Monday 23 January 2012

Nigella's Clementine Cake for Chinese New Year



In case you didn't know, today Jan 23rd is Chinese New Year/Lunar New Year. It is the year of the dragon  which symbolises power, strength and good luck. The following excerpt is taken from the daily mail (click on the link to see lots of pretty pictures!)

"Often regarded as one of the most important signs in the zodiac, Chinese tradition dictates that those born in Dragon years tend to be brave, innovative and highly driven, regularly making it to the top of their profession.  Famous people born in Dragon years include former U.S. president Bill Clinton, actress Reese Witherspoon and artist Salvador Dali.  Those celebrating Chinese New Year mark the occasion by buying presents, clothing, food and decorations embracing popular themes such as wealth, happiness and good fortune. "

Oranges are symbolic in chinese culture as a wish for good fortune. Tangerines and oranges sound like luck and wealth in the chinese language and hence are given freely during the festive period. (ps google is amazing!)

So to celebrate chinese new year, I decided to make a clementine cake from Nigella which was actually recommended by my mum - thanks mum! It's a really easy cake to make, Nigella says "It's the easiest cake I know" The added bonus is that it's gluten free. Everyone really enjoyed this cake. It was really moist and aromatic and I was impressed with the height considering that it's flourless. I've made a similar orange polenta cake but this is much better in my opinion!

As it's a Nigella recipe, I'm entering it to Forever Nigella hosted by Sarah from Maison Cupcake


And also to Simple and in Season hosted by Ren from Fabulicious Food 





 boil clementines for 2 hours

 then blitz

 mix all ingredients together and bake


Recipe is from Nigella's website 

37 comments:

  1. Lovely and citrus.Looks Devine.

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  2. Nice choice - very good for the winter. I've made this in the past and it cheered up a grey day. What a sensible woman your mother is.

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    1. Definitely a good choice! Mum's are always sensible, aren't they? :)

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  3. are those cake liners any good? I'm unsure if I should invest or not

    Nom! x

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    1. I love them - they are brilliant. No need for greasing or cutting the right size. I got these from Lakeland. Well worth it in my book :)

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  4. I always love the sweet-bitter taste of orange flourless cake and this cake looks very moist and delicious.

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    1. thanks, it was extremely moist. Its supposed to taste better after a day or two but it didn't last that long!

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  5. How delicious! And I love the cake-sized baking paper!

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    1. thanks! I bought the cake liners specially for my tin.

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  6. Wow! I love this! I bet it's very moist. :)

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  7. Looks delicious. I love citrus flavored cakes.

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    1. I love citrus cakes too. Will have to try this with lemons next time.

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  8. I've heard wonderful things about this cake, I think it's really interesting way of putting fruit in a cake that you cook and pulverise it first. Sounds like it would have a wonderful moist texture. Thanks for taking part in Forever Nigella!

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    1. It's really moist and citrus-y. Thanks for hosting Forever Nigella, glad I could join in this month :)

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  9. I love citrus cakes & your cake looks yummy & moist. Will certainly try this recipe :)

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  10. I made some cardamon and clementine shortbread and the flavours work really well. The cake looks very moist and moreish. I can't keep up with your amounf of baking though you are most definatley according to my guide a stage 3 addict!

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    1. mmm sounds delicious! I am most definitely a stage 3 addict!! wasnt even planning to bake tonight and look what happened?! (next post)

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  11. Ooh this looks delicious! I'm intrigued by boiling and blitzing the Florentines. Sounds like it would be very orangey and lovely :) thanks for sharing x

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    1. It's really good in the cake. I had to read the recipe twice when it said boil and blitz the WHOLE fruit - skin, pulp and all! Tastes great though :)

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  12. Love clementines and this cake look delicious!!

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  13. Sounds amazing, I've never heard of boiling clementines before!

    I have I feeling I was born in the year of the dragon, however I don't think I'm at all brave, innovative or highly driven!

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    1. I've boiled oranges in the past but this recipe is better (and easier)
      Dragons are good in the chinese zodiac calendar so you're in luck anyway :)

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  14. I've never made or eaten an Orange cake, and for a flourless cake yours has great height. It looks yummy!

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    1. thanks, it was really good! Will definitely be making this again :)

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  15. This looks amazing,love citrus as an ingredient in the winter. Sunshine food :-)

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  16. Thanks for linking up this lovely cake! Mnn, could do with a nice slice now! A round-up had just been posted today featuring your lovely entry x

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  17. My friend made some of this recently. It is just so refreshing and moist and beautiful!

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    1. It really is and I'll definitely be making this again :)

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  18. Apparently you can boil the oranges/clementine's in the microwave for 8 minutes

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  21. Nigella's schwarzkümmelöl Clementine Cake for Chinese New Year is a delightful fusion of cultures and flavors, symbolizing the joyous spirit of celebration. This unique creation marries the zesty brightness of clementines with the richness of a moist, almond-based cake, resulting in a harmonious blend that's both refreshing and indulgent. The choice of clementines, often associated with good luck and prosperity, makes this cake a fitting addition to the festivities of the Chinese New Year.

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