Local Japanese pâtissier Setsuko created this unique recipe for IBUKI magazine’s special saké issue. Setsuko specializes in custom-made cakes using her own recipes with a Japanese twist. Creating desserts using saké is one of her recent ventures. Enjoy this moist pound cake with rich saké fragrance and flavor.

Ingredients (Makes two 6x3 inch loaves)

Egg     2 (room temperature)
All-purpose flour    1 cup
Sugar     1/2 cup
Baking powder    1 tsp
Saké    1 tbs +1 tsp
Unsalted butter    1/2 cup (1 stick)
(For syrup)
Sugar    2 tbs
Water    3 tbs
Saké    1/2 cup

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Sit eggs aside so they warm to room temperature. Melt butter. Sift the baking powder and flour together.
2. In a bowl, beat eggs and add sugar. Mix them with electronic mixer for about 10 minutes.
Professional's Tip !
While mixing beaten eggs and sugar, warm them to body temperature by using double boiler. That way, eggs become frothier and make the cake soft and fluffy.
3. Add saké to the bowl and mix for a minute.
4. Gradually add the dry ingredients (shifted flour and baking powder) and mix until blended.
5. Add melted butter and gently mix together.
6. Pour into a greased and floured cake pan and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.
7. Remove the pan from the oven.
Professional's Tip!
Drop the cake out of the pan into a plate from about 5 inches high. This will prevent cake from shrinking unevenly.
8. In a small pan, add sugar and water and heat until sugar is melted. Remove the pan from heat and add saké. Stir into syrup. Brush the cake with the sake syrup.

Setsuko Pastry

Setsuko’s creations are all made from scratch with a low sugar content, no artificial flavors and no preservatives. Setsuko specializes in custom orders and creates recipes for vegan, low sugar, flour-free, egg-less and other special diets. Her cakes are also available at Issian Stone Grill (1618 North 45th St, Seattle), Kozue Japanese Restaurant (1608 N45th St, Seattle), Root Table Restaurant (2213 NW Market St, Seattle) , Shun Restaurant (5105 25th Avenue NE, #11, Seattle) and Panama Tea House (607 S Main Street, Seattle). Check out her monthly special cakes on her blog.

Setsuko Pastry  (206) 816- 0348 / www.setsukopastry.com