle with the brown sugar and pour the butter over the top and mix well
3. Add the egg and mix well
4. Sift all dry ingredients together and then mix in the wet, finally fold in the fruits and the nuts
5. Pour into a prepared cake tin
6. Bake at 180°C for 45 - 60 minutes
7. Remove from the oven, allow to cool in the cake tin for 5 minutes, remove and place on a cooling rack
   

Chef's Tip fro Apple Cake:

• How to prepare cake tins <click here>
• When is a cake cooked <click here>
• Common faults when cake baking <click here>

Enjoy and bon appetit . . . . .

Published 17 June 2002