Strawberry Sponge Cake...

Growing up in Wexford, one of the best parts of summer time (aside from school holidays) was the abundance of strawberries in our house. Wexford is the home of the strawberry, and even if you think the strawberries from the supermarket are nice... I can assure you that they are nothing like the real thing. Wexford strawberries are fresh, flavoursome and juice... they taste like summer. I've yet to taste an imported strawberry, or one that wasn't sold from a hut on the side of the road that tastes as good...

Strawberry sponge cakes made a regular appearance for dessert so I couldn't let summer pass without sharing a recipe for a GLBTK version of what is one of my favourites... 

For the cake: 

• 8 eggs, separated
• 4 tbsp Irish honey
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1 tsp almond extract
• 150g ground almonds
• 2 tsp GF baking powder

Preheat fan oven to 150d (fan oven). Line 2 7" sandwich tins with baking parchment. 

Separate the eggs. 

Add the honey, vanilla and almond extract to the egg yolks. Whisk until doubled in volume and pale in colour. 

Fold the ground almonds and baking powder into the egg yolk mixture. 

In a clean, 100% grease free bowl, whisk the egg whites until holding stiff peaks & opaque. 

Lastly, using a large spoon fold in the egg whites (1/4 at a time), until well mixed in. 

Divide mixture evenly between the prepared sandwich tins. Bake for 17-20 minutes until well risen, pale golden and springy to touch. 

Allow to cool in the tin for 5 minutes before removing. Set aside to cool on a wire rack. 

To assemble: 

• 300g strawberries, sliced
• 250g whipped cream with 1 tsp vanilla extract added for flavour
• 50g grated dark chocolate
• 25g dark chocolate, melted 

Sandwich the cakes together with sliced strawberries & whipped cream. 

Top with more sliced strawberries & finish with a coating of whipped cream and grated chocolate. 

Drizzle with melted dark chocolate. 

Refrigerate until ready to serve. 

This is a great summer dessert as it's quite light and refreshing. If you can't get your hands on Wexford strawberries, please make sure you're buying Irish and supporting local producers.