February 2012

My Valentine speaks a special second language.  Instead of words, this language is made of phrases, sentences and dialogues from Arrested Development.  One of the more frequently applicable dialogues is the following between Michael and Lindsey (from the episode Family Ties):

Michael: [about Nellie] It’s like we finish each other’s…
Lindsay Bluth Fünke: Sandwiches?
Michael: Sentences. Why would I say…
Lindsay Bluth Fünke: Sandwiches?

When I saw this sandwich shaped cake mould, I knew it would come in handy!  My brand new Cakewich made its debut as part of the Valentine’s Day Observed dinner.

To the one who finishes my… sandwiches…. Happy Valentine’s Day!  

There might be some stickage, but not to fret!  You need to cut off the surface anyway to create the sliced bread look.  The use of almond flour and whole-wheat pastry flour meant my Cakewich looked more like slices of whole-wheat bread, which is fine by me, since I am… With the Grains!

Sandwich filling…

Almond Cakewich

Cake Ingredients

1 cup almond flour
1 cup whole-wheat pastry flour
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¼ teaspoon salt
¾ cup organic, unsalted butter, softened
1 ½ cups turbinado sugar
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2 teaspoons organic almond extract
7 egg whites (local/free-range)
¾ cup organic whole milk

Filling Ingredients

Justin’s Chocolate Hazelnut Spread
Bonne Maman Cherry Preserves

For the Cake

Preheat the oven to 315 degrees F.

Grease and flour the inner bottom surface of the Cakewich pan.

Combine the flours, baking powder and salt in a bowl. Whisk well.

Whisk together the egg whites and milk by hand in a medium mixing bowl until just combined.

With an electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy, about five minutes. Add vanilla and almond extracts. Beat vigorously.

Reduce the mixer speed to low. Add one-quarter of the flour, then one-third of the flour, then one-third of the milk mixture, mixing until just combined, scraping down the bowl with a spatula and then repeating.

Scrape down the bowl well with a spatula. Pour the batter into the Cakewich pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.

Cool the cake in the pan on a cooling rack for one hour, then unmold it to finish cooling right side up.

To Assemble The Cakewich

Use a bread knife to slice off the top and create an even surface. Then slice through the center. Carefully remove the top half of the cake. Spread an even layer of hazelnut spread on the cake, followed by the preserves. Top with the other half of cake.

OR

Just watch the GIF version!
(click on the assembly photo below to see the action version)
↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓↓

serve with…

Hazelnut Whipped Cream

Ingredients

1 cup organic heavy cream, chilled
2 Tablespoons organic chocolate hazelnut spread
1 Tablespoon pure vanilla extract
2 Tablespoon honey

For the Whipped Cream

Combine all of the ingredients in a chilled bowl. Use an electric mixer to beat on high until stiff peaks form. Keep chilled until ready to serve.

♥,

With The Grains

ps:  Next time, I’d use the whipped cream version of the chocolate hazelnut spread as a sandwich filling.  On its own, the spread was delicious but just a tad heavy in combination with an almond based cake.