Flash in the Pan Friday

Today we've been baking for the neighbours who have been putting up with my Eldest daughter making a huge mess in their garden this glorious afternoon.

I used the Carrot & Honey Cake recipe from the River Cottage Everyday cookbook. I added some sultanas & cinnamon (yes! I do love cinnamon!). The cases are from Sainsbury's - aren't they fab?!

When Life Gives You Lemons...

 Rumour has it that despite life having lobbed a few lemons this way, the Pantry is back in business..

All I know is this: when life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.

When life doesn't give you lemons & ruins your plans for a desirable drizzle cake, you say "Sod* the Lemons!" & grab the nearest Orange. 

 

 For Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle Cake you will need:

• 4oz/115g Butter
• 4oz/115g Caster Sugar
• 2 x Medium Eggs
• 4 oz/115g Self Raising Flour
• 1 x heaped tsp of Cinnamon
• Zest of 1 large Orange
• Juice of half large Orange
• 3 or 4[ish] x heaped tbsp Icing Sugar

 For a Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle Cake you must:

1. Cream together the Butter & the Caster Sugar until pale.
2. Beat in the Eggs, one at a time, adding a little Flour (to stop them separating).
3. Gradually stir in the Flour, Cinnamon & Zest. I like lots of flavour, so tend to whack in a load of cinnamon - you could also try putting half a tsp of Nutmeg in there too if you fancied. You know what, I bet this would be cracking with a handful of sultanas or mixed fruit in too.
4. Put in a greased & lined cake tin or loaf tin - 20/25cm round or similar - & bake in a preheated oven for 20-30mins - or until nicely golden brown on outside, I love to have a crispy outer! & you can insert a skewer into the middle & pull it out clean. You know the drill!
5. Meanwhile, at the Bat Cave... Mix together the Juice & the Icing Sugar. You can make it as runny or as solid as you desire. I like mine to be fairly runny so it gets in all the nooks.
6. When cooked & still hot (& in the tin, otherwise it's messy!) make deep holes in the cake with a skewer - or if you are like me then scissors will do! - then pour your icing on top, ensuring it all runs into the holes & makes your cake lovely & moist.

et voila! - Cinnamon & Orange Drizzle cake, with not a Lemon in sight! Enjoy with a well deserved Cuppa ...and relax!

 

*words other than 'sod' may be used in this instance. Please feel free to improvise.