It's a memory I've hoarded for twenty-odd years
and still claim in moments of déjà vu when time stops,
its seed case cracks open, as a storm cracks open,
a whole summer happens in one hour, and I know again
what Plato's paradise of souls awaiting rebirth is made of:
birdsong, thunder, green, cicadas, and heat.
~ Margaret Holley, from "Walking Through the Horizon"
This morning I awoke to the fading aroma of rain, ozone and bluebells; remnants of another empyrean dream. With a lethargic breeze drifting through open windows and shower-fresh skin sliding against crisp cotton sheets, I have been falling, blissfully, into dreams that leave me feeling tranquil and wistfully nostalgic. I wish I could hold onto that serenity, or slip into its ambiance like a linen summer dress.
Spring and summer summon the best night dreams. I can recall a handful of tweedy details that are raised higher on the fabric; a man's deep green-velvet voice in the misty outer-lining, offering words of comfort in the form of poetry and T.S.Eliot. I remember wry humor; an elegantly arched brow looking at me through overgrown blades of grass on a too-small picnic blanket - a wordless 'Oh really now, Valerie?' half-smile. I know I'm safe and loved and free (for once) from my own peace-ravaging thoughts. (Thank you, F. Scott Fitzgerald, Captain James Nicholls...and yes, you too, Loki.)
Currently I'm basking in the retelling of my latest vanishing dream, and I am savoring the last slice of this equally ethereal cake.
This cake is a violet among roses. It looks simple and unassuming but if you steal a second glance, you can see its vibrant intellect and humble sophistication.
The recipe is similar to a chiffon cake; egg whites are whipped separately before being folded into the batter. This whipping/folding technique gives cake an airy, almost weightless, texture. I love baking with olive oil because it offers a light, floral undertone that balances out the snarling sweetness of sugar, and it's the perfect companion to darling lemons! This cake is absolutely perfect for late spring. It's floral and citrusy, and graceful enough to enjoy in the morning.
Just a few recipe notes: if you can't find lavender-infused sugar, feel free to use regular granulated. Also, be sure your olive oil is extra virgin (anything else will give the cake a heavy, oily aftertaste).
Lemon Lavender Olive Oil Cake
makes one 9-inch round cake
ingredients
grated zest of 2 medium-size lemons
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
4 large eggs, separated
3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/2 teaspoon pure almond extract
1 cup cake flour, sifted
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup lavender-infused sugar (or plain granulated sugar)
topping/garnish
1 Tablespoon granulate sugar
about 1/4 cup confectioners' sugar
sliced almonds
method
Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease/oil a 9-inch springform pan, line bottom with parchment paper and oil the parchment.
In a large mixing bowl, combine lemon zest and granulated sugar. Use your fingertips to rub zest into sugar until moist and aromatic. Add egg yolks and beat on high speed until pale and thick (about 5 minutes). Add lemon juice, olive oil & almond extract; beat on medium speed till combined. Remove beaters and switch to a large wooden spoon. Add flour and salt; stir until just combined (try not to overmix); set bowl aside.
In separate clean + dry mixing bowl fitted with whisk attachment (if using a stand mixer), add egg whites. Beat on med-high until foamy. Gradually add 1/4 cup of lavender sugar whilst beating. Continue to beat until soft peaks form (try not to overbeat).
Fold in about 1/3 of the egg whites into yolk mixture to lighten. Add remaining whites and continue to gently fold into batter till just combined.
Pour batter into prepared pan and gently rap against counter once or twice to release air pockets. Sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon of granulated sugar.
Bake 35-40 minutes or until cake top is puffed and golden brown and a thin knife inserted through center comes out clean. Remove pan from oven and place onto cooling rack. Cool for 15 minutes before releasing cake from pan. {Note: if needed, run a thin knife around edges of pan to loosen.}
Don't worry of the cake sinks a bit. ;)
Cool to room temperature. Garnish with sifted confectioners' sugar and almonds before serving.
adapted from epicurious
What a gorgeous cake and I bet the texture is just heavenly! I have never baked a sweet cake with olive oil (have done savory/cheesy muffins once with olive oil) I know I should try but I am always worried about it tasting too olive-ey but as you said, use extra virgin olive oil to avoid that. I'd love to try a slice of this beauty!
ReplyDeleteWow that looks delicious! I love the lemon + lavender flavors here, very summery and fresh. :)
ReplyDeleteThis cake feels just like a warm summer morning with the kiss of a light breeze blowing in... love the lemon lavender and that inviting crackled top!
ReplyDeleteThis is just a gorgeous GORGEOUS cake. I love love love everything about it. So glad to have found your blog :)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful cake and wonderful combination! So fragrant...
ReplyDeleteCheers,
Rosa
Lovely cake and delicious writing. And I always love a shout-out to Loki.
ReplyDeleteLove olive oil cakes, once I made an olive oil and orange cake and it was delicious. I bet this is wonderful with the lavender.
ReplyDeleteYes and yes! I LOVE me some good-for-the-soul poetry.
ReplyDeleteAaaaand good-for-me cake! This is beautiful. The flavors are making my heart sing!
Superbe!
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely cake!
ReplyDeleteHello! This looks lovely! Could one make lavender-infused sugar? I have both on hand but wasn't sure if it was a complex process!
ReplyDelete@Devon W: I don't know the exact steps needed to make lavender sugar but I suppose you could work a small amount into granulated sugar (the same method used to make lemon-sugar). I would start with a small amount of lavender and test the flavour before adding more...or else it might be too perfume-y. :)
ReplyDeleteYou have such a creative soul, Valerie, and this cake is just stunning, I love the light in your photos.
ReplyDeleteDrop-dead gorgeous photos, and the flavors sound amazing. <3
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh - this looks so great! I adore making an olive oil cake. I could literally eat half this cake in one sitting. Nice job!
ReplyDeleteYou have such a gorgeous blog, Valerie! Really, I feel like a fool for not stumbling upon it earlier. Your recipes sound luscious, your photography is stunning. Definitely coming back and baking a cake or two, like this olive oil cake.
ReplyDeleteHope you have a lovely Sunday.
What a beautiful cake and just love the ingredients using EVOO, almonds and lemons. Beautifully captured, Valerie!
ReplyDeleteLook delicious and beautiful Valerie!
ReplyDeletethis is incredibly beautiful. love your photography... thanks for sharing the great recipe Valerie, definitely a recipe i will be saving.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the lovely compliment, Thalia. :-) Your blog title, "butter and brioche." already finds me dreaming of breakfast!
Deleteyour cakes look wonderful..if i made this lemon cake i'd eat it all in one go! - your photography is beautiful but mostly i am stunned by your eloquence and the way you write...have you written a novel (?) - and if you have do tell us the title!) - and if you haven't, that is a true loss to the world of literature! i studied Eng Lit, but i would give anything to write like you...! ty for the recipes!
ReplyDeleteThank you muchly for the lovely words!
DeleteWriting a novel is an idea that has never drifted across my mind; I can picture myself locked in a sparsely furnished room with a bottle of Hennessy and a sarcastic parakeet...I'd probably drive myself (and everyone else) insane. :-)
P.S. I came *this* close to inhaling three slices of this cake in the span of one hour - my slices are quite generous. Next time I'll invite you over, we can share the overindulgence. xo