SWEDISH VISITING CAKE WITH BLACKBERRIES AND COCONUT FLOUR & A REVIEW OF GRANISTYL'S SKILLET PAN - GÂTEAU SUÉDOIS AUX MÛRES ET À LA FARINE DE NOIX COCO & TEST DE LA POÊLE GRANISTYL EN GRANITE

Frying Pan, n. One part of the penal apparatus employed in that punitive institution, a woman's kitchen.
- Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914), “The Devil's Dictionary” (1911)

Not on morality, but on cookery, let us build our stronghold: there brandishing our frying-pan, as censer, let us offer sweet incense to the Devil, and live at ease on the fat things he has provided for his elect!
- Thomas Carlyle (1795-1881)

Like a majority of  health conscious home gastronomes and passionate food aficionados, I particularly cherish quality kitchen utensils that are effective and don't threaten my well-being. Unfortunately, in our modern society where profit is king and things are not made to last, it isn't always easy to come across products that offer all those characteristic and far too often, one has to spend a lot of money on goods that rarely hold up to their promises.

Sometimes, looking for the ideal cooking appliance is comparable to the quest for the Holy Grail and it seems that acquiring a reliable casserole is quasi mission impossible, unless you are wealthy (well, prices are no guarantee of excellence either) or you don't mind polluting your body with dangerous substances.

My most recent search for a durable and teflon-free pan that would fit my budget has been remarkably fruitless, hellish, enduring and tiring. Finding a suitable match proved exceptionally difficult and I nearly had a nervous breakdown during the process!

Nevertheless, positive surprises happen and once in a while we encounter something that gives us full satisfaction and that isn't actually a wortheless gadget or total rip-off. Thankfully, in March it was my turn to be (doubly) lucky as I finally purchased the cast-iron wok of my dreams (fortunately for me, this weighty baby was on sale) and was kindly offered a skillet fabricated by a French brand which has hit the market not long ago. I very seldom get to renew my cuisine equipment, so it felt spoilt rotten and dead happy!

Well, today I am not going to speak about my Chinese device (even if it rocks big time), however instead I have decided to showcase Granistyl's unique and revolutionary 24cm frying pan (a world premiere) which I've had the opportunity of sampling exclusively for you.

This innovative device is embedded with a 9mm layer of hyper resistant, nonstick and scratch-free granite (cut into the block). As a result, it is healthy (little oil is needed and it helps preserve the nutrients - vitamins and minerals - in the fares you are preparing) and non-toxic (natural surface versus Teflon). Also, it offers uniform temperature distribution through the bottom and side as well as retains the heat wonderfully (less energy is needed/used and it stays warm for a while). In addition to that it is compatible with standard stovetops (gas and electric), induction ranges and conventional ovens.

Granistyl's cookware is practical (a real workhorse), beneficial and built to last, nonetheless it has a few minor "flaws". As we all know, stone is heavy, hence manipulation isn't all that comfortable if you have weak wrists or arms (you can’t really toss anything in it, everything has to be flipped with a spatula). Besides the edges are not high enough and I find that quite limiting, plus even if the vessel gets cleaned without dificulty (washed with a hot water and a metal sponge - soap should be avoided), minimum maintainance is still required (oil massage following each use). Not to forget that it costs a substantial price, so it's not acessible to everyone. Anyhow, the advantages outnumber the disadvantages and, at the end, this skillet is worth the investement...

In order to put my eco-friendly pan to the test, I decided to bake Dorie Greenspan's famous "Swedish Visiting Cake" which I revisited by adding wild blackberries I foraged last August in the Geneva countryside and replacing part of the all-pupose flour with coconut flour - my new obssession - a friend of mine bought for me in neighboring France.

The pan worked wonders and my tea-time/after-dinner treat turned out perfectly in both texture and flavor; the balance between sweetness and acidity as well as the chewiness of the crumb and crispiness of the crust was spot on. A divinely buttery, heavenly lemony, fragrantly coconutty and moreishly moist delicacy which you'll rapidly grow addicted to!

Disclaimer: Please note that I was not paid to review this product and that I solely promote things which stay true to my tastes, convictions and interests. Hence, the opinions expressed on Rosa's Yummy Yums are purely my own and based upon my personal experiences with GRANISTYL.

Swedish Visiting Cake With Blackberries And Coconut Flour
Recipe adapted from Dorie Greenspan's "Baking: From My Home To Yours".

Yields 8-10 servings.

Ingredients:
1 Cup (210g) Castor sugar
Grated zest of 1 organic lemon
2 Large eggs (~63g)
1/4 Tsp Fine sea salt
1 Tsp Pure vanilla extract
3/4 Cup (96g) All-purpose flour
1/4 Cup (32g) Coconut flour
120g (8 Tbs/1 stick) Unsalted butter, melted and cooled
Two good handfuls of frozen blackberries
About 1/4 Cup (30g) Sliced almonds
1/2 Tbs Castor sugar (for sprinkling)

Method:
1. Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F).
2. Butter a seasoned 24cm (9-inch) cast-iron skillet or other heavy ovenproof skillet.
3.  In a large mixing bowl, combine the sugar and lemon zest. Use your fingertips to work the zest into the sugar until it becomes moist and fragrant.
4. Whisk in the eggs, one at a time (whisking for about 30 seconds per egg).
5. Add in the salt and vanilla extract.

6. Using a rubber spatula, fold in the flours. Then, incorporate the melted butter (do not to overmix).
7. Scrape 1/2 of the batter into the skillet, sprinkle with the blackberries and cover with the remaining batter. Smooth the top using a spatula.
8. Scatter the almonds over the batter and sprinkle with the extra sugar.
9. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until tthe cake is golden and a little crisp on the outside (the center should remain a bit moist).
10. Remove the skillet from the oven and place on top of a cooling rack.
11. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Remarks:
You may also use a 24cm (9-inch) round cake or pie pan.
The blackberries can be replaced by the fresh or frozen berries of your choice or can be simply left out.

Serving suggestions:
Serve with a cup of coffee or a glass of liquor wine.

Gâteau Suédois Au Mûres Et À La Farine De Coco 
Recette adaptée du livre "Baking: From My Home To Yours" par Dorie Greenspan.

Pour 8-10 personnes.

Ingrédients:
210g de Sucre cristallisé
Le zeste d'un citron bio
2 Gros oeufs (~63g)
1/4 CC de Sel de mer fin
1 CC d'Extrait de vanille pure
96g de Farine
32g de Farine de noix de coco
120g de Beurre non-salé, fondu et à température ambiante
Deux bonnes poignées de mûres congelées
Environ 30g d'Amandes éffilées
1/2 CS de Sucre cristallisé (pour saupoudrer)

Méthode:
1. Préchauffer le four à 180 ° C.
2. Beurrer une poêle en fonte de 24cm.
3. Dans un grand bol, mélanger ensemble le sucre et le zeste de citron. Utilisez vos doigts pour travailler le zeste dans le sucre jusqu'à ce que ce dernier devienne humide et parfumé.
4. Ajouter les œufs, un à la fois, en fouettant pendant environ 30 secondes après chaque ajout.
5. Incorporer le sel et l'extrait de vanille.

6. A l'aide d'une spatule en caoutchouc, incorporer les farines, puis le beurre fondu (ne pas trop mélanger).
7. Verser la moitié de la pâte dans la poêle, saupoudrer avec les mûres et recouvrir avec le reste de la pâte. Lisser le dessus du gâteau avec une spatule.
8. Disperser les amandes sur le dessus du gâteau et saupoudrer avec le sucre.
9. Cuire au four pendant 25 à 30 minutes, ou jusqu'à ce que le gâteau soit doré et légèrement croustillants à l'extérieur (le centre doit rester un peu humide).
10. Retirer la poêle du four et la placer sur une grille de refroidissement.
11. Servir chaud ou à température ambiante.

Remarques:
Vous pouvez également utiliser un moule (rond) à gâteau conventionnel de 24cm.
Les mûres peuvent être remplacées par les baies fraîches ou congelées de votre choix ou bien même ne pas être utilisées du tout.

Suggestions d'accompagnement:
Servir avec une tasse de café ou un verre de vin liquoureux.

BLACKBERRY LOVE

Blackberry Pie Bars
Blackberry Tart

BLACKBERRY PIE BARS

Since quite a while, I've been systematically coming across a "The Pastry Queen" recipe for "Blackberry Pie Bars" on many of the blogs I visit and, as I'm a immense (black)berry lover as well as a big bar fanatic, I could not resist the temptation of baking them myself...

"The Pastry Queen" is a Texas treat, best-selling cookbook that has cought my attention since the day it was released. Unfortunately, until now, I had never tested one of their recipes and always had doubts about wether or not I should buy this book. Well, I must say that after having made those fantastic bars, there is no need to convince me to add "The Pastry Queen" to my long list of cookbooks which should sit in my cookery bookshelf!

First of all, it must be said that those bar cookies have a name which brings confusion. I personally don't find that those "Blackberry Pie Bars" have anything in common with pies nor do they ressemble one for the following reasons:
1. The crust is shortbready and very different from flaky pastry
2. The filling is dense and custardy in texture, just like clafoutis. Fruit pies generally have a straight forward and less copious filling consisting of berries/fruits, sugar, spices and a thickening agent.

Nonetheless, thos facts don't take anything away from those squares' unshakable appeal as they are totally sexy, terrifyingly luscious and incredibly flavorful. So the mistitling isn't all that important at the end. We are not going to dither any longer over the subject...

This summery goodness is irresistibly rich and pleasantly sweet, yet not sickly at all. The ambrosial flavors of blackberries (slightly biting and smoky), butter (round and nutty), lemon (refreshingly zesty) and sour cream (pleasurably tangy) blend well together, and the contrasting textures (smooth, creamy and crunchy) transform those bars into the most exquisite treat.

Those "Blackberry Pie Bars" are terrific and will bring joy amongst your munchers (children and grownups alike) who will chomp on them greedily as they taste like heaven and are addictive like hell!

~ Blackberry Pie Bars ~
Recipe adapted from "The Pastry Queen".

Makes about 24 bars.
Ingredients for the "Crust":
3 Cups (383g) All-purpose flour
1 1/2 Cups (315g) Castor sugar
1/4 Tsp Sea salt
1 1/2 Cups (3 sticks/360g) Chilled unsalted butter, cut into cubes
The zest of two lemons
Ingredients for the "Blackberry Filling":
4 Large eggs
2 Cups (420g) Castor sugar
1 Cup (240g) Sour cream
3/4 Cup (96g) All-purpose flour
1 Pinch Sea salt
16oz (480g) Frozen blackberries, defrosted and drained (see remarks)

Method for the "Crust":
1. Preheat the oven to 180° C (350° F).
2. Grease a 9 x 13-inch backing pan with butter or cooking spray and set aside.
3. Zest two lemons.
4. Measure out the sugar onto a clean work surface. Rub the lemon zest into the sugar with a bench scraper or the back of a spoon.
5. Combine lemon sugar, flour, salt and butter in an electric mixer fit with a paddle attachment. Beat the ingredients on medium speed until the mixture looks dry and crumbly.
6. Reserve 1 1/2 cups of the crust mixture to use as the topping. Press the remaining mixture into the bottom of the pan.
7. Bake the crust for 12 to 15 minutes until it is golden brown.
8. Let cool for 10 minutes while you make the filling.
Method for the "Blackberry Filling":
9. Whisk the eggs in a medium bowl. Add the sugar, sour cream, flour and salt.
10. Gently fold in the blackberries.
11. Spoon the mixture evenly over the crust (You may have to distribute the blackberries evenly around).
12. Sprinkle the reserved crust mixture evenly over the filling.
13. Bake for 45 to 55 minutes until the top is lightly browned.
14. Cool on a wire rack for 1 hour before slicing.

Remarks:
You can also use 3 cups of fresh blackberries, or 1 (16oz/480g) package frozen blackberries. If you’re using frozen berries, be sure to defrost and drain the excess liquid. Place the frozen berries on a plate in the refrigerator overnight.
Instead of using blackberries, why not try making this recipe with other berries such as blackberries, strawberries or raspberries (or a mix of all four berries).
Rubbing the zest into the sugar will release oils from the zest and create a lemon scented sugar.
As this recipe gives a huge amount of bars and we are only two at home, I decided to divide the quantities and bake those bars in a 23x23cm (9 x 9-inch) sheet pan. It worked perfectly and gave at least big 12 portions.
Keep those bars in the fridge (2 to 3 days max.).

Serving suggestions:
Serve those bars with either vanilla or lemon ice cream.

***************

~ Carrés Aux Mûres ~
Recette tirée et adaptée du livre "The Pastry Queen".

Pour environ 24 carrés.
Ingrédients pour la "Croûte":
3 Tasses (383g) de Farine blanche
1 1/2 Tasses (315g) de Sucre cristallisé
1/4 CC de Sel de mer
1 1/2 Tasses (360g) de Beurre non-salé, froid, coupé en cubes
Le zeste de 2 citrons
Ingrédients pour la "Garniture Aux Mûres":
4 Gros oeufs
2 Tasses (420g) de Sucre cristallisé
1 Tasse (240g) de Crème aigre/sure
3/4 de Tasse (96g) de Farine blanche
1 Pincée de Sel de mer
480g de Mûres congelées, dégelées et égouttées (voir remarques)

Méthode pour la "Croûte":
1. Préchauffer le four à 180° C.
2. Graisser/beurrer une plaque de 23 x 33cm et la mettre de côté.
3. Zester les 2 citrons.
4. Dans un petit bol, bien frotter le zeste avec le sucre, jusqu'à ce qu'il devienne humide et parfumé.
5. Dans un mixer, mettre le sucre parfumé, la farine, le sel et le beurre, puis pulser afin d'obtenir un mélange sableux (tel un appareil à crumble).
6. Mettre de côté 1 1/2 tasse de ce mélange, puis mettre le reste du "crumble dans le moule et bien foncer (applatir) avec les doigts.
7. Cuire la croûte pendant 12 à 15 minutes, jusqu'à ce qu'elle soit dorée.
8. Laisser refroidir 10 minutes sur une grille. Pendant ce temps préparer la garniture.

Méthode pour la "garniture Aux Mûres":
9. Battre les oeufs dans un bol moyen. Ajouter le sucre, la crème fraîche, la farine et le sel. bien mélanger.
10. Incorporer les mûres le plus délicatement possible.
11. Verser ce mélange sur la croûte et bien distribuer les mûres.
12. Saupoudrer de manière homogène avec le reste du "crumble".
13. Cuire pendant 45 à 55 minutes, jusqu'à ce que le dessus soit légèrement doré.
14. Laisser refroidir sur une grille et attendre au moins 1 heure avant de découper en tranches.

Remarques:
Vous pouvez utiliser 3 tasses de mûres fraîches ou 480g de mûres congelées. Si vous utilisez des mûres congelées, faites-les dégeler (une nuit au frigo) et égoutter au préalable.
Au lieu d'utiliser des mûres, pourquoi ne pas utiliser des myrtilles, des fraises ou des framboises (un mélange des 4 serait aussi parfait).
En frottant les zestes avec le sucre, vous libérez les huiles essentielles qui parfumeront votre sucre.
Etant donné que cette recette donne des quantité gargantuesques, je vous conseille de la diviser en deux et d'utiliser un moule de 23 x 23cm.
Conserver ces carrés au frigo (2 à 3 jours max.).

Idées de présentattion:
Servez ces carrés avec de la glace à la vanille ou au citron.