TWD: Meyer Lemon Surprise

This week's selected recipe for Tuesdays with Dorie was Berry Surprise Cake.  The story behind the recipe is a sweet one, evoking memories of one of Dorie's favorite childhood treats, Charlotte Russe. But berries are out of season here, and the ones to be found are expensive and probably tasteless.  What is in season, and on my must-try ingredient list, (actually, on my how-have-I-gone-so-long-without-trying-ingredient-list) is meyer lemons.  At the same price point per pound as a pint of chilean blueberries, this was a no-brainer. 

I stayed true to Dorie and used her recipe for lemon curd, and layered it with the filling and rounds of cake, trifle style. I was afraid that filling the center of the cake with the curd, as she calls for with the berries, would make it too soggy.  

I decorated the top with a sunburst pattern.  Today it can symbolize the hope our country goes forward with as we inaugurate our new president.  There's a lot of excitement in the air here in Philadelphia.  Perhaps I'll whip up another batch of these to celebrate tonight.

Check out the original recipe as chosen by Maryanne of Meet Me In The Kitchen on her blog, or in Dorie Greenspan's book, Baking, from my home to yours. Check out the rest of the Tuesdays with Dorie Bakers here