... cherries soaked in kirschwasser and sugar, meringue flavored with Amaretto, buttery slivered almonds rolled up to form a pretty cake and topped with white chocolate drizzle ... my daily caloric intake on a plate with a side of good coffee ... my kind of Monday !
Making the coffee rings with two different fillings was a bit of a hectic affair, but I'm really glad that I did it. The comparison between the two rings was fun. We had slices last night with dinner and I ended up sending half of the remains home with Eric, my son. Today, all I can shoot is a pretty slice of the sweet take with my morning coffee and my Bittman read.
This ring had more loft to the dough than the savory ring of last night. It was the first ring I constructed and I think that the dough was at the perfect place in its 'rise'.
The cherry filling was perfect with my new bottle of kirschwasser. It arrived just the other day from my friend, Lizzy. She was a dear and sent me a box of Dutch treats and cooking staples from her place in Amsterdam. It arrived just in time for my DB baking weekend! Talk about excellent timing!
The filling components were all ready before I even started rolling out the dough. Then, it all came together quickly and gently. You have to be careful about rolling the jellyroll and bringing the ends together into a completed ring form. I did a better job on the second ring - the savory take. The chocolate drizzle on my sweet take covered the less than perfect seal on my first attempt.
The key on filling ... don't stint on the good stuff. There is plenty of dough to soak up that tasty meringue and the flavors from the boozey cherries and sweet buttery almonds.
When all is said and done ... this was a really fun first time out for Daring Bakers. I have a newfound respect for bakery chefs ... now I know the work that goes into those picture perfect coffee rings and Danish pastries.
So here is my recipe take on this month's challenge. Enjoy!
Hi Susan, that looks amazing - I too have lots of respect for pastry chefs but consol myself that they are baking for work and rarely have toddlers clinging to their legs etc... I'll save this recipe up for nap time, I think!
ReplyDeleteHave a great week, Lucy x
I love this variation. I have been visiting blogs with these DB posts all morning and yours is the first with cherries. It sounds wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLovely bread and am sure it must be sumptuous to with a hot cup of tea... !
ReplyDeleteWow - it looks and sounds amazing.
ReplyDelete@ Lucy - The Kitchen Maid ... clinging toddlers can cramp your baking style! Enjoy the pastry chef's efforts and soak up the toddler love! There's plenty of time down the pastry liune for making sweets ... ;-)
ReplyDeleteMmmm, looks good! I'd love a slice with my coffee!
ReplyDeleteOh, dear. Susan. I was very content to go to bed until I saw this scrumptious coffee cake! Great job! Pastry work is not my favorite. I think it takes certain patient and enduring personalities to make such treats. You are one of them. :)
ReplyDeleteI can almost smell and taste this wonderful creation; great job.
ReplyDeleteRita
This really sounds other worldly good. I'd love to have a slice with my coffee. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary
ReplyDeleteThis is out of the world delish and you go Susan!! I have not the courage to join the DB challenges - I fear I have not the baking prowess....lol....
ReplyDeletePerfect with that cuppa you've got there!
chow! Devaki @ weavethousandflavors
Oo, that sounds amazing - all those alcohol-soaked components add glamor to this otherwise cozy coffee ring. Yum!
ReplyDeleteWOWOWOW I looked at both versions you did and I'm impressed with them both. The curried version is beautiful and this sweet version is outstanding I love the addition of the liquor in this cake. Wonderful work on your first very successful challenge.
ReplyDeleteCheers from Audax in Sydney Australia.