ORANGE UPSIDE-DOWN CAKE

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Orange Upside-Down Cake image

Provided by Bonnie Sanders Polin, Ph.D,

Categories     Cake     Egg     Dessert     Bake     Low Fat     Low Sodium     Orange     Cornmeal     Vanilla     Healthy     Low Cholesterol     Kidney Friendly     Vegetarian     Pescatarian     Wheat/Gluten-Free     Peanut Free     Tree Nut Free     Soy Free     Kosher

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Orange Layer:
1 large thin-skinned orange, such as Valencia
1/4 cup sugar
Polenta Cake Layer:
2 tablespoons skim milk
1/3 cup sugar
1/2-ounce package active dry yeast
2 large eggs, separated, plus 2 additional large egg whites
2 tablespoons trans-free margarine
2 teaspoons finely grated orange zest
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
2/3 cup stone-ground yellow cornmeal

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
  • 2. Wash the orange. Cut off and discard the ends. Cut the orange crosswise into slices about 1/4 inch thick. Remove any seeds. Put in the skillet, add 1/4 cup water,and sprinkle with sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, gently stirring to keep the fruit from sticking. Cook until the liquid is almost gone and the orange slices are caramelized. With a fork, move the orange slices into an attractive pattern in the bottom of the skillet.
  • 3. In a small saucepan, heat the milk until warm but not hot. Remove from heat and add 1 teaspoon of the sugar and the yeast. Stir until the yeast is dissolved.
  • Set aside.
  • 4. In a large bowl, beat together the 2 egg yolks, the remaining sugar, and the margarine until pale yellow and thick. Add the orange zest and vanilla; mix well. Sift the cornmeal into the egg mixture, stirring constantly. Stir in the yeast mixture,which should now be frothy.
  • 5. In a clean bowl, beat all 4 egg whites until they form stiff peaks. Stir a third of the beaten whites into the cornmeal mixture. Carefully fold in the remaining whites. Spoon the batter in dollops over the orange slices in the skillet. Smooth the top.
  • 6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until a cake tester inserted in the middle comes out clean. Run a knife between the sides of the skillet and the cake. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes. Hold a flat serving plate over the skillet and invert the cake. Serve while still warm.

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