christmas : KiosKana

KBB #32 - Japanese Roll Cake

First time I saw the book of Junko’s at Mbak R’s house, I thought how on earth could you make that. Then I saw it again on her blog. She never failed to amaze me again and again. And I can sense her contribution in this month’s challenge because all of a sudden we have to make this. But if it’s not because I had to I don’t think I would make it. Was already threatened by the complicated look of it. At first when reading the recipe, immediately gotten a headache. Needed more than 3 times to read the recipe to finally get where everything goes and when.

The cake was typical Asian cake, very moist and soft. Somehow I find the filling of whipped cream and mandarine oranges complemented the taste and texture of the cake. Will I make it again? If it was not that complicated I might. Hehehe.

Ingredients:

Batter 1:
– 4 egg yolks
– 40 gr caster sugar
– 40 ml oil
– 60 gr water
– 80 gr all-purpose flour

Batter 2:
– 60 gr (from +/- 2 eggs) egg whites
– 15 gr caster sugar
– 10 gr cornstarch

Batter 3:
– 160-175 (from 5-6 eggs) egg whites
– 0.5 gr salt (I used 1/4 tsp)
– 50 gr caster sugar
– 1 tsp lemon juice
– 15 gr cornstarch

– I added 2 tsp lemon gel in the batter for flavouring

– Food colouring(s)

– 2 9×9 baking pans (22,5cm)
– thickened cream (and/or nutella, cake crumbs, sliced fruits, canned fruits, etc.) for filling

Directions:

1. Cut two 9×9 greaseproof paper and draw patterns on each of them. (I didn’t do this, I just did it free handedly). Lightly grease the baking pans, then place the greaseproof paper on the baking pan. Then lightly grease the greaseproof paper. Preheat oven to 165-175C.

2. Prepare batter 1: in a medium or large bowl, beat together yolks and sugar on high speed until thick and pale. Add oil and beat on medium-low speed until blended. With the mixer still on medium-low, add water and mix thoroughly. Lastly, add flour and mix until just combined.

3. Rinse beaters and prepare batter 2: Beat egg whites and caster sugar until soft peaks form. Add cornstarch and beat until mixed throughly.

4. Add 5-6 Tbsp of batter 1 into batter 2. Add food colouring, or divide batters into any number of colours you wish to use and colour them differently. Then start painting on your greaseproof paper. Place painted pan in the freezer.

5. Prepare batter 3: beat egg whites, salt, caster sugar, and lemon juice until soft peak forms. Mix in cornstarch.Mix batter 3 with remaining of batter 1. If you want to colour the cake, add in food colouring now. Mix with a metal spoon a few times to lighten the batter, then add the rest of batter 3. Mix lightly until just combined.

6. Take pan out of freezer. Pour batter and spread evenly. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick test comes out clean. Cool on pan for 5 minutes, then invert onto another baking paper. Peel baking paper and discard.

7. When the cake has cooled, prepare filling. I used whipped cream with mandarine oranges. Spread filling evenly, then roll, using the baking paper as guide. Serve.

KBB#26 : Panettone

Christmas is (almost) here. Time goes by so quickly when you’re having fun isn’t it. This assignment from KBB came right on time for christmas baking. The not so sweet bread with it’s rich texture added from the chopped peel and sultanas give pleasant taste despite the somewhat chewy texture. I would say that you should savour this Italian bread along with some butter spread on your christmas morning.

Ingredients:

– 1 1/2 cakes of fresh baker’s yeast (I used instant yeast 1 sachet 11 gr)

– 65 ml (1/4 cup) sugar

– 6 tbsp. warm water – 6 egg yolks

– Finely grated zest of 1 lemon

– A pinch of salt

– 500-750 ml (2-3 cups) flour (I used all purpose flour)

– 100 ml (6 tbsp.) diced candied peel

– 100 g (6 tbsp.) + 2 tbsp.butter

– 4 tbsp. sultanas

– 4 tbsp. currants (Didn’t use this)

– 1 tsp. vanilla

Directions:

– Sprinkle 1 tbsp. granulated sugar and the yeast over the warm milk and let sit 3 minutes; mix and let rest in a warm draft-free place (e.g., a warm oven that has been turned off) until the mixture has doubled in volume, approximately 5 minutes.

– Pour the mixture into a bowl, add in the egg yolks, vanilla, lemon zest, salt and remaining sugar; gradually mix in 500 ml (2 c.) of the flour by hand until a smooth consistency is attained – the dough should easily come together into a ball.

– Gradually add the butter cut into small dice and beat until the dough becomes smoother and more elastic; add 125 to 250 ml (1/2 to 1 c.) more flour until the dough is firm and silky but not sticky; place the ball onto a lightly floured surface. Knead the dough for approximately 10 minutes. When the dough is smooth and shiny, place into a buttered bowl; dust lightly with flour, cover with a kitchen towel and place in a warm draft-free place for about 45 minutes until doubled in volume.

– Punch down the dough firmly with your fist and flatten it out in the bowl; add the candied lemon peel, raisins and currants and knead until well distributed but without working the dough more than necessary; line a large bread pan with brown paper that has been well buttered on both sides; place the dough in the pan and trace a cross on top; – Cover with buttered paper and let rise again in a warm place for 15 minutes; remove the paper from the top; brush the top with softened butter.

Baking :

– Preheat the oven to 200°C (400° F)

– Place the bread pan on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 10 minutes

– Reduce the oven temperature to 160° C (350° F) and continue baking for another 30 to 40 minutes, brushing again with melted butter; the bread is done when the surface is golden and crispy

– Remove from the oven; remove the paper and let cool for 15 minutes before unmolding.