- Orange zest (1 tablespoon) - gives a citrusy twist to complement saffron
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Steps
### How to Make a Traditional Cornish Saffron Cake: A Step-by-Step Guide
#### Introduction
Cornish saffron cake is a traditional British dessert that has been enjoyed for centuries. The addition of saffron not only gives this cake its distinctive flavor but also imparts a beautiful golden color and subtle aroma reminiscent of the sea breezes of Cornwall. This guide will walk you through the process of creating your own delicious Cornish saffron cake at home.
#### Ingredients
- 225g self-raising flour
- 120g unsalted butter, softened
- 120g caster sugar
- 2 large eggs
- 4 tbsp milk
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp ground mace (optional)
- 3-5 strands of saffron threads
#### Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Electric mixer or whisk
- Rolling pin
- Baking tray lined with parchment paper
- Pastry brush
#### Step-by-Step Guide
1. **Preparation**
- Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
- Place the saffron threads in a small bowl and pour over just enough boiling water to cover them. Let it steep for about 10 minutes to extract its rich golden color.
2. **Mixing Ingredients**
- In a large mixing bowl, cream together the softened butter and caster sugar until light and fluffy.
- Beat in one egg at a time, ensuring each is fully incorporated before adding the next.
3. **Adding Dry Ingredients**
- Sift in the self-raising flour, salt (if using), cinnamon (optional), and mace (optional) into the mixture.
- Gently fold these dry ingredients into the butter mixture until just combined to avoid over-mixing.
4. **Incorporating Saffron and Milk**
- Once well mixed, add the saffron-infused water and milk alternately while stirring gently with a spatula. Ensure everything is thoroughly blended but do not overmix.
5. **Rolling and Cutting**
- Transfer the dough onto a lightly floured surface and roll it out to about 3mm thickness.
- Use a cookie cutter or rimmed glass to cut circles from the dough, ensuring you gather the scraps and re-roll them if needed.
6. **Baking the Cake**
- Place the cookies on the prepared baking tray, leaving some space between each for spreading as they bake.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes or until lightly golden around the edges.
7. **Cooling and Serving**
- Allow the cakes to cool slightly on a wire rack before serving. They can be served warm, dusted with icing sugar, or paired with clotted cream and jam for a traditional British tea-time treat.
#### Conclusion
Creating your own Cornish saffron cake at home is both a rewarding experience and an opportunity to explore the rich flavors of traditional British baking. By following these detailed steps, you can enjoy this delightful dessert while enhancing your culinary skills. Remember, the key to a perfect Cornish saffron cake lies in using quality ingredients and allowing for just enough time in each step. Happy baking!
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