Strictly Star John Whaite Discusses His New Cookbook, Comfort Food, and How to Perfect a Victoria Sponge
Former "Strictly Come Dancing" star and award-winning chef John Whaite has released a new cookbook titled "Comfort Food." In this book, Whaite shares his favorite recipes for classic comfort dishes with a modern twist.
One of the most popular recipes in the book is Whaite's take on the classic Victoria sponge. This iconic British cake is made with two layers of fluffy sponge cake sandwiched with strawberry jam and whipped cream.
In his recipe, Whaite uses a combination of plain and self-raising flour to create a light and airy sponge. He also adds a touch of baking powder to ensure that the cake rises perfectly.
For the filling, Whaite uses a combination of strawberry jam and whipped cream. He recommends using a good quality jam made with real fruit, and he advises against over-whipping the cream.
To assemble the cake, Whaite simply spreads a layer of jam on one of the sponge layers, then tops it with the whipped cream and the other sponge layer. He dusts the cake with icing sugar and serves it immediately.
Whaite's Victoria sponge recipe is a surefire hit for any occasion. It's easy to make, delicious to eat, and sure to impress your guests.
Here are a few tips from Whaite on how to perfect a Victoria sponge:
* Use good quality ingredients. This will make a big difference to the flavor and texture of your cake.
* Make sure your butter and eggs are at room temperature before you start baking. This will help to ensure that your cake rises evenly.
* Don't over-mix the batter. Over-mixing can make your cake tough.
* Bake your cake in a preheated oven. This will help to prevent the cake from sinking in the middle.
* Let your cake cool completely before assembling it. This will help to prevent the cake from breaking.
* Enjoy your Victoria sponge!