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Ten July Favorites

Chaste Tree ( Vitex ) One of the highlights of the year is when the Chaste Tree blooms. It pains me that I don't know the name of it, but I suspect it is 'Shoal Creek' . I failed to record it, and I also do not remember where it came from. We sell a newer variety at Yard N' Garden called 'Flip Side ', which has stunning leaves of olive-green with a purple reverse.  A friend has the pale pink variety, but I don't think it is as pretty as the blue-colored flowers. This little tree is constantly covered with bees.  Catalpa bignoinoides   'Aurea' A large limb died over the winter, leaving a gaping hole. However, it is looking better after Michael raised some of the remaining limbs. It has bloomed profusely this year. Like the vitex, our best view of it is from the windows, where you get an elevated view. Heliopsis helianthoides 'Fire Twister' This perennial is doing much better after I moved it to a better location. I saw it last week in an ope...

Blueberry-Nut Loaf Cake


Blueberry season has arrived. They are abundant in our region. I have thought about going to one of the local farms where you can pick them yourself but they are readily available at grocery stores and farmer's markets. I purchased berries that were grown in Salem, Oregon and that had already been frozen. They were delicious!

This recipe is from Maida Heatter's Cakes.

1 1/4 cups fresh blueberries
2 cups sifted all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp salt
2/3 cup granulated sugar
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1 egg
2 TBS unsalted butter, melted
1/4 cup orange juice
Grated zest of two large oranges
1 1/4 cups walnut pieces

Preheat the oven to 350. Butter a 10 1/2 x 4 x 3 inch or 9 x 5 x 3 inch loaf pan. Dust with fine bread crumbs.

Wash the berries and allow them to completely dry. When dry, toss the berries with one teaspoon of flour.


Sift together the remaining flour, salt, sugar, baking powder and baking soda. Set aside.

Beat the egg and mix in the orange juice and butter. On low speed, gradually add the sifted dry ingredients. Stir in the orange rind and the nuts.



Place 1/4 of the mixture in the pan. Fold the berries into the remaining batter. Place this mixture over the first layer and smooth the top.



Bake for 60-70 minutes, until a tester comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes before carefully removing it from the pan. Allow it to cool completely on a wire rack.

Text and photos by Phillip Oliver, Dirt Therapy

Comments

  1. My mouth is watering! Not only does it sound good it looks good.

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