Pumpkin Spice Pâte à Choux Doughnuts


Pâte à choux is the classic French pastry dough used to make eclairs, cream puffs and profiteroles. It also makes excellent doughnuts. Baked rather than fried, the doughnuts have that delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture that makes you crave another. A bit of pumpkin purée and the classic pumpkin pie spices gives them an autumnal flavor. The dough gets all its sweetness from a sugar glaze and a cinnamon sugar topping. Enjoy the doughnuts with apple cider or a steaming mug of coffee.
-Leslie Mackie


Printable PDF of this recipe here. 
Makes 12 Doughnuts
Ingredients 
DOUGHNUTS
1 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
¼ tsp ground ginger
¼ tsp ground allspice
¼ tsp ground nutmeg 1 cup water
¼ cup pumpkin purée, canned or fresh
6 Tbsp unsalted butter
4 eggs

SUGAR GLAZE
2 cups powdered sugar, sifted
3 Tbsp milk

CINNAMON SUGAR
2 Tbsp granulated sugar
2 Tbsp brown sugar
1½ tsp cinnamon
⅛ tsp ground nutmeg

 
DOUGHNUTS
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line 2 rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper. Using a sharpie, trace six evenly spaced 3-inch circles on each piece of parchment. Flip the parchment so the ink is on the bottom. You’ll still be able to see it.

In a medium bowl, sift the flour, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, allspice and nutmeg. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, bring the water, pumpkin purée and butter to a boil. Reduce heat to low and add the flour mixture in 3 additions. Use a wooden spoon to thoroughly incorporate the flour between additions. Once all the flour is added, cook until a thin coating sticks to the base of the pan, an additional 1 to 2 minutes.

Transfer the dough to the bowl of a stand mixer. With the whisk attachment, mix on medium-low speed for 2 to 3 minutes to cool the mixture. When it’s just warm to the touch, add the eggs one at a time. Scrape the sides of the bowl between additions to ensure it’s mixed well. When all the eggs are incorporated, mix for 2 more minutes to aerate the dough.

Scoop the dough into a pastry decorating bag fitted with a star tip and squeeze out any excess air. Don’t overfill the pastry bag. To create your doughnuts, pipe dough in the circles you traced on the parchment paper.

Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, or until golden brown and hollow sounding when tapped at the base. Let cool for 5 minutes.

SUGAR GLAZE
In a medium bowl, whisk the powdered sugar and milk by hand to create a sugar glaze.

Dip the top side of each doughnut in the sugar glaze. Twist your wrist while pulling upward to remove the excess. Place each on the baking sheet, glaze side up.

CINNAMON SUGAR
While waiting for the glaze to partially dry, combine all of the cinnamon sugar ingredients together in a small bowl. When the glaze is about halfway dry, sprinkle the cinnamon sugar over the glaze. Enjoy the doughnuts with a glass of cider or hot coffee!

Cherry Clafoutis

Cherries are the traditional fruit for this delicate French dessert, but any seasonal fruit will do. Use fresh pitted sweet cherries or I.Q.F. (individually quick frozen) cherries. The puffed, golden-brown custard that forms the tart’s base is almond-scented and lightly sweet. The cherries punctuate each bite with their bright flavor. The preparation is simple enough to make while your dinner is cooking. Put it in the oven as you sit to eat, and in an hour, you’ll have an elegant dessert that is best served still warm from the oven.

Printable pdf of this recipe here.

Ingredients
Makes one 9-inch tart
1 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted
3 cups sweet cherries, pitted (Bing, Rainier or thawed I.Q.F.)
1 cup granulated sugar, divided
2 Tbsp pure vanilla extract, divided
1 tsp almond extract, divided
1½ cups whole milk
3 eggs
¼ tsp salt
½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp almonds, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsp powdered sugar
1 cup heavy cream
1 Tbsp amaretto

Directions
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush the base and sides of a 9-inch baking dish with the melted butter.

In a medium bowl, add the cherries, ¼ cup sugar, 1 Tbsp vanilla and ½ tsp almond extract. Marinate for 30 minutes.

In a blender or the bowl of a food processor, place ½ cup sugar, the remaining 1 Tbsp vanilla and ½ tsp almond extract, milk, eggs, salt and flour. Blend for 1 to 2 minutes to combine well.

Preheat the buttered baking dish for 5 minutes in the oven. Pour a quarter of the custard into the dish and return to the oven for 2 minutes. Then add the marinated cherries, scattering them evenly over the base. Top with the remaining custard. Sprinkle the chopped almonds around the perimeter.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the custard puffs and is golden brown. The custard should be firm to the touch.

Let cool for 15 minutes. Top with powdered sugar.

In a separate bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer), use a whisk to whip the heavy cream and remaining 1/4 cup sugar and amaretto to soft peaks.

This clafoutis is best enjoyed while still warm from the oven, preferably in the garden after an early summer dinner. Enjoy!

 

 

Raspberry Lemon Coffee Cake

The tart sweetness of fresh juicy raspberries finds its perfect complement in the cake’s soft buttery texture and fresh lemon flavor. This spring favorite of ours makes a beautiful centerpiece for an Easter brunch, or for that matter, any brunch. We offer a similar coffee cake in our cafés that we make with gluten-free flour. It’s delicious either way, and the moist cake keeps nicely for several days.

Printable PDF of this recipe here. 


Makes one bundt loaf; serves 10
2 Tbsp canola oil
4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour, divided
1 Tbsp baking powder
½ tsp baking soda
½ tsp salt
8 oz unsalted butter (2 sticks), room temperature
2¼ cup sugar
3 Tbsp fresh lemon zest (zest of 2 lemons)
5 eggs
¼ cup fresh lemon juice (juice of 1 lemon)
½ cup non-fat yogurt
2 cups fresh raspberries
1 cup powdered sugar, sifted
1 Tbsp raspberry jam
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp water


Preheat oven to 325°F.

Brush bundt pan (12 cup bundt pan is ideal) with canola oil and sprinkle with ¼ cup flour. Rotate the pan so the flour coverage is even. Shake out excess flour. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift together the remaining flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Add the lemon zest and mix thoroughly. Set aside.

In a bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, cream together the butter and sugar for 3 to 5 minutes or until the mixture is light in texture and pale in color. Scrape the sides of the bowl frequently to ensure the mixture is thoroughly blended.

Add eggs one at a time, waiting until each egg is fully incorporated before adding the next. Scrape the sides of the bowl. Add the lemon juice and mix until combined.

Add the flour mixture and yogurt in three alternating additions. Be careful not to overmix. Remove the bowl from the mixer and add the fresh raspberries. Fold in gently by hand.

Scoop and level the batter into the prepared bundt pan. Place the bundt pan onto a rimmed baking sheet for easy handling and to prevent overflow in your oven. Bake for 40 to 50 minutes. The top of the cake should be golden brown and an inserted toothpick should come out clean.

Let cool for 1 hour. Release the cake from the pan by running a paring knife around the edge of the pan. Invert the cake onto a plate and lift the pan.

In a small bowl, whisk the powdered sugar, jam and water until combined. Drizzle the topping over the cake. Fresh raspberries, sugared edible flowers or herbs make great decorative garnishes. 

Quiche Lorraine

It’s no secret that I’m a huge fan of Julia Child. One of my most treasured memories was when I was a featured guest on the Emmy award-winning show Baking with Julia in 1996. Cooking with Julia—in her Cambridge kitchen—was an unforgettable experience. This Quiche Lorraine recipe is, surprise surprise, inspired by a Julia Child’s recipe. I have adapted it to bring the bacon flavor to the fore and enhance it with locally made and aged Ferndale Farmstead Fontina cheese. This updated classic is one of my favorite savory fillings for our Flaky Pie Dough.


Makes one 10-inch quiche; serves 8
1 disk Macrina Flaky Pie Dough, thawed
5 slices bacon, cut into ½-inch pieces
4 ounces Ferndale Farmstead Fontina cheese (aged 6 months), or similar
2 egg yolks
2 eggs
1½ cups milk
2 cups half and half
½ tsp salt
2 grinds black pepper
1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped


On a floured work surface, roll the disk of pie dough into a 13-inch circle. Fold dough in half and lift onto a 10-inch fluted tart pan with a removable bottom. Flatten the dough into the base of the pan and edges. With the remaining overhang, fold into the pan to create an edge that stands ½-inch above the top of the pan. With your hand, press the crust edge to a consistent thickness. Chill for 30 minutes in the freezer or refrigerator.

Preheat oven to 375°F. Adjust baking rack to center of oven.

Line the tart shell with parchment paper and fill it with baking weights or beans. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are golden brown and the base appears dry. Remove the beans. If the shell is moist-looking at the base, bake for another 2 to 5 minutes to dry it out. Let cool.

Reduce oven temperature to 350°F.

In a medium sauté pan over medium heat, add the bacon. Stir to render the fat and crisp the bacon evenly. Remove the cooked bacon with a slotted spoon. Let cool. Discard the fat.

Grate the Fontina cheese; set aside.

In a medium bowl, add the egg yolks, eggs, milk, half and half, salt and freshly ground pepper. Whisk to combine.

Place the baked tart shell on a rimmed baking sheet. Layer the bacon, grated cheese and fresh thyme in the tart shell. Top with the egg mixture. Being careful not to spill, gently place the quiche in the oven.

Bake the quiche for 50 to 55 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the custard is set.

Let the quiche cool at room temperature for an hour. Push the base of the tart pan up to separate and remove the quiche from the rim. Serve the quiche with a fresh garden salad and a favorite Pinot Blanc or dry Riesling! Julia would approve!

Reine De Saba- Creamy Chocolate Almond Cake

Last summer, I had the good fortune to spend a week in Julia Child’s former summer house in Grasse, France. The experience has inspired me to recreate some of her favorite recipes. I learned to make this Reine De Saba cake in cooking school in San Francisco many years ago. This recipe adapts exceptionally well to gluten-free by substituting out the cake flour for a gluten-free mix—you won’t even taste the difference. The cake is intentionally baked to leave the middle slightly soft. You and your guests will delight in the creamy center, which is the best part!


One 9-inch cake; serves 6–8 

CAKE
4 oz semisweet chocolate chips
¼ cup brewed espresso (or very strong coffee)
4 oz unsalted butter, room temperature
¾ cups sugar, divided
3 eggs, separated into yolks and egg whites
¼ tsp salt
½ cup roasted almonds, finely chopped
¼ tsp almond extract
½ cup cake flour (or gluten-free flour mixture)

FROSTING
2 oz semisweet chocolate
2 Tbsp rum or brandy
6 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature
20 whole almonds, roasted
2 Tbsp powdered sugar

CAKE
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-inch cake pan with oil and line with parchment paper along the base and sides. Set aside.

Combine chocolate chips and espresso in a medium bowl and place over a pan with 2 inches of simmering water, creating a double boiler. Melt chocolate and combine well with the coffee. Remove from heat and let cool.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, cream the butter and sugar (reserving 1 Tbsp for the egg whites) with a paddle attachment. The mixture will be light in texture and pale in color.

With the mixer running, add the egg yolks one at a time until thoroughly combined.

In a separate bowl, with a hand mixer or whisk attachment, whip the egg whites until they’re frothy. Add the remaining Tbsp of sugar and continue whipping until you have medium-stiff peaks.

Remove the bowl of creamed butter from the stand mixer and add the cooled chocolate, salt, chopped almonds and almond extract. Mix to combine.

In 3 additions, alternately add the whipped egg whites and sift the flour over the surface. Between each addition, gently fold to combine well. Scoop the batter into the cake pan and use a spatula to smooth the surface for even baking.

Bake for 25 minutes. The cake will be slightly soft in the center but firm toward the perimeter.

Let cool for 15 minutes. Invert the cake onto a presentation plate and remove the parchment paper.

FROSTING
Melt the chocolate and rum in a medium bowl set over a pan filled with 2 inches of simmering water. Remove the chocolate-rum mix from the heat and add the softened butter. Using a hand-held mixer or whisk, incorporate the butter into the warm chocolate. When the frosting is slightly cool and spreadable, frost the top of the cake. Decorate with whole almonds and a dusting of powdered sugar.

Enjoy!

 

Coq Au Vin with Garlic Bread

A traditional French dish of chicken cooked with red wine, onions, mushrooms and bacon. This recipe is inspired by the wonderful Julia Child, who made French cooking approachable and fun. In 1996, Julia Child invited Leslie to her kitchen to film an episode of Baking with Julia. She’d been in Seattle, visited Macrina, and loved it. Leslie cites that experience as one of the great memories of her life. This version of the traditional recipe uses our grilled Sour White brushed with garlic oil to soak up the sauce and add texture. Made with red wine, it’s a perfect winter meal. For a summer treat, lighten it up by using Riesling.


Serves 4
2½ to 3 lbs whole chicken (preferably naturally raised), cut into 8 pieces (halve each breast, thighs and legs)
¾ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp black pepper, ground
4 Tbsp olive oil, divided
2 slices thick-cut bacon, cut in ½-inch pieces
5 cremini mushrooms, quartered
1 yellow onion, cut in ½-inch wedges
3 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch dice
5 cloves garlic, finely chopped, divided
3 roma tomatoes, medium dice
2 tsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
1 tsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cups medium-bodied red wine
2 cups chicken stock
3 Tbsp unbleached all-purpose flour
4 Tbsp unsalted butter, room temperature, divided
1 Macrina Organic Sour White Loaf
¼ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped


Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment and set aside.

Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper. In a large, oven-proof roasting pan (with a lid to use later), add 2 Tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add 4 pieces of chicken and sauté for 2 minutes per side. Remove the golden-brown chicken pieces, add the remaining chicken and follow the same procedure. Remove the chicken and reduce the heat slightly. Add the bacon and render its fat. When bacon is crisp, use a slotted spoon to remove it. Set aside with the chicken. Add the mushrooms and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until golden brown. Reduce heat to medium. Add the onions and carrots, and sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes. Add ¾ of the garlic and the tomatoes, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf. Cook for 5 minutes to break down the tomatoes.

Return the chicken and bacon to the roasting pan. Add the red wine. Cook until the liquid is reduced by 25 percent, approximately 10 minutes. Add the chicken stock and bring to a simmer. Cover with the lid and place in the oven to roast for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the chicken is tender.

Remove the chicken from the sauce and set aside.

Use a fork to combine the flour and 2 Tbsp butter in a small bowl. Bring the sauce to a boil, then whisk in the flour-butter mixture. Whisk slowly as the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes. Reduce heat to low and season to taste with salt and pepper. Return the chicken to the sauce to warm through.

Cut the bread into ½-inch slices. In a small sauté pan, warm the remaining 2 Tbsp of olive oil, 2 Tbsp butter and the remaining chopped garlic over medium heat. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes to warm through and bring out the flavor of the garlic (don’t let the garlic brown). Brush the mix over the sliced bread. Place the bread slices on the prepared rimmed sheet pan and toast in the oven for 10 minutes, or until the bread is golden brown at the edges.

Serve in shallow bowls—add 2 pieces of chicken and a garlic bread slice to each dish. Divide the sauce and vegetables evenly and garnish with parsley. Enjoy with a full-bodied red wine to complement the rich sauce!

Pecan Sticky Buns

There may be no better breakfast pastry than these pillowy sticky buns made with a yeast dough enriched with butter, eggs and milk. Caramel and pecans blanket the top, and deep swirls of caramel and cinnamon sugar enliven every bite. Serve them warm and they’re irresistible.


Makes 6 sticky buns

STICKY BUN DOUGH
¼ cup water, warm
8 Tbsp sugar, divided
1½ tsp dried yeast
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 eggs
½ cups whole milk
3¼ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
1 tsp salt
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), room temperature, cut into cubes

CARAMEL GLAZE
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
1 cup brown sugar
¼ tsp salt
1 tsp orange zest
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
½ cup heavy cream

CINNAMON SUGAR
¾ cups brown sugar
1 Tbsp cinnamon

ASSEMBLY
1¼ cups roasted pecan pieces


STICKY BUN DOUGH
In the bowl of a stand mixer, add the warm water, 2 Tbsp sugar and yeast. Whisk until the yeast is dissolved. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow the yeast to bloom.

Add the remaining sugar, vanilla, eggs, milk, flour and salt. Using a paddle attachment, mix on low speed for 3 minutes to bring the dough together. Switch to a dough hook, set speed to medium and add the cubes of butter one at a time. Mix for 10 minutes. The dough should be wet and sticky with good elasticity when stretched.

Pull the dough from the bowl and set on a floured work surface. Shape the dough into a ball and place it in an oiled medium bowl. Cover with plastic wrap. Let rise at room temperature for 2 to 3 hours, or until the dough has doubled in size.

CARAMEL GLAZE
In a medium saucepan set over low heat, add the butter, brown sugar and salt. As the butter melts, whisk the mixture into a sauce and cook for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the orange zest, vanilla and heavy cream. Continue to cook for another 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

CINNAMON SUGAR
Mix the brown sugar and cinnamon together. Set aside.

ASSEMBLY
Brush a 9-inch cake pan with canola oil and line the base and sides with an 11-inch square piece of parchment paper (the corners will extend above the pan).

Pour ¼ cup of the Caramel Glaze into the base of the pan. Let cool to room temperature.

Add the pecan pieces to the remaining Caramel Glaze and set aside for later.

Set the proofed brioche dough on a floured work surface. Shape the dough into a 15-inch x 6-inch rectangle. Press on the flattened dough to release any trapped air bubbles. Sprinkle the dough with the Cinnamon Sugar to cover liberally. With the broad side of the rectangle facing you, roll the dough from the far side towards you creating a spiral. Gently roll it back and forth to achieve a consistent thickness. Rest the roll seam side down.

Using a sharp knife, cut the roll into 6 equal pieces. Carefully place each roll cut side down onto the Caramel Glaze in the pan.

Let rise for 1 hour at room temperature. Preheat oven to 375°F.

Place the cake pan on a rimmed baking sheet (to catch any spills that bubble over) and place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven. Bake for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the buns are golden brown in color.

Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes. Loosen the buns from the pan by pulling on the extended parchment corners. If some areas stick, run a knife along the pan’s perimeter. Place a dinner plate face-down over the cake pan and invert. Gently lift the pan and remove the parchment. Keep the rolls inverted.

Warm the remaining Caramel Glaze with pecans and spoon it over the top of the rolls, allowing it to drizzle down the sides slightly. Let cool for 30 minutes.

Serve the sticky buns warm for breakfast, or if you’re feeling decadent, add some ice cream and turn them into a dessert!

 Apple, Pear & Cranberry Crisp with Almond Streusel Topping

A good go-to crisp recipe can be a savior when company is coming and you’re short on time, or on cool fall evenings when you need a comforting treat. This dessert comes together quickly and you can substitute a variety of fruits. You may want to adjust the amount of sugar and lemon juice to suit your preferences. This time of year, we love this combination of apples, pears and cranberries. Cranberries add festive color and their tartness pair well with sweet apples. We have a bounty of pears and apples in the Pacific Northwest, and for or this recipe, you can choose your favorites or use what’s available at your local market. The recipe calls for Granny Smith’s and Bartlett pears, but Braeburn, Gala and Honeycrisp apples all work well, as do D’Anjou and Comice pears. When it comes to toppings, whipped cream is always suitable, but vanilla ice cream is even better. Enjoy!

Makes one 9-inch square crisp

FILLING

2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and sliced into ½-inch wedges
2 Bartlett pears, peeled, cored and sliced into ½-inch wedges
2 cups fresh cranberries
1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
½ cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
¾ cup sugar
1 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tsp cinnamon, ground
¼ tsp nutmeg, ground
¼ tsp cloves, ground
¼ cup cornstarch

ALMOND STREUSEL TOPPING

¾ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
½ cup thick-cut rolled oats
¼ cup sugar
¼ cup whole almonds, coarsely chopped
½ tsp almond extract
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), chilled and cut into ½-inch cubes


FILLING

Position a rack in the center of an oven and preheat to 375°F. Lightly brush a 9-inch square ceramic or glass baking dish with canola oil and place it on a rimmed sheet pan. Set aside.

Place the apples, pears, cranberries, lemon juice and almonds in a medium bowl. Toss to combine well.

In a separate bowl, combine the sugar, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, clove and cornstarch. Add to the fruit and toss to combine. Pour the fruit mixture into the prepared baking dish.

ALMOND STREUSEL TOPPING

In a stand mixer bowl, add the flour, oats, sugar, almonds and almond extract. With the paddle attachment, combine on slow speed for 1 minute. Add the cubed butter and mix on slow for another 2 to 3 minutes to create a crumbly texture.

Top the filling with the almond streusel and bake for 60 to 70 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the thickened filling is bubbling around the edges. Let cool for 30 minutes and serve warm or at room temperature with whipped cream or your favorite vanilla ice cream.

Italian Cream Cake

This Italian Cream Cake has three light, buttery sponge cake rounds layered with vanilla pastry cream and conserve and is frosted with sweetened whipped cream. Choose your favorite jam or conserve. Raspberry and blackberry are two of our favorites. You’ll enjoy this cake the first day, but don’t feel like you need to finish it—it’s even better the second day as the sponge cake moistens absorbing the pastry cream and conserve. Keep the cake refrigerated and it’ll keep for up to five days.

INGREDIENTS

Makes one 9-inch cake

SPONGE CAKE
1⅓ cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 tsp baking powder
6 Tbsp (¾ stick) unsalted butter
⅓ cup water
1½ cups sugar, divided
3 eggs, beaten
3½ tsp pure vanilla extract, divided
1 cup favorite jam or fruit conserve
1½ cups heavy cream
1 Tbsp powdered sugar

PASTRY CREAM
4 eggs
2 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Tbsp cornstarch
½ cup + 1 Tbsp sugar
1½ cups milk

DIRECTIONS:

SPONGE CAKE
Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a 9-inch cake pan with oil and line the base with a custom-cut circle of parchment paper. Dust the oiled sides of the pan with flour. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, sift together the flour and baking powder. Set aside.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter. Add the water, mix, and let cool.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment, add 1¼ cups sugar. With the mixer on low speed, slowly add the eggs and 2 tsp vanilla. Whisk at high speed for 5 minutes. The mixture will be light in color and frothy.

Remove the bowl from the mixer. Using a spatula, fold in the flour mixture in 4 additions. With the last addition, add the butter mixture and stir until just combined, ensuring there are no lumps.

Pour the batter into the prepared pan and bake on the center rack for 30 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Let cool for 30 minutes. Run a paring knife around the edge of the cake. Invert the pan to remove the sponge cake. Let cool to room temperature.

PASTRY CREAM
In a medium bowl, crack the eggs and whisk together with the vanilla, cornstarch and sugar. Ensure no lumps remain.

In a medium saucepan, scald the milk (bringing it just to a boil). Remove it from the heat and slowly ladle the hot milk into the egg mixture, whisking constantly. Transfer the egg mixture back to the saucepan when you have three-quarters of the milk whisked into it. Over medium-low heat, whisk the mixture to prevent it from sticking or curdling. When the mixture has thickened to a pudding-like consistency, pour it into a clean bowl. Cover the top of the pastry cream with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 1 hour. Note: If you spot any lumps in the pastry cream, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve before cooling it.

ASSEMBLY
Using a serrated knife, cut the cake horizontally into 3 equal layers.

Place the bottom layer on a prepared cake board or plate. Spread the conserves over the first layer. Top with the second layer. Spread the chilled pastry cream to the edges. Top with the remaining layer and gently align the edges. Refrigerate the cake for 15 minutes to firm it up.

In the bowl of a stand mixer, whisk the heavy cream, remaining 1½ tsp vanilla and remaining ¼cup sugar. Whip to medium-firm peaks.

Cover the top and sides of the cake with the sweetened whipped cream. Use a wet spatula to smooth it out. Garnish the top of the cake with a dusting of powdered sugar and fresh berries if you’d like.

Enjoy!

Spice Blade Steak & Cauliflower Salad with Tzatziki Sauce & Grilled Olive Bread

During the long PNW summer days, our favorite cooking method is outdoor grilling. Cut from the chuck (shoulder), the blade steak has excellent marbling and is flavorful and tender. A line of gristle runs down the center, so it’s important not to overcook it, otherwise it will get chewy. If you use an instant-read meat thermometer and are attentive, you’ll fall in love with blade steak. In this recipe, we prepare the steak with a Shawarma spice dry rub a day in advance. Since you can prepare the rest of the meal ahead, you only need to grill the steak and bread and assemble the plates when it’s time to eat. If you can, enjoy the meal with a glass of your favorite wine, a few friends and the rich light of a long summer evening.

INGREDIENTS

Serves 4

BLADE STEAK
2 Tbsp Shawarma Spice Blend, ground (available at worldspice.com)
1 Tbsp brown sugar
2 tsp kosher salt
1½ lbs top blade steak (or sub flat-iron steak)
3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil

CAULIFLOWER SALAD
1 head cauliflower
2 bunches scallions, ½-inch slice
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
3 tsp garlic, finely chopped, divided
½ cup tahini
½ cup water
2 Tbsp lemon juice
1 Tbsp + 1 tsp pomegranate molasses
1 Tbsp fresh mint, finely chopped
¼ cup fresh cilantro, coarsely chopped

TZATZIKI SAUCE
2 cups Greek yogurt (preferably low-fat)
1 English cucumber, finely diced
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp lime juice
4 cloves garlic, finely diced
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp white pepper, ground
1 Macrina Greek Olive Loaf, sliced ½-inch thick (8 slices)

DIRECTIONS

BLADE STEAK
Combine the dry ingredients. Rub the mix into both sides of the meat. Drizzle with olive oil and use your fingers to rub it over the meat. Place the meat in a covered container and refrigerate overnight.

CAULIFLOWER SALAD
Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.

Halve the cauliflower and remove the core; coarsely chop or break it into 1 to 2-inch florets. Place the florets in a large bowl and toss with the scallions, olive oil and 2 tsp garlic. Spread the florets on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, or until tender. Let cool.

In the same large bowl, add the remaining 1 tsp garlic, tahini, water, lemon juice and pomegranate molasses. Whisk to combine.

Add the roasted cauliflower, mint and cilantro to the dressing. Toss well.

If you wish, season to taste with salt and pepper. Once dressed, allow the salad to rest at room temperature to marry flavors before serving.

TZATZIKI SAUCE
In a separate bowl, add the yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lime juice, garlic, salt and pepper. Whisk to combine. Refrigerate until needed.

GRILLING THE STEAK
Preheat your grill to 500°F. Brush a bit of oil on the hot grill to help prevent the spice rub from sticking.

Grill the blade steak for 5 to 6 minutes on each side. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to monitor the temperature. Remove the steak from the grill at 130°F for medium-rare. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

While the steak is resting, grill the bread. Brush both sides of each slice with olive oil and grill until lightly toasted and marked with grill lines. Place 2 slices on each plate. Divide the cauliflower salad among the plates, top each with a portion of the sliced steak and a generous dollop of tzatziki. Enjoy!