I dreamt of chocolate cake last night.
In my world, this is not unheard of. My dreams are often consumed by food–things I’ve tried, things I want to try, new recipes–but this was different.
This cake held the promise of something special. And I’m not talking about extra calories.
There was something about the experience that was pure. A heightened joy that seems completely natural and acceptable in a dream state, and yet the moment you open your eyes the sparkly dust settles. Suddenly there are no worldly ways to describe the experience fully. The moment, however magical, has passed.
It got me thinking more about dreams, and specifically, dreams about a fulfilled life (cake symbolism maybe?). When do you give yourself permission–and time–to unapologetically dream a dream for yourself? I’m not talking about your dream to win the lottery, or to be able to afford a red ferrari, though I suppose those could be a part of your vision. But what I’m getting at is a no-holds-barred, completely selfish vision moment where you wish for exactly what YOU want, no matter what your life looks like now, no matter who, or who isn’t currently a part of it.
Easier said than done, I know. Even if you allow yourself those selfish moments to dream, your life still involves other people–people that love you, rely on you–it’s not always that easy. It may not be easy, but it’s necessary. It’s necessary to feed yourself just as you feed others. And I’m not entirely talking about food here.
It’s also important to note that this process can take time. Probably more time than it takes to bake a cake. Many globules of beautiful, glossy, chocolatey-sweet time, over and over until you feel that feeling. That magical, perfect, stars and sparkles and tickly-good feeling. Like that first pillowy taste of chocolate cake.
It should be said, too, that this also takes practice. Like baking, you will spend many an afternoon (or morning, or midday) in the kitchen, learning. Sometimes your efforts will turn out flawless, sometimes they will be a spectacular disaster. Each and every time, however, you are learning.
The most important thing that I learned is that even though you have a picture in a recipe book showing you how it “should” look, it doesn’t mean that’s the only way to successfully bake that cake. Yours may look unrecognizable to the picture, and yet taste even more fantastical than you could ever imagine. Like the feeling you have when you’re dreaming, and everything is so very right, so very precious, that you want to hang onto that feeling forever. And just like that feeling melts away, so does the chocolatey flavour off your tongue as you finish your cake.
But never the calories. Those buggers will hang on for dear life. And so should you–if not to the cake, to your dreams, whatever they may be.
What do you dream about?
**Warning–this cake is so sinful it WILL change you forever. It’s also a little bit fiddly. Not hard, but fiddly. Give yourself lots of time and make sure you have LOTS of clean bowls at arm’s reach.
Flourless Chocolate Cake – From Bourke St Bakery: The Ultimate Baking Companion
Ingredients
260g Dark Chocolate (I used 70% but the recipe calls for 55%)
135mL milk
40g yoghurt
4 eggs
105g caster sugar (for the eggs)
4 egg whites
160g caster sugar (for the egg whites)
135mL pouring cream (35% fat)
55g unsweetened cocoa powder
Method
1. Melt the chocolate and set aside (make sure it is in a bowl that will be large enough to hold the entire cake mix)
2. Put the milk and yoghurt in a saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to the boil. Turn off the heat and set aside, the mixture should be curdled.
3. Put the eggs and the sugar for the eggs in a bowl and whisk for about 10 mins for until the mixture has doubled in volume and is very light.
4. In a VERY clean bowl, whisk the egg whites to soft peaks then slowly (a few spoonfuls at a time) until the mixture forms into a shiny meringue. Be careful not to overmix. Place this mixture into the fridge.
5. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and place it in the fridge.
6. Whisk the curdled milk mixture into the melted chocolate then add the cocoa and whisk it together gently but completely.
7. In three batches, fold in the whipped eggs, making sure you completely incorporate the first batch before adding the next one.
8. Gently fold the meringue into the whipped cream then fold this mixture into the chocolate mix in three batches. Be careful not to knock out too much air.
9. Scoop or pour the mixture into a prepared springform tin and gently even out the surface but lightly tapping on the counter.
10. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1 hour and 15 mins. If you can smell the cake cooking within the first 25 mins your oven is too hot and you will need to drop the temperature. Take care not to disturb the cake for the first 45 mins after which you should turn the cake around to make sure that it is cooking evenly. If it looks like it is browning too quickly on top you can cover it loosely with silver foil.
11. Test to see if the cake is ready by gently placing your hand on top of it and wobbling it a little, you should feel if the cake is set through. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before removing it from the tin.
12. You can refrigerate the cake if you are not serving it on the day, or you can wait until it is cool completely and serve it then. if you have stored it in the fridge, make sure that you allow the cake to return to room temperature.
13. When you are cutting the cake, keep a jug of hot water present to dip the knife into so that it cuts smoothly.
Comments (15)
Hmmmmm. I used to take time to dream for myself, and I used to make those dreams come true, but you’re right – It’s harder when there are others to consider. Yet, I feel the need to make time for this again. Having dreams like you speak of gives me a sense of hope. Dreams are good.
Beautiful post Melanie. You are such a thoughtful writer, and I appreciate it so much. I wish I could dream of chocolate cake!! But no, I dream of tornadoes, which, I’m told, is a sign of a chaotic life. Makes sense.
Have a wonderful Wednesday dear!
Agreed. Even when you have others to think about you should still be clear about what you want. Even just having that thought in the back of your mind is better than not at all.
Wishing you calmer dreams–maybe an underwater exploration, all muffled and in slow motion…or a day by the ocean:)
Thanks Sarah, you have a great week too–excited to hear about your summer’s travels with hubby!
ah, I like that! “just having that thought in the back of your mind is better than not at all.” I am copying THAT down to the ole’ iPhone. So true!
Do you have a suggestion for a good book, cooking or otherwise, to take along on said travels? There will be a lot of front seat time for me in the coming weeks and I’d love to spend some of it reading. Quietly, lol.
Ooh! My first quotable! 😉
Books? My first is not very original and you may have read it already but the Julie and Julia book–it has a different name–a great mix of food and travel by one of the masters! Another I love is ‘Art of Racing In The Rain’. Not about food, but about life and pets and so very charming and heart warming. And easy to pick up and put down if in the car.
i knew I could count on you for suggestions. Thank you for both! I haven’t read the Julie and Julia book, only seen the movie. I think it’s time! xo
Oh and thank you so very much for the award and kind words! I will thank you properly this week as I pay it forward:)
No worries dear, you’re so welcome. I’m sure you get so many of these, but it gave me a chance to honor you 🙂
Bourke St Bakery! Nice!
Have you ever been? The book is awesome and everything I’ve made so far is sooooo good. Must try it in person next time I’m in Oz.
What a delicious looking cake! Looks very rich and decadent with the yogurt and egg whites. Would love to give this a try – if I ever get a spring-form pan! Thanks for sharing —-
Thanks Bill. Yes, it was really interesting–you curdle the yogurt and milk together and then when you add it to the melted chocolate, it becomes a cake batter consistency–very cool. As for the spring-form pan, find one on sale and keep it in your pantry. I rarely use mine but when you need it you need it:)
I think it was as delicious as it looked!!!!!!!
Sure was:) I’m still dreaming about it…
This looks amazing!!
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