Thursday 7 August 2008

Cake Baking, Tabbouleh Making, Done! (that was my Gordon Ramsey impression. You had to be here)

Frankly I don't think any of you realise quite how hard it is, this running a cafe malarkey. Especially when it isn't even open yet! Well let me tell you, today I had to make yet more cakes. Purely for experimental purposes, of course. I didn't get the slightest bit of pleasure from it, and neither did any members of my family who were forced to eat the results.

The cakes in question are miniature tiramisus. Sort of. Basically you make muffins (or fairy cakes for those of you who intend to use a muffin tin only to find that every single muffin paper case in your posession is actually too big for said muffin tin. Like me then. How weird, surely these muffin paper case makers should be in conversation with the muffin tin makers? Yes??)

Anyway, the tiramisu cream is in fact mascarpone, whipped cream and coffee essence, all mixed together and once the cakes are cool you peel the cases off, slice them horizontally and dribble each slice with instant coffee and then stick them together with blobs of cream mixture. It is very fiddly and time consuming, but also quite therapeutic. I pottered about in the kitchen, listening to the radio, adding to my shopping list as I went and had a cup of tea on the go. All very relaxing.

I haven't actually eaten one yet but lovely husband has assured me his was very nice, although he may well need to try another later just to confirm the fact.

I also made tabbouleh for dinner. Thanks for the recipe Nic! This is bulgher wheat, chopped up spring onions, mint, parsley and cucumber. Drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil. Mmm. I can also confirm that it tastes very good with cold roast chicken.



Eek. Soon I'm going to have to make things for real people who will be paying for it (hopefully!) not too scary then....

26 comments:

Summer by the sea said...

Those cakes look scrummy - if you ever need any cake tasters, just let me know - it would be hard work but I think I could do it! - The tabbouleh looks lovely too, I haven't had that for ages, will you be serving it in the cafe? Natalie x P.S - Good luck on getting going with the crochet, I had never even tried it, so if I can do it, anyone can - just keep perservering and let us know how it goes

The List Writer said...

Dear lord! Will you please move to London and come and be my private chef? Pleeeeeeease?!

Petticoat Lane said...

Thank heavens you're cafe is in Cheltenham!! I'd be the size of a house. Now I HATE coffee, but they look good! At this rate bloke will be going up a size in his ghostbusting suit!!

monda-loves said...

these look like mightly tasty little cakes. I'm salivating.

Carol said...

Oh wow those cakes look so yummy....but I am on the low carb diet now...will there be a cake for me please ? let me know as soon as you open.
Big hugs,
Carolxx

No one is you ...& that's your power said...

They look lovely and what a terrible job having to be a chief taster!. Cant wait till your in action and seeing all your photos of cakes ,loadsa cakes !

kristina said...

I work in a cookware shop, and I can confirm that the sizes of the muffin tin liners and the muffin tins quite often don't correspond. The manufacturers really need to get together to work this one out!

And if it's not too much trouble could you please pass along or point me in the direction of the tabbouleh recipe? We have a terrible glut of cucumbers in the garden! K x

kristina said...

And the cakes look gorgeous! K x

mollycupcakes said...

Anna, my mouth is watering now at the very thought of eating one of those very naughty looking cupcakes, mmm coffee! lol
And the tabbouleh, never heard of that but will give it a go next time we have some cold chicken knocking about.
I'm sure the food testers will be able to fource them selfs to try all your yummy cooking lol if there was a job like that advertised I'd apply lol
Thanks for you're emails and being there for me sweetie. We're all doing well.
Many many hugs honey.
Catherine x

pinkgreen said...

The cakes look fabulous. I know what you mean about muffin cases - it is so annoying when they fold in and you get a pleat in your muffin. Your meal at Quat' Saisons in your previous post looks amazing - it is Andy's request for his 40th (in a couple of years), and one which I am looking forward to joining him! I bet your allotment looks just like that, doesn't it?!
Cathy XX

Anonymous said...

your cakes and tiramisu look marvelous! if the looks of these goodies are any indication, your cafe will be a huge hit! :)

ann

Anonymous said...

gawd anna, I'm practically licking the computer screen, those cakes look so absolutely scrummy. I wish very very veyr much indeed that I lived in your vacinity so I could drop in at number 9, preferably every day. Then again, I would be the size of a small barge so maybe just as well.
Have a wonderful weekend hun
xxx

Mr Gardengirl said...

I can confirm that the cakes are excellent.

Miss sew n sew said...

Oooh those cakes look so good wish I could reach through the screen and pinch one! Your birthday treat looked amazing what a nice day!
Sarahx

April said...

Anna, i am drooling over those tiramisuses and will have to steal them - Sorry!!

April xx

Hazel Designs said...

Those look lovely! I love tabouleh.

Country Cottage Chic said...

Those cakes look delicious!Pityyour cafe is in Cheltenham...but I'll be there sometime.....

Cowboys and Custard Mercantile said...

Gosh this must be such an ordeal for your family..
If they need some respite from all this cake tasting.. then I will gladly be a martyr and sacrifice my waistline to taste your prototypes..
Hang on.. what waistline???
Scrummy cakes Anna.. when did you say opening day was?

Michele xx

OhSoVintage said...

Yes they do look absolutely delicious. Whenever I make cakes I eat most of the mixture before it gets into the cases and put into the oven. I have to make twice the quantity otherwise I end up baking only 2 or 3 muffins!

Tracy said...

OH, YUM! I wish I wasn't so far away...I'd gladly be a taste-tester ;o) Your mini tiramisu looks delightful. I love Tabbouleh...haven't made in a while, so thanks for the inspiration! Happy cooking & baking ((HUGS))

Ragged Roses said...

Oh that must have really been torture, having to eat those delicious looking mouthwateringly tempting tiramisu cakes! What a wonderful recipe.
I love tabbouleh, you can add plums to it too, which is even more delicious (a la Nigel Slater). Got to go and rescue my washing from another downpour, take care
Kimx

The fabric of my life said...

Have just found your blog and what a delicious blog it is too! Those cakes look delicious. I adore tabbouleh, it's a bit hit with my family, and think I might have to make some tonight now.
Donna x

Mocha Sticks said...

Looking good! I neeeeed that recipe x

prettyshabby said...

yuuuuuuuummy! they look divine!
I havent been over since the gladioli post (when they repaired my computer, I lost all my favourite blogs saved in a link! ahh!..I'm gradually finding them again,so
thanks for your message!..Basils home now by the way,I've just updated my blog about him. Quatre seasons looks a fabulous place in that other post. You lucky girlie! x

Simone said...

The cakes look wonderful. An unusual twist on the usual cupcake/muffiny type of cake. I wouldn't mind giving the Tabbouleh a try too!

dottycookie said...

OK, now you know I'm going to have to try those cakes, and I am supposed to be going on a post holiday diet! Argh!