Lemon and Raspberry Cake

I made Chetnya's (The Great British Bake Off contestant) cake but left out white chocolate. 

It's a good spring recipe and very indulgent with all the cream! Lovely with the lemon curd too. 

http://youtu.be/EqQA_Di4tqU

Happy Birthday!

200g caster sugar

200g room temperature unsalted butter

4 eggs

200g self raising flour

1 tsp baking powder

2 tbsp milk

 

150g raspberry jam

 

300g sieved icing sugar

150g room temperature unsalted butter

1 tsp vanilla extract

2 tbsp milk

 

Preheat the oven to 180C/Gas 4. Cream the butter and sugar together until fluffy and pale. Whisk in the eggs then fold in remaining ingredients. Pour into lined sandwich tins and bake for twenty minutes or until golden brown. Leave to cool.

Spread the jam onto the top of one of the cakes then sandwich together.

For the butter icing, whisk the soft butter on a high speed for at least five minutes until fluffy. Add in the remaining ingredients and whisk for a further five minutes until almost white. Spread thoroughly over the sandwiched cakes then decorate with the birthday girls/boys favourite sweets and biscuits!

Best bites of Edinburgh

I've just come back from a very foodie Easter weekend in Edinburgh, Scotland. It's such a vibrant city with so much to see and do, I couldn't fit it all into four days. The range of eateries, with cuisine from all over the world, was very exciting. Also, all the different themed bars are not to be missed. My intention for this blog post is to tell you my favourites from the city...but I might get carried away and write about everywhere because everywhere was so good!

 

 From the outside, Panda and Sons looks like a barbers. However, once you step inside and head down the stairs you realise it is much more. The vast range of cocktails are all very imaginative and sometimes even dramatic. I sampled 'Monet Talks' that involved painting your own cocktail with edible fruit coulis paint and prosecco. The atmosphere in this dark and aromatic venue is magical. It is definitely a hidden gem within an equally as exciting city.

http://pandaandsons.com/

Honestly, the best breakfast I've ever had. I absolutely loved Loudons café. I had the American pancakes that came with baked banana and maple syrup. This was basically dessert for breakfast but it tasted so good that I didn't worry. The staff were so welcoming and friendly, I could of easily eaten here every day of my holiday.  

http://www.loudons-cafe.co.uk/
 

If you are after 'fine dining' and grandeur this is the place for you. The Witchery is located on the historic Royal Mile and the stunning sixteenth century dining room is studded with antique silver wear and chandeliers. The three course set menu only costs £35, which is reasonable considering the portion size and beautiful setting. The food was good, particularly the Tonka bean crème brulee.
http://www.thewitchery.com/
 

Bentoya is a very popular sushi and Japanese fusion restaurant. If, like me, you can't choose from the extensive menu, go for a bento box which offers a mix of tasty morsels. Everything was so fresh and flavoursome. I highly recommend this bustling restaurant. It should also be noted that it's cash only and BYOB.

http://www.bentoya-edinburgh.com/

 

 And finally, Lola Lo. This Polynesian themed club has a great range of cocktails that can be served in themed mugs and even barrels like our one above. Slightly on the cheesy side but it has a fun atmosphere where you can dance off all the cocktails!

http://www.lolaloedinburgh.com/