mary berry cranberry and orange cake
Mary berry cranberry and orange cake
I. Introduction
Mary Berry is a well-known figure in British cooking, loved for her friendly style, easy recipes, and strong love for traditional baking. For many years, she has influenced home cooks through her TV shows and cookbooks. Her comforting recipes, like Cranberry and Orange Cake, are popular for family gatherings and celebrations, making them favorites for many people.
This cake not only delights the palate but also carries a historical context rooted in British fruit cakes, offering nutritional benefits and even adaptations for vegan diets, ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice.
II. Mary Berry’s Unique Approach & Historical Context
Mary Berry highlights the importance of using good ingredients, especially fresh, seasonal fruits that improve taste. The Cranberry and Orange Cake shows this idea by blending the sourness of cranberries with the bright flavor of oranges, a mix that comes from classic British baking.
Historically, fruit cakes have been a staple in British households, often made during the festive season. The use of cranberries and citrus fruits became popular with the introduction of these ingredients from North America in the 19th century. Berry’s recipe retains the essence of these traditional cakes while incorporating her signature touch of simplicity and flavor.
Books like The Oxford Companion to Food and Mary Berry’s cookbooks show how British baking has changed over time and highlight the importance of using good ingredients.
III. Notices on Ingredients & Equipment
Ingredients
- 200g (7 oz) unsalted butter, softened
- 200g (7 oz) caster sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 200g (7 oz) self-raising flour
- 100g (3.5 oz) fresh cranberries
- Zest of 1 large orange
- Juice of 1 large orange
- 1 tsp baking powder
- Pinch of salt
Equipment
- 20 cm (8 inch) round cake tin
- Baking parchment
- Mixing bowls
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rubber spatula
- Cooling rack
IV. Recipe Instructions
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
