Some of us went to Tutt's on July 4th this year for a loosely-American-themed evening and to celebrate Corners's birthday, so I baked a cake. I picked Mississippi Mud Pie. I'm not going to call it Independence Day; I have recently been doing some reading to prepare for the new A-level I'm teaching next term and I note, with interest, that we refer to it as the American Revolution while the Americans all refer to it as the War of Independence. I'll stick with my people.
I combined a couple of recipes and ended up with a tooth-achingly, stomach-clutchingly rich pie. It was probably the first time I baked something meant to serve 12 and actually agreed that it should serve 12. No pictures, naturally.
For the base
300g Oreo cookies
150g dark chocolate digestives
125g unsalted butter, melted
For the mud cake
200g dark chocolate
1 tbsp espresso powder
50ml dark rum
100g butter
150g golden caster sugar
3 large free-range eggs
2 tsp vanilla bean paste
50g golden syrup
30g plain flour
Fudge topping:
150g dark chocolate
150ml double cream (plus extra to serve, they suggest, but you won't need it, and that's coming from someone who occasionally pours double cream on yogurt to serve)
3 tbsp golden syrup
175g icing sugar, sieved
Whizz the biscuits in a food processor until they're broken up. Marvel at how one digestive manages to remain almost whole, spinning around in the processor like someone in a whirlpool. Keeping the processor going, pour in the melted butter. Press into a loose-bottomed tin; I think mine is 10 inches. Chill it until firm, then bake at 160 degrees for 10 minutes.
For the cake, melt the chocolate with the butter, rum and espresso powder over a low heat until smooth. Stir in the sugar. Beat the eggs together with the vanilla and the syrup; pour the slightly cooled chocolate mixture over the eggs, beating all the time. Stir in the flour. Pour the mixture over the biscuit crust and bake at 180 degrees for 30-35 minutes, until a cocktail stick comes out clean.
For the fudge topping, the final nail in your arteries, heat all the fudge ingredients in a saucepan over a medium heat until smooth and glossy - about 5 minutes. Pour over the cooled cake and stick it in the fridge to set.
This may happen. (Sorry it's not in English but the words are less important than what she does with the cake).
Saturday, 25 July 2015
Thursday, 23 July 2015
End of term jelly shots
The end of term is finally here, and was (of course) celebrate with hard liquor, frivolity and loud train journeys. Last summer I made hurricane jelly shots in orange peel, but then had to drive in last minute and forgot about them in the boot of my car. They melted and so when I got home, I fished out the peel, put the tub in the fridge and then ate the reset jelly with a spoon. Marvellous.
This summer I thought I would tackle a tequila sunrise jelly. When I was a kid, Father Hand used to hang out in the local Mexican restaurant which was run by a Californian and his British wife. These jelly shots were their speciality...naturally I never partook at that young age, except for the kind they made sans tequila. But, tequila and I are having a bit of a relationship renaissance recently and I had some leftover from my attempts at frozen strawberry margaritas a few weeks ago, so I thought I would give it a go.
The recipe I used was from here:
Grenadine Layer:
3/4 cup grenadine
1/4 cup water
1 sachet of gelatine granules
Orange Tequila Layer:
1/2 cup orange juice
1 sachet of gelatine granules
1/2 cup tequila
For the grenadine layer, pour the grenadine and water into a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatine onto it and whisk until dissolved. Stir over a low heat for a few minutes until smooth. Pour into the short glass - these are little plastic ones I got from Asda.
For the orange tequila layer, pour the orange juice into a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatine onto it and whisk until dissolved. Stir over a low heat for a few minutes until smooth.Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila. Carefully ladle over the set grenadine layer and refrigerate until fully set.
These were very potent; I enjoyed them a lot. A couple of drawbacks -
Firstly, I used vegegel because it was the only granulated gelatine I could get in my online shop. It was odd. It started setting almost before I got it off the heat. You can see the second one from the left looks a bit dodgy - this one was pretty much set on the sides of the beaker from which I was pouring it, so it's not properly moulded to the sides of the shot glass. The two layers were completely detached from one another even though I allowed not setting time between the two - just the time it took me to make up the orange layer. It was OK, but, meh. I wanted something where the orange and grenadine layers would merge a little.
Secondly, there was too much grenadine layer for my liking. The grenadine mixture filled up nearly 40 shot glasses but the tequila only made 18, because I wanted just a thin red strip. I think the grenadine in this cocktail serves as a little sweet hit at the end of your tequila and orange juice mixture, and I don't like too much of a sweet hit. Next time I think I will double the orange mixture, or halve the grenadine layer, if I can figure out how to halve a sachet of gelatine. In the end the remaining shot glasses were filled with a lazy girl's version of hurricane jellies -
1 cup dark rum
½ cup orange juice
Freshly squeezed juice of two limes
2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 tablespoons grenadine
1 sachet of gelatine granules
Put all the liquids except the rum in a saucepan and sprinkle over the gelatine. Heat gently until dissolved. Stir in the rum. Pour into shot glasses to set.
These weren't as nice as last year, when I did it properly, but they still went down well. I had people complaining on Facebook that their hangovers were all my fault, which I take as a compliment to be honest.
Happy summer!
This summer I thought I would tackle a tequila sunrise jelly. When I was a kid, Father Hand used to hang out in the local Mexican restaurant which was run by a Californian and his British wife. These jelly shots were their speciality...naturally I never partook at that young age, except for the kind they made sans tequila. But, tequila and I are having a bit of a relationship renaissance recently and I had some leftover from my attempts at frozen strawberry margaritas a few weeks ago, so I thought I would give it a go.
The recipe I used was from here:
Grenadine Layer:
3/4 cup grenadine
1/4 cup water
1 sachet of gelatine granules
Orange Tequila Layer:
1/2 cup orange juice
1 sachet of gelatine granules
1/2 cup tequila
For the grenadine layer, pour the grenadine and water into a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatine onto it and whisk until dissolved. Stir over a low heat for a few minutes until smooth. Pour into the short glass - these are little plastic ones I got from Asda.
For the orange tequila layer, pour the orange juice into a small saucepan, sprinkle the gelatine onto it and whisk until dissolved. Stir over a low heat for a few minutes until smooth.Remove from the heat and stir in the tequila. Carefully ladle over the set grenadine layer and refrigerate until fully set.
These were very potent; I enjoyed them a lot. A couple of drawbacks -
Firstly, I used vegegel because it was the only granulated gelatine I could get in my online shop. It was odd. It started setting almost before I got it off the heat. You can see the second one from the left looks a bit dodgy - this one was pretty much set on the sides of the beaker from which I was pouring it, so it's not properly moulded to the sides of the shot glass. The two layers were completely detached from one another even though I allowed not setting time between the two - just the time it took me to make up the orange layer. It was OK, but, meh. I wanted something where the orange and grenadine layers would merge a little.
Secondly, there was too much grenadine layer for my liking. The grenadine mixture filled up nearly 40 shot glasses but the tequila only made 18, because I wanted just a thin red strip. I think the grenadine in this cocktail serves as a little sweet hit at the end of your tequila and orange juice mixture, and I don't like too much of a sweet hit. Next time I think I will double the orange mixture, or halve the grenadine layer, if I can figure out how to halve a sachet of gelatine. In the end the remaining shot glasses were filled with a lazy girl's version of hurricane jellies -
1 cup dark rum
½ cup orange juice
Freshly squeezed juice of two limes
2 tablespoons caster sugar
2 tablespoons grenadine
1 sachet of gelatine granules
Put all the liquids except the rum in a saucepan and sprinkle over the gelatine. Heat gently until dissolved. Stir in the rum. Pour into shot glasses to set.
These weren't as nice as last year, when I did it properly, but they still went down well. I had people complaining on Facebook that their hangovers were all my fault, which I take as a compliment to be honest.
Happy summer!
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Scenes from the Classroom #10
Not really from the classroom, but a story related to me by the lovely school receptionist. We staged a WW1 experience day last week, with the help of the town council and the local museum; somebody brought in a de-weaponised WW1 gun that made loud bangs when you pulled the trigger with the aid of some kind of gas reaction. It involved propane. I don't know.
Predictably, we had some complaints. We'd let the local police know and I'd fully briefed the reception staff, which is just as well, because...
Neighbour: I want to complain about all this noise.
Lovely Receptionist: Oh right. Go on.
N: It's very loud. What exactly is going on?
LR: It's a WW1 experience day. X, Y and Z are happening. They are looking at some weapons and have a chance to fire a de-weaponised machine gun.
N: I don't think that's very educational
LR: What....World War One?!
N: Well, I don't think it should involve guns
LR: Er...didn't they have guns in WW1?
N: Well, yes. But anyway. It's very loud, and I don't agree with it.
People just love to complain, don't they?
Predictably, we had some complaints. We'd let the local police know and I'd fully briefed the reception staff, which is just as well, because...
Neighbour: I want to complain about all this noise.
Lovely Receptionist: Oh right. Go on.
N: It's very loud. What exactly is going on?
LR: It's a WW1 experience day. X, Y and Z are happening. They are looking at some weapons and have a chance to fire a de-weaponised machine gun.
N: I don't think that's very educational
LR: What....World War One?!
N: Well, I don't think it should involve guns
LR: Er...didn't they have guns in WW1?
N: Well, yes. But anyway. It's very loud, and I don't agree with it.
People just love to complain, don't they?
Tuesday, 23 June 2015
The Bikram Diaries: 5
It has been difficult to get to bikram as regularly lately, what with all the marking and such. However, I've tried to squeeze in at least one class a week and, oddly, I think I am making more progress than when I was managing several a week.
Today was class 31 and it was a momentous day because I managed to finally grab both feet at the same time in bow pose. It only took 31 tries, haha. Laura the instructor came over to try to help me, but then in the end I managed on my own. And I managed a good standing bow pose holding my left leg. Laura said it was gorgeous. I think she was carried away in the euphoria of my bow pose success.
The increased flexibility is making life a bit easier in small and interesting ways. I can sit comfortably cross-legged again now: I haven't been able to do that for years. I had to miss about 10 days due to all the exam board meetings and when I went back to class on Sunday morning, we got to the triangle pose, which many of the instructors refer to as the peak of the standing series, and as I sank my hips down into it I felt very calm and the stretch felt amazing. I was marvelling at how I had progressed from the start when I despised it and how good it felt to stretch my hips after having three day-long meetings in four days. Then I realised everybody else had finished and moved onto the other side. Doh. I had completely zoned out: that would never have happened at the start.
I haven't used my yoga app again yet but, well. Small steps and that.
Today was class 31 and it was a momentous day because I managed to finally grab both feet at the same time in bow pose. It only took 31 tries, haha. Laura the instructor came over to try to help me, but then in the end I managed on my own. And I managed a good standing bow pose holding my left leg. Laura said it was gorgeous. I think she was carried away in the euphoria of my bow pose success.
The increased flexibility is making life a bit easier in small and interesting ways. I can sit comfortably cross-legged again now: I haven't been able to do that for years. I had to miss about 10 days due to all the exam board meetings and when I went back to class on Sunday morning, we got to the triangle pose, which many of the instructors refer to as the peak of the standing series, and as I sank my hips down into it I felt very calm and the stretch felt amazing. I was marvelling at how I had progressed from the start when I despised it and how good it felt to stretch my hips after having three day-long meetings in four days. Then I realised everybody else had finished and moved onto the other side. Doh. I had completely zoned out: that would never have happened at the start.
I haven't used my yoga app again yet but, well. Small steps and that.
Friday, 19 June 2015
Weekend FO: Tequila Sunrise
It's another tequila sunrise, stirring slowly cross the skyyyyyyyy....
Pattern: Timetable Pullover by Andrea Sanchez
Yarn: Midwinter Lithuanian Linen, heavy laceweight, held double, 4 skeins minus about 2m, 1 x Coral, 1 x Glow, 2 x Cherry (1800m! That has done wonders for my yarn total for the year)
Needle: 2.75mm. I still have the callous on my index finger to prove it.
Mods: No sleeves. I didn't do the short rows and patterning across the bottom; I might have done if I had had the yarn, but instead I knitted 2x2 rib for about 4 rows, continuing the pattern on the sides as set. I did this ribbing for 3 rows on the sleeve edges as well. I think I might have added 2 more sets of increases, too - I just kept knitting until it was clear the yarn was going to run out.
The stripes don't look as I expected: I had planned to have 4 even bands of colour with a wider red one at the bottom. Plans, eh? If I had been really committed to that plan I would have done some actual maths instead of just dividing the length of the garment by 5. Learning curve. Here's what I had left:
Phew.
I am really very pleased with it, because I knew that detail would really sing in the linen and it really does! This is my third 100% linen garment.
Finished in just over a month; I finished it last weekend when I had to spend the day at the Parents Z's house, because our internet went down on the day of the online marking meeting. Of course. Luckily this meant that nobody else had any computer problems so the meeting was really straightforward for me. And just as well it was finished then, because I haven't had time to put a stitch on anything since then.
Pattern: Timetable Pullover by Andrea Sanchez
Yarn: Midwinter Lithuanian Linen, heavy laceweight, held double, 4 skeins minus about 2m, 1 x Coral, 1 x Glow, 2 x Cherry (1800m! That has done wonders for my yarn total for the year)
Needle: 2.75mm. I still have the callous on my index finger to prove it.
Mods: No sleeves. I didn't do the short rows and patterning across the bottom; I might have done if I had had the yarn, but instead I knitted 2x2 rib for about 4 rows, continuing the pattern on the sides as set. I did this ribbing for 3 rows on the sleeve edges as well. I think I might have added 2 more sets of increases, too - I just kept knitting until it was clear the yarn was going to run out.
The stripes don't look as I expected: I had planned to have 4 even bands of colour with a wider red one at the bottom. Plans, eh? If I had been really committed to that plan I would have done some actual maths instead of just dividing the length of the garment by 5. Learning curve. Here's what I had left:
Phew.
I am really very pleased with it, because I knew that detail would really sing in the linen and it really does! This is my third 100% linen garment.
Finished in just over a month; I finished it last weekend when I had to spend the day at the Parents Z's house, because our internet went down on the day of the online marking meeting. Of course. Luckily this meant that nobody else had any computer problems so the meeting was really straightforward for me. And just as well it was finished then, because I haven't had time to put a stitch on anything since then.
Sunday, 7 June 2015
Weekend Baking: Chocolate Blackout Cupcakes
I came across this recipe after reading an article decrying the use of cup measurements in American recipes, due to the vagueness of them. Someone else pointed out that they were perfect for a nation that essentially settled in wagons and couldn't carry scales with them, which I thought was a very good point and very well made.
Anyway, the cake. I picked this recipe because it looked sinfully good and I wanted some very chocolatey cupcakes to take for Y11 revision last weekend. These are definitely it. I knew when I saw the amount of cocoa needed that they would be.
For the custard:
175g granulated sugar
4½ tbsp cornflour
450ml single cream
270ml full-fat milk
150g dark chocolate (I used 90% cocoa)
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the cakes:
200g cocoa powder
225g butter
500g granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
350g plain flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp baking-powder
Prepare the custard: it needs time to set. Combine the sugar, cornflour, ½ tsp salt, cream and milk in a large pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once thickened, remove from the heat, add the chocolate and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Later on you'll probably be whisking it so put it in one you can use with a whisk. Press greaseproof paper or clingfilm on to the custard surface. Chill.
Place the cocoa powder in a heatproof bowl. Add 425ml boiled water. Whisk together, and leave to cool. It will look like the most delicious chocolate sauce you have ever seen in your life, but don't try it. Le hub made this mistake and ended up spitting into the sink - and this is a man who has previously tried Brasso.
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Sort out the cupcake tins - this makes at least 24 so if you've only got one tin, you'll need to do it in batches.
Cream together the butter and sugar then beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking-powder and ½ tsp salt. Add to the mixture in three batches, alternating with the cooled cocoa mixture and finishing with the flour.
Scoop the mixture into the cupcake cases. Bake for about half an hour, until springy. Once cool, smear with a generous layer of the chocolate custard.
I think next time I might go the whole hog and add chocolate chips.
Anyway, the cake. I picked this recipe because it looked sinfully good and I wanted some very chocolatey cupcakes to take for Y11 revision last weekend. These are definitely it. I knew when I saw the amount of cocoa needed that they would be.
For the custard:
175g granulated sugar
4½ tbsp cornflour
450ml single cream
270ml full-fat milk
150g dark chocolate (I used 90% cocoa)
2 tsp vanilla extract
For the cakes:
200g cocoa powder
225g butter
500g granulated sugar
4 large eggs
1½ tsp vanilla extract
350g plain flour
2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
½ tsp baking-powder
Prepare the custard: it needs time to set. Combine the sugar, cornflour, ½ tsp salt, cream and milk in a large pan. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Once thickened, remove from the heat, add the chocolate and vanilla. Transfer to a bowl to cool. Later on you'll probably be whisking it so put it in one you can use with a whisk. Press greaseproof paper or clingfilm on to the custard surface. Chill.
Place the cocoa powder in a heatproof bowl. Add 425ml boiled water. Whisk together, and leave to cool. It will look like the most delicious chocolate sauce you have ever seen in your life, but don't try it. Le hub made this mistake and ended up spitting into the sink - and this is a man who has previously tried Brasso.
Preheat the oven to 175°C. Sort out the cupcake tins - this makes at least 24 so if you've only got one tin, you'll need to do it in batches.
Cream together the butter and sugar then beat in the eggs one at a time, then the vanilla. Sift together the flour, bicarbonate of soda, baking-powder and ½ tsp salt. Add to the mixture in three batches, alternating with the cooled cocoa mixture and finishing with the flour.
Scoop the mixture into the cupcake cases. Bake for about half an hour, until springy. Once cool, smear with a generous layer of the chocolate custard.
I think next time I might go the whole hog and add chocolate chips.
Weekend WIP
I am still doggedly plugging away at the linen. I have poked a hole in my index finger with the pointy needle. I have had to break out hand cream because the yarn is so rough. I think it's safe to say I am past enjoyment with this now and just want the frigging thing to be finished.
Admittedly, the colours are keeping me going. I think it's going to be impossible to properly capture them - the red is really vivid. In spite of the uneven nature of the stripes, I am really pleased with how it is knitting up. The increase/decrease detailing is so crisp and proud.
I tried it on when I got to the end of the decreases and it is snug. Probably more snug than the designer intended, but not uncomfortable or unflattering. I imagine it will give a little with blocking, too, given my experience with linen in the past. I am mainly hoping it will grow lengthwise because it was not even close to being long enough; although I will have added an extra couple of inches, I will be running out of yarn soon.
Looking forward to adding 1800 metres onto my "knit this year" log, admittedly. It will bring me within two garments of beating last year's total.
Admittedly, the colours are keeping me going. I think it's going to be impossible to properly capture them - the red is really vivid. In spite of the uneven nature of the stripes, I am really pleased with how it is knitting up. The increase/decrease detailing is so crisp and proud.
I tried it on when I got to the end of the decreases and it is snug. Probably more snug than the designer intended, but not uncomfortable or unflattering. I imagine it will give a little with blocking, too, given my experience with linen in the past. I am mainly hoping it will grow lengthwise because it was not even close to being long enough; although I will have added an extra couple of inches, I will be running out of yarn soon.
Looking forward to adding 1800 metres onto my "knit this year" log, admittedly. It will bring me within two garments of beating last year's total.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)