Lemon Curd-Filled Angel Food Cake

Directions

• 1. Place egg whites in a large bowl; let stand at room temperature 30 minutes.
• 2. Preheat oven to 325°. In a small bowl, mix flour and 3/4 cup sugar until blended.
• 3. Add seeds from vanilla bean (or extract if using), cream of tartar and salt to egg whites. Beat on medium speed until soft peaks form. Gradually add remaining 3/4 cup sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, beating on high after each addition until sugar is dissolved. Continue beating until soft glossy peaks form. Gradually fold in flour mixture, about 1/2 cup at a time.
• 4. Gently transfer batter to an ungreased 10-in. tube pan. Cut through batter with a knife to remove air pockets. Bake on lowest oven rack 45-55 minutes or until top springs back when lightly touched. Immediately invert pan; cool completely in pan, about 1-1/2 hours.
• 5. Run a knife around sides and center tube of pan. Remove cake to a serving plate. Using a serrated knife, cut a 1-in. slice off top of cake. Hollow out remaining cake, leaving a 1-in.-thick shell (save removed cake for another use).
• 6. For filling, in a small bowl, beat cream until it begins to thicken. Add mascarpone cheese and confectioners' sugar; beat until soft peaks form. Fold in 1/4 cup of the lemon curd.
• 7. Line bottom of tunnel with strawberries. Spoon mascarpone mixture over berries; top with remaining lemon curd. Replace cake top; refrigerate, covered, at least 4 hours or overnight.
• 8. For glaze, in a small bowl, mix confectioners' sugar, lemon zest and enough juice to reach desired consistency. Unwrap cake; spread glaze over top, allowing some to drip down sides. Refrigerate until serving.