Dare to Bake without a Kitchen
Yeah yeah… better late than never, right? Yesterday was the official posting day for Daring Bakers to unveil their top secret pastry… Unfortunately, the universe was against me, and posting on time was just not an option. This month was Filbert Gateau with Praline buttercream, chosen by Mele Cotte. The recipe came from Great Cakes by Carol Walter.
I was actually going to skip this month as it was a very busy one, and my kitchen is being remodeled. This was a true challenge for me, because I assembled the cake without a kitchen. You don’t realize how important counters and a kitchen sink are when you’re trying to fill and ice a cake. Not easy… and quite the mess.
I managed to bake the cake the day before my kitchen demolition, while I was packing up my dishes and pots and pans. The cake itself was fairly simple, until the “folding process.” I don’t know about the rest of you, but it seemed to call for 2 sets of hands… And who in the hell wants to mix in 2 tablespoons of the flour-nut mixture at a time? That would take a friggin hour! In addition, I used plain ol’ melted butter in place of the clarified butter… I just didn’t have time for that! Anyway, I muddled through and it (surprisingly) turned out magnificently. Very light and nutty. I used almonds since I didn’t have filberts on hand, but I could imagine how fabulous it would be with filberts. Also, I made half of the recipe and used a 6 inch cake pan. Less cake = smaller bottom for yours truly.
The praline buttercream was AMAZING! I’m not a big fan of buttercream, but when mixed with the praline, it was truly fantastic. I followed the (odd) recipe and filled the cake with buttercream and whipped cream. Strangely, I liked the combination. It was VERY important, however, to let the cake sit out for 20 minutes or so to let the buttercream soften before eating. It was not good when eaten cold.
As for the decorating of the cake… I half assed it. I let the ganache get a little too cool and it “glopped” a bit on the sides. Also, it was strange that the recipe did not call for a crumb coating of the cake before covering with ganache. Its virtually impossible to have perfectly straight and smooth sides without a crumb coat.
Here’s the current condition of my kitchen. Its ugly… but on its way to being beautiful!
This was by far my favorite (tasting) cake recipe I’ve done with Daring Bakers. I definitely see myself making this again, with modifications, of course. If you want the recipe, go here to Mele Cotte’s blog. Check out my past Daring Bakers posts here, and the rest of the Daring Bakers here.
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I think you win the award for the truly most daring baker. I couldn’t imagine doing most of this without a kitchen. It looks amazing though, so great job!
What an impressive looking cake! I understand about the no-kitchen baking part - we recently had a kitchen extension and midway through no kitchen, lots of rubble) my mother took on a catering job for 24 - hmm..not such a good idea! But your cake looks restaurant standard!
excellent! i’m so impressed — and i agree about the flour-sifting steps. i did it about 1/3 of the nut flour at a time, and it worked fine. hope your kitchen will be finished quickly!
Oh, it looks perfect! You definitely are a Daring Baker for undergoing this challenge in your kitchen, great job!
Glad you dusted of that cake before we shot it ;)
What an extra challenge you had seeing your kitchen demo. Great cake amazing what you can do.
Better lat than never IS right - especially since your cake looks absolutely MIND-BLOWING and decadent!! :0)
beautiful beautiful!! your cake looks great. the kitchen looks like you have some nice stuff coming, cant wait to see the finished product.
Your cake looks gorgeous! Congrats on both challenges, the cake and working in a kitchen under construction! :)
Wow this cake is so beautiful,great job
Your cake looks absolutely beautiful. and wow, you baked it in the kitchen that is yet to be done. you are one daring baker!:)
Wow! I must say that you’re cake looks spectacular. I feel like eating a slice right now! Great job on this month’s DB challenge, keep it up :)
Great job on this - especially without a kitchen! Good luck with the renovations. I’m sure it will be beautiful!
I love the picture with the remodeled kitchen! You cake looks wonderful.
Wow- bravo on doing this without a kitchen - I couldn’t!
Great job for doing it under the circumstances, it looks fabulous! Enjoy the soon kitchen (soon!)
You are a serious bad ass.
Love that first shot of your cake. Can’t believe you made this while your kitchen was under construction! I don’t think I would’ve been so brave :)
As always, another beautiful baked good from Candace! Did the puppies get a taste?
I am impressed by the result in any case and even more so under these circumstances - what a great spirit to participate this month!
Just a bite, can I have just a bite? It’s looks amazing and the state of your kitchen… you have my empathy!
It looks like it was a double challenge for you! Great cake! I simply adore your elegant decoration!
you have defined the expression “daring baker”.
Now that’s what I call dedication! Great job, the cake looks wonderful! Hope your kitchen will too :)
Wow. That looks so yummy. I think I’m going to try that recipe out. Can’t wait to read/see what the first “official” new kitchen meal is going to be :)
Is this the kind of post you normally write? And mouth-watering pictures you normally provide? Then I am totally coming back to this blog.
By the way, Candace, you’ve been nominated! Check it out! http://tarathefoodie.blogspot.com/2008/08/spreading-love.html
And with no real kitchen! That is dedication. It’s beautiful!
Brilliant! I am a loser, could not muster up the time between work/travel and you did it with a kitchen remodel! Impressed! Fantastic looking cake!
I’m amazed that you have managed to produce such a lovely cake even though your kitchen looks like a construction site!
I’m so impressed! I spent most of the month packing, moving and unpacking. I’m amazed you were able to do yours pre kitchen demolition. Bravo!
Your cakes looks great! You are really courageous! Very well done!
Cheers,
Rosa
Gosh your blog is so sexy. I want a professional looking blog on my own domain name too! You cake looks delicious! Moist and creamy. mmMmmm!
Will be back! :D :D
Your pictures are just wonderful, very professional! Love your cake!
I’m glad you didn’t skip this month’s chalenge. What a beautiful cake. and that photo… lovely!
Better get that kitchen to code….hahhahahaha. But seriously Candace that looks amazing! -Aaron