Tomato Basil Cake

Has your summer flown by as quickly as mine? It’s hard to believe la rentrée is just a couple of weeks away! As I strolled around the market this Saturday, I was looking for ways to hold onto summer for just a bit longer. Visions of Provence and pique-niques popped into my head as I walked past tomatoes piled high into the baskets. One farmer had tucked huge bouquets of basil in among his tomatoes, which inspired this recipe for a savory cake. It is filled with tomatoes, basil and fresh cheese, a perfect portable loaf to take along for a late summer picnic or a concert under the stars. For more savory cake ideas, be sure to look into Sophie Dudemaine’s book, “Les Cakes de Sophie“. If you’re in Paris, stop by Pain d’Epis at 63 avenue Bosquet for one of their fantastic ham and olive loafs. Tomato, Basil and Mozzarella Bread – Cake aux Tomates à la Mozzarella INGREDIENTS: 3 eggs 1 cup plus 1 tablespoon flour 1 tsp baking powder 3 ounces olive oil ½ c. steamed milk, cooled 3.5 ounces grated gruyere cheese 7 ounces whole mozzarella cheese 2 vine-ripe tomatoes 1 tablespoon olive oil 8-10 leaves of fresh basil, chopped 2 pinches fleur de sel 2 pinches fresh ground black pepper PREPARATION: 1.   Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. 2.   Place the tomatoes in boiling water for 3 seconds. 3.   Peel the skin off the tomatoes and cut them in small pieces. 4.   Mix the tomatoes gently in a bowl with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add salt and pepper. Drain the mixture thoroughly in a colander. 5.   Cut the mozzarella into small pieces and add to tomatoes. 6.   Add the chopped basil. 7.   In a separate bowl, beat the eggs, then add the flour and baking powder. 8.   Alternate adding the milk and 3 ounces of olive oil a little at a time. 9.   Add the gruyere cheese and mix. 10.  Stir in the tomato/mozzarella mixture. Mix well. 11.  Pour into non-greased bread pan and bake for 45 minutes or until done. TO SERVE: Cool slightly and cut into serving slices. If you’re coming to France (or for that matter anywhere) you can reserve your hotel here. To rent a car, Bonjour Paris recommends Auto Europe.