Friday, August 30, 2013

Guilt Free Irresistible Saffron Cake

Delicious and Luxurious SAFFRON CAKE 

An essential element of every party repertoire, Cakes are easy to prepare, can be made ahead or put together at the last minute, and are always delightful.

They are always on top when it comes to every entertaining style, from casual to formal at home or outside. Besides, they are easy to make, interactive, and fun dining for everyone. You can have various types of Cakes right from Chocolate cakes, to Fruit cakes, Vanilla cream cakes to our favorite Saffron cake.

Saffron Cake looks like a marriage of taste and luxury with a dash of glamour and tradition. This marriage looks fabulous and strong.

Saffron is one of the most sought after spices in the world. Its taste is impeccable. No wonder, it is a bit expensive. But it’s worth every bit!

Saffron is very old. Perhaps you knew that the ancient Egyptians and Romans used to enjoy Saffron delicacies back in ancient times? Saffron has a long history and its mentioned in ancient medical sciences as well as literature. That’s why it is famous in every nook and corner of the world and has different names like Kesar in India, Za'fron is the Moroccan Arabic etc.

Although a native of the Mediterranean region, Saffron has firmly carved its name in the cultural and culinary history of Europe and Asia. The golden spice is highly valued for its reddish to golden tinge it adorns to the food. Since at least 2300 BC it has been renowned for its flavor, color, taste as well as aroma. The vibrant golden color it renders to the food made Saffron particularly important in those days. One of the main reasons is the color golden it attributes which was believed to embark royalty and prosperity in many ancient cultures. Therefore, it is needless to say that the highly prized spice has its mention in Greek mythologies and murals. At the time of the onset of the Renaissance period Saffron was an emblem of wealth. Saffron was used in many religious ceremonies and was also used to make the attires of noble men as well as the spiritual elite.

On the same lines, the history of cake making can be dated back to the 13th century according to the Oxford dictionary. Cake is so primitive, in fact, that if you revisit the ancient times, the mark between bread and cake becomes dim. Cakes were also a part of rituals in ancient times.
They were made in round and crescent shaped to symbolize the Sun and Moon respectively.
The addiction of cakes the world over is long -lasting and deep rooted. Celebrations are synonymous with cakes.

Today, there’s a Cake store on every corner, and hip, upscale Cake boutiques are springing up across the globe.

Nothing is as tantalizing to your taste buds as a Cake in the oven, or smells quite as good as a freshly baked, rich Saffron Cake for it is the world’s quintessential dessert. Cake is an crucial role in every kind of family dinner and party.

The Saffron cake is one of the original cakes. Without a doubt, this is a cake that is perfect for any occasion. Saffron has a long association with culture,tradition and taste just like cake has its strong association with religion, festivals and of course taste. However, traditional cakes are full of calories and therefore inviting obesity and high sugar content.

The calorie intake of normal cake is approximately 170 whereas that of a chocolate cake is 240 and fruit cake is 139. Indulging your sweet tooth in a healthy choice can save you from obesity related issues. Cakes are usually the culprits behind accumulation of fats and sugars.

So, how do you get an irresistibly tasty cake without costing on your health ? The answer is simple "Saffron Cake " . This delicious cake is low on calories and high on the parameters of health and taste. Moreover, it can be made in your home kitchen.

Let see how to make this rich and luxurious Saffron Cake

For this you will require:
1 tsp Saffron Threads,
125ml milk,
500g plain flour, additional for dusting,
½ tsp dried, fast-action yeast,
salt according to taste,
250g cold butter, plus extra for greasing,
250g caster sugar,
200g cream (optional topping)


You will also need a wooden piece and a loaf tin . Loaf tins aren't always made of tin. They also come in blackened steel, tinned steel or aluminum, earthenware (think flowerpots), ovenproof glass. You have a better chance of getting a good result if you bake your cake in a loaf tin.




Method:
  1. Over medium heat gently slide in 1 tsp of Saffron threads in a pan of milk and bring it to a boil. You will notice that the milk color changes from white to yellow. Simultaneously, in another bowl blend together the flour, yeast, salt.

  2. To this mixture add the butter and sugar and mix it thoroughly.

  3. Splash over the Saffron-infused milk and fold until the mixture turns into a soft dough.

  4. Sprinkle little flour on a wooden surface and then spread the dough and knead lightly until it becomes smooth.

  5. Now start greasing your loaf tin with butter.

  6. Carefully slide in the dough to previously greased loaf tin. Now cover the loaf tin with a slightly damp towel and set aside in a warm place for 30-45 minutes.

  7. Preheat the oven to 350F.

  8. Now move the Saffron cake to the oven and bake for 45 minutes or until the color changes to a rich golden-brown.

  9. Let the cake cool down to room temperature and then transfer it from the loaf tin to a plate.

  10. Serve the delicious Saffron Cake with cream.

Your extremely delectable Saffron Cake is ready to eat. Bon Apetit!





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