July 2011 Daring Baker Challenge: Fresh Fraisiers

Blog-checking lines: Jana of Cherry Tea Cakes was our July Daring Bakers’ host and she challenged us to make Fresh Fraisiers inspired by recipes written by Elisabeth M. Prueitt and Chad Robertson in the beautiful cookbook Tartine.

SIDE NOTE: I am trying to be more thoughtful (I don't know if that is really the word I'm going for, but it is the only one that comes to mind right now) about my pictures. Instead of posting them straight off the memory card, I am going to try and edit them a little before I post them... Hopefully this will make a difference and challenge me a little more.

Whew, this was a fun challenge. With delicious results. Since it was the boyfriend's birthday on the 15th, I made this as his birthday cake. Killed 2 birds with one stone, so to speak. I made this on the Saturday (the 16th). I got to sleep in until 8, then started whipping up the Pastry cream, followed shortly by the Chiffon cake (which I love, and will for sure be making again). I followed all the directions closely with the Chiffon cake and didn't change a thing.

With the pastry cream though, I used the recipe over at The Joy of Baking. I didn't really like the idea of the gelatin recipe that came with the challenge, so I wanted something that wouldn't make me cringe with the thought of where gelatin comes from.

Inside, I used strawberries and blueberries... and on the very inside, I just used cut up strawberries and a handful of blueberries. I topped the cake with whipped cream and more strawberries and blueberries, and a few cherries.

I will be making this cake again, although I will probably make it smaller, and use whipped cream in the middle instead of pastry cream. I think the lightness of the whipped cream would suit my taste buds better.

I am really proud of my challenge this month, and can't wait for this post to be posted. Also, make sure you go over to the Daring Kitchen website and check out the other Daring Baker's Creations.

(OH, also, I don't really like Marzipan, so no Almond Paste top for this girl, although the pretty pink top would've been nice)

I would have loved to have used my own strawberries in the cake, But they aren't quite ripe... we do get one or two every few days though, but not enough of a crop at one time for this whole cake.

Hiking Trip pics, and Spanikopita

Hiking.... We actually didn't end up hiking. We didn't leave the house until about 11, and it is about an hour Drive out to K-country... And It is the long weekend, so we couldn't decide on a trail that wouldn't be packed with people, and that neither of us had Hiked before... So it was more of a road trip/sit at the beach.

BUT neither of us has been to Barrier Lake, just driven by it... So we stopped, found a chill beach spot away from the masses of people and let the dogs run around and play.
Just over that rock ridge on the left side of the pic, is a little inlet, and there were tons of people set up on the beach... Nobody climbed over the ridge to this beautiful peaceful area.
Alberta Oasis is the first thing that came to our mind when we were looking at our pics when we got home last night.

Wilson got hit in the head multiple times with bugs, but he kept going back for more. Nothing like the wind blowing through your ears. (I actually have video of him getting hit in the head with Bugs)




Ava thinks Road Trips are awesome!



This is part of Mount Kidd... Its a pretty awesome mountain. If you are in Alberta, in Kananaskis, go and stare at it for a while. Its gorgeous.




I know the water looks really nice, But it is FREAKIN' cold! And both of us are used to cold water... Usually your body adjusts to it pretty quick, and it doesn't seem so cold... But it just stayed cold. So no swimming for anyone,

Here is the Wikipedia info on Barrier Lake



SPANIKOPITA (as promised)

I didn't use a specific recipe, and I didn't write down what I made, So I'm going to send you to the YouTube videos I watched to get the idea for my spanikopita. I put mint in it from my garden, and I really wish I hadn't. But that is more of a taste preference than anything. Next time I make this (and it will be soon) I will probably just stick to Spinach and Feta... stick to the KISS rule (keep it simple stupid)
However you make this, It will probably be delicious! even with the mint in it, it was amazing.

Spanikopita YouTube Video #1
Spanikopita YouTube Video #2