Market Menu – Week of July 5th

Here are two new flavors that I added to my 80 Cakes collection this week. Both were well received at the Farmers’ Markets. I didn’t even get a chance to take any pictures of them before they all disappeared!

Masala Chai Mini-Bundt Cakes

Chai tea lattes are a common menu item in most American coffee shops these days. I found it interesting when my husband, who is from India, told me that Chai in Hindi means tea. So a Chai tea latte is actually translated to tea tea latte. The more correct term is Masala Chai, which means spiced tea. In India tea is brewed and spiced with a combination of spices, most often cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, clove, and even pepper. These mini pound cakes are infused with black tea and spiced with cinnamon, cardamom, and ginger, then topped with a black tea glaze.

Lavender Cupcakes

There are 39 species of lavender plants and I was surprised to find out they are in the mint family. The native range extends across North and East Africa, Southern Europe, the Mediterranean, and India. Lavender is often used to make honey, lavender sugar, and to flavor cakes. Although not used in classical French cooking, in the 1970’s Herbes de Provence, a mixture of dried herbs typical of Provence, was created. The standard mixture typically contains savory, fennel, basil, thyme, and lavender flowers. These lavender cupcakes have a delicate floral flavor without being overpowering. They are topped with a light lemon buttercream. It is a unique flavor combination you won’t want to miss.