Dessert from Heaven: Citrus Scented Angel Food Cake

Walking around La Costa lately, I’m constantly reminded that bathing suit season is upon us. The sun feels stronger, the hammocks in the courtyard seem to be calling my name a little bit louder and the biggest reminder of summer – Edge Adult Pool.

Complete with three infinity Jacuzzis overlooking our golf courses, plush cabanas (with flat screen TVs that rival my own at home), firepits and lounge chairs in bright greens and blues, it’s time to face the facts. I need to cut back on the sweets, which is no easy feat when I work with a pastry magician (I mean chef). But thankfully, Chef Jaimie is always looking out for the best interests (and apparently waistlines) of La Costa guests, members, visitors and employees.

Where there’s an option to overindulge, Chef Jaimie always has a healthier option, where you can still get your fix without becoming fixated on your calorie intake. We asked her to share a dessert recipe for those of us dreading the inevitable bathing suit season. So, my fellow sweet-lovers, here you go, Chef Jaimie Hileman’s Citrus Scented Angel Food Cake.

Citrus Scented Angel Food Cake

Makes 1 Bundt Cake, 8 servings

1 cup              Cake Flour

½ cup             Sugar

1 tsp                Orange Zest

7                      Egg Whites

2 Tbsp            Water

1-½ tsp           Cream of Tartar

1 tsp               Vanilla Paste

½ tsp               Salt

½ tsp               Lemon Extract

1 cup              Sugar

Sift cake flour and first amount of sugar 3 times. Add zest making sure it doesn’t clump. On medium speed, whisk whites, water, cream of tartar, vanilla, salt and lemon extract, adding sugar gradually. Whisk until whites are full and firm, but not dry. Transfer whites to large bowl. Fold flour mixture into whites in 4 stages being extremely gentile. Bake at 325 degrees in ungreased bundt pan until top is golden, and all visible batter looks dry, approx. 30 – 35 minutes. Remove from oven and invert pan until completely cool.

And there you have it. The perfect go-to summer dessert from your friends at La Costa. Enjoy! And don’t forget to share pictures of how it comes out with us on Facebook, along with comments on how delicious it tastes in the comments below. Happy bathing suit season!