Japanese Inspired Battenberg Cake with Cashew Marzipan and Part 14A
June 28, 2012 at 8:02 am | Posted in Asian, Cakes, Daring Bakers, Dessert | 77 CommentsTags: battenberg Cake, Black Sesame, Cashew Marzipan, Chocolate, Fondant, Ginger, Japanese, Matcha Powder, Modeling Chocolate, Sakura
Would you like a spot of matcha tea with your black sesame – ginger scones? By golly, I’ve done it again! I’ve taken something traditional, and went completely barmy on it! OK, I wrote a whole entry in ‘Brit’ lingo back in ’09, and I’m not going to make any of you who remember, suffer through it again.
However..I’ve taken a thoroughly British cake, called a Battenberg Cake, first created to celebrate the marriage of Queen Victoria’s granddaughter, Princess Victoria, to husband Prince Louis of Battenberg, and infused it with Asian, mainly Japanese, flavors, and decorated it in kind. I know one thing for sure..as tasty and pretty as it is, it would probably shock the tickety-boos out of the Queen if it was served to her at any tea or special event.
Mandy of What The Fruitcake?! came to our rescue last-minute to present us with the Battenburg Cake challenge! She highlighted Mary Berry’s techniques and recipes to allow us to create this unique little cake with ease.
I was supposed to co-host, or shall I say sidekick this challenge with Mandy, but like a lot of promises and deadlines the past 3 months, I had to drop out (or delay). Not that I didn’t try, but, unfortunately, the humidity ghoul came stomping down on my jubilee – again. I ordered a Battenberg pan because I wanted to take the easy way out, (which I will get to in a moment), and just my luck, two tries stuck to the pan because of the stickiness in the air.
I won’t bore you with the trials and tribulations of my homemade cashew marzipan…but I will say, the humidity made it nearly impossible to roll out and wrap the cake in..so we ate it in chunks and I regretfully had to inform Mandy I wouldn’t be able to pull this one out in time. It certainly doesn’t help matters when your brain has been scattered too. Scattered brain doesn’t make for focused baking, decorating, or anything for that matter.
BUT, there is a light at the end of this tunnel. As a participant instead of co-host, I had some time to take advantage of a few clear weekend days and week nights to play with the Battenberg, and my cashew marzipan rolled out quite nicely.
As for the aforementioned Battenberg pan – when you see the challenge recipe, if you click the link below, you’ll notice that you don’t need a Battenberg pan to make this cake. A 7 to 8-inch square pan that you divide in half with parchment paper or foil works perfectly. Once the cake is baked, you slice each half in half, trimming off the uneven crusty bits to get perfect squares. Simple, right? Why spend the money on a Battenberg pan?
Well, I’m a horrible cutter/trimmer. I’m a crooked person – I always cut things crookedly. This is why I bought the pan – to make my presently off-kilter life easier. The less I have to think about something, the better.
So, now that I didn’t have to worry about anything other than slicing the top of the cakes off the pan with one quick cut, it made it easier to play, and play I did. When I was going to co-host, Mandy asked if I might want to make a matcha – black sesame version, or something off the beaten path.
Since I did something very similar with the Daring Bakers Dobos Torte (egads, horrific photos - look away!), again, back in ’09, it was an affirmative. I added 1 tablespoon of matcha powder and 2 teaspoons milk, to half the batter, and 1 cup of black sesame seeds to the other half. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
My original plan was to bind the cakes together with a sweet adzuki bean paste or an adzuki bean paste buttercream, like I did with the Dobos Torte. I changed my mind after deciding this baby needed some chocolate. I steeped some fresh ginger in hot cream, then poured it over chopped, dark chocolate, letting it set to a medium ganache, and used that instead. Definitely a great decision.
For the wrap, I colored homemade cashew marzipan red, then added dark modeling chocolate (aka chocolate plastique – included in the challenge recipes) tree branches, and tiny white fondant Japanese cherry blossoms called sakura – well, my version of them. I decided to do the blossoms and branches at the last-minute, and each blossom took for-ev-er by hand, with no tools (I got so fed up after three, I started pinching them into stars!) – so that was the most tedious part, but again, it was my decor decision, not something Mandy requested.
With that said, I’m not a fan of fondant, but there’s not a ton of tiny blossoms, so you can either eat them, or flick them into the trash if you don’t care for fondant either.
Thanks for an awesome challenge, Mandy, my dear friend! To get all the recipes for the Battenberg cake, and see a gorgeous array of step-by-step photos, not to mention two awesome Battenburg cakes Mandy made, click HERE. To see the beautiful Battenburg cakes my fellow Daring Bakers created, click on the links to their blogs, HERE.
Now to Part 14A (YES..14A) of Bad Boy First Love. If you’re just tuning in, Part One is HERE, Part Two is HERE , Part Three is HERE, Part Four is HERE, Part Five is HERE, Part Six is HERE, Part Seven is HERE, Part 8 is HERE, Part 9 is HERE, Part Ten is HERE, Part 11 is HERE, Part 12 is HERE, Part 13A is HERE, and Part 13B is HERE.
Right before I was going to ask him how he got my number, I remembered, but he said it first..
“I got your number from Tracy”
Tracy was one of their girl friends who would come down on weekends. I liked all of their hometown girlfriends and girl friends that visited, but Tracy was my favorite. Instead of packing a suitcase or duffle bag, she would max out her credit card at Bloomies or Saks, then drive down loaded with shopping bags of great clothes, like a rich shopping bag lady.
She would pull up in her car, bright blue eyes shining, blonde hair perfectly tousled, like she barely put any thought or effort into it – her cute, little turned up nose crinkling as she struggled to grab all the bags at once before getting out of the car. Of course I’d run to help her..I was always happy to see her.
I could tell my silence made him uncomfortable..he cleared his throat then continued.
“We knew you’d probably be home packing since you’re leaving for Boston tomorrow, and Scott is having a party, so they thought it would be great idea to invite you – they want to see you, especially Tracy”
I was being a little cold. I felt bad because he was truly a nice guy, albeit a little used to getting what he wanted when it came to those of the female persuasion.
“So why didn’t Tracy call me?” I asked skeptically
He laughed awkwardly. I certainly wasn’t making this easy for him.
“Well, I kind of volunteered – I’d like to see you too”
“Gary, that’s really sweet, but you know I’m in love with Dreamboat”
His voice rose..
“No, no, no..don’t sell yourself short, I had a blast with you down the shore – we can’t be friends?”
I couldn’t bear the thought of sitting alone for 6 hours missing Dreamboat – waiting for him to call, and I was a little naive.
“OK, come get me, but bring Tracy or one of the girls with you”
I could almost hear him relax..
“Great, I just need your address, and we’ll be there in about 15 minutes”
I waited outside for them. I couldn’t help smiling when his car pulled up and Tracy was hanging out the window squealing. I hopped into the backseat and soon we were chirping away like birdies at sunrise. It was as if Gary wasn’t even there.
I hung out with the girls the whole time, but of course Gary kept popping in seeing if I needed or wanted anything – like a boyfriend. If I left the room for a second, he was soon by my side, protective – like a boyfriend. I hated it..and found ways to slither back to the fun girl room quickly. One time, I was saved by Scott..
“Tell your guy I want a rematch..it was just a bad night for me, too much pizza” he said with a wink.
Let’s go back a bit, to almost two weeks earlier;
Down the shore…the guys could never stop bragging about how Scott could guzzle a whole bottle of beer in less than a minute. Well..I happened to know for sure that Dreamboat could do it faster, so I told them that. The match was on..without Dreamboat’s knowledge.
When he came to pick me up that night after work…I meekly told him what I’d put him up to. I loved his response..a very nonchalant..
“That’s cool, let’s go do it” as he took my hand and led me toward their apartment.
They sat down at a table across from one another – Scott, so confident, he insisted some money be put down – $20 bucks, to be exact. They each placed a 20 on the table, then lifted their beers, ready to go – then 1-2-3, GO! Within 30 seconds Dreamboat slammed his bottle down. Scott was still guzzling. Animal House in full motion.
Dreamboat grabbed the two 20′s, stood up, shook Scott’s hand, said goodnight to everyone, and off we went. No smile..no bragging..no fanfare. I melted as we walked out the door – momentarily looking back to see the guys picking up his bottle, studying it, turning it over and over.. like it was a rare gem – looking for any tiny flaw, aka even a drop of beer, so they could call foul.
I knew they wouldn’t.
It’s amazing what can impress the hell out of you when you’re a teenager. I was not only madly in love with Dreamboat, I also thought he was the coolest guy on earth.
I digress.
So, back at the party, the girls were getting bored by 10 pm and wanted to head out to a local club with their fake ID’s. Of course, I declined - I wanted to be home by 11 pm to do some last-minute scans through my house and bedroom, making sure I wasn’t forgetting anything, but most importantly, Dreamboat would be calling some time after midnight.
Obviously, Gary would be driving me home. He had to make a phone call first, so I plopped down on a reclining chair in front of the TV in Scott’s den. Gary pulled up a folding chair next to the recliner..at a 90 degree angle to me…facing my right arm, which I had up on the armrest. He’s still talking on the phone..so this struck me as kind of an odd move. He kept inching closer and closer, sort of leaning down towards me.
Next thing I know..he’s fiddling with my bracelet, a bracelet that Dreamboat gave me. It was almost sacrilege ..a guy that Dreamboat specifically asked to stop chasing me, is now playing with a token of Dreamboat’s love for me. I pulled my arm away. That means..I’m not interested – Strike 1.
He whispered “Sorry” and continued to talk on the phone to some guy he was selling his car to. What happened next is what I call the ‘Wet Lip’ incident, and to this day, it remains crystal clear in my memory chamber.
He had backed away, so I blew it off as phone tinkering..meaning when you inadvertently doodle on a piece of paper or pull aimlessly at a stray thread on a blanket while talking on the phone. No harm, no foul..it was all cool – or so I thought.
I relaxed again…a little tired, so I sort of zoned out..staring at a couple declaring their undying love for one another in some B list movie on television – my eyes at half-mast. Suddenly I felt his hair against my cheek, then his breath. Next thing I know, in between telling the guy he was talking to..
“Well…you can come by and check the engine tomorrow” and “It runs really great”,
..two wet lips hit mine..slowly and tentatively. I instinctively jerked my head away. The funny thing is, my first thought was..Why are his lips so wet? Did he actually saturate them with his tongue a million times before pulling this sneaky move? – instead of - What the $%^& are you doing? Which came next.
He backed off again…apologizing profusely. I began to wonder if he had even been talking to someone on the phone..maybe it was just some weird move he felt might work.? I was pissed.
“Take me home, Gary..NOW.” I’m not interested – Strike 2.
He immediately grabbed his keys, softly telling me how sorry he was, but I barely heard it..I just kept walking to his car – furious. When we pulled up to my house..he asked me if I was going to remain faithful to Dreamboat at college, insinuating that it would be almost impossible, since he had already gone two years at Rutgers, and it’s an academic meat market.
“Are you kidding me, Gary? Absolutely..I don’t want anyone else..I want to marry this man!”
He shook his head..then asked..”Then why aren’t you going to school locally?”
His question brought back that 4th of July evening, when Dreamboat, in his most vulnerable state, had me up against the tree, asking me to go local so we wouldn’t be apart.
I felt a tear, but quickly wiped it away.
Even though I didn’t feel I owed him an explanation, I explained anyway, to prove how much I loved Dreamboat.
He nodded..”Well..I guess that seals it”
“More than you know” I said, with a dash of ice
He leaned over..quickly requesting ”Just a goodbye/good luck peck” before I had any say in the matter, then pressed his wet lips to my cheek, but as close to my mouth as he could get. I pulled away, then opened the car door, wiping his slobbery peck off when he wasn’t looking.
“Goodnight, Gary..and thanks for driving me home”. I was out of there and at my front entrance in seconds. I’m not interested – Strike 3.
I ran up to my room and laid down on my bed. I couldn’t decide whether I should tell Dreamboat what happened, but then echoes of his friend’s stories filled my head..
“He almost killed a guy for beating his cousin to a pulp – they had the cuffs on him until they saw he pretty much saved his cousin’s life by nearly killing the guy”
Dreamboat would think nothing of getting in his car at 1 am and driving to find and beat the living daylights out of Gary. Gary would be beaten to a pulp, like the guy who attacked his cousin, and Dreamboat would definitely be arrested. I decided not to tell him..ever. I was leaving for Boston in about 12 hours..there would be no more chances for Gary to hit on me.
I laid there for a long while..I no longer felt like doing any last-minute checking for anything I might have forgotten.
I closed my eyes and ran my fingers back and forth over my lips. Gary’s wet, slimy lips were now the last to have touched mine until Thanksgiving..wiping away Dreamboat’s sweet goodbye kisses, less than 12 hours earlier. I called for my dog..who came running and jumped on my bed. I kissed his face and snout all over, then laid one squarely on his mouth.
There. fixed.
The phone rang.
I picked it up “Hello?”
“Hey, Killer” a male voice whispered sweetly.
“Hey, baby” a female voice whispered back just as sweetly.
I felt his deep love and warmth envelop me. I grabbed the teddy bear with his T-shirt and hugged it to my chest. After 15 minutes of sweet talk – I was wracked with guilt, he really did deserve to know that the guy he politely asked to stop hitting on me, had done it again. But, the ramifications could/would be brutal, plus, I was a little worried he might not be thrilled to know that I went to this party via the invite from Gary. It was all on the tip of my tongue. waiting to slide off..I hated holding anything back from him…
Part 14B coming soon.
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Your cake is fabulous! Great job here.
Loved the story… Can’t wait to learn more!
Cheers,
Rosa
Comment by Rosa May (@RosasYummyYums)— June 28, 2012 #
Your versions for these challenges are always amazing!
I just love the Japanese concept for the cake.
The homemade cashew marzipan sounds delicious,
And I love the flavors and colors combination you’ve created.
With the cute flower on top of it’s a perfect version- wtg!
Comment by The Cookie Fairy— June 28, 2012 #
This really looks Japanese (says I, who have never been in Japan) – when I saw the photo on DB I thought – hm … modern-japaneese look. I like the contrast of colours and the idea of using black sesame seeds. Great job!
Comment by liana— June 28, 2012 #
I really admire your flavor combinations and you made your own cashew marzipan…wow! Your battenberg cake looks impressive! Great job!
)
Waiting for the next installment
Comment by chef_d— June 28, 2012 #
That cake looks awesome! I love Japanese cherry trees, and it looks like it would be very tasty
x
Comment by Emily Cooks Vegan— June 28, 2012 #
I love the colour contrasts in your cake, and the branches and flowers are gorgeous. I definitely need to look into the cashew marzipan too. I have some preserved Japanese cherry blossoms in my freezer that I’ve been meaning to incorporate into a cake for a while–must get on that…
Comment by Mary— June 28, 2012 #
WOW! Absolutely stunning cake in all aspects!
Comment by recipesprout— June 28, 2012 #
Thanks so much!
Comment by Lisa— July 3, 2012 #
WOWWWW
I really like what you did with this cake
I LOVE your creativity
You cake looks great and I’m curious about the taste
I’ve never tasted Matcha powder and don’t even know what it is exactly.
My sister-in-law in Washington right now – can you tell me where she can find it??
BTW – a few month ago I made a similar cake, and called it Rubik Cube Cake – you can see it here
http://winnish.blogspot.co.il/2011/12/blog-post_25.html
Comment by Winnie— June 28, 2012 #
Beautifully done. Seriously. Darn humidity for making it harder than it should be, but your results were worth the wait!! I hope, baking-project-interrupting-humidity aside, that you’re having a good summer, my friend!
Comment by Shelley C— June 28, 2012 #
Well, I learned a lot today. First of all – had no idea there was a special pan for this cake. Doesn’t sound like it really worked anyway – but, somehow, that doesn’t matter. It exists. i want it.
Secondly, where do you live that it is so humid?
Thirdly, you have a WILD imagination, Lisa. WILD! I love it.
The cake looks tasty. Red is not my colour this time of year. Give me snow, winter, and February – then red works – but you probably had red on the brain with your red hot lover.
XO
Valerie
Comment by A Canadian Foodie— June 28, 2012 #
What an amazing cake. Write up my alley. I’m so impressed that you’ve heard of Mary Berry. I’ve made her coffee and walnut battenburg. Delicious but no where as near as perfect as yours.
Comment by David Crichton— June 28, 2012 #
Cashew marzipan? omg. I love the ginger flavored chocolate ganache and the flavors you used in the cake. You made me smile because I can’t cut or trim a cake to save a life either.
Comment by themadhausfrau— June 28, 2012 #
You did a marvellous job on this challenge. Your Battenberg cake is so beautiful, so perfect! Beautiful design on top!
Comment by zazacook— June 28, 2012 #
Your cake was well worth the wait! You did an amazing job and cashew marzipan sounds awesome.
Comment by Sarah— June 28, 2012 #
Wow, this is one gorgeous cake! I should have come out of DB retirement for this one, but no way could I outshine your masterpiece! Your garnishing is phenomenal. Can’t wait for your next installment~
Comment by Liz— June 28, 2012 #
Your cake is ridiculously awesome!!! I am so very IMPRESSED! Wow! I really want to try my hand at decorating a little more. I have only tied once, at a class.
On another note, I’m so glad you’re stretching this story out because I don’t want it to end but at the same time, each time you stop I want more and more and more! Love it
Comment by FoodBabbles— June 28, 2012 #
Such a fun Battenberg. You are always so creative. I had troubles with this challenge. Maybe if I had a Battenberg pan I could have done better.
Comment by Barbara @ Barbara Bakes— June 28, 2012 #
What a beautiful cake Lisa!!! I’m sooooo impressed!! I love how you fusioned this cake!!! Oh my goodness!! I simply am just stunned at this! Everything’s gorgeous from the marzipan design, azuki beans spread to the batter.. wow!! Love it!
Comment by Sammie— June 29, 2012 #
This is, without a doubt, the most amazing and exciting battenberg I’ve ever seen
Amazing.
Comment by thelittleloaf— June 29, 2012 #
I love the dog came to the tainted lips rescue! The cakes looks amazing! I almost feel guilty rushing through your post to get to the good stuff! For a girl consumed by food and baking, you know it’s good if I am brushing past the Battenberg! (on my very long to do list…)
Comment by susie— June 29, 2012 #
If I haven’t been impressed before (which I have many times) I certainly am now. That cake is Awesome. Where can I get a piece to eat? Love the story and how Gary was relentless in his pursuit and how loyal you are. You must certainly be quite good looking to get all this attention
… can’t wait for the next installment and whatever else you decide to create.
Comment by Dan— June 29, 2012 #
I can only imagine how difficult it has been to work with marzipan (or just turning the oven on to bake)in the crazy heat . thats been going on there already. It looks beautiful so you should be very happy with yourself.I’m coming to NY for the month of August so I can only hope that the challenge won’t be anything like this! Super work as usual Lisa. so, do you end up marrying dreamboat??
Comment by Crumbs of Love— June 29, 2012 #
So original! I see lots of these battenberg cakes from the Daring Bakers, but this is the most unique of them all! Bravo!
Comment by RecipeNewZ— June 29, 2012 #
Beautiful cake!
.
p.s. Lisa, check out your spam folder, there is another comment there
Comment by cookingrookie— June 29, 2012 #
Having been to Japan several times, I knew the Sakura the minute I saw this cake! I love the fusion and it’s so pretty! Also starting your story!
Comment by Eliza— June 29, 2012 #
Thank you, Eliza! Hope you enjoy my memories
Comment by Lisa— July 2, 2012 #
I love your creative style !! Love the Asian take on it !! I love the colors I left mine natural, wld love to try this next time
Comment by Turmeric N Spice— June 29, 2012 #
As intriguing as this next chapter of a *suggested* potential duel between Dreamboat vs. Gary, the preparation, artsy presentation, and “adult” qualities of this cake is MORE intriguing. If it could be said that a cake was wearing lingerie, this is IT. I am seduced
……FWIW, Gary DID score some points for the savvy logistic questions he posed about school, as well as his confidence in moving in as he sensed a looming loophole in the relationship.
Comment by maris61— June 29, 2012 #
You definitely hit the nail on the head with Gary. Glad my Battenberg ‘seduced’ you in ‘her’ lingerie. Love that analogy!
Comment by Lisa— July 2, 2012 #
Absolutely gorgeous Battenberg! Your so creative!
Comment by Anna— June 29, 2012 #
Thank you, Anna
Comment by Lisa— July 2, 2012 #
This is the coolest Battenberg I’ve ever seen! I really love your blog, such great food and enjoyable reads!
Comment by Leanne— June 30, 2012 #
Thanks, Leanne!
Comment by Lisa— July 2, 2012 #
OMG. you make such lovely bakes! Yummy! =)
Comment by mydearbakes— June 30, 2012 #
This classical cake you turned around 180 times! You always make the perfect adaptions of classical cakes & pastries! This one looks just amazing, stunning & nearly to beautiful to savour!
MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!!!!! xxx
Comment by Sophie— June 30, 2012 #
Amazing! But then I knew you’d make a fantastic cake, you always do
Thanks for being my “sidekick”, even though things came up and you couldn’t officially be part of the challenge, it was fun brainstorming with you and having you part of the challenge that way.
And again, loving your BB story, next one please!
Love you loads *hugs*
Comment by MandyM— June 30, 2012 #
Your cake looks exquisite!! love your story, waiting for part 14B!
Comment by Baker Street (@bakerstreet29)— June 30, 2012 #
I love pretty much anything with matcha in it. Absolutely beautiful, and, I’m certain, delicious as well. Great job as always! I hadn’t really intended to read the story, but now I’m hooked. Can’t wait to see how it wraps up!
-M’elle
Comment by malachiteandmeringue— June 30, 2012 #
I would also need the special pan, I don´t have the patience for perfect cutting and decorating. But you made your own marzipan! Waiting, waiting… please tell me you didn´t open your mouth…
Comment by Paula @ Vintage Kitchen— June 30, 2012 #
Wow this cake looks absolutely amazing! I love that mold, where did you get it from? I’ve never seen it before but it looks so useful for cakes like this…
I would so totally love these flavours because I’m a fan of Japanese food.
Comment by Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake— July 1, 2012 #
Oh no… I can’t way tho find out if you told him.
Comment by Megan— July 1, 2012 #
Aha, your post in Britishisms made me laugh. To be fair, I do say ‘wanker’ and ‘bollocks’ a lot.
But WOAH though. Woah, I say. That must be the most beautiful battenberg ever. The decoration, the flavours. It’s stunning. You’re so innovative!
Comment by Suz— July 1, 2012 #
This is the prettiest thing I have seen all day! I think I’m in love! Gorgeous!
Comment by atasteofmadess— July 1, 2012 #
Ohhhh..I hope you didn’t tell him! You pushed him away and he wasn’t forceful. No need to worry about Dreamboats pride and respect! Now..its been awhile since you’ve amped up your natural pastry-artistic skills and WOWS! Never heard of a Battenberg, but now that I looked up some images, I think you made the most unique, beautiful Battenberg ever ..well..next to a Rubix cube I saw! You rocked the cherry blossom tree topping!
Comment by Dinavia— July 1, 2012 #
tickety-boos… love that. Wherever did you find such a saying? This cake would wow me. Love the flavors and presentation. Simply de-lightful daaahrling!
Comment by Lori— July 1, 2012 #
I love the vibrant colors and Asian aesthetic that you’ve imbued upon this storied cake! Not only do you make me laugh, but I knew nothing of Battenburg cakes or the special baking pans that one can buy to make them
P.S. I also loved your Zebra cake, old or new – still a stunning cake!
Comment by Priscilla Willis (@shescookin)— July 2, 2012 #
It has been way too long since I have vivisted my freiend and I apologise – I lost many subscriptions a couple months back and still am retrieving them!
Your version of this cake is the most exotic and beautiful I have seen so far, the colour and theme is lovely!
And I love your series!
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Comment by Choc Chip Uru— July 2, 2012 #
so pretty, love the design!
Comment by huntfortheverybest— July 2, 2012 #
Thank you!
Comment by Lisa— July 2, 2012 #
This story reminds me so much of my first love, he was a bad boy too..but a little worse as far as “bad” goes! Love your writing..very smooth and refreshingly honest. Your cake is stunning!
Comment by Pru— July 2, 2012 #
Call this a fusion dish? Congratulations on making the foodbuzz Top 9!
Comment by foodiestuntman— July 3, 2012 #
I didn’t call this a fusion dish, I said the cakes are ‘infused’ with Asian flavors. Thanks for the congrats!
Comment by Lisa— July 3, 2012 #
Beautiful! I admire your dedication, this was intense and you nailed it. Congrats on Top 9!
Comment by Sandra— July 3, 2012 #
Congrats on being one of the top 9 in the daily Food Buzz post today! Happy Dance! I have just joined the Daring Bakers – and am thrilled with this month’s challenge – a nice easy way to start – and something I love to make anyway. The recipes look good, too!
Valerie
Comment by A Canadian Foodie— July 3, 2012 #
I saw your cake on Foodbuzz Top 9. Yay for you! This cake is very creative, so you are definitely deserving. We need to get you to the top slot!
Loved the latest installment of your love story. I still say you need to make a book out of it.
Comment by bunkycooks— July 3, 2012 #
Oh how I want one of those very cool Battenberg cake pans! And of course your Japanese cake is so unique…what a creative baker you are! Amazing and I’d love to taste it. The story is killing me, Lisa!!! Hurry up and finish! And pass a slice of cake. Gosh now I need to bake one of these.
Comment by Jamie— July 3, 2012 #
Beautiful cake! Congrats on making the top 9!
Comment by VickyVicky— July 3, 2012 #
I love this story!!! Is Part 14B coming soon?? Pretty battenberg…the Sakura is beautiful!
Comment by Elizabeth— July 3, 2012 #
Great cake — very unique and creative. Just subscribed to your blog..love finding hidden treasures.
Comment by Ken— July 3, 2012 #
I can’t believe this beautiful cake is only number 8 in the Top 9! Should be in the top 3!! I buzzed you, though..congrats!
Comment by Lila— July 3, 2012 #
Lovely cake! Very well done and of course congrats on making to top 9:)
Comment by jeannietay— July 3, 2012 #
Wow Lisa, I was expecting to see something spectacular and you delivered! Your Battenberg (which would most definitely shock the pants off the Queen) is gorgeous! I love the cashew marzipan.
Comment by Korena in the Kitchen— July 4, 2012 #
I sadly had to set this one out but I have to say that your cake is a true work of art lisa!
I love everything about it. The colors, the flavors, the decorations..stunning!
Comment by Sawsan@ Chef in disguise— July 4, 2012 #
Where have I been all these years that I’ve never come across one of these amazing cake pans? You really rocked this challenge, Lisa. The color is stunning and the design so delicate and lovely. Love this part of the story and am going to patiently await the next part…maybe finale?;) xx
Comment by Lora @cakeduchess— July 4, 2012 #
I think your battenberg cake looks amazing and I adore the Japanese flavors. Ever had roasted black sesame ice cream, yum! And the ganache looks silky and wet (like a wet kiss lol). Love the marzipan and flowers too.
Hey who does this Gary think he is? But you are being too much of a goodie-two-shoes with the guilt rip
. Next part to read please?
Comment by cheapethniceatz— July 4, 2012 #
HOLY CATS!!!!! I just read a post on Battenberg, and realized I had never heard of this cake. AND then I read your fantastic post!!! I love your spin on a classic cake, your flavors sound wonderful:-) AND seriously your top of the cake is sooooo pretty with the cherry blossoms!! Hugs, Terra
Comment by Terra Baltosiewich (@CafeTerraBlog)— July 5, 2012 #
What an impressive work of art! This sophisticated, palette-tempting cake would make any flavor combination taste fantastic! The cashew marzipan is very intriguing! (I’ve impressed myself so much with this comment, I think I’ll copy it to make sure I don’t lose it!)
Comment by Bonnie Banters— July 5, 2012 #
Oops, I meant “palate”!
Comment by Bonnie Banters— July 5, 2012 #
Lisa, I’ve been thinking of you a lot lately and wondering how you are. Then I was on Triberr and trying to figure the thing out and typed in food blogger hit return and there you are! I love it when stuff like that happens. Your cake looks awesome, wow you are so detailed and make it look easy when I know it is anything but. I haven’t been doing the Daring Bakers for a while and I miss not connecting up with you. Love your story telling you are so fun girl. Have a wonderful weekend xoxox Suz
Comment by Suzanne Platt (@YouMadeThatblog)— July 7, 2012 #
Lisa, how did I miss your gorgeous cake!? I think I visited a bit too early and it wasn’t yet up as it turns the 27th earlier here. What a beauty it is! And cashew marzipan is a brilliant idea for those that don’t like almonds!!
Comment by Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella— July 8, 2012 #
Wow, I’m blown away! The cake is simply beautiful and I’m sure it’s absolutely deliciuos as well!
Comment by Jasline— July 8, 2012 #
This is beautifully decorated. My Battenberg was such a disaster I keep putting off writing a blog post about it, but I’ll do it soon.
Comment by thekalechronicles— July 8, 2012 #
the Queen may say no to the cake, but i’d be more than happy to take it off your hands
you’re so creative Lisa, the Japaneses flavors sound amazing.
Comment by Roxana Greengirl {A little bit of everything}— July 12, 2012 #
Such a beautiful cake Lisa. I’m sure the Queen would approve
So sad I missed this challenge (that’s two from two now, sigh). Hope all is well in Lisa land 
Love the flavour combos you used in this cake too.
Comment by Shaz— July 16, 2012 #
wow..what a wonderful, delicious cake, i have been tasting this ..lovely..amazing
Comment by Teresa— July 18, 2012 #
Look at me finally leaving a comment! Whoo! LOL. Your battenburg is so fun, what a great combination of flavors, and the flowers turned out superb!! Great job as always Lisa!!
Comment by Jenni— August 3, 2012 #