Go for the Gold with Olympic-Themed California Golden Raisin Recipes

FRESNO, Calif., July 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- With the Opening Ceremony of the London 2012 Olympic Games just around the corner, there are some sweet—and simple—ways to combine classic English recipes with a touch of American patriotism. California golden raisins naturally sweeten and add a nutritional boost to the following Olympic-themed recipes inspired by British favorites. Plus, raisins provide fiber and potassium and are a great, money-wise way to get in your daily fruit. Enjoy these "proper" delights as you transport yourself to London and cheer for your favorite athletes!

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120702/CG33515)

Gold Medal Summer Berry Pudding

Ingredients
2 pints fresh strawberries, (20 oz), rinsed, hulled and quartered
1 pint (12 oz.) fresh raspberries
1/2 pint (6 oz.) fresh blueberries
1/2 pint (6 oz.) fresh blackberries
3/4 cup California golden raisins
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice from 1 lemon
10 slices white thin bread, stale, crust taken off, leave out over night
Slightly sweetened whipped cream or vanilla yogurt, optional

Procedure
Combine the strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, California Golden Raisins, sugar and 1/4 cup of water in a  large nonreactive saucepan and cook uncovered over medium-low heat for 5 minutes. Take off the heat, stir in the raspberries and the lemon juice. Allow the berry mixture to cool to room temperature.

While the berries are cooling, line a charlotte pan (medium size) or a medium bowl with plastic wrap, making sure the plastic is flat against the pan, leaving no air pockets. With the crust taken off, cut the bread to fit the pan as close as possible. Dip the cut bread in the juice of the berries and line the bottom and sides of the pan. Place the pan on a large plate. All bread should be lightly saturated with the juice from the berries.

Spoon berries into the lined pan, to the top, using the syrup and berries as possible. Finish the top of the pan with lightly saturated bread (this will be on the bottom of the pudding). Cover with a sheet of plastic loosely over the pudding. Find a plate approximately the same diameter as the inside of the mold and place it on top. Weight it with a heavy can and refrigerate. Remove weight after 6-8 hours. Cover the pudding with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.

Before serving, remove weights, plastic wrap on the top of the mold. To unmold, place the serving plate on top of the mold, invert the mold and plate, carefully remove the mold, then the plastic wrap. Traditional way to serve is with slightly sweetened whipped cream; however, vanilla Greek yogurt can also be used. Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients
Raisin Tea Cake
3/4 cup California golden raisins
1/3 cup chopped walnuts
1 whole graham cracker (2 squares)
1 teaspoon grated lemon peel
1 egg, separated
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
Powdered sugar

Brandied Lemon Syrup
3 tablespoons water
3 tablespoons sugar
2 teaspoons lemon juice
2 tablespoons brandy

Procedure
In food processor fitted with metal blade or electric blender, process raisins, walnuts, graham cracker and peel until ground. In small bowl beat egg white until stiff. In another bowl, quickly beat egg yolk with sugar until lemon-colored. Fold in egg white, then gently fold in raisin mixture. Spoon into 18 paper-lined or greased miniature muffin tin cups, filling just below tops of cups. Bake in 350 degree F oven about 15 minutes until golden and springy to the touch.

Meanwhile for Brandied Lemon Syrup, in small saucepan combine water, sugar and lemon juice. Bring to boil; simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in brandy. Cool to room temperature. Brush onto warm tea cakes. Cool; dust half of each cake with powdered sugar, using a straight edge as a guide. Makes 18 mini muffin cakes.

For more information about California Raisins, visit www.loveyourraisins.com.     

About the California Raisin Marketing Board
A State Marketing Order in 1998 created the California Raisin Marketing Board and it is 100-percent grower funded. Its mission is to support and promote the increased use of California-grown raisins and sponsor crop production, nutrition and market research.  For more information about the California Raisin Marketing Board and to browse delicious recipes, visit www.loveyourraisins.com. 

SOURCE California Raisin Marketing Board