Nov 21

Nov 21 T'is The Season V

Have I mentioned to you about the composer, Johannes Brahms, taking nearly 15 years to write his debut symphony?

He once remarked: "Writing a symphony is no laughing matter .."

A bit like trying to ice a Christmas Cake.

Well, not quite, but you get the gist.

A couple of hours I thought and the job will be done.

An afternoon, an evening, some sighing, one or two rude words uttered, but, ultimately pleased.

I think.

Anyhow, here's what happened.

The marzipan was dried & so it was time to finish the job.

For a 23/25cm cake

1kg Icing Sugar (yes, a kilo of sugar)

5 Large Eggs (separated, you need just the whites, I'm saving the yolks for tomorrow's supper)

1 Lemon juiced

Get that big bowl out again

Egg whites go in & you get whisking lightly for a few minutes until they're frothing a wee bit

Lemon juice in

Wooden spoon out

Gradually sift the icing sugar into the eggs - a few hundred grams at a time - stir

Stir

S T I R

S T I R S O M E M O R E

Admire your bulging triceps

Fingers crossed for a thick paste-like mixture

Ice your cake

Best to have some greaseproof paper & foil beneath your cake base to catch the inevitable spills.

After it had been done, I told Robert that I never wanted to ice a cake again.

Ever.

AMM

Nov 22 Pancetta Carbonara