Wednesday, May 28, 2008

May Daring Baker's Challenge


I am really really sorry that I couldn't enjoy this challenge as much as I'm sure I would if I only had the time. This has been a hell of a month. First, a very very long exam period, and next, a scant 5 days after my last paper, a backpacking trip to Taiwan. While very exciting, I am by nature a person who likes her appointments spaced out, and not all crammed together. So suffice it to say, this is not the best month for a delicate, time-consuming, elaborate, elegant cake, irregardless of how much I would have liked to take the time to really savour the baking process. Nontheless, I must thank our lovely hostesses, Ivonne, Lis, Fran and Shea, for introducing me to this fabulous cake that I didn't even knew existed!


Another thing to be sorry for: I have no time to really write a post worthy of this epic cake, which I made all in one day, and trust me when I say it took me all day. And so, I'll just have to post the pictures in a chronological fashion, and hope it makes sense!


My secret and not-so-common ingredient: Durian! So I guess I made a Durian Opera Cake...


My fantastic buttercream; finally got it to whipped cream consistency, avenging my failure at it the first time =P I had to beat the cream for so long I thought my little handheld mixer was going to explode.

Unfortunately, durian doesn't slice so well...

So basically, I skipped the glaze and piled on the durian pulp, and after that its alternating durian pulp and buttercream. I love this picture =)

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

How unexpected- Durian! Now that's going out on a limb, even beyond the difficult recipe. I'm glad that you still managed to find time to complete the challenge, because your cake came out so wonderfully!

Anonymous said...

Oh ~ I'm already drooling, you're getting better buddy! (:

Shelby said...

I've never had Durian! Your buttercream looks awesome! Great job! I too didn't have a lot of time to put into my challenge. I'm hoping for more time AFTER my son's wedding!

Anonymous said...

I like the pretty colors in your cake! I remember those days (in my case with a child or two as well). Somehow we make it through and are all the better for it and now you have a delightful cake to as a reward for your efforts!

Madeleine said...

Only 1 day!!! wow!!! my admiration for you!

Durian opera Cake... interesting!!

Great job!!

Judy@nofearentertaining said...

Durian! Wow I never would have thought that in a million or so years! Cake looks incredible!

Anonymous said...

Durian - cool! At first glance I thought you were calling yours Duran Duran Opera cake. That would be good, too, right?

Jeanine - The Baking Beauties said...

Well, with all the rush-rush you've had this month, I hope that you at least took the time to savour that delightful looking cake! :) Great job!

Christine said...

Your buttercream is exquisite! I'm very impressed that you completed the challenge in the midst of a hectic month!

Good luck with your exams and have fun on your trip!

Christina ~ She Runs, She Eats

Mrs Ergül said...

What a smart adaptation! Durian, the king of fruits in Singapore's context! Yum yum!

Renee said...

Way to be totally uncommon and awesome! I would love to try your cake...it looks delicious. I've never had durian, but it's supposed to be amazing...cheers!

Brownie said...

Wow, Durian! I'm impressed! That's some mighty fine looking buttercream!

test it comm said...

Nice looking opera cake. I would really like to a Durian.

- - MayMay - - said...

Durian? I have no idea what it tastes! It is very special tho! And isn't that what DB is all about! congrats!

Clumbsy Cookie said...

Almost one month later and I'm still finding new Operas arround! I've never tasted durian but I must say your cake looks very interesting. That buttercream, oh my! I could just eat it straight from the bowl!