Take last weekend, for example, when he cheerfully set about digging up the back garden to investigate the root of a plumbing problem, filled our car with petrol, spent hours entertaining the Small Girl and never once complained that the reason for his visit - the cricket - had been a washout.
Even though it was his birthday weekend, we seemed to end up with all the presents. He even left behind the remnants of his Chocolat Framboise birthday cake. Only a saint would do that.
Chocolat Framboise
It took me ages to decide on what to make Kevin. I knew it had to be chocolate, but I didn't want anything too heavy. This cake, from Christchurch's Patisserie Yahagi, was perfect. It's essentially a chocolate sponge, split into three, drenched with cocoa syrup, spread with a raspberry sauce and then sandwiched together with a rich chocolate ganache. It would be a great Easter cake, decorated with mini eggs.
The recipe, which is one of the 25th birthday cakes in the latest Cuisine, is here. It's reasonably time-consuming, but I've worked out a few shortcuts.
If, like me, you're not too good at evenly slicing a cake into three, make it in three 20cm tins and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
The raspberry sauce - which I actually made with frozen boysenberries - could be replaced with a good quality jam.
You may think there is way too much syrup for cake, but it will all get used. Just spoon it on to the sponge and watch it get absorbed.
Don't stint on the ganache - it's heavenly. It's the only sort I'm going to make from now on.
Instead of decorating the cake as instructed, I borrowed an idea from one of the other cakes and made some chocolate 'lace'. This is dead easy. Just melt some chocolate - about 100g will do - and scrape into a ziplock bag. Snip off a tiny corner, then 'draw' squiggly patterns on a piece of baking paper. Put it in the freezer to set for a minute or two, then store in a cool place. Endless fun.
Have a great weekend, everyone. Somehow we seem to be having guests to all meals, all weekend, so it's just as well I bought a new apron yesterday... Pin It
Love your squiggly chocolate decorations, that is such a fab idea - I must remember it. Love the sound of that cake too, chocolate and raspberries are a gorgeous combination. But how could he leave the cake behind?
ReplyDeleteA true saint by the sound of it...I'd become a devil if that cake was involved!
ReplyDeleteI think your idea for the chocolate lace is brilliant...I'm about to store that idea away safely for future use.
Thanks for sharing and it sounds like that apron is going to get a real baptism of fire this weekend. Enjoy :D
lovely!! so gorgeous! must try the lacey technique.
ReplyDeleteand your father in law seems like a wonderful man <3
That is one fantastic chocolate creation - wish I was in the neighbourhood so I could pop in and try some myself ;0)
ReplyDeleteI have to try the lace technique. Your cake looks sophisticated and scrumptious. I am new to your blog and have spent some time browsing through your earlier posts. I'm so glad I did that.I really like the food and recipes you share with your readers and I'll definitely be back. I hope you have a great day. Blessings...Mary,
ReplyDeleteThis cake looks a. mazing. Love the chocolate lace - your photo is stunning!
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ReplyDeleteThat cake is just stunning! Love the chocolate lace and the berries look so beautiful!
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