Ginger and Orange Spice Cake

I love this time of year with spices emulating from the kitchen and with my recipe for ginger and orange cake it doesn’t disappoint ! It is a delicious alternative to Christmas cake but still gives you that Christmas feeling. Ginger is one of my favourite spices. I use it in my juices, I use it in my savoury recipes, but I definitely have to admit I use it a lot more in baking! 

Make It

My version of ginger and orange spice cake is a healthy version with honey and molasses used instead of the usual golden syrup and coconut sugar used instead of refined sugar, however you can use them ii you prefer.  It doesn’t take away from the taste, in fact it improves it and produces a much moister cake, rich in flavour. While it is still hot I drizzle some orange and ginger syrup over it then leave it to cool before icing and decorating it.

Decorate It

I decorate it using frosted rosemary and frosted cranberries to give a Christmas look. I simply make a sugar syrup and dip the rosemary and cranberry in it. Then I place them on wired racks for 2 hours. Then finally dip it in white sugar and the sugar sticks like frost!

Health Benefits Of Ginger

Ginger is soothing on the stomach, helping to aid digestion and prevent nausea. It is high in potassium, known to lower blood pressure. Ginger has natural anti inflammatory properties to help reduce inflammation. It also is anti bacterial, helping to protect the body from illness. Finally ginger helps to lower blood pressure and lower cholesterol so is a beneficial part of any diet.

Cooking With Ginger

While I love cooking with fresh ginger, it is not always best to use it in baking. Ground ginger is able to withstand higher temperatures than fresh ginger without altering its flavour, which is why it is ideal in baking. When cooked, fresh ginger becomes milder in taste.Fresh ginger is delicious in syrups to moisten your cakes which is why I use it in my recipe for ginger and orange spice cake.

If you like this then try my recipe for Spelt Gingerbread Cookies.

If you would like to see how I styled this photograph check out my YouTube tutorial on how I got this shot. It may help you style your food or inspire you to take more food photos!

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