Inspired by Maisie Dobbs (see below), Stefin’s cracked the case of the siliconized pan liners that mystified Andrea during her Grocery Store Escapade in Episode 118. In what is another difference between American and British English, these liners are more like coated waxed paper, not hard silicone plastic, and are probably disposable.

Andrea’s excited about another spring cookbook, Odette Williams’ Simple Cake: All You Need to Keep Your Friends and Family in Cake. Always on the hunt for a “template cake” recipe, Andrea thinks the mix-and-match vibe of this book will be right up her alley.

Review: Mitford Series Cake a Show-Stopper, But Be Sure You Love Marmalade!

Your hosts broke their “no talking between episodes” ban and texted each other several times while making this show-stopping, jaw-dropping triple-layer wonder inspired by Jan Karon’s Mitford Series. While both loved the cake (and batter!), this was a multi-day affair for both of them. What worked:
*Reading the recipe thoroughly, and taking note of the many steps –especially if you print it out;
*Being mindful that several ingredients need to be at room temp;
*Putting the syrup on the hot cake right away to ensure maximum absorption;
*The very forgiving “billowing” whipped-cream frosting.

At the end of the day, though, unless you are an ardent marmalade fan, you may be put off by the bitterness inherent in that key ingredient. Both hosts are planning modifications of the base cake with lemon, lemon curd, raspberry and/or rhubarb syrups and fillings. Stay tuned!

Preview/Review: Eccles Cake Inspired by Maisie Dobbs

Another tasty toponym rounds out the duo’s Literary Bakes month — this time it’s Eccles Cake inspired by WWI-era sleuth Maisie Dobbs from Jacqueline Winspear’s extensive series (15 books and counting!). This “cake” (which American bakers might consider more of a filled pastry or turnover), features a flaky pastry crust stuffed with “deep and dusky” flavors of muscovado sugar, currants, citrus and spice. Andrea’s reminded of the Milk Street Radio interview with London baker (and California transplant) Claire Ptak about these very English treats. Give them, and the Maisie Dobbs series, a try — and let us know if you do!

April Blue Ribbons: English Classics

Since April has five Mondays, Stefin and Andrea each award a coveted Preheated Blue Ribbon to the bookish bake they loved best. Not surprisingly, Andrea pinned her ribbon on the Harry Potter-inspired Sausage Rolls from the Little Library Cafe (Episode 119). She loved how easy and versatile these were, noting that she used prepared puff pastry, and enjoyed them for breakfast and lunch.

Stefin surprised herself by choosing the humblest bake of the month (if not the show): Nigel Slater’s Seed Cake from Episode 120, inspired by no less than David Copperfield, Jane Eyre and the Hobbit. Looking for a charming loaf that comes together easily with pantry staples, has a fun historic back story, and keeps for at least a week? This is your next bake!

Listeners: We loved our listener-suggested Literary Bakes month. What should we tackle next? Let us know at hosts@preheatedpodcast.com!

Previously on Preheated …

Two Years Ago: Episode 25, Meet Me in St. Louis for Some Gooey Butter Cake
One Year Ago: Episode 73.5, April Bonus: Such Sussex Success

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