WARNING: No knitting content
No, I didn’t learn French. I first heard the quote “let them eat cake” in an informative children’s tv program. For those who have never heard of it, it was a famous “quote” from the unfortunate Marie Antoinette. It is a “quote” because it is unknown if she ever said it.
Why all this talk about cake? Well, I baked one! I was telling my friend the other day about my idea of baking my own 21st birthday cake. I decided to give it a test-run to see if it is possible for me to bake a successful cake, or should I just surrender and just buy one. Do you think this cake passed the appearance test? (Taste-wise, I shall have to consult the family and friends.)
Its a small cake.. Around 4 inches (knitter’s swatching fetish?) at the sides. I attempted using chocolate ganache for coating. The ganache was pretty simple. In fact, the whole cake is pretty simple. I plan to add flavor to it, but I’m still chewing on the idea.
In case you’re wondering “what on earth is a ‘ganache’?”, it is not as posh as it sounds. Its basically chocolate cream. First, you heat up thick cream (45%fat. Urgh.) over a ‘bain marie’, which is basically a bowl over boiling water. (note that the bowl should never be in contact with the water) Mom has a bain marie but I was too lazy to dig it out of the kitchen cabinets, so I improvised by putting a bowl over a little pot of boiling water. It works just fine. Ok, then you pour the heated cream over chocolate coverture bits. Stir it till it is creamy and smooth. (I was lazy so I used a beater once it was cool enough) Tadah~ Ganache at your command!
Don’t tell me what the blop on the cake looks like, because I am trying my best to ignore it.
The sides. I used a fruit knife to coat the ganache on the cake. It is far from perfect but won’t you agree that there is a certain appeal to its ruggedness?
Another interesting thing: I layered this cake. The layering wasn’t properly executed but I think its a decent attempt. (oh, aren’t I the optimistic one? lol) Note to self: take care to make sure that coating is not as thick in future.
A gratuitous shot of the top.
Do you think it passed?
I found this video on youtube that I really enjoyed. Its a piece by Scott Joplin… You know, the one who wrote ‘The Entertainer’ and ‘Maple Leaf Rag’?
And this is an interesting combination of modern and old. I am not a racist. I just think that this is really pretty good.
Passed! Looks really yummy and pretty. It is now more in fashion for cakes not to look gourmet-perfect anyway =)
I read in some baking books that a couple tablespoons of strong brewed coffee can help to deepen the chocolate flavor. Can also try simply adding milo powder for a malteser effect
And how about chopped pieces of white chocolate in the filling (just a suggestion, I actually don’t like white chocolate, but you might!)?
Totally passed. I love the ruggedness. I go for that too when I bake and decorate.
I still can’t believe it’s a 4″ cake, so darn cute! And I’m sure it tastes like heaven.
I think it looks great! Here’s a tip – try adding some honey to the ganache for a slightly caramel-y taste.
Btw, it doesn’t look like a 4-inch beauty…must be the pics.
It looks great! Don’t worry, the ruggedness makes the cake look homemade =)
4″?? I thought it was as big as a cushion pillow!