Cake and I have a relatively dysfunctional
relationship! I don’t like to eat it and
don’t like to make it but I do want to master it. Yes, I am like one of those neurotic Disney
Princesses – “I know you are a cross-dressing squirrel with nut neurosis but
you will love me [until I get bored that is]” - determined to have what I don't want/need.
However, I work in a company with a variety of men
who like cake and having been born on Machiavelli’s birthday, I am aware that a
well-placed chocolate offering can get the wheels turning slightly faster. So, last night I made a Middle Eastern
Chocolate and Beetroot Cake …..
Cake:
250g raw beetroot [I cheated and bought cooked
without vinegar and the world did not end]
200g dark good quality chocolate
180g butter [softened]
200g soft brown caster sugar [I used coconut sugar
which was good]
4 free range eggs
220g plain flour
80g cream cheese
0.5 tsp baking powder
1tsp ground cinnamon
1tbsp stem ginger [I used a ginger date flax seed
topper instead]
2 tbsp dates, finely chopped
Pinch of salt
- Pre-head the oven to 180 and crease your tin. I used a bundt tin but they suggest a 24cm springform cake tin. Break the chocolate into small pieces and melt in the microwave.
- Blend butter, cream cheese and sugar until fluffy [use a mixer as no-ones upper arms need that much of a work out]. Then add the eggs one by one beating until smooth.
Blend the chocolate into the mixture and sift the
flour, cinnamon, baking powder into the bowl.
Stir in the beetroot which has been finely grated/blended as well as the
dates and ginger.
- Pour into the greased tin and say a little prayer to the cake fairy before putting into the oven for 50 minutes to an hour. Have a large glass of wine as you inspect the devastation which is your kitchen [sob quietly]
- Remove from the oven and the tin when it is cool enough. Do not leave it to get too cool in the tin or you may find yourself hitting a tin against your kitchen surface swearing like a sailor
Topping
250g cream cheese
75g caster sugar
Coco powder to taste and colour [about 25g]
Mix all ingredients together and when the cake has
cooled, use it to hid any cracks.
Sprinkle with something like nuts or stars or something!
Reward yourself with something that makes you happy [honey bourbon but sadly not at 8 in the morning want I was icing this thing]!
Thanks
Lx
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