Ingredients with Measurements:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, cold and cubed
- 1/2 cup dried cranberries
- 1/4 cup orange zest
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
Special Equipment Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Pastry cutter or fork
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cold, cubed butter to the bowl and use a pastry cutter or fork to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
4. Stir in the dried cranberries and orange zest.
5. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
6. Add the egg mixture to the dry ingredients and stir until just combined.
7. Use your hands to form the dough into a ball.
8. Place the dough onto the prepared baking sheet and flatten slightly.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is cooked through.
10. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F (190°C)
Serving size:
This recipe makes 8-10 servings.
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 34g
Protein: 4g
Sodium: 230mg
Sugar: 13g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Dried cranberries can be substituted with raisins or chopped dried apricots.
- Orange zest can be substituted with lemon zest or lime zest.
- All-purpose flour can be substituted with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour.
Variations:
- Add chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the dough.
- Replace the dried cranberries with dried cherries or blueberries.
- Add a teaspoon of cinnamon or ginger to the dry ingredients for a spiced version of the rock cake.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use cold butter for the best texture.
- Don't overwork the dough, as this can make the rock cake tough.
- If the dough is too dry, add a splash of milk until it comes together.
- Serve warm with a dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey.
Storage Instructions:
Store the rock cake in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat, place the rock cake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes, or until warmed through.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the rock cake on a platter or cake stand with a dusting of powdered sugar.
Garnishes:
Garnish with fresh cranberries, orange slices, or a sprig of rosemary.
Pairings:
Serve with a cup of tea or coffee.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve with a side of fresh fruit or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the dough is too wet, add a bit more flour until it comes together.
- If the rock cake is too dry, add a bit more milk until it is moist enough.
Food Safety Advice:
- Make sure to wash your hands and all equipment before starting.
- Use pasteurized eggs to avoid the risk of salmonella.
Food History:
Rock cakes are a traditional British tea-time treat that date back to the 18th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This rock cake is sweet and tangy, with a buttery and crumbly texture.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the rock cake as a dessert or snack.
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