But it was the words “Lemon Verbena” that sold me this time. The name itself evoking the scents of summer and visions of sitting on a lawn, reading in the shade, warm breezes blowing the pages of my book. Of course, Lemon Verbena is growing close by with its long, glossy leaves, wafting its sun-baked lemon-like scents through the air. Can you tell I’m sun-deprived here in the Pacific Northwest?
So I thought I could just run to the store, grab some of this tea and get on with my baking. But, living in the middle of a “beautiful nowhere” doesn’t always mean you’ll find what you want at the market.
Apparently it has been decided at some “super-secret grocery store managers meeting” that we don’t need Lemon Verbena tea at our fingertips. Not one grocery store (five stores) in my town carried this flavor. I was shocked (well, not really) and bummed. I had no choice but to order this Lemon Verbena tea online. I’m glad I did.
Unbeknownst to me, the recipe, had clearly indicated to substitute Lemon Zinger tea (found everywhere) for Lemon Verbena if hard to find. This would have saved me lots of time (and money), but honestly, I was after something else.
Working as a winemaker and having studied flavor chemistry and the nuances of wine, I am always chasing a “hint of something”. I knew the Lemon Verbena tea would have a special effect on this recipe. I was betting on its well-known, ethereal-citrus like aroma, unmatched for its very suave and sweet intoxicating scent. A complex aroma, a middle note, something woodsy and greener to pair with the walnuts. Walnuts, that are often tannic…just like tea. Are you still with me?
Yes, I know this “aroma talk” is all super-nerdy, but this is what I do, what I seek, what I look for in my cooking and especially in my winemaking. On a tangent, just the other day I found a note of cinnamon in my Pinot Noir. I was so happy to find it and welcome what it brings to the vintage. The changing aromas, reminding me constantly that wine is alive, dynamic and constantly evolving. Just like in wine, be open to the subtle scents while cooking and enjoy what they bring to the table. It’s the little things that make something special.
Even my oldest son, who kind of complains when I have nuts in baked goods, loved-loved this. There’s something about it..it’s just different. And fabulous, perfect for morning tea.
Lemon Verbena-Walnut Loaf Cake
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup boiling water
- 4 lemon verbena tea bags
- 2 cups (9 ounces) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 large egg whites
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/3 cup applesauce
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts, toasted
- cooking spray
For the glaze:
- 1-1/4 cup powdered sugar
- zest of one lemon
- 2 Tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Special equipment:
- 8 x 4-inch loaf pan
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Prepare cake by pouring 1/2 cup boiling water over tea bags in a bowl; steep 5 minutes. Remove and throw away tea bags and cool tea to room temperature.
- Spoon the flour into measuring cup very lightly (I always weigh my flour), leveling with a knife. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt and stir well.
- Place egg whites in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at high speed until foamy. Add granulated sugar and brown sugar; beat well. Add tea, applesauce and oil and beat until well blended. Slowly add flour and beat until moist. Fold in walnuts and pour the batter into 8 x 4 loaf pan that has been coated with cooking spray. Bake for 50-55 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool for 15 minutes in pan before flipping out onto a wire rack. Cool completely.
- For the glaze, combine sugar, lemon zest and juice, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over cake.
If you have the chance this summer, plant Lemon Verbena in your garden. Use the leaves to make Lemon Verbena butter, drizzling it over delicate white fish. Or make a Lemon Verbena simple syrup for the base of your lemonade. Infuse it in milk and make ice cream. It’s really a great flavor to have around.
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Beth says
Ooh, this looks divine! I too have tons of newspaper and magazine recipes stuffed into binders. Only mine are called zip lock baggies. One for appetizers, salads, pasta, etc. I keep thinking one day I’ll actually graduate to binders. Sigh. Or maybe even type them up and put them in my online recipe organizer. Ha! Maybe when I retire. But there is something kinda fun about pulling out a yellow, tattered recipe that has a date from 25 years ago. It gets me thinking about where I was at that time. When I was in college (in the 70’s) I spent a summer in Bermuda. I still have the magazine recipes I cut out when I was there. Can’t seem to part with the originals.
Kim in MD says
This looks amazing, Cathy! Like you, I will search far and wide for the lemon verbena tea (or order it online). I’m sure it really gives the bread a unique flavor!
Amy (Savory Moments) says
This sounds (and looks) so delicious! I love the addition of the lemon verbena tea (one of my favorites).
Patty says
I think your lemon verbena walnut loaf cake looks delicious and I’m sure I would love it too!
I grow lemon verbena and like to use it to flavor all kinds of things but especially a refreshing drink I make during the Summer months-will have to share that recipe;-) Hope you’re seeing some blue skies this month but it sure is cold….
lola says
Seems delicious, lemon inside cakes always gives them a special taste!
Esz says
Definitely going to make this one! I love the cake recipes you post! đŸ™‚ Any cake with tea in it gets my vote. Which is funny, because I really don’t drink a lot of tea at all (preferring good coffee instead), yet will be ALL OVER tea flavoured cakes or chocolates. đŸ˜€
natalie@thesweetslife says
I can’t get enough of lemon lately! This sounds fabulous!
Linda Franzo says
I own an antique house with culinary theme herb gardens in Slidelk ,La, just a shot distance from New Orleans. It’s called Passionate Platter. I host cooking & garden classes using all herbs. Lemon verbena is my favorite! Do you give classes at the vineyard? I would love to visit when I get back to Oregon.
Cathy says
Hmmm, what kind of classes would I give?
Linda Franzo says
I can grow lemon verbena year round. Grow and pick leaves. Let them air dry to make your own tea!