Some tips to remember when preparing cakes:
When preparing cakes check to see that all the ingredients are ready in front of you and within easy reach. Make sure scales are accurate in order to weigh the ingredients properly.
It is advisable to never guess the quantities, the time and the temperature while baking.
Sieving the flour is necessary as it helps remove lumps in it.
Make sure that the utensils and equipment used are clean, dry and hygienic.
The ovens should also be at the right temperatures.
Ingredients:
100 gms./ 1 cup all-purpose flour
4 tbsp. cocoa powder
200 gm. Milkmaid (condensed milk)
½ tsp. baking powder
¼ tsp. soda-bi-carb.
50 gms. butter
3-4 drops vanilla essence
Method:
• Sieve the flour with the cocoa powder, baking powder and the soda-bi-carb.
• Cream the butter and milkmaid gently with a spatula.
• Lightly mix in the sieved flour mixture and beat with a beater to get a smooth batter.
• Add the essence and mix well.
• Pour the batter in a greased and lined tin.
• Bake at 180degrees c for 20-25 mins.
• Place a wire rack on top of the tin. Invert the tin, remove the cake, separate the lining paper and let cool.
• Dust with icing sugar if you want a plain sponge cake.
Leave the cake plain if you prefer only a plain sponge cake but if you want it with chocolate cream then follow the method as given below:
• Overturn the cake and place it on a smooth surface. If it doesn't stand properly slice the base slightly to give it a smooth surface.
• Cut the cake horizontally into half, sprinkle sugar syrup*all around the lower slice properly to soften the cake.
• Now pour chocolate sauce* all over and smoothen with a palette knife. Place the other portion of the cake on top and repeat with the syrup and sauce on top and even all around the cake.
• It can be decorated in any desired manner.
Recipe for making the sugar syrup:
200 ml. water
60 gms. Sugar
Boil the sugar in the water till the sugar is melted. Cool and use.
Recipe for making the Chocolate sauce:
½ cup cocoa powder
1 ½ cup sugar
2 cups milk
1 cup water
2 tbsp. butter
Mix the above ingredients in a heavy bottomed pan and heat on a low flame to thicken. Keep stirring at intervals to avoid forming lumps. Cook till it is thick and is of the required consistency i.e. of a sauce. Let cool before storing in the refrigerator.