Strawberries & Cream Mac-O-range Cake … Macinspirations
“The power of imagination makes us infinite.”
John Muir
It was definitely inspiring and a great wrap on 2010. I’m talking about the Donna Hay Strawberry & Vanilla Macaron Trifle I made over Christmas. It made me look at the endless charm that macarons offer with wonder. Having won sort of won the battle with feet, or rather managing the frills on the fiddly macs more often than never {100% success is yet to land on my platter}, I wanted to explore different ways of incorporating macarons in dessert.
Laduree in Paris might have introduced some delicious made in France cupcakes, and the tables might look to be turning around once again making cupcakes the new macarons! Been hearing that sort of mild buzz on the net recently; also that these cupcakes are ‘out-of-this-world‘ good. They do look novel, creative & pretty, but then that’s Laduree for you! Nothing but the best!!
However, in my mind, I’m not ready to give up my macaron ‘fascination bordering on obsession’ just yet. Feet still give me endless joy; each batch popped into the oven still a heart-stopping adventure. The kids walk by nonchalantly exclaiming, “Oooh pretty, you got feet! Can I have one?” So many failed batches later and we are a well versed mac household who know the importance and the mood swings that come with the failures & success of the pitter patter!
I made this cake, inspired by mac thoughts for a sweet old lady who lives near by. She’s over 80, sprightly as can be and bursting with positive energy. Two days without seeing me and she’s at my gate with her walking stick checking if all is well, filling me up on the neighbourhood happenings, telling me that the lime tree is full of fruit etc. She sends me tangerines from her tree each year to make Bitter Orange Marmalade … one of my absolute favourite pass-times. It gives me as much joy, well almost, as finding feet! Seeing translucent pretty marmalade take shape from the very tart tangerines is in my mind, priceless!
It was her birthday a few days ago, and I knew the cake had everything she would love … strawberries, cream and orange. I added macarons around and on top for effect as I was elated to have found enough feet to go around a cake! Gosh, it isn’t often that I find so much mac-success, so mac-inspiration was in order.
Mac-Inspiration is our theme for our monthly macaron event on Mactweets this month … STARTING THE NEW YEAR WITH THE OLD AND THE NEW : MACINSPIRATION! You can combine or integrate your macarons into any dessert, making it a new part of an old favorite, or turn your macarons into your favorite dessert, inspired in flavor, texture, color.
What dessert would you be inspired to see recreated in macarons? I continue to be inspired by fruit in season, the colour palette that nature amazingly offers, textures … and of course macarons! Ever since sweet Jamie & I got together and launched MacTweets {a blog dedicated to making macarons}, there has been no dearth of inspiration! This time, my macarons are inspired by strawberries & cream, a simple dessert that we love to love. I made vanilla bean macarons, and filled them with slices of strawberries and cream {also did a few with candied orange slices and cream}.
Do you want to join us making MACARONS?
If you do, Jamie & I would be happy to have you join us for this challenge, or the next. You can find all the information at our dedicated macaron blog MacTweets. We generally have the round-up by the end of every month, following which a new challenge is posted!
Strawberries & Cream Mac-o-range Cake
Serves 6-8
Orange Sponge
1/2 cup plain flour
1/8 cup cornflour
1/2 + 1/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp salt
1/2 tsp baking powder
3 large eggs, separated
1/8cup oil {I used sunflower oil}
3 tbsp water
Rind of 1 orange {I used kinnow, a mandarin orange/citrus hybrid, like a satsuma}
1 tsp orange extract, or pure vanilla extract
1/4 tsp cream of tartar
Method:
Preheat the oven to 190C. Line a 7.5-8″ round tin; grease and dust with flour.
Mix together the cornflour, plain flour, baking powder, salt and1/2 cup powdered sugar in a large bowl {I used a balloon whisk}.
Beat the egg whites until frothy. Add the remaining 1/4 cup sugar and cream of tartar and beat till droopy soft peaks form. Reserve.
With a whisk, lightly mix the oil, water, yolks, rind and extract together. Stir into into the dry ingredients.
Beat with an electric beater on low speed until smooth.
Gently fold the beaten whites into the yolk mixture.
Turn into the prepared tin and bake till well risen and golden brown, about 45 minutes/until done. Check if it is done with a wooden pick. {Slide a sheet of foil lightly over the top if it begins to brown too fast}.
Leave in tin for 10 minutes, then turn out and cool completely on rack.
Once cool, cut into 2 layers.
Filling
200ml low fat cream
2-3 tbsps powdered sugar
200gms strawberries, chopped
Method:
Whip the cream and sugar to medium peaks. Fold in the chopped strawberries.
Whipped Buttercream Topping
Method:
200ml low fat cream
1 tbsp melted butter
2-3 tbsp powdered sugar
1 tsp strawberry extract {optional}
Beat the low fat cream, sugar and extract, and pour in the melted butter in a steady stream while beating. This will reintroduce the fat back into the low fat cream and allow it to be whipped to stiff peaks.
Assemble
Sandwich the cake with the filling
Frost the sides and top of the cake with the whipped butter-cream.
Garnish with sliced strawberries, candied tangerine slices and macarons
Vanilla Macarons
Macaron Batter
1/2 cup powdered vanilla sugar
1/4 cup almond meal
1 large egg white {30gms}, at room temperature
2 1/2 tbsp granulated vanilla sugar
1/2 tsp egg white powder
Method:
Preheat oven to 140C.
Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.
Grind together the powdered sugar with the almond meal briefly so there are no lumps. Don’t over work, else you might get oily almond butter.
In the bowl, beat the egg whites until they become frothy. Beat in the granulated vanilla sugar until very stiff and firm, about 2 minutes.
Carefully fold the dry ingredients, in two batches, into the beaten egg whites with a flexible rubber spatula. When the mixture is just smooth and there are no streaks of egg white, stop folding. {If you draw the spatula through the macronage, the line drawn should disappear to the count of ten.}
Using a teaspoon, or piping bag, drop / pipe the batter on the parchment-lined baking sheets in 1″ circles evenly spaced one-inch (3 cm) apart.
Rap the baking sheet a few times firmly on the counter top to flatten the macarons and get rid of trapped air bubbles, then rest for about an hour.
Bake them for 15-18 minutes, watching carefully. {I bake mine on the highest shelf, as my oven functions on just the lower element}
Let cool completely, then remove from baking sheet.
Sandwich with some whipped buttercream and strawberry and candied orange slices.♥ Thank you for stopping by ♥
May I share with you my 5 minutes of fame which made me do the Happy Feet dance?
I was featured in the January 2011 Indian edition of ‘Better Homes and Gardens’ with an interview and 4 recipes in a 3 page feature.
Don’t miss a post 
Also find me on The Rabid Baker, The Times of India
Deeba @ PAB
About me: I am a freelance food writer, recipe developer and photographer. Food is my passion - baking, cooking, developing recipes, making recipes healthier, using fresh seasonal produce and local products, keeping a check on my carbon footprint and being a responsible foodie! I enjoy food styling, food photography, recipe development and product reviews. I express this through my food photographs which I style and the recipes I blog. My strength lies in 'Doing Food From Scratch'; it must taste as good as it looks, and be healthy too. Baking in India, often my biggest challenge is the non-availability of baking ingredients, and this has now become a platform to get creative on. I enjoy cooking immensely as well.
83 Comments
Mia
And this is Deeba , nothing but the very best!!
I am doing the happy dance with u too , coz when i show off the better homes and gardens , im gona say , yay thats my happy pal:-)
This is a wonderful time for u and family!
I wanna tell u again ,may i???, how muc i love ur blog and more so the person behind it:-)
And am happpyyy to see ur Mac creations always , ur amazing babe!
and not to say i dont love cupcakes coz i do , specially of they are pink:-))))
Anh
soooo pretty and congrats again Deeba!
Ju
What’s left to say, Deeba? Whatever you make always turns out divine! This one is no exception. Also, congrats on that interview! What a great way to start the new year.
Jamie
Sweetheart, this is a gorgeous cake for a neighbor who sounds delightful! Perfect, perfect, feety macs, my dear – YAY!!!! And you have really turned them into a spectacular dessert! Gorgeous! Wow! And forget the ordinary cupcake, I am so with you on the mac! xox
Jamie
Oh and CONGRATULATIONS on the brilliant stunning article! Wowee! I even told JP about it and he loved it! Oh, babes, you deserve this kind of attention all the time! Brilliant article and I adore that photo of you!
Sanjeeta kk
What a gorgeous way to show your love & care for others! Deeba you truly are a passionate baker and a caring person. Wish I was that old lady to have received this scrumptious gift 🙂
Waiting to see the Tangerine orange marmalade of yours. And a big congrats for the well deserved mention. Wishing you many more of such accolades to come your way. Sending you a mail to join the Mac Tweets.
Cheers!!
Deeba @ PAB
Have posted the Bitter Arrange Marmalade earlier here- , and lovely to know you are joining us at MacTweets Sanjeetha!
Sanjeeta kk
Deeba, was the juice of the Tangerine used in the Marmalade?
Deeba @ PAB
Yes, everything including the pith goes into it. The seeds are tied in a little bundle and tossed in too. They release pectin {I think} which serves as the setting agent for the marmalade. I halve the fruit, deseed it, just take a pair of kitchen scissors and snip the tangerines into a huge bowl.
Rosa
Congrats!
That cake is gorgeous! I love it when macarons are used as decoration.
Cheers,
Rosa
Priya
Gorgeous and damn pretty looking cake, those macarons looks soo adorable…
Sylvie @ Gourmande in the Kitchen
I can’t believe that even Laduree has gotten cupcake fever. I would never have guessed that would ever happen. At least they put their own mac. spin on it. How kind of you to make this special cake for your neighbor’s birthday, she is one lucky lady! Perfect feet on those macarons!
Congratulations again on your magazine feature, you do amazing work.
Sukaina
How sweet of you to bake for your neighbour. I wish I had a neighbour with a tangerine tree! And many congratulations on your feature. You really deserve it and more!
Renata
Congratulations! You deserve every minute of fame, you put so much soul and love in your baking, everyone can see that. You’re an example to all of us!
I’ve never tried my hand at macarons, who knows a challenge is all I need!
Samruddhi
Im a regular at your blog..I have also tried many cakes from your recipes..and they have turned out wonderful…this time i need a help…I wanted to try macarons but My oven doesnt have the option of choosing the heating element…so it heats up both the elements so in this case what should i do..any suggestions….Please help me…I really really want to try…:-)
Congratulations for your interview in the magazine…
waiting for your reply..
Samruddhi
Deeba @ PAB
Just off to mail you Samruddhi. Hang on in there…
Sally
So pretty! No wonder your children were planning a raid. Congratulations on a well deserved article.
Jessica @ How Sweet
What a fun cake! It is absolutely stunning!
shaz
Very inspirational indeed dear Deeba. And what a sweet cake to make for your spritely friend 🙂 I remember reading about that marmalade before, ah so this is the source. So happy you are having feats (feets?) of success! I better get a move on, only just started ageing egg-whites today.
Xiaolu @ 6 Bittersweets
Such a gorgeous and creative cake, Deeba! And so sweet of you to bake for your neighbor. I’m sure she was very touched at your generosity. I have yet to attempt macarons, but am sure I’d become just as obsessed once I do. Since cupcakes are one of my favorite treats and so portable, I’d definitely have to make some form of macaron cupcake :).
Monique
Congratulations..What a lovely lady and article:) And the cake is super!
Well done..as always..
gloria
Absolutely lovely recipe Deeba and nice , lovelly interview I adore this Magazine, huggs xoxoxo gloria
Barbara
I adore Donna Hay and thought that cover was a dream! How lovely you used it as inspiration for this divine cake, Deeba.
Nourhan @ Miss Anthropist's Kitchen
Gorgeous cake and macarons! I’ve never actually made macarons, but definitely want to try as soon as possible…I hope I don’t mess up too badly. Thank you for sharing!
Sheetal
Already have the magazine with me :). You look stunning with all your goodies. Congratulations!
Sharlene
This cake is gorgeous! I’ve made macs only a couple of times but definitely need to work on the technique. Inspiring!
jaya
Hello Deeba , this cake definitely takes d cake , its beautiful and surely it must have lifted spirits of ur neighbour . CONGRATULATION for ur interview in magazine .
I feel all the wonderful people who blogs , put their time and effort in presentation to their best abilities are like gracious hosts and when ‘we’ reader drops in read the content , are like guests . As courtsey demands it we must leave a comment to show our appreciation . Even though I am not a regular at any blog bt if I ve read it I make sure I leave a comment to encourage u and tell u how much I appreciate what u r doing. This lenthy explaining is a gentle nudge to all those people who read and move on silently . Sorry to take up so much space bt I had to speal my mind , right ? 🙂
Nithya
Wow.. the cake looks fantastic with those macs 🙂 cute decoration.
Its so good to see you featured and well deserved. 🙂 congratsssss 🙂
Lora
Strawberry and cream macarons! How fabulous! Such a gorgeous job as always Deeba. Love the picture in the article. You look beautiful.
Grapefruit
Rendered speechless as usual. Beautiful cake!
DG
Beautiful cakes! You look gorgeous and congrate you for being published in the magazine.
Jennifurla
Your famous! he he, I have yet to make macaroons…I think I am inspired.
sara
Mmmmm, that cake looks absolutely incredible! Yum! 🙂
briarrose
So cute!
Ananda Rajashekar
This is explosion of colours and cake is simply gorgeous as always and super big congratulation as always 🙂
Swathi
The cakes and macroons looks beautiful and delicious. I haven’t tried to make macroons. You are queen in making them.
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella
Deeba your macarons never disappoint! These are stunning and I love how fittingly they decorate the cake. I’d love to read the article too-congratulations! 😀
Shumaila
I love your site and your creations!! And you have inspired me to make some macarons. Have been intimidated by them all this while but I think I’ll give them a shot! 🙂
InTolerantChef
What an absolutley gorgeous cake! And congratulations on the magazine feature, how very exciting! Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Tanvi@Sinfully Spicy
Congratulations Deeba..you are simply the best.I will tell my mom about you tomorrow when I talk to her.She takes a monthly subscription of the magazine. This is such a big milestone.I love your blog and most of all the modesty with which way you pass on the news of such big milestones of your life–silently at the end of the post..Love you lady 🙂
And before I forget..I m coming to meet you on my next India trip and learn macarons ..you are a maestro in these now.
Adele
Congratulations with the spread! You look so wise!
Please don’t let cupcakes be the new macarons. I haven’t even started yet on the macarons!
Carolyn Jung
What a pretty and whimsical cake! If someone baked that for me on my birthday, I would kiss the ground that they walk on. And then, I’d help myself to a huge slice, plus seconds. 😉
Cakelaw
Deeba, this is one of the most beautiful cakes that I have ever seen. Great job! And Congrats on the magazine spread – very exciting.
katie@Just Because Katie
Hey… Thanx for stopping by my blog!!! This cake looks delicious and your photos are just perfect. Congratulations on being featured in a magazine. How exciting!!! XoXo
ping
Congratulations on being featured in “Better Homes and Garden”! Well deserved. Beautiful as ever.
Sara
Gorgeous Gorgeous Cake!!! I have just one word for you ~ AMAZING!!! luv ya! muah!
Congratulations on the article, which btw I bragged about it to hubby, parents & friends ~ I was like I know Deeba ! :))
Joyti
Congrats on the feature!
And the macaron’ed cake looks wonderful…
Tahemeem
Those pics look mindblowing 🙂 and the macs look too cute 🙂
Thats so sweet of u to make a cake for ur neighbour… and congratulations on ur interview 🙂
Maria @ Scandifoodie
That looks incredibly pretty! Well done!
ARTHI
Hey dee…congrats…im just downloading the e version to read yr article…fab cake wish I was yr neighbour 😉
Johanna GGG
what a lovely cake and a lovely way to showcase your macarons – I have never made them but have a healthy fear of them based on seeing bloggers such as yourself attempt them – I hope one day to have feet but it feels like it may be in a future far far away.
Ben
I want to thank that 80 year old neighbor for inspiring such a delicious creation. So decadent! And I’m stealing your quote today for my other blog 😀
Deeba @ PAB
ROFL amigo, you are the sweetest and funniest! The quote is all yours my friend!
Irina@PastryPal
That’s amazing to be in Better Homes and Gardens. You are a baking force to be reckoned with. And I love how you’re surrounded by a ton of baked goods. Perfect.
I always forget to use macaron shells as garnishes, but they do make the cake look gorgeous. It’s so nice of you to bake for your neighbor. Now I wish I was your neighbor :).
Stefania
bellissima ! ciao
Mj@cardamomhills
1.Now I really need to dare bake macaroons. that whole cake looks jaw dropping awesome!!
2.Congratz!!! u totally deserve being applauded for what you are =)
Anna Johnston
Deeba, I do believe your my hero when it comes to Macs, your amazing & this cake just takes my breath away. Wonderful. I imagine your little old lady neighbour was speechless, who wouldn’t love a cake like this. Congratulations on your H&G interview.., your 5 minutes of fame may lead to wonderful new horizons. Well done 🙂
Vimala
Congrats, you deserve it.
You are an inspiration for me …I have tried few cake recipes and also macaron (just once).
Vimala
BarbaraBakes
Congratulations on the feature article. Very well deserved! Your cake is beautiful and your friendship even more so. I’m sure she was thrilled with her cake! So glad you’re usually finding feet now!
Meg Luby
these look great and the cake… wow. such a lovely idea, you’ve inspired a cookie cake of my own, maybe not as grand but, something worth trying i hope!
thank you for sharing, your page is lovely as ever
-meg
@http://clutzycooking.blogspot.com
@http://myscribblednotebook.blogspot.com
Heavenly Housewife
Wow, congratulations, that is incredible, you are famous now daaaaaaahing! I wonder if anyone in India will recognize you from the magazine!? You must be so proud!!!
As for the Laduree cupcakes, I hope to try one in the summer–Mr P is taking me to paris for my birthday. Unfortunately they do not exist in London’s Ladurees. Check this out, here you will see how beautiful they really are:
http://www.parispatisseries.com/2010/06/laduree-cup-cake-pistache/
And it goes without saying that you’ve created another beautiful masterpiece. I wish it was my birthday so u could make me one!
*kisses* HH
Gera@SweetsFoodsBlog
Congratulations on the magazine feature Deeba! You’re popular! 🙂
You know I love strawberries and macs so the cake is outstanding mmmm!
All the best,
Gera
Ameena
Me and the Laduree are friends. Best friends. I love that place! There is nothing like sitting on the Champs Elysees with a cup of coffee and a Laduree macaron. Your recipe is amazing! I can’t believe you’ve recreated these.
And congratulations on your spread in the Indian B&G! Really, what an amazing honor.
Shilpa Sharma
Hi….I just came across your blog and I must say it’s really makes a good read. I am going to try the Strawberries & Cream with mac cake….looks divine…waiting for an occasion to bake that.
I am new to the world of baking and blogging (just in the process of writing about my baking adventures which I am thoroughly enjoying).
Look forward to more baking and reading about baking….
Shilpa
Natasha
Ahem ahem….look who’s in our mags now!! So proud of you, all your achievements and super proud to know you….you keep doing those magazine interviews girl, you are MY claim to fame !!!
P.S Did I mention that the cake’s to die for.Thanks for all the macaron advice. am still struggling, but one day, I shall conquer these darn cookies!
pavithra
Wow thats gorgeous cake.. so sweet of you that u care for others. And a big congrats for your article. You really deserve it. Loved ur buttercream icing.. 🙂 Noted down
pavithra
Deeba I have a doubt , 1 tbsp melted butter which ur adding to the whipping cream should be cooled completely or warm ?? Loved this icing its give nice satiny finish to the cake.
Sarah, Maison Cupcake
Oh my! I’ve not been here for a week or so and you’ve churned out all kinds of fabulous things that I’ll have to come back and visit in the morning!
I LOVE the cake, everything you do looks so pretty Deeba. Well done on the article too – it’s too small to read though even when I click on it? I’d love to read it!
I’ve made my macarons but am racking my brains what dessert to make them into. That deadline is creeping up on me and I’m determined to make it this month. Xx
Yogalili
Congratulations Dearest Deeba!!!
You are the best. So proud of you!
Biggest Hugs!
Lael Hazan @educatedpalate
My girls and I just made Macs for the first time! We had great success; however, decided circles were optional and…. well… they didn’t quite look as luscious as yours or Jamie’s. My oldest, upon trying the Mac pronounced it “good, but next time I want strawberry”. I guess I’ve now found my recipe!
SandyMoran
Congratulations Deeba-you must still be dancing around the kitchen-very well deserved. I have always loved reading your blog and studying your gorgeous photos. The magazine feature is so exciting and so fabulous for you. I too fell in love with that photo from the cover of Donna Hay-I printed the recipe immediately and can’t wait to make it. This cake of yours is now another to add to my list . Wonderful and stunning photos.
the urban baker
deeba – you’ve wowed me once again! you deserve more than your 15 minutes of fame because you put in 200% to this little blog of yours! best to you!
Ken⏐hungry rabbit
Congrats on your featured article. Finally got a chance to catch up on Mactweet and boy am I glad to see your beautiful cake.
Joy
Great cake recipe.
Karen
This is one of the most beautiful cakes I’ve ever seen – gorgeous photo’s.
meeta
OMG! Deeba – I cannot believe I missed this! Firstly I have no doubt that you are missing on inspiration for a cake – you are the inspiration for many others! Love this. As for the feature – look at you, you are gorgeous and congrats on the feature!
Cathy at Wives with Knives
The magazine feature about you is stunning, Deeba. What a beautiful picture of you! Your macaron trifle is so festive and clever a way to use our elusive little macs. It is still a thrill for me as well when I pull a baking sheet out of the oven and I see proper little feet and a nice, rounded dome.
HI Cookery
YOU, Deeba, are a “macinspiration” with all the beautiful baking that you do. Your strawberries, cream mac and orange cake creation would be a lovely Valentine treat as well. Congrats on being featured on the magazine, too. So honored to know a famous person! 🙂
Cecilia
Your cake looks fantastic and I bet it was so delicious. Thank you for being such an inspiration to all of us. Such beautiful photos. And congratulations on the Better Homes & Gardens feature!
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