SEPTEM
LAVENDER &
BLACKBERRY
CAKE
Layers of lemon lavender infused sponge cake, sandwiched with fruity blackberry jam and wrapped in a lightly scented lavender and lemon Swiss meringue buttercream.
In the UK, blackberries reach their prime in August and September. Joyously, this plump and tangy fruit is ubiquitous, growing freely in hedgerows, country lanes and even cities at this time of year for all and any to pick and enjoy. I think most of us can remember picking from the bushes as children, our crimson stained fingers clutching a plastic tub to house our edible treasures.
Given that September babies are known for being practical and realistic, yet also brave and adventurous, it makes sense to take this seasonal and common fruit and do something a little different with it. Step in our pairing partner of lavender.
Although lavender is in full bloom mid-summer, it is a herb that offers so many possibilities year round and for so many practical uses (do I hear a chorus of approval from our resourceful September born?!).
Lavender is so much more than a fragrant floral plant. It is known for its healing and therapeutic properties, can act as a natural bug repellent, has a beautiful floral fragrance to scent oils, candles and soaps and also, surprisingly to some can be delicious used sparingly, in food.
Whilst not all lavender is created equal in terms of eating credentials (see top tip below about culinary lavender), it’s delicate floral perfume balances beautifully against the tart and often zingy blackberry. Throw in a little sharp lemon and you will have a taste sensation.
Myonlywordofwarninghereisthatlessisdefinitelymorewithlavender. Youreallydo justwantahintofitbuzzingaroundthebackofyourtongue. Aheavyhandcouldresultina soapytastingcakereminiscentofyourgreatAunt’sdressingtablesmellies, butusedin therightamountandit’sdelicatefloraltonewilltakeyouonaculinaryadventure.
In keeping with our September babies love for nature, I have kept the decoration theme for this cake quite organic and free form. Here we use palette knife strokes to create a random pattern – suggestive of petals and leaves but without the need for faithful recreation. This is a great starting point if you have never tried palette knife painting before and in the spirit of our practical September babies – works without too much fuss. By coincidence the birth flower for September is the lilac (or could we say, lavender?) toned Aster. So, a palette of lavenders, cream and green is the ideal choice here to complement the flavours within.