Roman Breakfast Cake Recipes

ROMAN BREAKFAST CAKE

Steps:

• Center a rack in the oven, and heat it to 350. Generously butter a 10-inch tube pan (or use a Bundt pan with minimal crannies), dust the interior with flour and tap out the excess. Be assiduous - this cake is a sticker. Alternatively, use baker's spray.
• Whisk together the flour, baking powder and 1/4 teaspoon of the salt; set aside.
• Using a mixer with a whisk attachment, beat the egg whites and the remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt on medium-high speed until they form firm, glossy peaks. (If you're using a stand mixer, scrape the whites into another bowl. No need to rinse the mixer bowl.)
• Fit the mixer with the paddle attachment. Put the sugar and lemon zest in the mixer/mixing bowl, and rub them together until the mixture is fragrant. Add the yolks, and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes, scraping the bowl as needed - the batter will be thick, pale and shiny. With the mixer on medium, pour in the oil and continue to beat for another 3 minutes. Mix in the lemon juice, vanilla and lemon oil, if using, then scrape the bowl well. Turn off the mixer, add the dry ingredients and pulse the mixer a few times to start incorporating them. Work on low until the flour is blended into the batter, which will be smooth and thick.
• Beat the whites briskly with a whisk (to restiffen them and incorporate any liquid in the bowl), and scrape a few spoonfuls over the batter. Use a flexible spatula to stir them in and lighten the batter. Turn the rest of the whites into the bowl, and fold them in gingerly. If you're using the berries, gently fold them in just before the whites are fully incorporated. Scrape the batter into the pan, and level the top.
• Bake the cake for 45 to 50 minutes, until lightly browned; a tester inserted deep into the cake should come out clean. Transfer to a rack, and wait 5 minutes. Run a blunt knife around the edges of the pan to loosen the cake (if possible - it's not easy with a Bundt), invert onto the rack and unmold. Cool to room temperature. Dust with confectioners' sugar, if you like.

ANCIENT ROMAN CHEESECAKE (SAVILLUM)

Steps:

• Preheat an oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Pour some water into a small, oven proof bowl, and place into the oven. Arrange the bay leaves over the bottom of the springform pan to cover.
• Beat the eggs in a mixing bowl, then mix in ricotta cheese, honey, orange zest, and lemon juice. Sprinkle in the flour, and stir until evenly combined. Gently pour the batter over the bay leaves, being careful not to disturb them too much.
• Bake in the preheated oven until browned, about 35 to 40 minutes. Run the tip of a paring knife around the edges of the pan, and release from the springform pan. Invert onto a serving plate, and serve warm or chilled.

ROMANIAN APPLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Cut the apples into 1 inch wedges. Set aside.
• In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and sugar until blended. Mix in the baking soda, oil, cinnamon and vanilla. Stir in the flour, just until incorporated. Fold in the apples and walnuts.
• Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for 55 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the cake comes out clean. Allow to cool slightly. May be served warm or at room temperature.

ROMAN APPLE CAKE

Steps:

• Batter:.
• Mix all ingredients except apples til smooth. You can do it in the 9 x 13 pan if you like. Then stir in apples. Preheat oven to 350.
• Topping:.
• Sprinkle toppping on cake, and bake for 45 minutes. Topping will be deep brown and bubbling.

MODERN ROMAN LIBUM RECIPE OR ROMAN CHEESECAKE

Steps:

• Sift the flour into a bowl. Beat the cheese until it's soft and stir it into the flour along with the egg.
• Form a soft dough and divide into 4.
• Mold each one into a bun and place them on a greased baking tray with a fresh bay leaf underneath.
• Heat the oven to 425°F Cover the cakes [see note on this] and bake for 35-40 minutes until golden-brown.
• Warm the honey and place the warm cakes in it so that they absorb it. Allow to stand 30 minutes before serving.
• NOTE: The Romans often covered their food while it was cooking with a domed earthenware cover called a testo. You can use an overturned, shallow clay pot, a metal bowl, or casserole dish as a brick.