Make cake not war...

When I'm stressed I bake, when I've gone into work despite feeling like crap I take home baked cakes with me. It makes me feel better to cheer people up and the conversation doesn't start with 'I feel like crap'. Whilst baking I realised something. If you bake cakes in a bad mood they come out heavy and dry. I found meditating and singing gave me a light and moist bakey goodness. This is probably because the distraction means you don't over work your dough but I still sing and meditate when I bake. And my work colleague are always asking for more...

Basic Rock Cake Recipe:
Ideal to bake with children (requires supervision)

Ingredients
9oz self-raising four
3oz butter plus extra for greasing
3oz golden caster sugar
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
raw brown sugar for sprinkling
4-5 oz of fruit/nuts/coconut etc.

Method
Pre-heat the oven to 200 celsius/ 400 farenheit.

1. Sift the flour getting plenty of air into it. Add the butter and rub it between the figer tips until the mix resembles breadcrumbs. This is easier if you allow the butter to reach room temperature first. Stir in the sugar and fruit/nuts/ etc

2. Break the egg into a bowl and whisk in the milk so that it is light and fluffy. Pour  most of the egg mixture into the dry ingredients and mix with a fork until its a stiff dough. Add the rest of the mixture if needed.

3. Using two forks separate the mixture into ten rocky piles on a greased baking tray. Sprinkle with brown sugar (or chopped nuts, choc drops etc). Leave plenty of room for them to expand and if needed bake in two batches.

Bake in the centre of the oven for 10-12 minutes. They should be just firm to the touch and a light golden brown.

I've tried this with so many different extras. A dollop of jam (large tablespoon) gives an almost american muffin type cake. Soft and moist inside but with a tastey baked top. Plain chocolate drops and marmalade or orange essence are a classic mix given a rustic twist. The options are endless. Why not try savoury ones? Poppy seeds with cheddar grated on top?

Have fun!