Omiyage California Citrus Cake, #SundaySupper

Are you obligated to bring your children, colleagues or your BFF gifts or souvenirs upon your return from a trip? Are you required to bring a present when paying a formal visit to a friend or company? Yes, according to many Japanese. Major train stations, airports and department stores all conveniently cater to this custom by selling omiyage (souvenirs, presents.)

Often the gift is a specialty of a region, such as Kyoto's cinnamon sugar rice cracker. In Tokyo, a bird-shaped pastry is a favorite fast pick up for those passing through the train station. (Even though the Hiyoko bird baker's headquarters are in Kyushu - one of Japan's  southern islands.) 

A Tokyo Station Bestseller: The Hiyoko Omiyage

A thin crust of cake shaped into a bird is molded around delicious white bean paste. This 100-year-old little omiyage became a big seller during the 1964 Olympics and came to be associated with Tokyo.

For today’s citrus themed #SundaySupper and my next visit abroad, I created a California citrus cake omiyage. But I also included Peeps as my American version of the popular Tokyo bird pastry.

The Ninja Baker's California Citrus Omiyage Box

I also arranged a few candied orange slices around my orange cupcakes frosted with the Ninja Baker’s Orange Buttercream. The cupcakes are adapted from the orange cake recipe in Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. I followed the master chef’s instructions…But I added one cup of dark chocolate bits. Julia would approve. Wouldn’t she?

Dark Chocolate Bits Inside & Atop the Ninja Baker's Orange Buttercream

My recipe for orange buttercream follows. The freshly squeezed orange juice does make a delicious difference in the cake and the frosting.  (So does my garnish of a chopped up dark orange chocolate bar.)

Orange Buttercream
Author: The Ninja Baker, Kim Watkinson

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Earth Balance or similar better for you margarine
• 1 peel of an orange, grated
• 4 cups sifted powdered sugar
• 1 tablespoon meringue powder
• 2 teaspoons vanilla powder
• 6 tablespoons of fresh squeezed orange juice

Method:
Cream margarine and grated orange peel. Into the bowl sift powdered sugar. One cup at a time. Incorporating well with an electric mixer after each cup. Add the meringue powder, vanilla powder and orange juice. Best to add the juice one tablespoon at a time so you can monitor the consistency of your frosting.

Spread generously onto a cake or cupcakes!

Jen of Juanita’s Cocina is hosting today’s citrus themed #SundaySupper Twitter event. (Tune in at 7 p.m. ET.) Jen’s joie de vivre would make the sourest lemon smile, so this is a party you won’t want to miss. (Type in #SundaySupper in the Twitter search bar.)  Here’s the list she has compiled of the most delightful recipes from the cleverest of the food blogosphere. 

Better with Citrus Breakfasts:

• Orange Ricotta Pancakes from Gotta Get Baked

Big On Citrus Breads & Condiments:

• Honey Lime Dressing from Ruffles & Truffles
• Meyer Lemon Pistachio Loaf from The Girl in the Little Red Kitchen
• Moroccan Preserved Lemons from MarocMama

Make You Pucker Salads, Sides, & Main Dishes:

• Ceviche from Cookistry
• Cilantro Lime Rice from Crazy Foodie Stunts
• Citrus Ginger Chicken from Kudos Kitchen
• Easy Indian Lemon Chicken from Soni's Food
• Fish Tacos with Lime Salsa from Curious Cuisiniere
• Grilled Orange & Lime Chicken Thighs from Big Bear's Wife
• Meyer Lemon-Garlic Shrimp & Asparagus with Brown Rice from Daily Dish Recipes
• Orange Chicken from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Raw Beet Salad with Citrus Dressing from Mama's Blissful Bites
• Red Cabbage and Red Pepper Salad with Citrus Dressing from Family Foodie
• Seared Cod with Grapefruit Fennel Slaw from Magnolia Days
• Tangy Lemon Rice with Grated Mango & Roasted Cashew from Sue's Nutrition Buzz

Sour Citrusy Sweets & Desserts:

• Blood Orange Sorbet from My Cute Bride
• Broiled Oranges with Toasted Coconut from Neighborfood
• Clementine Curd from Small Wallet Big Appetite
• Creamsicle Cupcakes from The Meltaways
• Dairyfree Key Lime Meringue Bliss from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Fresh Lemon Mousse from Comfy Cuisine
• Frozen Lemon Dessert from Gourmet Drizzles
• Gluten Free Orange Pound Cake from Simply Gourmet
• Honey and Lemon Cake from Happy Baking Days
• Key Lime Biscotti from Juanita's Cocina
• Key Lime Cheesecake from Flour on My Face
• Key Lime Cookie Bars from Supper for a Steal
• Key Lime Truffles from What Smells So Good?
• Lemon Blueberry Polenta Cake from Vintage Kitchen Notes
• Lemon Coconut Cinnamon Rolls from Chocolate Moosey
• Lemon Cookies from Basic N Delicious
• Lemon Cream Pie Push Pops from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• Lemon Layer Cake from Crispy Bits & Burnt Ends
• Lemon Poppyseed Sweet Bread from Food Lust People Love
• Lemon Ricotta Cake from The Urban Mrs.
• Meyer Lemon Snack Cake with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting from Peanut Butter and Peppers
• Mini Meyer Lemon Pies from Cravings of a Lunatic
• Mini Orange Cream & Lemon Cream Scones from The Foodie Army Wife
• No-Bake Lemon Cheese Cakes w/Blueberry-Lemon Sauce from Momma's Meals
• Olive Oil Cake with Orange Marmalade from Hip Foodie Mom
• Omiyage California Citrus Cake from Ninja Baking
• Orange Cake with Orange Syrup from The Lovely Pantry
• Orange Crinkle Cookies from Mom's Test Kitchen
• Pink Grapefruit Pie from In the Kitchen With Audrey and Maurene
• Pink Lemonade Pound Cake from In the Kitchen with KP
• Sugar-Free Lemon Meringue Pie from Webicurean
• Tarte au Citron from That Skinny Chick Can Bake

Sour Sips & Drinks:

• {DIY} Arancello and Limoncello from girlichef
• Orange Creamsicle Smoothies from Mama.Mommy.Mom

Wishing you joyful visits abroad and into citrus land