It’s a piece of cake …
December 14, 2010 in Uncategorized
A while ago I found a recipe for French Yoghurt cake (see this link: http://chocolateandzucchini.com/archives/2005/10/yogurt_cake.php) A simple French classic that has apparently been enjoyed for many years. Ever since Bev gave me the recipe for her chocolate cake (with yoghurt) I’ve been interested in what other cake recipes use yoghurt – hence how I stumbled on this French version. There are countless versions, variations and recipes available … but I chose the one above from C&Z.
Yesterday afternoon I finally got around to making it. Just like the chocolate version, this is so simple and easy. The cake batter can be mixed by hand in one bowl – with the only effort being that I sieved in the flour. I’d like to try a lemony version of this cake – but honestly, it was just so delicious in the plain form and both monkey girl and hubby wolfed it down with little sounds of delight.
I served it with some Cape Gooseberries – and the little bursts of tartness were the perfect accompaniment.
This really is a great stand-by ‘tea time’ recipe for those moments when you need something delicious but quick and easy.
Here is the list of ingredients:
2 eggs
1 cup of plain unsweetened yoghurt
1/3 cup of veg oil
1 tsp of vanilla extract
2 cups of flour
1 cup of sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 tsp baking soda
pinch of salt
(original recipe called for 1 Tsp of rum – which I omitted)
I whisked together the ‘wet’ ingredients first and then added the dry ingredients to the bowl. Mix together – but don’t over work the batter.
I poured the mixture into a ring tin and baked in a 180 degree oven for 30 minutes.
Dust some icing sugar over the top and serve plain or with some lovely fresh fruit.
And speaking of cake … moving further down to Italy, my absolutely favourite thing in the world (with some poetic licence!) is Panettone. I buy my first Panettone in November – basically as soon as I see it in store – so that I can “sample” it to determine whether it is fit for Christmas Day consumption. I sample another two during the month of December … just to be sure that it will pass my stringent quality tests. Then I have one for Christmas morning and another one for the run up to New Years eve.
I eat it plain … with some coffee. I’ve even been known to have a piece with a glass of champagne … it’s versatile stuff.
I once read up on how to make it – but quite frankly it looked like a lot of work – that was best left to the Italians! So I just buy it in a beautiful box from the shops!
Which ever cake you’re eating this festive season – I hope it’s delicious!
x Sim x
janicetripepi said on December 14, 2010
Beautiful looking piece of cake that – as you can imagine, Trickyricci eagerly awaits the arrival of Panetone in the shops – boy oh boy the MINUTE they land he is a-buying. We go through dozens of them … he gives them to our clients instead of a bottle of whisky!!!! I have a brother in law who calls them Paint-your-toenails!!! hahaha … traditionally we have them for breakfast with hot chocolate or cappucino on Christmas morning – and on Christmas evening with a glass of spumante ….. gawd how i do love them but i agree i would never even think of making one. Our flour eggs and butter is all different here too …… well that’s my excuse and i am sticking to it … hehehe! xxxx jan
Sous-Chef said on December 14, 2010
I have copied and saved that recipe, thanks. I do admire your ‘testing’ thoroughness!
tandy.sinclair said on December 14, 2010
sometimes buying something is much easier! these remind me of our Christmas in Rome xxx
sharonsmit said on December 14, 2010
*whispers – Ive never had Panetone before…* lol It does look yum, and I’ve heard it makes a meal trifle or even french toast!
pinkpolkadot said on December 14, 2010
The cake, with the Gooseberries, looks yummy!!
ninatimm said on December 15, 2010
You are indeed a sucker for cake…..I love the idea of that Yogurt cake a lot!!
Zabwan said on December 15, 2010
I’ve never had panettone either…where do you buy yours? I’ll assist you with your dedicated quality testing, lol.
Thanks for the yoghurt cake recipe, I love the idea of gooseberries with it!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
I found the Panettone at Pick n Pay … sometimes Woolies and Checkers have as well. I also buy the Pandoro which is the Panettone without fruit – and this is delicious served with a type of creme anglais!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
I certainly am
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
Thanks Pink!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
Shaz – you simply must try it! I’ve never had any left over to make trifle!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
I’m jealous … Christmas in Rome! How divine!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
Haha – I’m always happy to test cake!
SimoneB said on December 15, 2010
When I lived in London there was this coffee shop chain called Costa’s that made mini Panettone’s all year round! Imagine my delight … and Jan … they had a chocolate version!! Heaven I tell you!
shineagain said on December 15, 2010
Hi
Can i substitute Bicarb for the baking soda in the yogurt cake recipe ?
janicetripepi said on December 17, 2010
If you have an Everfresh in your area – they have them in stock at a very reasonable price this year angel …. xxx jan
SimoneB said on December 18, 2010
Yes! As far as I know Bicarb is baking soda … and I actually used Bicarb.
SimoneB said on December 18, 2010
Am rushing off to investigate!