Welcome to the January edition of The Cake Slice, where members bake up a monthly cake from the cookbook “Sky High: Irresistible Triple-Layer Cakes” by Alisa Huntsman and Peter Wynne. On the menu this month was Banana Cake with Praline Filling and White Chocolate Ganache.
(Is it just me, or have recipe titles gotten really, really long?)
The praline filling was interesting and introduced me to “sugared pecans” for the first time (both eating and making them). The method for making the sugared pecans was new as well… we first boiled the pecans for 5-8 minutes, let them drain, then coated them with powdered sugar, then deep fried them.
And how were they? Dad-gum good!! I just happened to have a hot cup of tea as I was making them, and let me tell you, just-warm sugared pecans with a cup of hot tea… out of this world! It was hard to save them for the cake.
The filling consisted of chopped sugared pecans with white chocolate ganache. Here you can see it (somewhat) before icing. (Love that skimpy bottom layer of filling... not!)
I'm sorry to say I didn't sample the cake. I sent it with my sister-in-law, who works for the Muscular Dystrophy Association, to one of the MDA's monthly events. I heard back, though, that it was delicious.
I'm just happy to have been introduced to sugared pecans.
OK, over and out until next month! If you want the recipe either A) buy the book (you won't be sorry, I promise), or B) check it out here, courtesy of Gigi from Gigi Cakes, and our fearless leader.
The cake looks great! I could probably eat my weight in those sugared pecans, though. That sounds like a really interesting preparation method -- I have no doubt that the frying made all the difference!
ReplyDeleteToo bad you didn't get to taste the cake. It sounds amazing. You did a great job decorating it.
ReplyDeleteThatlooks like it could use a home in a bakery display case! I would defintely have picked a slice of that for tea! lovely job with the decorating. Pity you didn't get to try it though.
ReplyDeleteThis looks fabulous!!
ReplyDeletewhat a nice cake and surely by the way you describe it its fantastic :)
ReplyDeleteI agree the sugared pecans were awesome! I am totally making them next year for the holidays. Great cake!
ReplyDeleteOh wow your cake looks great. I love how you decorated the top, its made it look like a giant daisy, so pretty.
ReplyDeleteGreat job on your cake, it looks absolutely delicious. Too bad you didn't get to try a piece.
ReplyDeleteYour cake looks divine. And you get an extra pat on the back for giving it away for a good cause.
ReplyDeleteWOW your cake looks beautiful and I adore the decor!!
ReplyDeleteRosie x
Pretty cake. The sugared pecans were a real pain, but oh soooo gooooooood. Hope your sis enjoyed it. You will have to give us her comments.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! And sky high too! Love the flavour combos.
ReplyDeleteYUM girl!!
ReplyDeletethat looks so yummy! I think I will have to try this cake
ReplyDeleteoh my! good for you, jacque! once again, i failed to complete the assignment, but i choose to live vicariously through you. it's stunning. i adore pralines and white chocolate, and i may just have to make this puppy anyway. :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I would have gotten to make this, I've been down and out with a blister of a cold. It looks great !!
ReplyDeleteYou did an absolutely spectacular job!!!!
ReplyDeletethese titles are sooo long....i almost don't need to say a word about the cake, b/c the title is enough! yours looks delicious, and is beautifully frosted!
ReplyDeleteThe cake looks fantastic! Great job on the sugared pecans. Looks like you found a new best friend! :)
ReplyDeleteLove the pecans as well. Your cake looks so pretty looks like a flower
ReplyDeleteHigh cakes look so intimidating to make. This is very inspiring :)
ReplyDelete