• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Approaching Food

  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
      • Breads
      • Quick Breads
      • Breakfast Foods
    • Lunch
      • Salads I Have Known and Loved
      • Soups
      • Snacks
    • Dinner
      • Vegetarian Main Dishes
      • Vegetarian Side Dishes
    • Desserts
      • Cookies
      • Cakes
      • Pies
      • Preserves
      • Parfaits and Trifles
      • Ice Cream Treats
      • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
    • Drinks
  • Kitchen Encouragement
  • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • About Margaret van Velthuyzen
    • Work With Me
    • Disclosure Policy

Rhubarb Revisited, or Not: Apricot Upside Down Brown Sugar Cake

June 30, 2015 by Margaret 7 Comments

1Shares
Sliced and served with a dollop of hand-whipped whipped cream. Yummeh!

Sliced and served with a dollop of hand-whipped whipped cream. Yummeh!

Right now, I’m sitting on my sofa, typing away at my laptop and smelling the delicious smells emanating from my kitchen. I am also studiously ignoring the disaster zone that my kitchen has become. There are sinks (plural!) of dirty dishes, spreading out to cover part of the kitchen island as well. There are spatters of jam, sugar, and unidentified sticky substances all over my stove top. There are several cookbooks spread out, a 10 kg bag of flour, and a flat of canning jars in the general vicinity too. Also fixings for tomorrows lunches, but I’ll ignore that for now.

How did my kitchen become Cooking Collisions Central? Well. Let me tell you!

Every two weeks my online bake-a-long group makes another recipe from Dorie Greenspan’s cookbook, Baking Chez Moi. This means that we make about two recipes a month. But when a month has 5 weeks, it’s REWIND TIME! I.e. if we’ve skipped a dish, or want to rework a recipe, or simply make it again but better, that’s what we do.

Fresh fruit, yo!

Fresh fruit, yo! Also suspiciously unlike rhubarb.

As it’s rewind time this week, I decided to make the Rhubarb Upside Down Brown Sugar Cake that I had made before, except this time I planned to actually use rhubarb, as opposed to pineapple. For some reasons, rhubarb seems to be hard to find this year, but I finally tracked it down in a fruit shop at a plaza near my home. I’ve been craving rhubarb and was so excited to make some yummy cake!

I haven’t baked in several days as I was camping this weekend (interruption to scratch annoying mosquito bites) and I was in baking withdrawal. I won’t count the Schoolhouse Buns (look for this in a new post!) that I made last night at midnight — that merely took the baking edge off. So I thought to myself, what shall I make?

I thought it might be nice to send something in to work with the DH, and it’s been a few weeks since I did that, so I started making cashew brittle. Which was all fine and dandy, until my candy thermometer exploded. That was slightly stressful. But I opened the windows, turned on the fan, wiped up the drips and spills, and tossed out the thermometer innards. I also googled “thermometer poisonous”, but couldn’t find a definite answer, so I shook it off and returned to my kitchen with the single-mindedness of kitten on catnip.

Caramelized and semi-carefully placed.

Caramelized and semi-carefully placed.

I couldn’t resist the lure of the canning jars — I had to make Strawberry Rhubarb jam. And then I was snacking on apricots as I was boiling up the jam, and I thought hey, this would be nice in place of rhubarb for Dorie’s Upside Down Brown Sugar Cake! So I started mixing that up as well. I was caramelizing the apricots at the same time that I was sterilizing the canning jars, and trying to prepare lunches for the next day too.

The DH and I have very different approaches to tasks: I tend to prefer to do several tasks at once, as evidenced by my multi-tasking cooking style, while he is very linear and likes to complete one task before going on to the next one. My approach drives him crazy, so he’s learned to keep out of the kitchen when I’m in it. Once he realized that I was going on a baking binge this evening, he wisely absented himself, and I haven’t seen him since. He also hasn’t seen the disaster that is the kitchen, so it works out!

But back to the delicious smells emanating from my kitchen! I have 4 1/2 half pint jars of strawberry-rhubarb jam sitting on the counter, and the Apricot Upside Down Brown Sugar Cake is also cooling on the counter, waiting for me to dollop some whipped cream on top tomorrow morning. (I’ll take pity on the DH and won’t turn on my noisy mixer to whip the cream just now, given that it’s midnight. Have I mentioned that I’m a night owl?)

Taste testing waits for no one. Also, given that I was taking this picture at midnight, I feel that I have to point out that it was more glossily glazed in real life. And luscious. Have I mentioned the lusciousness?

Taste testing waits for no one. Also, given that I was taking this picture at midnight, I feel that I have to point out that it was more glossily glazed in real life. And luscious. Have I mentioned the lusciousness?

So breakfast tomorrow shall be Apricot Upside Down Brown Sugar Cake, served with a dollop of nicely chilled whipped cream! Also possibly for lunch. And for snack. And for dessert after tomorrow’s dinner. At which point I *may* consider myself sufficiently fortified to tackle my mountain of dishes. Or…not.

Next Post: Schoolhouse Buns! And what to do with leftover milk powder. 

1Shares

Filed Under: Cook-a-Longs R Us

You might also like:

A Simple & Sassy Side Dish: Apricot & Zucchini Couscous

The Case of the Missing Apple Pie: Or, Oven-Baked Zucchini Fries

Dutch Chocolate Pudding (& How to Clean a Burnt Pot without Scrubbing)

Previous Post: « Memories of Meals Past: Strawberry Panna Cotta
Next Post: Baking at Midnight: Hand-Painted Fondant Cookies & DIY Sanding Sugar »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. jora

    July 1, 2015 at 3:15 pm

    This sounds like something I would do. My poor husband does the dishes in our house, so he’s never thrilled when I go on a baking/cooking/canning binge–at least until he tastes the results! I’m so glad to know the cake works with other fruits. I still need to make it, and think rhubarb season is over here.

    Reply
    • Margaret

      July 1, 2015 at 4:22 pm

      Your husband does all the dishes? You lucky duck, you! And yes, the fruits of ones labour are always delish!

      Reply
  2. Nicole

    July 2, 2015 at 7:53 pm

    I thought of using apricots too, but they aren’t really in season yet here. They are easily my favorite fruit!

    Reply
  3. summer

    July 2, 2015 at 9:11 pm

    Your apricot upside down cake looks really yummy.But strawberry Rhubarb jam! That is a great idea. I’ll bet that was out of this world too.

    Reply
    • Margaret

      July 3, 2015 at 3:38 am

      Thanks! The jam IS rather yummy! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Liz

    July 9, 2015 at 1:24 am

    I know I’d love this cake with apricots, too, but they’re so hard to find here in the Midwest. My inlaws used to have an apricot tree—boy do I miss those. Terrific cake, Margaret!

    Reply
    • Margaret

      July 9, 2015 at 3:25 am

      Thanks, Liz! And I would LOVE to have an apricot tree — oh wow, that sounds good!

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Primary Sidebar

Visit Us On TwitterVisit Us On FacebookVisit Us On PinterestCheck Our FeedVisit Us On Instagram

Want fresh content delivered to your inbox?

Subscribe to my blog posts & get a FREE copy of my e-book "This for That: Easy Kitchen Swaps & Hacks." It's hot off the presses!

Recent Posts

  • Shortcut Spanakopita Hand Pies & Eating Well as a Mum
  • Buttercream Truffle Bombs, How to Use Leftover Icing, and a Bonus (a Romantic Keto-Friendly Gift Idea)
  • My Mother’s Dutch Pea Soup, and Cooking for Baby
  • Chocolate PB Cookies (Two Ways) and This Year’s Christmas Baking
  • Pumpkin Spice Waffles, aka Pumpkin Pie in Waffle Form

Follow me on Instagram!

approachingfood

Cook, baker, & chocolate eater! Love encouraging others to learn & experiment w/ preservative-free recipes in the kitchen! Subscribe: FREE E-book!

Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? Th Want a hearty meal to warm you up and fuel you? This recipe for 🥣 My Mother's Dutch Pea Soup 🥣 is a winner! Studded with chunks of carrots, potatoes, and celery, this soup actually IMPROVES the next day! Leftovers for the win! [Recipe on the blog; link in bio.]
.
.
.
#wintersoup #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  # thickandhearty #peasoup #dutchfood #motherknowsbest #leftoversforlunch #ordinner #babyfoodtoo
Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-pla Boost your immunity with this 🌞 sunshine-on-plate salad! 🍊 Oranges and 🥕 carrots are all you need, and it makes a surprisingly delicious side dish. Great for the whole family, from babies eating finger foods to adults trying to get their fruits and veg in. [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#immunity #boost #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #preservativefree  #sunshineonaplate #salad #saladsihaveknownandloved #vitaminc #eatyourcolors #delish
Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, Short on time but craving cookies? Make one dough, but two types of cookies! These buttery, crunchy 🍪 PB Cookies 🍪 are a snap to make, and so easy to pull together for a last-minute gift or dessert! [Recipe on the blog, link in bio!] 

Also, check out my cookie tin: I made sugar-topped spritz cookies, as well as Milano-style spritz chocolate sandwich cookies. One dough, two cookies is a huge time-saver!
.
.
.
#lastminutegifts #cookies🍪 #cookiesofinstagram #peanutbutter #chocolatechips #peanutbuttercups #cookonceeattwice #nomnomnom #christmasevebaking #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement
It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of p It's still PSL season, people! And this combo of pumpkin spice and 🧇WAFFLES🧇 is everything breakfast dreams are made of! Plus, they freeze and toast really well -- weekday mornings, I'm looking at you! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #psl #pumpkinspice #waffles #brunch #toasterwaffles #fall #weekendvibes #easybreakfastideas
Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pump Whether you're a PSL enthusiast or a lover of pumpkin pie, these 🎃 Pumpkin Spice Pancakes 🥞 will hit the spot! Preservative-free, yet ready in 10 minutes (including prep!), these buttery, plush, and delicately spiced buttermilk pancakes are so tasty, you'll eat them regardless of the season!
.
.
.
[Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#psl #pumpkinspice #pumpkinpie #realfood
#preservative-free #preservativefreemovement #preservativefreecommunity #pumpkinspicepancakes #pumpkinpiepancakes #realfoodrecipes #noaddedsugar
Instagram post 17878673516412200 Instagram post 17878673516412200
When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squ When to make these Short-cut Cranberry Crumble Squares? When you're rotating your pantry and come across a can of homemade Better-Than-Storebought Cranberry Sauce! Or replace with your fave can of jam. 

A buttery shortbread crust topped with a tart and tangy filling, then covered in a crunchy crumble, these squares are great for coffee time, snack time, dessert! 

(Recipes on the website; link in profile)
.
.
.
#pantryorganization #pantry #cranberrysauce #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #jam #shortcut #shortbread #crumble #allthenoms #snacktime
Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & Feeling peckish? Looking for a luscious filling & flaky pastry? These 🍋 Light-as-Air Lemon Curd Turnovers 🍋 are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a coffee break! (Also, INCREDIBLY easy to make!)

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lemon #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #pastry #turnovers #flaky #lemoncurd #breakfast
#brunch #coffeetime #allthenoms
In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG ( In case you hadn't noticed, I disappeared off IG (and my blog www.approachingfood.com, and all social media) this fall. Why? Pregnancy!!! 
.
I'm pregnant with my second child, a little girl, and had an awful first trimester. I was so sick that my toddler's pretend play now includes imitating mummy vomiting. #truestory 
.
I was too sick to develop recipes or post or do anything regarding food or blogging. But I feel better now and am back to a semi-regular blogging schedule. Am also working on creating new freebies and a recipe book, so stay tuned!!!
.
.
.
#preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #approachingfood #pregnancy #morningsickness #alldaysickness #funtimes #underdevelopment #timeout #debtfreecommunity #pandemicbaking
When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Ma When you're craving fresh food, this 🥭Chunky Mango Guac🥑 hits the spot! Juicy mango, creamy avocado, garden fresh tomatoes, a squeeze of lime, and some chopped cilantro combine into one juicy, creamy, tangy mouthful!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile. ]

#summer #guacamole #avocado🥑#salsa #fruitsalad #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #scoopitup #freshfood #approachingfood
Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pi Excess zucchini? Just make Zucchini & Provolone Pizza!🍕This tender-crusted, golden cheese-topped pizza is flecked with shredded zucchini and is basically veggies in cheese pizza form. 

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#pizzaislife🍕 #cheesepizza #veggiepizza #zucchinirecipes #zucchini&provolone #eatyourveggies #gardenproduce #freshveggies #homemadepizza #toomanyzucchinis #ormaybenot
When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort fo When you want a low-cal, nutrient-dense comfort food, this garlicky stir-fried broccoli with freshly zested ginger (finished with fragrant sesame oil) definitely hits the spot! Ready in 20 minutes, it's just as fast (or faster!) than fast food! Peservative-free for the win!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#lowcarb #vegan #lowcal #comfortfood #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #20minutedinner #stirfryveggies #broccoli #garlic #ginger
Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licio Creamy, dreamy, and packed full of raspberry-licious flavour, this 🥤smoothie also contains 5 g of fibre and 6 g of protein. Plus, it's made with real food ingredients. A great preservative-free mini-meal or post-workout snack!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#realfood #raspberries #creamy #proteinsmoothie #fibrerich #fullofflavour #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #beattheheat☀️ #postworkoutmeal
Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This su Guilt-free 🍫chocolate cake🍰 is REAL! This super-moist fudgy loaf cake is hiding a healthy secret: each loaf contains a zucchini🥒, a sweet potato🍠, and two bananas🍌!!! Great for lunch boxes, snacks, or as a healthy dessert. Freezes well too!

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]

#guiltfree #chocolatecake #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #fudgy #sweetpotato #zucchini #zucchinirecipes #bananabread #pandemicbaking
When you're craving Indian takeout🥡 but don't w When you're craving Indian takeout🥡 but don't want to order in, try this easy recipe for 🍆Shortcut Eggplant Bartha🍆 (aka a curry by any other name). 

It's essentially a tomato-based veggie stew seasoned with classic Indian flavors like 🌱cumin and 🌱coriander. 

Easy and flavourful, plus it freezes and reheats well...what's not to love? 

[Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#preservativefree #shortcutcooking #indianfood #noneedfortakeout #vegetarianrecipes #veganrecipes #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #potluckdish #dinnerpartydish #foodblogger
Love the baked treats from ☕Starbucks☕ but try Love the baked treats from ☕Starbucks☕ but trying to find a less-processed aka healthier version? These Copycat Starbucks Fudge Oat Squares are practically identical! With an oatmeal cookie base, a fudge filling, and more oatmeal cookies on top, you can't go wrong . Great as a mid-morning boost in between zoom meetings, or for Netflix and snacking. Soooo yummy! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile. ]
.
.
.
#starbucks #copycatrecipe #fudgeoatbar #fudgeoatsquare #fudge #oatmealcookies #preservativefree #preservativefreemovement #preservativefreecommunity #goesgreatwithcoffee #allthenoms
Want to join in the pandemic bread baking, but can Want to join in the pandemic bread baking, but can't be bothered to source a sourdough starter? This No-Knead Shortcut Artisan Bread will allow you to humble brag on IG or fb  with minimal effort. But honestly, this bread tastes better than any social media 'like' ever could. Freshly sliced, warm out of the oven, and served with a pat of butter...it goes great with breakfast, lunch, or dinner! Freezes well and heaps healthier than the storebought longlife sliced bread. Soooo yummy! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#pandemicbaking #covidcooking #shortcut #easyaf #freshbread #homemade #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #impressyourself #carbsforlife
Not into sourdough but want a pandemic stress reli Not into sourdough but want a pandemic stress reliever? Make these Cinnamon & Sugar Aggression Cookies! 🍪 You pound the dough and get out all your stress. And then you have less stress...and COOKIES!!! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#cookiesofinstagram #cookies🍪 #cinnamonandsugar #stressrelief #stressbaking #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #preservativefreemovement #foodblogger #allthecookies #handoverthecookies
Got a summer berry surplus? This Low-Sugar Healthy Got a summer berry surplus? This Low-Sugar Healthy Berry Crumble is like a cross between berry jam and an oatmeal cookie. Jam-packed with flavour, antioxidants, and fibre, you'd never know it was low-sugar! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile.]
.
.
.
#berrylicious #preservativefree #preservativefreecommunity #lowsugar #berrycrumble #healthy #yummy #easypeasy #preservativefreefood #foodblogger #foodbloggertoronto
Summer heat getting to you, but trying to eat less Summer heat getting to you, but trying to eat less processed food? This rich 🍫chocolate 🍫🍦ice cream🍦 is swirled with ribbons of real peanut butter, and only has 4 real food ingredients! [Recipe on the blog; link in profile]
.
.
.
#preservativefreemovement #chocolate #preservativefreecommunity #icecream🍦 #chocolateislife🍫 #peanutbutter #peanutbutterswirl #homemadeicecream #preservativefree #chocolateicecream #allthenoms
Load More... Follow on Instagram

Categories

  • 101 Series aka How-To
  • All About the Food(ie Books)
  • Blatherings
  • Breads
  • Breakfast Foods
  • Cakes
  • Cook-a-Longs R Us
  • Cookies
  • Desserts Not Otherwise Categorized
  • Drinks
  • Food Odyssey
  • Ice Cream Treats
  • Memories of Meals Past
  • Parfaits and Trifles
  • Pies
  • Preserves
  • Quick Breads
  • Recipe Smackdown
  • Salads I Have Known and Loved
  • Snacks
  • Soups
  • Uncategorized
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian Main Dishes
  • Vegetarian Side Dishes
  • Waste Not Want Not

Copyright © 2022 Approaching Food on the Foodie Pro Theme