My Favourite Things

I do love the Sound of Music, but this post is not about nuns and singing. I thought it would be a good way to start this week with a list of my favourite things. It’s a good way to share things I do like and to also to keep a reminder of events going on, so drum roll please…….

1. Jay-Z at the Radio 1 Hackney Weekend

Not only did one of my favourite rappers play an amazing two hour set which had the crowds engaged at his every word. We got to see Beyonce rocking out with everyone!

 

2. Banana cake

What to do with over ripe bananas make banana cake! Not a traditional banana bread but a two layered cake filled with vanilla butter cream. I used this recipe: http://www.dovesfarm.co.uk/recipes/banana-cake/ which I adapted using white self-raising flour and round tins.

 

3. Fifty Shades of Grey

Okay so I may be a bit behind on this. But this book has become a phenomenon. Women everywhere have decided that it is time for a new generation to have their own Mills and Boon erotic story.

 

4. Zara

There is nothing new or different or exciting about Zara, but this shop is definitely one of my favourite things. The Spanish clothing store, know how to do style and fit for clothes which are reasonable in cost and cover everything from the working wardrobe to a night on the tiles.

5. Wimbledon

I am a football loather, so Euro 2012 hasn’t been top of my list. However now we are out of the tournament all attention will be focused on the next sporting event – Wimbledon. This typically British affair celebrates bright whites, strawberries, cream and many bums on edges of seats as we hope that Andy Murray may do us proud.

Classic carrot

I feel bad. I have neglected you. How about I make it up with a nice carrot cake? I haven't shared any of my baking for a while and I feel it's time to bring out a classic.

If you search the Internet many a carrot cake recipe comes up some with nuts. Some with lemons or oranges and some with whole meal flour. However I chose this basic recipe: http://www.glutenfreestudentcookbook.co.uk/2012/05/06/im-back-gluten-free-carrot-cake/
I followed the recipe apart from the nuts which I replaced with raisins.

The cake used vegetable oil instead of butter, which I was initially a bit hesitant about but actually turned out well. You couldn't taste the oil, and made the cake light and moist, which is what I prefer in a carrot cake.

I decided to use a standard vanilla buttercream with a little bit of honey and cinnamon mixed in to fill the middle and cover the top of the cake. Many recipes call for cream cheese frosting but I find this particularly heavy and can overpower the subtle flavours and textures of the cake.

For a comeback cake this was a perfect choice. It made an entrance, was thoroughly enjoyed and left with dignity. Isn't that what every comeback should do?!