Jeffersons Vegetable Layer Cake Recipes

LAYERED VEGETABLE CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F & lightly butter a deep cake pan 8 inches in diameter, then line the bottom of the pan with parchment paper.
• In a large bowl mix together the breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs & garlic, then season to taste with salt & pepper, before sprinkling half of this crumb mixture over the bottom of the prepared pan.
• Slice all vegetables as thinly as possible, which is best done with a mandoline or in a food processor with a thin cutting disc.
• The vegetables are to be layered in the prepared pan ~ lightly seasoning with the crumb mixture every couple of layers ~ starting with half of the potatoes, then half of the parsnips, then half of the turnip, then half of the sweet potato & finally half of the rutabaga.
• At this point sprinkle a little more than half of the remaining breadcrumb mixture over everything, then start the entire process again, finally topping the last layer with the remaining crumb mixture.
• Whisk together the eggs, vegetable stock & cream then season lightly.
• Pour this mixture evenly over the layered vegetables & cover with aluminum foil, pinching around the edges to seal.
• Bake for 1 hour, then remove the foil & bake another 30 minutes.
• Preheat the broiler to high, then turn the cake onto a heatproof plate. Remove & discard the parchment paper lining before placing the cake under the broiler for 4 or 5 minutes or until it is crisp & golden.
• Let it cool just slightly, then cut into wedges & serve.

LAYERED VEGETABLE CAKE

Steps:

• Rinse vegetables, cut potatoes and carrots in 1-inch pieces and steam-cook with some salt for 15 minutes.
• During that time, hard boil eggs; separately grate eggs and zucchini, reserve.
• Prepare the "frosting" mixing together sour cream, mayonnaise, salt and pepper.
• Separately grate potatoes and carrots.
• On a serving platter, layer potatoes, carrots, zucchini and eggs, with the dressing between the layers.
• Serve.

LAYERED VEGETABLE TORTE

Steps:

• Heat oven to 400 degrees. Put a grill pan over medium-high heat, or prepare a grill; the heat should be medium-high, and the rack about 4 inches from flame. Brush eggplant, zucchini and mushrooms lightly with half the oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper; if roasting, grease 2 baking sheets with oil. Roast or grill vegetables on both sides until soft.
• Coat bottom and sides of 8-inch springform pan with oil. Layer a third of the eggplant slices into bottom of the pan, then layer in half the zucchini, mushrooms, tomato, garlic and basil, sprinkling each layer with a bit of salt and pepper. Repeat layers until all vegetable are used. Press the top with a spatula or spoon to make the torte as compact as possible. Sprinkle top with Parmesan and bread crumbs, and drizzle with about 1 tablespoon oil.
• Bake torte in oven until hot throughout and browned on top, about 30 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes before removing outer ring of pan, then let cool for another 10 minutes before cutting into wedges.

JEFFERSON'S VEGETABLE LAYER CAKE

Steps:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Place the peppers, zucchini, squash, and eggplant, on rimmed baking sheets in a single layer. Drizzle with half of the oil, and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to oven, and bake for 10 minutes. Turn vegetables over, drizzle with remaining 2 tablespoons oil, and season with salt and pepper. Bake until tender and cooked through, 10 to 20 minutes more.
• Layer the vegetables in a 9-inch springform pan, in the following order: eggplant, red pepper, yellow squash, red tomatoes, 10 basil leaves, zucchini, mango, and yellow tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Arrange remaining 10 basil leaves decoratively on top of the cake.
• Soak the gelatin sheets in enough cold water to cover. In a small saucepan, place the tomato water over medium heat until hot to the touch. Squeeze the excess water from the gelatin sheets, and add to the tomato water. Stir until dissolved. Let cool slightly. Measure 1 cup; set remaining tomato water aside for another use. Pour evenly over the cake.
• Wrap with plastic wrap, and transfer to refrigerator until set, about 1 hour.
• Slice cake, and serve garnished with a leaf of basil, and a tablespoon-sized scoop of goat cheese. Drizzle plate with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. Serve immediately.