Wednesday's Coconut cake

Some days the desire to get into the kitchen is stronger than others! I didn't do any baking over the weekend but planned to make up for it on Wednesday. I had a few hours to myself (or so I thought...) and what a better way to spend it than baking. Unfortunately I got a call from the school that A wasn't well and I had to fetch him! Calpol, rest and food (toast with peanut butter, a cup of rooibos tea with honey and lemon and some gingerbread biscuits leftover from Christmas) and he was feeling better. But my baking time had diminished somewhat.

I'd just been to the library where I found Marian Keyes' book "Saved by Cake". The intro was good to read as she was open and honest about her depression, and how baking has helped. Baking can be incredible frustrating but also so calming and rewarding- I find reading through the recipe, taking all the ingredients out, finding my spoons and bowls and measuring devices before I start helps. And having the time - rushing a cake is generally where things go wrong. Well this Wednesday afternoon we were having friends over and so I decided to follow one of Marian's recipes- a Coconut cake. I thought about playing around with the recipe but then decided just to go with it as is! I love my K-Mix (Christmas present from my husband) but sometime find creaming sugar and butter a challenge as it's a big bowl. That was probably the longest part of the process; but reminded me not to be afraid of the speeds- turn the machine up when needed.

The cake was eaten straight out the oven and was delicious! Warm, soft and coconutty!

I didn't even have time for a photo, the children were digging in straight away so here's a pic of the bit left...

Recipe can be found in Marian Keyes' book or online. We didn't add the syrup and I'm sure the sugar could be replaced by a substitute - coconut sugar perhaps.