citrus Archives - East of Eden Cooking

2018/01/252018/01/29

Citrus Shortcake

Citrus Shortcake is a vibrant winter dessert, bright with big flavor and a glamorous presentation. A rainbow of colorful citrus is layered between buttermilk shortcake and finished with lush whipped cream.

“Adam sat looking at the mountains to the east of Salinas, with the noble point of Fremont’s Peak dominating. The air was crystalline as it sometimes is when rain is coming. And then the light rain began to blow on the wind although the sky was not properly covered with clouds.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The path from winter to spring can seem to last forever. We’re got our boots and jackets, the heat is on. Crock pots are simmering, Instant Pots are steaming. The first berries are months away and we’re dreaming of spring desserts. Take the bridge between winter and spring with Citrus Shortcake. We can have shortcake in winter too! Its peak citrus season, a perfect time to enjoy Citrus Shortcake. READ MORE . . .

2015/02/252018/04/07

Kiwi Lime Tart with a Pretzel Crust

A Winter Kiwi Harvest

“They don’t have any winter in California,” he said. It’s just like spring all the time.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

There is something astonishing about being able to pick fruit in the middle of winter. On a bright sunny California day it’s easy to forget it’s January. We went to pick kiwi and the winter sunshine was so warm that no jacket was needed. The last time we picked kiwi I made a cake. This time I made a tart. There is an explosion of flavor in this voluptuous dessert. Tucked under a canopy of kiwi is a pretzel crust loaded with lime curd. Each component is marvelous. A buttery and salty pretzel crust that is easy to make. It supports the velvety lime curd with a solid foundation of crunch. Then lots of kiwi with their big green color and bright floral flavor top off this marvelous dessert. READ MORE . . .

2015/01/28

Swedish Limpa Bread

A Tiny Commitment

“It was no quick thing Adam contemplated, to be finished and ready in a hurry. His men worked deliberately and slowly. It was a long job. Adam wanted it well done.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Making a loaf of bread is a commitment. Time and faith. Time to mix the dough long enough to develop the gluten in the flour. Time to check back to gauge the rising time and then the baking time. Being engaged with the process means time spent at home, without rushing. Making bread is that way. There is only so much that can be done to speed up the process without compromising the outcome. Faith that the yeast will activate. That the dough will rise from a lump into a light and gorgeous loaf. It’s a thing of joy, a finished loaf of bread. A reward for a tiny commitment of time and faith. READ MORE . . .

2014/11/12

Citrus Pistachio Cake — Pound Cake on Steroids

Green Oranges

“On the table, with candlesticks around it, was a big white cake and a box of chocolates, and beside these a basket with a magnum of champagne peeking out of crushed ice.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Before I introduce the ultimate pound cake I should explain how green oranges became this weeks obsession. Around the block from our house is a vacant lot. Mr R tells me there once was a house there. It must have been a long time ago because only the foundation, a ramshackle shed and a few trees and shrubs remain. The apples on the huge apple tree ripened early and I missed harvesting them. Across the lot a small citrus tree clings to life. It’s hugging the fence. Maybe there’s water on the other side of the property line. After I missed the apples I started keeping closer tabs on the citrus tree. I was amazed at the amount of fruit the little tree was producing. The fruit was very small, green, hard and round. At first I thought I’d found lemons that just weren’t ripening. Finally when some of the fruit began to get a touch of color and was dropping to the ground I brought one home. The exterior had a coat of dull fuzz that I scrubbed off. The fruit was a pale luminescent green inside and the juice was very bitter, but not unpleasant. I was convinced I had found a lime tree. But what I had found was a very sad orange tree with bitter fruit. READ MORE . . .

2014/04/07

Chocolate Cake with Candied Kumquats

Discovering Kumquats

“There are no ugly questions except those clothed in condescension.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

If the classic flavor pairing of orange and chocolate elicits the desire to start baking, this is the cake to make. The cake is moist and chocolatey with thunder showers of orangey kumquat and cloud bursts of creamy white chocolate. Crowned with a powdered sugar glaze and candied kumquats this loaf cake makes for a sublime citrus and chocolate experience. READ MORE . . .