Blackberry and Basil Swiss Roll

The first thing to note is that Swiss rolls are deceptive; they have nothing to do with Switzerland. And though I’m usually deeply offended by misnomers, the Swiss roll more than makes up for it aesthetically and in terms of flavour. Moist but deceptively light – on account of a lack of butter – you’ll find yourself unable to stop rolling once you’ve realised just how simple this cake is to make. My recipe for Blackberry and Basil Swiss Roll is no exception.

After watching the opening rounds of this year’s Great British Bake Off, I was convinced that attempting a Swiss roll was something to be feared. It is not. This was my first attempt and, as you can see, it wasn’t half bad! Success is in the process; so,how do you roll a Swiss roll?

Firstly, brush the tin and greaseproof paper with oil, before sprinkling with sugar. Absolutely no part of the sponge should stick; it’s extremely delicate. Secondly, when cooked transfer it to a second layer of sugared greaseproof. Thirdly, gently score the rolling end of your Swiss roll before you attempt to shape it. Finally, pre-roll your cake along with the greaseproof and leave in place until absolutely cold. Follow this guidance and you should end up with a perfectly shaped, fully intact Swiss roll with an even layer of filling.

This is a recipe that’s easy to make your own. The blackberry and basil combination is delicious and well worth a try, but any jam will do nicely. Try popping along to your local food or farmers market; you’ll usually find a wide array ofinterestingly flavoured preserves, which would be perfect for a treat like this.

Blackberry and Basil Swiss Roll

Makes 1 cake

Ingredients:

for the sponge:

• 3 large eggs
• 100g caster sugar, plus extra for sprinkling
• 100g self-raising flour
• pinch of salt
• 10g fresh basil, finely chopped

for the filling:

• 3 tbspblackberry and basil jam
• 150ml double cream
• 1 tbsp icing sugar

Method:

1. Oil and line a Swiss roll tin (34cm by 24cm). Lightly oil and sugar the top of the greaseproof paper. Preheat your oven to 200C/180C (fan).
2. 裂纹鸡蛋倒入大碗混合,紧随其后by the sugar. Beat with an electric whisk for 10 minutes, until light and fluffy.
3. Fold the flour, salt and basil gently into the eggs until fully incorporated. Transfer the fluffy batter to the prepared tin and carefully smooth.
4. 海绵7 - 10分钟,烤至金黄兄弟wn and springy. Turn out on to another layer of greaseproof, sprinkled with sugar.
5. Score the bottom of the Swiss roll about 1 inch from where you intend to start. Roll the sponge up tight, keeping the paper in place. Leave rolled up until cool.
6. Unroll and spread the jam across the cake, leaving a border of roughly 2cm. Pour the cream and icing sugar into a small mixing bowl and whip.
7. Using a palette knife apply the cream to the top of the jam evenly. Using the paper to help, roll up the sponge, being careful not to squeeze so tightly as to remove too much of the filling.
8. Slice off the unfilled portion of the Swiss roll from either end of the cake and serve. This cake should keep in the fridge – covered – for several days.

Cost:Containing no fat – butter – the sponge of a Swiss roll is considerably cheaper to produce than even a Victoria sponge. The jam used in this recipe also set us back very little, it being made of hand-picked blackberries and home grown basil. But even if you decide to use a jam from the supermarket,this wonderful Blackberry and Basil Swiss Roll shouldn’t set you back more than £2.10.