12 ea Fraise des bois with stems

** Recipes for this ingredient are elsewhere in this database.

Cut one of the two 9-inch genoise in two. These "half-layers" will be the top two layers of the cake. The whole genoise will be the bottom. Sprinkle each of the three genoise layers lightly with 2 tablespoons of Framboise.

Flavor 2 cups of buttercream with 1 tablespoon of Framboise.

Whip the creme fraiche and heavy cream together to form stiff peaks. Add 1/4 cup of creme anglaise and 1 tablespoon Framboise and continue whipping until stiff peaks form again.

If the strawberries are small, slice them in half lengthwise. If they are larger, slice them crosswise into 1/2-inch slices.

Spread the full thick layer of genoise (which will be the bottom of the cake) with one-third of the buttercream. Arrange sliced berries around the perimeter of the cake, with the cut side out. Continue to cover the bottom of the cake with half of the berries and spread with half of the whipped cream-creme anglaise mixture.

Repeat the same process for the second layer of genoise then place the final layer on top and spread with a thin layer of buttercream. Smooth nicely.

With a small star tip on a pastry pipe, make an attractive border around the top of the cake with the remaining buttercream. (You can add food coloring to the buttercream at this point if desired.)

Arrange the fraise des bois (wild strawberries with their stems) along the perimeter of the cake then garnish with strawberry leaves and flowers.

Refrigerate for 2 - 4 hours before serving.

Chef: Bruce LeFavour, Rose et Le Favour, St. Helena,

Pastry Chef: Ann McKay