Well, I never learn. So with Mom's birthday around the corner, I decided to bake another cake. This time it was to be carrot cake, with almonds and raisins.
It was a lot tougher and more time-consuming, as I made the whole thing from scratch. It also took up the better part of my Sunday, but look at the bright side - my home smells divine and my Dad will soon have a big smile on his face. (I know it's Mom's birthday, but the truth is we do it all for him. He has a major sweet tooth!)
So here's the saga. With pictures, of course!
Grated carrots.
Blended sugar, oil and eggs.
Mixed in carrots, pineapple paste and vanilla.
In went the almonds and raisins. Ok the pineapple was supposed to be crushed and the almonds, sliced.... but never mind!
Added all-purpose flour, cinnamon powder, baking soda and baking powder. Mixed, mixed, mixed.
Poured. As you can see, I seriously need to shop for at least one good sized cake tin! Preferably round.
These little fellows were ready first. Then came the small, round cake. But I forgot to take a pic. Anyway, it shall be ziplocked and kept for...ahem... emergencies!
And here's the big guy. Mom's birthday cake.
I don't think I'm going to dress this one up. It's already very rich and moist the way it is. I might just brush it with some marmalade and brandy syrup before serving, but just a tiny little bit.
Here's the recipe I followed, with my own mistakes...uhh...variations. Unfortunately, I couldn't get the orange rind to put in and I'm sure it would make the cake taste so much better. So don't leave it out.
The verdict? I think I'm getting better at baking. I love this cake. It's moist and delicious, and the smell of all that cinnamon and vanilla just drives me wild! I used the milder and sweeter Sri Lankan cinnamon, it's perfect for desserts. Have to wait till Tuesday to find out what everyone else thinks.
Update - 28/10/09
My folks loved the cake. Dad said it was better than his birthday cake and he kept singing out loud, in between bites! But that's my dad, anything makes him sing or whistle :-)
Mom ate her two slices in silence and then said, "How long will this stay in the fridge? I want to save some for your brother." That means she really liked it!
I told her not to bother because my dad will not let it last that long (my brother is travelling on a shoot and it will be a couple of weeks at least, before he's back).
So the emergency cake that I had kept for myself, now has my brother's name on it. Knife, I'll bake you one in Feb. Promise!
8 comments:
I no longer bake cakes - but I like the gals who do. Delicious Missus!
Ah!! reminds me to get back home soon to my kitchen with an oven... I just love to bake and the book Eat Cake (Jean Ray). Delicious
Good Morning
@Pat - Aww! Why not? I'm sure you've made some awesome cakes back in the day.
@PNA - I just love the smells of baking; I think it's the main reason I bake :-)
And I just got back from watching Julie & Julia. Ohhhh, I feel like bathing in butter or doing something equally debauched!
Dear Cloud cutter,
The cake looks yum and I sure by the time you read this the last crumb would have been polished off the plate.
Thanks for the lovely advice that you gave me….it really meant a lot.
Just like you I have no support system that’s why I was seeking help online.
I am quite a recluse on the personal front and am perceived to be extremely aggressive and ambitious professionally. Both these attributes are ideal breeding grounds for attracting universal acrimony
My way of dealing with the trauma was to bury myself deep in work …and that’s precisely what I did. As a side effect (rather a desirable outcome) you do get a lot of professional accolades and at the end of the day the fatigue paralyzes your brain and does not let sadness crawl in…its only the dreadful weekends and one off early evenings that cause all the memories to come back flooding….unannounced, unsolicited and unwelcome.
Till then work seems to be my opium.
Can I have your email id? Would love to write to you….I am slightly uncomfortable baring my thoughts in public.
Hugs,
Mist
I get hungry just watching food ads on tv or watching people eat in films or tv movies. Can you imagine what this is doing to me?
Did you hear about the woman who saved her home by baking and selling apple cakes? I looove that story.
@Mist - My email id is in my profile here on blogger. Write to me anytime.
@GG - I can imagine. And did you bake a cake for your Mom in September or not? Try this recipe, it is FABULOUS. No, haven't heard that story. Maybe I can save myself by baking. Is Cloudcutter a nice name for a cakes n bakes lady? :-)
hey just saw the update...bated breath :)
I have the mother on a diet.
Me bad daughter.
hee.
The apple cakes lady is in the US. Wish I can find the link again.
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