The cake that wasn't meant to be

Ok, so there are days when something really upsetting happens and you just can't shake it.

I made a birthday cake. I had never tried the recipe before, but considering that it came from Smitten Kitchen and Deb (the blogger) had convinced me that it was "The One", I had all the confidence in the world that it would work. And not only would it work, it would bring smiles to all THREE of the birthday boys (argh, the pain) and I would feel mighty chuffed.

It LOOKED awesome. The ganache buttercream had whipped up a treat (how can one ever go wrong with chocolate, cream and butter?) and I had indulged my decorating bug with lots of piping. But inside, now there's another story. 

I had given the two layers of yellow cake so much love. I even bathed them in syrupy macerated strawberries for a marbled effect. But I should have known better when the layers collapsed coming out of the oven. 

The cake was as dense as a foam yoga mat and there was virtually no crumb. Like two giant crumpets sandwiched together. Only it was even more disappointing than two crumpets because at least they would offer vertical tunnels for the chocolate frosting to seep into (idea - crumpet cake?). 

The worst part is, I didn't know the extent of the failure until I cut the cake open IN FRONT OF FIFTEEN PAIRS OF EYES.

This photo says it all.

So there I was, feeling incredibly embarrassed about the shocking state of my cake. See, cakes are my thing. And although I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to sharing baked goods with others, I usually find that a "mediocre" creation in my mind is still nom-worthy in everyone else's. 

But not today. I sat there and ate it as quickly as I could and prayed that everyone would as well so I could scurry away and hide under a rock (or in my case, a giant walk in fridge next to the lab).

Yes, you're right, it's not the end of the world. So instead of being defeated I'm going to make this again and again until it works, because dammit, the last thing I need is a cake complex! 

Maybe I overmixed it or didn't cream the butter well enough or used the wrong cake tin. Or maybe my oven temp is not what it says it is (I'm really hanging out for this reason, since it would mean it's not a "me" problem). Time to put those PhD-learned problem solving skills into practice!

Move over, Post Secret

Yes, I love food. Because I love eating. But good food doesn't need to be sophisticated when the leading criterion is YUM. That's why I'm so drawn to this INSANE website devoted to outrageous food creations, aptly named "thisiswhyyou'refat". 

The pictures speak a thousand words (and have the potential to add a thousand calories). Go on...

San Fran Hash (of the potato variety)

I was lucky enough to stop in San Francisco on my way back from NZ recently and doubly lucky to be staying near a corner diner, one that rang true to my perception of a quintessential American eatery. 

As I crossed the threshold into vinyl booths I had a pancake stack on my mind. But being more like brunch-time I ordered a spanish omelette and as the photo tries to attest, it was huge. 

My stomach is usually fairly expandable for a worthy cause but this meal, I simply could not handle. I say I ordered a spanish omelette, but the thing that I directed my energy into finishing was the hash brown. I have always had an affection for a good hash brown. 

I think it is the combination of the satisfying carbs laced with the tastiness of the animal fats used for deep frying that does the job. And the texture. The discernible pieces of shaved potato each a little packet of enjoyment in itself. I just don't feel the same about chips.

There is something very comforting about watching your food being cooked and my seat at the counter ensured not only a prime viewing spot but it also built suspense for what I could already see, smell and hear but was yet to taste. 

Creating a spatial connectivity between cooking and eating is a very clever tool for engaging the restaurant patron. Afterall we don't eat for the mere purpose of filling our tummies, I would like to think that we also eat to indulge our senses, especially so when we dine out. So it was fortunate that the food tasted as good as it looked on the grill and then on the plate. 

The only thing that would have made me happier was if the diner was encased in metal and in the shape of a railcar. But I think the hash brown made up for it.

ZINE Michaelmas Issue 2010 "What's your dimension?"

Aah so here I thought I would explore the 3D movie fad (or not fad?). I spent quite some time in front of the 3D TV in John Lewis while teenage boys and their mums alike waited at length for me to hand over the demo pair of 3D specs. So I can understand the fascination with the new technology. 

My research also involved a solitary viewing of Toy Story 3 in yep, three dimensions. Unfortunately I think the only bonus to this viewing option was that the tinted lenses toned down the usually garish glow of the bright green exit sign - but there is hope yet in the form of glasses-free 3D. Read on if you are interested!

Click here

ZINE Lent Issue 2010 "Breaking the Chains"

For my second ZINE contribution I felt comfortable continuing with the food theme so I decided to review The Oak Bistro, a cute little restaurant just two minutes' walk from the Chemistry Department. 

In the article I share my thoughts on the food and the atmosphere but I didn't feel it was appropriate to mention that THE OWNER HAS A STRIKING RESEMBLANCE TO FABIO of "I can't believe it's not butter!" fame! A gem from another era hehehe...but I digress.

Click here

ZINE Michaelmas Issue 2009 "Amy and Jamie"

My first ever ZINE article :) They say that the way to a man's heart is through his stomach so I consider this piece as invaluable preparation and practice for when I eventually get to meet Jamie.

Click here

Take 3

So I see that 5 months ago I made an announcement to return to blogging but as you can see that came to ZILCH. 

Well it's 6:10 am and I have been up since 3 am fighting a losing battle against jetlag and under-eye bags, but my frustration with the tired-but-can't-fall-asleep limbo has been mediated somewhat by the decision to inject some life back into Amy & Jamie! 

I also decided that I will do some single molecule FRET experiments, but I don't imagine you want to hear about that...

I feel that if I publicly share what I intend to do then perhaps there is a better chance of me actually doing it, so here is my TO DO list:

• Upload my ZINE articles.
• Give an update on the status of ZINE.
• Initiate mission "Meet Jamie".

So, third time lucky? Let's hope so...