Daring Bakers : Swiss Swirl Plum Ice Cream Cake

The July 2010 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Sunita of Sunita’s world – life and food. Sunita challenged everyone to make an ice-cream filled Swiss roll that’s then used to make a bombe with hot fudge. Her recipe is based on an ice cream cake recipe from Taste of Home.

I wasn't expecting to complete this month's magnificent challenge, with all the summers busy schedules and the prep for vacation.As matter of fact I could not entirely finish the challenge,I started putting together the daring bake at the nth hour.This was a do or die ,any mistakes ,I had absolutely no time to redo the challenge.Everything went well as one see the pretty result,but due to lack of time I could not put together the second batch of ice cream to make the layers of different flavors(i.e the bombe effect),the only ice cream filling was the home made vegan plum ice cream.Nonetheless the ice cream was still every bit delicious,with the spongy chocolate Swiss rolls and fruity ice cream

Thanks to Sunita's extensive pictorial recipe , the challenge was clearly understood.The neatly wrapped Swiss rolls are a really beauty,to get the spongy texture you have beat the eggs to the right consistency of airiness.You can play around with the flavors of the rolls , plain vanilla , chocolate,dried ground berries or matcha.


This has to be the summer I indulged in most home made ice creams.The vegan plum ice cream might just be the last of the season,the fresh plums not just impart prettiest pink color but also a nice sweet tart flavor to the ice cream.If you are watching for those fat calories use different layers of fruit sorbet instead and replace the cream filling in the rolls with fruit preserves.

Recipe :Chocolate Swiss rolls with fresh Plum Cream filling
Ingredients
3 large Organic eggs
1/2 cup white sugar + 1 teaspoon for rolling
3 tablespoon all purpose flour,sifted
3 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder, sifted
1 tablespoon boiling water
a little oil for brushing the pans

For the filling
3/4 cup low fat whipping cream
3/4 cup fresh red plums,chopped

Method
Bake the cake
1. Pre heat the oven at 200 deg C /400 deg F approximately. Brush the baking pans ( 11 inches by 9 inches ) with a little oil and line with parchment paper. If you have just one pan, bake one cake and then let the pan cool completely before using it for the next cake.
2. In a large mixing bowl, add the eggs and sugar and beat till very thick; when the beaters are lifted, it should leave a trail on the surface for at least 10 seconds.
3.Add the flour mixture, in three batches and fold in gently with a spatula. Fold in the water.
4.Divide the mixture among the two baking pans and spread it out evenly, into the corners of the pans.
5. Place a pan in the center of the pre heated oven and bake for about 10-12 minutes or till the center is springy to the touch.
Roll ,unroll and roll the cake
6. Spread a kitchen towel on the counter and sprinkle a little caster sugar over it.
7. Turn the cake on to the towel and peel away the baking paper. Trim any crisp edges.Starting from one of the shorter sides, start to make a roll with the towel going inside. Cool the wrapped roll on a rack, seam side down.Repeat the same for the next cake as well.
Prepare the cream filling
8.In a large bowl, add the cream beat till very thick,mix in the plums.
9. Divide the cream mixture between the completely cooled cakes.Open the rolls and spread the cream mixture, making sure it does not go right to the edges (a border of ½ an inch should be fine).
10.Roll the cakes up again, this time without the towel. Wrap in plastic wrap and chill in the fridge till needed, seam side down.

Recipe :Vegan Plum ice cream
The ice cream is made without an ice cream maker.

Ingredients
3 ripe red plums,seeded and diced
2 and 1/2 cup Thick Coconut milk
1 tablespoon virgin pressed coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup agave nectar or maple syrup
1 tablespoon white sugar
1 tablespoon powdered agar-agar or gelatin

Method
Dissolve the agar-agar or gelatin in 2 tablespoon of hot water.
In a small sauce pan,add the oil, plums and sugar and let cook until soft and bubbly about 10 minutes,add the dissolved agar-agar mixture 3-4 minutes before turning off the heat.Cool.
Transfer the plum mixture in a blender,add the coconut milk,agave nectar and blend until smooth.
Pour into a freezer friendly container and freeze till firm around the edges. Remove from the freezer, beat till smooth and return to the freezer. Do this 3-4 times and then set completely.


Recipe : Hot Fudge Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup Agave nectar
3 tablespoon natural unsweetened cocoa powder
2 tablespoon cornstarch
1 and 1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon organic butter or virgin pressed coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Method
1. In a small saucepan, whisk together the sugar, cocoa powder, cornflour and water.
2. Place the pan over heat, and stir constantly, till it begins to thicken and is smooth (for about 2 minutes).
3. Remove from heat and mix in the butter and vanilla. Keep aside to cool

Assembly
1. Cut the Swiss rolls into 20 equal slices ( approximately 2 cms each ).
2. Cover the bottom and sides of the bowl in which you are going to set the dessert with cling film/plastic wrap.
3. Arrange two slices at the bottom of the pan, with their seam sides facing each other. Arrange the Swiss roll slices up the bowl, with the seam sides facing away from the bottom, to cover the sides of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and freeze till the slices are firm (at least 30 minutes).
4. Soften the Plum ice cream. Take the bowl out of the freezer, remove the cling film cover and add the ice cream on top of the cake slices. Spread it out to cover till the half of the bowl. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and freeze till firm ,3-4 hours.Add the fudge sauce over the ice cream, cover and freeze till frozen 6-8 hours.
Keep the cake out of the freezer for at least 10 minutes before slicing, depending on how hot your region is. Slice with a sharp knife, dipped in hot water.Serve with some fresh plum slices on side.


Catch more Swirly fun at daring bakers blog roll.

Genesis Today's -Happy Goji and Purple Perfection Shakes

The plethora of fruit juices in today's market is intriguing.Despite being aware of the super fruits that are latest buzz in the Health foods, it still is a bit of challenge to pick the right kind of super fruit juice ,one that's genuine and potent ,well, not anymore.My search for the perfect juices ends here with discovery of Genesis Today's range of super fruits juices-Acai,Goji and Resveratrol



What's so super about super fruits?
To say the least,these are super rich in nutrients,vitamins , minerals and antioxidants,that fight off the disease causing free radicals.

Crystal clear from the chart,Acai,Goji and Resveratrol have outstanding levels of antioxidants.

Genius at work,Dr.Lindsey Duncan,the founder and CEO of Genesis Today has been studying in the natural health products industry since 1983.He developed these healthful range of fruit juices using the best fruits on face of earth.Revered by celebrities , the Genesis today Super fruits juices are now accessible to common man at affordable prices ,in super stores like Walmart and Sam's club.



I was fortunate to be offered the samples of Genesis Today's Acai Berry,Goji Berry and Resveratrol juices.Here what my taste buds had to say :

Genesis Today's Acai Berry Juice
One sip and the sharp sweet berry flavor gets the taste buds tingling and the super rich antioxidants instantly give the energetic feel.Consistency is a bit like smoothie,but not as thick.

Benefits :The beauty berry from the Brazilian rain forest, is known to support healthy skin,hair and nails.Boost bodies energy levels.Helps control weight,soothe and calm the digestive system,stimulates the digestive organs to more eliminate efficiently waste from the body.


Genesis Today's Goji Berry Juice
Intensely orange,the juice has instant citrus punch,that relieves tension and gets you going with renewed energy.

Benefits :Hailing from China,the happy berry is known for mood uplifting,promoting healthy mind,memory and eye health.


Genesis Today's Resveratrol Juice
Tasted like a concentrated grape juice, totally rejuvenating.And for someone who does not drink alcohol,this juice with all the benefits of a wine without the alcohol, was truly beneficial.

Benefits:
Resveratrol is a naturally-occurring plant extract, in this case from the pulp and skin of grapes as well as Japanese Knotweed,known to support heart health,promotes youthful energy and appearance.Also known to support healthy inflammatory response of the body.


I was also suggested 2 super nutritious shake recipes to concoct with the juices.You seriously cannot get enough of these,would definitely want to make them every day ,with a hearty meal or to satisfy those in-between-the-meals cravings.
Goji Happy Shake

Ingredients:
• 12 oz. Goji Berry Juice
• 12 oz. frozen strawberries
• 1 organic banana
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 oz shot liquid Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (15 g)
• 1 scoop Genesis Today ™ 4Fiber
Directions:
Place all items in blender and pulse using ice crusher. Blend until smooth and well combined.

Benefits:
Daily use of this shake will render amazing effects in five areas:
1) Mood enhancement
2) Eye health benefits
3) High ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity)
4) All essential and non essential proteins through bio-available delivery of the
Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (liquid)
5) Less bloating, better digestion through Fiber completely absorbed by body


Purple Perfection Shake

Ingredients:
• 6 oz. Acaí Berry Juice
• 6 oz Resveratrol Juice
• 1 organic banana(or 1 Plum)
• 5 ice cubes
• 1 oz shot liquid Genesis Today ™ Protein 100 (15 g)
• 1 scoop Genesis Today ™ 4Fiber
Directions:
Place all items in blender and pulse using ice crusher. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Benefits:
Daily use of this shake will render amazing effects in five areas:
1) Improved energy
2) Improved mental/cognitive function
3) Improved hair, nails, and skin
4) Improved cardio health
5) Less bloating, better digestion through Fiber completely absorbed by body


Supreme Snack!
Besides the Super fruit juices,I was also sent a pack of Genesis Today's Dark chocolate Acai Pudding.



Decadence of chocolate combined with tart sweet berries makes this a luscious pudding.Chocolate contains theobromine, which triggers endorphins and serotonin to give you a euphoric, joyous feeling, plus many essential vitamins and minerals.And with 0 grams of fat and sweetened with pure sweet cane juice,the pudding is nothing less a guilt-free snack.



Learn more about Genesis Today's phenomenal products at the official website.Depending on how you feel,the product finder helps you find the right kind of super fruit juice. There are also money Saving Coupons,print them here.

Peanut Butter and Plum Jelly Ice Dream.And NutButter Giveaway.

Nut Butters(Almond and Peanut),are staple spreads on my everyday sandwiches that I absolutely cannot do without.Recently a representative of MaraNatha Nut Butters contacted me to try and talk about their Peanut Butter.I was shipped 2 free sample Jars of All-natural MaraNatha Peanut Butter.Creamy and smooth,the nutty butter did not last long,my family is big on nut butters,one of the Jars was licked clean in few days,mostly on lunch box sandwiches.With the second Jar,I had to try something different,something that celebrates the warmth of the season.Racheal's Dairy-free Ice Dream with PB seemed fitting,time was right to revive the frozen treats in her cookbook,some of them I totally enjoyed last season.


Recipe : Peanut Butter and Plum Jelly, adapted from Rachel Albert-Matesz's Ice Dream Cookbook.

Ingredients
1 1/2 cup Peanut Butter(I use MaraNatha,can also use Almond Butter or Cashew Butter )
1/2 cup low-sugar fruit Jelly(I use homemade Plum jelly)
1 3/4 cups (one 14 ounce can) unsweetened lite coconut milk (preservative-free).
1 medium-size ripe banana, peeled
1 tablespoon virgin-pressed coconut oil or palm shortening
2 tablespoon honey or agave syrup or maple syrup
1 tablespoon Dark brown sugar
1/8 teaspoon finely ground, unrefined sea salt

Method
1-Gently melt coconut or palm oil in a small saucepan over low heat.Add the sliced banana and brown sugar.Let caramelize for 2-3 minutes.Turn off heat and cool.


2-Transfer the banana mixture into a blender, vita-mix or food processor. Add the honey, peanut butter,sea salt, and coconut milk. Blend until smooth.

3-Pour into one or more wide-mouthed jars. Cover and refrigerate for at least 6 hours before churning.Meanwhile ,stir 1-2 teaspoon of water in the fruit jelly to loosen it up.cover and refrigerate.

4-Scrape the chilled custard into the canister of your ice cream maker. Churn according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

5-When done,spoon 1/4 of the forzen dessert in to freezer-safe container.Spoon a layer of diluted fruit jelly evenly over the Ice Dream.Top with another layer of Ice Dream.Continue layering Ice Dream and fruit jelly in the same way,ending with a layer of Ice Dream.Cover and freeze for atleast 3 hours,until firm ,before serving.

6-Soften solidly frozen dessert by placing it in the refrigerator for 30 to 45 minutes or on the counter for 15 to 30 minutes before serving.

Without the Ice cream machine method
If you don't have an Ice cream machine.After the step 4,transfer the Ice Dream mixture in to a freezer proof container,preferably air tight.Freeze for about an hour,then get the container out and whisk the mixture using a spatula or hand held whisk or electric whisk to break the ice crystals forming over the edges of the container.Freeze and whisk again after 30-40 minutes ,repeat this for about 6 hours until the mixture is almost frozen.Serve immediately or freeze.Proceed from Step 5 above.


PB and J Ice Dream Sandwiched between Rye Bread Crisps

MaraNatha Nut Butter Give Away !

MaraNatha makes a variety of protein rich, organic and natural nut and seed butters, including classic peanut butter, almond, cashew and macadamia butters and sesame tahini.Find them all here.

To get everyone excited to try healthy nut butters in 2010, MaraNatha has launched a new promotion to help save on their products. Simply visit http://offers.maranathafoods.com/ and sign up for the e-newsletter and you’ll receive a coupon for $1.00 off any MaraNatha product. By spreading the word to three or more friends, you can receive a $2.00 off coupon.
Thoroughly satisfied with the quality and taste of the sample peanut butter,I bought more of MaraNatha Nut butter from a retail store near me(Costco).You could also order them Online.

As for the exciting giveaway,MaraNatha is also offering Coupons for 4 free MaraNatha Nut Butter jars, $20 value!,to one lucky winner .To be eligible for this delicious offer,just leave a comment below about "Your favorite spread on Sandwiches or Crackers".Winner will be selected on April 10th.Good luck!

Plum Bakewell Tart......er.....Pudding

The June Daring Bakers' challenge was hosted by Jasmine of Confessions of a Cardamom Addict and Annemarie of Ambrosia and Nectar. They chose a Traditional (UK) Bakewell Tart... er... pudding that was inspired by a rich baking history dating back to the 1800's in England.

This sensational pudding like tart is local confection of a charming small town in Derbyshire(England),can easily be put together with a fruity filling over shortcrust pastry shell and topped with sponge-like filling with ground almonds(Frangipane).Baked to perfection this is an absolutely succulent fruit and nut tart...er...pudding.
I used my home made plum Jam for the fruit filling and honestly I prefer mildly sweet desserts,hence had to reduce the sugar from the suggested recipe.This dessert is mildly sweet ,as the home made Jam is was also low sugar, add a little more sugar if desired.Adding cocoa to the pastry crust isn't very traditional,but I decided to slip in some ,for a touch of chocolate to the tart.Also for those on No eggs diet, these can be baked without eggs,check the recipe for the substitutions.


Recipe
Makes one 23cm (9” tart)
Prep time: less than 10 minutes (plus time for the individual elements)
Resting time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 30 minutes
Equipment needed: 23cm (9”) tart pan or pie tin (preferably with ridged edges), rolling pin

You'll Need
One quantity shortcrust pastry (recipe follows)
250ml (1cup (8 US fl. oz)) jam (I used home made Plum Jam)
One quantity frangipane (recipe follows)
One handful blanched, flaked almonds

Assembling the tart
Place the chilled dough disc on a lightly floured surface. If it's overly cold, you will need to let it become acclimatised for about 15 minutes before you roll it out. Flour the rolling pin and roll the pastry to 5mm (1/4”) thickness, by rolling in one direction only (start from the center and roll away from you), and turning the disc a quarter turn after each roll. When the pastry is to the desired size and thickness, transfer it to the tart pan, press in and trim the excess dough. Patch any holes, fissures or tears with trimmed bits. Chill in the freezer for 15 minutes.

Preheat oven to 200C/400F.

Remove shell from freezer, spread as even a layer as you can of jam onto the pastry base. Top with frangipane, spreading to cover the entire surface of the tart. Smooth the top and pop into the oven for 30 minutes. Five minutes before the tart is done, the top will be poofy and brownish. Remove from oven and strew flaked almonds on top and return to the heat for the last five minutes of baking.

The finished tart will have a golden crust and the frangipane will be tanned, poofy and a bit spongy-looking. Remove from the oven and cool on the counter. Serve warm or cold with sliced fresh fruit

When you slice into the tart, the almond paste will be firm, but slightly squidgy and the crust should be crisp but not tough.



Prep time: 15-20 minutes
Resting time: 30 minutes (minimum)
For Cocoa Short Crust Pastry Dough
Ingredients
1 cup all purpose flour
1/2 cup Whole wheat flour
1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tablespoon sugar
2 organic egg yolks(exclude the eggs for eggless crust substitute with a tablespoon extra oil or butter)
2 tablespoon cold butter
3-4 tablespoons cold water
1/2 teaspoon almond extract or use 1 tablespoon of Orange blossom water

Method
Sift together flour, sugar and salt. Grate butter into the flour mixture, using the large hole-side of a box grater. Using your finger tips only, and working very quickly, rub the fat into the flour until the mixture resembles bread crumbs. Set aside.

Lightly beat the egg yolks with the almond extract (if using) and quickly mix into the flour mixture. Keep mixing while dribbling in the water, only adding enough to form a cohesive and slightly sticky dough.

Form the dough into a disc, wrap in cling and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes


For Frangipane

Prep time: 10-15 minutes

Ingredients
3 Organic eggs (or use 2 tablespoon of cornstarch for egg less frangipane + 1 cup of Tofu)
1/2 teaspoon almond extract or 1 tablespoon orange blossom water or rose water
3/4 cup(125g) ground almonds
1 tablespoon Sugar(add a tablespoon more for little more sweetness)
1 tablespoon softened butter
2 tablespoon(30g) all purpose flour

Cream butter and sugar together for about a minute or until the mixture is primrose in color and very fluffy. Scrape down the side of the bowl and add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. The batter may appear to curdle. In the words of Douglas Adams: Don’t panic. Really. It’ll be fine. After all three are in, pour in the almond extract and mix for about another 30 seconds and scrape down the sides again. With the beaters on, spoon in the ground nuts and the flour. Mix well. The mixture will be soft, keep its slightly curdled look (mostly from the almonds) and retain its pallid yellow color.

Peak in to many more delectable variations of this Tart..er..pudding at the Daring Bakers Blogroll