[sparklysparkles]

(Original post by kiss_me_now9)
I like the idea of doing just a plain old victoria sponge, or maybe a banana bread or something?

Hmm, victoria sponge does get a bit boring (my top tip for doing it is to weigh the eggs in their shells, then use that weight as what you use for the self-raising flour, butter, and sugar - it gets the proportions really nicely ) - how about chocolate cake? anyone got a nice recipe for that? Not done banana bread in ages, mind you...

[laura-rad]

Can't say I've ever done a chocolate cake before, so that could be interesting! I've done Marble before though

[MrsShifty]

I haven't made a chocolate cake in so long because no matter what I do they always seems to come out dry. Anyone got a good recipe for a moist chocolate cake?

[sparklysparkles]

(Original post by MrsShifty)
I haven't made a chocolate cake in so long because no matter what I do they always seems to come out dry. Anyone got a good recipe for a moist chocolate cake?

I've not tried it, but have been meaning to as it's so unusual-sounding:
http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes...ecipe_p_1.html
- secret ingredient of beetroot!

Apparently it looked really yummy on the show...

Also, just updated blog with treacle cookies - seriously delish

Edit: ooh, or also fancied having a go at http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/black-magic-cake/

[MrsShifty]

(Original post by sparklysparkles)
I've not tried it, but have been meaning to as it's so unusual-sounding:
http://www.channel4.com/food/recipes...ecipe_p_1.html
- secret ingredient of beetroot!

Apparently it looked really yummy on the show...

Also, just updated blog with treacle cookies - seriously delish

Edit: ooh, or also fancied having a go at http://www.mybakingaddiction.com/black-magic-cake/

I'm all for the black magic cake, that looks amazing.

My mum used to make chocolate cake with a tin of chopped tomatoes in it, same principle as the beetroot.

(Treacle cookies look seriously good too, btw )

[Zebrastripes]

I've got a rather nice recipe for chocolate cake, my Grandma's.. it's just one layer with hard chocolate on top. Although I've never made it before, my mum always makes it for me

[Zebrastripes]

New post up - http://dulwichmunchies.blogspot.com/...t-chicken.html not backing though

[kiss_me_now9]

(Original post by Zebrastripes)
I've got a rather nice recipe for chocolate cake, my Grandma's.. it's just one layer with hard chocolate on top. Although I've never made it before, my mum always makes it for me

I like the sound of this one

[sparklysparkles]

Hmm, ok, so do people fancy the black magic cake, or Zebrastripe's cake if she's up for sharing the recipe? The black magic cake does look quite good from the point of view of the ingredients are quite standard so shouldn't be too expensive to get any extras...

[MrsShifty]

I'm open to both cakes, they both sound lovely, but I must say the black magic cake has a slight edge atm. If anyone's worried about getting buttermilk I have a recipe to make your own sour milk, which is a good alternative.

[sparklysparkles]

(Original post by MrsShifty)
I'm open to both cakes, they both sound lovely, but I must say the black magic cake has a slight edge atm. If anyone's worried about getting buttermilk I have a recipe to make your own sour milk, which is a good alternative.

Yeah, the couple of times a recipe has called for buttermilk, I've always used http://frugalliving.about.com/od/con...ermilk_Sub.htm - normally going for the addition of lemon juice to the milk, as we usually only have malt or white wine vinegar in the house, and I'm not sure precisely what makes "white vinegar" different....

[Zebrastripes]

Black Magic Cake sounds great! I'm up for it

[sparklysparkles]

(Original post by Zebrastripes)
Black Magic Cake sounds great! I'm up for it

(Original post by MrsShifty)
x

(Original post by kiss_me_now9)
x

(Original post by laura-rad)
x

Cool, well, let's go for it then Will be interesting to see how they all turn out... think I'll probably do mine on Wednesday. Yummy (I hope!)

[Zebrastripes]

Look what I made Yes I'm totally bored and have nothing better to do with my time

[MrsShifty]

(Original post by Zebrastripes)
Look what I made Yes I'm totally bored and have nothing better to do with my time

That's awesome! I did think about creating a button to go on people's blogs if they want, but I know little about such things, or even if anyone would want it.

[Zebrastripes]

(Original post by MrsShifty)
That's awesome! I did think about creating a button to go on people's blogs if they want, but I know little about such things, or even if anyone would want it.

Well if anyone wants one of these, I don't mind colouring them to suit their blogs. I couldn't find the correct font though.

Are we all set on the Black Magic Cake? I might cook it tomorrow. I wish it would cool down though, everything may just melt

[MrsShifty]

(Original post by Zebrastripes)
Well if anyone wants one of these, I don't mind colouring them to suit their blogs. I couldn't find the correct font though.

Are we all set on the Black Magic Cake? I might cook it tomorrow. I wish it would cool down though, everything may just melt

I'd like one, please. Perhaps in a peachy shade?

I'm going to make the black magic cake tomorrow/wednesday. I know what you mean about the heat, could probably bake the cake on a hot rock in the garden...

[laura-rad]

(Original post by MrsShifty)
I'd like one, please. Perhaps in a peachy shade?

I'm going to make the black magic cake tomorrow/wednesday. I know what you mean about the heat, could probably bake the cake on a hot rock in the garden...

I'll trade weather with you! Raining here today

[Zebrastripes]

(Original post by MrsShifty)
I'd like one, please. Perhaps in a peachy shade?

I'm going to make the black magic cake tomorrow/wednesday. I know what you mean about the heat, could probably bake the cake on a hot rock in the garden...

Here's two If you want an exact shade, or 3 different colours, just give me the html code and I can change it.

[sparklysparkles]

Raining here too
And I think I'll be doing it on wednesday too
What is everyone thinking of doing icing-wise? I'm slightly torn between ganache and chocolate buttercream (either hot chocolate powder or melted chocolate) - swaying towards the buttercream as don't think I have any cream...
Was out shopping today and found a bundt cake tin for only £2 in home bargains - have never baked bundt cake before, but who am I to turn down the chance to buy unnecessary baking equipment?