Yes, you’re right. I am talking about Julia Child. I love her way. I still watch her cooking programs on the tube and I’m constantly learning new techniques from her.
Years ago I gave my mom a Julia Child cookbook, Mastering the Art of French Cooking, by Julia with Simone Beck. Every now and then, I pull that cookbook down from the shelf and try a new recipe. Today it was sponge cake. Said it could be used instead of shortcake, so I gave it a try. And…..we loved it!
Yes, there was a whole lot of mixing going on, but it was worth it. I definitely would use a stand mixer if you’ve got one. Secret? I didn’t have a stand mixer until about 2000. Can you believe it? Boy, was I stupid!! They are worth their weight in gold!
Julia's Spongecake and Berries
Author: Denise, with Julia Child 🙂
Recipe type: Dessert
Cuisine: French and American
Prep time:
Cook time:
Total time:
Serves: 8-10 servings
A light, sweet buttery sponge cake. Delicious with toppings like berries and cremes.
Ingredients
- 4 T butter
- ⅔ C granulated sugar
- 4 egg yolks
- 2 t vanilla extract
- 4 egg whites
- pinch of salt
- 2 T sugar
- ¾ C cake flour
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and flour a 10" cake pan.
- Melt butter and set aside to cool.
- Gradually beat ¾ C sugar into egg yolks, add vanilla and continue beating for several minutes until mixture is thick, pale and yellow.
- Beat egg whites and salt together in a separate bowl until soft peaks are formed; sprinkle on sugar and beat until stiff peaks form. Scoop ¼ of the egg whites over the top of egg yolk mixture. ; sift on ¼ of the flour, then fold in until partially blended; add part of tepid butter. Continue until all ingredients are delicately folded in. Be careful not to over mix. The volume is important to make a light cake.
- Bake til lightly brown and puffed. Remove from oven and let stand in pan for 6-8 minutes. Run a knife around the edge of pan, then reverse on cake rack. Allow to cool for an hour or so before serving.
- I served with my favorite fresh berries and whipped cream. You can serve with your favorite topping.
- Enjoy!
Enjoy!!
