Omiyage California Citrus Cake, #SundaySupper

NinjaBaker — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 07:28:34 +0000

Are you obligated to bring your children, colleagues or your BFF gifts or souvenirs upon your return from a trip? Are you required to bring a present when paying a formal visit to a friend or company? Yes, according to many Japanese. Major train stations, airports and department stores all conveniently cater to this custom by selling omiyage (souvenirs, presents.)

Often the gift is a specialty of a region, such as Kyoto's cinnamon sugar rice cracker. In Tokyo, a bird-shaped pastry is a favorite fast pick up for those passing through the train station. (Even though the Hiyoko bird baker's headquarters are in Kyushu - one of Japan's southern islands.)

A Tokyo Station Bestseller: The Hiyoko Omiyage

A thin crust of cake shaped into a bird is molded around delicious white bean paste. This 100-year-old little omiyage became a big seller during the 1964 Olympics and came to be associated with Tokyo.

For today’s citrus themed #SundaySupper and my next visit abroad, I created a California citrus cake omiyage. But I also included Peeps as my American version of the popular Tokyo bird pastry.

The Ninja Baker's California Citrus Omiyage Box

I also arranged a few candied orange slices around my orange cupcakes frosted with the Ninja Baker’s Orange Buttercream. The cupcakes are adapted from the orange cake recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I followed the master chef’s instructions…But I added one cup of dark chocolate bits. Julia would approve. Wouldn’t she?

Dark Chocolate Bits Inside & Atop the Ninja Baker's Orange Buttercream

My recipe for orange buttercream follows. The freshly squeezed orange juice does make a delicious difference in the cake and the frosting. (So does my garnish of a chopped up dark orange chocolate bar.)

Orange Buttercream
Author: The Ninja Baker, Kim Watkinson

Ingredients:

1 cup Earth Balance or similar better for you margarine
1 peel of an orange, grated
4 cups sifted powdered sugar
1 tablespoon meringue powder
2 teaspoons vanilla powder
6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed orange juice

Method:
Cream margarine and grated orange peel. Into the bowl sift powdered sugar. One cup at a time. Incorporating well with an electric mixer after each cup. Add the meringue powder, vanilla powder and orange juice. Best to add the juice one tablespoon at a time so you can monitor the consistency of your frosting.

Spread generously onto a cake or cupcakes!

Jen of Juanita’s Cocina is hosting today’s citrus themed #SundaySupper Twitter event. (Tune in at 7 p.m. ET.) Jen’s joie de vivre would make the sourest lemon smile, so this is a party you won’t want to miss. (Type in #SundaySupper in the Twitter search bar.) Here’s the list she has compiled of the most delightful recipes from the cleverest of the food blogosphere.

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

Orange Ricotta Pancakes from Gotta Get Baked

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

Honey Lime Dressing from Ruffles & Truffles
Meyer Lemon Pistachio Loaf from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
Moroccan Preserved Lemons from MarocMama

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

Ceviche from Cookistry
Cilantro Lime Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts
Citrus Ginger Chicken from Kudos Kitchen
Easy Indian Lemon Chicken from Soni's Food
Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
Grilled Orange & Lime Chicken Thighs from Big Bear's Wife
Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus with Brown Rice from Daily Dish Recipes
Orange Chicken from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
Raw Beet Salad with Citrus Dressing from Mama's Blissful Bites
Red Cabbage and Red Pepper Salad with Citrus Dressing from Family Foodie
Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw from Magnolia Days
Tangy Lemon Rice with Grated Mango & Roasted Cashew from Sue's Nutrition Buzz

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

Blood Orange Sorbet from My Cute Bride
Broiled Oranges with Toasted Coconut from Neighborfood
Clementine Curd from Small Wallet Big Appetite
Creamsicle Cupcakes from The Meltaways
Dairyfree Key Lime Meringue Bliss from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
Fresh Lemon Mousse from Comfy Cuisine
Frozen Lemon Dessert from Gourmet Drizzles
Gluten Free Orange Pound Cake from Simply Gourmet
Honey and Lemon Cake from Happy Baking Days
Key Lime Biscotti from Juanita's Cocina
Key Lime Cheesecake from Flour on My Face
Key Lime Cookie Bars from Supper for a Steal
Key Lime Truffles from What Smells So Good?
Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake from Vintage Kitchen Notes
Lemon Coconut Cinnamon Rolls from Chocolate Moosey
Lemon Cookies from Basic N Delicious
Lemon Cream Pie Push Pops from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
Lemon Layer Cake from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
Lemon Poppyseed Sweet Bread from Food Lust People Love
Lemon Ricotta Cake from The Urban Mrs.
Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Peanut Butter and Peppers
Mini Meyer Lemon Pies from Cravings of a Lunatic
Mini Orange Cream & Lemon Cream Scones from The Foodie Army Wife
No-Bake Lemon Cheese Cakes w/Blueberry-Lemon Sauce from Momma's Meals
Olive Oil Cake with Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom
Omiyage California Citrus Cake from Ninja Baking
Orange Cake with Orange Syrup from The Lovely Pantry
Orange Crinkle Cookies from Mom's Test Kitchen
Pink Grapefruit Pie from In the Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from In the Kitchen with KP
Sugar-Free Lemon Meringue Pie from Webicurean
Tarte au Citron from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Sour Sips & Drinks:

{DIY} Arancello and Limoncello from girlichef
Orange Creamsicle Smoothies from Mama.Mommy.Mom

Wishing you joyful visits abroad and into citrus land

The Ninja Baker

The Ninja Baker has guest blogged and contributed recipes to numerous food sites. These additional recipes can be found here.

Tags:

Japanese omiyage

#SundaySupper

Orange Buttercream Frosting

The Ninja Baker - Orange Buttercream Frosting

Omiyage California Citrus Cake, #SundaySupper