By Libbie Summers
Assisted by Candace Brower
Photography by Cedric Smith
I love how this organic cake takes on a fancy persona when you add Fried Squash Blossoms to the top. What could be more perfect for an early Summer wedding cake?
Olive Oil and Corn Meal Cake with Fried Squash Blossoms
(olive oil, ground yellow corn, flowers and no sin)
Serves 12
What you need:
6 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for grilling the fruit
1 1⁄2 cups all-purpose flour
1⁄2 cup yellow cornmeal
2 teaspoons baking powder
1⁄2 teaspoon salt
2 large eggs
3⁄4 cup vanilla infused sugar or regular sugar
1⁄4 teaspoon regular almond extract
1 cup milk
Fried Squash Blossoms (get my recipe HERE)
Fresh Squash Blossoms
1 tablespoon confectioner’s sugar for dusting
Cinnamon Whipped Cream (recipe follows), optional
What to do:
1. Preheat the oven to 350° F. Butter a 9-inch round springform pan and set aside.
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, eggs, vanilla sugar, almond extract, and milk until smooth. Stir in the flour mixture until just combined. The batter may be lumpy; don’t sweat it.
4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and use a spatula to spread it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean and the top of the cake springs back when lightly pressed. Let cool in the pan for at least 1 hour before removing the pan sides.
5. Fry Squash Blossoms (recipe HERE).
6.Garnish cake with fried and not fried blossoms…just have fun. Dust with confectioner’s sugar. Serve with Cinnamon Whipped Cream on the side.
Cinnamon Whipped Cream
yields 2 cups
1 cup very cold heavy cream
3 tablespoons confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1⁄4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Put the bowl and whisk attachment of a standing mixer in the freezer for 15 minutes (or use a deep metal bowl and a whisk). Fit the cold bowl and whisk attachment on the standing mixer, pour in the cream, and whisk until soft peaks form. Sprinkle with the confectioners’ sugar and cinnamon and whisk until slightly stiffer peaks form. Be careful not to overbeat.
Other Uses for Squash Blossoms:
•Squash Blossom and Salad
•Squash Blossom and Herb Frittata
•Squash Blossom Bouquet
Follow me on Pinterest for more Squash Blossom Inspiration!
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