It rained heavily early morning. So heavily
the Earth was not able drink up water and there were miniature lakes and pools
all around. If my kids were awake, they would have made paper boats and jumped
into every puddle splashing water. Morning was bright and as the Sun rose
majestically from behind the hills, dark clouds of myriad shapes fleeting
across the clear skies as if scurrying to reach some other destination.
While doing my breathing
exercises, my attention was caught by the gleaming water drops, trapped in the branches
and leaves of the Neem tree. Dappled in the sunlight, they glittered like
diamonds. Some glimmered, some sparkled, some shimmered, some twinkled, some
flickered and some flashed. I was mesmerized. Nature never fails to surprise
us. My reverie was broken by a spotted Cuckoo that perched in the branch and
all the drops fell into the lap of the Earth. Beauty is ephemeral and a source of
blissful ecstasy. It cannot be replicated or recreated…. this is
divine….spiritual!
Sending to the food event Bake Fest #21 conceptualized by Vardhini and hosted by Sweet 'n' Savoury
Himalayan Peaches |
Early monsoons and incessant
rains in the hills marred the joy of summer fruits this year. Last year we had
the privilege of collecting peaches from the orchard itself. Few days back we
bought some peaches from the market. And they were used beautifully in the
Peach Yogurt Cake a recipe that I discovered in the kitchn, which is a
storehouse of recipes of lovely bakes and this one had to be tried out.
Diced peaches |
Peach Yogurt Cake |
Peach Yogurt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze |
Peach Yogurt Cake with Cinnamon Glaze
Ingredients
3 large ripe but firm peaches
2 ½ cups all purpose flour
1 ½ cups thick yogurt
1 cup sugar powdered
½ cup olive oil
3 eggs
1 ½ teaspoon vanilla essence
2 ½ teaspoons baking powder
¾ teaspoons baking soda
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon dried ginger powder
¼ teaspoon clove powdered
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Method
Heat the oven to 180 degrees C.
Grease and line a 9 inch round cake tin.
Peel and chop the peaches.
Whisk together all purpose flour,
baking powder, baking soda, salt and spices.
In a wide mouthed vessel, mix
yogurt, olive oil, sugar and vanilla and beat till smooth.
Add eggs, one at a time mixing
well.
Add flour mix to wet ingredients
and stir till well blended.
Fold in chopped peaches.
Pour batter into the cake tin.
Bake for 50 to 60 minutes or till the top turns golden brown and a skewer
inserted in the center comes out clean. Cover the cake with a foil it is
becomes too brown.
Transfer to the cooling rack and
remove from the tin after 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Glaze
Ingredients
¼ cup low fat cream
½ cup sugar
1 teaspoon powdered cinnamon.
Method
Whisk together all the
ingredients.
Pour cinnamon glaze over the
cake. sprinkle toasted, slivered almonds.
This is a really lovely cake. I can't eat it but Steve can :)
ReplyDeleteI love yoghurt cakes. They turn out soft and moist and are guilt free too. Cinnamon glaze must have tasted heavenly along with the peach cake.
ReplyDeleteThe more I read about the place where you live, the more am jealous of you! What a lovely scene it must have been. As I read through, I picturised it all and was fascinated. The cake looked delicious and must have been a feast during this monsoon season.
ReplyDeletewow..totally wonderful details about your place...hmm i can run through my eyes through that beauty...wonderfully glazed cake...simply loved the recipe
ReplyDeleteDelicious! I love juicy peaches in season and this cake is doing great justice to them!
ReplyDelete