120 Min
NF
Beauty Berry Lemon Cake
Beauty berries are blooming here in Texas in late summer, and you can see them in hedges, parks and out in the wild forested areas of Texas, where they are native. I discovered them a few years ago at a friend’s ranch in Hempstead, where, interspersed with tall yaupon and pine trees, giant beauty berry plants filled with dozens of tall stunning purple blooms were all over. It’s a sight to behold and bear witness to the reverence and incredible beauty of nature.
For a long time, beauty berries were considered inedible due to their slightly bitter flavor, but emerging wisdom is implying that they are not only edible but may be good for our heath. There is active research going on to determine the ability of beauty berries to treat memory conditions and possess anti-cancer properties. The berries itself have a slightly bitter but lemony flavor that is wonderful when cooked in jams and purees. They can be tossed raw into salads or can top off a rice or quinoa pilaf for a beautiful finish. Here is a recipe for a small lemon cake with cherries, topped off with whipped cream and beauty berries. The turmeric in the batter does not affect the taste but gives the cake a golden hue and the cherries at the bottom of the pan add another layer of flavor to the cake.
Beauty berries are blooming here in Texas in late summer, and you can see them in hedges, parks and out in the wild forested areas of Texas, where they are native. I discovered them a few years ago at a friend’s ranch in Hempstead, where, interspersed with tall yaupon and pine trees, giant beauty berry plants filled with dozens of tall stunning purple blooms were all over. It’s a sight to behold and bear witness to the reverence and incredible beauty of nature.
For a long time, beauty berries were considered inedible due to their slightly bitter flavor, but emerging wisdom is implying that they are not only edible but may be good for our heath. There is active research going on to determine the ability of beauty berries to treat memory conditions and possess anti-cancer properties. The berries itself have a slightly bitter but lemony flavor that is wonderful when cooked in jams and purees. They can be tossed raw into salads or can top off a rice or quinoa pilaf for a beautiful finish. Here is a recipe for a small lemon cake with cherries, topped off with whipped cream and beauty berries. The turmeric in the batter does not affect the taste but gives the cake a golden hue and the cherries at the bottom of the pan add another layer of flavor to the cake.
120 Minutes
6
Notes & Variations
- Leave out the cherries or instead, use blackberries or a stone fruit like peaches or plums.
- The cake can be made a day or two before but bring it to room temp before adding the whipped cream. It makes for a moister cake when it is not chilled.
Notes & Variations
- Leave out the cherries or instead, use blackberries or a stone fruit like peaches or plums.
- The cake can be made a day or two before but bring it to room temp before adding the whipped cream. It makes for a moister cake when it is not chilled.
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A handmade spice box containing chai masala, fennel seeds, coriander seeds, whole black peppercorns, whole green cardamom pods with a few black cardamom pods, garam masala, mace pods and nutmeg.
A handmade spice box containing red chile, turmeric, black pepper, cumin seeds, mustard seeds, amchur and garam masala.
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Local Goods
Enjoying the fruits of Texas ~ Beauty Berries & Peaches!
Look at these beauties!
