Dutch Cherry Cake

TO ALL MALAYSIANS





CHERRIES may be imported, but they are one of the freshest fruits you will find in the Malaysian market even though its not frequent here in Melaka. After ripening on the trees, they are harvested, packed and on the shelves at your local retailer or hypermarket within two days.
North-west cherries are one of the most popular types from the United States. The growing regions are scattered throughout the states of Washington, Oregon, Idaho, Utah and Montana to allow the fruit to ripen at different times.
The two species are sweet cherries (Bing, Royal Ann and Rainier) and sour cherries, also known as tart or pie cherries (Montmorency).
Demand for cherries in Malaysia may be high, but they are expensive owing to various reasons.
The mode of transportation by air to keep the fruit as fresh as possible and to get them in the shortest time from farms to consumers overseas is one reason cherries are costly. There are also potential hazards during the growing process. Cherries can make or break growers owing to climatic conditions.
Sometimes, growers make attempts to blow away rain clouds. Heat and rain can be a threat to cherries and damage the fruits.
Cherries are usually sold with the stems attached so that they last longer.
Choose large, plump cherries with smooth shiny skins. Keep whole cherries, unwashed, in a breathable plastic bag in the refrigerator. Wash before serving and eat as soon as possible as they can deteriorate fast.

Benefits of cherries
Sweet cherries are a good source of potassium. Increasing evidence shows that a diet rich in potassium may help to control blood pressure and reduce the risk of hypertension and stroke, according to the Northwest Cherries website.
Melatonin, a hormone produced by the pineal gland, is helpful in promoting healthy sleep patterns. Cherries are a plant food source of melatonin and one study shows that melatonin supplementation is effective in reducing jet lag.
They also have cancer-preventive components, including fibre, vitamin C, carotenoids and anthocyanins. They are a good source of cyanidin, which may be helpful in reducing the risk of cancer.
Sweet cherries have anthocyanins and other pigments in smaller concentrations that together are thought to protect the heart and related vascular tissue.

This recipe comes from Rachel Allen.I have done some variations by using cherries instead of apples.



The fruit sinks to the bottom quickly,leaving a light sponge on top with a lovely sugary crust. Therefore put in the cherries at the last minute before placing into oven.Makes 12-16 squares.
 2 eggs
 175g (6oz) caster sugar, plus 15g (1/2oz) extra sugar, for sprinkling
 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
 (3oz) butter
 75ml (2 ½ fl oz) milk
 125g (4 ½ oz) plain flour
 Rinds from 1 orange
 2 ¼ tsp baking powder
 10 cherries (halve and deseed)
 75ml (2 ½ fl oz) double cream, to serve (optional)




1.Preheat the oven to 200ºC (400ºF), Gas mark 6. Line the sides and base of the cake tin (20 x 20cm (8 x 8in) square cake tin) with parchment paper.
2.Using an electric whisk, whisk the eggs, 175g (6oz) caster sugar and vanilla extract in a large bowl until the mixture is thick and mousse-like and the whisk leaves a figure of eight pattern (this will take about 5 minutes).
3.Melt the butter in a saucepan with the milk, then pour onto the eggs, whisking all the time. Sift in the flour, and baking powder and fold carefully into the batter so that there are no lumps of flour. Mix in orange rinds.Pour the mixture into the prepared tin and smooth the surface.
4.Sliced the cherries in halve and deseed it, then drop them over the batter. They will sink to the bottom (this is meant to happen!). Sprinkle with the remaining sugar and bake in the oven for 10 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 180ºC (350ºF), Gas mark 4 and bake for a further 20–25 minutes or until well risen and golden brown.
5.Allow to cool in the tin, cut into squares and serve warm with cream .

VARIATION
Apples: Instead of orange rinds add cinnamon powder into the batter. Instead of the cherries, sink 2 sliced apples into the batter and cook in the same way.Its advisable to finish the cake by 2 dayz.

Source:Rachel Allen from Rachel Allen Bake!


This wonderful recipe is my contribution to the Event Veggie/Fruit A Month started by Priya and at present hosted by Umm Mymoonah of Taste Of Pearl City , Cherries being fruit of the month.