Anisette Mascarpone Cake Food

ANISETTE-MASCARPONE CAKE

Steps:

• MAKE THE CAKE: Preheat oven to 350*F.
• Line a 13x9" baking pan with parchment paper; set aside.
• Whip the eggs and sugar together until light and fluffy using an electric mixer on medium-high speed.
• With the mixer running, drizzle in the vegetable oil, then the vanilla.
• Sift the flour and baking powder together; add to the egg mixture alternately with the milk, mixing after each addition, just until combined.
• Pour the batter into the prepared pan; bake until firm and springy to the touch, and a toothpick tests out clean, 35-40 minutes.
• Cool cake in the pan on a wire rack.
• MEANWHILE, MAKE THE TOPPING: Whip the egg yolks and sugar until light and fluffy and the sugar is almost dissolved.
• Add the mascarpone cheese and Sambucca; whip just until stiff and frosting-like, being careful not to overmix.
• (Overmixing may cause the mascarpone to separate.) Chill until ready to use.
• MAKE THE ANISETTE SYRUP: Bring the sugar and water to a boil in a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
• Remove pan from heat and add the Sambucca; set aside to cool slightly.
• Invert the cake; peel off the parchment paper.
• Brush the surface of the cake with the syrup until it is all absorbed.
• Cover with the mascarpone topping, using all the cream.
• Chill, lightly covered, at least 2 hours.
• When ready to serve, sprinkle with the grated chocolate, cut into squares, and serve cold.

SPICED BAKED FIGS WITH GINGER MASCARPONE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Lay the figs in an ovenproof roasting dish, dot over the butter and drizzle with honey. Sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon, then pour over the orange juice and mix lightly. Nestle the star anise amongst the figs and roast for 15-20 minutes.
• When ready to serve, mix the ginger and syrup through the mascarpone. Place 4 fig halves, drizzled with syrup, on a plate with a dollop of mascarpone and some shortbread fingers.