Wednesday 23 September 2009

Coffee & Walnut Sponge Cake



I love coffee and walnut cake. There is something so traditional about it, it's just a classic. I made this on a whim the other day, and true to form forgot to take photos until too late again.
The cake came out light fluffy, and incredibly moist, so I will definately be making this again.



Lots of walnuts! I put more in than stated in the recipe as I am a sucker for them. They are one of the best nuts around, and I love the crunch followed by the creaminess of them, especially in a cake like this. I don't chop them up too finely either, they have got to have a bit of substance. Yum!



Everything about this cake came out great. The icing was soft and smooth with a lovely coffee aroma, and set with a nice little crisp casing which sticks to your lip when you take a bite. mmm....



This is all that's left of the cake too. It went in a flash with a cup of tea and visitors, and this sad little lonely piece is all that's left. Not for long though, as I think hubby has his eye on it.


Ladybird Cake



So, this is the Ladybird (or bug) cake that I made for a friends daughters 1st birthday. My friend wanted it pink, so I duly obliged, and liberally sprinkled gorgeous pink glitter with gay abandonment as, a) it makes me very happy, and, b) makes the cake look soooo cute.



I can only give you different shots of the cake, as when I was making it I got so carried away, I completely forgot to take photos of the process. Sorry!



I am very happy to say though, that the cake went down very well, and the recipient would have eaten all of it had she been allowed.



The cake was a very moist and rather gorgeous chocolate all in one. The recipe is very easy to do, and the cake comes out so well, that if left for a day to settle, it can be carved into shape.
I used my new cake decorating tools to help me make the grass, and shape the mouth etc, but as I hadn't used them before I can see I will need to practise.
I love making theme cakes, and really enjoyed doing this one, it took a little time, but was fun to do.