Another day late...

I meant to post the recipe for the Gateau des Fraises yesterday but I got sort of sidetracked... in a good way.

But I'll get to this in a moment...

My Wednesday turned out to be one of those "best laid plans" kind of days.  I took my Mom to the grocery store ~ she prefers Wednesdays because that way she can check the grocery ads and pull the coupons to get a double-deal on those things she wants that are on special.  And she can get her lottery tickets.  Mom likes routine.  Those of you with elderly parents ~ does this sound familiar?  Is that a Taurus-thing or a senior-thing?

Then a couple of other errands I had to take care of before meeting up with Mary Andra Holmes and Brenda Riddle of Acorn Quilt & Gift fame for lunch!  Guess what?  I called ahead to say I was running a little late... and then I was even later than that. 

I've known Mary Andra for years ~ I won't say how many because that makes both of us seem much older than we really are.  She is the source of the e-mail that inspired Cracked Pots!  Mary is also a wonderful quilter and she does the most amazing applique.  She was down from Prescott at Olde World Quilt Shoppe where she's going to be teaching some classes.  She's also going to be doing quilt patterns soon ~ and will probably be a new exhibitor in Minneapolis!

And you already know Brenda.  Did you know that she's doing a line of fabric ~ Celebration! ~ for Lecien?  I got to see the real thing yesterday ~ it's gorgeous!  If you haven't already seen it, I'll wait while you go take a peek.  It's even better in person.  And so that you'll be able to correctly pronounce the name of the fabric company when you pester your local quilt store about it ~ Brenda says the correct pronunciation is "loo-shen".  I think it is Japanese for "oh-my-gosh-I-think-I'm-going-to-need-some-of-that."

While at a wonderful lunch at Babbo's, I had to call in to Williams-Sonoma since I was on call yesterday evening.  I wound up going in since we had received a huge list of sale items that being marked down even further.  (FYI ~ There are some awesome prices on tablecloths, linens, towels and other stuff right now ~ as much as 90% off the original price.)

Now about that cake ~ Gateau des Fraises au Double Creme. 

I know... that's a mouthful ~ in more ways than one!  But it really does sound so much prettier than Strawberry Cake with Almonds and Cream Cheese. 

My Mom cut this recipe out of Family Circle magazine in December, 1967.  It came from The White House Chef Cookbook, and this recipe was by Rene Verdon, a chef at the White House during the Kennedy Adminstration.  (Mom also cut out a recipe for a Chocolate Souffle that is also to-die-for.  I'll save that for another time.)

We make this a couple of times a year because it's easy to make and it's really, really good.  And, yes, you can use light sour cream and light cream cheese if you like.  I have made this both ways ~ the light version is good though if you're going to make something like this... shouldn't you just go all the way?

WARNING!  I am not The Pioneer Woman. 

I do not take awesome  food pictures.  I try and I know that practice will make better.  In the meantime... you'll get a better idea of how it should look when you make it yourself.    

The recipe...

Gateau Des Fraises au Double Creme

Serves 6

1 graham cracker crust 

 

11 ounces cream cheese

2 eggs

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

 

2 cups sour cream

1/4 cup sugar

1/4 cup toasted whole almonds ~ I substitute sliced almonds

 

2 quarts whole strawberries

4 tablespoons red currant jelly

1 tablespoon water

 

1.    Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2.    Prepare graham cracker crust and bake.  (Recipe does not provide recipe for crust, just that you need a baked graham cracker crust in a 9" pie pan.)

 

 

3.    Place cream cheese in a large mixing bowl and blend slowly with an electric mixer.  When quite smooth, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition.  Gradually add the 1/2 cup sugar and vanilla extract.  Pour into prepared crust and bake at 350 degrees for 24 minutes.  (The recipe specifies 20 minutes but I find the cake sets up a little bit better with the longer baking time.  Just make sure the center is not still jiggly.)

 

 

4.    Blend the sour cream with the 1/4 cup sugar and the almonds.  Spread over the top of the warm cake ~ right out of the oven.

 

 

5.    Turn off the oven heat.  Return the cake to the hot oven for 5 minutes. 

6.    Cool the cake slightly ~ at least 15 minutes.

7.    Chill until set ~ at least 4 hours but overnight will work.

8.    Before serving, garnish the top of the cake with whole strawberries that have been hulled and washed. 

9.    Mix currant jelly and water and heat until the jelly melts.  (The microwave works fine.)  Pour over the strawberries to glaze.  (The top of the cake shouldn't be swimming in glaze, use just enough to lightly coat the berries.)

 

 

See?  Told you I needed some help with the pictures. 

Au revoir! 

 

Comments

[Laurie]

Awesome tutorial! That cake looks like a winner. I will have to try it. Oh, and your oven is WAY. TOO. CLEAN.

[Sinta Renee]

I was hoping that you would come back with the recipe... it sounds wonderful! I love making fruit recipies... it makes for great summer meals no matter how hot it gets!

[Veronica]

I think your pics came out great... we can't all be Ree... As for your mom, my mom's shopping day is Friday, and we go the exact same way through the market every time. Don't get her to try and change markets or tellers. It's a senior thing.

[Mah]

We should have had this for lunch yesterday. What fun we had. Thank you!

[sherri]

Oh, I'm going to have to make this...it looks so good!

[a good yarn]

Okay, I'm a Gemini in my mid-40s and I like my routines. The strawberry pie looks delicious. What a terrific combination of flavours.

[Monica Massanyi]

Your recipe looks yummy - can't wait to try it!

[Sandy]

Your pics are just fine! And yes, what a clean oven. Will be making this one for sure. Thanks for sharing.

[Nicole]

That Gateau would be the perfect dessert for a dinner party. I love it when you can have things all ready to go, and don't need any last minute fussing.
My husband's parents are so into their little routines it is scary. They shop on a certain day, wash their hair and "take their showers" on certain days, go out to IHOP on certain days...

[Loris Mills]

oh my goodness! I do not cook or bake usually..but I think I'm going to have to make this. It looks too good. The pictures are just fine...or too fine...they make this dish too tempting!
Thanks for sharing :-)