Thursday, September 23, 2021

Gateau Opera....no singing required...


Son number two (in birth order, not in affections), requested a Gateau Opera as birthday cake a while back.

I, being the adventurous type, took on the baking and assembling of this monster. It's a bit like a Tiramisu, but not, if you know what I mean.

Description:

Opera cake (French: Gâteau opéra) is a French cake. It is made with layers of almond sponge cake (known as Joconde in French) soaked in coffee syrup, layered with ganache and coffee (or Grand Marnier) French buttercream, and covered in a chocolate glaze.

Yeah, nah, no worries as we Aussies say. *cough*


First of all, could someone, anyone, have told me that Gateau Opera is usually served in individual portions. I could have thus baked and assembled them that way, rather than in Jack and The Beanstalk giant terms.

After wrestling the layers into submission, soaking them in caffeinated beverage, and coating them with enough buttercream and chocolate to feed all of Paris, it was done.

Still, no harm done. Apart from several near nervous breakdowns in ensuring that said layers of Jacone remained in one piece, given their gargantuan proportions.


In the end, it was yet another lesson in 'if you build it, they will come', or 'try anything once', or 'made with love is best', or any number of other heart warming homilies.


Edible gold dashes were added for dramatic effect, and Son declared the ensuing cake a success. He enjoyed it with a cold Corona, as men will. No palate, I tell you.


I hope he liked it, 'cause I ain't making another one....lol!

Here's the main recipe I followed, although, as ever, I added my own touches...



What's been your most adventurous cake making escapade?

...Mimi...



10 comments:

  1. Cakes are not really my thing but there have been times when I pushed my limits.

    1984 - Puss in Boots for my daughter's 2nd birthday and 27 years later there was Dorothy the Dinosaur for my granddaughter's 2nd birthday!

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    1. Cake decorating always forces me to push my limits! Yours are pretty darned good!

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  2. That cake looks amazing, Mimi. I am sorry to say that my sponge cakes are very far from light and fluffy concoctions of delight - think pancake and you won't be far wrong! I can manage 'bung it all in and give it a stir' types of fruit cake however. The one that always seems to work for me is a spicy apple cake, topped with honey and brown sugar. Yum!

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    1. Tracy fortunately, this one was more biscuit-y than sponge-y, so you'd b surprised what you can achieve! Your apple cake sounds divine :)

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  3. I love cake! I've made opera cakes previously and have intentions of attempting a vegan version soon

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  4. What a mother will do for her child! The cake looks great!

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  5. Dearest Mimi
    I wanted to thank you for visiting ~ My little old world ~ and for leaving such a lovely comment and I've chosen this post of yours...I'm so fond of cakes and want to give it a try :)!!!
    And I wanted to wish your 'baby' many returns of the day, as well.
    Sending blessings across the many miles
    Xx Dany

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    1. Dearest Dany, it's always a singular pleasure to visit you. Mimi xxx

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I love hearing from you! I always respond to comments, so don't be shy! Mimi xxx