2013年9月1日Rainbow Chiffon Cake

Known for its light texture and rich flavor, chiffon cake isn't difficult to make, but it does require a little attention to detail. Here's how to make a chiffon cake from scratch.

Light and airy, chiffon cakes are similar to angel food cakes, but because they contain egg yolks and oil, they're much richer.

Separate the egg whites from the yolks. Eggs separate more easily when cold, so separate them immediately after taking them out of the refrigerator. Even the tiniest bit of yolk can inhibit the beating quality of the whites (if any yolk gets into the white, do not use it; refrigerate that white for another use). To ensure that no yolk gets into the whites as you separate the eggs, separate each white into a small bowl (such as a custard cup), then transfer the white to the extra-large bowl in which you will eventually beat them. Place the yolks in a small mixing bowl.

Allow the egg whites to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes (for food safety, do not let eggs stand longer than 30 minutes at room temperature). The standing time ensures that the whites will reach their full volume when you beat them.

Allow your oven to preheat at least 10 minutes or until the desired temperature has been reached. Use an oven thermometer to make sure it's at the proper temperature.

Stir together the dry ingredients -- typically flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Make a well in the center of this mixture. To make a well, use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently push the dry ingredients against the side of the bowl.

Add the oil, egg yolks, and other liquid to the well of dry ingredients, making sure to add these ingredients in the order specified in the recipe. Adding the oil first helps prevent the eggs from binding with the flour, which can cause streaks in the finished cake.

Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture until satiny smooth.

Tip: To measure liquids, such as oil, pour the liquids into a clear measuring cup that has measuring lines on the side. Get at eye level with the cup and fill just to the measuring line.

Thoroughly wash and dry the beaters. In a separate bowl, beat the egg whites and cream of tartar on medium to medium-high speed until stiff peaks form. At this stage, the tips of the egg whites will stand straight when the beaters are lifted.

Tips for beating egg whites:

-- Make sure your beaters and mixing bowl are clean and dry. A speck of oil or egg yolk on either one can minimize the volume of the beaten egg whites.

-- Avoid plastic bowls -- even clean ones may hold oily residue that can affect the beating quality of the egg whites.

-- Use a bowl that's wide enough to keep the beaters from being buried in the egg whites.

-- Add cream of tartar to stabilize the egg whites.

-- Do not overbeat or underbeat egg whites -- your cake may fall. Egg whites should be stiff but not dry.

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Pour the egg-yolk batter in a thin stream over the beaten egg whites. Gently fold the batter into the egg whites. Use a spatula to cut down vertically through the mixture. Move the spatula across the bottom of the bowl; bring it back up the other side, carrying some of the mixture from the bottom over the surface. Repeat this process, rotating the bowl, until the ingredients are combined.

Note: Be careful not to overmix at this stage. Overmixing can decrease the volume of the batter, resulting in a tough cake.

Pour or spoon the batter into an ungreased 10-inch tube pan and bake as directed. Your cake is done when the top of it springs back when lightly touched.