Angelica Caramel Cake Food

HOMEMADE CANDIED ANGELICA - FOR CAKES, BAKES AND DESSERTS

Steps:

• Please note, in order to have this recipe posted, I had to put in quantities - they are approximate, depending on how many stems you are candying!
• Cut angelica stalks in their 2nd year. Unlike many other plants, the big stalks are better as long as they are still green (not purple or white).
• De-leaf, remove leaf stalks and cut into pieces of about 6 inches, and soak in cold water for about 8 hours.
• Boil water and plunge the stalks inches Boil until the stalks begin to soften (add about half teaspoon of baking soda per pint of water to keep the vivid green colour, which is associated with 'real' candied angelica that is found in France) It also helps to soften.
• Cool under running water, drain, then peel removing the long stringy parts on the outside of the stalks.
• Put them into a syrup made up of of 1 cup sugar, and 1 cup water; soak for 24 hours.
• Cook in them in the syrup and repeat once a day for four days, by which time the angelica should be translucent without losing shape.
• Remove the angelica stems from the pan and let them drain on a covered rack or screen until dry and glossy.
• N.B.(You can roll the stems in caster sugar, BEFORE drying them on the rack/screen if you wish.).
• Store in an airtight tin or jar, and in a cool, dark place; they will last for up to 2 years in the right storage conditions.
• Cut the stems into appropriate lengths and use to decorate cakes, trifles, desserts or ice cream sundaes.

CARAMEL FROSTING FOR ANGEL FOOD CAKE

Steps:

• Melt the butter in a saucepan and then add the brown sugar.
• Boil and stir for at least one minute.
• Take the saucepan off the heat and add the milk.
• With a hand mixer beat in the powdered sugar, one cup at a time until the spreading consistency is right for you.
• It should not be a very thick consistency for angel food cake, because it will harden as it cools.

ANGEL FOOD CAKE WITH CARAMEL SAUCE

Steps:

• In a large bowl, beat cream cheese and confectioners' sugar until smooth. Fold in whipped topping; set aside. Cut cake horizontally into two layers. Place the bottom layer on a serving plate; spread with cream cheese mixture. Replace top; refrigerate. , In a saucepan, combine 3/4 cup of cream, sugar, corn syrup, butter and salt. Cook and stir until mixture reaches soft-ball stage (234°). Slowly add remaining cream. Cook and stir until mixture returns to soft-ball stage (234°). Remove from the heat; stir in vanilla. Cool. Drizzle over cake. Store in the refrigerator.