2 cups sugar
3 eggs
1 cup plain yoghurt
3/4 cup cocoa
200g soft butter
1 & 1/2 tspn vanilla essence
1 tspn bicarb soda
1/4 tspn salt
3 cups SR flour
1 cup of hot, strong espresso OR 1 cup hot water with 3 heaped tspns instant coffee
Place all ingredients in this order in a food processor for 1 minute. Place in greased baking tin (2 loaf tins or 1 20cm tin)
Cook at 160 degrees (C) for about 1 hour, use a skewer in the middle to test for readiness.
This goes really well in the freezer.
Buttercream icing:
I usually beat a couple of tablespoons of butter until creamy, then gradually beat in icing sugar (and cocoa if you want chocolate icing- food colouring if you want it coloured) until it starts to get very thick. You can also add a small dash of milk to make it more creamy or to make a larger quantity so you can add more icing sugar without it being too dry.
This makes a really good. moist and flavoursome cake without being too rich or over the top.
I took the boy to the show yesterday, we had a great time getting there early and avoiding the full on crowds. I was pleased to see the show has improved and cleaned up considerably from the last time I went about 7 years ago.
Anyway, we went to the art and craft pavilion to see our exhibits on display (did I mention my boy won 2nd place with his choc chip biscuits?) I was also keen to see my doll on display in the toymaking section. Now, get this. My doll had been plopped down in a seated position (nothing wrong with that) but her face was completely covered with her hair! I checked the other toys – none had received the same treatment.
Am I just being precious, or is that truly annoying?!
I’m partially happy with the result. It tastes really delicious but is way too gloopy. I used this recipe, next time I’ll try another recipe and see if it’s any better, in the meantime I’ll enjoy having mouthfuls of sweet and tasty gloop!
Love the voice, the attitude, the soul of Mavis Staples.
I’ve gone a bit mad over the whole fabric dyeing thing lately. If there’s a website, a book, a flickr group associated with dyeing I’ve been there!!
So I thought I’d share a few resources just in case you’re as keen (obsessed) as I am.
I’ve just devoured this most excellent book by Malka Dubrawsky of A Stitch in Dye. This woman makes me want to throw all my craft stuff away, build a garage and lock myself in it make beautifully patterned fabric all day!
A truly fantastic resource is Fabric Dyeing 101 where Melissa shares and absolute treasure trove of information on all aspects of fabric dyeing. She has the philosophy that information should be shared – now that’s my kind of woman!
Then there is Darlene of Shibori Borealis, I just stare in wonder at her work.
I couldn’t finish this post without mentioning the lovely Sara of Willow and Moo who is the very person who peaked my interest in dyeing and helped me through the first stages. Her blog is a real inspiration of colour and gorgeously made things. Check out her metres of rainbow fabric on there at the moment.
Did I mention Flickr? Just head on over and type in “hand dyed” or similar or look into groups. I’m a member of Hand Dyed and I Dyed for Etsy.
Stay tuned for more adventures in fabric dyeing.
I’m one of those people who has resisted signing up for Facebook – until now that is! I really have no idea how to use it but have managed to upload some pics etc and would love you to visit via the link on my sidebar. I noticed you can also link to Twitter from there. Hmmm….
That’s my brain at the moment. No sooner do I sit down to do something than I have to leap up again and then there is the constant noise – none of it’s very conducive to calm and rational thought. Add a teething little one (yes, again!!) into the mix along with sleep deprivation and life is, well, a little messy right now.
It’s been a full on week with the show preparation, music lessons, stitching group and …. what else? I can’t remember now.
Sound familiar to any of you Mums out there? š
Creativity with the children has taken second place but I’ve managed to fit in a few moments here and there.
Jamming with the girls. Did you know that finger sucking can be quite instrumental? Speaking of unusual instruments, check out these guys who make all their instruments from fresh vegetables.
I think salt resist is one of my favourite techniques thus far.
Christie over at Childhood 101 has recently suffered the tragic loss of an unborn baby and is asking for others to speak about their own experiences in order to help women going through miscarriage. I don’t feel inclined to go back over my experiences but perhaps you would like to visit her blog and make a submission. It’s a very good thing to have the support of others at these times and I think many of us don’t receive the sort of support we need.
Little embroidered wool felt shoes (recognise the bird print Nic?)
This will be my first entry into any art and craft competition so it’s quite exciting. Thanks to Nic from Yardage Design for the heads up and encouragement. Wish me luck!
