It was my birthday last Friday and my Mum baked a beautifully fluffy blow away sponge cake. However this was actually her second attempt. Her first cake went awry because she accidentally used self-raising flour instead of plain flour, resulting in sponges with flat edges and strangely domed centres. Always double check your ingredients folks!
Unfortunately I could only manage a tiny piece of cake due to the unwelcome stomach bug I woke up with that morning, but I can report it was as light as a cloud with a delicate, sweet vanilla flavour.
The chopped strawberries, jam and whipped cream filling kept the flavours fresh and light as well. As much as I love a buttery, heavily frosted birthday cake this was a lovely change. It could also be made completely dairy free by omitting the cream filling.
Although I didn't make the cake I'll include the recipe at the end of the post as I think it's worth sharing.
Birthday gifts this year included flowers, ferrero rocher, small pieces of jewellery and a stash of socks. You should see my sock drawer at the moment; it is positively overflowing with colourful, crazy prints. I love a good pair of socks.
Somewhat unexpectedly, I ended up with an overlocker for my birthday! On Monday morning I discovered through Char that Lidl had deals on Singer sewing machines and overlockers this week (retailing at about half their usual price) so I headed into town and grabbed an overlocker. My Mum also bought a new sewing machine for herself as she never got round to replacing her old one which broke years ago, so we're two very happy ladies.
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Matchy matchy machines! This makes me very happy. I'm looking forward to producing clothes with professionally finished seams. On a side note, my Singer sewing machine is officially 10 years old this year. Whaaat?
And lastly, I'd like to introduce you all to the life size, cardboard cut-out Superman my brother bought for my birthday. Who knew owning a 2D Henry Cavill would be so much fun. He's proving to be quite a hit.
"Nice jugs, Jo."
"Ummmm why thank you, Henry."
"Ummmm why thank you, Henry."
He has also managed to scare the crap out of me on several occasions when I forget he's in the room. Such a stealthy guy.
Blow away sponge
4 eggs
4 oz caster sugar
1/4 tsp vanilla bean paste (or extract)
2oz plain flour
2 oz cornflour
1 level tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
Preheat the oven to 400F/200C/Gas 6 and grease/line two 8 inch round cake tins. Whisk the egg whites on a high speed until they form stiff peaks when the whisk is lifted from the bowl. (You can also do the bowl above your head trick to check!) Add the sugar, egg yolks and vanilla and give a quick mix. Sift together the flour, cornflour, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl, then carefully fold it into the egg mixture with a metal spoon until everything is incorporated. The mixture should look quite pale and glossy.
Divide the mixture between the two tins and bake for approximately 15 minutes until risen, golden and firm to touch. Leave to cool in the tins for a few minutes before turning out to finish cooling on a wire rack. Sandwich together with chopped strawberries, jam and whipped cream. Serve with a dusting of icing sugar.