GRILLED ROSE-WATER POUNDCAKE

Grilled Rose-Water Poundcake image

Rose water adds a delicate, floral note to this otherwise traditional pound cake. Two teaspoons is just enough to stand up to the smoky flavors of a light toasting on the grill. Serve it all with a peach compote, also with a touch of rose water, for an elegant warm-weather treat.

Provided by John Willoughby

Categories dessert

Time 1h45m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

2 sticks plus 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup sugar
5 eggs, separated
2 teaspoons rose water

Steps:

Heat oven to 325 degrees. Butter a 9-by-5-inch loaf pan with 1 tablespoon of the butter and line the bottom with parchment paper.
Mix the flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set side.
Using an electric mixer, cream 1 1/2 sticks of the butter (12 tablespoons) in a large bowl until very smooth. Continuing to beat, slowly add the sugar until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as necessary. Add the egg yolks one at a time, beating after each addition until incorporated. Beat in the rose water. Stir in the dry ingredients by hand until just incorporated.
Beat the egg whites until they form soft peaks, then fold them gently into the butter-sugar mixture. (The batter will be quite stiff.)
Transfer the batter into the prepared pan, smooth the surface, and bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes. Allow cake to rest for 5 minutes, then invert it onto a baking rack. Turn right side up and allow to cool to room temperature before cutting into 3/4-inch slices.
Light a medium fire in a grill. When hot, brush each slice of cake lightly with some of the remaining butter and grill until lightly toasted, about 2 minutes a side. Serve immediately, accompanied by peach compote (see recipe).

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 402, UnsaturatedFat 8 grams, Carbohydrate 39 grams, Fat 25 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 6 grams, SaturatedFat 15 grams, Sodium 205 milligrams, Sugar 20 grams, TransFat 1 gram