Melt-in-the-mouth classic sponge with best of season strawberries...
|
Classic sponge stuffed with double cream and Balsamic Strawberries 'So lovely we kept back some to enjoy the next day.' |
If you've never made your own sponge cake, there's a treat in store.
This one was discovered in Spain and is the perfect summer treat; it's light, airy and melt-in-the mouth with a fragrant tender brown crust.
Okay, there's a little more sugar than usual for 67goingon50 but it's not excessive.
Despite the sugar, the sponge otherwise is pretty healthy with no added fat and only a small amount of flour.
The filling here is strawberries in balsamic vinegar with whipped cream. In truth, any fruit will do but strawberries during Wimbledon do tend to be at their best.
And if balsamic flavoured fruit is not your thing, just sprinkle over a tablespoon or so of sugar until the jammy juices run.
The sponge - called Bread cake - is served on the Spanish Mediterranean coast with breakfast coffee, unadorned. With afternoon coffee, fruit & cream is added on request.
Feel free to substitute your own sponge recipe (English sponges will be a little heavier) or even cheap and cheerful supermarket sponges but obviously the culinary experience will change.
This version provides four decent portions. If you only need two, store half the sponge (unfilled) for later. It keeps well wrapped in a double layer of clingfilm and refrigerated, for a couple of days, or in the freezer for 2 weeks.
The plain sponge filled with jam (sugar-free if you're trying to be healthy) makes a light treat in an adult packed lunch.
The sponge is easy to make but attention to detail pays off. Electric beaters are essential for best results.
67 recommends making the sponge the day before needed.
Cost: £1.75 + cost of cream & berries
Makes: 3-4 portions
Ingredients:
2 large eggs
62gm/2oz white sugar
45gm/1.5oz self raising flour (if using plain flour, add 1/2 tsp baking powder and remove 1 tablespoon of the mix)
1/2 tsp vanilla essence (opt)
(an additional) 30gm/1oz white sugar (for egg whites)
Garnish:
Double or Whipping Cream whisked to a medium-firm peak
Balsamic Strawberries: see below OR plain sliced strawberries
Method: