Bread and Butter Pickles

 Ok, this isn't strictly baking but it is a family favourite and very easy to make.

Ingredients: 

1qt Cucumbers sliced and cold

1 sliced onion

1 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon Turmeric

1 teaspoon dry mustard

1 cup Vinegar

1 1/4 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon celery seed

Directions: 

1. Bring all ingredients except for the cucumbers and onions to a boil 

2. Once boiled add the cucumbers and onions 

3. Bring to the boil again

4. The jar and seal

Fudgey Pecan Cake

Cake
Butter or Margarine - 3/4 cup melted
Sugar - 1 1/2 cups
Vanilla - 1 1/2 teaspoons
Eggs - 3 separated
Cocoa powder - 1/2 cup + 1 tablespoon
Flour - 1/2 cup
Vegetable oil - 3 tablespoons
Water - 3 tablespoons
Pecans - 3/4 cup finely chopped
Cream of tartar - 1/8 teaspoon
Salt- 1/8 teaspoons

Decorations
Unsweetened baking chocolate - 8 ounces
Heavy/ whipping cream - 1/2 cup
Pecan halves

                                                   Directions -Cake

1. Line the bottom of a 9-inch spring-form pain with aluminum foil
2. Butter the foil and sides of the pan, then set a side
3. Mix together well the melted butter, sugar and the vanilla in a large mixer bowl
4. With the mixer on add the egg yolks in one at a time making sure to mix well after each one
5. Now add the cocoa powder, flour, oil and water and mix well
6. Then mix in the finely chopped pecans
7. In a separate bowl beat together the egg whites, cream or tartar and salt until they reach stiff peaks
8. Once it reaches stiff peaks carefully fold it into the chocolate mixture 
9. Pour the mixture into the pan and bake at 350 f / 175c for 45 minutes or until the top begins to crack slightly. (This cake will not test clean in the centre when done 
10. Once cooked remove from the oven and let cool for an hour, then chill until firm and remove from pan.

                                                   Directions -Decorations

1. Combine the chocolate and cream in a small sauce pan
2. Cook on a very low heat until the chocolate in completely melted and the mixture is smooth.(Do not boil)
3. Remove the mixture from the heat and allow it to thicken, string occasionally (this will take 10 - 15 minutes sometimes longer)  
4. Once the mixture has thicken pour over the cake allowing it to drip the the sides and coat the whole cake (you may need to use a spatula to even it out)
5. Add the pecan halves to the top and allow to harden 

*This recipe makes 10 - 12 servings

Lilac Wedding Cake - 13/08/2011