Raspberry Buttermilk Cake

Recently, I made Gourmet's Raspberry Buttermilk Cake, but the upside down Blueberry Buttermilk Cake version. All my fruit fell to the bottom so I served it as an upside down cake.

Esi of Dishing up Delights made it with strawberries. Check out her post for a cute mini version.

This time, I made it in an 8" square pan (squares make it easier to share with my co-workers). I also popped the cake (with sugar on top) into the oven for 10 minutes, then pulled it out, placed the raspberries on top, and then let it continue to bake for another 18 minutes. The raspberries still mostly ended up on the bottom...so that is just how this cake works.

Recipe: Gourmet's Raspberry Buttermilk Cake or Smitten Kitchen's version

Note to readers: I'm sorry but my arms are acting up and need rest. I have recurring repetitive strain injuries that makes typing and using the mouse not fun. I have a special keyboard, mouse, etc. but sometimes I just need to take a big break and really limit my computer work (besides sitting in front of a computer at work for 8 hours a day! :) I'm sorry I'm not able to comment on your blogs. I do really appreciate you coming to visit and your comments!!! Take care, Mary the Food Librarian

Gourmet's Gingerbread for June Gloom

June Gloom Gingerbread

Los Angeles is having a major case of June Gloom. In the last couple weeks we have had overcast skies, rain, foggy days, and even lightening. That marine layer just won't go away. There is only a 58% chance of sunshine in June in LA and I'm beginning to wonder if I need to take Vitamin D supplements instead of my daily dose outside. And perhaps a few hours in front of my Lowell Ego lights. Sigh. Just kidding...sorta.

This may sound very pathetic to some, but these lower temperatures and cloudy skies make me think of FALL. And what's the flavor of fall? Gingerbread.

I'm always looking for gingerbread recipes. I love ginger. I love unfrosted cakes (yeah, JustJenn, I'm not a member of Frosting Nation or "Legalize Frostitution" campaign). Gingerbread is the perfect combo of not too sweet cake, moistness, cinnamon and ginger.

This is Gourmet's Gingerbread from February 2009

Recipe by Ruth Cousineau

One of my co-workers said it tasted like little Ginger People chews were in the cake. Sorta like a soylent green ginger cake! :) This cake only uses ground ginger, ground cinnamon and molasses for the spice - making it really easy to assemble!

I dusted my squares with powdered sugar but a dollop of whipped cream would be nice too.

I find that cutting everything and putting them in cupcake holders makes for easy grabbing by co-workers and less mess. Good thing I picked up 1,000 of these at Surfas recently! :)

Hopefully the sun WILL come out tomorrow! :)

Recipe: Gourmet's Gingerbread

(Upside down) Blueberry Buttermilk Cake

(Upside Down by Accident) Blueberry Buttermilk Cake

Who doesn't love the Smitten Kitchen? She's amazing and always come up with the most delicious dishes.

When I saw her Raspberry Buttermilk Cake, I knew I had to make it. I love breakfast and tea cakes. I just don't like frosting...I've been peeling it off since I was a little kid!

Also, I bought the mammoth box of California blueberries from Costco and have to come up with 10 ways to use them. :)

The batter came together quickly. Very easy and "lower" in fat...only 1/2 stick of butter! I sprinkled 1 cup of blueberries on top and popped it into the oven...

When I opened the oven, the fruit was gone. I thought there were in the middle...but no, they were on the bottom.

I probably used too many blueberries and next time I can dust them in flour or wait a few minutes before popping them in the batter. Smitten Kitchen's and Gourmet's fruit fell, but not all the way to bottom like mine.

So, like the saying, "when life gives you a cake with blueberries on the bottom, turn the damn thing over," I served it as an upside down cake, and dusted it with some powdered sugar.

The bottom had a nice crunch because the sugar topping was on the bottom! :)

Recipe: From Smitten Kitchen who got it from Gourmet. Use either one.