Blood Orange Blossom Pomegranate Cake Food

BLOOD ORANGES WITH POMEGRANATE MOLASSES

Steps:

• Cut the skin and pith from each orange; then slice each into thirds. Remove and discard the seeds. In a small bowl, whisk together the pomegranate molasses, honey and orange-blossom water.
• Lay orange slices on a large white platter. Sprinkle with dates, pomegranate seeds and pistachios. Pour the molasses mixture over top, sprinkle with mint and serve.

ORANGE BLOSSOM CHEESECAKE WITH RASPBERRY AND POMEGRANATE SAUCE

Steps:

• For crust:
• Wrap foil around outside of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 3-inch-high sides. Butter pan. Blend first 5 ingredients in processor until nuts are ground. Using on/off turns, blend in butter until crumbs are moist. Press onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of pan.
• For filling:
• Preheat oven to 500°F. Using electric mixer, blend first 5 ingredients in large bowl. Blend in eggs and yolks 1 at a time. Pour into crust.
• Bake cheesecake until slightly puffed and beginning to brown in spots, about 12 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 200°F and continue baking until gently set in center (edges may crack), about 1 hour. Transfer to rack and cool 5 minutes. Run knife around pan sides to loosen. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Do ahead: Can be made 2 days ahead; keep refrigerated.
• For sauce:
• Bring juice to boil in heavy large saucepan. Reduce heat; simmer until reduced to 1 cup, about 35 minutes. Mix in raspberries and sugar. Simmer until reduced to 3 cups, stirring frequently, about 20 minutes. Mix in honey; bring to simmer. Cool slightly. Cover; chill until cold. Do ahead Can be made 1 day ahead; keep refrigerated.
• Release pan sides. Cut cheesecake into wedges and transfer to plates. Spoon sauce over cheesecake; serve.

UPSIDE-DOWN BLOOD ORANGE CAKE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9-inch round cake pan.
• In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter. Add the brown sugar and lemon juice; stir until sugar melts, about 3 minutes. Scrape mixture into bottom of prepared pan.
• Grate 1/2 teaspoon zest from one of the oranges, then slice off the tops and bottoms of both oranges. Place oranges on a clean, flat surface, and slice away the rind and pith, top to bottom, following the curve of the fruit. Slice each orange crosswise into 1/4-inch-thick wheels; discard any seeds. Arrange orange wheels on top of brown sugar mixture in a single, tight layer.
• In a large bowl, whisk together orange zest, cornmeal, flour, baking powder and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together remaining 2 sticks (225 grams) butter with granulated sugar. Beat in eggs, one a time, then beat in sour cream and vanilla. Fold in the dry mixture by hand.
• Scrape batter into pan over oranges. Transfer to oven and bake until cake is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center emerges clean, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool cake in pan 10 minutes, then run a knife along pan's edges to loosen it; invert onto a platter and cool completely before serving.