Gloria Barreto, Pastry Chef, BallenIsles CC (photo courtesy of BallenIsles CC)
A brunch and breakfast pastry favorite has been given a new twist—quite literally—at BallenIsles Country Club in Palm Beach Islands, Fla. Pastry Chef Gloria Barreto has crafted a Russian Coffee Cake that stands out not only for its flavor, but its unconventional preparation method.
“The idea for this cake came from wanting to improve on the old version, which I thought was too dry and not fresh enough,” she explains. “So, I made my own recipe that’s moist and full of flavor.”
Before spending nearly three years at BallenIsles, she honed her skills at nearby Delaire Country Club, The Club at Admirals Cove and Broken Sound Club. These experiences have enabled her to assess her recipes and determine how to perfect each dish.
That includes her Russian Coffee Cake, made with soft brioche bread filled with almond paste and cinnamon sugar and topped with walnuts, raisins and even more cinnamon sugar. Baretto prefers brioche, which prevents the cake from drying out, and she employs a twisting technique that allows for better filling distribution and even baking.
“People love it,” she says. “It tastes good, and it feels like a treat that’s made with care.”
