Happy Birthday JAMMF! (and a Giveaway)
“Happy Birthday,” I said, softly. “Taking stock?” He let the hand fall on his chest, and turned his head to look at me, smiling.
“Aye, something of the sort. Though I suppose I’ve a few hours left. I was born at half-six; I willna have lived a full half-century until suppertime.”
I laughed and rolled onto my side, kicking the blanket off. The air was still delightfully cool, but it wouldn’t last long.
“Do you expect to disintegrate much further before supper?” I asked, teasing.
“Oh, I dinna suppose anything is likely to fall off by then,” he said, consideringly. “As to the workings…aye, well…” He arched his back, stretching, and sank back with a gratified groan as my hand settled on him.
“It all seems to be in perfect working order,” I assured him. I gave a brief, experimental tug, making him yelp slightly. “Not loose at all.”
Diana Gabaldon, The Fiery Cross (Chapter58 – Happy Birthday to You)
Happy Birthday, you red-heided Adonis!
Glad to hear everything is still fully operational. Your legions of admires expect nothing less, even at the ripe-old age of 291.
No pressure though, really.
When I decided to bake our favourite protagonist a cake for his big day, I started by listing a few of the things he loves:
- Brandy (a finer nose and palate would be hard to find)
- Butter (especially when Claire’s churning it)
- Nuts (show me a man who doesn’t — eunuchs don’t count)
Following my thought process along (proceed at your own risk), I remembered the crude hickory nut flour cake that Claire baked in in Drums of Autumn, just after they started their life on The Ridge.
I had intended to use pecans, which are a type of hickory, but somewhere along the line I concluded that a big occasion like this called for something beyond the ordinary…and when it comes to butter, browning it fills that bill. Rich and nutty, brown butter takes pretty much everything from good to mind-blowing.
And since the French call this magical substance beurre noisette, or hazelnut butter, before I even knew what was happening, I was out buying hazelnuts instead of pecans.
It’s always best in the kitchen to go with the flow and ride the current of inspiration…
“This is a morning my father never saw,” Jamie said, still so softly that I heard it as much through the walls of his chest, as with my ears. “The world and each day in it is a gift, mo chridhe — no matter what tomorrow may be.”
I sighed deeply and turned by head, to rest my cheek against his chest. He reached over gently and wiped my nose with a fold of his shirt.
“And as for taking stock,” he added practically, “I’ve all my teeth, none of my parts are missing, and my cock still stands up by itself in the morning. It could be worse.”
Diana Gabaldon, The Fiery Cross (Chapter58 – Happy Birthday to You)
(Click on the link below for a printable version of the recipe.)
Hazelnut Torte with Brandy-Brown Butter Glaze
A torte is a rich, dense cake made from a mixture of wheat and nut flours. Lighter than Claire’s hickory nut cake, but more substantial (and far more delicious!) than a Betty Crocker special.
Serves 12
For the Hazelnut Torte:
- Hazelnuts, shelled – 1¾ Cups
- All-Purpose Flour – 1½ Cups
- Baking Powder – 1 tsp
- Salt – ½ tsp
- Milk, room temperature – 1 Cup
- Eggs – 3 large
- Orange Zest, finely grated – 2 tsp
- Butter, softened – ⅓ Cup
- Sugar – 1 Cup
For the Brandy-Brown Butter Sauce:
- Butter – ¼ Cup
- Sugar – ½ Cup
- Brandy – ¼ Cup
For the Garnish:
- Whipped Cream
Make the Torte: Move the rack to the centre position and preheat the oven to 350˚.
Roast the hazelnuts in a single layer on a baking sheet until just fragrant and golden, about 8-10 minutes. Immediately wrap the hazelnuts in a clean dishtowel and shake and rub to remove their skins. Discard the skins and cool the nuts completely.
Butter and flour a 9-10 inch springform pan.
Set aside 12 whole hazelnuts for the garnish. Pulse the remainder in a food processor or coffee grinder until (not quite) a powder. Some small pieces will remain. Stop before you get hazelnut butter.
Combine the ground hazelnuts, flour, baking powder and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. Lightly whisk together the eggs, milk and orange zest in a separate bowl and set aside.
In a stand mixer or in a bowl with a handheld mixer, cream the butter and sugar together on medium to high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes, scraping down the sides of the bowl as required.
On slow speed, incorporate the dry mix in 3 additions, alternating with ⅓ of the milk/egg mixture. Scrape the bowl when both are added, and beat for 2 minutes on high.
Scrape the batter into the cake pan, and smooth the top with a spatula or spoon dipped in water.
Bake until a cake tester comes out clean, about 45 minutes. The top should be lightly browned and just spring back to a light touch.
Make the glaze while the cake bakes: Melt the butter over medium heat. Continue to cook, watching it carefully. First it will foam in the pan as the milk solids are separating from the butterfat, and the water is evaporating. Next, the foam subsides and the milk solids begin to brown. The butter also gives off a characteristic nutty aroma at this point.
As the butter turns amber-brown (watch it closely – it turns from browned to burnt VERY quickly), take the pan off the heat and add the sugar and brandy. Reduce the heat to low, return the pan to the heat and cook very gently until the sugar has dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cool the cake on a wire rack for 15 minutes, then use a skewer to poke dozens of holes in the top of the cake. VERY SLOWLY, pour the glaze over the cake, stopping occasionally to allow it to absorb. Cool completely.
Carefully remove the side ring of the springform (there may be a bit of glaze spillage). Garnish with whipped cream and reserved hazelnuts and serve.
The torte will keep, well wrapped, in the refrigerator for a week, or in the freezer for longer storage.
Ith gu leòir! (Eat Plenty)
Notes:
- If you use a coffee grinder to chop the nuts, work in small batches for the most even results.
- No hazelnuts? Use pecans or walnuts instead.
- To avoid the brandy, substitute it with 2 tablespoons orange juice and 2 tablespoons water.
The cake has been served — time to open the prezzies! After all, no party is complete without them.
Today, in lieu of presents for Jamie, who would probably claim his wife and his bairns are all he needs to be happy, OK is giving away this set of 6 Pewter Celtic Knot Napkin Rings from Celtic Cowgirl on Facebook.
–
The cake has been served — time to open the prezzies! No party is complete without them.
Today, in lieu of presents for Jamie, who would certainly claim that Claire and his bairns are all he needs to be happy, OK is giving away this set of 6 Pewter Celtic Knot Napkin Rings from Celtic Cowgirl on Facebook.
Aren’t they pretty? Don’t you want them to be your very own? Well then, you’re in the right place!
This giveaway is for 6 Celtic Knot Napkin Rings and is open to everyone (worldwide) who leaves a comment at the bottom of this post.
**In addition, all Outlander Kitchen blog subscribers will receive an additional entry.
To subscribe:
- Choose “Subscribe to RSS – Posts” or “Subscribe by Email” located near the top right of this page…just underneath the picture of DG’s books and the wooden spoon.
The contest is open until 9pm, PST (GMT-8), Sunday, May 6. I will pick the winner with the help of a random number generator and make the big announcement on Monday, May 7.
In the meantime, Celtic Cowgirl has a giveaway going of her own! Visit her page click and “Like” to be entered in a draw for 1 Pewter Celtic Knot Tribal Cuff Bracelet. When the CC Facebook page reaches 500 “Likes” a winner will be picked with the help of a random number generator.
Good luck to all and thank you for your continued support and love of Outlander Kitchen!
Would love to win the Celtic knot napkin rings! Thinking about making the enchiladas this weekend – thanks for the posts.
Looks like I am a year late! Mieux vaut tard que jamais.
Tis looks delicious and very doable! Reminds me of the cake Claire made when they first arrived on the Ridge. “Auntie, the pig has eaten your cake”
Oh I also follow your blog via RSS.
Oh these are lovely! I don’t have napkin rings so these would be a delightful addition to my home.
That cake looks verra delectable and im sure Jamie would ha loved it. Me thinks i will be tryin it verra soon too ye kent.
love them!
Would love to have these celtic napkin rings!
Happy Birthday to Jamie! Thanks for sharing this awesome recipe!!
Gorgeous napkin rings! Would love to win them :) Thank you OK for the delicious recipes, pix, and posts you give us!
What a fun blog! If you haven’t already, maybe consider someday having all the recipes compiled into a recipe book? Happy birthday Jamie!
Lovin’ the recipes! Can’t wait to try this one.
Everything looks yummy! Napkin rings are verrrra pretty!:)
oh aye those napkin rings are verra beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! would love to have them at my dinner table aye!!! xoxoxoxox
i love the quotes and the receipes, would also love to win the napkin rings they are gorgeous
thanks Theresa, was thinking because he met Claire in 1743, and thought he was 23 when they met he was born 1720
This hazelnut cake looks and sounds absolutely wonderful! I have made many a hickory nut cake since I was a teen – those little nuts were a pain to crack and get those numeats out – but what a wonderful treat that cake was. Sure this one will be the same! Can’t wait to try this one. :) The napkin rings are charming – would really dress a table ! Almost forgot! Happy Birthday Jamie LoL What a man!
This hazelnut cake looks and sounds absolutely wonderful! I have made many a hickory nut cake since I was a teen – those little nuts were a pain to crack and get those numeats out – but what a wonderful treat that cake was. Sure this one will be the same! Can’t wait to try this one. :) The napkin rings are charming – would really dress a table !
Why has it taken me so long to discover your site? Jamie’s birthday is the perfect reason to bake, so thankyou for all the inspiration! (and for the chance to win those gorgeous Celtic Knot Napkin Rings.)
I love that there is an Outlander recipe blog!
Sure Jamie would like this cake and me to! Napkin rings looks nice to=)
Your recipes always look so yummy!
What is it about brown butter that makes me so happy?!?!? :D
I know I’m late, but Happy Birthday….. I enjoy this site…. the recipes are wonderful and I enjoy the photos, comments and the shared interest we share…
This sounds delicious and will be making it soon. I enjoy seeing your recipes inspired by the series.
Dear OK,
I have been following you on twitter for a few months now. I love the recipes and excerpts from the Outlander series. My favorite was Bonnet’s Balls. I laughed out loud at work and everyone looked at me like what’s the joke. No one knew what I was laughing about. All I could say,” was you had to be there!! and laughed like a loon!!ROFL
I want some!
Definitely making this cake!
Love those napkin rings. And the cake looks yummy too!
once again you have a mouth watering recipe for us – thanks! Loving the napkin rings .. Very nice!
Oh and happy birthday Jamie. xo
Beautiful napkin rings!
Looks like I found something yummy to make with my hicory nut flour! Happy birthday to Himself! Sure would love to win those beautiful napkin holders!
That looks wonderful! Happy Birthday dear Jamie!
Love the Celtic Knot napkin rings :)
Reblogged this on Sirees's Wandering Mind and commented:
Happy Birthday Jamie!
Oooooo, awesome can’t wait to make this! SOOOOOOOOOOOO yummy sounding!
Beautiful cake ma’am :) I’m ready to go baking hehe
I just stumbled on this site recently and have to say I love it! The birthday cake looks wonderful – it’s fitting for Jamie’s birthday. Love the napkin rings.
Happy birthday to my favorite Scot!
Thanks for the amazing baking idea.
So Jamie is a Beltane Green Man…..COOL! Happy Birthday to a tremendous character that makes us all want to be worthy of such a guy and relationship. Blessed Be!
Happy Birthday Jamie! I would love to win the rings!
Happy Birthday, Jamie
I will always remember my first introduction to Jamie. “Outlander” had been released the month before and I was at the Tattered Cover book store in Denver. I was 14 at the time. I was going through the Scottish history section looking for a new book when I heard one of employees telling another shopper about a new Scottish Historical fiction book. I immediately went to the adult fiction section and grabbed it. I still have that copy and it is in near pristine condition. Can’t say the same about my paperback. Lol
I can’t wait to try this torte in honor of my favorite hero.
Your creativity, as always, is astoundingly boundless!
Looks delicious! I just love the napkin rings too! Am rereading Drums and just read the part where Claire makes the crude hickory nut flour cake. Always enjoy your posts! Thank you!!
What a gorgeous torte! :) I am a huge fan of hazelnut, there’s something subtle about it that I can never resist. Well done!
And those napkin rings are way too pretty.
This is another great reason to bake a cake, celebrate a birthday and dream of JAMMF
Thank you for sharing this!
Happy Birthday, Jamie!!! xxx
That looks so yummy!
Happy Birthday Jaime!
Ooooh, I love Jamie, and I love hazelnuts, so I may just have to try this one out!
Everything always looks so yummy, to bad I’m not much of a cook.
Oooh, yummy cake *and* pretty napkin rings in one post! I wanna eat that, so I guess I have to go shopping this weekend… :)
Love the cake. Can’t wait to try and make one myself. Keep the recipes coming:) What an inspired idea it was, attempting all the recipes from the books. I make your digestives weekly.
This looks like a Great Cake for Fathers Day! My mister loves hazelnuts! The napkin rings are Lovely, Celtic Cowgirl…would love to show them off on a pretty table! Happy Birthday Dear Jamie…Love…Izzy!
I’m not sure which I liked best – the quotes or the cake!! Both wonderful!
~HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE~Hope you and Claire your day! Mine is the 14th of May. It’s a great time of year and makes us feel like we young again & gives you that special feeling when you spend it with that one love of your life you were mean’t to be with. ENJOY your day as I will enjoy mine ;)
Hm it may just be worth spending the money I don’t have to get the ingredients to make this it looks delicious!
Cake and napkin rings – JAMMF is set! I’ll have to bake the cake for our next monthly potluck at work!! :)
This torte looks fabulous! The napkin rings are beautiful – I hope my name is chosen.
That torte looks amazing. And the napkin rings are super cool. :P
This looks as yummy as our Jamie. :) I just love the napkin holders. Maybe I will be lucky..
Looks great, pictures always help when I am choosing a recipe.
So glad I’m not the only one who bakes for Jamie’s birthday! Wonderful post!
I’m commenting because I would love to win those napkin holders but also to tell you that cake sounds fantastic and HAPPY BIRTHDAY JAMIE!
I’m supposed to be taking dessert to a friend’s house on Sunday – I just may try to make this! Looks and sounds great!
Okay I really have no idea about this Outlander thing…but I MUST make this cake, or at least a low carb, GF version of it!
what a lovely cake! If Jamie was born in 1720 wont that make him 292 years old, but hey what’s a year between friends. Happy Birthday to you Jamie xx
Sandra: Jamie’s birthday is May 1, 1721. He is 291 years old today (if he were real, that is)
The cake looks lovely. I’m sure Jamie would be very amused with the sparklers. I’ll celebrate with a wee dram tonight!
Oh, to share in JAMMF’s celebration. It would make one verra happy to be alive! Don’t know which is more decadent, the torte or helping himself take stock of all his parts;-)
Happy birthday Jamie. That cake looks great.
Happy Birthday Jamie! What a lovely cake! Excellent tribute to our wee red-heided Highlander, Theresa!!
This recipe is definitely a keeper and I think I may have to make it for Mothers Day. My Mom and I love Hazelnut Torte and the Brandy Brown Butter Glaze will take it to a new level!
I love reading your recipes one of these days I’m going to try one and hope it looks and tastes as good as your does. Thanks for sharing them! :)
The cake looks amazing and it will be making an appearance at my house in the near future. I enjoy following the creative way that you bring the books that I love to life. What a fun world you are helping to create for all of us who are fans of Himself, Herself and HERSELF :)
What a fun post!
Happy Birthday to Jamie indeed! My dh teases me about celebrating Jamie’s birthday. Wouldn’t he lose it if I baked a cake! Beautiful napkin rings too!
What a great way to celebrate, Happy Birthday Jamie!!!
I love how you’ve tied-in Chapter 58! And your cake…WOW! What a wonderful idea for an unforgettable character! I cannot wait to tryout this recipe and celebrate with my bookclub! Thank you Outlander Kitchen and Happy Birthday, Jamie!
What a lovely treat you’ve made! If Jamie was real- and who are we to say that he wasn’t, for there may well have been someone in that time whom he strongly resembled- he would have been been embarrassed, but more than a little pleased- at this display of remembrance!
And a special ” thank you” to DG for creating such a wonderful character!🎉🎂
I stumbled upon this blog almost by accident a few weeks ago, and I’m so glad I did. I love the recipes and the excerpts from the books. I especially loved the light switch cover post last week! I may have to attempt those this summer, but I have no idea how I’m going to choose just a few excerpts!
Love your blog, thank you for sharing!
What a pleasant surprise this morning! Since I’m sure the males will eat up all of the cake you baked for Jamie, I will just have to make one for my husby! And Celtic knots are always a special treat!
Yummy!! Love the sparklers in leu of normal plain candles!
The post made me smile…napkin rings are beautiful. Thanks!
Happy Birthday Jamie!
I’m glad of the reminder… The tort looks yummy! Thanks for all the fun recipes!
That cake sounds delicious, and just right for the occasion. I’m sure Jamie would love it. It’s not even 11 a.m. & you’ve already got my sweet tooth aching for something yummy! Thanks!
PERFECT!!!!… As always you channeled Jamie and came up with the perfect Birthday cake! It looks so yummy…You did it again…Time Traveler..8)
That looks so good! Will definitely add it to my recipe file.
I’m new to your site but I enjoy it – verra much! Thanks for hosting such a great giveaway. Happy Birthday Jamie!
What a yummy cake! Happy Birthday Jamie!
What a fantastic cake! And a happy birthday to our favorite Highlander!
Not just any ordinary birthday cake for our man! Well done! :-)
another genius blog post from outlander kitchen! love it. thanks for saving us all a slice of jamies cake!
A cake fit for . . . Jamie! I have heard about the wonders of brown butter but have yet to try it. Apparently brown butter and mashed potatoes is supposed to be a pretty tasty combination. Your cake has to go on my list of recipes to try. Lovely napkin rings also.
What an fabulous cake-it looks delicious! Brown butter is one of my favorite ingrediants
Hazelnut Brandy Torte sounds like a slice of heaven! Even at his age, so does Jamie! Happy Birthday you big brave man.
Ok I”m going to make that!!!! Happy birthday Jamie!! I must say you have held up well. ;-D
I’m going to make that cake for my mom on mother’s day, I may have to cover it in a ganache for her though, she loves hazelnuts and chocolate.
mmmmmmmmmmmmmm cake.
Happy Birthday Jamie! That torte looks great and I cannot wait to make one myself.
I have tried to reply a few times lets see if this works! :>
Both are perfect for Jamie’s birthday! Beautiful and Sinful.
Cant wait to try making the cake for myself!
That looks amazing!
Yes indeed; happy birthday to Jamie. I don’t know of a man who deserves that amazing cake more than him (and maybe my own Hubby)! It looks and sounds amazing. I love that you switched from pecans to hazelnut (my nut of choice).
That torte looks delicious! Happy birthday to Jamie indeed! He deserved every happy birthday he got! :)
Yum, I can’t wait to try this! And those napkin rings are absolutely gorgeous!
That looks delicious! And the napkin rings are lovely!
Look yummy!! Happy Birthday Jamie!
That looks awesome, Theresa!!
Happy Birthday, Jamie! I love your recipes and that cake looks delicious!
This recipe is going into my try this out file! It looks so good in that excellent photo (do you take the pictures for the blog?) I had been coming to your blog via Diana’s Facebook posts but after this I will be adding you to my RSS reader.
The torte looks divine, and the napkin rings are gorgeous! Happy birthday Jamie!!
Yummy the recipe looks delicious!!! And the napkin rings are gorgeous. I’d love to win them and then I can pretend that I have Claire’s wedding ring :-)
Beautiful rings.
Sinful cake.
What a magical combination for Jamie’s Birthday! :>
Sounds just yummy! And I can just see the grin on his face for the first bite ;D
What a wonderful Birthday cake. You’ve out done your self. Cant wait to make this!
The cake looks delicious! Thanks for bringing the books to life!
Lovely cake for one of the sexiest “old men” I have the pleasure of knowing, even if he is fictional!
the cake look delicious! Happy Birthday Jamie…and Happy Anniversary yesterday to Jamie’s most dedicated promoter!
Happy birthday Jamie! It’s amazing how wonderfully you have aged….still the only man I consider to be worthy if I should leave my hubby ;-) ….will have yo try the torte cake, and thanks for the giveaway!
Those napkin rings are absolutely gorgeous! (And so is the cake! Happy Birthday, Jamie!)
Have to say how much I love this blog! It’s so nice to know that there are others out there who know exactly what it means to be an “Outlander Addict!” Keep up the great work! and Thanks!! :)
Oh no! Yet another fab recipe to try out…. That leaves me with even less time for re-reading all the books waiting for the next one. ;-)
Happy B-day JAMMF!!!
OMG the torte sounds heavenly! I absolutely LOVE hazelnut, and the napkin rings are beautiful!
Cheers and Happy Birthday! Love the recipe and the napkin rings! Thanks for sharing.
That is a truly amazing gift! Happy Beltane Birthday to Jamie!
I think I will have to make that cake–if it doesn’t take too long to bake it! Okay now I am thinking of a song—–silly me!
Please keep the recipes coming! As a new cook, they’re helping me become better in the kitchen.
Yesterday when you mentioned that today was a special day I thought you were referring to Beltane! Which it also is :) more reason for cake…and yours sounds very good.
LOVE your recipes, photos and the excerpts they’ve been inspired by – so much fun! Love Celtic Cowgirl too – in my neck of the woods!
Looks absolutely delicious! A feast for my eyes on this rainy morning!
The torte looks absolutely delicious and the napkin rings are beautifully done.
I run to my computer every morning to see what you have written about…thanks for the laughs…pictures…and most important the reciepes!
Happy Birthday Jamie!
Beautiful food, as always. I’ll be making this one!
That torrrrte looks wonderful! Jamie would be verra pleased with it! You did good today lassie! Outsantding! and Happy Birthday to you JAMMF, wherever you are! =)
The cake and the napkin rings are gorgeous! I have family visiting in a couple weeks–I think this cake may make an appearance!
Happy Birthday to Jamie!
You are just amazing! The recipes you present are intriguing and just beautiful to look at, and you stage your pictures so well and pair them with the perfect passages from Herself’s collection. This is one of my *favorite* blogs to read and follow — thank you for that, and for keeping us all connected to these wonderful characters and traditions :)
Happy Birthday Jamie !!
Yummy!! Hazelnut is my favorite!! :0)
Wonderfully inspired birthday cake! I will be adding that recipe to my collection! Happy Birthday Jamie!
Dianna, as always so adddicting
Happy Birthday to me!!!!!!
The cake sounds fabulous! I love all the bits and pieces of the books you choose to interpret – just never know where you’re going to go next!
Hi Theresa.
Yummy, got to try this cake, however I would have to eat it all myself, as no-one else is keen on nuts, what a hardship that would be lol.
The napkin rings are fab, I love celtic knots.
-Shana- We say “prezzie” here as well in the UK.
:-)
Ooh, the cake looks lovely – though I might just have to blaspheme and use the no-brandy option if I manage to attempt it. (I say if only because I have yet to acquire a springform pan.) I completely agree with that kitchen mentality, too – always go with the flow and see where it takes you; it’s usually somewhere delicious!
Like all of Celtic Cowgirl’s things, those are verra pretty.
Happy Birthday, Jamie! We are so glad to know ye! and the recipe, Theresa, looks perfectly delightful!
as always, thank you for your creativity! love his birthday cake! :)
NUMMMMMMMM. Nice job with the commentary – got a good laugh this morning! Is “prezzie” a Canadian word or just a TheresaWord? Just curious!
This cake sounds delicious, can’t wait to try it!
Love, love, love this scene! The quote Jamie makes at the end is one of my favorites from any of the books. “I’ve all my teeth….”
The cake looks pretty delicious too. :) Happy birthday Jamie!
Mmmmm…Happy Birthday, Jamie!!!!
Making me drool. Will be baking this for my hubby’s 55th birthday!!!
Wow! I love your cake (and blog) <3
love your recipes. and they looh like something i can do! happy birthday to JAMMF!!
What a special celebration for Jamie Fraser’s birthday! Love the recipes and the napkin rings! Slainte’
Time to get back into the baking mode. Our college-age baseball players will be here for a summer baseball league and I always like to have something sweet on hand. This sounds like a winner to me!