eat it, wear it 02

it is my aunt's birthday today & i am on cake duty.  i've been wanting to make a madeira cake (for those that don't know it - it's a yummy, very butter-y plain gateau) forever & when my aunt told me her favorite desserts are the more simple ones, i knew this was the perfect opportunity to test this basic but delicious cake out (see recipe below!).  i also thought this was the nice little chance to plan a eat it, wear it post! 

eat it, wear it: 

madewell pleated dress (on sale!) 

let the details have the fun with this cath kitson mushroom cardigan - how adorable are those mushroom pockets?

i've been loving bangles lately & am crushing on this personalized bangle from bauble bar. this mint green bracelet is a lovely addition to add with it

& uhhhh, this tote is amazing! i love it! it's ecologically printed & ethically made too. so what's not to love about it? 

madeira cake recipe

(adapted & modified from this recipe here) (image via my instagram)

ingredients: 

2.5 sticks of soft butter     

10oz superfine sugar (this is important! the flavours for the cake are very delicate, normal sugar won't work)    

16oz self-raising flour     

grated zest of 2 lemons
6 eggs    

4 tablespoons or so of milk to mix     

6-8 cubes of candied or citron peel     

superfine sugar to decorate 

steps:

♥ grease a loose-bottomed cake tin with butter & preheat the oven to 325ºf

♥ cream the butter and sugar together until light & fluffy     

♥ beat in each egg, one at a time 

♥ fold in the flour, lemon zest and milk.     

♥ spoon the mixture in

♥  carefully rest the citron peel on top 

♥ bake on the middle shelf of the preheated oven for 1 1/4 hours or so, or until the cake feels firm in the middle.     

♥ remove from the oven and dust with some more superfine sugar while still warm.

decoration ideas: 

traditionally it is served with a glass of madeira, though i've always had mine with a cuppa!

it's a pretty plain cake without any frosting.  because i am making it for a birthday (!) i'm going to be making some sugared fruit (blackberries, strawberries & grapes) to decorate it with. Sugaring fruit is super easy: dip the fruit in egg whites, then superfine sugar, then regular sugar, place on a tray & let set for an hour before decorating the cake.

other decorating ideas: 

whipped cream, drizzled chocolate sauce, serve with sorbet like lemon or raspberry, or what about decorating it with edible flowers?

xo melissa