Greek Honey and Lemon Cake

Discover the irresistible tanginess of this moist lemon cake, a guilt-free delight for those watching their sugar intake or aiming for a lighter dessert. With its low-fat content and absence of added sugars, it's the perfect option for health-conscious individuals. Plus, the addition of sesame seeds provides a delightful crunch and flavor boost. 

Receta de Bizcocho Griego de Miel y Limon en español.

Don't miss out on this delicious treat! :) Απολαύστε αυτό το νόστιμο κέικ!

Greek Honey and Lemon Cake

Ingredients:
3 Tablespoons margarine
7 Tablespoons honey
Grated rind and juice of one lemon (2 Tablespoons)
⅔ cups milk room temperature
1½ cups all-purpose flour
1½ teaspoons baking powder
Pinch of nutmeg
2 egg whites
2 teaspoons sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400˚F (200˚C) Lightly grease a 8" (20 cm) square pan.

2. Mix margarine a 4 Tablespoons of honey in a saucepan until melted. Mix in milk; Reserve 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and add the remaining juice to the mixture.

3. Sift flour, baking powder, and nutmeg together, add lemon rind, and reserve. Add liquid mixture to flour mixture and mix. Lightly beat egg whites to soft peaks. Fold in egg whites into the mixture of flour and butter until well incorporated.

4. Pour mixture into pan and sprinkle sesame seeds. Bake for 20-30 minutes until a wooden toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. I leave mine for 25 minutes.

5. Mix reserved 3 Tablespoons of honey and 1 Tablespoon of lemon juice, drizzle over the cake while it is still warm in the pan. Leave to cool in the pan and then cut into 1" fingers to serve.

Yield: 12 portions.

Notes: Substitute ¼ cup of flour with semolina for an authentic Mediterranean cake.

 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”~ John 16:33.

Tomato Dessert (Dulce de Tomate)

My husband prepared this dessert for me when we were newlyweds.  I was surprised when I heard him say dulce de tomate... because I had never heard of tomato dessert before. When I tasted it, I was immediately amazed on how great it tasted. My dear husband firmly believes that after one tastes this dulce (dessert), it will become a favorite!

This is one of many traditional fruit desserts in Dominican Republic, but it is not commonly found in stores. I have already shared this recipe in Spanish when my blog was only a few months old. I've always wanted to translate it, but never found the time until now that I am organizing my recipes to add the ZipList save recipe button and for the new recipe index I have under construction. Below you'll find the translated recipe for this delicious dessert. The sweet syrup is a base recipe to prepare many Dominican fruits desserts; you just need to replace the tomatoes with other fruits.

Stewed Okra, (Molondrones Guisados)

Meatless days... This stewed okra recipe is an excellent alternative for days when we choose to go meatless or for vegetarians. Okra, also known as gumbo or molondrones, is a very healthy vegetable. In addition to its great taste, it is high in fiber, potassium, and calcium. 

Receta de Molondrones Guisados en español: Aqui.

I use barbecue sauce in this dish to add a smoky flavor. My favorite way to enjoy this stew is with boiled batata (boniato). Give it a try!

Stewed Okra 

Ingredients:

1 pound okra 

⅔ juice of 3 lemons

2 Tablespoons oil

3 Tablespoons Dominican Sazon or see notes

1 Tablespoon tomato paste or 2 Tablespoons tomato sauce

1 ½ teaspoon of bitter orange juice or vinegar

2 teaspoons barbecue sauce (optional)

Pinch of ground oregano

¼ cup chopped cilantro

½ -1 cup water 

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions: 

1. Rinse the okra well, cut off both ends and discard. Proceed to cut the vegetable into ½ inch slices and place in a bowl with enough water to cover, and half of the lemon juice. Set aside for ten minutes, discard the water, and rinse again. Drain well add the remaining lemon juice and more water and let stand while you prepare the other ingredients. This helps remove or minimize the viscous liquid this veggie has.

2. In a skillet heat the oil and cook the seasoning for about three minutes, then add tomato sauce, vinegar, barbecue sauce, and oregano and stir for about one minute. Add ½ cup water or to taste to make the sauce, as soon as it begins to boil, add the okra, and chopped cilantro; stir and cover.

3. Cook for about 20 minutes until okra is tender and forms a sauce to your liking. Remove from heat and serve. Serve with rice, tostones, or boiled plantain, cassava, or batata (sweet potatoes).

Yield: 5 servings.

Notes: 

a) If you do not have natural Dominican seasoning prepared, substitute the 3 tablespoons of seasoning with:

• 1 medium onion, chopped

• 3 mashed cloves garlic

• 1 cubanelle pepper or ½ bell pepper chopped

b) You can also add okra towards the end of cooking time in a pork or chicken stew is a delicious way to incorporate this healthy vegetable into your meal. The okra will absorb the flavors of the stew and add a nice texture to the dish. Plus, it's a great way to increase the nutritional value of your meal without adding any meat. 

 "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act. Do not say to your neighbor, “Come back tomorrow and I’ll give it to you”— when you already have it with you." ~ Proverbs 3:27-28