There's something here today that you will seldom see in my kitchen. Yes, that's right, that is a chocolate cake.



And not just any chocolate cake either . . . but a scrummily delicious chocolate cake made with milky way chocolate bars.



Oh my but this is wonderful. We had company last night for dinner and this is what I made for dessert. I know . . . Todd hates chocolate cake . . .



Never fear, I made something else for him. (To be revealed soon)



This cake uses a cake mix, but there is no shame in that, seriously. The end result is so darned delicious that nobody will care that you cheated a little bit.



The satisfied looks on their faces once they put that first forkful into their mouths will say it all.

Moreish. Scrumptious. Heavenly Bliss.



You will want to make this again, although I do have to warn you now . . . one slice will not be enough. Seriously.



*Milky Way Cake*
Serves12 to 16 (depending on how big you cut the slices!)
Printable Recipe

A deliciously moist cake that uses delicious milky way chocolate bars in the batter and in the frosting! Scrummy!

for the cake:
6 (21.9g) milky way bars
2 TBS plus 8 ounces of water
1 package of chocolate fudge cake mix (Betty crocker)
4 ounces butter, melted
3 large eggs at room temperature
1 TBS flour
100g of chocolate chunks

For the Frosting:
6 (21.9g) milky way bars
2 TBS butter
4 ounces double cream
40g bar of dark chocolate, chopped

sprinkles, chocolate curls etc. to decorate. (optional)

Preheat the oven to 160*C/325*F. Grease a 12 cup bundt pan and flour it, tapping out any excess. Set aside.

Place the milky way bars for the cake into a saucepan along with the 2 TBS water. Cook, whisking constantly, over medium low heat until the bars are melted and the mixture is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool

Combine the cake mix, 1 cup of water, butter and eggs in a large bowl. Beat on medium speed with an electric mixer until the batter is well mixed and creamy smooth. Measure out about 2/3 of a cup into a bowl and stir the melted candy mixture into it. Stir in the 1 TBS of flour, mixing it in well. Mix the chocolate chunks into the remaining batter.

Place about half of the regular batter into the prepared pan. Make a bit of a well in it all the way around the pan. Spoon the chocolate bar mixture into this, taking care not to let it touch the sides of the pan at all. Spread the remaining regular batter over top. Smooth it over.

Bake for 45 to 50 minutes, until the cake springs back when lightly touched, about 45 to 50 minutes. Remove from the oven to a wire rack to cool for 20 minutes or so, before removing from the pan. Finish cooling on a wire rack before transferring to a plate to proceed.

Place the milky way bars for the frosting, aloong with the chopped dark chocolate, butter and cream into a sauce pan. Cook and stir over medium heat until smooth. It may look lumpy, but persevere, it will smooth out. Allow to cool slightly before spooning over the cake. Sprinkle with any decorations you may want to use immediately. Allow to set before cutting into slices to serve.

One might be tempted to ask if Whoopie Pies belong in an English Kitchen. I know they are an American Invention, or more specifically Pennsylvania Dutch.

Whoopie Pies are coming in to vogue over here now though, and there are a few recipes floating about. I believe they are on the verge of becoming the new cupcake or macaron . . . but I could be wrong.



This is my recipe that I have been using for a very long time now. In fact my sister and I once both won blue ribbons at our respective county fairs by making these very same whoopie pies. I think we also each got a set of pot holders and an apron from Fry's Cocoa. It was quite a thrill at the time.



Moist, delicious and chocolatey, these are bound to become a real family favourite. You can use purchased Marshallow Cream in them or you can make the recipe for a homemade version of it, which I have included. I had a jar of marshmallow cream that needed using up so that is what I used the other day. In all honesty afterwards I wished that I had made the mousseline buttercream "marshmallow cream" instead . . . but . . . oh well.




They still went down a treat.




*Whoopie Pies*
Makes six 3 1/2 inch whoopie pies
Printable Recipe

More like little chocolate cake sandwiches rather than cookies, I don't know anyone that doesn't love these.

1.5 ounces dark chocolate (at least 60% cacao) chopped
4.2 ounces dark brown muscovado sugar (1/2 cup firmly packed)
1 large egg, at room temperature
2 TBS canola or safflower oil, room temperature
2 TBS butter, room temperature
125g flour (1 cup plus 1 1/2 TBS)
18g cocoa powder (3 TBS plus 2 tsp)
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
4 fluid ounces of buttermilk (1/2 cup)

For the marshmallow filling:

50g sugar (1/4 cup)
2 TBS corn syrup or golden syrup
1 TBS water
1 large egg white, at room temperature
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 TBS unsalted butter
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
4 ounces of butter, slightly softened (1/2 cup)
1/5 ounces of icing sugar, sifted (1/4 cup plus 2 TBS)

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Butter two baking sheets. Set aside.

Place the chocolate into a microwaveable bowl and melt it in the microwave, stirring every 15 seconds, or place it in the top of a double boiler, set over hot, not simmering water, stirring often. Remove from the heat and set aside to cool until it is no longer warm to the touch but still fluid.

Whisk together the flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Sift to remove any lumps.

Cream together the brown sugar, egg, oil and butter with an electric mixer until smooth and pale in colour.

Add the dry ingredients to the creamed mixture alternately with the buttermilk, scraping the sides of the bowl as needed, and beating only until just incorporated, starting on low speed and raising it only to medium speed. Scoop out in 2 TBS rounds onto the prepared baking sheets, leaving lots of space in between.

Bake for 8 to 10 minutes, rotating the pans halfway through the baking time. They are done when the tops spring back when lightly touched in the centre.

Remove the cakes to wire racks to cool.

To make the marshmallow filling: Have a pint glass heatproof measure ready. In a small heavy saucepan, combine the sugar, cornsyrup and water. Stir until all the sugar is moistened. Heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar is dissolved, and the mixture is bubbling. Stop stirring and turn out the burner. If using an electric range, remove the pan from the heat altogether.

Beat the egg white in a mixing bowl, on high speed until foamy. Add the cream of tartar and continue to beat until stiff peaks form with the beater is raised slowly. Increase the temperature under the sugar syrup and boil until an instant read thermometer reads 120*C/248*F. Immediately transfer the sugar syrup to the glass measure to stop the cooking.

Beat the syrup into the meringue in a steady stream, trying to avoid letting the syrup hit the beaters as they will spin it onto the sides of the bowl. Lower the sped slightly and continue to beat until the outside of the bowl no longer feels hot. Beat in the 1 TBS of butter until smooth and then beat in the vanilla. Chil for 9 to 10 minutes, until it is cool, but still soft.

In a clean bowl, beat the 4 ounces of butter along with the powdered sugar until soft and creamy. Increase the speed to high and beat until the mixture is very light in texture. Lowser the speed to medium and add all the meringue, beating it in until incorporated and the buttercream is smooth.

Place about 3 gently roundes tablespoons of cream between two cakes to make a sandwich, pressing down slightly so that the cream reaches the edges of the cakes. Repeat with the remaining cakes.



and then . . . they were gone.

(Just look at the beautiful crown on those babies!!)

Here in the UK, tomorrow is Mothering Sunday. That special Sunday during the year when Mothers all over the United Kingdom get spoiled and cosseted by the families that love them 0h-so-very-much!!



My children are over in Canada, so they don't actually realize that this is Mothering Sunday as the North American one falls on the second Sunday in May, but no worries . . . that just means that I get to celebrate it twice!!



Todd always spoils me to death on the March one . . . and my kiddies spoil me to death again in May.

Yes, lucky is my middle name!!



I always like to bake something special for Mothering Sunday. Something special that I normally wouldn't have any other time of the year. Ok, so these are good any time at all, not just on special days . . .



But I guarantee if you bake them tomorrow morning for your mum . . . she'll love you to pieces!!!



They are guaranteed to bring you extra brownie points and put you in her good books for at least the rest of the year, and next year . . .

She'll be wanting you to bake some more! (Don't worry, I'm sure she won't mind sharing them! Mum's that are worth baking muffins for are always the sharing kind of mum's for sure!!)




*Jam Doughnut Muffins*
Makes 12
Printable Recipe

All the flavours of a delicious jam doughnut without any of the faff of frying. We love these!

melted butter for greasing the muffin tin
10 ounces plain flour
1 TBs baking powder
pinch salt
4 ounces caster sugar
1/2 of a grated nutmeg (more or less as desired)
4 ounces caster sugar
2 eggs, beaten
7 fluid ounces milk
3 ounces butter, melted and cooled
1 tsp vanilla extract
4 TBS strawberry or raspberry jam
To finish:
4 ounces butter melted
6 ounces granulated sugar
1 TBS ground cinnamon

Preheat the oven to 200*C/400*F. Butter a 12 cup medium muffin tin. Set aside.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the caster sugar and nutmeg.

Beat together the eggs, milk and cooled butter. Stir all at once into the flour mixture, mixing only until just combined. Do not overmix.

Spoon half of the batter into each of the prepared muffin cups. Top each with a teaspoon of jam, making sure it doesn't touch the sides. Spoon the remaining batter over top. Bake in the heated oven for about 20 minutes, until well risen and golden brown and firm to the touch.

While the muffins are baking prepare the finishing touches. Melt the butter in a bowl. Set aside. Whisk the sugar and cinnamon together in another bowl.

When the muffins are baked, leave to cool in the tins for about 5 minutes. Remove one at a time and dip the tops of each muffin into the melted butter and then roll them into the cinnamon sugar. Serve warm with a nice hot cuppa.

(Any leftovers can be reheated in the microwave for several seconds.)

Shortbread is one of those most delicious of things that it can easily become quite addictive . . . buttery and short textured, with just the right amount of sweetness so as not to be cloying, it quite readily accepts additional flavours . . . without them clashing . . .



Tasty things like candied ginger . . . glace cherries . . . toasted nuts . . . chocolate chips . . . . ahhh . . .



Chocolate Chips!!!



Most certainly inspired, these are absolutely fabulous. I am wondering now why I didn't think to add some toasted pecans and then mini marshmallows . . . I guess it would have been Rocky Road Shortbread then . . .



And even more addictively scrummy . . .



but never mind . . . there's always the next time. ☺

You may want to keep these under lock and key . . . if they last even that long. They'll be so incredibly popular that they are bound to disappear in the blink of an eye!



What a shame . . . you'll just have to make them again, I guess . . .

and again . . . and again . . . and . . . again!



Some hints for making moreishly addictive shortbreads: Use ONLY butter, there are no substitutes. Do NOT overbake. The biscuits should be a pale golden colour, NOT golden brown. Work quickly and do NOT overwork the dough. The heat from your hands can easily turn it oily. Use ONLY your fingertips and just work the dough until it begins to come together. Use a LIGHT hand when patting it into the pan also. They can also be rolled out and cut like sugar cookies, but again, try only to re-roll them as little as possible.

Go on . . . take a bite. You know you want to!!



*Chocolate Chip Shortbread*
Serves 8
Printable Recipe

A delicious buttery shortbread biscuit, topped with lovely semi sweet chocolate chips. Mmmm . . . the perfect thing to go with your afternoon cuppa!

4 ounces plain flour
2 ounces cornflour
2 ounces golden caster sugar
4 ounces cold butter, diced
(plus extra for buttering the pan)
2 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips

Preheat the oven to 160*C/325*F. Butter a 9 inch loose bottomed tart tin. Set aside.

Sift the flour and cornflour into a bowl. Whisk in the sugar. Drop in the butter and rub it in with your fingertips until the mixture starts to bind together. Turn into the prepared pan and press evenly over the base with your fingertips, smoothing it out as evenly as possible. Prick all over with a fork. Sprinkle the chocolate chips over the surface and then press them lightly into the dough.

Bake in the heated oven for 25 to 40 minutes, or until cooked, but not browned. Immediately mark into 8 portions with a sharp knife. Allow to cool in the tin for 10 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

As I have said many times in the past, I love lemons. They have to be one of my favourite of all fruits. If I had to choose between chocolate cake and lemon cake, I'd be hard pressed to choose, but I think in the end . . . lemon would overcome.



I just love their fresh clean flavour and that lovely tang. I found myself this weekend having bought far too many lemons. (I have a tendancy to pick up a mesh bag of them almost every time I go to the shops. They come in ever so handy.)



Not a problem though as I also fancied some delicious homemade lemon curd. There is nothing as tasty as homemade lemon curd and it's not as hard to make as some would suppose.

Some handy hints for lemons. Keep them at room temperature and you will get far more juice from them than if you keep them in the fridge. Also give them a good roll between the palm of your hand and the counter top before juicing, and you'll get absolutely the most juice that you possibly can from them! I Love my wooden lemon juicer. It works like a charm and I would not be without one now!



Back to Lemon Curd. This recipe makes rather a lot, but it is such a wonderful thing to have in the fridge. I use it all the time. It is just wonderful spread on warm scones and bread, in between cake layers, on top of ginger biscuits, in crisp pastry tart shells . . . or just spooned out of the jar. Yummo! I am a glutton through and through I do believe!



Of course you can also pack it into jars and gift a few of your friends with some of it. They'll love you for it forever, I guarantee!



*Lemon Curd*
Makes about 3 cups
Printable Recipe

Once you have had proper homemade lemon curd, you will never want to buy ready made again. The fresh made stuff is delicious, and very easy to make. It's a good way of getting rid of that glut of lemons you may have! It's delicious spread on bread, scones or muffins. I love it spread between thin ginger thins and topped with whipped cream, or as a tasty filling in a nice sponge cake.

1 TBS finely grated lemon zest plus 2 tsp of the same
8 fluid ounces (1 cup) fresh lemon juice
265g caster sugar (approx 1 1/3 cups)
4 large free range eggs
6 ounces unsalted butter (3/4 cup)
plus 2 TBS, all cut into TBS sized pieces



Whisk the zest, lemon juice, sugar, eggs and a pinch of salt together in a heavy 2 litre saucepan. Add the butter all at once and then cook over moderately low heat, whisking constantly until the curd is thick enough to hold the marks of the whisk and the first bubbles appear and break the surface. This should take about 10 minutes. Immediately pour through a fine sieve into a bowl. Cover and chill before use. This should keep, covered and in the fridge for about 1 week.



Here's another delicious use for some of that Lemon curd. A tasty Lemon Drizzle Cake. mmm . . .



*Lemon Drizzle Cake*
Makes one loaf sized cake
Printable Recipe

This has to be one of the easiest cakes ever. You just bung everything into a food processor and blitz. Quick, easy and oh so very delicious!!

140g self raising flour (1 cup)
4 ounces butter (1/2 cup)
115g caster sugar (2/3 cup)
2 large free range eggs
2 dessertspoons of lemon curd
the grated zest of one lemon

For the topping:
the juice of 1/2 lemon
2 TBS caster sugar



Preheat the oven to 180*C/350*F. Butter a loaf tin and line with greaseproof paper. Set aside.

Put all the cake ingredients into a food processor. Blend together for 2 minutes. Scrape mixture into the prepared tin and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top springs back when lightly touched and a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean.

While the cake is still warm, and before turning it out of the tin, mix the lemon juice and sugar together until the sugar dissolves somewhat, and pour this mixture over top evenly. Let sit for about 10 minutes before removing from the tin to cool completely on a wire rack.



And of course, there is nothing tastier than a fresh piece of Lemon Drizzle Cake with a huge dollop of lemon curd spread over the top of it. Oh, my . . . I must have surely died and gone to heaven . . . .