February 13th is usually a bad day for most of us. Most men alike are probably like "Shit! Its Valentine's tomorrow - what am I going to spend piles of money on?!". Well, that was me over the last weekend. I was aware it was coming up for ages - the whole of February in fact. But, being a student and all, I'm not exactly loaded and couldn't really find a suitable gift on my budget.
Then it clicked. Instead of spending loads of money on cakes/chocolate/flowers people have prepared at a very very low cost. Why not make your own cakes? Putting actual effort into a gift is a lot more romantic and women just generally love guys who can cook. So this is what I have spent today doing:
Small print: This recipe has been adapted from Nigella Lawson's recipe for "Red Velvet Cupcakes" I am also not liable for any illness that may come about because of you failing to follow the baking guidelines and you undertake this task at your own risk
Step 1
Get your ingredients together, and of course, wash your hands :P You will need:
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| Ingredients :) |
- 190g of plain flour
- 25ml of cocoa powder
- 1.5 teaspoons of baking powder
- 0.25 teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda
- 75g of soft, unsalted butter
- 150g of caster sugar
- 15ml of red food colouring
- 1.5 teaspoons of vanilla extract
- 2 eggs
- 130ml of buttermilk
- Some vinegar
- 150g of caster sugar
- 18-cup cake cases
- Requisite tins for cooking
Of course, colour may be changed. Also, try using peppermint instead of vanilla!
Step 2
Line your muffin tins with the paper cases and, if you think you can be quick, pre-heat the oven. It took me about 45 mins to prepare so the oven was on for a while not doing much.
Step 3
Combine the flour, cocoa, baking powder and bicarb in a bowl and mix it around a bit ;)
Step 4
In another bowl, cream the butter and sugar, beating well until theyre like sort of large breadcrumbs. This can take some time. Then add all of your food dye and vanilla extract and keep beating until it becomes a very thick paste.
Next, start transferring your dry mixture into the wet, one spoonful at a time. After a third, add one egg, after two thirds, add the second and then add the rest of the dry mixture. That is only a guideline, if you feel its too dry when trying to beat, just add an egg!
Finally, add the buttermilk and vinegar (to taste).
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| Paste + eggs and dry mixture |
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| Paste of butter, sugar and dye |
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| Finished mixture |
Distribute the mixture reasonably evenly - as best you can ;) into the cases and cook them in the oven for around twenty minutes. Then, leave them to cool on a wire rack
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| Cooling |
Step 6
While you are waiting for them to cool, you can get on to making the icing. This is very easy. Sieve the icing sugar into a bowl and add 1.5 tablespoons of water. Again, add colours and flavours to taste and mix together.
After the cakes have sufficiently cooled, apply icing to them and decorate with hundreds and thousands, and such things. Try writing a romantic note on the cakes like I have done below ;) (Not immediately obvious)
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| "I Love You" written in decorations ;D |
Step 8
Enjoy with your valentine :D
