Raspberry Pistachio Teacakes
Well, I guess there has to be a first for everything…This is my first time missing a Daring Bakers' challenge. Ever. In over 2 years. And does it feel weird!! But there are thousands of wonderfully executed challenges to be seen there. Just too much discombobulation here to do it justice.
My mother was thrilled to see your enthusiasm regarding her ratatouille and the fear of "being out there" for others to see quickly dissipated with yet another bite of it! My parents are leaving on Sunday and we have been packing activities, visits, friends and family in as much as possible. All this between work, shopping and a few baking sessions of course. Mom and I did find time to bake Grandma’s apple tart as well as these easy and delicious little tea cakes filled with raspberries and pistachios.
One thing we never fail to do as a family is to take time for tea. When 5 o’clock rolls around, the kettle is on and the cookie tin finds its place on the table. Even miles away, this is a little "home away from home" tradition I still have. Helps me stay connected. I can picture my grandfather and my parents sitting together for tea and cookies or cake. Sometimes there are friends dropping by. Sometimes, it is a wordless conversation of comforting gestures. I tend to do the same. I close the notebooks and take a minute to breathe. Sometimes it is a bunch of kids and friends stopping by. Same as home. One thing for sure is that our tea time never goes without a sweet nibble.
These teacakes are pretty straightfoward and lend themselves to all sorts of variations. We went through the pantry and the fridge and prepared mini cakes with fresh raspberries, but you could use strawberries or blueberries just as well. We went for pistachios but almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts would work beautifully here too. I like the flavor that the dark brown sugar imparts to these but feel free to use light brown or granulated sugar instead. I think I’ll try to find time to bake them another batch to take on the plane ride back home and sneak some into their carry-ons!
Raspberry Pistachio Teacakes Recipe:
Makes about a dozen
1 cup (120gr) pistachios, raw, divided
1/2 cup (110gr) dark brown sugar, packed
2 large eggs
1 stick (113gr) unsalted butter, melted and cooled
1 teaspoon (5gr) vanilla extract
1 1/2 cups (205gr) cake flour
pinch of salt
1 teaspoon (4.6gr) baking powder
1 1/2 cups (185gr) fresh raspberries
Preheat the oven to 350F. Lightly spray or butter 10 to 12 muffin cups or tins.
Coarsely chop the pistachios and set aside.
In a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or with hand held beaters), whisk together the sugar and the eggs on medium speed, until thick, about 2-3 minutes. Lower the speed and with the machine running, add the butter, vanilla extract, cake flour, salt and baking powder. Increase the speed to medium and whisk until just incorporated. By hand, fold in the raspberries, being careful not to break them up too much and half of the reserved pistachios. Divide evenly between the muffin tins (or other small molds). Sprinkle the remaining half a cup of pistachios evenly over the cakes. Bake for 20 minutes or until golden brown. Let cool on wire racks.
Have a wonderful weekend!
Comments
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 6:49 am
i am going to have to try this recipe, my husband adores pistachios and raspberries.
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 7:32 am
These teacakes look wonderful and delicious! I have to try making these soon. They’d be perfect for tea time. I have lots of leftover hazelnuts from the last time I baked and this would be the perfect way to use them.
Thanks. Laura N.
elisabetta March 27, 2009 um 7:34 am
a perfect sunday morning treat 🙂
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 7:43 am
Hi Helen,
Do forgive me for diverging from today’s topic but I would be most grateful if you could help me out with a recipe for croissant? What is the usual flour- butter ratio? I have used 550 flour to make it before but to no success…
Thanks,
Ashanti.
Mimmi March 27, 2009 um 8:26 am
Beautiful recipe (I’ll absolutely try it) and pictures too!!!
Thanks,
Mik
Rosa's Yummy Yums March 27, 2009 um 9:47 am
The first and last shots are so pretty! Your teacakes look fantastic!
Cheers and have a nice weekend,
Rosa
Deeba PAB March 27, 2009 um 10:15 am
Just gorgeous Helen. Missed you on the challenge, but love this one. Thoughts of strawberries & pistachios in there are making my heart sing.
Cannelle Et Vanille March 27, 2009 um 11:19 am
i missed the challenge too and i feel bad about it. but this is fantastic!
LizNoVeggieGirl March 27, 2009 um 11:47 am
No worries missing the DBC, dear Helen – you have a lot going on!!
Lovely treat anyhow!! 🙂
bridget {bake at 350} March 27, 2009 um 12:05 pm
I love the sound of the "tea" tradition. Not something that we do in Texas :), but I’m thinking I may start it. It sounds so calming and such a nice break from the busy day…and there’s cake! 😉
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 12:06 pm
Thank you for the recipe, it sounds good… Good trip home to your parents, and enjoy the weekend 🙂
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 12:21 pm
I love tea time…wish I could just pop in to your home! Lovely tea cakes! Where do you get the parchment that you use to cover them …are they precut? I especially lke the espresso colored ones.
Arrica March 27, 2009 um 12:53 pm
how did you get those darling papers around your sweet tea cakes?
is this a secret you might share?
Helene March 27, 2009 um 1:03 pm
Ahaha….No secret involved!!
They are called "tulip liners" and I got mine at Kitchen Krafts. They are $5 for a box of 50 and come in white and brown.
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 1:37 pm
Brilliant, per usual. Your photos and treats are stunning! And I was just about to ask the same question as Arrica about the papers; beat me to it!
Thanks and cheers,
*Heather*
Nina Timm March 27, 2009 um 1:47 pm
The picture of the flower is awesome!!! Teatime is so important…..as you say, it is just time to reflect and connect! Super post!
Katie @ goodLife {eats} March 27, 2009 um 1:51 pm
Oh my! I will have to try these. I love both raspberries and pistachios and have been wanting to make something sweet with pistachios.
baked in alaska March 27, 2009 um 2:36 pm
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baked in alaska March 27, 2009 um 2:37 pm
I love the flower picture.
Char March 27, 2009 um 3:25 pm
now I have to make those muffins that I’ve been putting off – gorgeous work. I will definitely try this recipe.
beautiful photography as always.
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 3:40 pm
MMM teacakes! Booo to no DB, but that ratatouille looks amazing too! Thanks for the well wishes Helen!
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 3:47 pm
Those are very cute! I’ve made my own liners like that for shortcakes – everything comes out so cute baked that way! I also LOVE your little polkadotted teapot! Same pattern as my wonderfully girly apron!
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 4:03 pm
I know the feeling on missing one. It’s not like you don’t have a trillion things on your plate, either. Heh. Lovely, lovely tea cakes. I’d like to cozy up with one.
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 4:12 pm
The teacakes look wonderful. Enjoy tomorrow with your parents.
Emmyshell March 27, 2009 um 4:33 pm
Where did you get the red polka dot teapot? LOVE!
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 4:59 pm
WOW!!! that is beautiful! really stunning!!
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 5:29 pm
Yum, the crunch of pistachios and the tart sweetness of raspberries. A rockin' combination!
Sarah March 27, 2009 um 5:36 pm
I love hearing how your family would take time for tea together! I love drinking tea. Your tea cakes are beautiful. Where did you find the papers that they’re in?
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 5:40 pm
géniall comme d’habitude
iza:)
Patricia Scarpin March 27, 2009 um 6:01 pm
Oh, sweetie, these photos are so beautiful! They have such a delicate feel, love that.
And anything with both nuts and berries have a very special place in my heart.
Anonymous March 27, 2009 um 6:23 pm
Teatime is going to be my new year’s resolution, which should start right away, no? I am always "too busy" to watch the water boil…and am finishing work/starting to think about dinner. Thank you for the inspiration.
Lori March 27, 2009 um 6:24 pm
As much as I am bummed to not see what your amazing mind has created, I am so glad to see you are spending time with your folks. Glad to see these little pretties though.
The Duo Dishes March 27, 2009 um 6:38 pm
We’d like to request 2 of these for breakfast?
Botacook March 27, 2009 um 6:59 pm
Quelles magnifiques photos, suggérant une ambiance apaisante de teatime, accompagnée de ces superbes teacakes…
laura March 27, 2009 um 7:36 pm
Yum yum, pistachios & raspberries, what a combination!
Elyse March 27, 2009 um 9:26 pm
I love that your family breaks for tea!! I think that’s a great tradition that is lacking in many people’s lives. Of course, people might be more inspired to break for tea if they had yummy little raspberry pistachio cakes like these! Mmm, these look so dainty and delicious!
Mallory Elise March 27, 2009 um 10:35 pm
oh theres that red with white polka dots again, oh la la i love it! every dish i own will be it 🙂
i love the use of humans in the photos, i have been thinking lately how i can go about doing more human posed props 😛
Avental da Micas March 27, 2009 um 11:07 pm
i’m a big fan of yours and i come here all most every day to see the news… and they always leave me breathless! these teacakes look wonderfull…
Darius T. Williams March 28, 2009 um 12:23 am
Such perfection – those teacakes look mighty divine!
Irene March 28, 2009 um 1:58 am
Oh my goodness! This is what I love about you: nothing is ever the same. Your diversity in styling and photographing is awesome! That takes a great amount of skill and control. You are a master!
On another note….the teacakes sound perfect for a weekend break!
Helene March 28, 2009 um 2:53 am
Emmyshell: the teapot is actually the creamer pot of a sugar and creamer set that my mom brought this time. She got it on alinea.com
Joyce March 28, 2009 um 2:55 am
What a perfect and sweet way to start the day! Happy weekend! xoxo
chuck March 28, 2009 um 4:53 am
These are beautiful! I love biting into a baked good with a crunch. I think the Pistachio would add a wonderful flavor!
Dewi March 28, 2009 um 5:18 am
I never made tea cake before, it does sounds delicious and worth trying.
Cheers,
elra
Helene March 28, 2009 um 6:14 am
Ashanti: if you do a straight croissant dough the butter should be about 4% of your flour weight. If you use a croissant dough with a starter or preferment, it is usually 5%.
Hope this helps!
A. March 28, 2009 um 6:16 am
Ca c’est le petit dej pour nous!
Profites bien!
cindy* March 28, 2009 um 6:30 am
what a sweet ritual.
i have that same little white pourer and beautiful flowers too!
Sunshinemom March 28, 2009 um 11:06 am
I won’t like having my tea now! I want some of those tea cakes to go with it!!
Netts Nook March 28, 2009 um 1:12 pm
Thanks for sharing they look great I love my tea time also.Can’t wait to try.
Anonymous March 28, 2009 um 1:32 pm
lovely! i’m hoping to carve some time this weekend to make these. its perfect for the rainy weather here. xo.
Helene March 28, 2009 um 2:02 pm
Sarah: I got the liners from Kitchen Krafts. They are about $5 for a box of 50.
Juliana March 28, 2009 um 3:37 pm
It is so elegant! Love the pictures…thank you so much for sharing it!
C. March 28, 2009 um 4:12 pm
I miss popping by for tea with you and some of your wonderful creations!
Lovely as always!
Florence March 28, 2009 um 8:55 pm
De la magie, de la magie et encore de la magie! Meme le plus simple petit gateau se transforme en quelque chose de special avec toi!
Dominique March 28, 2009 um 9:47 pm
J’adorerais partager une tasse de thé avec toi… et quelques petits gâteaux! Moi aussi c’est un de mes moments préférés du week-end, quand nous sommes tous réunis. Enfin prendre le temps…
steph- whisk/spoon March 28, 2009 um 9:59 pm
ahh…are you bringing that tray to me?? looks just wonderful!
Angela @ A Spoonful of Sugar March 28, 2009 um 10:02 pm
Your family always sounds so wonderfully rooted in tradition and spending time together. How lovely!
The teacakes look wonderful and I am jealous of your tulip papers. You can only get hold of them in boxes of 250 over here and I must admit that I’m tempted…
Creative Classroom Core March 28, 2009 um 10:07 pm
Wow! These are so beautiful and sound addictive! Thanks for sharing another yummy recipe!
Snooky doodle March 28, 2009 um 10:15 pm
oh these muffins look so nice ! yummy.
Jen Yu March 28, 2009 um 10:17 pm
I like that you still have tea in the afternoon even though you’re here instead of there. I love tea, except I don’t like hot drinks. Does that make sense? Your cakes are so cute and the perfect little treat. Jeremy would be right there with you on the tea (he’s crazy about tea and coffee!).
Hayley March 29, 2009 um 12:15 am
That last picture is wonderful. I made raspberry tea cake myself today! Looks like we’re on the same page.
Anonymous March 29, 2009 um 4:40 am
There is teatime and then there is Tartelette Tea Time!! Now I bet the latter is waaayyy better 🙂
Christy March 29, 2009 um 10:56 am
Guess what, Helen? I missed this month’s challenge too. But this is your first time, and not mine; and considering how busy you are, you are faring much, much better than me in terms of time management.
I love your anecdote of teatime. Sigh, I wish I live somewhere like that!!
Anonymous March 29, 2009 um 11:12 am
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
Lorraine @NotQuiteNigella March 29, 2009 um 9:18 pm
Ah what a pity you didn’t have time for the Daring Bakers challenge this month but yes things can often get in the way! Taking time for tea is definitely one of life’s pleasures, and one I cannot do without for it makes me anxious if I can’t do it 🙂
Iiiii March 30, 2009 um 10:56 am
Hi, I have honored you with Lemonade award. My blog is in croatian language, but I am following yours, and enyojing your recipes:) and fabulous photos!
Sara March 30, 2009 um 6:51 pm
These look amazing, I don’t bake with pistachios nearly enough. I love tea time, but I never think to have it at home. I need to change that!
Ash March 30, 2009 um 8:46 pm
These look fantastic! I love the pics!!!
I love little tea cakes!
The Short (dis)Order Cook March 30, 2009 um 8:53 pm
These look delicious. I love raspberries and pistachios and these days I’m addcited to everything pistachio. I like your alternate nut/fruit suggestions too though.
Joy March 30, 2009 um 10:24 pm
mmm…yummy! your photos are beautiful – you should put out a magazine or something! 🙂
Deborah March 31, 2009 um 12:18 am
Your photos are just amazing!
Angela March 31, 2009 um 6:09 am
Absolute delight! You sure know how to turn simple into special! Lovely!!
Ashanti April 1, 2009 um 3:55 pm
Thanks Helen,
I just made croissants and they turned out great.
Anita April 2, 2009 um 5:35 am
These look fantastic! Beautiful photos too.
kickpleat April 6, 2009 um 11:27 pm
These look so beautiful! I’ve got some raspberries and pecans so I might whip these up this weekend.
Holly M. Wendt April 13, 2009 um 5:20 pm
These look beautiful, and they might be just the thing to help me say thank you to my dissertation committee.
But, because I will have to make them a bit ahead of time, if they are well-wrapped (not frozen), how long will they keep?
Thank you!