Ruth from Oshkosh, WI (2017 Week 1: Cake)

Baker

Ruth

Location

Oshkosh, WI

Baking Challenge

Mirror Glaze Cake

Give your cake a name based on the ingredients and decoration – and tell us about the origin of your recipe.

White Cranberry Lake Cake

It’s a combination of several different recipes on line and many hours of research.

Tell us about your proudest moment – or humble failure – in this week’s baking challenge.

I took on the mirror glaze after a couple hours of researching the process of both the topping and mousse. I’ve made mousse before (dark chocolate, lemon, and raspberry), but for all my research and many attempts, the white chocolate mousse has alluded my grasp for edible. It has curdled, turned to butter, separated, and run (a lot of running). My proudest moment of this endeavor? As of Thursday night, I can add one perfectly delightful white chocolate mousse. On the flip side of the spectrum, a humble failure … though even in the hindsight of self critique, using a word like ‘failure’ seems a bit harsh. It’s a flaw that most would believe an artists interpretation, but it’s not, it is my ridiculous attempt at trying to hurry a glaze that does not want to be hurried. 1: I didn’t shake the bottle of white food coloring. This led to much straining, frustration, stomping around, and confusion. What are all the white flakes? Are they supposed to be there? Finally I realized the problem but at that point there was nothing to do. 2: The cooling time matters. Do not attempt to pour the glaze at 99 F when it is supposed to be 90 F. Things I told my self that lead to this poor decision: The temps aren’t that different. I’m sure it will look fine! I’m tired and want to go to bed so it would be silly for me to stare at this vivid slurry until it cools. Does a few degrees really matter? Yes, yes it does. The first mold (I had made two) ended up with deep gouges down the side and mousse pooling in the pan underneath.

Describe how you added a Wisconsin twist to your creation.

One of the first produce items I think of when I think Wisconsin are cranberries. I layered white chocolate and cranberry mousse alternately with cake. Some of my favorite memories in Wisconsin are to do with the reflection of pine trees on water, specifically along Door County. I have spent some time in Door County and felt a nod to the sailboats that call the area home would be appropriate.

How did you do?

Pleasantly satisfied.