Archive for March, 2011

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March 31, 2011

Chocolate Fudge Cake

Chocolate Fudge Cake

The presentation of this cake may need a lot of work…. however the taste does not! I cannot even begin to describe how amazing this tastes. It’s like chocolate goo heaven! Not recommended for those who don’t like chocolate, or who are on a diet. The sponge is so moist and lovely, and then the combination of ganache and buttercream icing is to die for!

I did however use dark muscovado sugar in my recipe instead of light as it says below and I think this makes it taste much richer.

Preparation Time 30mins, Cooking time 1 to 2 hours

For the cake
200g/ 7oz plain chocolate
200g/ 7oz butter, cubed
100ml/ 3 1/2 fl oz water
125g/ 4 1/2 oz self raising flour
125g/ 4 1/2 oz plain flour
25g/ 1oz cocoa powder
200g/ 7oz light muscovado sugar
200g/ 7oz golden caster sugar
3 free-range eggs
75ml/ 2 1/2 fl oz creme fraiche

For the chocolate buttercream icing
50g/ 1 3/4oz plain chocolate
100g/ 3 1/2oz unsalted butter
200g/ 7oz icing sugar
1 tsp vanilla extract

For the chocolate ganache
150ml/ 5 1/4oz double cream
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 tsp unsalted butter
150g/ 5 1/4oz plain chocolate

1. Preheat the oven to 170C/ 335F/ Gas 3. Grease and line two 20cm/8in sandwich tins.
2. Melt the chocolate, butter and water together in a saucepan over a low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Sift the flours and cocoa powder into a bowl and mix in the muscovado and caster sugar.
4. Beat the eggs and creme fraiche together in a separate bowl, then beat in the chocolate mixture. Fold in the flour mixture until smooth.
5. Divide the cake mix between the tins and bak for 35- 40 mins, or until the top is firm to the touch.
6. Remove from oven and set aside to cool.
7. Meanwhile, for the chocolate buttercream icing, melt the chocolate in a bowl.
8. Beat the butter in a bowl until soft, then gradually beat in the icing sugar. Add the vanilla extract and fold in the melted chocolate until smooth.
9. For the chocolate ganache, heat the cream, vanilla extract, butter and chocolate, then remove from heat and whisk the mixture until smooth and thickened.
10. Remove cakes carefully from the tines.
11. Spread the chocolate buttercream over the top of one of the cakes, then carefully top with the other cake.
12. Transfer the cake to a serving plate and spoon the chocolate ganache over the top of the cake, allowing it to drizzle over the edge.

This recipe is not my own- I got it from the BBC food website.

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March 22, 2011

Blue Cheese Scones

I really enjoy making scones- they are very easy, but also very quick to cook. These cheese ones are great as it satisfies the savoury palette as well as being a baked good. Great served with butter.

Scones, Naomi Winters

Ingredients

225g/ 8oz self-raising flour
pinch of salt
55g/ 2oz butter
1 egg
50g/ 1 3/4oz blue Stilton
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
5 tbsp milk

1. Preheat the oven to 220C/ 425F/ Gas 7
2. Lightly grease a baking sheet with butter
3. Rub together the flour, salt and butter until it resembles breadcrumbs
4. Add the chopped Stilton, parsley and eggs
5. Gradually add the milk to form a thick dough
6. Roll on a floured surface, and then cut into squares using pastry cutter
7. Bake in the over for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown

Dough, Naomi Winters

In the oven, Naomi Winters

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March 10, 2011

The Terrace

I lived in Kingston for 3 years but haven’t been back for a few months and I really miss it. There is such a large choice cafes and places to eat its so hard to decide. So when my friend suggested the Terrace, a place id not been to before, I thought it sounded like a good choice.

It has a large range of filings, and I’m not good a decisions at the best of times. They had the usuals, but then about a hundred other amazing sounding filings, along with Jacket potatoes, breakfast and the specials.

All the sandwiches are made to order, so if you want extras, don’t want certain ingredients this place is great. You have your choice of bread; again not good for me- but in the end I went with a seeded Panini with chicken, bacon, avocado and rocket.
I was not disappointed.

The interior was really nice too- seats downstairs and up, nice clean feeling, and the staff were very friendly too.
It was a bit more expensive than some of the little cafes on other streets, about £5 for the average sandwich, but I think it’s worth the little extra.

The Terrace
7 Apple Market, Kingston-upon-Thames

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March 8, 2011

Gokyuzu

I work just around the corner from Haringey Green Lanes, and have to walk past the Turkish restaurants every morning and on my way home. This is a bit like torture for me as I love Turkish food. So when for a colleges leaving do, I was very happy to hear that we would be going to a Turkish restaurant.

And I was not disappointed. Gokyuzu has only recently opened, but it always very busy and had been recommended to us. So after a few drinks in the pub a large group of us headed down.

We had a selection of starters between us including hallumi, humus, olives, salad and many more. For main course I had Yoğurtlu Kuzu Şiş- “cubes of lamb skewered and grilled over charcoal chopped on a bed of bread, topped with sauce and yoghurt then drizzled with butter.” Tasted amazing- and the portion size was very large! I struggled to finish it, but of course I did as it would be rude to leave food that nice.

We had a couple of bottles of red wine with the meal which were very nice- service was great, especially considering how busy it was- people were queuing to sit down, but not once did they encourage us to leave or to hurry up. It was a thoroughly enjoyable meal and I would recommend it to anyone.

26-27 Grand Parade
Green Lanes London
N4 1LG
020 8211 8406

Website

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