In the heart of winter, as Valentine's Day approaches, the allure of chocolate cake season beckons, blending confectionery with romance in a soft-focus haze. For a four-year-old goddaughter, this time is always present, her eyes rolling and tongue wagging in cartoonish anticipation at the mere mention of those two sweet words. When we promised to bake a chocolate cake together, squeals of joy echoed through the air, setting the stage for an unforgettable culinary adventure.
The Recipe Selection Challenge
Settling on the perfect recipe proved to be the first delightful hurdle. Options included Ravneet Gill's fudgy creation, Felicity Cloake's perfected version, and Benjamina Ebuehi's convenient traybake. Ultimately, we chose Samin Nosrat's beloved and tried-and-tested midnight chocolate cake, a decision that promised both indulgence and reliability.
A Crowned Baking Experience
This baking session quickly became a learning journey for us as much as for the child. We discovered an unexpected rule: chocolate cake must be made only while wearing a crown. Our young companion explained this at length, weaving a tale involving ghosts, crocodiles, and the influence of Bluey, though the exact logic remained charmingly elusive. After donning our crowns and aprons, we entered the kitchen, where it became clear who was truly in charge.
Dragons and Decorations
Heavy is the head that wears the crown, and our tiny dictator began issuing instructions with the speed and confidence of a seasoned football coach. Tasks ranged from cutting baking paper to size to drawing dragons upon it, sparking a serious debate about which dragons were good or evil and the ideal balance between them. This playful moment underscored a deeper truth: in life, as in cake, balance matters immensely.
The Magic of Baking with Children
When baking with a child, precision often gives way to play, and efficiency yields to imagination. Simple acts like lifting a heavy bowl, cracking an egg, sifting cocoa, licking a spoon, or placing a cake in the oven transform into moments of reverence and revelation. Together, we buried our noses in the freshly baked cake, inhaling its rich aroma, and waited with anxious anticipation for it to cool so we could decorate it.
Sprinkles played a crucial role in this process, where more is unequivocally more. Each type was endlessly discussed and compared, highlighting the joy found in small, colourful details. Over the coming weeks, we plan to bake numerous chocolate cakes, along with babkas, heart-shaped cookies, and other sweet romantic treats. While we may have outgrown sprinkles, this kitchen experience served as a timely reminder that baking is nothing short of pure magic.
Our Month in Food Highlights
In other culinary news, we revisited Hoppers in Shoreditch, where the ambiance transported us back to Sri Lanka with its slatted shutters, painted ceiling, and rattan decor. The crab omelette, a standout dish, is something we will order repeatedly. Additionally, we dream of an Italian getaway in Abruzzo, led by chefs Rosie Sykes and Barny Haughton, offering in-depth culinary tours. Finally, the announcement of Nigella Lawson joining The Great British Bake Off team has reignited our excitement for the show, promising entertaining moments ahead.
If you spot us carrying baked goods, we might still be wearing paper crowns, so feel free to strike up a conversation about dragons. For more food insights, subscribe to receive Feast in your inbox every Thursday.
